I saw a post online this morning from a Recruiter listing things they did not care about as a Recruiter and felt that though many of the points were valid, they needed clarification for job seekers, especially those serious about finding work. I hope the clarification assists all of you who are on the market, applying for work daily.

TEN THINGS I DON’T CARE ABOUT AS A RECRUITER:

↳ Your age                                           Retirement age is real in the workplace. Many companies especially in SA are starting to provide the younger generation more opportunities in order to avoid a huge skills gap in the future. If there is not room for promotion, employees with great potential will leave.

↳ Cover letters                                    I agree. A short introduction though is always welcome – It tells us a little about the person we will meet at interview

↳ Resume gaps                                   Again this also depends on the reason for the gaps. The way to prevent confusion and allow this not to be an issue is to always state reasons for leaving your previous employer or just add a truthful comment as to why there is a gap.

↳ Your current salary                        This matters when shortlisting for junior / middle-management and senior positions.

↳ If you’ve been laid off                   Retrenchment and redundance are not the end of the world. Being dismissed, if honest about the circumstances and you have learnt from your mistakes, will always provide you with another opportunity

↳ If you’ve changed careers Agreed

↳ The length of your resume           Agreed

↳ Your degree, or lack of one       This does matter according to the position you are applying for. Would you be comfortable having surgery performed on you or a family member by a bank teller?

↳ If you took a sabbatical              Agreed

↳ Length of employ at your previous jobs    This point is debatable. A job-hopper is a recruitment risk. There are certain positions that require a monetary and skills training cost to the Employer. If your resumé reflects that you will pack up and leave the moment things get tough, it may not be financially viable for the prospective employer to consider your application. However, if your reasons for leaving are justified it should not be an issue.

 WHAT RECRUITERS DO CARE ABOUT IN A NUTSHELL?

↳ Your SKILLS

↳ Your ATTITUDE

↳ Your ABILITY TO LEARN AND GROW

↳ Your ABILITY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND A JOB SPECIFICATION BEFORE RESPONDING