The Other Side of The Desk

So recently I was tasked with finding a replacement for myself. The job that I was originally hired to do was for B2B telemarketing, setting appointments for my boss to meet with potential clients. Well, since I've acquired other duties, the need has arisen for me to replace myself. It was a great job, I just don't have time within my set hours to do it any more. So I'm getting to see the recruiting/interviewing process from the other side of the desk. Here's a few things that I'm learning:

- As anal as I am about resume format/content (just ask anyone I've ever written a resume for, and the hours of information I can give you on writing a proper one), since I'm not working in the HR department of a Fortune 500 company and do not have the luxury of 1,000 resumes to sift through, I am having to ignore the glaring mistakes and annoyances I'm finding on some of these resumes. I'm trying to focus on the relevant content, rather than the format or presentation. But still... (really, you have no idea how much restraint it took not to message some of these people back with corrections)

- Following directions really matters. Really. Here's a tip - if you're wanting to apply for a job that involves heavy phone use, and the company asks you to call to apply - do it. Don't just e-mail your resume. There's a reason they want to talk to you on the phone - its basically your initial interview. Take that opportunity and follow directions. Another tip - if no one picks up, leave a message. That may be the first stage of screening.

- Speaking of blasting out your resume via e-mail, one of the most important things I tell people about resume writing and applying for jobs is customize, customize, customize. Send out a revised resume for every single job you apply for, highlighting the specific reasons you should be hired for that position. I want to see the experience you have in the industry for which I'm hiring. Don't just send me the same list of jobs and job descriptions you're sending everyone else. On that note...

- For goodness sake, when I do ask you to send me a resume, try to label it something other that "Generic Resume 2012." Really? Could you at least say "John Smith - Resume 2013" or something like that? Something that tells me you might be applying for this position because you really want to do the job. Common sense, people.

- So say you do follow directions and call the number, rather than replying in an e-mail with a generic resume. First of all, try not to make it sound like pay is the only thing your concerned with. Companies like to hire people who care (for the most part), not people who just want a check. Second of all, back to that common sense thing, I don't care if you know the person setting the interviews/doing the hiring/whatever or not - DO NOT ASK IF THE JOB IS EASY. I'm just going to leave that topic alone...

- Lastly, if you actually manage to make it through the screening process to get that elusive interview - don't no-show your interview. At least give the hiring manager a call to say you won't make it. I really don't care what your reason is, that's just common courtesy.

So that's what I've learned thus far. It's fun being on the other side of the desk for a change. I've been writing resumes for friends for about two years now, and knew a lot of this already, but I had kind of thought these things were common sense. Well, apparently not. So hopefully as I continue with my career development consulting/HR journey, I can help enlighten other individuals during the application/hiring process. I'm feeling the urge to do a post about resume writing now, but this is getting kind of long, so maybe next time...