As an Executive Resume Writer, I get to tap into the wisdom of decision-makers, including recruiters, and share that intel with my own clients.
With decades of experience on both sides of the table, through years in sales, training and leadership, Bill Fell, CEO & Managing Partner at HIRE-IQ.net, is one of those experts.
I sat down with him a few years back to discuss his take on the job search process. His evergreen advice is worth a reshare.
Searching for a Match
“I see candidates applying for roles for which they are not qualified,” Fell notes. Many clients list certain qualifications in the job postings as requirements or must-haves.
“ As a recruiter, we must listen to what our clients are asking for and when we present someone without that,” he says. “We must be able to justify it.”
Fell offered the example of a client requiring a candidate with experience covering a large territory. In this case, a job seeker who hasn’t covered 3 or 4 states would likely not be a good fit.
He’d rather job seekers throw their hat in the ring if they meet more than half of the requirements. “You never know. There is going to be that rare opportunity where someone will give you a chance.”
The Power of Asking Questions
Fell says clients should always come to an interview with a list of questions. This shows you are invested, he notes.
“Clients tell me a candidate’s value decreases when they don’t appear prepared for the interview with something written out,” he says. “Bringing your resume and having questions in your head isn’t enough.”
Two of his favorites:
“What have I not asked that I should?”
and
“What is your biggest concern or objection for moving me forward in this interview process?”
Responses allow you to close out the interview by addressing any lingering worries and provide the opportunity to overcome them.
Identifying Culture Fit
“You will not be perfect for every company. It’s important to find a company that is a match for you, regardless of whether you have the qualifications.”
His advice for helping a job seeker find their match? Work with a good recruiter who knows his clients and candidates well and speak with others who work there now or worked there previously.
He also encourages candidates to gauge their interactions with everyone, from the interviewee to the receptionist.
Don’t Go It Alone
Fell advises job seekers to have trusted people in their corner, be it another job seeker, coach, friend or spouse. Make sure that at least one is someone who understands hiring, will be candid with you and provide honest feedback.
The Power of Positive Thinking
His closing words of wisdom:
“Believe that you will find what you are looking for. It may not happen overnight. It may take several months, but it will happen,” Fell says. “If you don’t believe it will happen, this will become reality.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
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