The document emphasizes the importance for candidates to understand the perspectives of recruiters and employers during the job application process. It suggests that candidates need to effectively market their skills and experiences in their CVs and applications, particularly in an increasingly electronic application environment. The author, Alan Patterson, also provides advice on how candidates can stand out in a competitive job market to secure interviews.

1. With over 25 years in recruitment, what I have often found is
that only a few candidates really see what the situation might be
like for the recruiter or manager at the other side of the process.
Most applicants are immersed in their own personal situation
and whilst they may be very experienced within their discipline,
they are sometimes unaware of how best to market themselves
and their skill set to the decision makers within the hiring
company.
Recruiters are in the unique position of being able to see both
sides of the hiring process and by the nature of their role,
understand both what the employer is looking for in their candi-
date and then be able to match that criteria to the candidates
that they are representing, particularly in terms of what moti-
vates them, career aspirations and the type of working environ-
ment that they are looking for. They also know how to ensure
that your key skills are noticed quickly on a cv.
Electronic Applications
The employment process has changed enormously over the last
few years, with a multitude of ways to apply for a new job.
These range from direct applications to the employers HR team,
to applying via a web portal, using an internal or external agent
or via a newspaper or Job Centre. What almost all of these
options have in common is that the initial contact is via an
electronic CV or e-application form and now that the majority of
applications are submitted electronically, the volume of
applications has risen to a point that it makes it very difficult to
manage effectively for the employer.
You as a candidate are therefore represented solely by the
quality of your CV and application letter and nowadays your
“Linked In” profile as well, so it has never been more important
for candidates to represent themselves effectively and credibly
to avoid being rejected at a glance from the hiring manager.
Selling Yourself
Candidates need to think about selling their skill set and
knowledge to the “Buyer” (Employer) and give consideration as
to how easily the “Buyer” can identify that you have the
necessary skills and experience for the job from your CV.
Think about the type of business that you work in, your job title,
the first few lines of your employment history and the
responsibilities that you execute (especially the most recent
ones). Consider how relevant they are to the role that you are
applying to. Does the position you are occupying in your current
role match the position for your target employer? If it does not,
you will need to think about ways to highlight this experience
and ability as part of your “Executive Summary” or in your “Key
Skills” section.
Most employers are looking for candidates that will “Hit the
ground running” and essentially slip into the role with the
minimum amount of training and familiarisation so the more skill
and experience matches between the CV and the job descrip-
tion, the better. Ensure that these skills are obvious at a glance
and list your IT systems and experience, eg SAP, Oracle,
Excel, Maximo etc as a lot of employers will search for these.
It’s amazing how many candidates come out with: “It may not
say it on my CV but……”
It may sound obvious, but try to put yourself in the hiring
managers’ shoes and try and visualize what the employer is
looking for in terms of skill set, behavioural traits, technical
ability and level of responsibility held and then ensure that you
deliver this message clearly via your online application.
WRITTENBY:ALANPATTERSON
How do you get Noticed?
How do you Stand Out?
How to secure that Interview?
It’s a tough market for job seekers out there. Not too
many vacancies and lots of competition for those
positions. Alan Patterson shares his advice on:
Alan Patterson BA MIRP
(Senior Commercial Consultant -
Temporary Commercial Division)
Alan has been with Carlton for twenty
four years and has a broad based
background having recruited industrial,
commercial and even some engineer-
ing. His primary remit is working on
temporary commercial work including
secretarial, administrative, reception,
technical, procurement, contracts, sales
administration and document control.
Alan has many long established
relationships with clients and
candidates alike, including some
interviewed as school or university
leavers are now in management
positions. Clients worked for include oil
& gas operators, service companies,
commercial and financial as well as
public and health sector.
How to be the Perfect Candidate!