DEAR APPLICANT: This letter is borne out of a typical recruiter’s experience with applicants.
As a recruiter, one of your responsibilities is to hire not only the best candidate but the best culturally fit for the company. There have been days of excitement and days of disappointments…you have roles to fill but no qualified applicants.
Dear Applicant…
Recruiters put job descriptions and responsibilities together in order to attract qualified candidates for specific roles.
Most often than not, when applicants see job vacancy they believe it is just a propaganda that the hiring company has identified candidate for the role already.
Another mindset is that one cannot get a job without being referred by an insider. So, CV or Résumé is just a ruse. Therefore, they refuse to spend quality time writing a winning CV.
This might not be true in all cases, so please, take all genuine job adverts seriously and prepare accordingly.
Dear Applicant…
Stop applying for jobs you are not qualified for…..
For a recruiter, there is nothing as frustrating as receiving over 300 CVs for a particular role and only 5% are qualified for the job.
Most applicants don’t even bother to read job description, responsibilities and requirements. These set of applicants just keep applying for every vacancy that crossed their path. When I say any, I mean ANY and EVERY VACANCY!!!
Do not make it a hobby to apply for roles you are not qualified for, else you will be frustrated and think the job is for the recruiters’ cronies.
I have seen quite a number of entry-level candidates applying for Executive level roles that require 10-15years experience!
You need to be strategic in your job search.
Dear Applicant…
If you are interested in vacancies that exist in a different state from your state of residence, please include alternative address on your CV showing a nearby address. Location/proximity is one of the determining factor for short listing candidates.
(Exception to this if the hiring company is ready to provide accommodation)
Likewise, if you are applying for job outside your country of residence, please indicate your interest to relocate.
Dear Applicant…
For experienced professional, you have a slim chance of being shortlisted for the role you know nothing about, unless you show certain level of competence.
Therefore, if you are switching career, there is need to lay emphasis on your relevant transferable skills communication, team work, leadership, analytical and so on.
N:B; How to gain experience in the newly found career? You can volunteer with a friend/colleague with expertise in the field (during vacation), take up relevant online courses or get relevant professional certifications.
Dear Applicant…
Your CV is a marketing tool that shows what you can offer a potential employer and a well written CV should earn you the right to an interview. However, the onus is on you to spend time in developing it. Don’t leave it to chance.
It is often not advisable to have a one-size fits all CV/Résumé. Your CV should be tailored to each role.
Do not be in a hurry to submit your CV without proof-reading. Watch out for incomplete info such as; contact details, dates etc.
Avoid the temptation to exaggerate or falsify your information or work history. Most times it can come back to haunt.
Use a generally accepted format when attaching CVs- Ms Word or PDF. Some applicants attach CV in a zip or password protected format. This is an extra work/challenge that a recruiter is not willing take on.
We cannot over emphasize the fact that candidate should only apply for roles that match their profile and should not expect miracles if they act otherwise. In case you are wondering, Yes! I believe in miracles.
It is equally imperative to work on your LinkedIn profile. Most recruiters shortlist and recruit via LinkedIn.
Dear Applicant…
It’s still a mystery that candidates will apply for a role, he will be invited for interview, the candidate will confirm availability but will not show up for the interview without giving any reason or prior notice. This is totally unprofessional.
If you won’t be available for any reason or you have lost interest or you will be running late, please relate to the recruiter or hiring company.
Dear Applicant…
We agree you need to ask question and get all the facts right before attending an interview, but please write down all your questions and ask the recruiter once. Don’t make it a duty to keep calling every hour asking questions after questions. It doesn’t matter how many times you repeat…
’I’m sorry to bother you’…
Dear Applicant…
If you are submitting any hard copy documents during the recruitment process, it will be appropriate to have it well-arranged and neatly packaged.
Please don’t present oil-stained, crumpled or partly torn documents. Even if you feel remorseful.
Dear Applicant…
Every job interview opportunity is one step away from being hired. Maximize it. Prepare effectively.
Don’t come for an interview unprepared. Please don’t chew gums during the interview. Dress appropriately. Maintain eye contact. Be punctual.
If you are not fluent in English or the language of communication, please work on yourself, enrol for Language classes and learn. Remember, you are not the only candidate for the role.
It’s okay to ask questions like;
When should I expect feedback? What do you look out for in an ideal candidate for this role? What is the next step in the interview process? Etc.
Avoid question like;
What’s the company into? – You are expected to have done your research beforehand.
Dear Applicant…
Under no circumstance should you badmouth your former boss.
Yours Sincerely,
The Recruiter
Read Dear Recruiter’s Letter HERE Dear Recruiter,
Career Coach 