We often receive compliments from recruiters on how prepared and responsive job seekers are at our Corporate Gray Virtual Job Fairs. We attribute some of that to our efforts in educating the registered job seekers before the events. We also provide transition and job search advice in our Online Transition Guide, our book The Military-to-Civilian Transition Guide, and via this blog, to help transitioning military members and veterans be as prepared and informed as possible. This improves not only the job seeker’s experience but also makes the recruiter’s job easier. It’s a win-win!
Although some job search etiquette might seem obvious, it doesn’t hurt to have a reminder of these etiquette tips…
Be responsive – When you are contacted by a recruiter, answer them as soon as possible to keep the conversation going. If they request additional information from you, be sure to send it promptly. A swift but well-thought reply shows your interest in the position.
Be polite and professional, even when receiving a “no” response – Of course you know to keep your interactions with recruiters professional, and this is as important when replying to the no’s you might receive. Respond to rejection quickly and with grace, thanking them for their time and consideration in letting you know.
Be truthful – Your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and other job search documentation should accurately represent your skills, education, and work experience. This also applies to any statements you make during interviews. Represent yourself truthfully and honestly, focusing on your strengths without stretching the truth. Exaggerating your skills will cheat you and your employer in the long run.
Build mutually beneficial relationships over time – Reach out to people on LinkedIn who can help with your job search, but don’t ask them for a job. Take the time to build relationships and have informational interviews with those in your network, especially with people who are working in the companies where you want to work. You are connecting with them to gain information about their company and position, not to have them hire you. Over time, these relationships will build your professional network to help you land the job you want.