Recruiting from a Recruiter’s Point of View

1. Recruiting from a Recruiter’s Point of View February 13, 2008

2. The Recruiter’s Role The Recruiter’s role is not to QUALIFY candidates; rather, it is to DISQUALIFY candidates. In other words… Recruiters are not looking for what is RIGHT with your resume. They are looking for what’s WRONG.

3. What’s “Right”? • Accomplishments, not Job Duties • Clear progression, advancement, promotion in work experience • Brand Recognition – Employers, schools, associations, clubs, organizations, etc. • “Buzz words” from Job Description • Direct Industry and/or Position experience • Minimum 3-5 year tenure at each employer

4. What’s “Wrong”? • Files OTHER than Word format, i.e. PDF • Colors, funny fonts, GiMmiCks, or Tricks!! • “To Whom It May Concern” • Typos and Spelling Errors • Gaps in Career • Long resumes, especially from junior candidates • Phone Call Follow Ups – Use Email instead • Applying to a too senior or too junior position – Unrealistic Expectations

5. Setting Realistic ExpectationsCommon Jobs for MBA Grads • Finance – Sr. Financial Analyst • IT – Business Analyst, Project Manager • Marketing – Sr. Marketing Analyst, Associate Marketing Manager • Sales – Sales Rep, Sr. Sales Analyst • Manufacturing – Project Manager • HR – Sr. Compensation Analyst

6. The “Backdoor” Method • A way of getting your resume in via the “back door” of a company • Useful when you don’t have a pre-established relationship with an employer • More Time Consuming • If done right, will increase your chance of getting your resume reviewed by the right hiring authority

7. The “Backdoor” Method • Step 1: Using technology and your network, find the NAME of the Hiring Manager, Recruiter, or someone from the Hiring Dept. • Step 2: Generate an email formula. • Step 3: Email your resume w/short intro • Step 4: Call to follow up. • Step 5: Repeat Steps 1-4 until you receive a response

11. Finding an Email Formula

13. The “Backdoor” Method • Hiring Manager is Nicholas Schroeder, Director Portfolio Management at Allergan • Email formula is last_first@allergan.com • schroeder_nicholas@allergan.com • Use the Allergan switchboard (714-246-4500) to reach Hiring Manager directly via phone

14. DO Use a catchy SUBJECT line Keep your email short! Attach Cover/Resume Name drop, if possible Follow up weekly via both email and phone Use it as a Networking opportunity. Ask for help. Practice leaving v-mails DON’T Cut/Paste Cover Letter into the email Harass the contact Expect immediate replies Reply immediately Depend on email Say where you got their contact info, unless it is from a mutual colleague The “Backdoor” Method Do’s and Don’ts

15. What To Expect/How to Respond • Delivery Status Notification : Failure– Try again • No Response from Contact– Try again • Instruction to apply via website – Do it • Forwarding of your email to the correct individual– Get the name and follow up • Reached the wrong person – Ask for info/help • “How did you get my name?” – Do not specify

16. Don’t Harass the Contact! The Triangle Theory 3 2 4 1 5

17. Troubleshooting • Beware: Nicknames, Maiden Names, Spelling, Middle initials! • Robert Smith could be bob.smith@company.com • Mary Smith could be her maiden name • You heard the HM is “JOHN WILSON”. Could his email contain “Jon” or “Jonathan” instead of “John”? • Middle Initials: Do more research. Use switchboard to ask • Ideally, contact the Hiring Manager. If unable, contact Recruiter or someone in Hiring Department • There are always “irregular” email addresses. Try different formulas or search strings. • Use Linkedin, Google, Hoovers, Associations, USC network etc. to find names.

18. Final Thoughts • It’s all in the details! • Expand your network now. • Be creative and use different search strings • Be assertive, but not aggressive • Never give up.