Think twice about contacting recruiters directly
Let me pass along a piece of friendly advice to anyone who wants to shortcut the application system and contact a recruiter directly: don’t. Quite frankly, it isn’t going to increase your chances of selection. In fact, it can even hurt your job hunt.
Recruiters look at people who contact them directly as a nuisance, and even more as being completely unprofessional. They reveal themselves to be impatient and unwilling to follow policy and procedure. Exactly the kind of person they are not interested in doing business with. If a person doesn’t have the patience to follow the simple rules for applying, they certainly aren’t going to have what it takes to be a good team member once they get on site.
But don’t take my word for it alone. Bill (the DZJ editor/owner) and I contacted some other recruiters to see what they thought. Here are some of their comments and advice.
Amy is the VP of Human Resources for a small defense related company:
I agree with your information. I work for a small company and handle our recruiting as well as many other HR functions. When the procedures are followed to apply for a job it helps me because I can turn that resume around quickly and get it to the right hiring manager. It becomes more time consuming when they aren’t followed. I’ve gotten behind schedule because I’m spending too much time re-routing information. Recruiting is fast becoming an automated process from applying online to scheduling an interview. In that type of environment the only way to become an applicant is to follow the procedure.
The types of phone calls I get when we advertise open positions vary in nature and can potentially be detrimental to the person. Recently someone asked me to help them resolve an error message they received when they logged into their computer, this was not an internal applicant. I’ve also gotten requests to help them write their cover letter and resume. And the most common call is to report that they received an email confirming their resume was received but they are calling to confirm their resume was received.
If you have the time to make phone calls my recommendation is to take a look at your network of friends and former colleagues. Call them to find out if they work for the company with the open position or know someone who does. Ask if there is an employee referral program. Employee referral programs work well for employers. There is usually a monetary bonus paid to the employee who referred you when you get the job and hold it for a period of time. Everybody likes a friend who puts a little cash in their pocket and it is a great way to get your resume in front of the right person. Especially in larger organizations or positions with a unique skill set.
There’s my two cents. I hope it helps and thank you for asking!
Gloria is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, and the Director of Human Resources for a larger defense related company:
Thank you for asking. This is a hot topic with widely differing answers. I’ve been on both sides and have discussed this with job coaches and job seekers. I understand the recruiters’ position – especially with the state of the job market in the few years. So, here is my 2 cents worth.
Job seekers should concentrate on getting their resumes and cover letters correct (grammar, format, correct spelling, etc.). Follow the company’s instructions – it’s part of the screening process. Follow up but be discriminate – don’t call or write constantly – such behavior borders on harassment. That’s the “proper” way to apply.
Additional methods include researching the company, reaching out to your network to find a contact who works in the field you’re in or want to get into. And, finding a contact within the company (not the recruiter) but someone with hiring authority who works in the department you’re wanting to get into.
There are many good resources for jobseekers. Libraries often have a great selection of books on how to find a job as well as online resources to research companies. Professional associations are good networking resources. Job clubs – where jobseekers exchange information and the facilitators provide great support and guidance. I could go on and on – there is just so much out there.
The bottom line is that the jobseeker needs to make sure that s/he understands today’s market and the protocol.
Beth works in Recruiting and Staffing for an large Ohio-based defense-related organization:
In my experience, I would have to say it’s irrelevant for somebody to pass me their resume as job seekers must apply through a organization’s ATS (Applicant Tracking System) regardless. If they see a job they want to apply for, I would encourage the job seeker to pay close attention to the minimum qualifications as this is the measurement tool recruiters use to send candidate resumes to hiring managers. So, you are correct when you state that it does NOT pay off to contact and apply to a recruiter directly.
Another word to the wise
You may encounter sites touting themselves as having the ability to somehow magically “expedite” your resume, because of “special relationships” they have developed with HR recruiters. I place these claims in the same category as the tooth fairy.
Veterans of working in overseas jobs, without exception, will tell you to stick to the approved application process set in place by the company you want to apply to. Don’t try to go around the process or you’ll just shoot yourself in the foot. It will prove a total waste of time and energy – not to mention money.
Finally, I would just like to say that even with the current draw-down taking place in Iraq, there will be plenty of overseas job opportunities for those savvy enough to understand that a proper job hunt consists of a well thought out strategy in terms of preparation. Many a well qualified applicant have been their own worst enemy when it comes to getting hired or being considered for an internal job posting through their haste and going off half-cocked.
Put your faith in the process and keep your powder dry. That way, when it comes time to submit your application, you’ll have the tactical advantage and be in a position to give it your best shot. Inhale – exhale – squeeze. Don’t ever jerk the trigger.
Feel free to contact me at info@logcap4jobs.com for an evaluation of your present resume, and be sure to visit my site at www.logcap4jobs.com!
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10 Responses to “Think twice about contacting recruiters directly”
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I understand exactly what you’re saying, but I have applied for many jobs in which they require a clearance and experience, and I have both, and people were hired simply because they knew the recruiter. I was with this other company and they would hire people from the U.S. and I’m already here in the middle east to do the same job I was qualified to do. That’s when I started believing that it’s who you know not what you know, I’m talking about people fresh out of high school or college with no experience making the same if not more money than I am. I’m not saying I should get any preference because I’m a veteran, or that my resume is not a best selling novel, but I should at least get a glance. I was also told by a recruiter that a lot overseas are given to people who they know! Please give me some words of encouragement and tell me I just hearing things.
Thanks for the input Robert. I’m certainly not going to challenge or contradict the validity of your argument, or say that you’re totally wrong in you’re statements. In fact, one only has to look on my website to see that I plainly state something very similar to what you’re putting forward.
Here is exactly what I say, and I quote:
“In order to get one of these high paying LOGCAP 4 jobs you’ve got to:
1. Know somebody that works there, or
2. Know somebody like me — who knows how the LOGCAP system works and is willing to help you!
The system works — IF you know how to work the system!”
Does favouritism sometimes happen in the selection process? Undoubtedly. However, most people have to get their overseas job the old fashioned way – they earn it, and I would say that in an overwhelming majority of cases this is the method by which most people get onto the project.
Reading the comments of the active recruiters within this article verifying that it can be counter-productive for someone to just arbitrarily call-up a recruiter out of the blue, backs-up my contention that just because you can do a thing does not mean you should do a thing.
There is a huge difference between being referred by someone in the field with a recruiter actually expecting your call, as opposed to someone getting the number of a recruiter, blasting it all over the internet, and the recruiter suddenly being swamped by rank strangers who they don’t know from Adam’s Housecat wanting to know this, that and the other.
So, yes – I do encourage you to utilize the application process in place – it definitely works.
On the other hand, with recruiters who have contacted me, they have asked that I keep in touch by sending them an e-mail every two-three weeks while the government contracting procedure plays out. So, if you have been contacted by a recruiter they appreciate your keeping them up to date as to whether or not you are still a viable candidate for the position- just don’t be a pest!! I also try to hook up with them on “LinkedIn” or some other professional networking website of which they may belong.
Good call Kenneth. When dialogue has been established with a recruiter, it is important to be professional. Displaying a developed sense of protocol and discernment can go a long way toward establishing and sustaining the recruiters comfort level.
When a recruiter expresses interest in staying apprised of your employment availability, an excellent opportunity to display your business acumen and relationship management skills presents itself.
In some situations as part of the vetting process, the hiring authority will intentionally keep you waiting to determine your patience level, and whether you are the type of individual who retains their composure under pressure.
I have to agree with Robert. A lot of the time it is who you know! Not to put any body down because this is not about that, but I have ran into some guys in Afg doing my same job with less skill with company’s I have applied. One company in question when awarded the contracts just simple transferred all the skilled trades form another company who has since loss all there contracts. I am just saying give a guy a break, and at least look at his resume.
And most of the time you have to make your own breaks – so be sure your resume is the best it can possibly be when it does come time to be looked at.
I recently retire from the military with twenty plus years of maintenance experience. I been doing contract for 7 months now. I start as mechanic than senior and now inspector. I’m not trying to knock on anyone but I’ve seen it all. I have seen guys jump from this contract to high paying contracts with no problem. Some of these guys didn’t have any type of work ethics and can barely do the minimum mechanic works but didn’t have any problem getting in. Some of you know what I’m talking about, but yet I was told by a recruiter I was denied employment because I’m not a US national. It puzzled me that I can retire, fought in the war with total of 3 tours in Iraq, hold some of highest awards the military have, but denied employment from companies contracted for US military which I served and retired from with a honorable discharge. Only because I don’t have my US citizenship yet. I didn’t serve my country so I can get a citizenship. I served because for me it was the right thing to do.
can you be a type 1 or type 2 diabetic and get a logcap4 job??
According to every medical I went through to go to Afghanistan the US Military stanard says no diabetis. They do no have the facilities for civilians or medication for civilians who may need treatment. We have too many military personnel that need the bed and physicians for emergency treatment. The medics that were with my company miss diagnoise all the time and to be in their care could cost you your life quickly.
I worked for KBR for 5yrs logcap 4 and for ITT fluor and would like to go back to Itt how should i go about doing that. Thank You, Ronald Hiler