The purpose of this page is to provide you with a real-world overview regarding the self-nomination process and points one should consider before applying for a position.
This information is based on years of experience and having a full understanding of what Executive Recruiters and employers are seeking in regards to candidates.
1. How does the self-nomination process work ?
Answer: It's very simple, if you are "fully qualified" for a position that we are endeavoring to fill, simply send us your updated resume.
2. If I self-nominate, does that mean I am guaranteed an interview ?
Answer: Unfortunately absolute guarantees can never be made. One reason could be that your resume does not reflect each and every requirement outlined in the position announcement. Roughly 80% of all people who self-nominate do not, at least according to their resume, meet all the qualifications of the position.
When that is the case, a recruiter cannot be asked to submit you to their client. That recruiter would be removed from that companies vendors list if this happened too often. The lesson to learned here is that if you do in fact meet each and every position requirement, make sure your resume reflects that information.
Candidates who meet all the qualifications will be referred to the client to make a final interview determination. That is how we earn our living.
3. I have already applied to XYZ Inc., but I never heard from them. Can a recruiter help me get an interview with this same company.
Answer: No. Once you have contacted a company on your own, the recruiter is unable to help you. Recruiters are paid to introduce candidates to companies whereas they were unable to find that candidate on their own.
4. I have my resume on the Internet job boards with no real success. Will I have better luck with a recruiter ?
Answer: As a general rule, most recruiters have a very strong preference for working with candidates who do not post their resume to the Internet. In fact some companies will not interview Internet candidates. Posting your resume to the Internet can very risky. To gain a better understanding of this issue, please visit this link within our site: http://www.rtnetwork.net/hi_tek_perils.htm
5. I want to make a career change. What can a recruiter do for me ?
Answer: There are exceptions every rule but generally speaking, if this is your situation you will save yourself a great deal of frustration by leaving a recruiter out of it and apply directly to the company. As a general rule, recruiters are not good at helping people change careers.
For example, we recently had a laid off (727) airline pilot contact us. He felt he would be good in sales. Despite his high level of training we could not help him as he had never sold anything in his life. The candidate "believed" he could sell but without an established record, our clients would feel otherwise.
6. I have heard that some companies do not want to hire someone who is unemployed, is that true ?
Answer: Unfortunately, and despite the devastation of many industries due to buy-outs, consolidations and outsourcing, we have seen this in some of cases. When this has occurred, the executive decision may have been made by someone who has never experienced a lay-off; and therefore their view of a job loss can be quite different than from those of us who have endured those trying times.
Our advice is to simply move on should you encounter this situation. After all, do you really want to work with such a closed minded organization ?
Also, if you have been the victim of numerous lay-offs such as those experienced in manufacturing, the airlines or the dot.com bust, make sure the recruiter knows this. If you are truly an exceptional catch for a company, most recruiters will go to bat for you.
7. I have worked / am working at a higher level than some of the positions I have applied for. Why am I having a problem getting interviews for these lower level positions when I am obviously qualified ?
Answer: To address this question, it may be best to provide and example. If for instance you are (or were) say a Vice President (VP), and you applied for a manager or director level position; many companies believe you will be dissatisfied in a subordinate post and will move on as soon as another VP or perhaps a Presidents position is available. The cost of turnover is too high and most companies are simply unwilling to take this risk. Very few employers are seeking a candidate who is taking a "step back."
In our opinion, your best bet is to only apply for lateral move positions or opportunities whereas you are clearly qualified to take that new promotion and title immediately.
8. I applied for a position that requires 7 - 12 years experience. I have more experience than that so why I am not being asked for an interview since I am obviously qualified ?
Answer: Let's look at this from both ends of the experience spectrum.
Many employers will be somewhat flexible when it comes to years of experience. In the above hypothetical, if you had 5 or 6 years on the low end, or perhaps up to 15 years on the high end, an employer may look at you provided you meet each and every requirement.
On the low end a self-nominating candidate may possess 3 years or less. On the high end perhaps 18 to 20 years or more.
In either of these cases it can be very difficult if not impossible to help a candidate get an interview for that particular position. Companies expect a submitted candidate to be very close in proximities regarding time/depth of service.
It will not help to be upset at the recruiter and burn a bridge. That recruiters services are free to you as a candidate. Client companies pay a recruiter to deliver a precise menu of requisites in terms of candidate qualifications. Our client companies will not tolerate anything less.
9. I have had a very successful career and a recruiter has my resume. Why hasn't the recruiter contacted me yet ?
Answer: At the least a recruiter should acknowledge your resume via e-mail or phone. That is just common courtesy. It's unlikely however that the recruiter is ignoring you.
Recruiters receive literally dozens of phone calls a day and hundreds of resumes a week. In most cases, the only time the recruiter will contact you is when your background is an exact match for the position a client needs filled.
10. Will a professionally prepared resume guarantee me interview ?
Answer: The only guarantee in terms of resumes is this; if it is poorly constructed, you can count on looking for a new position for a long time. A resume prepared by a professional can make all the difference. As to absolute guarantees of this nature, to the best of our knowledge they don't exist.
Your resume should be a powerful marketing tool. This tax deductible expense is no place to skimp. There are many good publications you can purchase if you feel you need assistance. Contact us and we'll provide you with a few recommendations.
At Real Time NetWork we can also prepare your resume. Our One Page Knockouts and Xtreme Resume Makeovers are potent documents. We will also help you get that resume into the right hands. Contact us for service and rate information.
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SELF NOMINATE
