Recruiters’ Notebook

They’re involved in job search daily

Some people who have very unique and pointed perspectives on job seeking are recruiters – the people whose involvement in the job search world is not a passing fancy. It’s their livelihoods. So we thought that recruiters could provide some simple, everyday observations on what today’s job market is like.

The more things change…

Many people ask “How many hours per week should I spend on my job search?” If the normal work week is 40 hours, one recruiter advises your job search should be about 30. She noted that more than 30 can burn you out, but less than 30 is just not thorough enough.

It also helps if you have a routine, a schedule and a focus. One recruiter recommended setting targets for yourself: a certain number of applications per week; interviews per week; contacts per week; so much networking per week, etc. A typical schedule may involve making your phone calls in the morning for example.

One of the frustrating parts of the job search process is waiting for answers back from companies where you’ve interviewed. On the one hand, regardless of how the interview went, if the employer can’t get you a definite answer, assume that you don’t have the job and keep looking.

On the other hand, “If you haven’t been declined, you haven’t been declined,” says one recruiter. Until someone tells you otherwise, that means that you’re still in the running.

Where do recruiters think that you have your best chances? How about companies with less than 50 employees? They’re less structured. Their processes are less formalized, and there are less bureaucratic processes with which to deal.

Employers that receive funds from the government typically have copious reporting requirements tied to that money and that includes job applications. This bureaucratic overlay can insufferably slow the process leaving you frustrated and anxious. This is just something that you have to accept and deal with.

While intermingling with fellow job seekers can provide much needed support and confidence building, hearing some wise words from people who work in the field day in and day out, can be just as beneficial and helpful.

More tips.