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What really happens behind the scenes after your resume is submitted
[From time to time I'll host guest authors so you can get a wide variety of professional and academic advice. Bringing in other authorities will assure that you get the most diverse and informed advice possible.
The following is a guest post by Zach R. - a senior recruiter with time on the staffing and corporate side. As someone who hires people for a living, Zach is a fantastic source of information on how to apply for and land a job. Here's his take on what happens to your resume after it's been submitted, and what you should and should not do during the application process. OK, here's Zach...]
Over Labor Day weekend I was at a family picnic and one of my cousins, who recently graduated from college, started telling me frustrations from his current job hunt. His biggest complaint was that he applied to jobs and didn’t hear anything back, or went on site for an interview and didn’t get a phone call regarding next steps for a few days.
Whoa, hang on – a few days?
That’s when I stopped him, grabbed us each a cold one, and told him what happens behind the scenes.
I’ve been in recruiting for years, with experience on the staffing side and the last four years at a large corporate retailer. There are many differences in staffing vs. corporate, but the end result is the same; both the recruiter and hiring manager want the best person to fill the position.
As related to my cousin, below are a few different situations many job hunters will experience, and what happens once your resume is submitted.
Example #1 – You applied for a job through a company’s website
Your thought process: This job sounds perfect; it’s exactly what I want to do.
Behind the Scenes: Many, many other people applied for the same job (pick a number depending upon the size of the company – every one of my positions has over 500 applicants). The recruiter handling this job probably has 10 other jobs open, meaning your resume might not be seen for up to a week. Also, the job might be posted but that doesn’t mean it will be filled externally. A growing number of jobs are being filled internally with better long-term growth strategies. Thus, jobs remain posted externally while the internal interview process takes place, sometimes resulting in longer wait times.
[Note from Tim: With all those people applying for the same job, be sure you make the most out of your application!]
I don’t buy that, Mr. Corporate Recruiter: OK, maybe your resume did get looked at right away. So why didn’t you get a call? Consider whether or not you were actually qualified for the job, or if it was a stretch. I see many great resumes but a lot of the time I see entry-level candidates applying for ‘Manager’ or other positions requiring 5+ years of experience. Applying to positions you aren’t qualified for, or submitting an application for every open job at a company will be a big turn-off to recruiters looking at your background.
Tips/What else can I do: Unfortunately, when you’re applying to jobs and don’t hear anything back there isn’t much you can do. You should be fairly confident though, someone did look at your resume. Companies wouldn’t spend the amount of money they do on applicant tracking systems to not take the time.
Example #2 – I completed the interview on site. When I left they told me other candidates still need to come in, and they will be in touch.
Candidate next steps: Follow up that evening with an email thanking them while also giving specific examples of what you liked about the job/company culture. Is sending a thank you note necessary? Yes. In fact, not only should you say thanks to the recruiter and those who interviewed you, I would also reference something you discussed in the interview, maybe a project you found interesting or a way you can contribute to their team. Specifics will help you stand out.
[Note: Should it be a real thank you note or an email? Thank you notes can go either way. I think you can offer more information through email and have a good chance of building a relationship as someone might respond. Actually sending the notes is nice, yes - but they usually find the garbage after being opened or are delivered far after the position is closed.]
Behind the Scenes: Relax, they weren’t lying. There probably are other candidates coming in for interviews. Usually for exempt level positions (or roles that are above entry level), a recruiter will phone screen up to 10 candidates and bring in three to four for an in-person interview. I mentioned earlier that most recruiters have around 10 open jobs, so there are lots of people moving in and out for interviews.
What’s the right amount of communication going forward: It’s good practice to let things play out after being on site for an interview. I think if a candidate hasn’t heard anything for a week, it’s appropriate to follow-up telling them you’re still very interested. Most recruiters like to get updates from hiring managers on Fridays, so getting in touch at the end of the week is my advice.
Please note though, if the process is dragging on without you getting communication from the recruiter things probably aren’t looking good. As much as we would like to give an update on everything that goes on, it’s simply not possible.
Remember that time you went out on a few dates and thought things were going well, only to realize they weren’t calling you anymore and you were the one making all the calls? I’m guessing the person on the other end wasn’t that into you. It’s the same with recruiters and candidates. With all the applications recruiters and hiring managers juggle, they can only stay close to their top candidates.
I want to point out that every person who applies to a job deserves to receive some sort of communication even if it’s the dreaded “thanks, but no thanks” sort (all mine do). Recruiters understand the time and effort it takes someone to look for a job whether they are currently employed or not.
A lot people think finding a new job is a numbers game. I couldn’t disagree more. Remember, applying for 100 jobs because they have a marketing title and you were a marketing major/have marketing experience doesn’t mean you’re qualified for that job. You need to identify jobs that directly match your background and positions that are realistically obtainable. Rather than applying to 100 random or loose-fit jobs, apply to 10 that truly match your qualifications. I guarantee you’ll get a better response from your applications.
Zach
Sr. Executive Recruiter
National Retailer
