The real truth about working with headhunters

  • Post published:28/05/2015
  • Reading time:8 mins read

So let’s start by addressing the biggest myth in recruitment; that of recruiters finding jobs for people. I’m sorry to tell you, and to be blunt about this, but it’s not only a myth – it’s totally nonsense. Recruiters and headhunters do not find jobs for people; they find people for jobs!

  • Finding people for jobs
  • Finding jobs for people

2951_thought_redWhen you think about it, these two models are very different concepts. They are so far from each other that I wouldn’t even use the popular Thai expression, “same same but different”. In this particular case, they’re very different concepts and not the same at all.

If you have ever been approached by a recruiter or headhunter about a new job opportunity, you know that recruiters are not paid by the candidates but by their client companies. Clients pay recruiters to identify and present suitable candidates for very specific positions, with very specific and hard-to-find requirements. Yes, we help clients find candidates they cannot. (more…)

What’s the problem with your resume?

  • Post published:25/02/2015
  • Reading time:5 mins read

 8 hot tips for your resume that can get you an interview

Let me make one thing very, very clear: There is only one purpose of a resume:

To get you an interview with a prospective employer

No, no and no – it’s purpose is not to get you the job, that’s what the interview is for! The resume is meant to be your extended business card, your personal sales and marketing pitch, which will get the recruiter to grab the phone and call you in for a meeting.

  1. Use a standard Microsoft Word document and please do not use Excel or PowerPoint. On the top or at the very bottom, use the header or footer function in Word, write your name and address, and remember to include your mobile telephone number and email address. Use a business like email address, which means that happygolucky@gmail.com does not give the right impression. There is no need to write the words Resume or CV, as that should already be easily recognisable. Last but not least, save your Microsoft Word document using your name; do not call it “my_resume.doc”.

(more…)

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Candidates, 1-2

  • Post published:18/04/2014
  • Reading time:5 mins read

Would you believe it? It's exactly 25 years since Stephen Covey made a name for himself by publishing his business and self-help book: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.…

20 unbelievable quotes from resumes

  • Post published:10/12/2013
  • Reading time:3 mins read

What better way to end a tough year than with some quotes from candidate resumes. On popular demand, these lines were picked from real resumes and cover letters: Marital status:…

Size does matter!

  • Post published:03/09/2013
  • Reading time:4 mins read

Who told you that size does not count? I would like to know why so many candidates still seem to believe that size doesn’t matter. If I told you that…

You only have 20 seconds

  • Post published:25/06/2013
  • Reading time:3 mins read

I am sorry to be the messenger… I know this may come as a shock to you. Here goes: Your resume will be read in about 20 seconds. That is…

How to make the headhunter hate you

  • Post published:09/10/2012
  • Reading time:13 mins read

You have of course heard that executive search and recruitment firms find people for jobs, not jobs for people. If you can accept the argument that real clients are those…

Top 10 greatest resume mistakes ever /6-10

  • Post published:02/08/2012
  • Reading time:6 mins read

You will recall from my mail of last month, that the purpose of a resume can be said with these few words: To get you an interview Getting your resume…