How do I get a recruiter?
Posted Monday, September 08 2008 by The JobsBloggers
Dear JobsBlog: I frequently see phrases like "ask your recruiter" or "talk to your recruiter.” I've signed up online and posted my resume, but I don't feel like I have a point of contact at Microsoft. How do I go about getting in touch with "my" recruiter?
Answer: Whooo... This is a big one. I like it : )! It sounds like you’ve found some positions you’re really interested in and have applied online but haven’t heard anything back. This is tough. First, what does it mean to work with “your own” recruiter? Our College Recruiting team assigns recruiters by colleges, so if you are a North American college student, you may already have a recruiter. If you are an experienced applicant, finding a match with the right recruiters (who are generally aligned to Microsoft products) can be a bit more challenging. Here’s a few ideas to try out:
- Keep applying: As I’d mentioned in my previous post, recruiters are regularly checking the careers site for resume submissions. Provided that you’re not overdoing it but applying only to the positions that you’re both strongly qualified for and interested in, you have a great chance to hear from someone. Patience and tenacity can pay off.
- Self-evaluate, edit your resume & re-apply: Applied for multiple openings, convinced you’re the perfect fit for each, and still not hearing back? Maybe your resume isn’t reflecting this as well as you think. See some recent tips from Angela on writing your resume and consider modifying accordingly. Also remember that we use a search algorithm (custom to each position) to assist in reviewing qualified candidates. Don’t add blind keywords to your resume, but do make sure items listed in the requirements for a position are well reflected in your resume.
- Search out your own recruiter: The internet is an interesting place. These days, with the popularity and increased relevance in search technology and social networking, it’s not too difficult to find ANYTHING you’re looking for. Applying for a position in Windows Live Experience? Doing a search for “Windows Live Experience Recruiter” will yield, what else, my LinkedIn Profile : ). LinkedIn, Facebook and other sites can also be a powerful networking tool for getting in touch with the right recruiter. Feel free to add me, I’ll accept, I promise.
One additional note if you’re going this route: I’m sure some people may see this as too aggressive and some recruiters may feel that way too, so it can be risky. Personally, I think it’s perfectly fine to reach out directly to a recruiter, provided you’ve also applied online and aren’t spamming or calling blindly. Just keep in mind that recruiters are busy people, and even this route, you won’t hear back immediately or always.
What am I missing?: I’d love to hear from readers on this one. Have you found other ways to get in touch with a recruiter? Let us know!
- Kenji
6 commentsTagged as: job-hunting, resume-building, kenji
Comments
"...Not overdoing it...."
Errrr..... so applying to all 4000+ was a bad idea?
Nuts.... It was worth a shot. Sometimes Inspiration does get a bit too potent.
Cheers
Sean
*** BTW ---- Not kidding on that ***
Hello Kenji, I have applied for a position with the Windows Live team after I was approached by a recruiter via email. Since then I have only heard back once via phone. There was some misunderstanding about my geographical location and was promised another call soon. However that hasnt happened even after a follow-up email. Any tips?
Anando:
Geographic issues can be a bit tricky. There's a lot of variance between teams and positions as far as relocation requirements, working at one of our remote dev centers, or even telecommuting. If your situation is international that can sometimes be an even more complex scenario - and not something I have much personal experience with.
I'll send you an email directly and we can try to follow up "off-blog"
Dear Mr. Ballmer, staff of JobsBlog and the poor guys at ForeFront.
I promise on my word of honour no more applying to everything on line. I will behave myself.
Some days it is just so hard to hold back. Microsoft lit a passion in me both emotionally and mentally and a huge part of me just wants to grab hold and never let go.
I promise to target my searches from here on in.
If however you do run across a position in DPE or an SEE or even a Lab Engineer. Even a quasi well paid janitor. Please keep me in mind.
Sean
Friday Funny Guy
Always learning from mistakes to grow and expand
Just like you
I spoke with a fresh MBA who had great luck with recruiters at placement agencies. I've heard that Microsoft hires a lot of temps or contractors so this may be a good way to get your foot in the door.
One important thing is not to get discouraged or think it's an impossible process.
When I finished college I dreamed of working for MS but my state college was not associated with the company therefore I could not even get an interview.
I sent targeted resumes and never a response, even though I knew I was good enough to make the cut if just given a chance.
In any case after easily getting a job at my "#2" choice company, 3 years later I an MS recruiter *called me* out of the blue.
Everything took off from there - was hired, later promoted, etc.
So if you don't get in the door right away don't assume "they don't want you", sometimes it's a matter of getting on the radar which can take time at a big company.
Most importantly, constantly work on building rock star skills that any company would kill for. If you do this long enough you're likely to be well rewarded in the end. It's a long term thing.