Tips and tricks from recruiters

The job search process is a roller coaster ride. One moment you’re on top of the world, the next you feel like you’re falling off a cliff. It’s hard to know what to do or how to convince recruiters that you’re the best candidate for the job.

Recruiters can make or break your chances of getting hired. They are the gatekeepers who decide if your profile should make it to the next level of the hiring process. 

We asked our own City Job Offers team of expert recruiters for advice and tips that will actually help you know what recruiters are looking for and get you one step closer to your next job.

10 tips from recruiters that will help you land your next job

1. Add keywords to your CV

Recruiters go through tons of applications a day. They will spend a very short time looking at your CV. It’s crucial to use the keywords that are used in the job offer because this is what recruiters will be looking for.

Their vision will go to key terms or relevant terms that fit the job description.  Make sure your CV is tailored to each job you apply for!

2. Sunday is the best day to apply for a job

It may seem strange but if you send out your CV on a Sunday, you’ll have a higher chance of being on top of the pile of applications that a Recruiter will look at on Monday morning.  

Applying on Sunday night works best but if you’re willing to wake up earlier than a recruiter on Monday morning and send in your CV, that will definitely get you at the top of the list.  

Don’t apply on Fridays, recruiters are less likely to look at CVs and you’ll probably end up at the bottom of the barrel. Use Saturday to make sure your CV is ready and send it on Sunday (or Monday morning if you’re an early bird).

3. Make sure your CV has your important basic information

It may seem simple but recruiters need your contact information: email or phone number and possibly your current city.  If you add your phone number, it’s crucial to add the country prefix that way the recruiter can contact you.

This will also allow them to know if you’ll need to relocate for the role, what languages you might speak and so on. This way they can already ask you these questions in the initial call and figure out if the role can work for you.  

Add your language levels. If you can, try to use CEFR language levels such as B2, C1. If you don’t know your exact level, make a list of your languages and write if you’re native, fluent, or advanced in that language.  

If you don’t have a high level in one of your languages, it’s better to just leave it off your CV. If you’re taking a language course, you can mention that in another section of your resume or just mation it in the interview.

4. Keep it all on page

Recruiters don’t have time to look through your 3 page CV. Keep it concise and organized on one page. Use free templates online on sites like Canva that have one page designs with a section for each part of your CV.  

If you send in an application that’s too long, a headhunter isn’t going to take the time to try to look through all your information. Get to the point and make it easy for recruiters to find what they are looking for.

5. Don’t share your whole life

You don’t need to explain everything on your CV. Put what’s relevant to the job offer. It’s important to create interest. This way the recruiter can actually ask you questions in the interview.

If you tell them everything in your CV, then they probably won’t call you for an interview.

6. Use a unique CV design

Recruiters get bored of seeing the same white and basic CV design. Employers will pay more attention to a resume that has a different design.  Don’t go overboard with colors.

Make it stand out but it should still be clear and easy to read. A unique design also shows your creativity and lets recruiters see a bit more of your personality.

7. When a recruiter calls, don’t keep them waiting

If a recruiter calls you, pick up right away. Recruiters are busy people and they don’t want to spend their time waiting for you to answer their call. They need to know that they can count on you as a professional and an employee who respects their time.

In the first call, be ready to answer the call and not have to reject it. If you do you might lose the chance.  If you can’t take the call at the moment, let them know exactly when and how often you’re available.

8. Explain relevant experience

In the interview with a recruiter, it’s key that when you share experience, that you explain previous roles that fit the job description that you’re applying for.  

Focus on how your experience gave you the skills and knowledge that will allow you to help the company grow. There’s no need to share the full details of jobs that aren’t relevant.

9. Wait to ask about salaries

If a recruiter contacts you to organize an interview, don’t ask about salary or benefits before the actual job interview—you’ll lose their interest!

Wait for the appropriate time to ask about what you’ll get from the job.

10. Don’t ghost recruiters

If you decide to go for another offer, let the recruiter know. That way they won’t be wasting their time.  

It’s also a good idea to follow up with a recruiter after interviews and send thank you notes. It shows initiative and professionalism, which leaves a good impression and is always important in any industry.

💡 Are you sending out CV’s, reaching out to headhunters but not getting any results? Looking for a job can be tiring. Why not turn the tables and let them look for you? Learn more →