The Top 5 Parameters Recruiters Look For

The shift may have happened without you realising it, but social media has become one of the most common platforms for recruiters to select potential candidates now. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn among others, provide an insight into not just a person’s  technical qualifications, but also soft skills that reflect the personality of an individual.

There’s no overstating that personality, along with the right qualifications, can make or break a career. According to CareerBuilder, 60% of Hiring Managers check out an applicant’s social media presence, as a part of their screening process. More than 25% admit that they terminate an employee due to social media faux pas.

However, that’s not all. It’s not like a dead social media profile or an incompatible personality alone would disqualify you from your dream jobs. There are plenty of other important factors recruiters look for. From your résumé representing you, to you performing well under pressure and being a team player, here’s how you can catch their eye. Here are five factors that recruiters look for. Master them and your dream job might just come true!

1. An impressive résumé

Your Résumé represents you and whatever you are willing to bring to the company. Ensuring that your résumé is free of any typos and grammatical mistakes might be obvious, but we can’t stress it enough – it is absolutely necessary to build a good impression.

You are judged by the quality and content of your résumé.

• Presenting your qualifications in a striking manner is as important as your credentials and experience.
  
• Hence, picking the correct template relevant to the industry or the field of specialization you’re applying in, is absolutely crucial.
  
• Keep in mind to regularly update your résumé to remain pertinent in the market, and to get the best results.
  
• Oh and, make sure it’s aesthetically pleasing to look at as well!

 

2. Confidence and Credibility

A recruiter looks for these two imperative abilities in a one-on-one interview. Confidence plays a significant role – it shows if you can put your skills and qualifications to practical use.

Employers look for trustworthy candidates who are committed to their personal and the organization’s growth. They want people who can work their way up, and scale the company with them. If you change job annually, or maybe even bi-annually, red flags might go up.

When asked where you see yourself in 5 years, it is best to say that you envision yourself at the company at a sustained successful track.

3. Appropriate skills and training

A great résumé and an impressive personality can only aid your chances of getting hired if you have the required skills and training for the position you’re applying for.

In today’s competitive markets, you will struggle to find someone willing to hire candidate that needs training before they can start their job. Moreover, a lack of experience also contributes to slower growth for the company, and recruiters would rather not deal with that, unless you seem to be exhibiting extraordinary talent and drive.

Before you apply, make sure you have the technical qualifications that actually make you a viable candidate, and boost your chances of getting selected.

4. Getting  along with people and being a team player

Even though you apply as an individual, one of the most important things that recruiters look for when they seek out feasible candidates is a person’s ability to get along with others and working in a team.

• Your social and communication skills are put to test, offline.
• You should be able to work with a variety of people, and not just work, but also grow with them.
• The employer would also want you to enjoy your workplace, and employees who have a sense of belonging in their workplace. No one likes a toxic work environment.
• Recruiters of today also focus on the organization’s work culture and the emotional well-being of the employees.

If your personality radiates positivity,  your fellow co-workers are going to tend to be happier and more productive.

5. A clean online presence, especially on Social Media

Back to social media – one of the latest parameters that employers are keeping in mind while hiring. Why, you ask?

• First, it showcases your personality outside of work. Your likes and interests can aid them in deciding whether you’re good or bad fit for the company.
• Second, it can be used to double-check whatever you’ve written on your résumé.
• It also helps them  establish whether you’re up-to-date with the latest trends and your stand on them. This helps recruiters judge on the ‘cultural fit’ aspect. We’d advise regularly updation of your social media profiles.
• Limit opinionated and extremist comments, which might hamper your chances of getting hired.

It is very important, however, to have an online presence, as employers may not consider someone who doesn’t have any social media presence at all.