How to stand out like a star to a recruiter

Recruiters are busy. They see hundreds of resumes a month and so it’s only natural that strong resumes will stand out.  Also, the candidate who efficiently provides a recruiter with what they need will find themselves ahead of the pack.

In short, the easier it is for the recruiter to work with you, the better your chance of gaining meaningful employment.

So what’s the best approach?

Here are our top tips:

1. Get your resume in great shape

You’ll find free articles on our website and our Managing Director’s book, ‘Resume Success Secrets’ has loads of tips. Buy it here.

2. Write an informative introductory email

Use headings and dot points to stay short and sharp:

Type of work

Outline the type of work you’re looking for, such as office manager, data entry, reception, technician, ICT manager or labourer. Let the recruiter know if you’re open to different types of roles and locations (city or regional). If you’re not sure what you want, meet the recruiter for support.

Availability to start

Specify when you’re available. Immediately? If you need to give notice, what is your start date?

Citizenship and/or visa status

Specify your citizenship and, where applicable, your visa status. If you’re on a work visa, specify the type and duration. There’s no point in a recruiter starting a process only to find out you’re not eligible for the job.

Type of work you prefer

State if you want temporary, contract, permanent full-time or permanent part-time work. Let the recruiter know if you’re flexible on different types of work. Remember that it can be beneficial to take temporary work while waiting for a permanent role. It’s surprising how many people start on a temporary basis and are then taken on permanently because they’re proven themselves.

Salary expectations

Provide a range, excluding superannuation, and indicate if you want an hourly rate for temporary work. If you don’t know what a position is worth, say so and talk to your recruiter.

Security clearance

If you have a government security clearance, specify what level. If you don’t have one say so (this doesn’t mean you’ll be automatically ruled out on all positions, but it’s helpful for your recruiter to know since a clearance is required for many government roles.

Police check

Specify if you have a valid police check (less than six months old). If not, search ‘Police Checks’ online and complete one. They take 1 to 4 weeks and cost around $42 but are well worth it.

Education summary

Highlight your top level of education only (your resume will do the rest), such as a Cert IV in Business Administration or a Master’s in Communications.

A bit about yourself

Include a few dot points about who you are—including soft skills like ‘team player’ and hard skills like ‘10 years’ experience in project management’. Your resume will dive deeper, but providing a snapshot can’t hurt.

Contact details

Include your mobile and/or landline. Specify if there are times you’re not available.

What to attach to your email

1. A link to a short video introducing yourself (you can produce one on your phone). This is a sure-fire way to stand out. Make sure you’re looking into the camera and are relaxed. Plan what you want to say and rehearse. Here’s an example our Managing Director, Kate Prior, has produced.
2. Your dynamite resume, including a professional photo of yourself. Look at the camera and smile with confidence. Be well-groomed and appropriately dressed. Silly selfies won’t cut it.

What to do after you send the email

1. Don’t call the recruiter the second you’ve sent an email (turn on your received notification on instead). Wait for a few days and then politely follow up.
2. Never constantly call or email your recruiter. This will do nothing for your cause.
3. Listen to your recruiter. If they have put you forward for a position and say they’ll be in touch in two weeks, wait until then before following up. This is common courtesy.
4. If you’ve registered with a recruiter, feel free to follow up every couple of weeks, to stay top of mind.

Want to learn more about looking for that winning position?

1. How to write a winning resume.
2. Words to use and not use on your resume.
3. Weaknesses: Be strong with your answers.
4. Career objective statement: Yes or no?
5. Looking for work? Use a recruiter.
6. What not to do during interview.