I love social media. LinkedIn, Twitter, blogging… count me in.
The challenge is becoming managing all the traffic it generates. I get regular requests for job search, career advice and requests about non-existent job openings and to review resumés. Although I encourage people to stay connected with me thru LinkedIn, they want to send me their resumé to keep on file for future opportunities — which means I have to handle it somehow. Sorry, but sometimes that way is *delete*.
I just simply do not have enough time in my day to read/file/process every resume that is sent to me. Boohoo, I am sure you feel really sorry for me right now.
This tension between job seekers wanting feedback and recruiters needing to focus their time on finding the most qualified candidate comes up almost every week on #jobhuntchat. This week Rich DeMatteo (@CornOnTheJob), creator of #jobhuntchat, unapologetically tweeted that there was no way the thousand or so candidates currently vying for his open positions were going to get a personal response from him. I tweeted that as much as recruiters would like to provide in-depth feedback to every candidate, we can only do our own jobs by focusing on the most qualified candidates. There was a chorus of agreement from other recruiters on the chat.
So where is the happy middle ground?
Here are a few tips to winning some share of mind from recruiters:
- Read my blog. I’ve been writing it for nearly 4 years and there is a ton of information here. If you’re seeking career advice about how to break into medical device sales, check it out and feel free to comment. If there’s something you’d like me to write about, let me know in the comments. I really would love to know what would benefit you.
- Be selective. Only send your resume in response to a specific opening that you’re qualified for. For sales openings, you must be local. Everything else simply clogs the process and is a fairy tale.
- Pay it forward. If you see I have an opening, please wrack your brain for someone who might be a great fit. I will appreciate it very much — and yes, you will earn a special place in my heart. I pay it forward by writing this blog, participating on #jobhuntchat and sharing useful sales, industry and job search info on Twitter. I do this all on my own time. (Find me on Twitter @MyJobScope).
- Use LinkedIn. I welcome LinkedIn invites as the best way to stay in touch for future openings. I search my LinkedIn network for EVERY opening I have. If you’re in my network, you will hear from me if there is an opening in your area that you’re qualified for. If we’re "linkedIn," you don’t need to send me your resumé. Connect with me on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamcmedicalsalesrecruiter.
My blog, Twitter and LinkedIn are great places were we can interact, benefit and learn from each other. I look forward to it!
Lisa McCallister specializes in recruiting for medical device sales and marketing positions with an operating room focus, such as orthopedics, electrosurgery, endoscopy and a wide range of surgical specialties. She has recruited two Rookie of the Year award winners. Connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her blog, MyJobScope.com.