As companies have become even more selective about who they are recruiting, job-seekers need to learn the latest “must-do” ways to succeed with pickier employers, according to Venturion, a talent management firm based in San Antonio, Texas.

Among the tactics job-seekers should use to deal with changes in employers’ recruitment and hiring practices, according to a Venturion survey of 184 organizations throughout North America, are:

– Be prepared for more numerous interviews and for hiring decisions to take longer.

– Sharpen your skills at being interviewed by teams or panels of an employer’s people as well as being screened by telephone.

– Convincingly communicate your teamwork skills and your commitment to excellent customer service.

– Emphasize your experience that is related to the current opportunity, within the company’s industry, and how you achieved results similar to the company’s desired goals and objectives.

– Build and update your social media presence, especially on LinkedIn and Facebook.

– Increase searching for openings that are posted on the websites of potential employers.

– Acquire referrals from the targeted employer’s workers.

“Hiring has improved this year, with 54% of employers in the survey indicating they have added workers. However, companies have become much pickier in the types of employees they want, and job candidates need to adapt to these changes,” said Don Huse, president of Venturion (www.venturion.net).

These are the top “must-do” ways that applicants can succeed with more demanding employers:   

– Be ready to undergo more interviews and a longer search process. 32% of surveyed employers said it is taking longer than in past years to bring people on board as companies conduct more interviews to confirm they are selecting the best candidates. “There is a greater supply of qualified candidates than there was last year as more people are looking for opportunities in an improved job market. That means employers can afford to be extremely choosy about who they decide to hire. Do not become discouraged by the number of times you may have to interview for a job and bring a high level of enthusiasm to each one,” said Huse.

– Be prepared to be interviewed by multiple people at the same time. 41% of employers are more often interviewing candidates in teams or using panels of their employees. “Conduct mock interviews and practice connecting with several people at the same time instead of just one interviewer. This is a chance to demonstrate how well you work in teams and seek input from others by including everyone in your responses. Adopt a conversational tone, remain relaxed, and smile throughout,” said Huse.

– Convey your suitability to work well in teams and with customers. 71% of employers in the survey want employees who are team-oriented, and 63% are seeking candidates who are customer-focused. “Companies are looking for people who work well together and realize how important customers are in this challenging economy,” said Huse.

– Rehearse being interviewed by telephone. 54% of employers in the survey are more frequently screening employees by phone than last year. “Be prepared to make the most of the limited time you will have and don’t repeat what is on your resume. Highlight your achievements and results related to the position and the skills that set you apart from others. Stand up while talking and have a list of bullet points prepared. Close by inquiring what the next steps will be and ask to meet in person,” said Huse.  

 – Round out your social media presence. 44% of surveyed employers are more often recruiting candidates via LinkedIn and 19% are more frequently using Facebook. “Make sure your online profile is essentially your resume and is continually updated. Showcase yourself as an expert in your field with an impactful headline and description and searchable keywords that reveal the breadth and depth of your experience and skills,” said Huse.

– Persuasively communicate your related experience and the results you have achieved for similar types of employers. 77% of employers said they are looking for people who have experience in their industries – the No. 1 quality survey respondents are seeking – and 62% want candidates who have a track record for achieving similar types of goals as those related to the open position.

– Seek out opportunities on the websites of prospective employers and obtain referrals from the employer’s workers. 36% of organizations are using their own websites more often to recruit candidates, and 32% are more frequently relying on their employees’ recommendations when hiring.

Image: flazingo.com/creativecommons

Venturion urges job seekers to maintain their activity during the summer months, rather than relaxing their efforts. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 25% of all annual hires occur during the third calendar quarter (July, August and September). Venturion points out several key advantages for job seekers who heat up their search during the summer.

Don Huse, President of Venturion, points out, “Summer timing is better than most people are aware. July begins the third business quarter for many companies, and others start their fiscal years in July. Some have budgeted to hire additional people and are looking for qualified candidates now. Many people also wait until summer to change jobs so they can relocate when their kids are out of school. This creates opportunity with the company they’re leaving.”

Another advantage to heating up a job search during the summer is that job seekers will face less competition for prime positions. The quieter pace of these months often offers managers more time to concentrate on individual candidates. The relaxed pace of summer is also better for trying to create dialog with company decision makers.

Important Strategies for Summer Job Seekers to Employ

Venturion also highlights key strategies for summer job seekers. Don Huse recommends focusing on engaging high value contacts (those in the companies and industries of interest). “Because business slows down during the summer, it can be easier to meet with people who were too busy earlier in the year. Face-to-face targeted contact development is the most effective job-search method, accounting for up to 70% of all hiring,” he adds.

The company also recommends job seekers put in appearances at events, including barbeques, outdoor parties, picnics and others because these can be the perfect time to let others know about a job search. However, Huse urges caution. He says, “This is best done low-key. Do not come on too strong at social events. These activities are most appropriate for giving a 15-second overview of who you are, what you’re looking for and requesting a future networking meeting or follow-up phone call.

Volunteering with nonprofit, educational and children’s groups during the summer can also be a good way to spread the word. Not only does volunteering help build a network, but it provides the means to gain additional experience in a new field. It can also bring job seekers face to face with hiring managers and other decision makers who are also volunteers.

For job seekers with an ill-defined brand, the summer months are the opportune time to sharpen that brand and their unique value proposition. Individuals should focus on how they are different and how that difference impacts potential employers. Huse recommends job seekers polish their verbal message so that people they meet have a clear picture of their character and their goals.

Social media can be an invaluable tool during a summer job search, particularly LinkedIn. Use these unique options to line up in-person networking meetings, make new connections at targeted employers and learn about their needs and the types of people they’re actively hiring.

Job seekers should not lose sight of the importance of taking advantage of family opportunities during the summer and spending time with spouses and children. However, they cannot afford to miss the advantages that summertime affords a job search.

To learn more or get help with career management, visit Venturion at http://www.venturion.net.

About Venturion: Established in 1998, Venturion specializes in career transition, executive coaching and leadership development. The company’s unprecedented success with individuals pursuing technological, professional and managerial positions in today’s highly competitive job market is recognized throughout the industry.