PALADIN AT A GLANCE

Your resume is ready. And spell-checked.

Your portfolio kicks butt (and doesn’t include any proprietary information that could get you fired).

You have calls, inmails and emails coming out of your ears.

What could go possibly go wrong?

What not to do:

A position you’re interested in requires a bunch of information to apply (cover letter, resume, portfolio, references). Do you give it up?

Do you prepare the bundle of requested information?

DO– Create a customizable cover letter template,

and use it– Send the requested materials in the requested

format, unless you have a legitimate concern

DO NOT– Make the end user (hiring manager, recruiter)

work to figure out why you’re the guy/gal for the job

– Send something that could get you canned

What not to do:

The gatekeeper asks you to revise your resume. It’s going to take time, and their changes are contrary to what other recruiters, friends, career counselors and THE INTERNETS have advised

Do you make requested changes to your resume?

DO– Make the changes

DO NOT– Fall on your sword over this

You really want to work from home a couple of days a week.

DO– Decide if it is a condition of taking the job or not– Be careful in how you ask about this

DO NOT– Make this a condition of your employment

unless it really is a necessity– Ask about WFH during your initial

conversations, unless it’s a requirement for you

What not to do:

Your last job was the seventh level of hell (through no fault of your own). Do you cite this as a reason you are looking for a new position?

DO– Put a positive spin on why you’re leaving. Be

clear about what you want, and don’t dwell on what you don’t want.

– Focus more on the future than the past– Put it behind you

DON’T– Let the bad vibes of your old place stick to you

when you’re trying to move forward– Talk s$*&%

What not to do:

You’re interviewing for three roles. Do you tell the hiring manager/recruiter you have other irons in the fire? Should you go on interviews for the job that is your third choice?

DO– Be transparent about what you have going on if

anybody is sticking their neck out for you/rearranging their schedules/going out of their way to meet with you (this includes your friends who reco’d you for the job, the recruiter, and the hiring manager)

DON’T– Mislead a company about your interest, or

availability

What not to do:

After interviewing, you’ve decided the position is not a good fit for you. Should you let anybody know, or wait to see if there’s an offer?

DO– Man up and let them down quickly

DO NOT– Be a wimp.

What not to do:

You’re stuck waiting in reception for half an hour before your interview. What do you do?

DO– Be pleasant

DO NOT– Get snippy w the receptionist– Spend a half hour in the bathroom– Pick your nose– Have a phone conversation– Be weird

What not to do:

You interviewed for a job, and haven’t heard back. What should you do?

DO– Send a note reiterating your interest and

thanking the person who set up the interview for their time and help

– Ask what the timeline is– Let the hiring manager know if you have any

upcoming deadlines (i.e. other offers)– Check in periodically

DO NOT– Assume the worst– Send a note or leave a message assuming the

worst

What not to do:

You got an offer, but the job pays less than what you’re asking for/isn’t the title you were expecting…

DO– Decide what’s really important to you– Ask for what you want (assuming it’s in reason)

DO NOT– Take any offer personally– Let a great opportunity get by because of pride

Thank you! Call or email if you have any questions!

Rachel KraskaO 312.348.7135

rachel@paladinstaff.com

© 2012 Paladin Recruiting and Staffing. All Rights Reserved.