I want to introduce you to Harold. He is a corporate recruiter working as a headhunter for the technology industry. We had an excellent opportunity to sit down with Harold to talk about his corporate recruiting experience and advice. He was very gracious in giving us his words of wisdom to help recent graduates and young professionals find jobs.
The definition, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is headhunter [ˈhedˌhən(t)ər] noun ~ a person who identifies and approaches suitable candidates employed elsewhere to fill business positions.
Herold’s work has given him a unique perspective on both job seekers and employers. He has a vast wealth of knowledge on finding the right job and ways to present yourself to an employer. Harold narrows the message for job seekers to one of intentionality or to seek the best positions with intentional in words and action. We will tap into his expertise and explore his advice for young professionals in a question-answer format.
What are the essential qualities young professionals need to
advance their careers?
Herold explained that the essential quality is to be true to yourself. That understanding can change over time. Harold advised that as a young person starting in the job market can be the hardest thing to pin down. The why best to define what a young person may want in a general sense. Young graduate need to take the time to talk with professors or a mentor to help them understand and articulate the direction they need to take as they take their first significant steps after graduation.
One observation Harold reflects upon while working at an employment agency is that no matter your age, it all boils down to “Attitude.” “Attitude” s the essential quality for a person looking for employment, is a positive attitude and outlook reflected in their appearance, actions, and expression. He acknowledges that the job searching process will be challenging and will beat you down many times. However, it is essential to maintain a good attitude which will help you bounce back quicker and more robust.
What advice would you give to help network?
There are associations and professional organizations to join that help build connections and networking. However, Networking also has another angle that is often overlooked and his is research. Research the companies you are interested in and find a connection to decision-makers within the organizations. First, you must know the area or areas you are interested in and act with “intentionality.”
It really boils down to “people talking to people” to form those connections, requiring you to be vulnerable. In addition, Put yourself out there in some way to say, “this is what I want to do.” Not everyone can be reached by phone or email, so reaching out to people on Linked In or even on Facebook is an option to making the connection. When a person goes beyond the usual path for a job applicant, it gets the attention.
How does a person go about finding a job?
Find out who works for the company, and take the chance to reach out to that person within the company. Explain your qualification and your passion for the organization, and ask for their advice. Moreover, Harold explains, as a long-time corporate recruiter, he has seen companies create positions for people because they are impressed with their effort and enthusiasm for the organization. most importantly, When you put time and effort into an objective, people notice.
Harold makes the point that pursuing employment at a particular company is a positive step. It sometimes takes raw courage to pick up the phone to call or send an email to an organization’s department’s head. If you send an email, track if it has been delivered and read, and always follow-up by calling and leaving a voice message. likewise, Do not be afraid because “it is the effort that pays off.”
Sending a message and calling demonstrates you have the initiative and what it takes to get the job done. Always plan by making the call to find out the hiring manager’s name, the owner or decision-maker, the best time to reach them. Using this information to act with “intentionality” will give you the best chance to speak directly to the person doing the hiring.
What would you like to tell your younger self?
Do not stay on a career path that is not serving your strengths. Take a chance and pursue a position that may appear above your ability and commit to the effort it will take to prove yourself and succeed. Harold advised that you need to plan what you will say when you make personal contact at the company. Be sure to say, “First, I want to thank you for taking the time to speak with me today and provide young professionals with information that can help them with their careers.”
