The secret is out! After surveying dozens of Kforce recruiters in our Tampa based National Recruiting Center (NRC), we narrowed down the top tips technology professionals can use to get noticed. From entry level to seasoned professionals, we asked our technology recruiters questions on how they search for candidates and what they look for on resumes, online profiles and job applications.
When it comes to your resume or application, recruiters want to quickly find the most current information on your background and experience. Especially in the technology field, an online resume is a must.
An average of 46 percent of our recruiters surveyed say they use social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to source candidates and view profiles of potential candidates. By updating your experience and contact information on these sites you can provide a recruiter with a fast and easy way to find your most up-to-date information. "With a quick glance on social media sites like LinkedIn, we can usually see what the candidate has been doing for the last year," says Andrew Moberg, NRC Manager of Online Sourcing.
Moberg suggests using combinations of verbs and nouns to describe what you do and what types of software you are using on social media sites and job applications. For example, don't just mention you have experience with QA, instead specify that you have experience in testing web based applications or reporting platforms.
Applying keywords and verbs help recruiters better identify and search for your skills. Moberg says the bottom line for candidates is to have enough information on your resume, online profile or job application to show a recruiter who you are, and most importantly what you are capable of accomplishing.
Moving Forward
No matter what stage you are at in your technology career, 67 percent of Kforce recruiters agree that keeping in touch with your recruiter is essential. Whether you check in once a week or just drop a line to inform them that you completed your latest certification, staying in touch is the key to maintaining a good relationship with your recruiter.
Additionally, when your recruiter reaches out to you with new job opportunities that you could be a good fit for, inform them of your availability. Know the exact details of when your current contract end date is, and whether the contract has the potential to be extended so that you can plan for alternatives. If you are willing to start work right away, make sure you truly are available. Remember to take family vacations or paid-time off into mind before telling your recruiter your optimal start date.
In the end, our technology recruiters agree that all employers want the same thing from potential candidates at every level -- someone who can walk in the door and have the skills necessary to perform the job on the first day. By updating your online resume, using keywords to describe your experience, and staying in touch with your recruiter you can easily become more informed on what opportunities you may qualify for. With the secrets behind what Kforce technology recruiters look for, we hope you will be able to stand out in the crowd and help your recruiter zero in on the right job for you.
In our next post, you can find out what technology recruiters look for at each career level.
Andrew Moberg is an Online Sourcing Manager for Kforce Inc., a professional staffing and solutions firm providing flexible and permanent staffing solutions in the skill areas of technology, finance & accounting and health and life sciences. Andrew is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of the Firm’s talent identification programs.
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