Ex-Google Recruiter Reveals 8 Secrets Recruiters Won’t Tell You

Summary

This video script reveals eight insider secrets from a recruiter's perspective, offering job seekers a competitive edge in the hiring process. With experience from top companies like Google and Uber, the speaker shares tips on crafting a standout resume, understanding recruiter's quick assessments, and the importance of cultural fit. The script also covers the significance of interview questions, salary negotiations, and the recruiter's role as a professional matchmaker, providing actionable advice to help viewers land their dream job.

Takeaways

• 😀 First impressions on a resume are crucial, as recruiters quickly assess candidates based on appearance and presentation.
• 📄 Keep resumes simple, clear, and free of typos to effectively communicate your value to potential employers.
• 📑 Use a single-column format for resumes to ensure compatibility with applicant tracking systems like Workday.
• 👔 Dress professionally and be aware of cultural fit when applying to jobs, especially at companies with distinct cultures like Google or Apple.
• 🔍 Recruiters look for the 'right fit' for a role, not just qualified candidates, considering how well a candidate will mesh with the existing team.
• ⏱️ Be patient with the interview process; delays can occur if a recruiter identifies another candidate as a better fit.
• 💼 Top candidates may receive job offers quickly, as recruiters prioritize extending offers to those they believe will accept.
• 💰 During salary negotiations, understand that your interview performance can influence your position within the company's salary band.
• 🔎 Pay attention to details in your resume and during interviews, as even small mistakes can impact your chances of being hired.
• 🗣️ Demonstrate cultural fit and 'googliness' (at Google) or other company-specific values during interviews to increase your chances of being selected.
• 💬 When asked about salary expectations, be open and research-based, showing you've done your homework on the company's compensation philosophy.

Q & A

What is the first thing recruiters do when they receive a resume?

The first thing recruiters do when they receive a resume is to give it a quick glance to determine if the candidate is the kind of person they want to hire, similar to making an assessment at a party based on appearance and dress.

Why should a resume be simple and professional according to the script?

A resume should be simple and professional because hiring managers and recruiters are looking for resumes that clearly communicate the candidate's value to the business. It should not be just a to-do list, and it should be free of typos, with easy-to-read formatting and a professional format.

What is an applicant tracking system and why is a single-column resume important?

An applicant tracking system is a software tool used by recruiters to post jobs, move candidates through the hiring process, and manage their workload. A single-column resume is important because some applicant tracking systems, like Workday, may not be able to extract data from multi-column resumes, potentially causing your application to be overlooked.

Why do recruiters reject a high percentage of applicants quickly?

Recruiters reject a high percentage of applicants quickly because, on average, about 75% of applicants are not qualified for the jobs they apply to. Recruiters are looking for the right fit for the role, and if a candidate does not meet the basic qualifications, they are not considered a fit.

What is the significance of the OFCCP guidelines mentioned in the script?

The OFCCP guidelines are rules that companies considered government contractors or subcontractors must follow, which include being 100% qualified for the basic or minimum qualifications of a role. If a candidate does not meet these qualifications, they cannot be considered for the position.

Why might a recruiter delay the interview process for a candidate?

A recruiter might delay the interview process for a candidate because they are considering another candidate who seems to be a better fit for the role. They may fast-track this other candidate to determine if they are indeed the right fit, which can cause delays for other candidates in the process.

How can asking good questions during the interview process help a candidate?

Asking good questions during the interview process can help a candidate by allowing them to better understand the role, the team's needs, and how they can be a good fit. It also demonstrates engagement and interest in the position, which can be favorable to recruiters and hiring managers.

What is the importance of demonstrating a cultural fit during an interview?

Demonstrating a cultural fit during an interview is crucial because it shows that the candidate aligns with the company's values and work culture. Companies like Google, for example, look for 'googliness' which is about being kind, caring, and helpful, which are essential traits for fitting into their culture.

Why do recruiters ask about salary expectations during the interview process?

Recruiters ask about salary expectations to gauge if the candidate's expectations align with what the company can offer. It's a genuine question to understand the candidate's compensation expectations and to see if there's a potential match within the company's salary band for the role.

What is the role of a recruiter in the hiring process as described in the script?

A recruiter's role in the hiring process, as described in the script, is to act as a professional matchmaker. They match candidates' resumes with the needs and requirements specified by hiring managers, ensuring that the candidates are a good fit for the role on paper before moving forward with the interview process.