Popular 10 Things Recruiters Won't Tell You (But I Will!) J.T. O'DonnellJenna ArcandAugust 12, 2022 Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

Recruiters have one job: find the right person for the position. Their performance is evaluated on how efficiently and effectively they match top talent to job requirements. Ironically, in the current economy, recruiters are finding their jobs harder than ever.

I'm serious.

There's too much talent for them to weed through. What used to be "finding a needle in a haystack" has now become "finding a needle in ten haystacks." As a result, recruiters have to determine a candidate's marketability much quicker.

Translation: Candidates must pay even more attention to the power of the "first impression" factor.

First Impressions Really Do Matter (A LOT)

People skills, attire, etc. all become more important when competition amongst talent is this fierce.

Reality check: Those who are failing to make a good first impression get put in the "no" pile and are never contacted again.

So, if you aren't getting called back by a recruiter after either an in-person meeting or phone call, there's a good chance that, in addition to the fact you didn't have the right skills, you also might have displayed one or more traits on the "I can't market them" list.

Now, most recruiters won't tell you what you did wrong. Why? For one reason, they aren't paid to give you the bad news. Second, they don't want to burn a bridge. And third, as I mentioned, they just don't have the time.

And yet, how are you going to fix the problem if you don't know it exists? I've put together the most common reasons why a recruiter writes a candidate off. You may not like what you read, but the good news is with a little attention and practice all of them can be improved upon.

So, ask yourself, "Am I guilty of the following?"

Top 10 Things Recruiters Won't Tell You

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1. Your interview attire is outdated / messy / too tight / too revealing / too flashy.

2. Your physical appearance is disheveled / outdated / sloppy / smelly / overpowering (i.e. too much perfume or cologne).

3. Your eye contact is weak / shifty / intense.

4. Your handshake is limp / too forceful / clammy.

5. You say ah / um / like too much.

6. You talk too much / use poor grammar / say inappropriate things (i.e. swearing) when you answer interview questions.

7. You appear overconfident / pushy / self-centered /insecure /aloof / ditzy / scatter-brained / desperate.

8. You talk too fast / too slow / too loud / too soft.

9. You giggle / fidget / act awkward / have facial tics / lack expression.

10. You lack sincerity / self-confidence / clarity / conviction.

So, How Do You Fix These? Bigstock

Well, given that 93% of communication is non-verbal, I can tell you that many of the negatives above can be improved by focusing on one thing: attitude.

If you are angry, fearful, or confused, it's going to show. You must find a way to feel good about yourself and your ability to contribute. This comes from knowing your strengths and embracing them.

It also comes from doing your homework on a company so you can articulate clearly and with enthusiasm why you would be a great fit for the job. I realize this is easier said than done, but it can be done.

I hope I've convinced you to take a hard look at the 10 reasons above and commit to finding a way to improve your first impression factor.

And Knowing Your Professional Strengths Will Help! Bigstock

If you want to reveal your unique professional strengths, take our FREE Career Decoder Quiz! It's time to unlock your TRUE potential and start selling yourself to employers!

Once you know your professional strengths, it will be much easier for you to convey why you would be a great fit for a position. And as long as you don't make the above mistakes, you'll be golden.

It's your career. Own your actions and take control of your professional development. I promise, recruiters will take notice.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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If you’ve never used an online networking site, LinkedIn can appear to be a little intimidating at first. Even if you are familiar with other social media sites, you’ll still want to take the time to learn how to navigate your way around LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform and one of the most influential social media networks.

With over 830 million members in more than 200 countries and territories, you’ll want to utilize this tool to market yourself as a business-of-one.

Members use the site to network or keep in touch with colleagues, co-workers, clients, friends, and family. But it can do so much more—build awareness of your brand, boost your profile, connect with professionals, find job opportunities, etc.

This training will help you:

• Better understand how to navigate the LinkedIn platform
• Learn how to search for specific topics on LinkedIn
• Manage your personal profile and account settings
• Identify ways to market yourself to your network

Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, August 31st at 12 pm ET.

CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!

Read moreShow lesshow to navigate linkedin effectively {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jenna Arcand","3":"live events, career events, j.t. o'donnell, jt o'donnell, christina burgio, career advice, career, career growth, professionals, how to use linkedin, how to navigate linkedin, how to navigate linkedin effectively, linkedin, linkedin tips, linkedin advice, linkedin profile, linkedin connections, linkedin mistakes, linkedin best practices, job search, job seekers, social media, social network, professional network, networking, networking on linkedin, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30823752, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30828744, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:30319455","2":"popular","4":"08/12/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376514019, 376536198, 376491143, 376489962, 404327439, 376489624, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19836096]} } Community Executive Spotlight: The Most Important Software Technology Executives Are Using Right Now Jenna ArcandAugust 11, 2022 Image from Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]} Staying on top of software technology is essential, especially if you're running an organization. Are you looking for a new software technology to try as a business leader? We recently asked our leading executives what the single most important software technology they're using in their work right now is, and why it's so valuable.

Here are their responses...

Jim Black, Engineering & Technical Executive

Image from Bigstock

Outlook calendar (or Google, Apple). Without my calendar, I am ineffective. I use this tool to plan my day, allocate time for projects, and keep all my commitments in one place. I add everything there from my personal appointments to my professional gigs. All in one place, all in a concise format, and all at my fingertips. My work calendar and personal calendars are synchronized to ensure a single source of truth! (P.S. I also leave a fair amount of slack time for those events which pop up, and I recommend you NEVER block out 100%).

Jim Black is an engineering professional focused on the development of technical professionals. He is also a professional bass player.

Liam Anderson, Contact Center Technology Consultant

Image from Bigstock

​The cloud is going to have the same impact on business technology that the railways had on travel.

Very few people traveled farther than they could walk in a day. Only the wealthy owned horses.

The railways enabled mass tourism to the English seaside. Towns developed whose economies were centered around tourism.

The cloud enables smaller businesses to use highly complex technologies, such as AI-driven analytics.

Before the cloud, companies needed to make a substantial up-front investment to build and operate their own data centers.

Now they can use these technologies on the cloud and pay for what they use and no more. Software companies can set up cloud-based POC demonstrations for a fraction of the cost, and therefore a fraction of the risk.

The cloud is democratizing technology, making it available for a fraction of the traditional on-premises cost of ownership.

Liam Anderson has spent the last 15 years in the contact center industry technology space. He helps customers use this technology to achieve and sustain business success.

Percy Leon,  Digital Media Content Producer

Image from Bigstock

I use multiple software every day, anything from editing and copywriting software. However, the most important software I use is Canva.

I love using Canva for creating videos. Canva is the perfect tool for content creators who want to up their game with stunning visuals with easy-to-use editing and graphics tools.

It only takes me a few minutes to upload my footage to the app. Once the video is uploaded, I can resize it to have it fit seamlessly on TikTok, YouTube Stories, Instagram Stories, and even YouTube long form! You can resize your footage for any platform. I can use Canva's multiple graphics, as well as the royalty-free beautiful images and videos that they have available if I want to add some B roll.

When it comes to YouTube, the thumbnail is the first thing people see when they open your video so it has to be eye-catching and unique. I can use Canva to make eye-catching thumbnails, and also to create captivating titles and descriptions that get the user interested in watching what I have to offer.

Canva also offers a content planner that allows me to plan and schedule what content to do for the month.

Percy Leon is a digital media content producer specializing in educational technology and entertainment. He is interested in web3, metaverse, and the use of virtual reality for storytelling.

Dr. Hannah Hartwell, Learning & Development Executive

Image from Bigstock

As executives, it’s helpful to adapt to the company-provided technology that is available. This approach helps with overall company technology adoption. My team frequently hears me say, “Don’t we already have a tool for that? What can we leverage that we already have internally?” Rather than exploring other tools, I recommend using what you already have. Of course, unless there’s a need that can’t be filled with your existing tools.

As an independent consultant, I recommend the same approach. Companies already have their own tools. Plus, learning a new internal tool adds to your technological fluency and adaptability.

Dr. Hannah Hartwell is a learning and development executive and change management practitioner with 15+ years of business transformation experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, higher education, and professional services industries.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive

Image from Bigstock

The metaverse has been referred to as the next new internet era and is expected to reach $800 billion by 2024.

The metaverse is a combination of several cutting-edge technologies including:

• Virtual Reality (VR): Simulated real-world experience interacted with using special electronic equipment (think simulated flight training programs).
• Augmented Reality (AR): Augments your experience of the real world, enabling interaction in real time with 3D visualization of objects and the merging of virtual and real worlds (think “try before you buy”).
• Blockchain: A digital ledger of transactions called “blocks” that are securely linked together. Blockchain gives credibility to money transfer and data storage in the metaverse.
• 3D Reconstruction: Helps create virtual spaces by capturing the shape, look, and appearance of real objects. 3D reconstruction is used in medicine to plan surgeries (3D printing) and to render accurate architectural models (3D cameras) prior to building.

Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.

What's the single most important software technology you're using in your work right now as an executive? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily's Executive Program.

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