Interviewing can be exhausting! We’re seeing more layoffs in today’s current climate, but are new opportunities openings just as fast? With candidates and hiring companies being in a more competitive market, should the best practices now be given to both candidate and company? Most articles you read are about how candidates need to make sure they’re presenting their best selves by being professional and not ghosting interviews. I recently spoke with Francesca Cange about sharing her experience as a job seeker and what advice she would share with others and recruiters. So whether you are a job seeker or recruiter, there is something to learn as we’ve all been job seekers!
Check out Francesca’s experience:
1. What’s one area where recruiters can be more aware of her they interact with candidates?
One area recruiters need to be more aware of when they interact with candidates is giving false follow-ups. As a candidate myself who is searching for a new role and ready to get back on the job scene, I don’t want recruiters giving me instructions on the next step for follow-up but then end up ghosting me while I’m left confused. It’s very unprofessional, it’s dishonest, and a waste of my time.
Unfortunately, this has become a common problem, especially when you have a network of people who are in similar situations and don’t understand why this is the “new norm” of the job search process.
Recruiters are supposed to be responsible for helping potential candidates get the job. If that candidate is not a good match for the role, then be honest and tell them so. It’s not going to be the end of the world if you stay honest. Recruiters need to be more empathetic and improve their communication tactics with candidates. Everyone knows searching for a new job is already hard enough with the amount of competition we are against, the waiting process to hear back, and the number of resume revisions we make to align with the job descriptions applied for. Sometimes, it feels like it’s a never-ending process.
If we as candidates are lucky enough to get a recruiter to reach out, recruiters need to know that they must be responsible. Obviously, they were once job seekers at one point themselves.
2. What one thing do you wish you knew about the job search process before you begin your search?
To be honest, I was actually prepared for everything that would come before I started my job search. Being on LinkedIn helped me to see the reality of what others were going through from their own journey as jobseekers. From my observation, I chose to prepare myself as a jobseeker to update or learn new skill sets for basic knowledge, update my resume and get feedback on how to improve it, take online courses, and build my network while searching for new roles. I also sought out mentorship because I don’t always know everything. Having someone give me the advice I need through my job search has been very helpful throughout the process.
3. How do you stay motivated with the job search process?
The way I stay motivated with my job search process is to keep going until I get a breakthrough literally. I choose to have a positive mindset. I recognize that any job that rejects me is literally God’s redirection for something better for me. I know it’s a temporary setback that won’t last forever.
In the meantime, while I continue to hope for the best, I keep myself busy with learning every single day. I love learning because I want to adapt to the skills I may use in the future roles I look to apply for. I can also share the new knowledge I have learned with others to encourage those in a similar job search as me.
Every day is an opportunity, and to give up would be a missed opportunity for me. It’s just not an option to give up, and I have no choice but to keep pushing and hope for the best.
4. What advice would you give to other job seekers?
The best advice I would give to other job seekers is not to give too much attention to the rejection emails. It’s part of the process. Yes, the rejection will sting but move on and keep going.
Also, don’t be afraid to take necessary breaks from your job search. What I have noticed is seeing the same job postings over and over sent to me on my job alerts. Whenever I see that happening, I either re-strategize for different results or take a necessary break. I encourage those to go outside, explore nature, take random drives to the mall, go on a solo date, go sightseeing, visit museums or spend time with friends or family.
Most importantly, I encourage you to prioritize your self-care routines. There will be times when you will absolutely need it for your mental and physical health. Go to the gym, meditate, pray, get a facial, and so forth. The necessary reset you give yourself will give you the motivation you’ll need to get back to your job hunt when ready.
5. What does your dream job look like?
My dream job is a role that encourages development and growth. I want to work for a company where I’m constantly learning something new while allowing me to contribute my input to projects and improvements. I want to lead a team where I know my positive influence will encourage positive communications and positive teamwork relationships. I want to work with clients to effectively find business solutions to solving the problems that would benefit them and my team, and me. Working with a variety of companies while working with a range of clients would be an awesome experience.
Francesca shares a lot of gems on the importance of self-care and managing your energy throughout the process. The message for recruiters is simple, don’t forget the human aspect of recruiting and communicate with candidates! Most importantly, the right opportunity will open up at the right time!
If you’re interested in connecting with Francesca about job opportunities, you can connect with her here on LinkedIn.
What’s one piece of advice you have for recruiters?
Tiffany
