1. What are some interview and resume red flags?
I would say my top red flag on a resume is job hopping. What I mean by that are several shorter stints at different places. There is no magic number per se on how long you should be there but generally at least 2-3 years is preferred. There are so many people who have 6-12 months and then go to a similar role with a different company.
It screams out to a recruiter or HR personnel that this person will leave right away. Companies don’t want to invest time and resources into someone who will leave right away.
Another kind of red flag is not putting actual metrics and/or successes in your job histories. Anything that shows not just WHAT you do there but HOW you did it well. For example, if you were in sales, rather than just saying prospected for new business, you might want to say “successfully hunted new business adding 34% new clientele in 2024”.
2. What are your thoughts when you see an unemployment gap?
I wonder about it but it isn’t a major concern unless it is very long and/or there are multiple ones. To help with that, some people put 8 months off for personal travel or family etc. But be ready to explain that to the company that it wasn’t you sitting in the basement watching Netflix all day.
3. Should I have a LinkedIn profile and what do recruiters look for on there?
ABSOLUTELY!! This is SO important. Recruiters/headhunters cannot find you if you don’t have one first of all. Secondly, it shows everyone you are serious about your career and network with others (which also shows good professional social skills). Lastly, how will you ever learn about other companies and people if you don’t?
We look for a nice business type picture….doesn’t have to be a professional headshot, but it shouldn’t be at the bar either. Then a smaller version of your resume with some key points about each role you were at and make sure it lines up with your resume!
4. Do recruiters still want to see a cover letter? Should I be sending a cover letter even when it isn’t being asked for?
I personally do not want one at first. Often I don’t need one at all as we do our own profile summary to send to our clients; however, if you want to include one, then tailor it to the job description and make it short and concise.
5. In an interview, what will set me apart from other candidates being considered for a role?
Definitely a few things:
a. Dress sharp
b. Research the company and the role thoroughly. They will be happy when they can tell you know all about the company (history, mission statement, etc.) and come prepared with examples of why you should be selected.
c. Ask questions that are relevant to the role. Perhaps, “what would my first 30-90 days look like?”
6. References:
a. Should I add my references to my resume?
b. What type of references do companies want?
c. Should I contact my references when a company asks me to supply my references?
It depends on the job. If it is a retail job where there could be lots of applicants, then it is ok to put them on there. If it is a short-term contract where they need you to start immediately, then yes. Otherwise, I don’t think you need to. Recruiters and HR know they will ask for them if needed.
Plus, you don’t want tons of companies calling your references nonstop or you will soon have no references left!
You want at least 1 supervisor if not 2 and then a co-worker. Just include their name, title, company, email and phone number and 100% you need to clear it with the references that someone may call them each time.
