Simplifying your job search: tips from a recruiting leader

Searching for jobs can often be more stressful than actually having a high-stress job. At Harness, we understand the challenges job seekers face, and we want to offer some straightforward and practical tips from the perspective of a recruiting professional to help you navigate the current job market more effectively.

The Online Application Conundrum

Online job applications can sometimes feel like a gamble, especially in today's job market where applications are abundant and talent teams are stretched thin. The combination of a high volume of applications and limited resources on the employer's side can make the recruiting process more arduous and challenging. Even if you're a perfect fit for a position, landing an interview can be rare.

This challenge often results in poor interview experience on the candidate side and cloudy decision making on the company side. As a job seeker, determining and setting your expectations early and structuring your search to align to your framework will help you execute with confidence. Let's identify and take a closer look at a few common problems that occur in a down cycle. 

1. Applications as Black Holes: Many job seekers feel that their applications disappear into a black hole, never to be seen again.

2. Lengthy Interview Processes: Interviews can take longer than expected, leading to frustration and uncertainty.

3. Scarcity Mindset: Companies may hesitate to make quick decisions, resulting in extended interview loops and decision-making processes.

4. Offer and Negotiation Challenges: When you do receive an offer, it may not be as compelling as you'd hoped. The current macro economic environment and amount of available talent drive this phenomenon, not the individual companies you may be interviewing with. 

Let’s dig deeper 

Navigating the Application Phase

The age-old advice of "networking your way in" still holds true in the digital age. Many companies offer referral bonuses to their employees for good reason. Networking with peers at your target companies can increase your chances of getting noticed and is likely beneficial for the person you’re approaching. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for making these connections.

When you do get the opportunity to speak with a recruiter or hiring manager, be sure to make the most of it. Remember that referrals can open doors, but it's your skills, experience, and potential that will ultimately land you the job. 

Handling Lengthy Interview Processes

In challenging economic times, hiring decisions become more complex and time-consuming. Recruiting is usually a top priority at many companies, but in current times talent professionals and hiring teams aren’t given stretch recruiting goals to “grow your team to X by the end of the year!” Understand that hiring managers may not have expertise in hiring, budgets are tight. All of this leads to more inspection and reflection in decision making. Be patient, demonstrate your genuine interest in the company, and remain gracious throughout the process.

Remember, an early response to an application or an initial call with a recruiter is just the beginning of the journey. These are positive signals, but don't invest too much emotion in the early stages. 

Overcoming Scarcity Mindset

Once you secure an interview, it's time to perform. Hiring managers have their own challenges and priorities, so leave the job search baggage at the door. This sounds harsh, and I promise you that people are mostly compassionate, however, this is a bad topic to bring into an interview. Prepare thoroughly by researching the company and the interviewer. Asking insightful questions can show your genuine interest, appearing confident (even if you’re shaking like a leaf on the inside) is important. 

Find energy for your interviews, even when the job search feels draining. Show that you take your work seriously but can still bring a positive attitude to the table.

Offers and Negotiations in Today's Climate

In the current job market, extravagant signing bonuses and relocation packages are rare. Companies simply don’t need to budget for these financial tools that are used to dislodge talent in up cycles. Be aware of this reality and evaluate offers with a total compensation figure in mind that is aligned with your lifestyle needs and career goals. Be aware that compensation is a collection of benefits built with different components and they are unique from company to company. Start compensation clarifications early, talent professionals are trained to discuss this early in cycles so don’t be shy. 

You have leverage. Always remember that you have the power to walk away from job prospects that don't align with your desired future. Oftentimes, this prompts talent teams and hiring managers to reevaluate their processes and approach, ultimately benefiting job seekers. You could get a call back after turning away from an engagement, but by this time you could be far along the path of finding something new. 

It’s imperative that job seekers clearly understand their lifestyle needs and career goals, then balance those with the current market. Giving yourself the ability to recognize red and green flags in your search will help job seekers focus their efforts and conserve energy. Always remember to actively manage your internal expectations. Be kind to yourself, the journey is temporary. 

If you’re a job seeker and are interested in keeping in touch with happenings at Harness, please consider joining the Harness Talent Community, follow us on Linkedin. I’d be a horrible recruiter if I didn’t plug our careers page. Happy hunting from the Talent Acquisition team at Harness.