But we thought it would be interesting to see if there were any big 'no-nos' when it comes to trying to impress a recruiter, so we sought the advice of international recruiting legend Ronnie the Recruiter.
Here's Ronnie's list:
1. Never send in a photo with your CV. Firstly, it's naff. Secondly, no-one cares what you look like. And thirdly, if you are ugly or look like an idiot, your CV could end up in the bin.
2. Best send in a 2-page CV (three pages maximum). Any more, and you risk turning off a recruiter, who, in the end, might not be bothered to read anything about you at all. Many recruiters only have time to quickly scan a CV for key words (and are usually looking for 'gift wrapped' key word combinations like 'Goldman' and 'Sachs' or 'Morgan' and 'Stanley'), so keep all the superfluous stuff out - keep it simple and tight.
3. If your middle name is uncool (like Cuthbert or Joyce), don't include it on your CV.
4. Avoid detailing a long list of hobbies on your CV - most recruiters will assume you can already read, so citing 'reading' as a hobby won't overly impress. Also refrain from mentioning 'exotic' hobbies like bungee-jumping with the church choir, which only serve to make you look like a loser.
5. Don't call up a recruiter to 'keep in touch'. If the recruiter was that bothered about keeping in touch with you (ie you were a potential fee), he or she would be calling you night and day. Appearing desperate doesn't exactly increase your prospects of being put forward for a job.
6. Never call up a recruiter to point out that you are 'ideal' for a job that he or she had just advertised online. Believe me, if you were ideal, you'd already have been contacted. Get the message.
7. If you insist on calling up a recruiter to make a nuisance of yourself, never leave a message that you did so. At least try not to give the impression that you are in 'stalking' mode.
8. Never turn-up at a recruiter's office as you were 'passing by', saying that you did so on the off-chance that the recruiter might be available for a quick update. Most recruiters don't do 'quick chats' - especially with candidates that have become a pain in the rear end.
9. Finally, try and avoid sending your recruiter 'interesting news items' (they won't read them), small gifts (they won't appreciate them), or (far worse) another copy of your CV (in case he or she has 'misplaced the first one). Recruiters generally don't like doing the same job twice, and throwing a CV in the bin or deleting your email and attachment can become rather repetitive.
Reader Comment
'Other 'fee-friendly' words recruiters look for on CVs these days include 'Gay' and 'Lesbian'. If you are a member of a LGBT network, always best to say so'.
'One Small Lie On My CV, & My Career In The Industry Was Over'
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