Job hunter here! I’m currently applying and looking to change my career, been on the hunt for almost two months. I have great experience, loyalty and proven track record with previous companies, and feel I’m in a great position to secure a new position. So I thought…I’m sure everyone feels like this lol.
Recently, I’ve been applying to positions where I have personal/professional connections with (they told me to apply, I didn’t apply just because I had connections) and their connections were told that “I come highly recommended and would benefit greatly from my skill set”. Great! That’s fantastic and is a great way to get from the resume submission process into a conversation with a recruiter. The interviews go great, and I’m told that they are putting my information into the hands of x person and I should hear good news in the next few days. Skip a few days, I don’t hear from them and I’m told from my recruiter or in an email that I am no longer considered for the position.
What merit does this “highly recommended” stamp carry nowadays? I would not be so bold to assume that it was a guarantee that I would be chosen for a position, but it seems like good workers recommending good workers would be weighted and I would be taken more into consideration into the process. I came into the process with a level-head, but now I’m scratching it.
Thoughts as I continue my job search?
SIDE NOTE: rather than blindly apply for positions like I have previously, I went through a staffing agency and have a recruiter working with me to assist me with interview skills, customizing my resume, and putting my name on the fast track in front of the right people. It’s helped me feel I have a sense of direction in the process. These positions that I’m “highly recommended for” are through the personal/professional connections mentioned above.