What Recruiters Look For in Candidates. {Twitter Tuesday Recap}

What Recruiters Look For in Candidates. {Twitter Tuesday Recap}

Jobseekers are constantly perplexed with their inability to thrive in the present day economy; with slim chances for job opportunities and the surge in demand for experienced/qualified candidates. This has raised lingering questions in the minds of jobseekers as to what employers really look for in candidates. We invited a recruiting expert to proffer some solutions to this problem.

If you are new to this, Twitter Tuesday is a 2-hour session where jobseekers, employers and career professionals alike all convene to share ideas, ask questions, build professional networks and open up their world to new insights and opportunities. Twitter Tuesday has hosted professionals like Tosyn Bucknor, Tolu Ogunlesi and Oluyemi Oloyede; going by the name, it happens on Twitter every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm. We hosted Gideon Bello, a customer service and recruiting expert, in our last Twitter session to share insights on what recruiters look for in candidates.

See Excerpts below:

Jobberman: Why do you think jobseekers find it difficult to get jobs?

Gideon Bello: Well, first of all, it depends on whether the person is right for the job. I am not sure I’ll hire someone who can’t deliver. So that’s basic before you go into any interview, presentation etc.

Jobberman: How do you ascertain that a person can deliver?

Gideon Bello: This is a major problem because too many people today apply for jobs they are not qualified for. Then we have the interview proper. If you can get to this stage, I don’t see why you should not get a job.

Yhuniq Nse (participant): What are employers looking for?

Gideon Bello: Employers know what the job entails and so make efforts to get the right person for the task. Like I mentioned earlier, I need to be sure the person can deliver. One of the worst things that can happen in an organisation is to hire the wrong person and turnover is quite expensive so recruiters try to get good hands for any open role.

Obadafidii|Loran (participant): Would you grant an interview to a seeker based on vocational skills only?

Gideon Bello: Yes, but the candidate must be able to prove this. We(recruiters) are not easily swayed with words and trust me, I’ve heard so many sweet talks that didn’t add up.

Gerrard Bonaven (participant): What are the major qualities employers look out for in candidates?

Gideon Bello:The quality of your CV goes a long way in determining whether you are a good fit for the job. Your CV speaks for you on whatever desks it lands. If you can get an interview with a good CV then you only need to wrap some confidence around you to ace the interview. There is no point being an MBA holder and still find it a hard task relating with people.

John Chuks: Why do employers always demand 3-5 years of working experience? How can fresh graduates get jobs?

Gideon Bello: Most employers like humans want ready products; fresh graduates need to undergo trainings. Training costs money, there are a few organisations that want fresh graduates though. Check out these fresh graduate jobs on Jobberman.

Seun Oremade: Why do some employers prefer BSc to HND Holders and why are some selective about the University attended?

Gideon Bello: Only a handful of employers are particular about university attended and if you’ll know, there are employers who prefer HND Holders to BSc holders.

Essyooo (participant): What happens to applicants who have potentials and are fit for the job but lack the required years of experience?

Gideon Bello: I always advise fresh graduates to ensure they are engaged in any job they find doing even though the salary is not mouth-watering. This allows you gain the right experience; something you can’t buy in the market.  The experience garnered by far beats whatever salary you get or expect. So go for the experience, get your valuable self out by pitching to potential employers and let them beat a path to your door.

Gerrard Bonaven: What can a jobseeker do to match up the standard needed by employers?

Gideon Bello: There are so many things you can do; get trainings, do your professional examinations, go for seminars.

Inionbong Samuel (participant): Would you advise tailoring your CV to show only skills set and experience as required in a job ad?

Gideon Bello: Your CV must always show that you have the skills for the job. Although you should be able to defend this at the interview.

Gideon Bello: Key takeaway – The following features are needed in a good CV; contact details, career objectives, core competencies, educational qualifications. Include a cover letter to pitch relevant details in your CV to employers. Your CV must be updated, with relevant experience and must qualify for the position.



Excerpt edited and condensed for reader suitability. Read full interview here.

Gideon Bello is a Customer Service expert and consultant; he currently heads the Telesales Unit at Jobberman. Follow Gideon Bello on Twitter @gob27.

Follow us on Twitter @JobbermanDotCom and join us next week Tuesday with your questions using the hashtag #jobbermantips.

Remember, your career is our job.