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Pick me! Pick me! - Recruiters share tips every job seeker should know

In April of 2007, CEO Marc Cenedella of job search firm TheLadders.com told BusinessWire that the nation is in the midst of a hiring surge in the $100,000-plus job market. But even in a favorable market, it can be difficult to beat the competition and get the job. So, what can job seekers do to get noticed? According to these recruiters, it starts with knowing what you want.

"Most people seem to be on a fishing expedition for something and they're not really sure what they're searching for," says Vikki Loving, founder and CEO of InterSource Executive Search, a national firm based in Austin, Texas. "In all your communications, be clear on your objectives. Know what you want and state it up front."

And getting the word out about yourself should not be reserved for job searches only. Loving says you should always be out there, whether by doing public speaking or serving as an industry expert to the media.

"It's about showing up before they need you," Loving says. "Before you ever think you need a job, you have to be out there, networking and giving back instead of just doing your job."

Chris Kobler, a recruiter with national executive search firm Kimmel & Associates in North Carolina, agrees that job seekers should be making headlines -- albeit of a different nature. "Companies are interested in three things: making money, saving money, and solving problems. So, your résumé needs to emphasize how you can do these things," he says. "Make it easier for recruiters by making good use of headlines and bulleted lists."

Kobler recommends beginning with significant accomplishments in your field or industry. And metrics are a must. "It doesn't do any good to say you can do X, Y, and Z without a demonstration," Kobler says. "In fact, if you don't give a demonstration, it looks like you're ducking the question."

Michael Swift, a recruiter in Maryland, says he prefers to see work history presented chronologically, because it says something about the candidate's progression and perseverance.

"If you have a lot of one- and two-year jobs, there's a good chance you'll get overlooked by a lot of recruiters," he says.

Moreover, Kobler advises to use discretion when listing your education and training.

"For certain jobs, certifications are crucial, but those can be listed at the end. Your education needs to go up front," he says. "And, unfortunately, there's still a prejudice against online degrees and certifications. For any schools that offer 'life experience' degrees or that come across as diploma mills, don't even bother listing them."

When it comes to making contact with recruiters, Kobler says the telephone is the only useful tool for job seekers. "These days, you can't avoid email, but you'll get maybe a 20 percent response rate through email," he says. "The phone will give you better results."

To get in front of recruiters, Swift recommends scanning Internet job boards, applying directly to company Web sites, and attending job fairs. Kobler also recommends leveraging trade associations, which often have relationships with recruiters in their respective industries.

"Provide the energy that the search takes," says Kobler. "Treat recruiters as part of your network, but don't rely on any one recruiter or approach in your job search. Searching is a full-time job, and a recruiter will only be a part of what you do."

Adds Loving: "Look up from your desk and broaden your vision. Ask yourself: Where do I want to be a year from now and what do I need to do to get there? And then take action. Don't leave it all in the hands of your current employer