HR Chat with Nathalie Geschwind, Head of HR at ReKrute.com

Summary of the HR chat of December 17, 2008 with Nathalie Geschwind, Head of HR at ReKrute.com.

1. Internet user 1: How can we talk about job search techniques during a global crisis and when multinationals and companies are laying off hundreds of people?
Nathalie Geschwind: Precisely when recruitment becomes more and more tense because it is rarer, you have to sharpen your weapons and become an "expert" in job searching. Nothing should be left to chance: the CV, the cover letters, the preparation for the interview, the meeting itself and then the follow-up with recruiters.

2. Internet user 2: Here, I have just graduated, and I have applied to several companies, I have had several interviews but for now I have not had any job offers. What should I review in my technique?
Nathalie Geschwind: When you have just had an interview, you must take the time immediately afterwards to analyze it: are there any questions that I could not answer or that destabilized me? Did I apply for a position that met my expectations? Did you agree with the different recruiters you met on the next steps in the recruitment process? You can ask them why you were not selected; this may allow you to better target your future applications.

3. Internet user 3: How to find a responsible job, being a recent graduate, knowing that most companies and multinationals require experience?
Nathalie Geschwind: A strong CV, a convincing, personalized cover letter, and serious preparation for the job interview remain, of course, the essential and classic tools for succeeding in your job search.
Rigor and organization are key to finding a job. All sources can be used: online recruitment sites, the press, and networking. Do not hesitate to talk about your job search to your entourage. For a first job, you don't necessarily have to look for a responsible position. You can overcome the obstacle of this first experience by highlighting internships of a fairly long duration and in a reputable company. If you get an interview, then don't hesitate, highlight your personality and your motivation. This can make the difference compared to more experienced candidates.

4. Internet user 4: Are unsolicited applications sent to companies considered, or should we wait for announcements to apply for a given position? In an unsolicited application, should the position be determined, because as a young graduate, one does not have an idea of what one actually wants to do in the company?
Nathalie Geschwind: Yes, of course, companies like to build up pools of candidates through unsolicited applications. The problem is that the need is not necessarily immediate, so you have to be patient. On the other hand, it is up to you to position yourself for a position. Use the internships you had to do during your studies to start determining the profession you want to practice, but also the type of structure in which you want to evolve (multinational, SME, administration), the type of sector of activity that makes you dream (e.g., Telecommunications, Hospitality, Communication...).
You don't always find the right job the first time. Sometimes you have to try. The essential thing is to take the time to analyze your experiences.

5. Internet user 5: I am a final-year engineering student; I would like to know how to increase my chances of getting a job (writing a CV, how, when...)?
Nathalie Geschwind: Writing your CV is no small feat, as it is the central element of your application. Indeed, your CV is much more than a simple snapshot at a given time of your professional situation; it is a real sales tool. Therefore, you must take care of both the content and the form. The recruiter does not know you; it is the impression given by your CV that will make him or her want to continue examining your application. Well-written and harmoniously formatted, a CV should allow you to get an interview.

Some simple rules to follow:

Among the rules concerning a CV, let us recall:

• The necessary presence of your training and experience, your computer and language skills.
• The need not to detail your career path too much in order to maintain a degree of suspense, so that the recruiter wants to see you. But also enough information to make him or her interested... As an indication, it is recommended not to exceed one page before 4 years of professional experience.
• From a formal point of view, avoid colors, which make reading difficult and may not print, limit yourself to using only one color, have only one text and title style, etc…

6. Internet user 6: I would first like to salute this superb initiative from ReKrute.com. My question is that I have been working in the banking sector for 4 years, I am currently looking for a position within a company that could make use of my experience in the banking field, but I am not able to find this position. Do you advise me to look in which sector? And what are the steps to follow?
Nathalie Geschwind: Take the time to analyze what you have acquired and ask yourself the right questions: what do I want to do? What is my ideal position? This is the time to define your needs and wishes professionally.

And, it all depends on the function you currently hold. Can you specify your profession?

7. Internet user 7: I am a client manager and I am acting as interim branch manager with double training in commerce and finance.
Nathalie Geschwind: This is indeed a profession that is easily transferable to other sectors of activity. Most companies today have a customer relations department. You must therefore have acquired during these 4 years skills such as listening skills, defining customer needs, and a sense of service. In short, skills that are required in many sectors of activity. So don't hesitate to identify the companies and sectors that appeal to you, that make you dream, and approach them!

8. Internet user 8: You who are in the field of online recruitment, can you give me some advice on the referencing of my CV to be better identified by your clients if my profile corresponds to their needs?
Nathalie Geschwind: Indeed, when we talk about online recruitment, you should know that it is a search engine that connects recruiters and candidates. The best thing is to fill in all the fields offered to you when you put your CV online.

9. Internet user 9: Hi, I think this is a very good initiative, see you next time…
Nathalie Geschwind: Thank you, we hope that this forum will provide you with relevant and useful information so that you can put all the chances on your side to find a job.

HR Chat organized by ReKrute.com