Seattle Recruiter, Dispelling the Myths

If there’s one thing I wish I had known about job searching before doing it—it’s how the recruiting process actually works. Yes, we all know the basics: A recruiter’s job is to find the right person for a specific position. So when one contacts you, he or she thinks you’re the rightperson. Right?

Yes. But not quite, at least not yet. It’s a little more complicated than that. As a former recruiter, I’ve seen the other side and I know a few things now. For example, that initial call you get—the one that happens even before your actual interview with the hiring manager—is really nothing to freak out about. It’s more or less a formality, a pre-step before the interview process if you will.

So, for you own sake, here are three myths about those initial phone calls that need to be debunked, ASAP. Especially if you’ve recently been contacted by a recruiter and you have no idea what to expect.

Myth #1: You Should Drop Everything for a Recruiter

When you’re in the middle of a job search, any phone call from an unfamiliar number is pretty thrilling. They’re so thrilling, they can often feel like the most important call ever. And because they seem so important, it’s tempting to drop everything you’re doing so you don’t miss them. The only problem? These calls are not interviews. Not even close.

When you get one of these preliminary calls, it means you’re on that recruiter’s shortlist of contenders. Which is really good news. In fact, I used to think it was such good news, I needed to reschedule meetings to answer the phone. Or take longer than usual “lunch breaks.” What I eventually learned after a while was simple—I didn’t need to be nearly this flexible. The recruiter’s only goal on these initial phone calls is to find a time for the two of you to speak more formally. That’s it. So, if you need let one of these go straight to voicemail, there’s no need to stress over it.

Myth #2: You Should Sell Yourself as Hard as Possible

Here’s a mistake I always made as a job seeker. Even when a hiring person made it clear he or she was just reaching out to find some time to talk more formally about a role, I did everything in my power to make it clear I was awesome on that phone call. In hindsight, this was probably the most annoying thing I could’ve done.

When I was interviewing people for a living, I had a game plan for every actual conversation I conducted. This included a script with questions I needed to ask before we could make a hiring decision. If I was just reaching out to someone to chat about the logistics of setting up a formal interview, I had no script. And no real questions to ask. I was literally trying to find out a few more details before connecting you with the hiring manager.

So when someone calls you just to set up an initial meeting, don’t feel the pressure to sell yourself. Save your time and energy for wowing the interviewers when you’re actually being asked questions about why you’re awesome. And if you’re in doubt as to what step of the process this is, let the interviewer lead.

Myth #3: You Should Prepare for a Job Offer

I used to think recruiters had the power to hire the best people as soon as they got them on the phone. “There’s no point of bringing me in for interviews if they think I’m right for the job,” I thought to myself. “I need to really impress this person over the phone so she’ll offer me a million dollars per year to come work for her.” While that all probably makes sense, especially if you know you’d be great at a particular gig, that decision is not going to happen in a first call with a recruiter. Which is actually good news for you.

The truth is that whoever is reaching out to you for the first time doesn’t wield all the power to make a hiring decision right away. He or she’s simply trying to figure out if you’re interested in the job you applied for. Yes, you can still make a great first impression over the phone, but all you’ll leave with is a timeslot on that hiring manager’s calendar. Bummer? Absolutely. But the good news is that if you don’t answer a question the way you would have liked to on the first phone call, it really has no bearing on whether or not you’ll ultimately get the job.
The job search is a really stressful time. There’s nothing groundbreaking about that statement, but when you’re in the middle of one, it’s easy to blow a lot of things out of proportion. Especially when it comes to handling those first phone calls with recruiters—who really are just trying to find an interview time that works for you. So, before you panic about this step of the process, take a deep breath. Your experience and talents will speak far greater volumes than any “mistake” you could make on a first call with a recruiter.

I want to land a real job in sales. Where should I start?

If you’re interested in a sales career but prefer to avoid direct sales, start by focusing on industries you’re already knowledgeable about. For example:
  • Financial Products: If you understand banking or investments, applying for entry-level sales roles at banks can help you get started. You’ll likely sell products like credit cards, loans, or savings accounts, gaining experience in a structured environment.
  • Automotive: If you’re passionate about cars, car dealerships are a great place to start. Selling vehicles, even at an entry level, can offer commissions and teach you valuable sales techniques.
  • Jewelry: If you’re familiar with gemstones or precious metals, working at a jewelry store could be a good fit. Sales roles in this field allow you to sell products you’re passionate about, while earning commissions.

Starting in a field you’re knowledgeable about helps build confidence, and the experience you gain will be invaluable when pursuing higher-commission jobs. Alongside your sales experience, learning to utilize tools like social media marketing, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and online research will help further your career and increase your marketability in higher-level roles.

For assistance in finding sales jobs, consider reaching out to CareerPaths NW, which specializes in placing candidates in sales roles. You can email them your résumé or give them a call for more personalized help.

Do you have a plan for your career?

Essential Steps for a Purposeful and Effective Job Search

Starting your job search with a clear purpose and strategy can make a world of difference in finding a role that truly suits you. Here’s how to begin with a solid foundation and stay on track.

1. Define a Job Target You Believe In

Start by identifying exactly what you’re looking for, why you want it, and how your skills align with this goal. Without a clear target, each stage of your job search will rely on guesswork rather than a focused strategy. To gain this clarity, try self-assessment methods such as:

  • Taking career assessment tools
  • Keeping a journal to record your career interests and strengths
  • Seeking advice and feedback from trusted friends, family, or a career coach

Once you’ve defined your target, conduct a reality check. Is this career path attainable given your current skills and qualifications? Evaluating your job target ensures that it’s realistic and achievable, setting you up for a more successful search.

2. Create a Strategic Job Search Plan

A well-thought-out plan provides structure and keeps your job search organized. Start by outlining a few key questions:

  • Why is finding a new job important to you right now?
  • What is your ideal timeline for landing a new role?
  • Which types of companies do you want to work for?
  • When will you conduct job searches or meet with your network contacts?
  • What’s your schedule for updating your resume and cover letter?

Post your plan somewhere visible, and mark important dates on your calendar to stay on track. Many job seekers take an unstructured approach, but by creating a specific plan, you’re showing commitment to your job search and increasing your chances of finding a role you’ll love.

Planning and focus make all the difference. With a defined job target and a clear action plan, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your search confidently and purposefully.

Have you set goals for your career?

Choosing a career is one of the most significant life decisions, impacting not only your financial health but also your personal happiness and well-being. Taking control of this process by setting clear career goals and following a thoughtful plan can help you find a fulfilling career path.

Many workers end up in jobs they are not passionate about, often due to external factors like convenience or pressure, rather than deliberate choices. In fact, surveys show that up to two-thirds of employees feel dissatisfied in their current jobs​. (Enterprise Apps Today)

Here’s a step-by-step approach to making a more deliberate and informed career decision:

1. Begin with a Self-Assessment

Start by reflecting on your strengths, interests, values, and skills. Understanding what drives you and what you’re good at is key to choosing a fulfilling career. Tools such as career assessments or personality tests (like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) can provide helpful insights.

Tip: Look for patterns in past work or school experiences where you felt motivated or successful. This can help clarify the types of work environments or tasks that align with your natural abilities.

2. Brainstorm Career Ideas

Once you have a clear sense of your strengths and interests, brainstorm career options. Think about industries that match your values, as well as specific roles where you can apply your skills. At this stage, don’t limit your thinking—cast a wide net and explore all possible fields, even those you hadn’t previously considered.

Tip: Talk to people in various industries to get a better understanding of what different careers entail. Conducting informational interviews or shadowing professionals in the field can also give you firsthand knowledge.

3. Research Your Options

Once you’ve brainstormed, start researching specific roles and industries. Find out what qualifications, skills, and experiences are necessary. Additionally, look into salary expectations, industry growth, and the overall outlook for different careers. Understanding the long-term potential of various industries is essential for ensuring career stability.

Tip: Use online resources such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to research job outlooks, salaries, and job descriptions.

4. Take Final Steps

After researching, narrow down your options to one or two potential career paths. From there, determine the steps you’ll need to take to qualify for your chosen career, whether it’s gaining further education, building new skills, or seeking out internships and experience in your chosen field.

Tip: Set specific short- and long-term career goals. Make a concrete plan for how to achieve them and regularly review your progress to make sure you’re on track.

At CareerPaths NW, we specialize in more than just finding jobs—we focus on helping people find careers that lead to long-term success. Taking a structured and thoughtful approach to your career planning will help expose you to more options and increase your chances of finding fulfilling and sustainable employment.