We recently worked with a candidate that was not interested in moving forward with the interview process after an initial phone screen with a member of the medical affairs team. The hiring manager was stunned. The reason: the candidate did not feel the connect with the team member on the phone. For both parties involved it is important to know the candidate always holds the cards.

Preparation is the difference between the top candidate who gets an offer and the one who does not. Take the time to make sure your resume represents you well. Have a plan; listen to advice, and research the market and industry news.

When sending your resume to a recruiter or place of business make sure to save the file with your name listed first. Example: John Smith Resume or John Smith Medical Director. This makes it easier for the recruiter and/or hiring manager to locate your file and not have to search through a list of other documents titled Resume or Current CV.

There are usually three top qualifiers; type of industry experience, location, and specific background. If all three are present, then we start a dialogue with the candidate on their general background and personality match with the hiring manager and/or company.

When preparing for the phone interview, please take the time to do your homework. Research the company website and most importantly read the recent press releases.

When calling a search firm, state your name and the reason for your call. For example, my name is Sarah Smith and I am looking to speak with a recruiter that works in Medical Affairs.

You would be surprised at how many calls we receive where the candidate does not introduce themselves and just starts talking.

LinkedIn provides a valuable avenue for candidates both to have a presence on the job market and to network with people who are hiring. When updating your profile make sure to key words to help identify your skill sets and to show work experience throughout your career. Do not underestimate valuable work experience that has happened early in your career. This will allow recruiters to accurately evaluate your qualifications and to reach out to you for the most appropriate opportunities.

• Remember this is your chance to create a good first impression.

• Dress as if this is a face-to-face interview.

• Set up your computer in a quiet location to avoid any external distractions.

• Always look at the camera, not the screen.

• CV's with typos
• Candidate has an inappropriate, non-professional-sounding email address
• CV's missing information—no dates of employment, no list of skills
• CV's that are too generic, not tailored for the position

When creating your LinkedIn profile do not underestimate the power of your profile picture. LinkedIn is a professional networking website; post a professional picture to help you create a respectable online image. Do not post pictures where you have cropped out other people, pictures with pets or pictures when you are out with friends. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words!

It is important to get back to the basics when placing information on your resume. When you are listing dates of employment and/or education always disclose the month and year. It is important not to leave this area open to interpretation. The more disclosure and accuracy placed on your resume is beneficial to your success. This also includes addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.

I received a call today requesting our "contingency" recruitment services. The company's staffing team was having difficulty in identifying top talent to their organization. The positions were VP level. I asked how many firms they had working it and was told our firm was the 4th of 5 that they were giving the search to. I declined the search immediately.

When calling an executive search firm seeking a position, state your name and the purpose of your call. Speak clearly on the phone, ensuring that you have good reception and be clear and concise. Have a copy of an updated CV to send to the recruiter. Keep in mind that the way you present yourself over the phone gives the recruiter an idea of how you will present yourself to a client.

Communication is the key to all success. In the recruiting world, it is so very vital to be direct and clear when dealing with candidates and clients. Let me provide an example.

There is more to a resume than the words you read on the paper. There is a person and always with a story. If we don't take the time to actively listen to the story and merely just take a glance at the "job hopping" or the "time between jobs" we may be missing the best hire. Our job as recruiters is to identify the best talent for each client. To learn the whys

HR: I’m sorry. The candidate just accepted an offer from another firm.
HM: What?! You told us she loved us, that she wanted to work for us.
HR: She did.
HM: We’re #1 in our space, you said she liked that.

Human Resources is a vital department within organizations and more so Talent Acquisition. Talent is what drives the success of the organization. Too many times though inside recruiters sabotage the introduction of top talent. It amazes me that it is done when an outside firm is hired to screen and present what the client is searching for.

LinkedIn is one of many ways a recruiter can keep you informed of what is happening in your industry and let you know which companies are hiring and which are downsizing. It is a vehicle to let you know what job opportunities may be worth exploring.

When placing your contact number on your resume make sure it is a number that you will be able to answer or will be able to consistently check for messages. Many people put a personal cell phone or home phone number on their resume, however, use a company cell phone all day and never check messages on the other numbers. This is especially important if you will be traveling, it could be days before you know a recruiter has even called and can miss out on an amazing opportunity!

Here are some simple steps for you to follow when resigning:

• Do not resign until you have a written job offer from your new employer.

• Consider bonuses and vesting share options when timing your resignation.

• It is best to approach your manager and verbally resign and then hand in your resignation letter.

• Be respectful of your current employer's notice period. In almost all cases, your new employer will be willing to wait for you.