Patience Brewster

It can be frustrating. You know you're the right person for the job. You know that if you could speak directly to your potential new boss, she would understand that. However, there are all these "men East" in the way: the recruiters. And the people of these people, usually recruitment consultants either internally or human resources, are often so rushed and distracted that they do not seem to see your strengths. What to do?

Dealing with these middle men (and women, of course) is a reality of job search. And you will see that this can be particularly difficult in times of economic downturn. As Matt Ford, Classifind.com.au points out, "global financial crisis has seen many more people apply for jobs less and less. This puts pressure on everybody."

Recruiters are busy people. They spread their time between trying to understand their customers and sometimes vague and unrealistic demands, advertisements and writing job descriptions, sifting through hundreds of applications, organizing and conducting interviews, and management of candidates for point a final job offer and then once they are in employment. They usually have a number of missions on the road at once, all at different stages. And often they are not paid until the entire process is complete - which can take months.

The technology helps a little but make no mistake: this is a game of people. The hard work and stress, just deal with people and all their weird and wacky ways.

As a jobseeker, it follows that the best way to overcome these men facing East and the employer is to make life as easy as possible. Here are five things you can do:

Only apply for jobs you are qualified. Few things frustrate a recruiter more than having to sort through hundreds of resumes first-year accounting graduates to fill the position of Chief Financial Controller. You are applying for a job - do not enter a lottery. So do not waste your time and their applications with surprise bag.

Have a clear and easy to read resume. Include only relevant information in a concise and well written style. Use bullet points where you can use the formatting and simple - as bold headings - to make your job history and work stand out.

Customize your cover letter and resume for the position. Do not apply with a form letter and "shelf" again. Customise both to show you understand the job requirements and you think you can meet.

Be courteous in monitoring. Whether by phone or email, never arrogant in your tracking. A little patience and understanding is much more likely to remember for good reasons. It might even help you stay ahead of mind for the next job if you fail in this regard.

After your interview, keep in touch. If you're lucky enough to get an interview with the employer, call your recruiter and let them know how it happened. It allows them to be on the front foot when they call their customers. They love it! Similarly, take the initiative to maintain contact after the start of work.

Matt Classifind.com.au reminds us that "no matter how things get, there are always lots of jobs" advertised. If you keep looking, you find the right word. Seeing the recruiter as a partner in this research, rather than an adversary or an obstacle hindering, making the process more successful for everyone.