Season 11: The Recruiter's Perspective 2025
How to Spot a Great Recruiter: Branding, Trust, and Red Flags
Podcast Audio Only:
Welcome to the kickoff of Season 11 of "Control Your Career," hosted by the Julia Toothacre. This season, titled "The Recruiters' Perspective," promises to deliver invaluable insights from recruiters and talent acquisition professionals.
In Episode 1, Julia is joined by Oscar Chavez, a DVM recruitment manager in the veterinary services industry. Together, they delve into the intricacies of the hiring process, the current job market, and actionable advice for job seekers.
Meet Our Host: Julia Toothacre
Julia Toothacre is a seasoned career coach and strategist at Ride the Tide Collective. She is dedicated to helping professionals navigate uncertainty, overcome imposter syndrome, and rise above external expectations. Her mission is to empower individuals to find clarity and advance their careers in alignment with their unique values and preferences.
Meet Our Guest: Oscar Chavez
Oscar Chavez is a DVM recruitment manager in the veterinary services industry. With a background in customer service, Oscar transitioned into recruiting, starting on the agency side before moving to corporate recruiting. His journey into the field and his insights into the hiring process, particularly in veterinary services, make him a valuable guest for this episode.
Episode Highlights:
Oscar's Journey into Recruiting
Oscar's path into recruiting was unconventional. Starting from a background in customer service, he found opportunities in recruiting after speaking with healthcare professionals who worked through staffing agencies. Despite having little experience and only a GED, Oscar's determination led him to success in the fast-paced world of agency recruiting. Over time, he transitioned to corporate recruiting, gaining valuable insights into the differences between agency and in-house recruiting.
Agency vs. In-House Recruiting
Oscar explains the key differences between agency and in-house recruiting:
Agency Recruiting: Agency recruiters work for staffing firms that have contracts with employers to fill positions. They often handle multiple clients and a variety of roles.
In-House Recruiting: In-house recruiters are directly employed by companies to manage their hiring processes. They focus on filling positions within their organization.
Julia adds that job seekers should be aware of this dynamic, as it can influence their job search strategies. Smaller companies may rely on agencies due to budget constraints or a lack of internal resources.
Current Job Market in Veterinary Services
Oscar discusses the current landscape in veterinary services, noting a nationwide shortage of veterinarians. The demand for veterinary care has surged post-pandemic, leading to an influx of new graduates from veterinary programs. This shortage presents unique challenges for recruiters, as they must find ways to connect with potential candidates in a competitive market. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for job seekers considering a career in veterinary services.
Navigating the Hiring Process
Julia and Oscar delve into the specifics of the hiring process, particularly the role of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Oscar clarifies that ATS are digital tools used by recruiters to manage applications and track candidates throughout the hiring process. He dispels common myths about ATS, explaining that they are not designed to automatically reject candidates but rather to help organize and streamline the recruitment process. There is always a human element involved in reviewing applications, and auto-rejections typically occur based on specific disqualifying criteria set by recruiters.
Advice for Job Seekers
Julia and Oscar offer several key pieces of advice for job seekers:
Honesty in Applications: Be truthful in your job applications, particularly regarding disqualifying questions. Applying for positions for which you do not meet the minimum qualifications can lead to frustration and wasted effort.
Meeting Job Requirements: Aim to meet at least 50-60% of the job requirements before applying. This increases your chances of being considered for the role.
Applying Early: Submit your applications within the first 24 to 48 hours of a job posting. This timing increases the likelihood that your resume will be seen, especially for popular positions that attract a high volume of applicants.
Networking: Engage with recruiters and build relationships on platforms like LinkedIn. Recruiters can advocate for you and help navigate the hiring process.
The Evolving Job Market
Julia and Oscar discuss the rapid changes in the job market, particularly since 2020. Social media platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn have transformed the way job seekers access information. Job seekers now have more power and access to insights about companies than ever before, influencing their decisions about where to apply. This shift has prompted companies to rethink their strategies to attract talent.
Lean Hiring Practices
Oscar discusses the trend of companies adopting lean hiring practices as a cost-saving measure. While this approach can streamline operations, it often leads to challenges in management and support for employees. This trend may not always be in the best interest of the workforce, as it can create gaps in leadership and support for individual contributors.
Empathy in Recruitment
Oscar emphasizes the importance of empathy in recruitment. He encourages recruiters to connect with job seekers on a personal level, understanding their frustrations and challenges. This empathetic approach can foster a supportive environment for candidates, making the recruitment process more human-centered.
The Importance of Mental Health
Both Julia and Oscar touch on the significance of mental health during job searches. Oscar shares his experience with therapy, highlighting how it has helped him navigate the emotional challenges of job seeking. Julia reminds listeners that while career coaches can provide tactical support, they are not substitutes for licensed therapists. She encourages job seekers to seek professional help when needed, especially during difficult times.
Utilizing Social Media
Julia stresses the importance of leveraging social media as a resource for job seekers. Engage with content on platforms like LinkedIn, not just as a job board but as a networking tool. By actively participating in discussions, following industry leaders, and seeking out valuable insights, job seekers can enhance their understanding of the job market and identify opportunities that align with their goals.
Building a Personal Brand
Oscar advocates for recruiters to develop their personal brands to stand out in a crowded field. Job seekers should also look for recruiters who share valuable insights and information, as these individuals can provide a more transparent view of the hiring process.
Navigating Scams
Both speakers address the prevalence of scams in the job market, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. They advise job seekers to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of recruiters and job postings. By looking for recruiters with a strong online presence and a track record of sharing helpful information, candidates can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.
Conclusion
As the conversation wraps up, Julia and Oscar reiterate the importance of adaptability in the current job market. They encourage job seekers to embrace the changes and utilize available resources to navigate their career paths effectively. By staying informed, engaging with the right people, and maintaining a proactive approach, candidates can position themselves for success in their job searches.
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a valuable resource for job seekers and recruiters alike, offering insights into the evolving landscape of recruitment and the importance of building connections in a competitive job market. Julia and Oscar's discussion highlights the need for empathy, adaptability, and proactive engagement in navigating the complexities of today's hiring processes.
Connect with Oscar Chavez
Oscar is active on LinkedIn and encourages listeners to connect with him there. When sending a connection request, consider adding a note mentioning that you discovered him through this podcast. This personal touch increases the chances of him connecting with you and responding.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ochavezj/
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