What do recruiters look for in a candidate?

If you are looking for a new job then the best place to start is by speaking with a recruitment professional. Not only should they have a wide range of available jobs at their fingertips, they will also help you ensure that you present yourself, your achievements and experience in the best possible light to your potential new employer. Even in a small market such as the Cayman Islands, competition is fierce and a recruitment advisor is always an invaluable resource to help you get that dream job.

Here are our top tips for candidates applying for positions at Affinity Recruitment in any of Cayman’s various industries, whether you are looking to work within the financial services industry, or more broadly, in hospitality, retail, construction and development and more.

1. Ensure you have a well written resume/CV. Employers need to be able to sum you up in a short space of time and your CV should do that, succinctly and accurately. Ensure you include contact details, relevant experience, qualifications and attributes you feel make you the right candidate for the job and make sure you update it regularly.

2. Dress smart for the part! If you manage to secure an interview with your prospective employer, dress like you want it. We may be located in a tropical Caribbean island but if you are looking to work within the financial services industry you must dress suitably in business-attire.

3. Do your homework. If you are looking to work at a particular firm, such as a law or accounting business, make sure you know the names of the senior managers and do some research well ahead of time to find out exactly what it is the firm does. A candidate who has put in the effort to research the company shows initiative and enthusiasm, which is evident during interviews.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure about any aspect of the job you are applying for, ask the recruiter to give you more information. That way, if you get the job, you will know exactly what is expected from you, from the beginning.

Moving to a new job or applying for your first job can seem like a daunting task, but once you have mastered the knack of marketing yourself to your best advantage you will reap the rewards.