Have you ever wished you could peek behind the recruiting curtain and see what really happens during the application process? Are AI bots scanning your resume? Should you even apply if the application count is over 200?
Good news! We’re here to spill the tea.
Recently, Women in Revenue (WIR) members had the exclusive opportunity to participate in a lively “Ask Me Anything” session with Betts Recruiting. The session cut through the confusion of job searching and shined a light on what really works today.
From how to make your LinkedIn sparkle to when to lean on your network, here are the top five questions WIR members wanted answered. And, why you should be asking them too.
1. Can you still get hired by applying online, or is networking everything?
Let’s get real. Tossing your resume into an online application portal can feel like dropping it into a black hole. But Cassie Zaffanella, Executive Recruiter with Betts Recruiting, said it doesn’t have to be. Online applications still work, but you need to add a human touch.
First, apply online if the role excites you. Then, don’t just wait. Reach out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn, send a note, and see who you know at the company who can vouch for you.
Melissa Hirsch, Partner Recruiter with Betts Recruiting, calls this “finding an internal champion,” and it’s a game changer. When you mix online applications with relationship building, you show you’re more than a name in a digital stack of resumes.
2. What are recruiters really looking for in your application?
Spoiler alert: it’s not fancy designs or AI-generated fluff.
Both Cassie and Melissa agree that metrics and impact matter most. They don’t want to see a wall of text. Rather, they want to see what you actually achieved.
Next time you update your resume, skip the gimmicks and focus on numbers. Did you increase revenue? Win a big account? Put that front and center. Humans love numbers because they show the real story.
Melissa said, “Simple, one-page resumes are best. No frills, just facts.” Typos? Those are instant red flags. So triple-check everything, then have a friend check it too.
3. What’s the deal with resume gaps? How bad are they?
Gaps happen. Life happens. WIR members were curious how to handle them, especially after layoffs or career changes.
The answer? Be upfront and show how you stayed engaged.
Melissa and Cassie both agreed that one gap is fine. People understand that. But, if you have several in a row, you need to explain how you used that time to keep your skills fresh.
For example, did you take a course? Volunteer? Stay connected with your field? Proving you’re still growing can turn what looks like a red flag into a sign of resilience. As a result, honesty and a clear narrative will help you get back in the game.
4. Is LinkedIn really that important?
Oh yes. This was one of the most-asked questions, and Melissa didn’t hold back: “Your LinkedIn profile is more important than your resume.” Why? Because recruiters spend their days there. Even if your resume is perfect, LinkedIn is where you get discovered.
Cassie added some pro tips:
- Upload a professional photo
- Make sure you have at least 500 connections
- Be active: comment on posts and share interesting articles
And last, fill your profile with keywords that reflect what you want next. As a result, you’ll pop up in more searches and show you’re engaged and connected.
Fun fact: recommendations on LinkedIn? Not that important. So don’t sweat it if you don’t have a dozen of them.
5. When should you use an agency versus your own network?
Let’s face it: your network is your superpower. Cassie and Melissa both said to start there. Referrals and champions can open doors faster than any job board. Plus, agencies can help when you’re looking for roles that aren’t listed publicly.
Agencies like Betts Recruiting are great at finding roles that hiring managers want to keep hush-hush. But even then, you should still be your own best advocate.
As Melissa put it, “Hiring managers don’t love interviewing. So, if you’re already in their network, you’re ahead of the game.”
Your Next Move
These five questions remind us that in a competitive job market, relationships and authenticity always win. So if you’re job hunting, remember: polish your LinkedIn, own your story, and lean on your community.
Join the conversation and share your own experiences or questions in the Women in Revenue Slack community. And, check out the WIR Events Calendar for future career-boosting opportunities. Together, we’re stronger and smarter in navigating today’s job market.
