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by jlgaddis 3598 days ago
I'm pretty sure most of them don't.

My resume is either still out there on some "jobs" web site somewhere or it's been sold/shared between recruiting firms as I still get one or two "cold" e-mails a week from a recruiter; I haven't been "looking" for 5+ years.

In mine, near the beginning, it says something to the effect of "If the responsibilities for your position include the words 'Microsoft' or 'Windows' anywhere, I am not interested in the position. Please do not contact me."

The last recruiter e-mail I received, two days ago, says:

> Your profile came up in my database as a possible candidate that might be qualified for a new Windows Systems Admin I received in my office this morning. My client is with the Department of Defense and is looking for someone with a MSCA [sic] or MCSE or higher for this role.

I believe the overwhelming majority of them don't look at them at all. They punch a keyword or two into their database, then, like spammers, blast the same form e-mail out to anyone whose name comes up.

2 comments

> "If the responsibilities for your position include the words 'Microsoft' or 'Windows' anywhere, I am not interested in the position. Please do not contact me."

You're going to hold off the recruiters who conscientiously scan resumes and take such requests seriously at the expense of triggering automated scans for those keywords. I doubt if it's a net win.

Additionally, as someone who isn't a recruiter and doesn't work with any Microsoft products, this might actually come off as a bit of a red flag. The intention may be to stave off recruiters that blindly fire off job postings, but it comes off as egotistical.
Broadly this.

If your CV mentions you connect to, use API of, or sit next to someone using some random thing you'll be regularly contacted for work in that random thing. Most recruiters seem to stop at a keyword match or two.

Interviewers and potential employers are much more likely to look, and follow through with relevant questions at interview.