Limited Series—Recruiter Reflections: Bayan Farah, Abt Global
Abt Global Talent Coordinator Bayan Farah discusses "dos" and "don'ts" for early professionals and lessons she's learned along the way.
Regardless of how long you have been following this page, you know that “Public Health Hiring Help” has been, more or less, a one-trick pony—sharing job and internship postings. I’d like to think my little corner of Substack does this one thing well. I will continue to share these listings, for sure, but it’s time to teach this pony a new trick. So, as always, don’t forget to subscribe and share to keep up with all the public health hiring help coming your way ;)
Introducing “Recruiter Reflections”, a new limited series here in “Public Health Hiring Help”, in which I sit down with talent acquisition specialists from all avenues of public health and ask them for the tips and tricks that will help YOU get hired!
Our first installment is a real treat. Meet Bayan Farah, a Global Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Abt Global, a consulting and research company. Bayan has a particularly needed perspective during these tumultuous times—she was furloughed for 7 weeks before being hired back a month ago. It’s given her a greater appreciation for the mix of experiences the public health workforce has been going through in 2025.
What does a day in the life of a recruiter look like?
BF: “Personally a lot of my engagement with external clients is mostly either through LinkedIn or by email. I am also one of the people that oversees like the general recruiting email for Abt Global. I answer the inquiries and emails that come through the recruiting inbox. That email is on our website so a lot of people usually send messages or questions through there. My personal email is mainly where I'm interacting with candidates that we are interviewing or phone screening. Through LinkedIn, it would either be like candidates that have applied for positions at Abt and just want to see if we can set up a chat about the company culture or workflow.”
How is Abt fairing, given its previous partnership with USAID?
BF: “We don't have a hiring freeze, but we are hiring for a very small number of positions. We're very optimistic that it will change. For now, it feels good to know that what's driving our work is wanting to do our best every single day in hopes of bringing back our colleagues.”
Typically, what do you look for in candidates? What helps them stand out?
BF: “That's a good question! My first answer is always transferable skills—that’s a big one! I look for someone that is able to just apply the skills that they've used in their previous positions into one that's here, as well as someone that is good at communicating. I really like someone that like has the whole Microsoft Suite proficiency and being pretty advanced there.
I also want to see someone that is an advocate for their own professional development. I love seeing certifications or awards or any publications throughout their resume. That's huge! That helps me see how motivated, consistent, committed they are to their own professional development and growth.
I personally love cover letters too! I know a lot of companies say not to send a cover letter and they don’t even review them, but we like it! Of course, it depends on the recruiter though. Here at Abt, we don't use AI at the moment, so every single application is reviewed by human eyes. I love going to the cover letter just to see a little bit more about how the person will apply themselves to the role and why they're interested in the position or the company. It's kind of like a little story. I like the narrative side because resumes are very bullet point, which is good. Usually recruiters will review resumes for, I would say, like 40 seconds honestly—like less than a minute. We'll see exactly what we need: school, positions, what they have been doing in these positions, skills. But cover letters! I like to sit there and just read a little bit more about them.
Additionally, I like when a candidate is very involved, or someone that will keep up with their application. Honestly, I think it’s very important to slide into the recruiter's DMs on LinkedIn and just be like, ‘Hey, I just applied to this position, and I would love to either chat about the company or just like see where my application is.’ That recruiter will see your name and your message through LinkedIn and, whenever they are recruiting or reviewing the actual applicants in the position, your name will have already registered because they've seen it. They will say to themselves, ‘Wait, do I know this person?’ And, then, they spend more time reviewing that candidate. I am a bit advocate for candidates reaching out to the recruiter that's listed on the position itself like on the posting or going to the company's profile and seeing if they could find any recruiters and message them.”
What are common mistakes applicants make?
BF: “Another good question! I would say there's a couple. For instance, with the internship program that we have, I feel like a common mistake that a student would make through there is not applying to more than one position. Give yourself as many chances as possible. If you see that you are a possible fit for this position and like three other positions, apply to all of them! Don't just choose one and hope that this is going to be the one. Put in your application for all of them. Even if you think that you're not fully a fit for the role, still put your application in. And this applies for full time positions too. If you are on a company's website and you see their list of openings, apply to as many as you are eligible for, even if you think that it's like a little bit outside your qualifications. Maybe it needs like two years more experience than what you have? Still apply for it. Just putting your application in helps you because the recruiter sees your name gets familiar with it.
Another common mistake is just not reading the job description. Some candidates will apply for a position without like even reading the full job description. I feel like it's really important to read the job description and tweak your resume and/or cover letter to make sure that it lines up with the job description. That's super important but it doesn't need to be a whole thing. I know a lot of people love using ChatGPT. And, I get it, it's cool. You can use the resources that are out there for you but, at the end of the day, you really just need to put in key words from the job description and just change a word or two in your resume to make sure that it matches up with the job description.
Candidates that don't follow up or send a thank-you message after a phone-screen are also making a mistake. It’s those little things that really make a huge impact for you.
And, of course, respond to your emails as soon as possible. I know that people are students, and sometimes it's hard, but it's a good look for you if you're very responsive and can reply to the recruiter within mere hours. And then just follow up, send thank-you messages after interviews, or ask where you are or how long the process.
Oh, and one of the biggest mistakes, is not using your network, especially now. Reach out to everyone that you've connected with like, whether it's like someone that you met at conference or someone that you're connected with on LinkedIn. Who knows! They could refer you to a position or send you any other positions that they think that you could be a fit for. Use your connections! Use your network! Tap into that! Don't just be going around building your network without actually revisiting them and communicating with them. Follow up and have a conversation or two here and there.”
What advice to you have to young professionals at this time?
BF: “Don't rush into anything. It’s sad to see, but I feel like a lot of companies and teams are now taking advantage of how vulnerable the market is and how vulnerable lots of clients are. Don't rush into anything that that you think it's just like ‘Oh I'm just doing this for a paycheck’ or ‘Oh I'm just going to do this for six months’. That six months can turn into two years very easily and you could be staying with them for longer than you anticipate. Don't just accept the first thing that comes your way because you’re impatient. Unless, of course, it's obviously very needed. Generally, though think about it more than just rushing into things.
I would also say explore everything! Look at all the options! This is your time. It's a tough market, but this is your time to explore whatever aligns with your interests. Whether you want to do communications, whether you want to do research, whether you wanted to start your own business, go for it! These are unprecedented times--anything goes!
Additionally, take advantage of your downtime. Obviously, it's easier said than done, which I say as someone who was in the same boat. It’s hard--you feel unmotivated, maybe a little depressed. Just try to get yourself out there and try to see what your options are.
And, don’t forget to rest. That is a big one! It's kind of hard to unplug, but I am a huge advocate for people to rest, even though it seems like we need to be in fight or fight mode right now. If you can, just go for like two or three days unplugged, don't scroll, don't go on LinkedIn, just really take the time to rest. You might not get a rest like this anytime soon.”
Any parting words?
Public health students, you are so valued! Even though I know it might seem like the American market doesn't want you right now, please stay committed in your line of work. We need you. We won't survive if you guys aren't in the field and if you guys like aren't committed to your work and your research. Your expertise is so valued, and everyone around the world appreciates you and values you and sees you. Don't feel discouraged—obviously easier said than done—but just know how much you are valued and know your worth. I know how easy it is to feel discouraged, how easy it is to be unmotivated, but surround yourself with people that are encouraging you and that hear you, see you, feel you, and understand you. I know it may not seem like it at this time, but you are so very valued and appreciated and needed and you are worth it. Stay committed to the grind!