6 Things Every Jobseeker Should Know
Posted on 27. Aug, 2013 by Iqcguest in Jobs
In an increasingly competitive job market, you can have as many as one hundred people vying for the same job role. In many cases, it’s the small details that let an applicant down: an uninspiring CV, an incautious online profile, unsuitable clothing in interviews. Although this may seem unnecessarily harsh, you can understand the employers’ reasoning: why employ somebody who doesn’t take sufficient pride in themselves or their abilities?
For guaranteed success, follow these guidelines. That dream job is within your grasp.
1) Revise Your CV
This may seem obvious but it is frequently overlooked by jobseekers. Many applicants continue to use outdated CVs or submit the same CV to every job going, whether it’s for a children’s playgroup or a prestigious law firm. Since it takes ten seconds for your CV to make an impression, ensure it’s a good one.
Read the job description carefully. What skills do you have that match the person they’re looking for? Showcase your past experience; rather than say “I’m great at managing people”, give evidence of that. Eradicate bland fillers such as ‘I’m a team player’ or ‘I manage well under pressure’. Make your CV as unique as you are, and relevant to the job you’re applying for. Prove that you really want this job.
2) Enrol With Recruitment Agencies
Since you’re only one person, you can’t be expected to notice every job vacancy out there. If you want your CV to be seen by a larger number of employers, a good move would be to enrol with a recruitment agency; visit Agency Central, the UK’s biggest agency directory.
Recruitment agencies can help you enormously. Their consultants are trained professionals who will only put you forward for roles you are qualified for; they can negotiate your pay; they have access to unadvertised roles that might be perfect for you. Your application will have far more clout coming from a respected agency.
3) Use a Range of Methods
In this digital age, many jobseekers believe that the Internet is the primary, if not the only, way to look for work. Although the Internet is exceptionally useful, and makes it easier to apply for jobs than previously, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Don’t underestimate the power of tried and tested methods such as going into a shop and handing in your CV, or looking at the job adverts in your local newspaper. Keep an eye out for vacancies in shop windows; going in and introducing yourself will give you an edge over a faceless candidate who applied online. You could miss out on golden opportunities by limiting your search to the Internet.
4) Use the Right Envelopes
If you’re sending away a CV or an application form, you want it to arrive at its destination crease free so you need to have a large envelope. You have to be careful, however; if you don’t address the envelope correctly and give it the correct number of stamps, your application may never be sent.
Err on the side of caution; take your letter into the post office. They will advise on the correct number of stamps and how to send your application.
For all your job hunting essentials, e.g. envelopes and address labels, go to RDirect, an online postal supplies shop.
5) Regulate Your Online Profile
Although the Internet is one of the best job seeking platforms out there, it can hinder more than it helps. Companies are discovering the value of social media and using it to screen potential employees.
Think before you post. Do you really want future employers to see pictures of your hen party in Magaluf? Don’t engage in incriminating behaviour, particularly saying indiscreet things about your current employer. If Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites are your public face, you want that face to be as positive as possible.
6) Dress To Impress
A jobseeker should have a versatile range of smart clothing for interviews. If you don’t have anything suitable in your wardrobe, visit a corporate clothing specialist such as Homzar Ltd.
Your appearance at an interview speaks volumes: how seriously you’re taking this interview, how you would present yourself if you were successful, whether you would be a natural fit with the company. It’s always better to be ‘too smart’ than too casual, whatever the industry. Remember: first impressions count.