So you need to find your next role, but although a positive mind set and a steely determination is great, you need to ensure you have a plan in place to give you the best chance of success. Check out our top tips below for finding your next role and remember, for free career guidance, give us a call – we would love to help!
Consider a dedicated email address and/or phone for job searches. This way you know that every email or call coming in is related to your job search and there will be no chance of mixing up personal and business matters.
Tailor your CV. Take the time to customise your CV depending on the role you are applying for; read the job advertisement or specification, pick out the essential skills and experience required, and make sure your CV reflects this. By doing this you will be increasing your chances of being shortlisted for future roles.
Proof read. Check your CV and application letter for typos and grammatical errors. Most recruiters and employers will assume that if your CV is written carelessly then that attitude will carry over into your work.
Provide recent examples of your achievements. Ensure these closely match the requirements of the job. CV’s simply listing your previous duties and responsibilities don’t give a true picture of the value you would bring as a potential employee. Give specific, measurable examples, backed up with facts and figures.
Use the internet as much as possible. Register on job boards, set up search notifications to receive roles by email, upload your CV to relevant job sites and make it public so that recruiters can search for you, find your details and contact you with appropriate roles. Also don’t forget the power of social media, join and post in recruiter business pages and groups, follow recruiters and potential employers on Twitter and scan every day to look out for any opportunities which may be relevant. LinkedIn is invaluable for both recruitment and job searches. Ensure your profile is fully up to date and optimised with relevant key words so that you will come up in recruiter job searches.
Network. It’s often that we find opportunities through friends, family and colleagues so let as many people as possible know you are looking for your next role as you never know when someone may think of you and put your forward for something!
Perfect your interview technique. Many interviewers complain that interviewees let themselves down by turning up late and being inappropriately dressed. Spend at least two hours researching the organisation and interviewers and prepare answers for the questions you could be asked.
• Prepare your own questions. Many interviewers say that it is often the interviewee’s questions that reveal their true motivation and commitment to the job. Ask questions that demonstrate the time you have spent preparing for the interview and your level of knowledge about the employer’s business.
Interview techniques have changed. Employers still conduct traditional interviews but increasingly they are also using behavioural or competency based interviews to probe your past experience and test that your personality is a good fit for a particular role/company. Questions that begin, “can you tell us about a time…” or “can you give us an example…” are almost certainly competency questions.
Be prepared to attend an assessment day. Employers use assessment centres as part of their selection process. These may be half or full day events run for a number of candidates. They were typically used for graduate jobs but they are increasingly being used to select more experienced staff, particularly where there are multiple vacancies.
Best of luck and remember to put the work in now and you will be rewarded in the future!