Finding the right job is hard enough – convincing your prospective employer to give it to you is even harder, particularly now with some firms cutting back.
However, help is at hand from Suzi Kuban, the Marketing Manager in the Gulf for Hays recruiting. In the first of a two-part Ask the Expert column, she gives advice on finding suitable vacancies and putting a CV together.
What are the best ways to find a new job?
The internet is your best friend during the job search process; it has entirely revolutionized the way we search and apply for jobs. The latest vacancies can be found on recruitment agency sites, a company’s newsletter or website, individual job ads on LinkedIn and online job boards. With so many avenues it’s easy to lose track so I suggest you collate all the jobs that appeal to you over a few days then prioritize your application process according to which one(s) interest you most. Keep a record of all the positions you’ve applied for, how you applied and what sort of responses you received. This is helpful for monitoring the status of the application (and chasing it up), as well as refining your strategy.
Should I just target the companies I want to work for?
There’s some merit in creating a target list of companies you want to work for, because now you’ve decided to find a new career, you should find one with an organisation that you are really going to enjoy and thrive in. However, only using this tactic is going to really limit your options, and your skills may not match their vacancies. So in addition you should reflect upon what your ambitions are, the direction of your career, what your strengths are, which industries are doing well and which aren’t and where you see yourself in five years’ time.
Can I use the same CV for all jobs?
Always tailor your CV for each application, clearly emphasising how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for that particular role. Hiring managers only spend an average time of seven seconds to review a CV, looking out for key words, job titles and companies that match the open position. You can save yourself some time by having a few varied CV templates for each role then tailoring them when applying to specific employers. Contrary to popular belief, submitting a few well-considered applications will land you a job much quicker than churning out a quantity of hurried ones.
What should I put on my CV?
Your resume must look clean and well structured, with enough white space to enhance readability. The basic resume structure is:
Name, address and contact details: Include your phone number and email address.
Personal summary: This is optional, but it’s a good opportunity to highlight in a few sentences what you hope to achieve in your next position and what you feel you can offer. In marketing terms, this is the place for your USP. Tailor this section to each job application.
Skills summary: A skills section can capture attention by making it immediately clear what you can offer. Compile a brief bulleted list of the skills and experience that you possess that are relevant to the role. Wherever possible, use the same adjectives as those used in the advert.
Relevant experience: This is your work history. Work backwards from your most recent job and don’t leave any gaps. Achievements: A future employer will be interested in where you went above and beyond to achieve something. If you have been ‘Employee of the Month’ here is where you say so.
Education: Use your common sense. If you have an advanced degree, few people are going to be concerned about the exams you took when you were 16 years old. Make sure to also include training courses. Interests: These are optional, but should you choose to include it, keep it very brief. And show how your personality is suited to that of the business.
References: It is usually fine to simply say ‘References are available on request’
What makes a good cover letter?
Use your cover letter to highlight your genuine interest and understanding of the role. Structure it so the employer can find what they are looking for, quickly. For instance, the first thing they will be interested in is where you worked last, so address this in your first paragraph. You can also include touches that will help you stand out, for example, find out the recipient’s name and address the letter to them. Also, sign off with your signature and confirming your availability – despite this being of vital information, it is often something that candidates neglect to mention.
Is there any other way to get noticed?
The secret is understanding that a CV’s purpose is not to secure you a job but for it to be enticing enough to take you through to an interview. It is essential that you make the important information as accessible and prominent as possible. Don’t slowly amble in, building up to a crescendo of your proudest accolades – put them front and centre. I’d also advise against personal summaries that are too self-aggrandising, recruiters become immune to words such as “passionate” and “motivated”. Instead demonstrate your ability and success with real facts and figures.
Should I follow up my application?
It is a good idea to follow up to find out the status of your application. This will highlight your proactive attitude, your interest in the role and give you the edge over other applicants. If you find out you’ve been rejected, ask why and use this feedback to adjust your search.
Should I tell my current employer that I’m looking for a new job?
Depending on your situation telling your employer could either help or hinder your career. If you have a good relationship with your boss and it’s clear there is no further career progression available in that company, you might consider speaking to your employer. However, at the end of the day you are not obligated to tell anyone and you don’t want to betray their trust by damaging your loyalty for a new job you don’t have.
Source: 7Days
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