April 27, 2010
How to Be a Better Jobseeker
Limited job vacancies means greater competition among jobseekers for work, so to get that job you have to make your job application stand out from the rest. You need every advantage you can get. The following advice has been obtained from a number of professionals in the recruitment field and will help. It highlights the three main phases of a job application – the CV, the interview and post-interview. Alternatively, you can always approach a professional recruitment consultant for advice.
The CV
Recruiters and hiring managers are often flooded with CVs for every post they advertise. Yours will be just one among many, so it is vital that it stands out if it is to attract their attention. To have the best chance, your CV should be well formatted using a standard font like Times New Roman or Ariel. It should be clear and easy to read and should be tailored to the particular job you are applying for. It should have:
A short paragraph at the top explaining your skills and attributes.
A list of relevant qualifications.
Your career history, highlighting key responsibilities and any achievements.
Keep it to no more than two sides of A4.
The interview
The interview is the crucial phase of your job application. You have got this far because your CV looked impressive and you have been short-listed as a possible new employee. There are two types of interview – the telephone interview and the face-to-face interview.
For the telephone interview you should note the following:
Make sure you are somewhere quiet and will not be disturbed.
Think before you answer.
Ask the interviewer to repeat a question if you don’t hear it clearly.
Have some prepared questions to ask at the end.
Speak clearly and confidently.
For a successful face-to-face interview you should:
Do your homework. Find out what you can about the company, its history, competitors and plans for the future. Also find out about the position you hope to fill.
Anticipate likely questions and have answers prepared.
Ask sensible questions about the company and the job.
Be on time and dress appropriately; this shows respect and shows your professionalism.
Turn off your mobile phone.
Never comment adversely about your current position or previous jobs or your employer(s). It shows disloyalty and suggests that you might make similar comments about your prospective employer if you move on later.
After the interview
When the interview is over thank the interviewer for his time, shake hands and leave. Wait until you have left the building before taking out your mobile phone and texting or making calls; you don’t want to give the impression that the interview was an intrusion on your busy social life.
Also, and vitally important, don’t go on Facebook and tell everyone about the interview. Certainly don’t make any critical remarks about the interviewer or the company, even if you have been unsuccessful – they could come back to haunt you.
If you are offered the job, make sure that it is really right for you before you accept and make sure that you understand the terms and conditions being offered. And, when you leave your old job, depart with grace. Thank them for the time you worked there and the experience you gained, even if you hated it. Always leave a good impression and never burn your bridges.
