10 things that will get you the job
Do you want to extend your time looking for a job? Of course not. Candidates are always on the lookout for the most efficient, effective way to find new work. Bear in mind the following tips during your job search and interview processes, and make your job hunting should whiz by.
1. Customise your CV and covering letter.
Customise your CV for the jobs you're after. One size doesn't fit all; you're an individual so show it. Many online recruitment sites show sample CVs and provide expert tips on how you should tailor yours.
2. Diversify your search.
If you've been responding to newspaper ads with no response, also post your CV online, search some job websites, talk to your friends and attend an industry trade show. The more ways you search, the more likely you are to connect with the right employers. The latest figures from the British Market Research Bureau show that using the Internet is the favoured job-hunting method for one-in-four UK adults.
3. Don't go solo.
The University of London says up to 60 per cent of jobs never make it to print. One of the keys to creative job-hunting is creating a network of contacts as a source of information about the career that you're interested in, and as a way to get yourself known by the right people. Who knows - a friend-of-a-friend might hold the perfect lead. Let your contacts know you're on the job market. Or look online: with more than 95,000 members worldwide, Ecademy is a valuable place to meet business movers and shakers.
4. Find a company where you fit in.
Browse potential employers' websites and ask your friends about what it's like to work at their companies. Employers are looking for candidates who would be a good fit and thrive within the company culture.
5. Don't get discouraged.
Experts estimate the average job search to last anywhere between three and 10 months - and that means a lot of rejection. Keep at it: your dream job is out there.
6. Always be prepared.
You can never be too prepared for your first meeting with a potential employer. Before your interview, always browse the company's website. Find out as much as you can about the company's products, leadership, mission and culture. Prepare answers to common interview questions and be ready for difficult ones.
7. Be on time.
Whether it's an informal or formal interview, always arrive about 10 minutes early. Allow plenty of time for traffic, transport delays and bad weather.
8. Dress and act the part.
Good interview technique is as much about looking the part as verbally communicating well. Around two-thirds of human communication is non-verbal and lasting impressions are formed quickly, largely based on appearance. In fact, the way you walk and stand accounts for 80 per cent of someone's first impression of you. A well-tailored suit is almost always appropriate for interviews.
9. Showcase your talents.
Your CV may show off your experience and business sense, but what about showcasing your creative side and extracurricular interests by setting up a blog? A MySpace editor such as www.strikefile.com/myspace can help you create an impressive offering quickly. Then simply bring your laptop with you. Taking time to create a short, snazzy presentation could also be impressive. But avoid being cheesy.
10. Ask good questions.
At the end of an interview, the employer will inevitably ask if you have any questions. Have a list of questions prepared that showcase your company research and interest in the position.
The right job for you may not be easy to find but keep trying and make sure that you spend enough time searching in the right places. Remember - the more opportunities you have, the better the job that you’ll be able to choose.
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