6 things you must do to ensure you get the job you want!

 1)    Be positive

It is very easy when you are job-searching to become demotivated. So it is important to apply yourself to your job search in such a way that you remain positive. Having a plan for your job-search that highlights what you want to achieve each day helps you to feel in control. Make sure you also plan in relaxation time, meeting with friends etc. as this also helps to keep your job search activities in perspective.

 

2)   Set goals and targets for your success

Most people do not set goals in their own lives and events tend   to happen by accident or circumstance rather than choice.

However, If we have clear goals and plans for achievement then we are much more likely to succeed, if not completely, certainly in part.

 

“A survey was undertaken of University graduates at Yale University. Only 3% had clear plans for what they wanted to do and how they would achieve this.  A further survey of the same graduates was conducted 20 years later which showed that the 3% who had clear goals were worth more than all the remaining 97%”

 

Your current career change could be regarded as just another set of circumstances in your working life….or….you can regard this change as an opportunity to review where your career is heading and set yourself a clear goal and objectives that will focus your job search accordingly.

 

3)   Keep a record of the vacancies you have applied for

As your job search activities expand you will find you are collecting a lot of information and paperwork, e.g. vacancy information, job specifications, person specifications, literature about companies you have applied to, different versions of your CV, various covering letters etc.

It is important you maintain a record of all your job search activities.  Implementing the following will help you to keep on track:

 

• Set up a folder
• Maintain a diary of dates when CVs and application forms have been sent – note when you will follow these up.
• Note which CV you have sent to which Company – this is important for your interview preparation.
• Maintain an electronic folder of your job search activities labelling files so that you know exactly what they contain.

 

4)  Follow up job applications/CV submissions and Interviews – obtain feedback!

This may seem quite daunting to most but how can you possibly make progress if you don’t learn from your mistakes?  Securing the job you want is a journey and there will be learning points along the way. Don’t be frightened to phone employers and ask for feedback – what was it about your CV that didn’t get you on the ‘to interview list’?

What could you have done at the interview that could have secured you the job?

Most people in today’s economic climate if they haven’t been out of work themselves know someone close to them who has. Most people are also helpful so if you open your conversation by explaining that you are keen to learn from your job search activities and asking if they can provide you with some constructive feedback. Suggest you phone them back at a mutually agreed time….what have you got to lose??

 

5)   Use a mixture of job search techniques – apply for advertised vacancies/make speculative approaches (unadvertised vacancies)/network/register with recruitment agencies.

In order to maximise your opportunities for success it is extremely important that you don’t just concentrate on the advertised job market.

You can increase your opportunities for success by also approaching companies speculatively (this means as far as you are aware the Company does not currently have any vacancies).

However, by sending them your CV with a speculative letter you may be contacting a Company who soon may be thinking about advertising. If they have a number of speculative approaches that they have already received to consider first this has the added benefit to them that they could significantly reduce the cost of recruiting a new employee.

Identify who is in your Network and let them know about the type of work you are looking for; ask them to let to let you know if they hear anything.

Sign up with 5/6 Recruitment Agencies that deal with the types of vacancy/sector you are interested in. Monitor each agency over the ensuing weeks to see how effective they are and be proactive in contacting them regularly (keep your name uppermost in their minds!)

 

6)   Prepare for your Interview

                 “Fail to prepare then prepare to fail!”

 A well-known quote but I cannot stress enough how important it is that you are well prepared for the interview.  You are naturally going to feel nervous but being nervous also boosts the adrenalin which sharpens your ability to respond to questions!

 

To attend the interview knowing that you have prepared well will, however, make you feel more confident and relaxed about the whole situation.

 

The following list includes some pointers for your preparation:

 

• Where is the interview being held; at what time; and where?(it may not be being held at the premises where the invitation to interview letter originated from).
• Who will be interviewing you and how many people? Which roles/departments do the interviewers represent?
• What format will the interview take? Interview? Psychometric test? Walk around the premises? How long will you be required?
• Research the job role – what skills and experience are they looking for?
• Research the CV / Application Form that you sent – know the content inside out.
• Research the Company – what do they do? Who are their customers? What are their products and services? Has there been any recent news in the media about the Company or anything that could affect the Company? How many staff do they employ etc.?

 

If you would like to discuss your own situation in relation to the above then do phone me on 07875 320793….I look forward to having a chat!