Important things that will help you get hired
With the job market more competitive than ever, you need to give employers a reason why you are the obvious candidate for the advertised position. But, how do you do that? Getting hired is not rocket-science. It is a simple, easy to follow formula that – if done right – will get results.
So instead of just sending off your application and waiting for the phone to ring – which alas, too many of us are guilty - look beyond the obvious and follow these 10 tips to ensure that you get hired faster.
Write Sales letters NOT Covering letters
You need to know how to sell yourself to a potential employer and your application is the first opportunity you have to do just that. Employers will spend as little as 20 to 30 seconds reading an application, so you have to make a strong impression - fast. A sales letter needs to grab the reader's attention within the first paragraph and give an employer a reason to ask you for an interview. For example: “If you are looking for an executive with an excellent track-record, strong contact list and the ability to increase your turnover by 20 per cent, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Tailor your CV
If you are using the same CV for every employer, then it's time to change your game plan. This "scattergun‟ approach alienates employers because your application becomes de-personalised, un-tailored and fails to address the key requirements of the advertised position. Take the time to customise your CV and demonstrate how your experience and skill-set links to the job you are applying to. For instance, if you are applying for a retail position, highlight your retail credentials on your CV.
Follow-up
If you haven't had a response to your application, be proactive by telephoning or emailing and establish personal contact – this will position you at the forefront of their minds and, if they have yet to decide whether to proceed with your application, you have the opportunity to address any reservations they may have about you.
Make the web work for you
You may already be using the web but, are you really using it to your advantage? Post your CV online, create your own job seeker account with the job boards that advertise the type of vacancies you are interested in and, make your details available so that potential employers can seek you out, too.
Tap into the hidden job market
It is often said that personal recommendation is the best form of advertising and that 70-80 per cent of all jobs will never be advertised. So how do you get to hear about these "hidden‟ jobs? By networking. Friends and colleagues – both past and present - within your industry can be an invaluable source of information and recommendations on jobs, a process greatly facilitated by social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
Research your prospects
You will spend around 70 per cent of your waking day doing your job, so it is important that you target those organisations that offer an environment and culture that you will enjoy and thrive in. Many sectors are close-knit which means that there are plenty of opportunities to learn first-hand how an organisation which you are applying operates. This will also give you an insight to the issues facing the organisation which you can use to your advantage by offering a potential solution at interview.
Dress to impress
This is a no-brainer. Simply put: dress for the job you want, not for the job you already have. Your image is the outer reflection of your inner-self allowing people to make judgements and assumptions about your personality and attitude. At interview, always err on the side of caution and follow the assumption that is better overdress than under-dress.
Be on time
Time is a precious commodity in business and as an example, most workers in the UK spend over 40 hours in the office every week. Therefore, recruiting managers have to conduct interviews around a busy schedule – which leaves little margin for late interviewees. Plan your route, allow for potential traffic delays and make sure you arrive at least ten minutes before the start of your interview to get mentally prepared. This will also give you the opportunity to read the company's internal newsletter and swot up on the latest happenings – earning you some brownie points at the same time.
Ask effective questions
An interview is a two-way process: the employer is looking to assess your suitability for the advertised position, whereas you need to establish if they meet the requirements and expectations that you want from an employer. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask that are specific to the position and company you are applying – this will demonstrate that you have done your homework and are interested in the position, not simply going through the motions.
Never give up
If the thought of hearing the postman delivering yet another “Thanks but, No thanks” rejection letter makes you want to give up your job search, don't despair. Getting a new job won't happen overnight and most experts estimate that the average job search can take anywhere between two and ten months – the more "No's‟ you get move you a step closer to that all-important "Yes‟.
Copyright © 2008 Paul MacKenzie-Cummins
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