Job Searching Advice

There is a lot going on in the world right now and unfortunately, the housebuilding industry is one of those facing its own challenges. From recruitment freezes, promotion freezes, redundancies and in extreme cases companies going into administration there’s a lot going on.

If you have been made redundant then temporarily your job is now basically finding yourself a job. I've put together some tips and tricks (in no particular order) to hopefully help you with your search.

1.????Update your CV: The very first thing you should do is update your CV and don’t panic and rush it make sure it’s good because it’s your CV that ultimately will open doors for you

2.????Create or Update your Linkedin profile: If you don’t have it LinkedIn is one of the biggest professional networks used for connecting and strengthening professional relationships. Out of date profiles don’t rank highly in Linkedin searches algorithms so if you’re actively looking for work and you want to be seen you should update your profile at least once a week. You can also set your profile status to #opentowork visible for everyone to see. ??

3.????Ask your employer for written references: References need to be taken but to save your references getting contacted over and over for things which aren’t concrete (which can be annoying!) perhaps attaching a couple of written references to your CV/applications might help. These are also a speedy way for someone to get a feel for what you’re like sooner rather than later instead of waiting for someone to return a phone call.

4.????Be proactive: Get ready to be proactive with your search. I know this is your career and not a game show but you absolutely have to be in it to win it. In a tough market like we’re seeing you unfortunately aren’t the only one looking for work. Everyone that’s recruiting is pretty much looking for the same thing but only 1 of those so you need to be at the front of the queue and when you get there you need to stand out (and I don’t mean for all the wrong reasons)

5.????Sign up with a recruitment agency. One good recruiter could have access to hundreds of companies (that’s companies not to mention contacts!) which could suit you. Not only that we can help you with your CV, interview prep and constructive feedback, salary negotiation and lots more. We also have access to opportunities which aren’t on the wider market meaning you can get ahead of the competition.

6.????Network Network Network: Start networking with old colleagues, existing supply chain, strangers on Linkedin, basically anyone that’s human and could offer you a job. And recruiters

7.????Don’t be picky! Okay, that doesn’t mean go for interviews for jobs which are completely irrelevant with companies you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. It does mean if you’re not 100% sure about something but feel like it could be suitable and you are given the opportunity to explore it further – GO! What’s the worst that could happen is a bit of interview practice to brush you up on your interviewing skills getting you ready to smash the interview for the job you really do want. Doesn’t sound bad to me.

8.????Search the job boards: Find some industry-specific job boards so the opportunities you find will most likely be relevant to your skill set. For the construction industry typically we use Career Structure & Totaljobs, and CV Library. You can browse for jobs and sign up for job alerts when something suitable pops up.?

9.????Search vacancy pages: Lots of companies nowadays update their careers pages regularly but even if they haven’t got anything specific right now they often provide details so you can register your details. You could upload your details or go one better and give them a call and introduce yourself. The difference between the two could be what it takes in making you stand out and secure a meeting. Okay, so what if the application process has expired? It means nothing. Until someone walks through the door on day 1 of their new job nothing is set in stone. The recruitment process can take several weeks and lots goes on behind the scenes so still make enquiries and don’t be put off by this.

10.?Network on Linkedin: You know those companies you’ve always admired in the industry, perhaps they are competitors or you’ve just heard good things. Well most of their staff will be on Linkedin so why not reach out to them and connect (always include a message there’s more chance of getting accepted) and you could be working for your dream company before you know it. You can also follow activity on your preferred companies on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram to keep an eye out for any contacts or jobs which might suit

11.?Phone companies directly: Don’t just fire a Cover Letter and CV to loads of different people, call them. It’s too easy for people to just delete your details or file them away on email because you’re not suitable on paper for the job at hand or they aren’t recruiting but you’ll get so much more out of a conversation. If you’re good and you come across well they will listen. And you never know it could lead to something. I’ve had clients in the past who haven’t necessarily been recruiting but have created positions for people because they are that good. It happens. It could be you. Pick up that phone!

12.?Think outside the box: At every stage of the process you have to try and think outside the box and set yourself apart from the competition. Be proactive, phone, email, and message to get yourself on someone’s radar. That doesn’t mean stalk or going crazy harassing people or companies. An introduction using each of those methods should do the trick and perhaps a follow-up a few days later. ?I have a part-time job marking mock exam papers for the 11+ exams in Berkhamsted. The role was advertised on Facebook which was flooded with interest and I thought I wouldn’t stand a chance not to mention the fact I didn’t have a CV (I can’t believe as a recruiter I’m confessing that but here we are). Anyway rather than being just another comment in the thread I thought outside the box, looked into the business, added the owner on Linkedin with a personalised message, tried to call and left a message and then followed up with an email. – I got the job.

13.?Go for the same jobs as your colleagues: When companies go into administration it’s very common for several people to be exploring the same opportunities. I’ve spoken to people in the past who have said ‘If Joe Bloggs already has an interview there then I’ll leave them to it I don’t want to tread on toes and they deserve to find something’ or ‘I’ve already got a few interviews lined up so I’ll leave that job opportunity to Joe Bloggs’ – I totally respect and admire this because after all people are just looking out for one another something which more people should do in the world but the reality is you have to look after No1 and that’s YOU. You cannot predict the outcome of any interview process and what if Joe Bloggs isn’t interested anyway but it could be the perfect opportunity for you. And whilst your experience might be similar to your ex-colleague we are all different and sometimes personality over experience wins the race! You have to put yourself out there and that also means competing with your ex-colleagues.

14.?DON’T GIVE UP: Finding a job can be a very challenging task combined with many hurdles and sometimes it can feel like you’re getting nowhere. I know because I experience this regularly. If finding people jobs and filling jobs was easy I would be rich by now but what I do know is every single hurdle and every little knockback, is a step in the right direction for getting the results. As long as you are proactive, consistently doing things like the above, dipping into your job search on a regular daily basis and putting yourself out there then your time will come.