GUIDES TO EFFECTIVE JOB HUNTING
TIME THINGS RIGHT
Many people rush at a job search and apply for roles they have little interest in or are unlikely to be shortlisted for. So Slow down, take time to look at yourself and your confidence levels; consider how equipped you feel to summarise your strengths.
PLAN FOR REJECTION
Even in a buoyant market, rejection is common; in today's economy you will hear NO a lot more than you hear yes. To maintain your confidence and avoid becoming a job beggar desperate to take anything, cultivate resilience.
GATHER EVIDENCE
Before you begin drafting a CV or stumble into interviews, list raw material from your past – without editing. Draw up a long, unfiltered list of what you've done. Go over every part of your experience which looks like work, including part-time, temporary, unpaid posts and work placements.
DECIDE IN YOUR THREE MAIN MESSAGES
Anyone who recommends you is likely to pass on only three or four items of information about you – your experience, ability and personality. You have more control over this process than you think.
RESEARCH BEFORE YOU JOB SEARCH
Do your homework thoroughly before making any kind of approach – at least two hours of research. If you're called to interview, make your research even more thorough. Don't just repeat information from the organisation's website – try to speak to people who know what the organisation is trying to achieve and the kind of people they're currently looking for.
MARKET TEST YOUR CV
You may be secretly pleased with your CV but it's vital to show it to someone with hiring experience. Ask for a summary rather than an opinion. For example, don't ask "what do you think of my CV?", ask "what does my CV tell you about what I can do next?" If the answer is brief and makes sense, your CV is probably working.
GET INTERVIEW FEEDBACK OUTSIDE THE PROCESS
Many jobseekers waste real job interviews as practice sessions. Interviews are hard enough to get; don't waste them by making basic errors. Find someone who has interviewing experience who will give you honest feedback on first impressions, how you link your experience to the job on offer and how well you handle tricky questions.
APPROACH STYLE
Make direct approaches to organisations who are not currently advertising, build relationships with the right recruitment agencies, talk to people in interesting roles and sectors, and research like mad. Above all, get in front of people too. At least once a week put on smart clothes, find someone to meet so you can practise talking about yourself and what you're looking for. It maintains your confidence levels and ensures you're remembered.