Getting a job will be one of the most important things you'll ever do in your life. Here are a few tips about getting a job.
 |
If you are not working, the best way to a permanent job or to get more experience in order to get a job, is to work as a 'temp'. It is now the most popular route for employers to find staff and 'try before you buy' works both ways and also enables YOU to assess the company before accepting a permanent job. Working on temporary assignments helps to build your confidence, expand your experience and, remember, any temporary assignments and the experience you obtain, can be added to your CV.
The
first thing to do when you are looking for work is to decide what
you enjoy and what you are good at, which tend to be
the same thing. Some people like working as a member of a team,
others work better on their own. Perhaps you're the sort of
person who likes following procedures, having an 'in' tray and an
'out' tray, or do you prefer a more dynamic environment when
every day is a surprise. Do you enjoy 'research' or do you prefer
interaction with other people. Are you happier working at a
computer, or on the telephone and meeting people?
All of these questions are important in assessing your suitability for a job and in ascertaining what you have to offer a potential employer. What experience have you had that has enabled you to make these assessments of yourself? Have you had holiday jobs, have you worked at home, helped a family member etc. In my experience, the thing which people have most difficulty with is assessing their own qualities and strengths. If you're not sure about this, ask family and friends to help you to do the analysis.
The best way to begin your job search is to put yourself in the position of an employer. Think, if I were the employer, what would I be looking? Over and above the skills required for any particular job, what attributes would an ideal employee have? We all prefer to have someone around who has a positive attitude to life, someone who is pleasant and cheerful; a person who gets on well with others, communicates well, would easily fit in with the current organisation. Someone who is flexible, ready to help out in an emergency and doesn't panic. Someone with commonsense and initiative - not someone who has to be lead by the hand on every task. These are all qualities which are rare and, from an employer's point of view, worth investing in. If you were the employer, what sort of person would you choose?
The truth is, if you LOOK and ACT like the sort of person an employer would like to have around then you're already halfway to getting the job.
Whether we like it or not, FIRST IMPRESSIONS DO COUNT. Most employers invest some time, energy and money into the establishment of their CORPORATE IMAGE - this can range from the design and colour of their letterheads and logo, the delivery vans they use, the message of their advertising campaign, to the way the telephonist answers the telephone. There are few employees in any business who do not come into contact with other people, whatever their role within the company. Posture, dress, voice, smile, general presentation, can have an enormous effect not only on the company's clients, but also on internal staff morale and standards.
A well-presented CV is essential as a first step to getting a job. The CV should include biographical details of qualifications and experience, but it should also show competencies and aptitudes. Your written presentation is as important as your physical one. The compilation of your CV is like painting a picture of yourself. How do I want to be seen? What sort of impression of me does this give? You have to present enough evidence to convince the employer he should see you. The objective is to get an interview.
On your CV include any hobbies, interests, achievements; any courses you have completed including short courses like First Aid, which is always useful in the workplace. List any work experience beginning with the LAST job, specifying duties and responsibilities - even holiday work shows a willingness to work and flexibility.
Obtain references whenever possible and keep the originals. Words like loyalty, honesty, hard-working, reliable, cheerfulness, are always eye-catching to any potential employer. Anything to give you the edge over the competition. The CV should be pleasing on the eye, symmetrical and easy to read. It may be necessary to adapt your CV to different jobs you may apply for, giving a change of emphasis. Use good quality paper to print or write your CV on. Compile a well-laid out and informative introductory letter to accompany the CV, referring to the advertisement and where you saw it. If you have identified companies you would like to work for, then write to them, enclosing the CV and copy references and convince them they should meet you. Find out the name of the person you should contact and the correct address and send them your personalised mailshot.
So here we are, the employer was so impressed with the personality projected through the CV and introductory letter that he's decided to meet you, even though you may not be entirely suitable for the position as he sees it. If he doesn't feel you could fill the vacancy advertised he might be so impressed after the interview that he finds something else more suitable or genuinely keeps you in mind for the next appropriate vacancy.
Before the interview, check on the location of the company - some companies have a number of sites - make sure you know which one you're going to. Don't underestimate your journey time, and make sure you have the correct name/s and title/s of the person you are meeting.
Show your initiative and interest in the company. Research company products and background. Check out their website. Prepare questions to ask at a suitable opportunity. Avoid questions about holidays or sick leave entitlement.
I'm sure you've done some work on how to perform your best at an interview. What do you think are the most important things to watch out for when you've got an interview date?
Apart from the obvious priority of arriving in good time for an INTERVIEW, the most important thing is what you look like. Wear something comfortable and appropriate for the job vacancy; don't overdress; take care with your appearance, personal cleanliness, hair, moderation in jewellery, makeup etc. TIDY is the key word. Many people blow the interview because of what they're wearing, like, on one occasion, shocking pink trainers.
Body language. Begin with a firm handshake and a friendly smile. Don't fidget, put yourself in a comfortable position and, if you're nervous keep your hands together or in one place. Look the interviewer in the eye but don't stare - this can be very off putting. If you're nervous, get a friend or family to do some 'role play' to increase your confidence. Smile and be polite to all the staff you meet - they are an important link in the recruitment process and could swing a decision in your favour.
Be yourself, believe in yourself and your capability to do the job. Your attitude is crucial. Be confident but not overconfident. Be courteous, wait until you're invited to sit down. If there is something you don't understand, then ask. Express your willingness to train and grow with the job. Interviews are not a one-way street - participate in what's going on.
Prepare responses to possible questions like 'why do you think you can do this job?' What are your strengths and weaknesses? BE positive and enthusiastic. Don't complain or give negative information. It doesn't impress a potential employer to hear what was wrong with a previous employer.
It may be relevant to take samples of work with you, or copies of references, even if you sent them with the CV, they may not have reached the person interviewing you.
Another firm handshake and a warm smile and 'thank you for seeing me'. If you would like the job then say so. If you like the company, say so and why. Try to ascertain how long it will be before a decision is made but don't be too insistent.
If
you don't get that job, then it just means there's a better one
waiting for you!
Park Lane House, High Street, Welshpool, SY21 7JP.
Tel: 01938-555222 Fax: 01938-555800
e-mail : jobs@rainbow-recruitment.co.uk