You're searching for a job. Perhaps you want to make a career change, or get a job that pays more or has better prospects for the future. Maybe you have been, or are about to be, made redundant and need to get a new job. Whatever the reason there are many things that you can do to improve your chances and building an online profile is one of them.
1. Put your CV (Resume) online. If employers can download your CV it can make a strong impact. Make sure that the format is widely compatible, PDF is probably best, and that you build in appropriate keywords to your CV and the filename.
2. Present yourself as an expert. If you have skills and expertise then show that online. Write articles and publish them online. You can publish on article sites and also consider trade specific sites. Don't forget about things like blogs and online forums.
3. Get your name out there. Building a good profile on professional networking sites (such as LinkedIn) can make you easy to find and give prospective a lot more information about you.
4. Keep you profiles current. If you are publishing articles, blogging, posting on forums and using networking sites, then remember to keep your profile up to date with any relevant experiences, skills, training etc.
5. Keep your online profile professional. Don't forget that prospective employers can also see what you have posted on social networking sites like Facebook so be careful what goes on there. Make sure your privacy settings prevent casual viewers seeing your full profile and consider if there is anything that you have posted that could harm your chances of getting a job.
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Do you want a new job? Do you want to earn more money, or have more job satisfaction? Perhaps your job is at risk, or your future is unsure. Whatever the reason there are 8 actions you can take to help you get a new job.
1. Decide on the job you want.
It may sound simple but too many people limit themselves too early in the process. Start off by putting down everything you would like to do. You should then consider what you are good at and what you are interested in, and all of the skills you have acquired. You then need to research the potential jobs, find out what they really entail and what skills and training you will need.
2. Create a really powerful CV (Resume).
Remember that your CV (resume) is your foot in the door and the chance to make a great first impression. Make sure that your CV (resume) sells you and your skills without being inaccurate. Make sure that you have a powerful cover letter to go with it.
3. Start looking.
Consider all of the possible ways that you could find the right vacancy. Search on-line but don't forget some of the local businesses. Consider targeting organisations that you would really like to work for and consider any unconventional places that you might find the job that you want.
4. Develop and on-line profile.
Put your CV on-line, build on-line profiles on professional networking sites and get involved in appropriate forums where you can build a positive reputation.
5. Look at all the resources you have available.
Your family and friends may have contacts. Previous employers may be able to give you a referral. If you are being made redundant then make sure you take advantage of any resources that your employer offers.
6. Professionalism counts.
Your CV, cover letters, on-line postings and profiles, all need to represent you in a professional manner. Make sure you are easily contactable by potential employers.
7. Prepare for the interview.
Turn up on time, look right, prepare for the questions that are going to be asked. Thank the interviewer for their time
8. The long term picture.
Consider taking training courses to build new skills. Also consider what the future is likely to hold for your chosen career path, will it still be in demand in 5 years? You could also consider starting your own business as an alternative to working for someone else
If you are looking for a new job and want to find out more then Visit us here! to get a free career change report and CV writing guide | |
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While many jobs are advertised online, in the papers and through recruitment agencies, there are a lot of jobs that never get advertised. They get filled by word of mouth. This is particularly true of some of the more senior positions in an organisation. So how do you get known by the people who can offer you that great job you're looking for? By networking.
What is networking? It's basically getting to know people who can help you to develop your career opportunities. If you're new to this then you're probably wondering how to start.
Look at your old school, college or university. Consider your family members, and even more importantly, the people that they know. Your friends and their families. Former colleagues, or previous bosses. People you meet through clubs, sporting events or any other social activities. Also there are formalised networking clubs and events that you can attend. You should be able to find out about these on the internet. Once you have decided to use networking remember these simple rules.
1. First impressions do count so always look and sound the part.
2. Do some research into your contacts before you get together with them or contact them. It's useful to have some common ground to help build rapport so find out about them and their interests.
3. Don't just ask for a job, networking is not about getting yourself know so that people will think to contact you if they have an opportunity.
4. Networking is a two way process. Take an interest in other people and be prepared to offer them any help and assistance you can.
5. Keep expanding your network and try to get a lot of different types of people in it. It's easy to limit yourself to one group of people and miss out on other opportunities.
6. Don't forget to keep records of the people you meet, what they do and what they are interested in. Aim to keep in touch regularly, even if you're not looking for anything specific from them at that time.
Networking can seem scary to start with. It's worth rehearsing your introduction so that, when meeting new people, you can start the conversation with confidence. Once you get started talking you can find some common ground and go from there.
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My goal is to provide some top questions for supervisors that are commonly asked. Some are tough. Some are easier and some are downright tricky. All of them can make or break an interview.With a little preparation an interview can be very successful with practice and well thought out responses. Below are some questions that you may face and I will try to help you succeed.
Q. Tell me about the contributions you've made to a team.
A. I have helped my last team put together more cohesive presentations for the business. I think our practice and preparation made a very significant impact about how committed we would be to the details. In the end, we improved process and made significant cost reductions.
Tell the interviewer about your initiative within a team. Offer proof, using specific examples, that you delivered more than the team expected and that the team would compliment your contributions to the group's efforts. What special role did you play?
Q. What sets you apart from the crowd?
A. Once I'm committed to a job or a project, I tackle it with tremendous intensity. I want to learn everything I can, and my goal is to achieve results beyond the expectations of my supervisor. I'm very competitive and like to excel at everything I do. I always try to give over one hundred percent.
Your answer should communicate self-confidence, but avoid sounding arrogant. Talk about observations other people have made about your work, talents and successes.
Q. What is your greatest strength?
A. This is a great chance to highlight on your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on several. Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills. Determine which strengths would fit best with the position for which you are applying. For example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management. But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines. I work with teams extremely well and am self motivated.
Q. Why are you the best person for this job?
Be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. Don't try to say you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other applicants. Emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in the appropriate field and have the specific skills you are looking for. I'm a quick learner who adapts quickly to change and will hit the ground running. I'm dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company achieve its goals, and will provide top-quality results with minimal supervision. I'm an outstanding performer who takes pride in my work. I can assure you that you won't have any regrets when you hire me.
One strategy for preparing for interviews is to use the STAR Technique, as outlined below. This technique is often referred to as the SAR and PAR techniques as well.
Situation or Task
Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.
Action you took
Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did.
Results you achieved
What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?
Remember - Stay calm and unflustered and answer in a positive and professional manner.
Use body language that conveys the message that you are comfortable and confident.
Good luck. Practice, practice and practice.
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Getting accepted for a particular job is not as easy as ABC. Most of the time, you will find yourself in the middle of hundreds -- if not thousands of other aspiring applicants fighting to get the position that you want. Employers look for the applicant with the best of everything-personality, confidence, and skills. To increase your chances in a particular job that you are applying for, make sure that you're 100% of every aspect of what the employer is looking for. One of the facets that you need to master when applying for a job is the way you prepare and answer a job application form. To help you in your job-hunting journey, here are 5 secrets to master a job application form.
First and foremost, you must always be prepared. When you apply for a particular job, the moment you step inside the employer's room, expect that he is looking at every possible angle. They would be observing your facial expressions, whether you are nervous or not, and whether you are prepared or not. Try to impress your potential employer by making him feel that you are responsible and attentive. Remember that first impression lasts. Being prepared makes a good first impression to your employer and it is always considered plus points. You would not want to find yourself borrowing a co-applicants pen. Be prepared with the details about your previous employer. You should be prepared mentally and physically.
Once you get a hold of the job application form given by your employer, make sure that you fill it out completely and clearly. Make your hand writing legible and easy to understand. Remember that the employer checks hundreds of application forms every day. You wouldn't want your job application form to end up in the paper shredder just because your handwriting looks awful. Read the directions carefully before you write anything. If questions such as "what is your desired salary" or "what is the position you are applying for", write open or negotiable and open or as appropriate, respectively.
Make sure to prepare your email addresses, voice mails, contact numbers and other references. Preparing your references will allow the employer to contact you and inform you in case you are invited for an interview or accepted for the job. You would not want the employer stumbling just to look for your contact number.
Never forget to proofread your job application form once you finish filling it out. Making no mistakes or erasures in the application form means you are sincere and eager to get accepted for the job. Do not answer haphazardly and avoid making silly comments in the application. Being serious will make your employer feel that you are the perfect person they are looking for.
And last but not the least -- and probably the most important thing of all: be confident. Project yourself as someone they can trust and can create results for the company. Be confident of yourself, your skills and your background, whatever it is. Aside from a comprehensive job application form, your confidence might spell the difference.
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