Speeding up your search for jobs
23/08/2010
Are you looking for some of the excellent jobs London has to offer but getting tired of the process? Finding a job doesn’t have to be a drawn-out affair. If you know how to go about it the right way you will be sitting in your new position in no time! All you need to do is plan out your job search accordingly.
First of all, you need to know what kind of job you are looking for. Narrow down your job search by evaluating your skill sets and interests. Maybe you can find a way to combine your degree with something you are truly passionate about. If you do enough research, there is always a position out there that can combine both.
After you know what type of position you are looking for, you need to devise a CV and cover letter. This is what prospective employers will ask of you before they consider an interview. Take your time with both since they will be the first impression you offer employers.
To have the best luck, make your CV highly targeted and specific. This means including skills employers will be looking for. If you have previous experience in jobs related to the vacancy, be sure that is included. For example, perhaps you have a relevant degree or obtained skills in a previous position. When employers see you have relevant experience, they will put you on the top of their list to interview!
Make sure your cover letter is highly relevant as well. This is usually the first thing prospective employers look at. Take the opportunity to include things you might not be able to include in your CV. The more unique you can make your cover letter the better.
Avoiding generic templates will work to your advantage. Make your letter personal. Address a person’s name instead of a generic sir or madam. Write about topics they have specified in the job description to show you are interested. The more specific and in line with the job outline you make your letter, the higher chance you have at hearing back from an employer.
When you are done writing your CV and cover letter, start sending them out to prospective employers. Consider the appropriate channel to use to expedite the process. The way you choose to send out your applications will save you a lot of time.
If you are looking for a highly-specialised position, then a local paper or magazine ad might not be the best way to apply. Instead, consider using an employment agency to target your job search.
An employment agency is best for professional type positions that might not be advertised in other places. Agencies will match your skills with those of prospective employers. The process is usually completely free to do which makes it worth it!
Another free and highly targeted way to seek a position is through online recruitment services. With an online service all you have to do is create a profile and submit your CV and cover letter. An online service attracts a large pool of employers that browse through job seeker profiles. This increases your chances of getting noticed much quicker than sending your information out one by one.
Online recruitment services automate the process. This means your job search becomes tailored to what you are looking for. For example, perhaps you only want to look for jobs Birmingham provides. You can specify this when creating your profile for the recruitment service.
Before you know it, you will be receiving responses from employers from Birmingham that want to speak to you. Usually, they will initially request to have an informal phone interview.
This is a great opportunity for you to feel out if you are really interested in the position. You can do this by asking questions and familiarising yourself with the vacancy. Also, it will give the interviewer the chance to see how strong a candidate you are.
A phone interview is an opportunity to guarantee a formal interview. This means asking relevant questions, showing a strong interest as well as positive attitude. Offer examples of previous work experience that will show employers you are worth bringing in for a formal chat.
When they invite you for a formal interview, don’t get too nervous. Instead, take the time to prepare yourself as much as possible. Consider everything from appropriate attire to the kind of questions they might ask you.
Dress for the role. If you are applying for a part time position at a pub then you can probably get away with more casual dress. However, if it’s for a professional position then you need to dress business appropriate. If you are dressed inappropriately, then this could be an immediate way for employers to eliminate you.
Retain a positive attitude: employers will base their perception of the way you might act if hired on the kinds of behaviour you display during the interview process [PW1]. This means being polite and smiling. If they ask you questions about a previous position, don’t speak negatively about a previous employer.
Remember, it’s important to interview employers as well. All employers will expect you to have a list of questions to ask them during the interview. This will make you look prepared and eager to learn about their company. Also, it will help you gauge how well they treat their employees and how they operate.
After going for a few interviews, you will begin hearing back from employers offering you job offers. Make sure to take your time in accepting an offer. Not every employer will be a perfect match and it’s best to notice this before agreeing to a position.
Once you have your mind made up, notify your new employer and get the ball rolling. Before you know it you will be in a new routine with new work mates and hopefully much more money!