The big job hunt: pt3

Read pt 1 here & pt 2 here

THE INTERVIEW

1. P.M.A

Positive Mental Attitude. This is absolutely key. If you go into the interview thinking you might not do well the chances are, you won’t do well. You need to have confidence. You may not feel like you’re the best candidate for the job but you are. Another thing to remember is that this is your one shot. So be the most confident and positive you can and go for it. Treat it as a one shot opportunity and give it all you’ve got.

2. SPEAK UP
It's important, especially during a group interview, that you speak up and get your point across. You want them to know that you’re a confident person that’s good for their business and if you do that by talking quietly and holding yourself back then you won’t be remembered. At the same time it’s important to remember not to go in the opposite direction: talking over people and not stopping talking will make you look brash and overpowering. It’s good to get the balance of patience and communication.

3. TIMING & ATTIRE
These are two elements that some people overlook but essentially what you look like and how you first arrive to an interview is the basis of what you will be ‘judged’ upon. Even if the dress code is considered ‘smart-casual’ smarten it up. For guys a suit is always best and for women a smart skirt or trousers with a nice top or blouse is always deemed good. Remember though, you want to stand out so add an element to distinguish you from other candidates. A nice necklace or a flash of colour will make you look that little bit different. Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes before the allotted time, it’s always, always better to leave plenty of time in case of travelling problems or something unsettles you on the way. Once you’ve arrived you can then sit and relax with a book so you get used to your environment.

4. EVERYTHING IS RELEVANT

It may seem like I’m repeating previous steps but this is really important. Pick something you’ve done and as long as you demonstrate how it relates to the job you’ve applied for then you can bring it up. Anything can be considered relevant. Absolutely anything. Helped your elderly neighbour walk their dog? This shows you’re considerate, caring and organised by setting out a weekly routine. This relates to said job because those are the skills needed to get along with customers. You know the drill!

5. PRACTICE & RESEARCH

Research into the company is always helpful. To show you have a knowledge and have taken the initiative to find out more and shows a passion of the area of business. As well, research the interview. Thestudentroom have a lot of interview advice and tips for certain companies including possible questions that may crop up. Practice with a friend. The more practice you get the better prepared you’ll feel.

I hope my tips have helped you in some way in your preparation to looking for a job. There are plenty out there despite the current climate. It’s just finding one relevant to you and having the confidence to do well in an interview. Very best of luck in your hunt! 

The big job hunt: pt1

In our current economic climate a lot of people are having issues finding jobs, which is understandable, so I thought I’d give my personal tips into job hunting. I don’t claim to be an expert – this is just information I’ve picked up on the way from schools/colleges/my own personal experience. It’s always good to have a ‘simple CV’ for part-time work and a ‘job-specific CV’ if you want to go into a certain field. These tips are for a simple resumé.

THE CV

 

1. IMAGE IS IMPORTANT
The first thing an employer sees in your CV is the layout. Before they read anything they see the header, the footer, the length, font and the general layout. If it looks crowded or messy then that is a potential reflection on you as an employee. Keep it plain and organised to give across a good impression. If you wouldn’t want to read your own CV because it looks boring, crammed or ugly then why would a potential employer?

2. TELL THE TRUTH
If you’ve seen The Apprentice then you’ll know the final ‘round’ includes a CV check where invariably at least one of the possible candidates tells a little white lie. This little white lie then escalates into a ‘make or break’ career move. It’s always best to tell the truth. You can ‘sugar-coat’ to some extent; if you have had a short amount of experience then you can ‘play up’ the importance of it. Be careful though because there is a very fine line.

3. TOO MUCH IS SOMETIMES... TOO MUCH
Of course, we all want to look as though we have lots of experience but a long list of your roles and responsibilities is less informative and more irrelevant. The potential employer may take one look at this long list and snore their way through your CV. Stick to simple bullet points. Also, unless you have no higher qualifications it is best not to list every GCSE and instead state how many you have and your grades in English, Maths and Science.

4. EVERYTHING IS RELEVANT
This is crucial. Especially for those pulling on strings that have a small amount of experience or grades. Obviously getting a high grade in your KS3 SATs cannot be included in this but a short placement is something you can always include. There are key skills that you’ve picked up from your experiences that you can take into virtually every field of work. Remember to include these, particularly if you’re searching to pad out your CV a little.

5. KEEP IT CURRENT
Continue to update your CV. This is so important. If you’re sending off bulk CVs to companies make sure that it’s kept up to date, even if you think nothing’s changed there may be something you might not have spotted. You may also have links online such as a popular figure on a blogging website which, in our media-centred world, has become ever more relevant in CVs . This also shows that you’re computer-literate and enjoy social media, which is aspiring in today’s world.