How to: Secure your dream job

If like most people, you hate looking for a new job then this resource is here to help. One of the biggest pain points we hear from jobseekers is that they don’t know the best strategy to take when searching for a new job, they only consider going to a recruiter. As a recruitment consultancy ourselves we appreciate that’s because you are getting chased over actively messaging a recruiter yourself.

After reading this document you will be able to tackle a job search confidently and with a high degree of success.

Choice of language:

Using weak verbs in your CV is setting yourself to fail. “Assisted, “Helped”, “Worked on”, “Supported” when describing the work, you have done, using these words in a job-seeking process will almost cause doubt in the employers’ mind about your understanding.

Instead of: Worked On

Use: directed, facilitated, accelerated

Instead of: Responsible for

Use: structured, generated, chaired, influenced

Instead of: Improved

Use: modified, centralised, redesigned, streamlined

Sending Your CV:

Be systematic when sending your CV. Don’t apply for 25/30 jobs at one time, apply for no more than five at a time. Research the company and write job-specific details in your CV and cover letter, you can find out how to do this here.

Try including the following:

• Address the hiring manager by name.
• Understand what the employer is looking for and show how you can be just that.
• Use keywords and phrases from the job description.
• If applicable, contain an example of your work that is like the role you are applying for.

Smashing the interview:

1. Energy and Tone

Tone plays a massive part in the interviews. When meeting the interviewer, first impressions matter.

You want to be likable and engaging – smile, talk with your hands and take time to pause and answer.

All of this will help you be calm and confident.

• Be Concise

You don’t want the interviewer to be gazing around the room while you’re talking.

Preparing thoroughly for your interview will enable you to describe the key value points you want to convey. Prepare your answers as best you can before time.

• Have Notes and Take Notes

This will help you be concise, and it can be easy to forget/panic.

Include:

Salary requirements, interest in the company, background of the company, and 5 relevant accomplishments.

• Ask Questions

Preparing relevant questions could be the difference between a yes and a no. Use questions to get answers to facilitate your strategic advantage in the interview. Eg

“How far are you into the search for this role?” Follow that up with “What seems to be missing from the candidates you’ve spoken with so far?”

They have then just told you what you need to show through the process!

If you want more information about creating questions, you can find them here.

Getting Noticed:

After interviewing with someone, send them a personalised thank you message. With the talent on the market being so competitive you have to be able to stand out (you can find out how to get noticed at the start of the process by reading this resource).

Try including the following:

• Thank them for their time.
• Express your excitement for the position
• Refer to a question to cement your interest.
• Say you are looking forward to hearing from them.

It’s straightforward to consider and implement these revisions for your next job hunt, they are pain-free and will be able to offer a higher conversion of applications to interview. If you are still struggling and want to make the most of every job opportunity, then give us a call and we can run through some more helpful tips to secure your next role!