I do hope this BLOG is helping, providing tips and assisting your applications if you’re applying for new jobs, going through your transition or venturing into the employment market for the first time in many years. Some points may seem self-explanetory, but if you have not been in the fierce market for jobs as it is now, the on-going advice may be useful.
Here are my next tips…
Have you really read the job advert?
Do you really read the job descriptions in full? If you are skimming over them in an attempt to get more applications done, it is likely you will make mistakes. In reality you should be reading over a job description 2-3 times before even considering the best way to apply.
Break it down into what the company does, what the requirements are and what type of person they really looking for. We know if an employer can tell you have half-heartedly skipped over the job advert by submitting an application that's missing valuable detail previously requested, then welcome to the reject pile I’m afraid. It is not just employers, but recruiters too, hence at Gemini we have a detailed information form to asisit your application.
We all know it; Networking, Networking, Networking!
Networking works works works! It is also a fantastic skill to have as an employee. It can come easier to 
some people than others, but if you are presented with an opportunity to meet a great contact face to face, here are a few tips:
- Never ask for a job, ask for information - the subtle, rapport building approach will always reveal answers.
- Do not take up too much of their time - no one wants to be remembered as being an inconvenience so be conscious of what they could be doing. Give them a chance to speak - if you do not then you will never learn anything.
- Create an opportunity to follow-up - if you want to maintain the relationship you need to create an opportunity for you to touch base again, such as offering to email or call them about something they are interested in.
- Build common ground and your indirect job search will open up with every new contact you speak to.
Utilise that meeting…
Whether it's a brief meeting with CTP, Job Centre plus, approaching a stand at a careers fair or attending an interview, make sure you are getting the most out of the situation.
Anticipate the kind of conversation that will come up and prepare some relevant points to make. You need to be inquisitive and try and ask something original. Most employers at job fairs / career transition events can find themselves answering the same questions all day and if the answers can be easily found on the company website (research!) then it just makes you look unprepared. First impressions really count even if you're just speaking with someone who could advise you or point you in the right direction to find employment.
I know some may say that this is all common sense, but I hope this helps in some way, just one little pointer, which may have guided just one person makes this worthwhile. As always, do you have any advice, tips or guidance for our members??? Please do share….
This will continue over the Christmas period as I know when your seeking employment it is continuous, so will this BLOG be.
'Omnivil'