Post on 27-Jul-2018
Session aims
1)
How to get the most from your CV
2)
To look at the pros and cons of online job hunting, recruitment agencies and social networking
3)
Explore what Networking is and how it can help you find another job
CV? – What’s it for?
• To get you an interview
• To promote your relevant skills, talent and experience
• It’s your own personal marketing tool
CV? – How do I use it?
• In response to a specific vacancy• Speculative approach to an individual or organisation• Load it onto the internet so online recruiters can
view it*
• Make sure you have more than one version available
• Try keeping electronic copy with you at all times! (Small memory sticks make great key rings)
Top tips for getting the most out of your CV
• Make sure you include a good cover letter
• Make sure your cover letter compliments the specific CV you have included and ‘marries’
up
• Make sure it includes: reference number, title of the role, where you saw
the vacancy and is addressed correctly
• Includes why you are interested in the role and why you can do it
• An offer to come in and discuss the opportunity further*
Tips on making your CV stand out.
1)
Before sending in your CV, enquire whether there is an opportunity to speak to someone to find out more about the role
2)
If you live close enough, consider hand delivering your CV or application (it is them more likely to be delivered to the individual recruiter and not lost in a pile of
other applications –
plus you know it got there!)
3)
Make sure your cover letter is concise, relevant and makes them want to find out more about your skills and experience from your CV
4)
Include relevant and timely references – This is a great way of making an impression without waiting for the interview
5)
Avoid trying to be clever, witty or overly artistic. Your CV is a professional document. You want to be remembered for what it
includes, not the colour of the paper!
Why might you use a Recruitment Agency?
• They have a specialist understanding of their market
• They have exposure to a range of clients and often have access to exclusive positions
• They have relationships with key recruiters within these organisations and can ‘sell you in’
• Their full time job is finding people like you employment, so they can provide expert advice on CVs, interviews, the market
etc.
• Let them work for you!
If you decide to register with an agency….
Do
• Get in touch on a regular basis
• Take note of each position they are putting you forward for
• Build a relationship with your consultant (team of consultants)
• Be specific about what you’re looking for
• Honour your arrangements (agency meeting appointments, interviews etc)
• Remember you’re representing your recruitment agency and consultant at every
interview you attend
• Show flexibility. In this market, we can’t always have the ‘perfect’
role, but
exploring opportunities is often the best way to find an unexpectedly good job
Don’t
• Agree to join if they aren’t interested in meeting you in person
• Give your representation for one role to multiple agencies. Be clear with other
agencies when your CV has already been submitted to another role.
• Forget that recruitment agents WANT to find you work – their jobs depend on it.
Remember they are on your side
• Mess them around.
• Feel bullied. Consultants are sales people who benefit from finding you work.
Don’t let them pressure you into going forward for something that doesn’t fit your
criteria.
Networking is not….
‐
“Give us a job”
‐
Asking for favours
‐
Boasting about yourself
‐
Only for job searching
‐
An interview
‐
Putting people under pressure
Networking is….
• Talking to people either face to face, phone, email or letter
• A two‐way conversation –
exchange of ideas, information, contacts.
• Being clear and specific about what you want
• Asking for help, information and advice
• Uncovering potential vacancies
• Telling others about yourself in a positive way.
• Being prepared to help other in return
• A skill for life.
Networking can also be…
Speculative!
• You can target specific organisations or individuals that you would like to find out more about
• You don’t have to have a contact to make contact.
How do I do it?
1)
Social Networking (via the internet, social media sites, LinkedIn*)
2)
People Networking (everyone we meet and deal with on a daily basis in both our life and work including
identifying new contacts)
Social media networking
Getting started – the basics
• Register for an account at www.linkedin.com• Complete your profile
• Search for people you know• Search for organisations and groups that
you’re interested in
• Keep interacting with the site
Building your profile
• Summary & specialities• Photo• Experience• Education• Recommendations• Additional information• Personal information• Contact settings
Top 10 Tips on LinkedIn
1)
It can act as an online version of your CV –
keep it updated and relevant
2)
Quality v Quantity –
Invite people known to you who you feel comfortable sharing
information with
3)
Consider potential networks when accepting/declining invitations
4)
Facilitate introductions for others when asked – It helps build relationships and you never
know…
5)
Write a recommendation spontaneously ! They will more than likely return the favour
without even being asked
6)
Join relevant groups and monitor articles and discussions of interest
7)
Use your homepage to update your details, situation and activity
8)
Use the ‘Jobs’
tab to keep up to date with vacancies, some exclusive to LinkedIn
9)
Make the most of the ‘Companies’
tab. It allows you to search profiles of organisations you
are interested in and make contact with people who already work there
10)
Don’t lie
Where do I start?
• Family
• Friends
• School
• University/college
• Previous jobs
• Current colleagues
• Hobbies
• LinkedIn*
• Personal development – courses etc.
How to develop your network
1.
People you know well
2.
Current and recent colleagues
3.
People you know, but not in contact with
4.
People who have tried to network with you
5.
People you know of, but don’t know
6.
People in key
Your aim is to have all of your contacts in group 1!
Things to consider before you start
• Identify and prioritise contacts
• Consider the kind of roles you are interested in
• Prepare your Personal Statements*
• Be confident & be positive
Talking confidently about yourself
• Positioning statement. A clear picture expressing who you are, what you have done, and where you have done it. Its aim is to position you in the
listener’s/reader’s mind.
• The type of job/role you are seeking statement. A clear indication of your future direction whether it is within a company or organisation,
starting
your own business/consultancy or having a variety of roles.
• Leaving statement. It is critically important to tell people in a positive way why you are looking for a new opportunity. Keep the explanation short,
give reasons not excuses and then move on the future by either talking about the type of job/role you are looking for or how they can help you.
Now to get started!
1. Make a list of the organisations/companies you are going to target
2.
Gather together everything you know about them even.
3.
Write a short tailored letter that shows you know something about them and why
you want to work with them. This goes for emails or phone calls as well.
4.
Try and arrange a meeting even if they don’t have a vacancy at the moment.
5.
The final paragraph of a letter/email/discussion you should tell
them how and
when you will follow up.
6.
Follow up when you say you will
7.
Make sure you write/contact the line manager of the function where your skills
and interest lie.
Top 10 Networking Tips
1.
Networking is a skill for life – not just for job search. 2.
Messages and information must be clear, specific and memorable. 3.
It is a Win‐Win situation, a two way exchange including how you can help them. 4.
Build a contact list and be specific about how they can help you.5.
Do not put contacts on the spot and reassure them when necessary
–
you are not asking
for or expecting them (or their contacts) to give you a job.6.
Be aware of your contact’s situation e.g. what are his/her time pressures?7.
Talk about yourself positively and confidently – you’re not boasting! 8.
Ask for referrals and introductions and the best method of contacting them.9.
Always keep contacts updated with your progress – and thank them!10.
Use records and keep track of all interactions.