So the day has come when I have got myself a proper adult job. Ok, this actually happened a few weeks ago but I've been dealing with my dissertation and a new job so I had to put this post on hold. But yes, I am now a recruitment consultant for a small company in Manchester and by looking at CV's all day long and receiving applications I have already learnt a few things about people looking for jobs (and believe me, I recognize myself in many of them). Therefore I'm now going to share some of my knowledge and maybe some advice, not because I am an expert (far from) but because I have made the same mistakes and am now learning how not to do things.
1. Keep your CV updated
No one wants to see what you did 10 years ago if this isn't what you are still doing or if it is specifically relevant to the job you're applying to. I can only speak for myself but if you send a CV where you've been working on a contract since 2003 I would be slightly confused and probably just ignore the CV if it isn't exceptionally good because no contract lasts 12 years.
2. Don't apply for jobs you are under qualified for
There is no point of wasting time to apply for jobs that require years of experience within a particular field if you haven't done anything within that field. Your CV will just be deleted and you'll have an annoyed recruiter instead of someone that is happy to help you find a job.
3. Be enthusiastic
When talking to someone about a potential job it is important that you make it sound like you care about the position, you might not actually think it's your dream job but treat it as if it was. There is no point you even applying for a job if you won't seem keen on getting it because no one wants to hire a person that doesn't care because you know that the person's heart won't be in it.
4. Don't sound desperate
You have no reason to sell yourself short when applying for a job and when you sound desperate you come across as someone who will take any job for whatever salary they are willing to give you. It doesn't matter how much you need a job or an income, if you are willing to take any job the employer will know that you will move on to the next job that offers better pay.
5. Sell yourself
When going on an interview or writing a cover letter, make sure you tell them why the skills you have are relevant for the job. A generic answer isn't going to be remembered but if you refer to an original story at least they'll look at your cover letter twice.
6. Read up on the company
When going to an interview you need to know who is interviewing you. If you don't know anything about the company, how will you know you are the right person to work for this company? It gives you an upperhand because you know what you are talking about and you can twist your answers in the direction you would think they want.
7. Dress to impress
During an interview you need to look good. I'm not saying you should dress in your finest suit but do some research on how people are dressed in the office. If they wear jeans and a shirt it is ok for you to show up like that. However, it might be good to overdress just a little bit to make sure you don't come across as lazy or sloppy dressed.
8. Most of all, be yourself
It's important they hire you for who you are. If you are not yourself then you risk feeling extremely uncomfortable at the company or them being surprised that you suddenly are showing sides that you didn't show at the interview. As mentioned before, you need to sell yourself and your personality is your greatest asset.
3. Be enthusiastic
When talking to someone about a potential job it is important that you make it sound like you care about the position, you might not actually think it's your dream job but treat it as if it was. There is no point you even applying for a job if you won't seem keen on getting it because no one wants to hire a person that doesn't care because you know that the person's heart won't be in it.
4. Don't sound desperate
You have no reason to sell yourself short when applying for a job and when you sound desperate you come across as someone who will take any job for whatever salary they are willing to give you. It doesn't matter how much you need a job or an income, if you are willing to take any job the employer will know that you will move on to the next job that offers better pay.
5. Sell yourself
When going on an interview or writing a cover letter, make sure you tell them why the skills you have are relevant for the job. A generic answer isn't going to be remembered but if you refer to an original story at least they'll look at your cover letter twice.
6. Read up on the company
When going to an interview you need to know who is interviewing you. If you don't know anything about the company, how will you know you are the right person to work for this company? It gives you an upperhand because you know what you are talking about and you can twist your answers in the direction you would think they want.
7. Dress to impress
During an interview you need to look good. I'm not saying you should dress in your finest suit but do some research on how people are dressed in the office. If they wear jeans and a shirt it is ok for you to show up like that. However, it might be good to overdress just a little bit to make sure you don't come across as lazy or sloppy dressed.
8. Most of all, be yourself
It's important they hire you for who you are. If you are not yourself then you risk feeling extremely uncomfortable at the company or them being surprised that you suddenly are showing sides that you didn't show at the interview. As mentioned before, you need to sell yourself and your personality is your greatest asset.
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