Applying for jobs - Hints & Tips only please

Chartered_Eng

johnybaby wrote: »

The job market is prety dead at the moment. I am an account I have been registered with several agencies for about six months and have only had two interviews.

You have to understand the way agents or agencies work. They take your CV and copy it into their database and then search for key words for the jobs that come their way. Making sure your CV has the right key words that will make your CV pop up on a database search is imperative so make sure that the important words are in there for your skill set and requirements.

Don't sit back and wait for the agencies to come to you, do an internet search on the job sites for your business sector of interest and do it daily. It need only take half an hour or less. If you find something then read carefully the requirements of the job, decide if it is of interest, and then taylor your CV to suit the job. No porkies here, just bring out the most relevant experience and qualifications to hook the agent or employer and get you to the next stage - the interview.

Good luck

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

I will tell you a secret. . . . My boss took 2 years and countless interviews before he finally decided to recruit me. I was curious one day so asked why exactly he employed me, on paper I wasnt right for the job. His response was "you was the only one who was honest, and cheeky!" lol

During the interview he asked me "so why do you need this job?" i replied "oh no, I dont NEED the job, As a family we can support ourselves sufficent without me working, but i WANT the job, I'm going out of my mind watching day time tv!"

So i guess what im saying is this:- Be prepared etc fror the interview BUT be yourself too x

DCFC79

Chartered_Eng wrote: »

You have to understand the way agents or agencies work. They take your CV and copy it into their database and then search for key words for the jobs that come their way. Making sure your CV has the right key words that will make your CV pop up on a database search is imperative so make sure that the important words are in there for your skill set and requirements.

Don't sit back and wait for the agencies to come to you, do an internet search on the job sites for your business sector of interest and do it daily. It need only take half an hour or less. If you find something then read carefully the requirements of the job, decide if it is of interest, and then taylor your CV to suit the job. No porkies here, just bring out the most relevant experience and qualifications to hook the agent or employer and get you to the next stage - the interview.

Good luck

you realise johnybaby's post is old

tommy8721

Number 1 tip is to thoroughly research the company you are applying to & to find out some background on the interviewer/s.

DCFC79

tommy8721 wrote: »

Number 1 tip is to thoroughly research the company you are applying to & to find out some background on the interviewer/s.

sometimes that can be a waste of time as you arent asked any questions or given a chnace to say what you know about the firm.

Ive found if you use google earth to look at local industrial estates/retail parks or google the name of the retail park to find out what businesses/shops are on there and send them a cover letter with cv

starryshell

DCFC79 wrote: »

sometimes that can be a waste of time as you arent asked any questions or given a chnace to say what you know about the firm.

...

Better to have done your research and have some answers if you're asked than to be asked and not have any answers! Also, you don't need direct questions to be able to display your knowledge of the company, you can work that into your answers to other questions they ask.

taylorjeremy

i think make the good cv with relevance post include the precious post summary search the company and contact with consultancy.

mangle101

Make your CV stand out from the rest & use a different coloured paper, imagine 20-30 CV's spread out on a table all on White paper & there is your's on say a shade of Green.

Rylynn

mangle101 wrote: »

Make your CV stand out from the rest & use a different coloured paper, imagine 20-30 CV's spread out on a table all on White paper & there is your's on say a shade of Green.

I have never thought of that before, and may just give it a go and will also tell my daughter to try this trick. Thanks:T

leadingtheway

Hi

Lots of great advice on this thread for preparing and going through to interview

After reading quite a few of them a couple of things spring to mind:

1. If you haven't had an interview for a while try and find someone who will do a 'walk through' or 'mock' interview;
2. Look through your network of contacts to get an independent view of your CV;
3. BE YOURSELF! Employers want to see the real you so they have confidence you are the right person for the job.