Insider tips?

SuzieSue

Misshomme wrote: »

SuzieSue wrote: »

You inspired me to start this thread because although I usually include a covering letter, you made me wonder what other things people look for when going through the selection process. I applied for a job earlier today and mentioned that I'm relocating in my covering letter. I hope they read the covering letter otherwise it looks like I'm travelling 100 miles to work everyday lol.

Well, if you are worried about them reading the covering letter (and from some of the responses to the thread I started yesterday it looks like some recruiters ignore covering letters), then I would also put this information in bracketss on your CV under your current address together with the date you are moving.

Misshomme

SuzieSue wrote: »

Misshomme wrote: »

Well, if you are worried about them reading the covering letter (and from some of the responses to the thread I started yesterday it looks like some recruiters ignore covering letters), then I would also put this information in bracketss on your CV under your current address together with the date you are moving.

That is a great idea, thank you. I've already submitted my application form, but I will remember that for next time.

heretolearn_2

Lots of good advice so I'll just add one thing on the interview and being 'bubbly'.

'Bubbly' irritates the heck out of me and I know I couldn't work with that person all day long. I don't find it professional either, it's childish/immature to me, at least in our environment. Of course it depends on the job, 'bubbly' is good for a hairdresser as you need to be able to rabbit on all day to complete strangers, but in an office, no.

On the other hand we get some people who are so miserable I wouldn't want to work with them either. Nerves are one thing but if you are sitting their slumped, never crack a smile, and never get enthusiastic about anything, I don't want you bringing me down all day. Also don't slag off previous employers or previous jobs.

Be professional, try and relax (hard, I know), be natural, interested in what is being said, smile, and be positive. Be yourself, but yourself on your best day, if you see what I mean.

SuzieSue

heretolearn wrote: »

Lots of good advice so I'll just add one thing on the interview and being 'bubbly'.

'Bubbly' irritates the heck out of me and I know I couldn't work with that person all day long. I don't find it professional either, it's childish/immature to me, at least in our environment. Of course it depends on the job, 'bubbly' is good for a hairdresser as you need to be able to rabbit on all day to complete strangers, but in an office, no.

Agreed, there is a fine line between bubbly and irritating.

I think showing you are enthusiastic and willing to learn are the most important qualities.

I remember interviewing for a purchase ledger position once and saying that there was a possibility that the successful candidate could get involved in other areas of the finance department. The candidate looked horrified and just said that they only wanted to work in purchase ledger and weren't interested in doing anyting else. Needless to say they didn't get the job.

baybeebug

POSTCODES!!!!!

If your application form asks for a postcode find it and put it on the form!
It used to irritate me completely when I had to waste my time looking for postcodes for references.

bengasman

Misshomme wrote: »

... What strengthens a persons chances of being picked?

Talking to the man that actually takes the decision who is going to be hired. He is the one to impress, not the HR manager, and most certainly not the HR manager's assistant.

Misshomme wrote: »

...and what common mistakes could I avoid?...

Sending CVs. Do NOT send your cv; the only less successful method for landing a job, is posting a cv with online databanks.

As has been remarked before, if you do need to send correspondence, make sure it is perfect; spelling, punctuation, and composition. If your letter to me had half as many mistakes as your post, it would go straight in the bin.
The average level of English is so appalling these days that a perfect letter stands out like a flagpole on a mud plain.

PRINCE$$

mitch161 wrote: »

if you have sent off a CV. give them oppertunity to VET u for a interview. if they respond with the usual sorry you have not been successfully vetted for a interview. reply to them with something along the lines of
"i truly thank you for the time you have spent reading through my application. I am very keen on a career in this company/sector so i wish to enquire as to what limited me for this role so i can improve myself for any future opertunities with you"

some reply back with job filled internally. qualifications did not match. personal statement did not adequatly show that your experience covers the role.

keep asking them how, how how. but of course unlike this post word it nicely, politely and positively (without my spelling mistakes) and get yourself known to the HR department. next time a oppertunity comes up, they will remember you and think. well he seemed really interested lets risk a interview.

and so on.. sometimes just showing enthusiasm by enquiring on your failing could give u a chance to be put back onto the current interviewing lists that week as they feel it worth the oppertunity for you to face to face explain the failings and if they are failings or just skills you do have but did not elaborate on your CV

loads of advice on here about that. but it helps to enquire afterwards as although you maay have applied for a senior role and not been good enough for it, a junior role may pop up. (where internally promotion happens) and your name is stuck in their mind as a enthusiastic applicant willing to learn and improve self.

I really would not encourage you to do this. If you are really interested by all means send a follow up letter through if you are rejected to ask why and reiterate your interest. However don't keep asking over and over agan, perhaps just ask them to keep your details on file for future opportunities. I manage hiring for my company and would not look favourably on someone that keeps asking over and over again why.

I do agree with what most people said about proof reading everything and tailoring your cover letter to the role and company.

heretolearn_2

Agree with prince, if I give someone feedback it doesn't look good to keep questioning it - that person would quickly get marked down as a pain in the neck.

heretolearn_2

MAin tip is make sure it matches what they are asking for in job description and person spec, I'd say 90% of the applications we get, don't. So you are immediately in with a chance if you do this.

laurahughes

Emmzi wrote: »

it's a real gamble NOT researching it though

Absolutely agree, I had an interview recently for an events coordinator position (pipped at the post by someone with "direct experience in the same setting", darn it!) and I had a look at their website before the interview to see what kind of events they had previous run, were in the event calendar for the future etc.

In my interview I was asked the following, and from the way they were asked and the place they were within the overall interview I could tell they were SET QUESTIONS!!!

- what did you think of our website? What was good, what was bad and what would you change?
- what kind of person do you think would attend our events?
- looking at our past event programme, were there any areas you think we are missing and should be covered?

Had I not looked at their website before the interview I would have been up the infamous creek without a paddle!!