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EnjoyingEnglish® Student Life Jobs Welcome to The Job Maze!
i * World University Rankings * Too Many Graduates...Not Enough Jobs * Report from China Daily - The importance of resumes & job hunting * Wake Up - Tomorrow Has Arrived * Don't Worry About Your First Job * Job Seeking...The Approach...starting out * Do Qualifications Count? * Making the most of Job Fairs *How to be a smarter job seeker * This section is designed to help students with tackling problems of dealing with The Job Maze before and after graduation.
It contains information and advice concerning the basics of letter writing, completing application forms, writing c.v's or resumes, to dealing with the frustrations of Job Fairs, which are usually very busy and can be somewhat daunting as a first-time experience.
We will also examine Interview Techniques and other related topics to help students perform their best when the time comes to look for jobs.
If you can't find the information which you need, please e-mail your enquiry to: enjoyingenglishinfo@yahoo.com
Keep an eye on the Update section of the website, where you will find the latest information and where to find it on the site.
Alan.
August, 2006
Too Many Graduates...Not Enough Jobs.
University and job places will be highly contested this Autumn as students prepare to start their first term As the economic position throughout the world deepens, more students are taking the option of deciding to improve their opportunities by entering or continuing their education.
However, an increasing number are graduating at 19, or at the end of their college / university education, and are finding there is increasing pressure in the job market. Although student's situations are different; some are completing Higher Education at middle or comprehensive school level, whilst others have graduated college or university, the problems they face are similar. What is the next way forward, and what are the various options? Students in both the east and west face a similar dilemma, facing an uncertain future, with various choices and having to make decisions. Gap Year - a year off your normal routine either before or after entering college or university. This is becoming increasingly a choice for students in western countries, but less so in China and the east, for financial reasons. So, what's the truth about a Gap Year, and how beneficial is it? Is it likely to be a beach-hopping romp around the world, or planning a 6 - 12 month project to bulk up your c.v / resume to give you a career advantage over the next guy in the queue? Richard Blooms, Administrations Officer for the City University, London, says that a Gap Year for some students can be a positive advantage. They tend to return to university more mature and well rounded having had a broader experience outside the comforts of an educational environment. The important thing is, that whatever a student chooses, they should be able to explain why they want or wanted, to defer university entry. They need to be able to explain co-coherently what benefits they have or would, gain from their experience. Simon Owen, a partner at the global professional advisory firm Deloitte, says that a Gap Year should be carefully considered. He wants to know that there was a process of serious planning involved. He looks for a series of well thought out projects of reasonable duration, with specific aims and objectives. That, he says, would make him sit up and take notice of a student's application for a job. Six students are battling for every university place across the UK … students at Birmingham University. Photograph: Martin Argles Charity / social or voluntary work, aiming to improve the quality of life for others, or to improve facilities in the community, is another option which is likely to get you ahead of the pack. An Internship or work experience in your chosen career field is also helpful. Learning an additional foreign language is also time well spent. Sir Martin Sorrell, Chief Executive of Communications giant WPP, which employs 139,000 people in 106 countries worldwide, believes that the sooner you get on with it, the better. He emhasises that if you do something which shows initiative, it is of value to you and your future employer. Another option, often favoured by students who are unsure of which way to turn, is to return to further extended education. In some ways, I think, this is prolonging the moment they have to face reality. There is a danger that some may become 'professional students', and there is the added danger that they may chose courses that are of little advantage to their future career. E.g. Philosophy or subjects which are already over-subscibed such as some IT subjects and Media Studies. To sum up, the more experience you can gain, the better. One thing is certain, you won't experience anything useful to your career playing computer games on the Internet! AC. August, 2009. Various sources including Agencies. see also: other features on Student Life, Advice~line and Comment on this website. Contact us if you have specific enquiries.
IMPORTANT Report from China Daily - 2009.07.25. The Importance of Resumes & Job Hunting. ~ Read this carefully ... see our advice below.
A recent survey showed Chinese college graduates spent more money on job hunting, but higher costs have notlead to more offers, according to a human resource manager in a phone interview with Xinhua Friday.
The Central China Human Resource Market (CCHRM), a government-funded organization in central Hubei Province which held job fairs, surveyed 1,000 graduates from January to June. "We found the average cost of seeking jobs stood at about 2,000 yuan ($290) a person," said Xue Li, a CCHRM senior human resource manager in charge of the survey.
The average monthly income per capita of Wuhan, the provincial capital, was 1,617 yuan.
A survey by Peking University of 16,388 graduates from 15 provinces, including Hubei, showed the cost of seeking jobs was 1,132 yuan per person in 2007. The money was spent on resumes, interview clothing, communication and transportation. A large part went to producing pretty resumes, Xue said.
Ma Jing graduated from Beijing University of Technology four years ago and recently changed his job.
"I met some new graduates this year. They invest heavily on resumes and clothes. A resume will cost about 30 yuan (4.39 dollars) and a person might need a dozen resumes," he said. "Fewer students did this when I was graduated."
However, nicer resumes and clothes did not necessarily lead to more offers.
"To tell the truth, embellished resumes do little to land a job. It is just a move to make the graduates feel better about themselves," Xue said.
Most of the poorly-written resumes looked the same. They did not highlight the job seekers' unique skills, experience or personality, the report said.
"Many new job seekers did not know what human resource
managers look for. They might bury useful information in empty words," said Xue. She said, employers paid the most attention to work or intern experience, but many graduates put lengthy description of academic courses.
The second major problem is that some graduates did not have clear career planning, she said.
"If they do not know what they want from a job, they will not be able to prepare themselves for the job nor impress human resource officials."
This year the country saw a record 6.11 million college graduates. WAKE UP - Tomorrow Has Arrived! Back to college or university following a long summer break and settling into your study routine. However, November is approaching, an so begins the start of the new Job Fair Season. Check them out regularly; you'll find details in the local press, your school notice board and, of course, - the Internet - see Job Fair Maze.
Be prepared to be flexible. The job you want may not be available in the place you want to work. You may have to move away or change your perspective - the way you look at things or your career options. Similarly, be aware that an unexpected opportunity may appear. Weigh up the good and bad points, and make a decision. Opportunities come and go; they rarely come round a second time. Americans have an expression, 'WIGIG' - when it's gone, it's gone!
Even if you have one or two years study left, it's worthwhile attending the occasional Job Fair to keep an eye on the way the job market is moving. You may consider changing your major or, better still, take on a parallel 'bolt-on' course. This involves more work and requires a dicipline, but is probably worth the effort and sacrifices in the long run.
Such circumstances are nothing new. In my situation almost 40 years ago, teaching jobs in Geography had dried up throughout England & Wales, (Scotland and Northern Ireland have different educational administrative systems). I chose English for students with special needs as a parallel course. A decision I have never regretted.
In more recent times, Wang Bo found himself with an opportunity he never dreamed of, even though he was still studying full-time.
I am very reluctant to tell students, 'You ought to do this or that,' because I believe you should take some responsibility for your studies and activities to improve your future development. The only thing that they 'ought to do', is make sensible preparations to take advantage of forthcoming opportunities.
Whatever you do, good luck! Contact us if you need further help.
Alan.
September 2008. Revised and updated from October.2007.
Don' worry about finding your first job From November onwards every year, university graduates are starting to look for their first job. So what is the most important element in a first job? Money? Promotion prospects?
Training opportunities?
Winston Churchill (1874-1963), the former British prime minister, once said: "Lucky are those whose interests and work are the same.” He is a good example. He once said that he had a gift for politics and a passion for it. He fulfilled all of his potential by being a politician and statesman for much of his life. Had he, however, followed his father’s advice to become a teacher, he would have achieved far less.
Finding the right job is a problem. Many students enter college or university not knowing what they want to do, and many leave with no clear direction of where they should be going. Too many, I think, rely on the notion that 'my parents will find me a good job'.
You need to match what you like with what you aspire in your life. I think that two points are particularly important;
- think about what you might like to do early on, certainly in the first grade, if not before
- match that with what you think your talents and interests are
- think carefully about the subjects you are studying. Ask yourself if they relate to the kind of job you might like to do
- keep an eye on the job-market. It is constantly changing. What may be neded today, may well be over-subscribed tomorrow.
Then, after you get a good job that meets your interests, what’s next?
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), the third American president, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.”
In other words, good fortune favours the prepared. Working is like searching for luck, the harder you strive and prepare for it, the more likely you are to get it and enjoy it!
Yet in the increasingly competitive Chinese job market, there are some unlucky ones who cannot land a job even though they have really tried their best.
Don’t despair. Keep on trying and opportunities will present themselves to you.
About 80 years ago, a young American cartoonist was searching for a job in New York city for quite some time but kept failing. Feeling depressed, he sat on a bench in Central Park and thought about leaving the city. He got a job drawing cartoons for the New York Times and eventually got a full-time job for the newspaper.
Eventually he started his own company based on drawing. 'It’s fun to the do the impossible' said Walt Disney. .....JOB SEEKING.....THE APPROACH.....STARTING OUT.....
Experience shows me, that coping with the broader aspects of student life; studying and enjoying life away from home - or not, as the case may be, three things are constantly at the fore-front of their thinking. They are; will my grades be good enough to secure a good job, are my family OK, and money - or lack of it.
Many students are pre-occupied with these matters and often leave matters relating to their future career until the last minute.
These things need to be put into perspective. Of course studying is important, your whole future depends on the final results, but it should not be at the expense of other things which make student life attractive and fun. Frequently, burning the midnight oil hs negative effects in terms of retaining information or progressing with your learning pattern. Student life needs to be organised and balanced.
To maintain that balance, one needs to enjoy a social life and relaxing persuits. Things which you like to do on your own, such as reading, and group activities with friends and class mates, such as sport. However, from the point of view of your future career, it is never too early to think about what you may like to do or where you would like to work and, of course, how much you would like to earn.
Most people have 'a dream'. It may or may not be related to your your family's ideas. You may have definite views on your chosen career path, or very frequently, you may have no idea of what you want to do in the future. Time spent during your first two years at college or university thinking about those issues, is time well spent.
If you are unsure of what you want to do, try to give it some serious thought. Do you want to work indoors or outdoors, for example. Are you happy working in a large city where salaries and living costs are likely to be higher, or would you prefer the intimacy of a smaller city or town. Do you want to work in a factory, or in an office. Are you interested in the prospects which may be offered by a large national or international company.
What do you want from life? It is sensible from time to time, to look at the Job market or keep an eye on the news from the press, television or the internet, to see the overall job situation. You can do this months, or even one or two years before you graduate. It is likely to improve your awareness of what is or is not on offer, and allow you to take steps to adjust your position when you come to look at job-hunting seriously.
The Job Market changes and fluctuates all the time. The number of graduates seeking employment increases from year to year. In 2006, 4.2 million students will graduate. The numbers for 2007 are likely to be 20% higher. That presents difficulties, but they are problems which have to be overcome.
An Internship or work experience in your final year or even post-final year, may be useful. Whether it is paid or not, is at the discression of the company you work for, but the experience is likely to be useful in two ways. It will help you decide whether you like the work you are doing - that includes relationships with colleagues. It is important to remember to treat an internship or part-time job as a real job. Don't be late for work and treat it seriously, whatever tasks you are asked to do. It is possible that it may lead to further employment upon graduation.
The second point is that it is a benificial addition on your c.v. or resume. Obtaining any experience in a work situation is an advantage.
For the moment, here are a few more thoughts. We are all aware that China's development rate is very high compared to the rest of the world - more than 9% year on year in China, compared with around 1.7% in Europe.
Despite the world's general economic turndown, multi-national companies continue to show strong interest in China's potential for investment. Many start their recruitment drives at the begining of the September semester, although the government preferes them not to approach graduating students until November.
Most companies, especially high-tech enterprises, are seeking well qualified talent, and it is possible that demand will outstrip supply. It is certainly worth considering looking for a job with a foreign company after graduating, as the prospects may be better, coupled with salaries and the range of benefits offered.
New graduates do not necessarily need practical working experience, but knowledge, ability and enthusiasm are essential. Prospective employees should also posess a spirit of teamwork, initiative and the ability to work under pressure. It is also an advantage to be able to ontain and assimilate information from a variety of sources, and be able to make rational decisions at the same time.
IT qualifications are also highly sought after and a good command of English is sometimes required*, though special courses are sometimes provided.
The section, ' Websites' may help you further.
Alan Cooper.
August 2006.
* Japanese companies have a strong eye on China as a source for future investment. Japanese would, I believe be a sensible 3rd language choice, if you have an interest in foreign languages. I think it has more potential in China than French, because most French businessmen will speak English anyway.
Do Qualifications Count?
Yes, I'm afraid they do, at least until you have experience of your new work situation under your belt, at which point experience 'click in'. Even then you may wish to continue with some kind of study or participation in extra courses to help your promtion prospects.
Qualifications rather than personal qualities tend to take precidence with Asian employers, according to recent surveys.
In the west, and this applies if you are seeking to work for an American or European company, attention is given to personal qualities and achievements other than educational qualifications. Making the Most of Job Fairs.
A first visit to a Job Fair can be a daunting and confusing experience. Besides the exhibitors, there are usually hundreds of students looking for information and an opportunity. Remember that the exchange of information is two-way; not only are you looking for a break into the job market, but businesses, industry and other enterprises are seriously on the lookout for potential employees to fill their vacancies.
It is an expensive business for a company to prepare display material, publicity material, and pack a team off for a few days or a week to another city.
Employers have complained recently (CCTV - September, 2006), that frequently students come to job fairs unprepared. It is rarely simply a question of handing in a resume or c.v.* So, to do justice to yourself and to avoid wasting the time, and money, of a great number of people it is necessary to be prepared.
The Maze. Here is a tip that is worth considering, although I have to say that it doesn't always work. Many Job Fairs are very big, held in large public rooms and attended by hundreds of Job Seekers. Most go through the doors and immediately congregate around the exhibitors just inside the entrance.
This often leaves exhibitors at the back of the hall or on the second floor, with little or nothing to do. So, bypass the front of the queue, begin at the back, working your way towards the front. It is very likely that you will find prospective employers with more time to deal with your enquiry.
Remember, first impressions count. It may be that you are standing in front of someone whose company you are interested in. Certainly, your resume / c.v. is likely to either have a lasting impression or head straight for the bin, so it is well worth the time and effort to make sure that your presentation is clear and accurate - an example of a well appointed resume / c.v. can be found later in this section.
The resume / c.v. should be a simple design - no elaborate graphics, fonts or quaint little slogans. It should be on a plain sheet of good quality white paper. Paper with pictures of cuddly kittens and cute puppies are definately out! You are in the business of Job hunting - make sure that your approach is business like. It may be necessary to prepare different resumes to suit diffent types of work in which you may have an interest. Companies increasingly are asking for resumes / c.v's to be e-mailed. The same rules apply.
Your appearance. It's perfectly acceptable in college, to bum around in jeans and a 'T' shirt, or sports clothes, but it is not acceptable when confronting prospective employers at a Job Fair. On the other hand, it is not necessary to over dress.
Look smart, even casually dressed in clean jeans and a sweater, clean shoes, clean hair and finger nails, but be comfortable because inevitably you will be in crowds of people, and it is likely that you will be on your feet for several hours. Hot and bothered!
Do your homework. Be aware of which organisations or type of work you are interested in and prepare your resumes / c.v.'s accordingly. If possible, find out as much about the company as you can. Check their websites for background information, so that you know what you are talking about when it's your turn.
Be prepared. Make sure that you have the right kit for collecting literature from the company and presenting information about yourself. You need:
A bag for carring c.v's and collecting literature.
20 - 50 copies of your resume / c.v.
A note book - a journalist-style jotter, with tear-off pages, is ideal.
2 or 3 pencils / pens in case they break or run out
A mini-stapler to keep literature, notes and business name cards together.
Prepare an 'intro' and an 'outro', 30 seconds to 1 minute about yourself, your college, your interests and expectations. Make a note of the name of the person you are talking to, as it shows your professionalism and creats a good impression. Something like this...
'Hello Mr Li. My name is Alan Cooper. I am from the University of Economics and Trade in Shijiazhuang and my hometown is Tianjin. I am interested in a career in International Trade and have noticed on your website that you are looking for new recruits from August to work in Tianjin or Shanghai. Here is a copy of my resume. Could you please give me further information?'
It is likely that the response will be informal, with a more detailed enquiry of your interest, as well as offering information. Make any notes you feel may be useful. Use the opportunity to ask prepared questions. This gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your professional interest in the company, your intelligence and educational background and experience, if any. Make sure that you have either the representatives business card or name and use it in your 'outro'.
'Thank you Mr Li for taking the trouble to talk to me. It has been very useful. I look forward to hearing from you soon.'
This approach is useful and polite, even if you have realised that it is not what you are looking for.
Follow - up. When you get home, send a brief letter of thanks to the person you spoke to. Such as...
'Dear Mr Li
I was pleased to be able to meet you at the Job Fair in Shijiazhuang last Saturday ,where you oulined opportunities with Tianjin Shipping Import Export Co Ltd.
I enjoy using my written and oral English skills and would be particularly interested in any post connected with overseas exports.
I look forward to hearing from you
Yours sincerely...'
And finally... If you find your dream first time round, you are extremely lucky. Don't look upon failure as defeat. Turn it to a positive attitude, after all, if you hadn't attended the Fair in the first place, you would never know what you could have missed, and it might have been 'the one'!
Alan Cooper.
September, 2006. HOW TO GRADUATE YOUR DREAM JOB. with information from Linda Whitney at the 'Daily Mail'. London 2008.05.15.
Many career opportunities begin with a graduate training scheme, so research yours carefully as good research will boost your chances by at least 50% says Carl Gilleard of the Association of Graduate Recruiters, (AGR).
First, decide whether you want to work in the public or private sector. More stability is likely to be found in the public sector, but salaries may not be as high.
If professional qualifications are important, in professions such as accountancy, law, engineering or architecture, look for a scheme that combines business training with work experience. Make sure that it gives you time to do additional study. Specialised programmes with a defined outcome, are becoming more common.
Go to Job Fairs, business presentations at yours or other universities, and talk to trainees who are already on schemes. If possible, use vacations and internships to 'try out' different companies and gain more varied experiences.
Check that the 'corporate' image or approach of the company suits you, especially if you are looking at foreign companies. Ensure that you are taught personal and business development as well as technical skills.
Don't restrict your mobility. Many companies will ask or expect you to re-locate to another area or city. It is certain that you will be up against a lot of competition.
From my experience, students often feel that they have missed opportunities, but you haven't. I have said many times the importance of research, keeping your eyes and ears open, searching the Internet and the other things relating to job searches. Companies are increasingly looking for graduates from previous years, often with some kind of work experience. That experience may not necessarily be related to the work you are searching for, but it gives employers an indication of how you are likely to fit into their workforce. Similarly, many organisations stagger their recruitment throughout the year, as the occasion is necessary.
Don't ignore smaller companies; they may offer more entrepreneurial opportunities than larger corporations. Tailor your c.v. / resume and application to individual companies and their requirements. If your application is unsuccessful, ask for feed-back; it will help you as a valuable guide on further submissions.
And remember... if at first you don't succeed, then try again.
Alan Cooper.
May, 2008. Special Feature - Jobs - Getting Help. At the risk of repeating myself and going over old ground again, I am returning to the task of Job Hunting because of its importance to student's future careers. In the UK all schools have a specially trained Careers teacher and a Carers department. The government runs Job Shops offering help with job searches and advertising vacancies across the job market including skilled,unskilled and pvofessional posts. Industry, business and all agencies, as well as schools, co-operate with the exchange of information, visits, seminars and presentations. Job Hunting is a serious business, and one which can be very confusing, at least I think, because students are busy studying and don't give much forward thought as to what careers they want to follow. If the do know and have planned a career path carefully, the competition is ferocious; too many people for not enough Jobs. I have written many articles on this Blog, aimed at helping students find jobs, fill in application forms, prepare resumes / c.v's, and other advice. From the feedback we receive, it seems to work and is helpful. The importance of this feature is to stress the importance of using every means possible to secure a foothold on the career ladder, providing you are comfortable with the situation. There are many sources of help, so use them to your advantage. Parents can help, advise and sometimes open doors to opportunities through their own contacts in business. Sometimes young people feel under pressure from their parents, many of whom have made huge financial sacrifices to put their children through college. The friction it sometimes causes in relationships is understandable; students want freedom to go their own way but parents want the best for their sons and daughters. Ideas and personalities, clash. Teachers may be able to help and guide you with problems through their professional and personal contacts. The situation will almost certainly be helped if you show an interest in your studies and discuss problems with them. It offers you the opportunity to show off your personality and demonstrate skills and abilities. In my view, this is part of a good teacher's wider responsibilities. It is also personally rewarding when my students achieve their goals. I have a great feeling of satisfaction when a successful students takes the trouble to send a 'Thank you' message or card. Teachers are also a key element in providing recommendations and references. Of course they emphasise the positive points of a student. To be able to do that, a teacher needs to know more about the student than simply their academic success and ability. There are three types of enquiries from or to an employer. References: This is a confidential recommendation, usually from your college or employer about your background, academic record and suitability for the advertised job. Letter of Recommendation or Testimonial: is similar and more general in its terms of reference. It is usually 'open' and provided for you to photo-copy for inclusion with an application or letter to a prospective employer. Letter of Request: is a request from an employer for specific information from your college or university. Present your request for your application, to your college, tutor or teacher at least 4 weeks before it is required. Tell your school exactly what the prospective employer wants to know and why they want the information. Also tell them when the Letter of Recommendation has to be received by the employer. The reply is usually sent by e-mail. Here is the standard format: Dear Professor Li Include your personal information: Name, Class. contact address, mobile phone number. I am writing to ask if you would please write a Letter of Recommendation for me. I am applying to ??? which requires information concerning my academic ability. They have asked specifically for information on the following points: List each point in the same order which the company asks for it. The letter has to returned to the following e-mail address ???? by 2008.09.30. If you need information please call me on 1358 1234567. Kind regards Alan Cooper. Use all the sources of help that are available to you; visit Job Fairs, scan notice boards and advertisements in news papers, use agencies, search the Internet and circulate relevant information to potential employers whose business you may be interested in. Don't give up. Try to avoid traps - some unscrupulous organisations will ask for a fee to help you. Generally speaking, a reputable organisation will will help you for Free, recovering their costs from the employer or other agencies. As I said at the beginning, there is a considerable amount of help and resource4s available to you... so use it! JOBS - 10 Qualities Most Valued by Employers.
From Shandong Human Resources Website.
1. A sense of responsibility
2. A sense of teamwork
3. Ambition
4. Flexibility
5. Eloquence - being able to speak fluently
6. Independence
7. Confidence
8. An ability to work under pressure
9. Communication skills
10. Professional excellency. Job seeking tips from Theo Griff , a former Head of a large HMC school. Try our links below to information Theo has provided for you.
Here are the revised and tidied-up:
Not going to University? This website featured on BBC News reecently. It contains useful information and links. Much of the advice applies to all students, anad offers pointers for students to be able to exlore other opportunities. Visit... http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
Continue reading the main story
Tom Richmond Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development "In fact, one of the internships cost me £400 just to cover my own transport and food costs."
Not paying minimum wage to workers is a criminal offence and employment lawyer Pam Loch says "there is a very fine line between a worker and an intern or someone on work experience".
"For an employer, they have to be careful that they are not giving someone specific tasks to be carried out on a set hours basis as you would expect a worker or an employee to do.
"It's quite a task for an employer to distinguish between different categories, but if they don't distinguish between them then they could be exposed to quite significant issues."
Note of caution. Mr Willetts said the issue was being looked at: "There is a case for very clear guidance on this and if there is more we can do we will. "There has been some advice from the Low Pay Commission and I'll look very carefully at what the IPPR is saying as well."
But Tom Richmond, from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, sounded a note of caution. "We think it's important for businesses to treat young people fairly," he said. "However, the concern would be that if you put more pressure on businesses to pay them more, it could be they say they simply can't take on internships any more, and then we would see a drastic reduction in the opportunities available for young people."
When looking for a job you often need to come up with more creative and smarter ways to stand out from the competition. So what is it that some jobseekers do that they often seem to find a new job faster than others?
Oftentimes, it is one of these 10 things that make your job search smarter: 1. Surf job boards for more than just open positions.
Job boards can be "goldmines" for research. You might see companies you didn't know before and you might see the same requirements for the job you want over and over again -- this indicates a standard, so incorporate these items into your pitch and cover letters. 2. Realise a potential job lead could be anywhere.
Smart job seekers aren't afraid to mention occupational aspirations to their book club, their parents' friends or their dentist. (One never knows whose golf partner might be the ticket to getting a foot in the door.) Also, when sending e-mails you can easily attach your CV to every correspondence by adding a link to your LinkedIn public profile in your e-mail signature. Even friends who think they know you may click through to your profile, learn more about you and perhaps think of you for a job that they know of. 3. Put adequate time and effort into your applications.
Spend time to make your CV the best possible written advertisement of you. Analyse the job requirements against your own skills and abilities, and always customise your cover letter for each application. All correspondence should be free of errors and typos. And before sending off the application packet, look at the job posting one last time to ensure all desired material is included. 4. Make your value known quickly.
An employer gives each CV about a three-second window of time before he decides to either 'delete' or read further. A smart applicant answers the "What can you do for me?" question right off the bat with a summary of strongest accomplishments at the top of the CV. 5. Do your homework.
It seems logical to smart applicants to know something about potential employers. From searching a company to checking out its financial statements, they learn what they can -- and use the info to enhance their correspondence. 6. Know that employers do their homework, too.
"According to [a 2010] Coremetrics [study], 75 percent of companies require recruiters to research job applicants online, so you'll want to be sure you know what they'll find," states Sherrie Madia, co-author of "The Online Job Search Survival Guide." Besides thinking twice about what you choose to post, she suggests doing an online search on your name. If you find something undesirable, try to have it removed. 7. Look and act like a professional.
Simple but effective: A smart applicant arrives on time, dresses appropriately, both talks and listens, displays confidence and minds his manners. 8. Show that you want this job.
Smart job seekers are not "tyre kickers." They focus on the needs of the employer and demonstrate how they are perfect for this particular position. Show enthusiasm during the job interview and always make certain that the company you're interviewing with feels as if it is your first choice, no matter what other companies are involved in your job search. 9. Don't get ahead of yourself.
As much as you may be dying to know about promotions, raises and vacation time, being a smart candidate you don't jump the gun and tackle these issues during the first interview. Rather focus on landing the position, then on whether the package is suitable. 10. Show your interest in the job, follow up and thank. At the end of the interview, sum up your strengths, tell the interviewer that you are excited about the position and say, 'I would really like to contribute to this company. I am hoping you will select me.' Then, a smart interviewee keeps his name in the game with a follow-up note reiterating interest and offering thanks. A great last impression can seal the deal! |
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