HAVE YOU GOT THAT MONDAY FEELING EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK?
If you’re one of those people who have already counted the days until the first bank holiday of 2015 (April 3rd by the way) then perhaps you should be thinking about a change of career? January is a great month to start looking for a new job with lots of companies looking to take on new staff. Before you leap into action though there are a few things you need to do. This is why we have decided to write an article on that Monday feeling.
Firstly read our blog from last year about how to produce a cv that stands out from the crowd. Look at your own cv, at how to improve it and represent yourself in a stronger light. Are you underselling yourself? What jobs have you done so far that have transferable skills for example. Be truthful and use examples to back up points you are making. Get someone else to look through your cv, even better if it is someone with knowledge of the industry you are looking at, and they will be able to tell you if it would stand out.
Now might be a good time to consider whether you need to brush up on your technical skills.
This could be the time to enrol on some courses that build on or extend your existing knowledge as this may improve your job prospects. If you are already working, your current employer may offer training courses. If not, local community colleges or night classes usually offer quite a wide variety of courses. Sometimes it’s the smaller but more specific skills that can set you apart from the equally qualified people looking for the same job. If you think having an up-to-date first aid qualification or computing skill could boost your chances then perhaps consider that course.
If you have already been trying to find a job think about unsuccessful applications and where you might have gone wrong, what you did or didn’t do that may have lost you that opportunity and how you can put it right for the next time. Perhaps think about applying for a wider variety of jobs. The broader your potential job pool, the better your chances of finding a job. Think about where you live. It may seem scary at first but if you are prepared to relocate from where you currently live you will widen the job pool even more.
Network
Networking these days is important for finding jobs. Most are advertised on Facebook, Linked-in and Twitter. If you are writing a covering letter for a job you have seen online then consider what to say. A one size fits all letter isn’t your best advert so try and make it more personal by tailoring the letter to the specific job you are applying for and address it to the person responsible for recruiting for that role. Keep it short and just outline how you meet the requirements for the job.
Prepare well for interviews – again read our guide from previous blogs. The most common mistakes include dressing down. Not knowing anything about the company. Or job you are applying for and poor interview mannerisms. You could get a friend or a member of your family to role play interviews with you, using a range of normal to tricky questions. This will build your confidence and get you used to being asked questions and thinking on your feet. Anticipate the key questions such as – what are your strengths and weaknesses, what you bring to the job, what interests you about the company and the job, how willing you are to work longer hours, travel and even relocate etc.
Most important of all, be patient. Even though moving jobs may be your New Year’s resolution, changing or getting a new job can take time and much of the year may pass without you finding that ideal job. If you understand that it can take time, you are less likely to fret about time passing. If you are thinking about a change, then do get in touch with us at Journey Recruitment. Check out our website where our current vacancies are listed and see if there is anything that appeals to you. “that Monday feeling”
Good luck.
Journey Recruitment hopes you have a great day.