So you're looking for work? Spread the word! - Top 5 Job Search Tips.

2013-03-07 06:08:07.0

So, earlier this week I found myself speaking to a dream candidate for a role I was recruiting for. The candidate in question (let's call him Boris) was highly experienced and had a superb track record in his chosen field. However, Boris had been out of work for 5 months and not even had an interview! I found this completely puzzling, and I couldn't understand how he'd not managed to find a post in all this time! Even a semi-competent recruiter should have at least had him out on interview within a few weeks!

So, still perplexed, I had a chat with Boris to try and understand what he's done so far in his jobs search, and it transpired that he'd been looking in the local paper and popped into the job centre once a week. This led me to realise, that as recruiters, we sometimes forget that people who haven't looked for work for many years don't even know where to begin. 

IF EMPLOYERS DON'T KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE, THEY CAN'T OFFER YOU A JOB!

So here we have it....Our top 5 tips to a successful job search:-

Use Job Search Engines

In the UK, there are literally hundreds of websites advertising jobs on behalf of employers and recruitment businesses. The power of the internet as a recruitment tool has grown massively over the last 15 years, and most employers now site web based job advertising as one of their prefered methods of recruitment.

Gone are the days of having to 'pound the pavement' armed with copies of your CV. These sites allow you to browse jobs and apply for hundreds in a single day without having to leave the comfort of your living room. I've just done a quick search on one of the popular sites, and there's currently 2394 live vancies listed within a 20 mile radius of Doncaster! Below is a list of a few of the more popular sites*:-

 

Site Number of jobs Number of recruiters Offers Career Advice?
http://www.reed.co.uk/  133,215 10,186 Yes
http://www.totaljobs.com/ 97,246 5,703 Yes
http://www.monster.co.uk/ 100,000+ 6,000+ Yes
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/ 37,527 3,000+ Yes
http://www.fish4.co.uk/ 42,708 2,500+ Yes
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/ 3,469 700+ Yes
http://www.gumtree.com/ 145,055 3000+ No
http://www.indeed.co.uk/ 300,000+ 100,000+ No
http://www.jobsearch.co.uk/ 32,921 1,055 Yes
http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/ 14,975 2000+ Yes

 

Utilise Social Media

Over 90% of large UK employers are now utilising social media to source potential applicants, and it's estimated that the average UK person is connected to 300 relevant open jobs through their 1st and 2nd degree social media connects.** So, love it or hate it, social media is a powerful tool to connect with potential employers. However, be aware of your privacy settings and understand what potential employers may see, as it's unlikely that pictures of you naked in a night club in Magaluf will help with your application.

Get Employers to come to you

Most recruitment agencies and many large employers will use CV searching to find suitable candidates for roles, so register your CV on the job site's (listed above) and you will be approached with opportunities that match your CV.

Make your application specfic

In todays highly competitve job market, it's never been more important to make your application stand out, but it never ceases to amaze me how few people actually do the basics. A good covering letter, tailored to the position and company you're applying for will go a long way, as very few applicants actually do this. (Check out our CV tips on this blog for more details)

 

Stay Positive!

Companies not responding, rejection letters and tricky interviews are just a few of the challenges facing job seekers and it's easy to fall into a negative mindset, but despite what you hear in the media THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES OUT THERE! Demonstrating your abilities at each stage of the process to potential employers is a skill, and like any other skill it requires practise. So treat any rejections as a learning experience, stay positive as the next phone call could lead to the career of your dreams.

HAPPY HUNTING

 

*source:- myjobsupermarket.co.uk

**source:- The Start-up Magazine

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jobs / interviews / cv / application / job search / doncaster / sheffield / rotherham / barnsley / leeds / south yorkshire / yorkshire

CALLING ALL TRADES PEOPLE!

2013-02-28 10:25:44.0

Doncaster Drivers are holding a trades open day next Thursday morning 7th March at Owston Hall for trades people who want to meet local business leaders and secure more work. The event is an opportunity to build relationships with businesses that may want to use your services in the future and to share contacts and gain referals, so please only come if you can take on more work.

 e-mail adi.brown@inspirestaffing or call 01302 515485 for further details.

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What's your strangest interview experience?

2012-10-18 06:02:29.0

What's the strangest question you've ever been asked in an interview? What bizzare interview experiences have you had? 

 

We want to hear about your interview experiences, so we're giving the you all the chance to win £100 in high street vouchers!

 

All you have to do is post your experience on this blog by Friday 9th November, and our favorite entry will be selected and announced by Monday 12th November! 

 

The winner will be selected independantly, by James Stallard, a representative of Utility Warehouse, who specialise in saving consumers money on their gas, electricity, mobile phone and landline bills. Further information on the services James provides just drop him an e-mail :- jamesstallard@uwclub.net

 

We look forward to reading about your experiences!

 

(back to website home page)            TOP 10 INTERVIEW TIPS           CV WRITING GUIDANCE

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recruitment / job / jobs / interview / agency / doncaster / yorkshire

Over and done in 8 seconds!

2012-10-02 03:31:42.0

Does your CV work?

In approximately the same amount of time it takes to read this paragraph, a potential employer has just picked up your C.V., skimmed it, scanned it, mulled it over, made a decision. And put it back down again.*
 
So with an average of 52 applicants for every job in the first quarter of this year**, you have to ask yourself, does my C.V. say everything I need it to at a glance?
 
Keep it succinct
In no more than 2 pages, don't say anything that isn't necessary or relevant. End of.
 
 
Use a clear layout
Bearing in mind that your C.V. will get approximately 8 seconds of attention, you need to set it out clearly. Treat it like an advert in a magazine - it has to sell you effectively with limited attention from the audience.
 
Ask yourself how can I draw attention to a particular section? What will the employer look at first? How easy is the information to find?
 
 
Tailor it to your audience
Imagine, for a moment, you're a tailor. Alan Sugar, intent on firing someone, strolls into your shop looking for a new suit for the job. And you send him out looking like he's a contestant in a Rab C Nesbit lookalike competition. It doesn't work.
 
Look at the `desirable` and `essential` skills the employer requires.  Make sure you C.V. clearly demonstrates how you have these skills and fits the job you're applying for.
 
 
Don't leave gaps in career history
Employers want to see what you're up to. They're nosey like that.  Gaps in your career history suggest that you haven't updated your C.V. for the last few years, showing a lack of effort and desire to make the right first impression, or worse, that you're trying to hide something.
 
If there are legitimate gaps, that's fine. But bear in mind these might be questioned, so prepare good answers.
 
 
Get your figures right
Using figures to highlight specific achievements is a powerful tool. But make sure your figures add up. I once had a candidate who claimed to have sold an average of 100 units per month at an average margin of £50 per unit but then claimed they consistently delivered £15,000 profit per month. To an employer, this shows the candidate is either a) unable to do basic math; b) a liar; or c) an alchemist! Just make sure you do the math!
 
 
Draw attention to specific achievements
Include specific achievements or awards. "Best New Employee 2009” or "Top Sales Income, January - March 2012" would get the employer's attention. However, an "Employee of the Month" mug from your favourite card shop is only impressive to you.
 
 
Don't make slily erorrs
Remember when your English teacher told you that spelling was important? They were right. It's amazing how many little errors I see on someone's C.V. It really has a negative impact on your application. It's like turning up to an interview wearing only your underwear *** and apologising that you forgot to check whether you had any clothes on before you left the house. Sort of.
 
Before you send your C.V. check it. Check it again. Then get another literate person to check it. Then check that you're happy with how they checked it...and so on.
 
 
Use a logical order 
Start with most recent employment/education history first. Your Saturday job at Matalan 12 years ago isn't going to be of great interest to a potential employer looking at you as a Business Development Manager, so why make him/her read that first? Not that there's anything wrong with Matalan, of course. I always get new underwear for an interview from there.
 
 
Don't tell porkies 
2009-2010:Astronaut
2010-2011: Airline Pilot
2011-2012: Played the lead role as `the woman in black` in The Woman in Black.  
 
Whilst my flying days are indeed over, I clearly didn't play the lead role in the above film. It's a common misconception that it's acceptable to over-embellish a C.V. but good interviewers will easily catch you out.
 
Then it's out the door and no job for you. Nothing. Nada. Zip.
 
Also, when over inflated or made up claims come to light after you've commenced employment and they take up references (as they will) you could find that you're gone. It's unlikely you'll have any recourse for this and then you've got to explain in your next interview why you were only in your last job for three weeks. 
 
 
 
So there you have it. Easy. 
Just remember that your C.V. - although short - can make the difference between getting an interview and not. It says a lot about you in a very short space, so make sure it says the right things in the right way.
 
Need more help?
 
Just e-mail CVhelp@inspirestaffing.co.uk and we'll provide you with free, impartial guidance. 
 
 
*Research suggests employers spend an average of 8 seconds looking at a CV (Total Jobs, 2012)
**BBC - highflyers survey July 2012 reference 
***Inspire Staffing Solutions would never advise turning up to an interview in only your underwear. Whilst, for some jobs, it would seem appropriate, employers will clearly stipulate a specific dress code if it is `out of the ordinary`.
 
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You never get a second chance to make a great first impression! Top 10 Tips for Interview Hits.

2012-09-14 05:28:08.0

 

A question I’m regularly asked by candidates is, “How should I prepare for the interview?” Simple isn’t it? Be on time, look smart etc. Well, yes, but you wouldn’t believe how many times candidates arrive at interviews ill prepared. And it shows!
 
In the overcrowded scramble for jobs, set yourself apart from the rest and follow this simple guide to ensure this is the last interview you are invited to for a while.
 
  • Do your research
We’re not talking PhD here. You don’t need to have a wispy beard, halitosis and glasses on the tip of your nose! But make sure you know plenty about the company you’re interviewing for. Sometimes we just need a job because of the money. It’s just a job. But employers want someone who is eager to work for them and understands the company they want to join.
 
  • Be on time
Always make sure you know local traffic conditions and consider delays with public transport before the interview day. You don’t want the first impression to be negative.* However, there are always unforeseen circumstances, so make sure you have a contact number and give them a quick call if you’re running late.
 
  • Bring a note pad, pen and diary
Strictly not for doodling! You never know when you might need to jot down a few notes. Better still, make sure you take some notes of key information.
 
  • Take a file of qualifications and C.V.
You may have been very proud when you dipped across the finish line – one hand raised in the air, the other clutching the spoon, the egg teetering on the edge – but your Primary School athletic achievements have long since passed. Though your mother was, no doubt, very proud, prospective employers won’t be too interested. Make sure you have all your important qualifications from GCSE onwards, including evidence to support any relevant courses or awards completed. Show you are prepared and forward-thinking.
 
Need help with your C.V.? Click Here
 
  • Look sharp
This should be a no-brainer. If you arrive at an interview looking like an extra straight from the set of The Undead, you might as well have asked the taxi to wait outside. On the meter. Look smart, professional and neutral. Create the image you’re a high achiever.
 
  • Good eye contact
Good eye contact shows you’re confident and you’re listening. Employers want to know you can interact with others and be a good team player. But don’t stare. That’s just weird.
 
  • Ask questions 
Think carefully about what questions you might ask before you enter the room. If you’ve done your research, you should be able to ask some pertinent questions about the employer or company. Try to ask open questions to give the interviewer opportunities to explain things in more detail. “What is the meaning of life?” however, may be a little too open.
 
  • Relax: be yourself
Don’t try to fool the interviewer into thinking you’re someone that you’re not**. It’s easy to spot and you’ll come undone quickly. Take a deep breath, smile and be yourself. 
 
  • Ask for feedback
Ask if you can have some feedback before you leave. This shows you’re keen to improve and develop your skills. If you’re unsuccessful, take the feedback constructively and make amends next time.
 
  • Follow up the interview 
This is a really good idea and few people do it. Follow up the interview with a polite email or letter to the interviewer thanking them for their consideration. This could be the difference between success and the drawing board. Even if you’re unsuccessful, you don’t know when the next post will open up and you may make it to the top of the next shortlist. 
 
* Research suggests that in some circumstances an interviewer has already reached a decision on your employability within the first 20 seconds of meeting you.
** Unless applying to be a reporter for The News of the World, soap actor or undercover narcotics officer. 
 

For further help and advice with interview preparation, just call our team on 0845 602 2422 or e-mail interviewhelp@inspirestaffing.co.uk

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