Tips for job seekers

Tips to find a job

You will find below some hints which will help you to search efficiently a job. Several steps can help you finding a job (headhunter, network, job listings…).

  • Firstly it is necessary to fine-tune your resume.
  • Target your search.
  • Build your network and get the word out, word of mouth can turn out to be useful.
  • Professional branding: you can create a personal brand which gratifies you and at the same time will gives a strong positive impression of yourself to the employers.
  • Networking will be beneficial because these top social and professional networking sites will enhance your career and boost your job search.
  • There is a variety of widgets, gadgets, and tools that will help quickly your job search and manage your career, so do not hesitate to use them.
  • Check that you have the appropriate tools before you start seeking for employments.
  • Create a list of job companies to target in your job search. You can find a lot of information on the web, and it is easy to find specifics information about potential employers online.
  • Find Job Listings : Check job search engine sites, job banks, company web sites, networking sites. Consider working with a recruiter to optimize your opportunities.
  • Join an association (professional, graduate, job seekers…) and go to the exhibitions, fora, shows…
  • Consult the classified ads online and in the newspapers.

Things to do before and during the interview

  • Make a list of questions you would like to ask during or after the interview, it can avoid to say something useless.
  • Get dressed up according to the job looking for (for example: men in suits, shirts and ties; women in suits or conservative dresses).
  • Make sure you are neat and presentable (hair cut to a reasonable length, shaved, clothes pressed and shoes shined…).
  • Shake hands (men and women) upon entering and leaving the room.
  • Try to do not over stress and be positive
  • Be on time, punctuality is a must or up to 10 minutes early (if you are running late, call the interviewer as soon as possible).
  • Smile and be enthusiastic and responsive.
  • Stay yourself and emphasize your strong points.

Mistakes to avoid during an interview

  • Don’t be on familiar terms with the recruiter.
  • Do not keep your hands in your pockets.
  • Let the recruiter speak and do not interrupt him/her during the interview.
  • Do not take back your CV to read something.
  • Do not be late!
  • Do not denigrate a previous company.
  • Do not take a phone call during an interview
  • Have a good posture.
  • Greet the interviewers with a warm, confident “hello”, and a firm handshake.
  • Keep eye contact and look alerted and interested (do not chew gum nor play with your jewelry)
  • Get as much information as possible about the job and the employer.
  • Be honest about your background and experience.
  • Don’t worry about wage, salary and benefits during the interview (it will be discussed after the interview).
  • Very often the recruiter ends the interview asking if you have any other questions to ask. Think about it, keep a question for this occasion.
  • Thank the interviewer(s) for her/his time.
  • Ask when the final decision will be made and how you will be contacted.

Things to do after the interview

  • It is important to show to the recruiter that you are very interested and motivated by the job.
  • A follow-up call on or after the day when the final decision was to be made is often a good idea.
  • Send a thank you note for the time the employer has spent in the interview.

Tips to write your resume

To take no chances, here you can find a recap of the mistakes to avoid and some advice to improve your CV. A CV is a marketing tool with a good one you will be able to promote yourself. A well-organized and written CV without mistakes will make the difference.

Main mistakes to avoid

  • Write only the most relevant information, thus it is necessary to select the information according to the job wanted.
  • But don’t let out information which can be essential.
  • Don’t use acronyms, some employers may not know what they mean.
  • Avoid cliché like “motivated individual”, and “I am” or “me” it is too much personal.
  • Avoid the elliptic sentences
  • Verbs and nouns are compulsory and allow a better understanding.
  • Tell the truth, because most employers conduct reference and background checks.
  • Avoid the use of words such as ‘duties’ or ‘tasks’. Don’t list your work responsibilities; rather list your achievements in the specific position.
  • Don’t use too much embellishment, a CV writes in black that’s more than enough.
  • Poor spelling and grammar are not acceptable. rereading and check are essential. Get some extra help if needed.
  • Check your personal details: mail address, above all your phone number
  • Choose a personal mail address that looks professional (go for firstname.surname@ rather than letshaveadrink@) and choose an email address @gmail, @hotmail or @yahoo (instead of the address your provider gave you, so that you will keep it even if you switch to another internet provider)
  • Don’t mention your professional email address unless you want your manager to find out that you are looking for another job!
  • Don’t include controversial information. Avoid mentioning religion, political affiliation or any potentially incendiary information.

Key points to improve your CV

  • Firstly, your work history and qualifications must be listed in reverse chronological order.
  • Job title comes first, then you can add more information (city, employer, date…); it is the same for your qualifications.
  • Remember to put your name on each page.
  • The formatting of the CV is important, first the alignment and the margins, then the typesetting is commonly Arial or Times New Roman with a size between 11 – 12 points.
  • Your CV should normally be two pages in length because the recruiter will not read until the end.
  • Split your employment history into two sections: ‘Relevant Work History’ and ‘Other Employment’.
  • Use key words in your CV to make easier the work of the recruiter.
  • Use bullets to make the CV more clear and readable.
  • Use striking, concrete verbs and sentences to describe your jobs.
  • Don’t make repetitions, it make the CV too long and load down.
  • References should be listed separately and given to employers upon request.
  • Write several CV and use the most appropriated for the position you apply for.
  • Always update your CV for every job application (check your phone number or add the last employment…).
  • Requirements and styles for CV are not the same in all the countries. So you must fit to the correct practice for your current culture and country.
  • Collect information about the company and the job in question to know exactly what points the employers are looking for, it will prove that you are motivated and involved.
  • Don’t try to undervalue the things you’ve done before and be specific but brief.
  • Draw positive things and qualities from the jobs.
  • Don’t mention things that you are bad at or say negative things about yourself in your CV.
  • Explain any breaks in your employment (periods of unemployment, maternity leave, and long term sickness), it will allow the recruiter to understand why there is a non worked period in your CV.
  • Ensure all dates and addresses of your jobs are accurate.
  • Don’t hesitate to do something new but slightly (don’t use colors or too many bullets), and above all keep it current.
  • Include as much contact information as you can, it will be easier for employers to contact you.
  • Use numbers. Be specific. You can list the number of people you have supervised.
  • Include hobbies or interests but briefly.