Getting a Job

1)    Prepare your resume

An up to date, meticulously prepared and professionally presented resume is vital. Your resume should be roughly 4-5 pages in length depending on your experience.  

Remember, whoever looks at this has very little time will not be impressed with confusing details or inaccuracies.  Keep it simple!

2)    Develop a job search strategy

There are 2 types of jobs in this world … the advertised and those that are never advertised!   Develop a job search strategy to cover both types to increase your interview chances.

NON-ADVERTISED JOBS

  • Read the general section of the newspaper like you never have before!  Look for articles referring to company expansion or start-ups.  
  • Read between the lines for those who will be looking for staff
  • Research companies Linkedin and Twitter pages for the latest news and announcements   
  • Research the industries that appeal to you, and make contact with the organisations that are of interest to you
  • Cold call at least three of these organisations each day and ask to speak to the human resources section. Be prepared for ‘knock backs’, but persevere!
  • Find out which recruitment agencies specialise in your area of interest or those whose consultants are experienced generalists (covering more than one industry). Call them and ask to make an appointment with a consultant regarding opportunities
  • Tell your friends you are on the move or looking for work. If you can, network with people of your chosen field. Subtly let those that matter know of your availability


ADVERTISED JOBS

  • Be across all different forms of media.
  • Online:  A variety of job sites are available to the job seeker. For example Seek.com.au and mycareer.com.au. Learn how to use them and have jobs emailed to you.
  • The Newspaper: Know which papers are best for which jobs. Note which day employment sections are published.
  • Magazines and Journals:  There are a number of professional body magazines and journals that advertise positions.

3)    Record your job search.

Keep a record of all advertised positions applied for.  Include the agency, consultant’s name, what action was taken, follow up calls, etc.

4)    Prepare for your interview.  

Thorough preparation is vital to a successful job interview.  Wikipedia and Google will provide you with a wealth of current information and facts.

Prepare answers for questions that might relate to the following:

  • What are you interests and hobbies?
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • What are your educational plans for the future?
  • What gives you greatest satisfaction when working?
  • What motivates you?
  • How was your relationship with previous boss?
  • What would your co-workers say about you?
  • What is your career plan?


Also be prepared for behavioural questions

  • An example of how you implemented change in last role
  • Examples of working to a deadline
  • Examples of where you had difficulty getting along with a colleague /supervisor
  • If a business colleague talks too much, what do you do?


Remember: By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. Benjamin Franklin