Effective Career Planning  |  Setting Career Objectives  |  Plan For Success!

>>  Set realistic ambitions and define an overall (detailed) career plan.

>>  Knowing (setting) career aspirations and career directions helps keep focus on overall goals. 

>>  Objectives & career plans should be reviewed periodically to check relevance & success.

>>  Stay positive throughout even if objectives are taking some time to be realised. 

RELATED ARTICLE:   |  Making An Effective Career Choice  |

3)  JOB HUNTING RESOURCES: Optimise a job search by using all available job seeking resources and advice.

Job Hunting Resources  |  Maximising Job Search Opportunities

>>  The Internet is arguably the most used & up-to-date resource.  

>>  Recruitment consultants can help with vacancies, contacts & local networking.

>>  Networking with business contacts, friends & family can prove beneficial (often under-used).  

>>  Local, regional & national newspapers can provide additional information & job vacancies.   

>>  CV distribution companies match CVs with recruitment consultants, employers & vacancies.

>>  Libraries often have company directories, telephone directories & annual reports, etc.

Job Hunting Is A 'Two-Way' Process  |  Finding The Best Employers

Finding a job is very much a 'TWO-WAY' process.  Employees will want to fit in and feel comfortable with a new employer.  If people can identify with a company (affinity) this can ultimately lead to more success in any new role (i.e. people will be motivated to succeed and do more for their new company).

When applying for companies, effective research is massively important.  Company websites, stock market and annual reports are good sources of information.   Asking local recruitment consultants or career advisors can give impressions of particular employers.  Chances are local career-related companies will have wider relationships and speak regularly with candidates.  This can reveal
more about local companies, opportunities and candidate prospects.

Consider company culture, management styles, company activities, company performance, job roles and responsibilities, company benefits & OTE packages, etc.  Larger companies will have details of training schemes, academic sponsorships, graduate development and individual employee
case studies giving experiences of working for the company.   

Also, understand the 'hidden' job description because employers can talk up job roles to make them appear more attractive than they really are.  Finally, consider the benefits (and costs) of leaving a current employer.  Write down the pros and cons of leaving because it may be worthwhile to stay and consider other opportunities with a current employer.

Effective CVs Will Win Interviews  |  Improving Job Application Skills

>>   Recruiters will only spend 30 seconds or so scanning applications.

>>   An effective CV will leave a good impression & persuade recruiters to shortlist candidates.

>>   Keeping CVs simple, well-presented, accurate & honest will show professionalism - think smarter!

>>   A CV less than 100% perffect leaves an opportunity for rejection! (then, why bother?).

Carefully Target Employers  |  Targeting Jobs Will Save Time

Be Selective When Targeting Employers and Job Roles!
>>   Think smarter - carefully target roles and employers will often pay dividends. 
>>   Better jobs or something more suited to experiences, skills and qualities may result.
>>   Being selective may also save time, effort and resources.  Four main aspects.

1) Competition Is Intense
Differentiate yourself from others - offer an employer something unique!

2) Sell Your Potential
Grab the attention of the recruiter (only 30 seconds to impress with a CV).

3) Carefully targeting job roles & employers
Employers will only consider candidates who can satisfy at least 60-70% of the job description criteria.  Anything less then and it is a waste of time. Further customise applications by matching key experience and relevant skills with keywords and phrases contained within the job description.

4) Decisions on inviting candidates to interview are based on the CV alone. 
Get the CV (application) right and there is a good chance of being invited to attend an interview. 

Evidence Of Suitablity 
>>   Show evidence of suitability - demonstrate relevant experience, achievements skills and qualities. 
>>   A proven track record of past performance gives evidence of likely future performance / potential. 
>>   Build a skills & qualities profile - reinforces evidence of suitability, adaptability & personal qualities. 
>>   Attention to detail will always help with optimising chances of winning an interview.

Effective Interview Preparation Is Key To Job Interview Success

Having earnt an interview, the last thing to do is waste this opportunity.  
Getting the 'basics right' will invariably ensure a more effective interview performance.

Getting The Basics Right

>>  Know and understand your CV - questions can be asked on any aspect of a CV.

>>  Understand the job description - define what the employer is looking for (break it down). 

>>  Research the company - can give an impression of the company & candidate profile.

>>  Work on interview techniques, prepare answers, ask good / relevant questions, etc. 

Show An Aura Of Self-Confidence and Professionalism At Interview

First impressions & creating a professional image are arguably as important as to how people
perform in the job interview itself!   Looking smart is a requirement to be successful at interview!

Creating The Right Image

>>  Show confidence & an aura of professionalism.  

>>  An investment in looking smart can make all the difference.  

>>  Demonstrating effective preparation & being in control shows self-confidence.  

>>  Ask well-targeted questions - highlights professionalism & a genuine interest in the role.  

>>  Recruitment decisions can be made based on initial impressions - absolutely vital!  

Focusing On Job Interview Performance  |  Job Interview Success

With thorough preparation, an interview should be no more than a structured discussion about
a job role & how candidates will fit into the company.  Maintaining a positive mindset is important.

>>   Interviewers get nervous too as afterall they are under pressure to hire the right person!  

>>   If able to relax, stay calm & make interviewers feel welcome, they will often reciprocate - try it & see!

>>   Be confident throughout the intervew - visualise a time of success or a special achievement.

>>   Consider how to close the interview giving positive intent by reiterating interest & commitment.

Constructive Feedback  |  Improves Future Job Interview Performance

>>   If unsuccessful, rejection can be turned into a positive learning experience. 

>>   Constructive feedback can help to understand interview strengths & weaknesses.  

>>   Understanding previous performance can ultimately improve performance for next time. 

>>   This gives opportunities to work on weaknesses & refine interview techniques.

>>   Remember to work smarter & stay positive - everyone's time will come!

ARTICLE  |  10 WAYS TO WIN A JOB INTERVIEW - Job Hunting Strategies

Seeking long-term employment requires a more considered and strategic approach to job hunting.  Winning CV gives comprehensive advice on how to define your own personal job hunting strategy. 

Overview of the main components.                                                     

1)  Research your career options

- Make a good start:  Effective research to be successful at achieving ultimate career aims.

2)  Setting career objectives & planning - think ahead!

- Important to plan ahead:  Set realistic ambitions and define an overall career plan for success.

3)  Broaden your job search

- Maximise your chances:  Utilising job hunting resources to maximise job search opportunities.

4)  Follow sound advice - consider everything!

- Get the full picture!:  A 'two-way' process - researching employers to find those with a 'best fit'.

5)  Create an effective CV & covering letter - beat the competition!

- Differentiate yourself from others:  Effective CVs create good impressions to win interview invites.

6)  Carefully targeting employers & roles with your CV

- Be selective!:  Looking at how to target employers effectively by understanding the job description.

7)  Job interview preparation & interview techniques

- Preparation is key to success:  Working on interview techniques and 'getting the basics right'.

8)  Create the right image - dress to impress!

- Set yourself up for the 'big day':  Demonstrating an aura of confidence and professionalism.

9)  Be confident, relax & go for it!   

- Don't waste your big chance!:  Dealing with interviews 'on the day' & winning a successful outcome.

10)  Learn from your experiences 

- Useful for the future!:  Constructive feedback can help improve future interview performance.

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