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Job Hunting Strategies For All!

Career Advice UK / Job Interview Strategies / Job Hunting Guide

Providing essential guidance on how to win a job interview. The idea is to outline potential job hunting strategies for every individual regardless of where they are on their career path. Such useful information will form the basis for defining a personal job hunting strategy. It saves people time and makes the job search process more effective as well as helping to maintain an important focus.

More detailed information (articles) regarding each of the 10 Ways to Win A Job interview will be found in the Latest Articles section of this website. A link to this section will appear here in due course. In the meantime, Winning CV hopes you will still find this section as a very useful guide.

1) Research Career Options - Make A Good Start!

- Effective research to be successful at achieving ultimate career aims.

>> Research possible choices - careers, job titles, role descriptions & industry sectors.
>> Knowing a preferred career options helps people to maintain an all important career focus.
>> Effective career & job research ultimately makes people more successful in achieving overall aims.

| Career Articles: Read More | Making An Effective Career Choice | September 2007

2) Setting Career Objectives - Important To Plan Ahead

- Set realistic ambitions and define an overall career plan for success.

>> Set realistic ambitions and define an overall (detailed) career plan.
>> Knowing career aspirations and career directions helps people remain focused on overall goals.
>> Objectives & career plans should be reviewed periodically. Stay positive throughout!

| Career Articles: Read More | Making An Effective Career Choice | September 2007

3) Broaden Job Search - Maximising Chances!

- Utilising job hunting resources to maximise 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.

4) Follow Sound Advice - Consider Everything!

- A 'two-way' process - researching employers to find those with a 'best fit'.

Finding a job is very much a 'TWO-WAY' process because employees will want to fit in and feel comfortable with a prospective employer. Working for companies that people identify with (affinity)
and feel positive about can ultimately lead to more success in any new role (i.e. people will
want to succeed and do more for their new company.

When applying for companies, it is important to do some effective research. 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.

5) Create An Effective CV - Beat The Competition!

- Effective CVs will win interviews & differentiate from others!

>>   Recruiters have only 30 seconds to scan a CV and covering letter.
>>   An effective CV will leave a good impression & persuade recruiters to shortlist candidates.
>>   Keeping it simple, well-presented, accurate & honest will show professionalism - think smarter!
>>   A CV which is less than 100% leaves an opportunity for it to be rejected! (then, why bother?).

6) Carefully Targeting Employers & Roles with CVs

- Target employers effectively by understanding the job descripton.

Targeting Employers & Roles - Be Selective!
Thinking smarter by carefully targeting roles and employers will often pay dividends. It could mean landing a better job or something that is more suited to your experience, skills and qualities.
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).

3) Carefully target job roles & employers
Employers will only consider candidates who can satisfy at least 60-70% of the job description criteria. Anything less then you are likely to be wasting your time. Further customise your application 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 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 to optimise your chances of winning an interview.

7) Job interview preparation - important to be prepared!

- Effective preparation is the 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.

8) Create The Right Image - Be Confident On Your 'Big Day'!

- Demonstrate an aura of confidence & professionalism at interview.

First impressions & creating a professional image are arguably as important as to how you
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!

9) Be Confident, Relax & Go For It!

- Dealing with interviews 'on the day' & winning a successful outcome.

With thorough preparation, an interview should be no more than a structured discussion
about a job role & how you 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 you relax, stay calm & make them 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.

10) Learn From Experiences - Useful For Future Interviews!

- Constructive feedback can help improve future 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 - your time will come!

10 Ways To Win A Job Interview - Summary

Winning CV Article - Job Hunting Strategies

10 WAYS TO WIN A JOB INTERVIEW

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.

Winning a job interview! - 10 Ways To Win A Job Interview.

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career resources for all - help defining personal job hunting strategies (10 Ways To Win A Job Interview) as well as CV
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