In a tight labour market (as is currently the case) everyone, including high flyers, need inside track help if they are going to cut through and get those interviews.
As job vacancies get fewer, getting cut through is the key to your success. Remember, assume at least 400 other people (sometimes up to 1000) other people are vying for that job! Are you in peak condition to get the job you want or need?
Here are my top 6 tips to get you onto the short-list pile and not on the REJECT pile.
TIP 1: Develop and articulate your Personal Brand - Your personal brand needs to be portrayed in your covering letter/email, Resume and Interview process (including recruitment consultant interviews). Here is what you need to focus on:-
o What is your brand? Who are you? What are you selling?
o What is your unique selling proposition?
o Why should I employ you for this job?
o Do your SDOT – sell your positives. Find YOUR specific opportunities.
TIP 2: Develop a KILLER covering letter/email - NEVER apply for a job or approach a consultant without a cover letter/email. Your cover letter should portray:
o Be original, but drop the humour and useless anecdotes
o Portray your Personal Brand
o Tell them what makes you PERFECT for the role (do not just copy & paste criteria)
o Show you know their business and personalise the letter accordingly
o LESS IS MORE!
Remember you have about 30 seconds to make a great impression and avoid the REJECT pile, so ensure you are succinct, interesting and to the point! It should SCREAM – I’M PERFECT!!
TIP 3: Have a Resume for each type of role - If you are applying for more than one type of role DO NOT use a generic Resume! Your Resume MUST be tailored to the type or role you are going after. If you are failing to get interviews, this is likely to be your biggest problem! So make sure you have a killer Resume and that you have customised it.
TIP 4: APPLY FOR JOBS YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR – Six months ago you could take a chance and apply for jobs that you had 60-70% fit, and potentially get an interview because it was an Candidate market. In case you haven’t notice, the tables are turned and it is absolutely now an Employers market. So don’t waste yours or their time on a job you aren’t well qualified for. Besides wasting time and effort (which needs to go to the great jobs you are suited to) it is de-motivating not to hear back!
TIP 5: NETWORK - I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – GET NETWORKING! Most jobs will now be word of mouth or on online boards. HR’s best strategy is always through their own employees. Never underestimate people you meet/know. Get talking and selling yourself up at every opportunity. Go to free/low cost social events in your industry or professional group! You can’t rely on recruitment agencies to sell you, as they always struggle to create value in an Employers market and will have few jobs.
TIP 6: GET YOURSELF A KILLER CAREER COACH LIKE ME :) A career coach should be able to assist you to get the very best quality applications and to get interviews. When you get interviews, then they will help you to get the job! Make sure your career coach has a very strong HR background as this is an invaluable resource to you! A HR orientated career coach gives you the inside fast track and will ensure you get the outcomes you want!
If you would benefit from a free career coaching session, contact us on 02 8097 7971 or http://www.myperformancecoach.com.au/
