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Archive for the ‘Job Hunting in a Recession’ Category
Friday, August 20th, 2010
Hi I’m at the end of my tether, I’ve been looking for a job in graphic design since I graduated in 2009. Please can you suggest any relevant help. I don’t need any generic links, I’ve read them all but would appreciate any practical advice anyone can give me. Thanks.
First thing I’d suggest is to review what you have already done. You may well have been applying for jobs, but to what extent have you been contacting companies direct, have you approached companies from a position of REALLY knowing what their business issues are and how you can help. This can be both design companies but also companies who may not realise the benefits of what a graphic designer can do for them.
I know you will want to do paid work, but could you see about doing work experience for a couple of days a week for a month. Or look to do some work as a freelancer for small businesses to help expand your portfolio.
There is lots more advice in my book – How To Get A Job In A Recession.
Posted in Job Hunting in a Recession, STUDENTS AND GRADUATES
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Monday, June 14th, 2010
Everyone benefits from effective networking. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you make the most of your networking opportunities.
Plan
Find out who is attending by getting a copy of the delegate list in advance. This will help you to work out who you want to talk with, and what information would be helpful to take along to exchange.
Be visible
Make the first move, in a friendly, helpful way. Expect to like people and to enjoy the event. If not, people will sense it and will not connect with you!
Not sure what to talk about?
Think about questions such as: “what makes you interested in …”, “what are you hoping to get out of the meeting”, or “do you know any of the other people here”?
Find out who the other person is
Make the goal in your conversations to connect rather than impress. Really, listen and enjoy meeting each person you talk to, and look for ways you can help them out.
Offer to email an article or resource you have that may be helpful for them.
To read more: http://www.amazingpeople.co.uk/pdf/networking.pdf
Posted in CAREER MANAGEMENT, JOB SEARCH, Job Hunting in a Recession
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010
 My publishing company say:
At a time when jobs are scarce and competition is fierce, standing out at interview is more important than ever. Award-winning psychologist Denise Taylor’s new book is for anyone that has received a ‘you’ve been shortlisted’ letter and wants to feel more confident and prepared for their forthcoming interview.
“Too often when I’m recruiting people, at all levels, they fail to do themselves justice: they don’t give specific answers to questions and stick to the general and vague. It can be even worse at assessment centres, where some candidates really understand how to portray themselves and tackle the exercises, and others miss out on their ideal job for want of knowing what to do. In my new book, I’ve used my 20+ years of experience to give you the knowledge to be successful.”
Denise Taylor, February 2010
’Denise Taylor’s new book `Shortlisted’ provides any jobseeker the know-how and outlook necessary to win over potential employers upon reaching the crucial interview stage. As a recent graduate myself, it is common knowledge that once you have been able to secure this all-important interview, the most challenging aspect is being able to dazzle the panel. As we all know this is not as easy as it looks! Denise’s expert advice and multitude of experience enables you to do just this and covers all potential areas that an interviewee might encounter at this stage. A hugely worthwhile investment!’
You can read more on Amazon using this link http://bit.ly/cmXRHc. The book is available from all good book stores.
Posted in JOB SEARCH, Job Hunting in a Recession
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Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Networking, not all my clients enjoy doing it, but sometimes they need to look for ways to build connections with others. I’ve a client going off to a conference next week, this is the advice I’ve sent him:
1. Plan to enjoy it – write it down and have it somewhere you will look at it each day. ‘I am going to enjoy meeting new people at the conference next week’
2. Read the networking chapter in my book
3. Plan how many people you will speak to – 1 or 2 on arrival, one in the morning break, 2 at lunch time etc
4. Be subtle – you are looking to get to know people a bit, find out more about them and then you can get in touch later
5. When you go into the conference rooms don’t automatically sit on your own, but sit next to someone and talk.
6. Think of some questions you can ask – what do you think of the event, what made you come, how is the recession hitting your company …
7. Don’t panic, and smile occasionally. If all gets too much, go for a quick walk or be on your won then go back ‘on stage’
I have covered this in much more detail in a chapter of my book – How to get a job in a recession, and also in my eBook – Traditional Job search
Posted in Career Motivators, JOB SEARCH, Job Hunting in a Recession
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
I’ve been discussing how to complete application forms with a couple of my clients. In each case they were not getting shortlisted but when I reviewed their application form they had not properly targeted their application to the job spec.
With a general application it is much harder for the short lister to decide whether you have met the criteria, or not. What needs to be done is to review the criteria and include a short paragraph demonstrating just how well you match up to the criteria, and to think broadly if you don’t have specific experience from your previous job(s).
I have covered this in much more detail in a chapter of my book – How to get a job in a recession, and also in my eBook – Traditional Job search.
Could I be of help? Please get in touch -http://www.amazingpeople.co.uk
Posted in JOB SEARCH, Job Hunting in a Recession
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Monday, September 21st, 2009
Day 5: The different ways to find a job
If you saw me on The Tonight Programme on ITV1 (17th November) you may have heard me say about being proactive to get a job. The problem with concentrating on jobs that are advertised is that that is what everyone else is doing, companies get swamped with applications and it is really hard to stand out from the other applicants.
You must of course still look at the advertised jobs, but don’t use this at the expense of alternative methods.
Traditional job search – the advertised route
Advantages
• The ad clearly states the requirements
• You usually get the name of the company so you can do some research before applying
Disadvantages
• Only 15-20% of jobs are filled via the open job market so limit this aspect of your job search to 30-50 minutes a day, probably time better spent networking
• High level of competition as so many people get to read the ads
How to increase your chance of success
• Identify the most relevant papers to read and also look at their online sites. Professional journals will often have jobs available on site in advance of the print publication
• Respond promptly and log the date you do so you can follow up
• Be selective, spend time on the closest matches rather than to send unfocused letters off to many
• Carefully read the ad and ensure your letter and CV matches as closely as possible
• If you get a reject/regret letter ask for feedback
Posted in JOB SEARCH, Job Hunting in a Recession
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Monday, September 7th, 2009
I was talking to an enquirer this morning who feels that as she is now redundant no one will realise what an excellent worker she was. All she has is a non-descript reference with just confirmation of dates of working.
So what do I recommend – start thinking of your need for references in advance. Collect testimonials from clients, colleagues, suppliers. Print out emails, and put them into a folder. Each time you complete a substantial piece of work, ask people to write you a letter of thanks, with some specific examples you can then take this along to interview, or include quotes with applications.
What I wouldn’t advise is to make these up, but amazingly there are companies out there who will sell you a reference.
ABC News has an online article about a company who will sell you a reference. Career Excuse will fill in the gaps on your CV by acting as your previous employer.
I would not condone this at all, and if you were found out it would mean your job offer was withdrawn, but it has provoked a lot of discussion on the web site and you can read the comments here.
What do you think?
Posted in CAREER MANAGEMENT, Job Hunting in a Recession
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Friday, September 4th, 2009
Day 4: Dealing with negative thoughts
Don’t let negative thoughts stop you
Some people have negative thoughts, they know what they want to do but think they can’t do it – they say things like
• I’m too young or too old
• I can’t afford it
• I’m scared
• I don’t know where to start.
If you think you can’t, then you are likely to find that true, but if you think you can you are open to many possibilities.
Yes, there’s a recession and companies are letting people go, but other companies are expanding, and jobs are still available.
If you find negative thoughts going through your mind, look at turning them around. For example, I’m not too young/old, but I’m the perfect age to get started. Instead of worrying about not knowing where to start, to say I’m ready to get started, and let your subconscious work on this, and use external help if needed.
Visualise yourself being a success
Once people make a decision they don’t always follow through.
Too often people focus on the reasons why they can’t achieve something. They say things like
• I don’t have enough time
• People will think I’m mad
• People will be jealous if I succeed
• What if I fail?
• I’m not smart enough
Instead of focusing on why not, why not focus on why and visualise yourself succeeding?
Posted in JOB SEARCH, Job Hunting in a Recession
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
Day 3: Be clear what you want
It’s not enough to want a new job, you need to think about what you do want to do – that mean you can market yourself properly.
Too often people choose a new job by looking at job sites for something they think they can already do, utilising skills they already have but in a recession these jobs may not be available, and for many, they would be very happy to do something new.
So spend some time having a bit of a dream and then we can get focused on reality.
1: What do you love to do?
Take a blank sheet of paper and head it "I love to…" This doesn’t have to just be work stuff but also can include anything that really interests you.
2: What are your top 3-6 skills?
List these and then highlight the ones you want to continue to use.
3: If all jobs paid the same what would you do? Write it down!
Posted in JOB SEARCH, Job Hunting in a Recession
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