You can't effectively start searching for a new job unless you are clear on the job you are looking for. So do you know what you want to do? If not, have a look at the career coaching section.
You must know what you want - which profession, what industry, size of company, type of colleagues and clients etc. This is a fundamental step to successful job search.
Job search is a game, and you need to know the rules.
When most people start job searching, they will register with agencies and on line job search sites, read through the newspaper, looking for something that catches their eye, send off their CV and then wonder why they don't get short-listed. They don't understand the job search rules.
Rule 1: agencies are not interested in you unless they can get you into a job. They aren't there to find the right job for you, but to place you in a job so they get their commission. It's a transaction and as long as you are clear on this you won't raise your expectations too high.
Rule 2: your CV is a selling document, and it needs to sell you into the job you seek. Bland and unfocused CVs will not grab the recruiters attention.
Rule 3: Expect rejection – it's rare to get the first job that you go for, so you need to be able to pick yourself up and apply again, but also to review your performance, find out how you did and how you can improve.
Rule 4: Be proactive, don't just wait for a job to be advertised, that means you are competing against many. Instead once you are clear on the job you are looking for, approach companies direct and "network" (which just means talking with people who may be able to help) to find the jobs before they are advertised.
Rule 5: Get expert help – whilst you can glean information from various job sites and learn from experience, how much is all this learning costing you? Wouldn’t it be easier to learn from an expert? How long would it take to learn to drive without an expert instructor? The money spent on job search support can result in better clarity over your job search campaign and a better financial package.
The Job Search Support Programme is a winner in the National Career Awards, 2009 gaining 'Highly Commended' in the working with adults category.
Why do people struggle?
It’s hard to find a new job, and the reason many people take so long and often just give up and stay in a job that makes them unhappy is down to 3 main reasons
- You don’t know where to start - there are so many job sites to look for jobs, which are best and how do you allocate your time?
- There’s too much to do – update your CV, get interview coaching, build your network, undertake informational interviews, start a blog … how do you decide what to do next, sometimes it is easier not to start
- It’s hard to stay motivated – you know what to do but you don't do what you know, its easier to watch TV than carefully craft a covering letter or follow up with a potential networking contact.
Effective job search support comprises 4 stages
Getting clarity
Getting ready – CVs and covering letters
Personal branding including using web 2.0
Interviewing practice
Assessment centre coaching
Self marketing with ongoing mentoring
First 90 days
Getting clarity
If you don't know what it is that you want to do, how will you know where to look? I encourage clients to network and target companies direct, but it will be nigh impossible if you don't know what you want and how can anyone else help you, and for that matter what will you say when you are asked “so why are you applying for this job?”
Many clients start with career coaching or choose one of the career programmes
Read more under the career coaching section or call Denise to discuss.
Getting ready – CVs and covering letters
An effective CV will get you shortlisted. How effective is yours? With over 20 years experience in recruitment Denise can give you candid feedback and help you create a CV that generates results.
Personal branding, including using web 2.0
Personal branding is being clear abut what you stand for, and marketing yourself like a company. You need to get your brand out there, and this includes creating effective profiles on social networking sites including LinkedIn, Blogs and websites, Twitter and more.
Interviewing practice
I get you interview ready before you go out and talk with people. You can use your enhanced approach when networking, attending informal meetings and you are ready for when you get that interview.
Assessment centre coaching
Many companies now use assessment centres for selection. Too many people worry about how to perform. Denise is a highly experienced assessor, and has trained hundreds of assessors and designed over 100 assessment centres. You will feel much more confident working with Denise
Self marketing with ongoing mentoring
Once the preparation is done it’s time to start marketing yourself. From applying to jobs you see advertised to taking a direct approach Denise will guide you to be more effective. Ongoing mentoring keeps you focused and motivated. It’s like having a personal trainer for your job search.
First 90 days
Once you are successful in your job search Denise is available as a sounding board/ mentor to help you be effective in your first 3 months in your new job.
Job Hunting Groups
Don’t want to work alone, would you benefit from joining a group. Face to face groups are held in Tewkesbury and in other parts of the country with carefully chosen associates. You may prefer to join an online job hunting group.
Choose between hourly sessions or choose a programme. Talk to Denise on the help you need and get a programme created for you,.
