Job Hunting & Recruitment Processes - Plus ca change

finisklin

Thought I'd post this as it may be useful for people that are coming back onto the jobs market after a period of time (either in a role for a few years and haven't been searching, unemployed, career break/sabbaticals etc.) and the changes that have occurred from CVs, interviewing, how companies recruit and building your job search techniques. It is old hat to a degree and from my own experiences in job hunting there is definitely a renewed vigour and energy by HR managers in ensuring they recruit the right and best candidate for their company. I hope it is of use and that it helps you get the job best for you.

It's geared for people that have a few years experience and there may be some nuggets in here for new job entrants.

• Job description is the starting point - map out each item on the JD and identify if it is a strength or a weakness. Point to relevant experience or a project where you demonstrated this skill. Consider how you are going to address any weaknesses and overcome them. This is crucial. If you have more than 2 weaknesses on the JD then it may be difficult to overcome and secure the role. The 1st round interview will be competency based i.e. to see if you can do the job.

• CV - focus is on short CV (2 pages max) with key words reflecting skills and achievements to the fore. Chances are that it may not be a human that is screening it but a piece of software! Declutter your CV, take out all the sh*te that's not relevant using the KISS method so that's its readable and interesting. Use the spell checker and ensure font type & size & headers are consistent. Always wing your CV around to your mates and get their input on the content and layout. Always a good way to spot gaps and stuff that you are too close to when preparing it. Finally, tailor your CV to each job application highlighting relevant/appropriate content.Networking - this is face to face with friends, family, former work/college colleagues and using them to source jobs through word of amount. The other side of this is that they may be in a position to refer you to a potential employer and get you an interview before its advertised. Also, any events, conferences and training days that you attend where you meet other industry people is useful to build up contacts and swap experiences and expertise. Cultivate these relationships.

• Interview preparation - know your CV inside and out and draw on all relevant examples that show you can do the job. Highlight what you've learned in previous roles and how this can benefit the company. Always have questions that you want to ask the company at the end ready and a closing statement. The key to the interview is enthusiasm and passion for the role/company.

• Know the company and role inside and out (research, research and research some more) - read market reports, google them and do a search on the Irish Times and Independent.ie to see if they are in the news and why. Note anything significant and refer to it in the interview. Peruse the company's twitter, linkedin and facebook profiles to see if anything novel pops up. Chances are that some of the nuggets may be news to the interviewers! Also, useful to suss out some of the people that work for the company on LinkedIn and the previous incumbent to see what their foci are.

• Record keeping - make notes of any telephone conversations and interviews you do with the company. Record the questions asked and how you responded. Identify the priorities and areas that are important to them in the 1st interview. Consider these and how your experience can add value. Hammer these home at the second interview and in your closing statement. Note what your learning's are and where you are weak with a view to addressing these at the next stage. Make sure you get feedback after the interview, if unsuccessful. This will help you improve your interview technique. Always ask for feedback and be persistent about this and why you want it. If you haven't heard from the company after a week or within they time frame they indicated PICK UP the phone and call them and request the feedback.

• LinkedIn - have a linkedIn account and ensure it is fully filled out. Include a photo and have a brief summary of your experience and skillset and what you can do. Companies are looking for passive candidates as are recruiters. Compare your profile with your peers in the business and tailor according so that it is up to date and reflective of your key successes.

• Recruitment companies - snake oil sales men - they are however a necessary evil and it is important to be professional with them. Be realistic when they contact you about a position and always google the role and position that they are bringing to your attention. If at all possible deal with the company directly. Social media has made it easier to connect with employers and to apply for roles. Oh yeah, make sure that there is an actual position available and that they are not just harvesting CVs. Ask questions about the hiring manager and the role and expectations. This will give you an insight into its authenticity. Always a tell tale sign of a non existent role is when you meet the recruiter and he/she is actually just out of college and much younger than you. :eek: Time to run for the hills.

• Build up your resilience during the job search process. Be prepared for knockbacks and know that they will make you stronger in your job search.

• Don't underestimate companies ability to tick all the JD boxes. They are choosy and may walk away without hiring any one.That's their perogative. Also, they will ensure that your references stack up before they progress. Make sure that you have positive feedback from previous roles.

• If offered a role don't sell yourself short. Negotiate what you are worth in the current marketplace.

I hope this is of use and may serve as one stop shop for people on their job search over the next while. Recruitment has changed since I left college all those years ago and its a more competitive environment now for candidates and even companies. Give yourself the best chance of success and prepare your hunt accordingly.

Please feel free to add to this with any gems that you have picked up along the way.