Job in itself

WhiteWalls

Just finished college. Really underestimated how time consuming and complicated it is applying for jobs. To do it properly it takes so much tweaking.

When you were applying for jobs did you have a certain cover letter and CV for certain job types?

gandalf

WhiteWalls wrote: »

Just finished college. Really underestimated how time consuming and complicated it is applying for jobs. To do it properly it takes so much tweaking.

When you were applying for jobs did you have a certain cover letter and CV for certain job types?

Unfortunately these days you really need to customise your CV and cover letter based on the individual job description. Also don't get downhearted if you don't hear back from the majority of applications.

Also use your friend networks and make sure you have a good LinkedIn profile especially if you are looking for a job in IT or Finance.

shamrock55

WhiteWalls wrote: »

Just finished college. Really underestimated how time consuming and complicated it is applying for jobs. To do it properly it takes so much tweaking.

When you were applying for jobs did you have a certain cover letter and CV for certain job types?

Its a pain in the arse , constantly changing cvs for the type of job, one cv for all i say!!

Boskowski

Sorry but how does the job you're applying to changing your cv? Are you saying you're making things up?

Cover letter fair enough you're trying to make a case why your experience (cv) is a nice fit but surely your actual experience doesn't change.

WhiteWalls

Boskowski wrote: »

Sorry but how does the job you're applying to changing your cv? Are you saying you're making things up?

Cover letter fair enough you're trying to make a case why your experience (cv) is a nice fit but surely your actual experience doesn't change.

For example, I done some I.T. studied some of I.T subjects. I also done the law around banking. Not everything in my CV would be relative to every job

gandalf

Boskowski wrote: »

Sorry but how does the job you're applying to changing your cv? Are you saying you're making things up?

Cover letter fair enough you're trying to make a case why your experience (cv) is a nice fit but surely your actual experience doesn't change.

Typically a lot of HR Departments and recruitment agencies will scan CV's into systems which look for keywords to whittle down the CV's before a human looks at them.

You would scan the job description, identify the keywords associated with the job and ensure they are prominently displayed in your CV.

Your experience, education etc stays the same but you may change the wording of them to match the keywords in the job description.

smcgiff

Boskowski wrote: »

Sorry but how does the job you're applying to changing your cv? Are you saying you're making things up?

Cover letter fair enough you're trying to make a case why your experience (cv) is a nice fit but surely your actual experience doesn't change.

Even a CV should be tailored if you've a substantial career where if you put everything on your CV it would be too long also, what would be a relevant achievement for one role may not be as suitable depending on the job you are applying for. I have tailored my CV in the past.

Meathlass

Yeah I've had to tailor my cv for different jobs. I always make sure to emphasize the keywords from the advertisements.

Best advice I ever got when I was unemployed was to treat job hunting as a full time job in itself. Get up and sit at the computer at 9am and systematically search for relevant jobs. Work on your competencies, read about the positions. Cold call if relevant.

WhiteWalls

Meathlass wrote: »

Yeah I've had to tailor my cv for different jobs. I always make sure to emphasize the keywords from the advertisements.

Best advice I ever got when I was unemployed was to treat job hunting as a full time job in itself. Get up and sit at the computer at 9am and systematically search for relevant jobs. Work on your competencies, read about the positions. Cold call if relevant.

and how long did it take you to get a job? Very interesting advice

Meathlass

WhiteWalls wrote: »

and how long did it take you to get a job? Very interesting advice

It was the one piece of advice the old fogie doing the Fas course had!

I was unemployed on and off for 18 months. I did some courses which really stood to me when I was applying for admin positions.

I suppose his point was you have to be proactive. Make a list of companies you'd like to work for. If they don't have vacancies do up a cv anyway with a cover letter showing how you can add value to their company. Email them looking for a follow up - yes, chances are you'll be ignored but you mightn't be.

Make sure your cv is faultless: no spelling mistakes or weird formatting, have relevant competencies clearly visible.

Be open to moving to the other end of the country (or the world) for that dream job. I presume you're in your early 20s so now's the time to try everything.

Maybe if you tell us the general area you're looking for work in people might have suggestions.