The job market is tough for job seekers. Over my 25 years in recruitment, I have often seen job seekers unwittingly sabotage their chances of getting the job they want. Here are some do’s and don’ts that I would like to share with job seekers to equip you to put your best foot forward.
Do –
- Ensure your CV is up to date and proofread for any spelling and grammatical errors
- Ensure all information is correct and honest
- Ensure that your dates are written, including the month and the year
- Include reasons for leaving
- Research the company you are being interviewed with
- Analyse your strengths, weaknesses and interests
- Use your network and contact all your contacts to inform them that you are looking for a position, asking for referrals to agencies or company managers
- Know what makes you stand out in the crowd and know why someone should hire you
- Prepare answers for most of the common interview questions
- Trust your instincts and be careful of accepting an offer where promises are made but not written in the contract
Don’t –
- Apply for every job, even those that you are clearly unsuited to
- Be tempted to leave a permanent job without another job. It is easier to find a job when you have a job
- Underestimate how tough the job market is. Be realistic about your salary expectations. Do your homework when applying and research the company.
- Forget to add in reference contact details
- Harass the agency or company after the interview. The recruitment process can often be quite protracted.
- Thank the interviewer for their time
Good luck with your job hunting!
Written by: Cindy Norcott, Owner / Manager of Pro Appointments
