…get clever!
‘Boxing clever’ in your job search will greatly improve the likelihood of you finding the right job. Here are a few considerations for you before you start.
- Expect your consultant to want to meet with you personally, not just a telephone interview. A meeting will increase the likelihood of you being put forward for jobs that are right for you significantly.
- Expect honesty. A good consultant will give you feedback and advice on your cv, your career aspirations and your interview technique.
- Expect your consultant to have visited companies prior to submitting your CV to them. This is essential as it improves their knowledge of the position, environment, company culture and their ability to match it to you successfully.
- Expect that the time you invest in your job search is reciprocated by an agreed level of promotional activity on your behalf. Remember, many great opportunities are not advertised and networking your CV needs to play a major part in your job search.
- Does your consultant seem genuinely interested in you? They will be representing you and if they don’t do it well you won’t get the interviews. Remember you are trusting this person with your career!
Expect your consultant to be a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). This professional body offers training through Industry recognised qualifications and also enforces a strict code of conduct by which Consultants should abide. Look out for consultants with AREC, MREC or FREC after their name.
A few other things to think about….
- Before meeting your consultant, have a long, hard think about what you want from your next role. This way the time you spend with the consultant will be more constructive.
- Be realistic – Most people have transferable skills, however, if your dream job requires experience or qualifications you may have to consider retraining.
- Salary increases are possible when changing job, but realistically you should aim for no more than a 10% rise in your basic salary.
- Prepare an up to date CV. This should give the reader an idea of your past positions, but shouldn’t read like a job description. The most powerful CVs read like an advertisement for yourself and focus on your successes and achievements. (Your consultant should offer you help and advice with this should you need it).
