Monday, August 31, 2009

9 TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY MOTIVATED WHEN SEARCHING FOR A JOB

If you have been unemployed for a while, or have been searching for a new role for some time it is quite natural to get deflated and perhaps feel that you have lost your "mojo".

You are not alone in this. Recruiters are often told by candidates that they "just need a job" offering to "do any role" and that sound of desperation makes recruiters nervous. Although it's natural to feel like this or feel that you are in a rut, it is important to keep picking yourself up and keep going. ALTHOUGH, in saying that, there is a couple of sayings that come to mind:
"if you keep doing the same thing, you will get the same result". Another is:
"the sign of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result".

I'm not sure where these sayings came from, but there is an element of truth to them both.
  1. With this in mind there are things you can to do differently.
  2. Project a positive image of yourself to others
  3. Look at doing some volunteer work to keep you active and to meet new people
  4. Network at every opportunity, let people know you are looking and for what
  5. Look at part-time or contract roles – these can often lead to other things and if not,
    at least it is an income and can help give you a sense of purpose
  6. Check your CV, asking for assistance to ensure you are presenting yourself in the best light
  7. Revisit what you are applying for, and try to become very focused on the role you desire
    rather than taking a "blanket" approach
  8. Ask yourself honestly "Do I need to re-train to secure the role you want"?
  9. Approach companies that are not necessarily advertising but are in the industry you wish to be in. Ring and get the name of the person who is responsible for the area you wish to work.
  10. Send a letter of introduction to that person marking it private and confidential, that way you avoid the gatekeepers and are targeting your search to the right people.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Job seekers beware of Twitter, Facebook and networking sites

I don't admit to being the most technically savvy person around, so if I can navigate myself around the likes of Facebook, Bebo and Twitter then so can many other recruiting managers.

If you are looking for work, going through job interviews, testing etc then one thing you probably haven't considered is what is currently "online" about you. Have you checked? Try putting your name into Google. If you haven't checked I can assure you a savvy recruiter or hiring manager will have.

Facebook, Bebo, Twitter, blog sites etc all carry information about you and from what I can see, it's not always complementary. Once this information is online, you can't hide it, and what is even more disconcerting is that the information doesn't have to be true.

There is very little you can do to get the information removed once it is in the public domain. If you find there is information posted that is incorrect you can attempt to contact the source or author to get it amended, or you can publish your response.

A hiring manager needs to remember that the information is not always correct and to view it with caution. However, if you have posted information about your activities that leave nothing to the imagination or use language that is unprofessional, then be it on your own head. What is online about you assists to define you. Each and every time you post something on the net, I can't stress highly enough to you to THINK first.

You may not be looking for a new job right at this moment, but I can assure you, at some time in the near future you will be. Ask yourself the following question prior to putting anything online: "Is this something I would want a prospective employer to see"?
 
2009 Call Centre People.