Top Tips For Job Seekers

Following on from the last blog article, it is worth highlighting the tips I gave. Please also note Calx Europe has eBooks and courses designed to help you create your own strategy for your career move, how to 'Ace The Interview', 'Sex up your CV' (no not by Alistair Campbell) and create your 'Personal Value Proposition' and 'Personal Elevator Pitch' to differentiate yourself above all other candidates.

Please call +44 (0)207 193 2356 or email info@calxeurope.com for more details.

20 Top Tips

1)Make your CV look professional - well laid out, everything spelt correctly, chronologically correct and your best achievements highlighted

2) Make sure you can corroborate all you put in your CV - do not 'ham it up' but 'sex it up'

3) Have references ready and briefed

4) Be punctual for interviews

5) Dress 'business ready' as if you want the job - first impressions and appearance count

6) Do your research - make sure you know about the employer's business and read news about them

7) Have your personal 'Value Proposition' rehearsed - make sure you are clear about what you can do for the Company

8) Make impact - have your personal 'Value Statement or Elevator Pitch' ready and stated early

9) Be confident and clear - don't mince your words, say them with confidence

10) Attitude - walk into each interview as if a) you want the job and b) you can get it

11) Reference your past - draw upon your knowledge and skills you have learnt at other jobs, courses or qualifications that directly augment your suitability for the job and help illustrate your answers to questions

12) Don't waffle or tell stories - make any anecdotes short and keep to answering the question

13) Ask questions - when you are invited to ask questions, have some well-thought ones prepared and even if they have been partly answered already, ask them again and for clarification

14) If asked questions about your age, sex, sexuality, marital status, childcare arrangements, race, religion, political views politely decline to answer the question - if pushed simply state under law you do not have to answer such questions

15) If you are at all worried that discrimination in the selection process has occurred ask for written clarification as to why you were not selected and you may also ask to have access to any and all interview notes taken. If you suspect discrimination has occurred from the answers and notes, seek professional guidance

16) If you have independent assessments such as psychometric test results or a Professional Profile, make sure you take copies to leave with the interviewer

17) Always ask 'How have I done?' and 'What are the next steps?' at the end of the interview

18) If at the end of the interview you still want the job, tell them you do and why. Say how you 'feel' about the company and the job and re-state your 'Personal Value Proposition'

19) Tell the interviewer what you thought of them - compliment them if you can

20) Follow up the interview quickly with either a call or better still an email summarising your feelings, re-stating your enthusiasm and 'Personal Value Proposition' and again ask for next steps.

The list is not exhaustive - call or write for more information.