Be brave, be consistent and be yourself
One of my passions is encouraging others to stand out from the crowd (for all of the right reasons). An essential consideration being a degree of self-confidence to “put yourself out there,” so it’s hardly surprising that this week I’m hearing more tales of unrequited candidate love and lessening confidence. I suppose it’s fair to say that the more I write on the topic, the more people will contact me with their stories. Thanks for getting in touch.
I’ve been promoting video CVs for a number of years (clearly I’m not the only one) although that medium is not for everyone, it’s gained quite a following. Similarly, providing answers to a suite of questions via a video link as a first stage interview. All good so far yet it can be so impersonal speaking to a screen with no visible feedback or subtle clues it’s going well. Then, you’ve guessed, no feedback simply silence and draw your own conclusion that there won’t be a second interview. Where’s the learning in that?
At this time of year, when full-time education concludes, more jobseekers enter the market (no surprises there) and recruiters have even more choice. At my most cynical I’m thinking that these new entrants to the market are squeezing opportunities (and remuneration) for the status quo. It’s fabulous that employers will have so much choice and that high fliers will breeze into jobs of their dreams, yet we must continue to support less able cohorts. We need to help the slightly older candidates who have lost confidence and the disappointed young people who are scared to dream. Recruiters please be kind and courteous to all jobseekers.
And now to jobseekers. It’s a difficult market with ever-changing job requirements and skills needs – I get that. Linked In job advertising seems to have taken on a new guise. It’s frequently referred to as a “black hole” by candidates who’ve politely completed an application process yet heard nothing back. I can’t promise to change this practice over night although you may have noticed that I’m working on it. Finding a new role can be daunting and at times it seems like a full-time job in itself. So, why not tackle it as such and make it a job you enjoy?
Here are my ideas to help you make job hunting less of a chore:
Remember you are unique (you’re not someone else) – present your authentic self
Be clear on your story – take time out to write around 450 words* (4 paragraphs) about yourself
Then, highlight the critical elements and turn it into a sixty-five* word CV profile (elevator pitch)
If you’re in a role already, consider allocating a regular time slot – before or after work
Not working? Then recognise your best “thinking” time and set it aside for research / activity
Use your story and this new profile as your anchor when introducing yourself to recruiters and potential employers
Remember “little and often” and try not to battle with a CV overhaul if you’re not feeling the love
There are no rules about CV length or writing style although remember the reader and make it crisp and jargon free (no swimming certificates unless it’s a Life Guard role)
Create a list of recruiters you’d like to engage with and research how best to do that
Be methodical and celebrate your progress / small successes with a reward (coffee with a friend or a chat with someone from your network)
When feedback doesn’t materialize (however disappointing) follow up once then move on
Remember to keep focus and try not to become distracted by disappointment
Surround yourself with people you trust to help you
Create a flexible reward system and take advantage of walks by the sea, open water swimming, yoga, singing at the top of your voice or salsa in the sunshine (yes, it’s there somewhere)
There are so many more things we can do together, why not get in touch Let’s chat
*I want to help you get clarity - there are no word-count rules
