Career Advice and Help Getting A Good Job

Here are some regularly asked questions regarding career coaching, career advice and help getting a good job. Please get in touch if you would like any career advice and assistance.

1. Why is it necessary to have a professional looking CV?
2. I am a graduate with very little work experience in my chosen field. How can I improve my CV to appear relevant for the roles I want to apply for?
3. How can I improve the number of vacancies I apply for as I am struggling to find enough roles in my chosen industry that are relevant?
4. Where can my experience take me?
5. What are some of the biggest mistakes job-seekers make in interviews?
6. What should the job-seeker do after the interview?
7. I currently work part time but I would also like to set myself up as self employed. How do I go about this?

Why is it necessary to have a professional looking CV?

It is not unusual for 50 people to apply for the same role. In order to be a serious contender it is vital that you market yourself in a professional manner, ensuring that your CV contains the skills and experience that the employer is looking for. If your CV doesn’t stand out in the first half of the first page, it is in danger of not being read in full. A professional CV will ensure that the employer gains a valuable and positive first impression which will improve your chances of gaining an interview.

I am a graduate with very little work experience in my chosen field. How can I improve my CV to appear relevant for the roles I want to apply for?

There are certain key skills and attributes that all employers look for regardless of the industry or sector you are applying in. These are your communication and interpersonal skills, your ability to work within a team, your work ethic which encompasses commitment, time keeping, enthusiasm and willingness.  They also look for individuals who are prepared to be flexible and finally your overall attitude. Whilst others may have more relevant experience, an individual who demonstrates all of the above can often be the one who secures the role.

How can I improve the number of vacancies I apply for as I am struggling to find enough roles in my chosen industry that are relevant?

70% of all vacancies are to be found in the ‘hidden jobs market’. This means that you are unlikely to come across them through the traditional methods of job search which might include looking in the local newspapers and industry specific publications, searching well known online job boards and the local job centre. This is reacting to vacancies that are readily available but you need to be proactive in sourcing additional opportunities through researching specific company websites and improving your networking including with recruitment consultants.

Where can my experience take me?

Being passionate about your work is an important factor in finding a job within any company. Having the ability and desire to drive your own career forward will be critical to your success but it is crucial to assess what is important to you early on. Understanding your key strengths and particular attributes will help you to assess whether a company is right for you. A career coach can help you to understand what you are as a marketing product and if you can understand this it will in turn help a prospective employer to understand this.

What are some of the biggest mistakes job-seekers make in interviews?

In research conducted by quintcareers.com the top three biggest mistakes made in interviews were:

1. Treating ancillary staff ie. receptionists, assistants etc poorly (they are often asked for their opinion regarding your general attitude once you have left the building)
2. Projecting a negative attitude
3. Giving long, rambling, unfocused responses. Preparation is key.

What should the job-seeker do after the interview?

You can set yourself apart from other candidates by sending an email thank-you note to the interviewer as soon as possible. Thank them for the opportunity and tell them how much you would enjoy joining their organisation. Continue to follow up with the employer based on the hiring timeline described to you at the end of the interview.

I currently work part time but I would also like to set myself up as self employed. How do I go about this?

You need to inform the HMRC that you are undertaking self employment work and you will need to complete an annual self-assessment form. A good book keeper or accountant will be able to advise you on what business expenses you can off set against any potential tax liability.