Job Search Tips
Job hunting can often be challenging and many times, overwhelming. We’ve put together some useful job searching tips that will help you stand out as a potential candidate.
- Use different types of job search methods.
- These can include asking in person;
- Talking to friends or family to see if they know of potential job opportunities within their network;
- Searching the newspaper or online job websites like SEEK.com.au;
- Get in touch with a job agency like Prestige Employment Solutions who already have access to a large database of contacts.
- Research potential companies – Spend a little time researching the company – look at their website and social accounts to get a feel for their culture. Also, see if they were in the news for anything particular. This helps to see if it looks like a place you would like to work and will give you an ability to customise your application.
- Tailor your applications. Following on from the above point, when you’ve done some research you can tailor your application to help it stand out amongst other candidates. Referencing key aspects of the company that you found eg. culture, newsworthy items, shows a potential employer your enthusiasm, interests and work ethic. It can be time-consuming to do for each application, but it is a worthwhile exercise that can reap results.
- Be prepared to apply for the best available job. Unfortunately, we all have bills to pay and we need a consistent income to live. Your ideal job may not be out there yet, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking other opportunities to build your skills and experience and most importantly, earn a living.
Quick Resume Tips
Majority of the time, your resume and cover letter are usually the first things seen by potential employers. Here are some handy tips for your resume and cover letter include:
- Ensure that you have correct contact details (name, address, phone).
- Be careful of spelling and grammatical errors.
- Don’t include false information such as achievements, work history and education/courses.
- References – make sure you have the best possible references who will vouch for your character, skills and/or any previous work experience.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job you are applying for.
- Keep it professional.
Job Interview Tips
You got the call back for an interview! So what now?
- Preparation is key. Know your strengths and abilities and be prepared to discuss them and provide examples.
- Practice, practice, practice. They say practice makes perfect. Well, it will at least help to calm your nerves and be prepared. Get a friend or family member to practice your interview techniques and responses. Every interview will have questions around why you want the job, what you know about the company, salary expectations, etc. Come prepared to answer these key questions.
- Research the company. If you’ve done your company research as stated above, you should be able to talk about what you understand about the company and how you see you can be fit and contribute to the organisation. You don’t have to be able to recite the company’s history but knowing key things like its vision and mission will help your application.
- Dress appropriately. Spend some time ensuring that you present nicely. If you are not sure of what to wear, play it safe – corporate casual will work for most scenarios. If you need help with dressing for an interview speak with your local Help Employment and Training office.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Arriving early to your interview provides you with an opportunity to use the bathroom, get a drink and collect your thoughts before the interview. Also, it gives you a buffer if something happens to cause you to be late.
- Be enthusiastic. Employers generally prefer employees who are motivated and interested. Always appear enthusiastic and engaged in your interview.
