In the spotlight: Mashable

Ok, so there are a wealth of websites to trawl across while you are job searching, some are good, some not so good. So here I want to share with you some of our favourites. Website's we keep going back to again and again and what the benefits of using each site can be.

First up, we have Mashable

What is it?
A resource for all things tech, social, mobile and design

Why use it?
Simply, because;

• It is full of up to the minute articles with ideas and best practices covering a range of topics including business and marketing.
• Their style is easy to read, even if you are not tech savvy!
• Research industry trends and company developments across the globe.

Who is it for?
Well, in your job searching stage most definitely all of you! But as you get into a career it will be useful for those responsible for marketing research, technology based roles and/or designers. It has a creative angle but filled with technical insight.

Fave find?
There is a great article about How to Optimise your LinkedIn profile. The article advocates the power of keeping your social profiles up to date and some key development areas for you to consider.  If you are not already using LinkedIn then why not give it a trial run...

We'd love to hear how you get on with each of these sites and of course why not share with us your favourites too!

For more advice on developing your CV and preparing for an interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Talent Mis-Match: where will you fit?

It will be no surprise (and disappointing to hear) that the latest graduate unemployment figures have risen, and quite dramatically. But how can you turn this news on its head, and create positive results for yourself?

Firstly, let us look at the evidence... Last year Manpower reported that 23% of Europe's employers are having difficulty in filling positions due to the lack of suitable talent available. And in the UK, only 9% of employers seem to have a talent mis-match... This somewhat increases the competition for you guys out there job searching.

What this leads us to examine is where you fit, and how you can stand out from your competitors. Take a step back and review your own skills and create your USP (Unique Selling Point). What do you offer, that is different? When you have established this, you can start your personal marketing campaign!

And to help identify where you might be most successful; some earlier research conducted by Right Management in 2010 highlights the best sources for new opportunities...

• 40% of candidates find new positions through networking
• 16% find jobs through internet job boards
• 12% find new positions through search firms
• Other job sources included responding to advertisements (10%), direct approach (10%) and other means not disclosed (12%)

Avoid a talent mis-match and do you research, promote your skills and land that job!

For more practical information on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.