Giving the right first impression at an interview can be a make or break situation. With the competition rife in the graduate job market this year, it's important to get ahead and understand what employers will be looking for in you.
The latest post from our corporate team at Right Management discusses some simple do's and don'ts...
Your non-verbal communication can make all the difference between securing a new job – or not. Knowing how to manage body language for your first face-to-face interview is as crucial as perfecting your CV(written, visual, or video).
Employers look for certain cues relating to
1) status: authority, confidence, and competence
2) warmth: empathy, approachability, and likeability.
If you learn how to balance and unconsciously display these traits, you will have mastered the ability to have a positive influence on others’ business decisions.
As important, don’t forget about managing your image in the virtual world of social media. Best advice: do not post hostile or politically incorrect comments on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media sites. Smart phones are privacy-invasion culprits as well. Apparently, iPhones and iPads 3Gs continuously collect information about their users’ whereabouts. Do you want your boss – or mom – to know that last evening you visited an after-hours gentlemen’s club?
These days, when it comes to privacy, all bets are off.
For more information on how best to present yourself at an interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010. Additionally we are now collating information to make our 2011 guide bigger and better, have you some experiences you would care to share? Get in touch with Beth who'd love to talk more to you.
Showing posts with label Right Management. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Right Management. Show all posts
Improving your market value
We interviewed two of our consultants recently to see what advice they could give on improving your market value. And what we mean by market value? Well, how to sell your best skills and qualities of course! The information here provides you with an insight into some of the tricks of the trade...
What key advice would you offer in terms of how an individual can improve their market value?
Be clear about the target market you are aiming to improve your value in. Identify what that market is looking for by researching the industry, competitors and then ensure they are in a position to offer both technical skills and experience accordingly
Think of yourself as a product that needs to be continually upgraded. Ensure you are equipped with industry recognised qualifications and or certifications which are currently being sought by the market (your customer).
Is it important to have a structured approach to improving your market value?
Absolutely, anyone who is considering a career move or searching for a potential candidate will adopt a proactive structured approach. A clear understanding of your key strengths and potential development needs will help to improve the planning of the approach, show a potential employer self awareness as well as demonstrate what “you bring to the party!”
What aspects are often overlooked by individuals when assessing their value in the market?
Often individuals overlook their transferable skills and focus on their current role in their current organisation. Worth considering the last 5 years and previous experiences which have similarities to a role in a different market. For example graduates forget the huge amount of planning, organisational and team working skills they bring with them from their time at university when applying for their first role.
Individuals overlook the huge amount of information available through research as explained above and rely mainly on narrow sources of information such as job websites.
What are the essential dos and don’ts of improving your market value?
Essentially it is important to not only focus on developing your technical skills and look for opportunities to apply these as employers will be interested in specific experiences you have had applying these skills and these build your credibility. Don’t rely on just having the theory or knowledge – experiences are a more reliable indicator of what you bring to the market.
Interpersonal and other non-technical skills and competences are just as important. There is little point being a technical genius in your field if you are unable to work with others, communicate effectively, plan and make effective decisions for example. Make sure you are developing yourself in these areas and can demonstrate these with examples at interview.
Make yourself known in the industry –network with those who have a good reputation and get introduced to the those who have influence in the industry.
Ensure you are aligning yourself with the needs of the wider job market and not just the requirements of your organisation. Speak up at appraisal/development meetings to ensure you are getting the development you need to keep you current.
Finally use online networking to expand your knowledge, improve your research and increase your reputation through recommendations from those in the know
What methods or tools would you use to benchmark your remuneration package?
Use salary comparison websites, speak to colleagues in the industry/similar role, network with HR contacts and ask for input via online networking sites such as LinkedIn to assist you when moving sectors/position to benchmark your remuneration package,
For more information on creating the perfect CV and preparing for interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
What key advice would you offer in terms of how an individual can improve their market value?
Be clear about the target market you are aiming to improve your value in. Identify what that market is looking for by researching the industry, competitors and then ensure they are in a position to offer both technical skills and experience accordingly
Think of yourself as a product that needs to be continually upgraded. Ensure you are equipped with industry recognised qualifications and or certifications which are currently being sought by the market (your customer).
Is it important to have a structured approach to improving your market value?
Absolutely, anyone who is considering a career move or searching for a potential candidate will adopt a proactive structured approach. A clear understanding of your key strengths and potential development needs will help to improve the planning of the approach, show a potential employer self awareness as well as demonstrate what “you bring to the party!”
What aspects are often overlooked by individuals when assessing their value in the market?
Often individuals overlook their transferable skills and focus on their current role in their current organisation. Worth considering the last 5 years and previous experiences which have similarities to a role in a different market. For example graduates forget the huge amount of planning, organisational and team working skills they bring with them from their time at university when applying for their first role.
Individuals overlook the huge amount of information available through research as explained above and rely mainly on narrow sources of information such as job websites.
What are the essential dos and don’ts of improving your market value?
Essentially it is important to not only focus on developing your technical skills and look for opportunities to apply these as employers will be interested in specific experiences you have had applying these skills and these build your credibility. Don’t rely on just having the theory or knowledge – experiences are a more reliable indicator of what you bring to the market.
Interpersonal and other non-technical skills and competences are just as important. There is little point being a technical genius in your field if you are unable to work with others, communicate effectively, plan and make effective decisions for example. Make sure you are developing yourself in these areas and can demonstrate these with examples at interview.
Make yourself known in the industry –network with those who have a good reputation and get introduced to the those who have influence in the industry.
Ensure you are aligning yourself with the needs of the wider job market and not just the requirements of your organisation. Speak up at appraisal/development meetings to ensure you are getting the development you need to keep you current.
Finally use online networking to expand your knowledge, improve your research and increase your reputation through recommendations from those in the know
What methods or tools would you use to benchmark your remuneration package?
Use salary comparison websites, speak to colleagues in the industry/similar role, network with HR contacts and ask for input via online networking sites such as LinkedIn to assist you when moving sectors/position to benchmark your remuneration package,
For more information on creating the perfect CV and preparing for interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
A crucial job search strategy
We've said it before... And we'll say it again... Network, network, network!!!
Do you want to work for a certain company? One approach – what most employers expect these days – is to submit your CV online. But, no surprise, it will fall into an applicant pool of thousands. You also can try contacting the hiring manager. However, if you do not already have a personal connection, this dramatically reduces the odds of actually speaking with him or her. “Who you know is as important as what you know” is a particularly powerful truism in our current market. Building – and leveraging – your network can mean all the difference between finding your next job and becoming a perpetual candidate.
For more information on building a CV and being professional, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Do you want to work for a certain company? One approach – what most employers expect these days – is to submit your CV online. But, no surprise, it will fall into an applicant pool of thousands. You also can try contacting the hiring manager. However, if you do not already have a personal connection, this dramatically reduces the odds of actually speaking with him or her. “Who you know is as important as what you know” is a particularly powerful truism in our current market. Building – and leveraging – your network can mean all the difference between finding your next job and becoming a perpetual candidate.
For more information on building a CV and being professional, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Avoiding 'unemployable' status
As a job seeking graduate it easy to get dismayed from the lack of responses to each of your beautifully crafted application letters and the longer you are out of work the harder it becomes...
Below is an excerpt from Right Management's dedicated careers blog and proves that even if you are just working temporarily, tenacity can reap rewards!
If you have not been working for a number of months, you will experience how recruiters interpret this – they will not call. Even if you are unable to find gainful employment in your occupation, make an effort to secure a job. Any job. You do not want to become one of the idled and ignorable workers! Just because you are working as a temp it does not mean that prospective employers will turn their nose up at your prospects. In fact, it shows your spunk in this crawling-back economy. It is a fact that persistence pays dividends...
For more information on preparing yourself and your CV for the job market, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Below is an excerpt from Right Management's dedicated careers blog and proves that even if you are just working temporarily, tenacity can reap rewards!
If you have not been working for a number of months, you will experience how recruiters interpret this – they will not call. Even if you are unable to find gainful employment in your occupation, make an effort to secure a job. Any job. You do not want to become one of the idled and ignorable workers! Just because you are working as a temp it does not mean that prospective employers will turn their nose up at your prospects. In fact, it shows your spunk in this crawling-back economy. It is a fact that persistence pays dividends...
For more information on preparing yourself and your CV for the job market, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
A little bit of light relief
Well, the FT reported that the [surprise] increase in full-time employment was the largest since May 2007. We'd say that is pretty positive news. This is of course contradicts all previous predictions that youth unemployment (16-24 year olds) would hit an all time low.
Whilst it is still important to be mindful not to sit back and relax (just yet) expecting a job to land in your lap, it is encouraging. So, please keep looking, keep adapting your CV, keep sending your speculative letters and outshine the competition! If you get a job next, then these figures could just keep on growing...
For practical hints and tips on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Online job search for success
Back in January we wrote a post dedicated to the new year and how professional networking could help you land a job (when used in the right way)!
Three months into the month, we thought a quarterly review would be useful! At Right Management we are big fans of sites like LinkedIn and Twitter. And we are not the only ones... There is an increasing number of individuals who we work with who now find new jobs on social networking sites (approx 5%). This is a big jump from less than 2% in just a couple of years, and it is still growing.
Sites like these are useful sources of information, great for job sourcing and making new connections.
Increasing numbers of employers are advertising jobs only in this way too, feels rather exclusive doesn't it? Well, this way companies can talk often talk direct with candidates informally and get a grasp of their experience and qualifications too. So, for them to find you - are you online?!
Follow @RightUK on Twitter this week as we unveil details of a new role available with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)...
For more information on networking, CV building and interview preparation, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Three months into the month, we thought a quarterly review would be useful! At Right Management we are big fans of sites like LinkedIn and Twitter. And we are not the only ones... There is an increasing number of individuals who we work with who now find new jobs on social networking sites (approx 5%). This is a big jump from less than 2% in just a couple of years, and it is still growing.
Sites like these are useful sources of information, great for job sourcing and making new connections.
Increasing numbers of employers are advertising jobs only in this way too, feels rather exclusive doesn't it? Well, this way companies can talk often talk direct with candidates informally and get a grasp of their experience and qualifications too. So, for them to find you - are you online?!
Follow @RightUK on Twitter this week as we unveil details of a new role available with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)...
For more information on networking, CV building and interview preparation, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
In the spotlight: LinkedIn
It's a firm favourite of Right Management's and our individual clients come to us for advice on how best to make the most it... For you, we give you a streamlined version of the practical steps to get started.
Why use LinkedIn? It's simple, online networking (as we have discussed here many times!) has become an important tool for any job seeker. There are currently hundreds of millions of active users of online networking sites so, despite some sites hyping themselves up as being the total answer to your job seeking problems, it should be a vital part of your overall strategy.
Ten steps to LinkedIn success.
To summarise, make online networking part of your overall strategy and don't forget that whilst this along with other's is a fabulous tool, it can never replace going out and talking to people - face to face!
Get networking, enjoy and good luck!
For more practical tips on job searching, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Why use LinkedIn? It's simple, online networking (as we have discussed here many times!) has become an important tool for any job seeker. There are currently hundreds of millions of active users of online networking sites so, despite some sites hyping themselves up as being the total answer to your job seeking problems, it should be a vital part of your overall strategy.
Ten steps to LinkedIn success.
- Let's start with the obvious - create an account!
- You need a comprehensive profile. Tips include: publish your 30-second commercial, upload information about your skills and experiences, add key words to grab attention, change the public profile URL to your name so that you appear in Google searches, add a photo (but not one of you with your mates on a night out! Keep it professional) and remember that privacy is still important so be careful not to divulge too much personal information, except maybe for a business phone number.
- Invite people to join your network - think more along the lines of building professional contacts, this should not be an extension of your Facebook profile.
- Ask for recommendations - this is valuable as it can help validate your authenticity.
- Search LinkedIn's job postings.
- Join groups - this can range from professional associations or past (or future) employers.
- Be proactive - approach potential networking contacts by using the search facility to find people in your area of work who you may need to know!
- Check out applications, accounts and settings - you can add a blog to your profile, connect your Twitter feed and even share presentations... Just make sure it is all interesting and relevant.
- Use LinkedIn for company research.
To summarise, make online networking part of your overall strategy and don't forget that whilst this along with other's is a fabulous tool, it can never replace going out and talking to people - face to face!
Get networking, enjoy and good luck!
For more practical tips on job searching, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Work-life mojo
Mojo? Yes, mojo! Do you have it? Or, have you lost it? We all will face moments where our spirit is dampened by one thing or another, this post originally created at Right Managment's career blog is dedicated to those who may have been in a job for a while and finding that they are losing momentum... However, it includes an insightful message which can help you get your mojo back if you need a boost mid job search.
You can feel your mojo working when you are feeling good about what you are doing, and what you are doing puts a smile on your face. Your mojo is working when you feel good and people notice. It is about self-esteem, success, relationships, happiness, and acceptance.
If you feel like you have lost your mojo – and are experiencing what Dr. Marshall Goldsmith calls “nojo” – check out his book, “MOJO: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose it.” Goldsmith defines “Mojo” as “that positive spirit toward what we are doing now that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside.” He says that to achieve “Mojo,” you need to be doing something that simultaneously elicits 1) long-term benefit or meaning, and 2) short-term satisfaction or happiness.
Read about Goldsmith’s recent “Mojo Lessons from Bono,” with insights about creating a satisfying and authentic identity.
Do you relate? Talk to us using the comments section below. We'd love to hear from you.
Looking for a job is a full time job - not sure where to start? For advice on preparing that knock-out CV and getting ready for interview can be found in the GradGuide2010. Contact us for a FREE copy.
You can feel your mojo working when you are feeling good about what you are doing, and what you are doing puts a smile on your face. Your mojo is working when you feel good and people notice. It is about self-esteem, success, relationships, happiness, and acceptance.
If you feel like you have lost your mojo – and are experiencing what Dr. Marshall Goldsmith calls “nojo” – check out his book, “MOJO: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose it.” Goldsmith defines “Mojo” as “that positive spirit toward what we are doing now that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside.” He says that to achieve “Mojo,” you need to be doing something that simultaneously elicits 1) long-term benefit or meaning, and 2) short-term satisfaction or happiness.
Read about Goldsmith’s recent “Mojo Lessons from Bono,” with insights about creating a satisfying and authentic identity.
Do you relate? Talk to us using the comments section below. We'd love to hear from you.
Looking for a job is a full time job - not sure where to start? For advice on preparing that knock-out CV and getting ready for interview can be found in the GradGuide2010. Contact us for a FREE copy.
24 hours with...
We'd like to introduce you to Rachel Phillips. Rachel is a PR Executive for CHA...
Job title: Account Executive
Sector: Public Relations
Company: CHA
How long have you worked in this role?
CHA is my first job in public relations; I have been with the company officially for 18 months. I started on a three-month work experience programme and was then offered a junior account executive position after the second month in the placement. I was then promoted into an Account Executive role.
Describe your typical day...
My day in the office usually starts at just before 9am. Our team spends the first 15 minutes to half an hour of the day reading the national newspapers and monitoring the day’s big news. As a B2B PR consultancy we are most interested in the big business stories of the day. The rest of the day is spent working on different campaigns for my clients, both corporate and consultancy. In my role this means a lot of communication with journalists in the HR, business and sector trade press (such as retail, marketing and even pharmacy), as well as the business correspondents working for national media outlets. I also draft press releases, case studies about work that my clients have done and quotes on behalf of my clients’ expert spokespeople.
What's your company culture like?
We are a small and industrious team and we all get on really well. We pride ourselves on really strong relationships with our clients and key journalists, because providing extra value for both is a key goal for us. Our company values are Intuitive, Smart and Tenacious. These mean spotting opportunities and problems before they happen, being thoughtful and clear about what will get our clients the best, most consistent results and then always outperforming against our targets.
What is your favourite part of the job?
I really enjoy the excitement of securing a great media opportunity and hearing or seeing my client perform well. The other big buzz for me comes from hearing that a particular piece of media coverage, live interview or speaking opportunity I helped to create and set-up, has led to a sales lead, or job, for my client. That’s the ultimate, tangible result of profile building and reputation management.
Is there anything you would like to change?
If I could work standing up or on a treadmill that would be great. I don’t like being sat down for so much of my day.
What is your favourite way to wind down?
Though it’s a big part of my job, I still love to read. This also means the tube journeys to and from work are far more enjoyable.
What has been your career path to date and how does it look going forward?
This is my first job after University, I studied English Literature at Cardiff. When I left I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I was aiming for jobs where I could write and hoped to be working with lots of different people. Since I’ve started working I’ve completed a CIPR foundation course in Public Relations and additional training on the use of social media in PR. As for the future I wouldn’t say I have a strict five year plan, instead I know what things interest me and am open minded about the route I’d like my career to take. Though the job market is a tough place right now I think opportunities are there for the people who are savvy about playing to their strengths and for those who will keep trying despite rejection.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Be yourself in your writing. As a graduate you don’t have a big list of career achievements yet so companies aren’t hiring you for your experience but more for your perceived potential. This can be intimidating and as a safety net you can begin to write in corporate jargon in an attempt to sound professional. Instead be honest and show your personality, it will help them decide if you will fit in with their team and you will stand out from all the other ‘team players’ they are bound to read about.
If you were not doing this, what would be your plan B?
Oh, so many things: film maker, social worker, poet, dancer, puppeteer… the list goes on and on!
If you are trying to break into your first professional role and need some guidance on creating a knock-out CV and preparing for interview, please contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Job title: Account Executive
Sector: Public Relations
Company: CHA
How long have you worked in this role?
CHA is my first job in public relations; I have been with the company officially for 18 months. I started on a three-month work experience programme and was then offered a junior account executive position after the second month in the placement. I was then promoted into an Account Executive role.
Describe your typical day...
My day in the office usually starts at just before 9am. Our team spends the first 15 minutes to half an hour of the day reading the national newspapers and monitoring the day’s big news. As a B2B PR consultancy we are most interested in the big business stories of the day. The rest of the day is spent working on different campaigns for my clients, both corporate and consultancy. In my role this means a lot of communication with journalists in the HR, business and sector trade press (such as retail, marketing and even pharmacy), as well as the business correspondents working for national media outlets. I also draft press releases, case studies about work that my clients have done and quotes on behalf of my clients’ expert spokespeople.
What's your company culture like?
We are a small and industrious team and we all get on really well. We pride ourselves on really strong relationships with our clients and key journalists, because providing extra value for both is a key goal for us. Our company values are Intuitive, Smart and Tenacious. These mean spotting opportunities and problems before they happen, being thoughtful and clear about what will get our clients the best, most consistent results and then always outperforming against our targets.
What is your favourite part of the job?
I really enjoy the excitement of securing a great media opportunity and hearing or seeing my client perform well. The other big buzz for me comes from hearing that a particular piece of media coverage, live interview or speaking opportunity I helped to create and set-up, has led to a sales lead, or job, for my client. That’s the ultimate, tangible result of profile building and reputation management.
Is there anything you would like to change?
If I could work standing up or on a treadmill that would be great. I don’t like being sat down for so much of my day.
What is your favourite way to wind down?
Though it’s a big part of my job, I still love to read. This also means the tube journeys to and from work are far more enjoyable.
What has been your career path to date and how does it look going forward?
This is my first job after University, I studied English Literature at Cardiff. When I left I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I was aiming for jobs where I could write and hoped to be working with lots of different people. Since I’ve started working I’ve completed a CIPR foundation course in Public Relations and additional training on the use of social media in PR. As for the future I wouldn’t say I have a strict five year plan, instead I know what things interest me and am open minded about the route I’d like my career to take. Though the job market is a tough place right now I think opportunities are there for the people who are savvy about playing to their strengths and for those who will keep trying despite rejection.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Be yourself in your writing. As a graduate you don’t have a big list of career achievements yet so companies aren’t hiring you for your experience but more for your perceived potential. This can be intimidating and as a safety net you can begin to write in corporate jargon in an attempt to sound professional. Instead be honest and show your personality, it will help them decide if you will fit in with their team and you will stand out from all the other ‘team players’ they are bound to read about.
If you were not doing this, what would be your plan B?
Oh, so many things: film maker, social worker, poet, dancer, puppeteer… the list goes on and on!
If you are trying to break into your first professional role and need some guidance on creating a knock-out CV and preparing for interview, please contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Budget 2011
So, today was the day. Mr. Osborne officially announced the latest changes, cuts and rises in the 2011 Budget.
We have been following the activity, mostly via BBC News, as they have a comprehensive section dedicated to all things Budget.
In terms of work we think the best news comes of the announces "extra 40,000 apprenticeships for young people out of work" and "funding for 100,000 new work experience placements". This is really positive for young people as the current unemployment rate is over 20%. We hope that with the support from Government, more companies will be offering more opportunities - a great way to get a foot in the door or train for something completely new.
When it comes to money matters we are seeing no immediate income tax rises and a further increase on personal allowance (the amount you can earn, before tax) of up to £8,015, which will come into effect as of April 2012. This will mostly benefit people on a lower income.
There is plenty more to digest, of course, for example inflation rate is set to stay between 4% and 5% this year (good news for savers). So, you may want to take the time to calculate how all the changes will impact you.
Have you been following the budget today? What have been your thoughts?
In the meantime, if you would like some extra support in your job search, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
We have been following the activity, mostly via BBC News, as they have a comprehensive section dedicated to all things Budget.
In terms of work we think the best news comes of the announces "extra 40,000 apprenticeships for young people out of work" and "funding for 100,000 new work experience placements". This is really positive for young people as the current unemployment rate is over 20%. We hope that with the support from Government, more companies will be offering more opportunities - a great way to get a foot in the door or train for something completely new.
When it comes to money matters we are seeing no immediate income tax rises and a further increase on personal allowance (the amount you can earn, before tax) of up to £8,015, which will come into effect as of April 2012. This will mostly benefit people on a lower income.
There is plenty more to digest, of course, for example inflation rate is set to stay between 4% and 5% this year (good news for savers). So, you may want to take the time to calculate how all the changes will impact you.
Have you been following the budget today? What have been your thoughts?
In the meantime, if you would like some extra support in your job search, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Urban myth: volunteering doesn't pay!
51% of graduates state that volunteering helped to secure employment*
That's a pretty bold statistic wouldn't you say? Well the guys a Kings College London Student's Union (KCLSU) have it to shout about!
Last month they initiated "Student Volunteering Week". Designed to put students in touch with volunteering associations and give students the opportunity to get involved in their local community.
It may be old news, but the principles remain the same and there are some startling facts to behold... E.g.
Consider offering your services to a local charity or organisation, offering your time like this could also be a worthwhile way of staying motivated and/or making new connections to help balance the, somewhat, mundane cycle of job searching. Whilst volunteering may not pay, immediately, it may just boost your chances of landing that job and securing your earning future.
* Please refer to the KCLSU website for references on statistical information.
To learn more on how best to prepare your CV and stand out from the crowd, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
That's a pretty bold statistic wouldn't you say? Well the guys a Kings College London Student's Union (KCLSU) have it to shout about!
Last month they initiated "Student Volunteering Week". Designed to put students in touch with volunteering associations and give students the opportunity to get involved in their local community.
It may be old news, but the principles remain the same and there are some startling facts to behold... E.g.
- When recruiting, 80% of employers value volunteering on a CV*
- Over 70% of employers believe that those who volunteer have a better chance of of earning a higher salary and gaining promotion*
Consider offering your services to a local charity or organisation, offering your time like this could also be a worthwhile way of staying motivated and/or making new connections to help balance the, somewhat, mundane cycle of job searching. Whilst volunteering may not pay, immediately, it may just boost your chances of landing that job and securing your earning future.
* Please refer to the KCLSU website for references on statistical information.
To learn more on how best to prepare your CV and stand out from the crowd, 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...
For more practical information on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
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%)
For more practical information on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.
Are you prepared for the buiness world?
This post has been re-produced with kind permission of Gini at SpinSucks. Gini is a communications professional within the PR and online marketing world, and since founding her business she has gone onto secure some great accolades. The team here at Right Managmement found this post recently and decided that it was too good not to share! Although written from a US perspective, her words ring true the world over...
During the summer I fell off the InsidePR bandwagon. Not in terms of recording, but in terms of talking about it here. But I’m baaack! And this week, Martin Waxman, Joe Thornley, and I discuss preparing students and young professionals for the business world.
We’ve talked here before about using the social web to find a job, but this discussion is a bit different. With school back in session, these tips are really for those who need to be figuring out how to begin looking for internships or for a full-time job by summer.
1. Remember your personal brand and that online doesn’t forget. The things you put on the web right now create the person that will follow you around for the rest of your life. You’ve likely already heard it’s a bad idea to not let your friends tag you in photos of you doing body shots, but also think about what you say and what others say about you. As employers, we look at everything about you online to determine what kind of employee you might be and whether or not you might fit our culture. Google sees everything so be cautious.
2. I guest lectured at DePaul a few weeks ago and part of the discussion we had there was about creating a blog. Create a blog! Share what you know professionally (either from internships or the job you’ve already begun) and what you’re learning in school. You don’t have to be an expert in your field to write. Becky Johns is a great example of that. She is a young professional, yet she does a great job writing about her experience working, about her interests in photography and (hopefully) skydiving, and about the influencers she meets. Check out I’m Working On It to see what I mean…we all read her blog and most of us have more experience than she does. So don’t be scared by not having experience.
3. This is the one I cannot stress enough. Engage, engage, engage! You have tools available to you that allow you access not only to the people who work at the companies where you think you might like to work, but to their executives. Use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and blogs to build online relationships with these people. Comment on their blogs. You don’t alway have to agree. Give you opinion, throw in new information, and get them to pay attention to you. It’s funny what happens when someone feels like they know you because you’ve taken an interest in their work…if they can’t hire you, they’ll find someone who can!
4. One of the questions we ask when we interview is, “What was the last book you read?” If you can’t answer that or “what magazines, newspapers, or blogs do you subscribe to?” we’re likely not going to hire you. I have a friend who asked that question of a candidate just the other day and the person said, “Oh I don’t have time to read.” Guess what? No job offer for you! Read, read, read, and subscribe. Not only does a job offer depend on it, your job (once you get it) depends on it. Reading makes you smarter, more open-minded, and a better writer. Get in the habit now.
5. Don’t be negative. You would think this goes without saying, but you’d be amazed at how many people complain non-stop online. I am connected with people who complain daily about their jobs, about their bosses, about the fact that they can’t find a job, about everything. Trust me when I say, some of these people are really good friends, but I would never hire them nor recommend them to be hired because they’re so negative. Be a person people want to be around…online and off.
You can catch the podcast from InsidePR on their website if you want to hear more and see what the advice ius from the professionals.
Do you have any commnets to make about this? Where are you at now? Are you a business leader with a new perspective? Join the Right Management debate by following us on Twitter or email uk.info@right.com for more information.
During the summer I fell off the InsidePR bandwagon. Not in terms of recording, but in terms of talking about it here. But I’m baaack! And this week, Martin Waxman, Joe Thornley, and I discuss preparing students and young professionals for the business world.
We’ve talked here before about using the social web to find a job, but this discussion is a bit different. With school back in session, these tips are really for those who need to be figuring out how to begin looking for internships or for a full-time job by summer.
1. Remember your personal brand and that online doesn’t forget. The things you put on the web right now create the person that will follow you around for the rest of your life. You’ve likely already heard it’s a bad idea to not let your friends tag you in photos of you doing body shots, but also think about what you say and what others say about you. As employers, we look at everything about you online to determine what kind of employee you might be and whether or not you might fit our culture. Google sees everything so be cautious.
2. I guest lectured at DePaul a few weeks ago and part of the discussion we had there was about creating a blog. Create a blog! Share what you know professionally (either from internships or the job you’ve already begun) and what you’re learning in school. You don’t have to be an expert in your field to write. Becky Johns is a great example of that. She is a young professional, yet she does a great job writing about her experience working, about her interests in photography and (hopefully) skydiving, and about the influencers she meets. Check out I’m Working On It to see what I mean…we all read her blog and most of us have more experience than she does. So don’t be scared by not having experience.
3. This is the one I cannot stress enough. Engage, engage, engage! You have tools available to you that allow you access not only to the people who work at the companies where you think you might like to work, but to their executives. Use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and blogs to build online relationships with these people. Comment on their blogs. You don’t alway have to agree. Give you opinion, throw in new information, and get them to pay attention to you. It’s funny what happens when someone feels like they know you because you’ve taken an interest in their work…if they can’t hire you, they’ll find someone who can!
5. Don’t be negative. You would think this goes without saying, but you’d be amazed at how many people complain non-stop online. I am connected with people who complain daily about their jobs, about their bosses, about the fact that they can’t find a job, about everything. Trust me when I say, some of these people are really good friends, but I would never hire them nor recommend them to be hired because they’re so negative. Be a person people want to be around…online and off.
You can catch the podcast from InsidePR on their website if you want to hear more and see what the advice ius from the professionals.
Do you have any commnets to make about this? Where are you at now? Are you a business leader with a new perspective? Join the Right Management debate by following us on Twitter or email uk.info@right.com for more information.
Release your inner super hero!
Forget kryptonite, this year you and fellow graduates may be feeling like the job market is your only weakness. Well, like all good superhero's strength, agility, speed and an unbeatable psyche will get you through!
From a poll carried out by Right Management in 2010, 50% of you have indicated that you are graduates and currently job searching. Now that school is back for the autumn term and your summer of love is becoming a distant memory it can be hard to keep up your motivation and positive spirit.
Think like a superhero. Here are some top tips for continued effective job searching:
- Focus - it's easy to get your dreams sidetracked when the going gets tough, a strong and clear focus will help you stay on course.
- Persistence - don't forget to follow up on the job applications you are really hoping for. Make a good impression, and reap the rewards of a shiny new
capejob. - Plan your next move - think ahead, consider all your options and position yourself professionally to beat the competition. Kapow!
Still having trouble staying motivated? Get in touch with us for a full FREE GradGuide2010 to give you a steer in the right direction. You may even get a little more inspiration than you bargained for.
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