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.
Showing posts with label skills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skills. Show all posts
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
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.
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...
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
