The headhunter's point of view
To be successful you have to take control of your own career management and in that respect, effective job search skills are essential.
In the increasingly competitive, fast-moving and changing business environment that we occupy, companies can no longer assure their employees of a structured programme of career development. The future is too uncertain to guarantee that. To be successful you have to take control of your own career management and in that respect, effective job search skills are essential.
When assessing a potential candidate, the first thing we look at is the current or most recent role and assess the individual’s rate of progression and the pattern of development. Employers like to see people who are getting on with their careers; and details of sabbaticals, gap years and time spent travelling are less interesting.
Aside from basic technical qualifications and relevant experience, one of the key indicators of employability is personal presentation – how you look, how you speak, and how you relate to others. Attitude is another, where enthusiasm, openness, ambition and a positive, upbeat demeanour are greeted like a breath of fresh air by interviewers. Remember, whatever your qualifications may be, employers prefer to hire people whom they like!
You have to be able to talk about yourself easily. Prepare four key presentation statements about yourself. Firstly a 30-second overview of who you are, your qualifications and what you do. Secondly, a one- to two-minute overview of your career to date. Thirdly, a 30-second summary on why you are looking for a new job and finally, a brief summary of your key strengths. Rehearse and refine them to the point where you can talk about yourself at the drop of a hat, and you will convey purpose, personal drive and confidence in the job market.
Common reasons for candidates’ rejection after interviews include a lack of preparation – you must demonstrate an interest in the company and have shown some initiative; poor communication skills, a lack of focus and consistent negativity about previous employers, where it is the candidate who appears to be the common factor. Also, lack of eye contact, lateness and, wait for it, a ‘limp, fishy wet handshake’ are other reasons fed back to me by employers!
With regard to education and qualifications, whilst achievements are deemed to be more important as people’s careers become more advanced, they still count in terms of personal credibility. At the outset of a career, relevant education is an essential requirement to getting you on the right career ladder. Don't leave it to chance.
If you are looking for a new job, be organised and systematic about it. Make sure that you receive all the relevant media to study the advertisements. Have your CV prepared and electronically stored. Put together a list of companies that you wish to target and find out the name of the relevant person to contact. Be positive in your communications, show them that you have something more to offer than the rest of the crowd. Speak to any personal contacts you have in other companies, as there could be unseen opportunities there. Target relevant recruitment companies, making sure that they deal with your type and level of job. Try and speak to the appropriate consultant there for advice.
In summary, take charge of your own career development and job search; don't expect it all to be done for you and good luck!
Written by Martin Boyle, Partner, Howgate Sable a leading independent executive search and selection consultancy.
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