7 steps to securing your next job

Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to be made redundant in the last two years will tell you that things have changed significantly in most job markets. Gone are the days of multiple job offers, counter offers and overnight decisions. Now it’s all about being able to stand out from the crowd and prove to a future employer, or recruiter, that you are the best candidate to do the job. And all this in a market that presents most employers with a greater choice of available talent than they have seen in the last 10 years.

Here are a few steps you can take, none of which are hard work, that will give you a competitive advantage in your search for your next job:-

1. Always request a copy of the full job spec. (Any decent recruiter will have one) and take the time to “fine tune” your CV to each job for which you apply. Match your skills and competencies to their specific needs by giving real life examples of what you have achieved in previous roles (and how).
2. If you lack any skills or competencies don’t gloss over it! Be up front and say what you will do to develop the skills when you join.
3. Research your prospective future boss. Get on LinkedIn and take the time to write a brief personalised letter to accompany your CV. Use this as an opportunity to say what value you will bring to his or her team. Don’t fall into the trap of just re-creating the first page of your CV!
4. Try to identify your “Unique Selling Points” and achievements and get these at the very top of your CV. Are you immediately available? What have you achieved for your prospective employer’s competitors? Did you make your previous employer a tangible profit or help them to make sizeable savings?
5. Before interview prepare, prepare and prepare some more. Take examples of previous work that you are proud of with you to interview. If you are interviewing for a management role start to pen out what your strategy would be and how your ideas will help the company achieve its goals and objectives. Leave the interviewer a copy to read after you leave.
6. It may sound a bit old fashioned but take the time to send your interviewer and recruitment consultant a quick email after interview thanking them for their time and confirming your interest. You need to make yourself memorable!
7. Finally…work with a good recruitment consultant who isn’t just playing the numbers game. Take time to build an honest relationship with your recruiters - they are on your side.

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