Job hunting tips from Forbes recruiters

Job hunting tips from Forbes recruiters

There was a recent article posted on the internet about what recruiters in top companies, those in the top Forbes index look for in a candidate and the best advice they can give.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottdecarlo/2013/04/17/the-worlds-biggest-companies-2/

They list their tips and advice.

Top 10 job search strategies:

1. Network, network, and then network some more. This is seen as the top most important strategy. It’s not just that you will uncover the unadvertised jobs, but you will make contacts with people who can help you in your career longer term. Another important aspect of networking is that you are exposed to people who are working in the industry/organisation/university you are looking to join; this means you will start to pick up the latest trends and industry challenges – essential for your CV and at interview.
2. Research companies inside and out before you interview. It’s very easy to spot the poorly prepped candidate at interview. In the past you may have succeeded by ‘winging it’ but with most organisations running selections by running all or some of these tools; competency interview, presentations, assessment centres, psychometric and practical testing, this is increasingly harder. Do your homework.
3. Become an expert in social networking. Using LinkedIn should be an essential part of job hunting. The most important thing is ensure your LinkedIn profile is in tip-top condition. Nearly all employers will check it before an interview.
4. Build a solid CV. Make it sharp, and informative. Make sure you fill in gaps and highlight your most relevant experience or qualifications. I have seen time and time again where candidates pull out experience that was important to them – but not the recruiter. Your most relevant experience should be near the top of your CV.
5. Be prepared to sell yourself—it’s not a time to be bashful! Again, I see many candidates get worried about appearing overly arrogant or ‘salesy’ at interview or on an application. Getting a job is all about presenting yourself and your abilities to ensure you are the most suitable. It’s not a time to hold back.
6. Ask questions. Employers want to know you are interested in them and the job. Asking questions shows you have an interest in them and are inquisitive and enquiring. You need to interview the company just as much as they need to interview you!
7. Never bad mouth a past employer. Interviews as much as possible should be positive. Although you may be asked challenging questions, it is essential you give overall positive answers about you and your experience. If you have had bad experiences with a past employer, you must try to think of a positive outcome from it. It may sound odd – but it is better than being negative at an interview.
8. Keep the conversation focused on the opportunity available. The candidates that do better are the ones that keep their answers targeted to the job in hand. Employers need to know how you will fit and perform. Bringing in irrelevant information won’t help them develop a picture of how you will do the job
9. Know your short-term and long-term goals. The recruiters from these Forbes companies all said they wanted to know how the candidate plans and organises their career. They ask questions like ‘where do you see yourself in ‘x’ years. You may not have this planned, but it’s worth thinking about how you might answer such questions.
10. Know your skills like the back of your hand. In order to clearly demonstrate how suitable you are to them – you need to know your skills and abilities, and how they relate to them.