FOLLOWING on from our resume writing guide we have some top tips for job-seekers, helping you take the next steps towards securing the job you want back in Australia – from hunting down the perfect job through to how to perform in interviews.
Give it some thought
It’s easy to slip into autopilot when changing jobs, and we often stick with what we know and look for the obvious next move. This is fine if you know you’re on the right track, but if you’ve been vacillating for a while, or daydreaming about how life could be if you swapped paths, changed gear or set up on your own, then moving back home could be a golden opportunity to make that change and start on the next phase.
As well as considering what path to take, it’s worth giving some thought to technicalities, such as location and salary expectations. Although flexibility is key when relocating and job hunting, if there is anything on
which you can’t – or won’t — compromise, make a mental note of it. Don’t waste time on applications and interviews for position which, no matter how perfect they read, you know deep down you are never going to take.
Put it out there
Now that you have your resume sorted you need to ensure it gets seen by as many potential employers as possible. These days it’s easy to start doing that before even leaving the UK. A good way to initiate the process is by uploading it to a site like www.recruit2oz.com. Remember that this is essentially a passive approach, which although has potential for success is not sufficient as the only means to get you out there and on the market.
You need to be pro-active in your job hunt, which I’m afraid does mean trawling sites and searching ads. Sites such as www.linkme.com.au are great starting points, and are good to browse to get an idea of what is around before honing your search further.
After making applications or submitting your resume it’s always worth making a follow up call to see how things are progressing, and to get an idea of where you stand. As long as it’s just a quick call it will help to ensure you appear interested in and serious about the job, and means that your name will become better
known which can only be a good thing!
It’s not what you know…
Networking is essential to getting up that ladder in this day and age, both virtually and face-to-face. Start calling in all those favours you’re owed, and if you have contacts in your field now is the time to use them.
Make it known that you’re available and looking, and don’t be afraid to follow up on any leads. If appropriate you can ask contacts to speak to their contacts, and so on and so forth. Just remember to take the initiative and responsibility for making connections and developing relationships, but don’t be pushy or too demanding; networking is all about relationships and rapport.
As well as this informal approach, targeted networking is worth exploring. Seek out trade shows, career events, discussion boards or any platforms for getting spotted and making contact with the people who will be able to get you to where you want to be.
In the meantime get active on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook, and be sure to exploit any other internet platforms to get your name out there, such as Youtube, Pinterest and Tumblr. Be sure to maintain an online presence and keep profiles and contact lists up to date. Remember – in many professions online marketing is as integral to your professional profile as a well written resume and good interview technique.
Deliver the goods
Once you get that all important interview prep, prep, prep. And be prepared. Did I already say that?
Start by researching the company thoroughly, and be sure to go a bit further than just looking up the website. Make sure you really understand the company, and have a good insight into what they do and how they work. It’s also advisable to check out their competitors, and be sure to familiarise yourself with any upcoming changes or developments in the company or sector as a whole.
Remember that interviewing is largely about technique. When rehearsing and practising answers and responses work on delivery as much as, if not more than, content. Practice so that you know the best words to use and how much information to give, as well as to make sure you don’t get flustered
or muddled.
Be sure to build up some rapport with the panel. Interviewers are usually trained in the 70/30 rule, whereby the interviewee should talk for 70% of the time and interviewer for 30%. However, a 50/50 dialogue allows for more of a conversation to develop, which helps with building up a good
relationship.
Within the conversation make sure you give sufficient information, without going overboard – questions such as ‘have I told you everything you need to know?’ or ‘is that enough detail?’ will help moderate responses. Also remember to think before speaking; interviewers don’t expect an immediate response, and buying yourself a few seconds to ensure you have your answer prepared is much better than jumping in and galloping off on a tangent.
Finally, portraying self-confidence and self-belief is crucial to presenting well. An interview is a nerve-wracking experience, but if you’re prepared and have done your research it will be a lot less intimidating and your confidence will shine through and enhance your potential and employability. Good luck!