Make the Right Move
If you are looking for a new job at the moment, there are a few more things that you need to consider to make sure you make the right move.
Are you looking for progression?
Nearly everyone wants to progress in their chosen career path, but accepting a job on title alone may not be the right thing to do long term.
Making you attractive to the employer?
Ask most HR and recruitment personnel and they will tell you recruiting and training a new employee can be expensive and time consuming. They have to assess the candidates they have to be sure that have someone with the skills, right attitude and who will show longevity with their business.
So, what should you think about when looking for the next job?
Money – the thing most people move for right? Wrong!
Yes this is important as everyone needs to live; however have you considered what the job is worth? You can look at similar jobs advertised in the area or use a salary checker like the one we have on CareersBank.com:
http://www.careersbank.com/jobs-resources/calculate-your-salary/
You may also want to research into added incentives the company runs, when you perform to an exceptionally high standard. Avoid asking salary related questions in the first stage interview. It does not create a great initial impression.
People
If you are in full time work you may find that you are spending a lot of time with fellow employees and managers. It may be worth asking at interview
- What the line manager and co-workers will expect from you?
- Who you may be managing?
- Areas in which the team excels already and needs improvement in?
Live to Work / Work to Live?
Consider – and be very realistic:
- How much time will the job take to complete properly,
- What sort of hours will you be working?
- Can you commute with relative ease in a reasonable time frame?
- Is it practical?
The Company
Do some research into the company. Knowing where they originated from will help in your interview, but the research you do will also indicate where they are moving to.
Are they offering the prospects you are looking for, will you have a future with them and development?
If you can demonstrate knowledge, commitment and thought about the role – all show you are potentially a great candidate to invest all that time and money into! Making you look more like the sound investment they may be looking for.
Your Application
When you are applying to a job vacancy follow the directions given by the employer. Whether sending an email, applying for an application form or giving them a call. In most cases you will need to send your CV across to them.
See our Tips on Great CV Writing
Application Form – If you need to fill out an application form, make sure you read any instructions before you start. Complete the questions neatly and clearly. Keep the form clean and where possible, post the application flat creases and folds will affect the overall presentation.
Cover Letter – If a cover letter is requested make sure it’s clear and concise and typed. Include the contact information and details they have requested. Do not waffle on. A brief and well written introduction is far better than your whole life story! Always spell and grammar check!
Phone Call – Chances are you will be a bit nervous at the thought of doing this, but if you take a few moments to prepare it will be easier for you.
- Have your CV in front of you and that you are familiar with it
- Have your contact details written down also
- Find somewhere quiet to make the call, where there will be no interruptions,
- Think of the role and some questions that may be asked – tell me about yourself? Why do you think you’ll be a good candidate for me to meet? What appeals to you about this job? You may find that the call is a bit like a mini interview, so treat it as such
- Be professional on the phone
With more general information accessible about companies, employers are expecting candidates now to be more thoroughly researched than ever before. It pays to do your home work! But the good news is if you know what to look for – it is easy!
The Company
First thing most employers ask at the first stages of interview are – ‘so what do you know about us and what we do? ‘
Do not fall short at this hurdle there are so many ways to find out such a wealth of information with just some searching on the internet. A simple search engine will bring up the company’s website – which will give leads to follow up on, look for the FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND TWITTER Logos.
Check their Facebook Page – their Profile, updates, blogs, likes etc…
See what they are doing on their Twitter account – what are they up do, what is important to them at the moment.
Some companies also use a LinkedIn profile. This is an excellent way of finding out who is Senior and Direct Management is as well as whom else works for the company or in an association with. LinkedIn will generally indicate a few facts and stats on the company also.
All this can be used to talk about the team or company, which shows a level of commitment and how seriously you are taking the role.
TIPS -
- Read the information and digest it. Do not memorise it word for word.
- By all means ‘like’ the companies Facebook page – but leave it at that
- Do not leave your research till the last minute, prepping for the interview while you are on route will show!
Your Interviewer
At the initial contact stage when you are invited for an interview politely ask the name of the person who will be conducting the interview. There maybe one or more people but note it down. In most cases now Senior Management, HR or Recruitment Managers will have some form of CV or profile on LinkedIn. You can gather lots of information on their career history, interests and length of service.
By using their newsletters, blogs, Facebook, Twitter and a search engine will you may find your interviewer in articles, news reports, press releases and updates too. These can provide useful insights to the style of interview you may have and their style. Knowing a bit about them will give you more confidence to ask questions about the company and mutual point of work related interest.
TIPS –
- Do not turn stalker! Do not befriend them on their Facebook, Twitter etc…
- Do not engage in conversations or take part in discussions with your employer’s blog or comments at this stage, just read.
Your Employees or Co-workers
Research and read up on the type of people the company already have onboard already. Use the companies LinkedIn profile, Twitter and Facebook accounts – they often list groups of people they are connected too. You can get a feel for the type of personality the company has and the type of backgrounds they have recruited from in the past.
Most companies relish advertising their commitments to charity or where they have assisted in the community. This will show you the type of company you are meeting but also the type of ‘people’ they look to recruit.
TIPS –
- Don’t take part in forums and comments with employees or potential co-workers, just read
- Again do not be a stalker – it’s wise not to befriend future co-workers now
Having done research will give you more confidence in your interview, will give the impression that your researched the company well and are committed to the position you are applying for all using the internet and social media. So Easy!