Career Advice

Whether you're looking for your very first job, switching careers, or re-entering the job market after an extended absence, finding a job requires two main tasks: understanding yourself and understanding the job market.

Presuming you've already chosen a career and are currently searching for jobs, here are several ways to actually get a job.

1. Write a good Cover Letter introducing yourself.

2. Revise your CV. Before you start jobhunting, make sure that your CV is as complete and up-to-date as possible.

3. Network. The best companies to work for tend to rely heavily (up to 40%) on employee referrals so make a list of all of your friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Contact each one and ask them if they know of any openings that they could recommend you for.

4. Volunteer. If you aren't already, start volunteering for an organization that focuses on something that you're passionate about.

5. Develop your personal elevator pitch. Many structured interviews, particularly those at large companies, start with a question like "Tell me about yourself."

6. Prepare for a behavioral interview.

7. Research the company. Become familiar with the history of the company. Who started it? Where? Who runs it now? Be creative, and out-do the other candidates.

8. Settle down. If you've moved around a lot, be prepared to offer a good reason for it.

9. Make a list of work-related skills you'd like to learn. Your employer will be interested in hearing about how you intend to become a better employee.

10. Cold call. Locate a specific person who can help you (usually the human resources or hiring manager at a company or organization you're interested in). Call that person and ask if they are hiring, but do not become discouraged if they are not.

11. Change your attitude. There's a difference between making phone calls and going to interviews thinking "I'm looking for a job" versus "I'm here to do the work you need to have done".

12. Fit the job to the skills rather than the other way around.

If these tips aren't enough for you to be successful in getting a job, call us on 020 7625 2931 to speak to one of our consultants. We have several solutions for you.