15 Points to Consider when Compiling your CV.

  1. What will your CV look like when printed in black and white? Will it still be eye catching and easy to read?  Few companies will go to the cost of printing it in colour when reviewing it.
  2. If you are applying for jobs on line or via email- is your email address on your CV? If you are applying from Gumtree, Indeed and various other platforms, your application will not come from your personal email address, but from the portal address, so how will they be able to reply?
  3. If the best you can do is send an outdated, scribbled on, scanned CV, then you need to ask yourself: ”Am I serious about looking for a job?” Your CV is your first impression, and an indication of the best work you can produce, and the pride you take in your work.
  4. Don’t put generic comments in your covering email, such as “Application for before mentioned position” and then don’t mention what position it is. Or say “I have always wanted to work for your company” and send it to an employment agency, for a job with their clients.  It makes you application insincere from the outset.
  5. Make sure that your residential area is always up to date. One of the biggest reasons you will not be short listed, is if your CV indicates you live too far from the position (even if you have since relocated).
  6. Two page CV’s were fashionable in the days of fax machines. Today, you are emailing, and companies are “searching” your CV for key words.  If the key words are not there, you are not going to be short listed.  A 3-5 page CV is more than acceptable.
  7. Don’t waste one of your 3-5 pages on a cover page, with just your name typed on it- save this for when you deliver a printed copy.
  8. Don’t get so creative with the layout, that your skills and experience are missing or hard to find.
  9. If you want to make it personal, add a photo, not clipart. (But don’t take a selfie in a public bathroom or with your cycling helmet on!)
  10. Keep it to the point and factual. Save the essays and long stories for the interview.
  11. Start with your most recent job first.
  12. Make sure that you put dates worked at previous companies on your CV
  13. If you don’t know what to say your reason for leaving is, leave it off. Putting “Personal issues”, “Horrible work environment”, “Company involved in unethical business practice”, “Dismissed” or “Discrimination”- says more about how fussy, difficult, disloyal and potentially hard to manage you potentially are, than anything about the company.  Save it for the interview when you have a change to explain yourself and put it in context.
  14. Make sure you list all your computer skills on your CV.
  15. The Golden Rule when drawing up a CV- “If it’s not on your CV, you never did it!!”

Rules to Remember when Looking for a Job

 

  1. Smile.  On the phone, when typing your emails, and when you arrive at the interview.  People like happy people.
  2. If you are phoning to book an interview or ask for an email address, have a pen and paper handy BEFORE you make the call.
  3. Treat EVERY interview like it is the most important interview ever, or you will not get to the next round of interviews.
  4. When you send an email from your phone, don’t forget that it will be read on a computer.
  5. Your CV is an indication of the pride you take in your work and should be the best piece of work you produce.  If you cannot take the time to type, proofread and save it, what will you produce when you get the job?
  6. No recruiter has ever short listed someone for an interview purely based on their hobbies… Recruiters are interested in your skills and experience.  Focus your CV on what you have to offer.
  7. Showing off your WordArt and ClipArt skills on your CV will probably not impress anyone.
  8. Answering “Not Applicable” (n/a) to a relevant question, or deleting it, will not go unnoticed.
  9. Everyone says that they are a fast learner.
  10. When asked about salary, answer with Gross or Cost to Company, not what arrives in your bank account at the end of the month.
  11. No one cares what salary you need to live the lifestyle you want.  They care about what your skills and experience are worth, and what their budget allows them to pay.
  12. Good old-fashioned manners count for a lot.
  13. First impressions are made the minute the interviewer sees you (and whoever you bring along to the interview) and last long after you have left.  This means that the loud music, smoking in the parking lot, kids crying in the car, and playing on your cell phone in reception remain fast in the recruiter’s mind.
  14. If you smell strongly of cigarette smoke (because you had a quick one before the interview or your driver did), no one will believe that you are a ‘social smoker’.
  15. Never arrive more than 15 minutes early for an interview.
  16. Shake hands firmly and make eye contact.
  17. Dress to impress.  Jeans, shorts, slops and evening attire are not appropriate.  This is the best you will ever dress if you get the job, because you are supposed to be trying to impress.
  18. Don’t forget that you are in a job interview! Not a therapy session, not a date, not a chat with a friend…
  19. Switch your cell phone OFF.  Your phone vibrating in your bag or on the table is just as bad as if it rang.
  20. Save any controversial topics (criminal or ITC records, dismissals, holiday or study commitments) to the end of the interview, after you have “sold yourself” for the job.  Don’t close the door before its even open by leading with the negative.
  21. Do not focus on the reasons that have driven you to look for a job. Rather focus on your skills, achievements and what you have to offer the company. You will only be employed on the latter.
  22. Your lies will always come out in the end. Always.
  23.  Looking for a job is a “stats game”.  The more you apply, the more chances you have of getting an interview.  The more interviews you attend, the more chance you have of getting an offer of employment.  Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and don’t expect to get the first job you apply for.
  24. Unsuccessful applications can be positive, in that they provide an opportunity for growth. If you ask for feedback, use it.  Sometimes things happen for a reason!
  25. If it seems too good to be true… it generally is.
  26. Walking out on a company without notice, in order to be available immediately, is an indication of how you will treat the company interviewing you when it is time for you to leave them.
  27. Put your most recent job first on your CV.
  28. If you want feedback, ask for it.
  29. If you want to be remembered, remind people that you are still looking.
  30. Landing that dream job, is your dream!  Act like it and own it!  You can’t apply for a job or go for an interview, and then expect someone else to care more about your dream than you do.

 

Keeping up with the Recruitment Times

The Job Market has changed almost as much as the media has, in the last twenty years.  Twenty years ago (if you were looking for a job then, or your parents who are helping you look for a job today, were), the internet was not a factor.  CV’s were two pages long because they were faxed, positions were advertised in special sections of the newspaper on a Wednesday and Sunday, and you applied for a job on a Monday morning telephonically.

 

There have been amazing growth in the recruitment process over the past twenty years, some positive and some negative, so I thought that I would highlight a few things that you may want to consider when starting your job search.  Sometimes we have to move with the times, but sometimes it is also important to not forget the basics.

 

  1. 2 Page CV’s are out of fashion!

2 Page CV’s come from the days when you faxed your CV.  It’s a long time since I received a faxed CV … we don’t even own one at RESOURCE recruitment anymore.  Today, short listing candidates comes from searching for key words.  Whether I am on an Internet Job Portal, MS Office or a data base management system, I just have to type in words like “Syspro” and “Matric” and all the applicants without these words, will disappear!  If those key words are not on your CV, in theory you do not have the skills, and your application will not show in the search.  You do not want to confuse the reader with pages of information, irrelevant hobbies and achievements, and long “stories”; but you do want to include as much information as possible, in concise, point form.  You will find more detail on preparing a CV on our website www.2r.co.za

TIP: When applying for a job, look at the job description or advert, and make sure that all “key words” in the advert, are in your CV, if you have the skills.  I.e. If they are wanting someone who has worked on an ISO Environment, and you have, then make sure that “ISO” appears in your CV.

  1. Use the Internet… all of it.

Google is amazing.  Do a search and heaps of opportunities come up.  It’s tempting to get caught up on the first website or job portal, and then focus all of your time and efforts there.  Set yourself a goal to spend a certain amount of time each day or week on the internet, trying different searches and registering on different sights.  The more people who have your CV, the faster you will find a new job.

TIP: If everyone else is focusing on the first page of results on their Google search, there will be a lot less competition for the jobs on the second and third pages!

  1. Use Social Media… but be careful.

Have you ever run a search on the internet for your name?  Like or not, you will probably come up.  I would say that about 75% of my clients run a Face Book Search on applicants before interviewing or employing them.  International companies check CV’s against LinkedIn Profiles.  Make sure that your profiles are up to date, and your privacy settings are implemented so that prospective employers only see what you want them to.

  1. Employment Relations are about relationships.

It is important to follow the recruitment process by emailing your CV if requested, or applying on line.  But the second the recruiter starts communicating with you, pick up the phone.  Do it yourself- don’t get your wife or boyfriend to do it.  It’s easier and safer to hide behind your emails, but picking up the phone starts a relationship and speeds up the recruitment process.  Make the effort.

TIP: When you pick up the phone- have a pen and paper handy.  You are anticipating an interview and you need to take down the address!!

  1. Network

Looking for a job is not about what you know, it’s about who you know, and who knows you.  If you are not employed, start temping.  It’s a great way to extend your professional network.  Join social and community functions/ groups, and make a point of introducing yourself.  Join Social Media Groups and Whatsapp Forums.  It’s often scary to put yourself out there, but the more people who know you are looking for a job, the more people there will be to help you get a job!

 

 

What to do when you start a New Job

Congratulations!  You landed your dream job.  But now the scary part begins.  In South Africa, people normally start a new job on a probation period or contract basis, so the first three months of a new job should be seen as an extension of the interview.  Getting offered the job after the interview, is just the first step.

 

But as scary as it is starting a new job, it is also a chance for you to re-invent yourself, start with a good reputation and good habits.

 

Here are a few pointers to assist you in the first three months of your new job.

 

Introduce Yourself to EVERYONE

Don’t assume that because you are the new person, it is up to everyone else to make you feel welcome.  They may be new themselves, or the company large, and they have no idea who you are or that you are new.  Introduce yourself to everyone- manager and colleagues in all departments that you come into contact with, clients and suppliers.   This is the ideal opportunity for you to start networking.  Try prepare an introduction beforehand, so that you have a short, powerful first impression with appropriate answers to the common questions.

 

Study the Office Culture

Every company has a different culture, and every manager a different management style.  Take a little time to sit back and observe how different levels communicate with each other.  Does management like to take the lead, or are the happy for staff to run with new ideas?  Learn the unwritten rules.  These are often the most important rules.  (When are smoke breaks allowed; do staff go out for lunch or eat at their desks; who has a special coffee mug and can you use any kitchen if the company has several).

 

Make Friends at Every Level

Get to know your colleagues, but also the people more junior and senior, and in other departments.  Identify the company “Know It All” who you can go to with the silly questions, and who can assist you with office culture, without annoying your manager.  Be careful of getting in with the “office gossips and underachievers”.  Possibly ask your manager who would be a good mentor to show you around.  A good way to get to know people is offering to assist others with simple tasks- relief on switchboard; making coffee or maybe filling envelopes at lunch time.

 

Fitting In is More Important than Sticking Out

In fact- sometimes fitting into the office culture is what will make you stand out!  Take time to observe and build credibility, before trying to change things.  If you start offending staff who have been with the company a long time, you are sure to end up the outsider.  Before you criticise, ask questions.  They may have a good reason for doing things the way that they do.  Don’t be above starting at the bottom or having to prove yourself, but don’t get caught just doing the menial tasks- ask for more when you have completed the first task.  Tell co-workers that you are open to and welcome feedback on how you are doing.  Be willing, motivated and excited about the job!

 

Don’t Expect your Manager to Manage.

Yes, the majority of Managers out there are brilliant at what they do… but not very good recruitment managers.  They assume that once they have completed the interview process, you will magically appear and be fully productive…. And then are disappointed that you do not perform to their expectations.  Ask on the first day what is expected of you in the first two weeks, month and three months.  And when you have achieved this, give them feedback, and ask what’s next.  Request regular meetings, even over a cup of coffee, to get feedback on how you are doing.  Respect experience, even at a more junior level than you- the veterans can teach you more than anyone else!

 

Know when to ask questions and when to jump in and go it alone.

The single most important piece of advice you will get out of this article is, WRITE IT DOWN.  The first few days or weeks of a job, is information overload!  You are constantly being given random pieces of information- from how to log into a new computer system, and how to make coffee; to a trick in unlocking the door; or who to contact to order new stationery.  Write it down, and take it home and make more clear notes for yourself.  It can get very irritating constantly being asked the same thing.  It can also be very irritating when someone does not ask, and makes a mess of things!  You need to pace yourself and find the balance.

If you promised certain skills and experience in the interview, you need to start demonstrating them as soon as appropriate.  If you said that you were a go-getter, a social media whizz or that you loved getting things up to date and in order- now is the time to show what you are made of!!  The sooner you start delivering the goods, the sooner who will stop being watched.

 

Do worry about the little things.

A year down the line, no one will worry about the little mistakes, but for the first 30 days, the spot light is on you, and every little spelling mistake; mixed up order; or time you are late for work is noticed.  You may need to put in a little extra time and go the extra mile until you get into the swing of things.  Make sure that you know the working hours and are there 15 minutes early, and leave when you have tied up the days urgent tasks.  Don’t go home on time and leave someone else to clean up your mess.  Switch your cell phone off, never go onto whatsapp chats or personal social media during business hours, and keep any urgent personal calls as short as possible.  Try not take ANY annual leave or sick leave in the first few weeks, and keep smoke breaks to as little as absolutely possible!  Remember- now is the time to re-invent yourself, make good habits and a brilliant first impression!

 

Connect with past and present managers and colleagues.

Drop your previous employer an email and thank them for what they have taught you and the opportunity to work for them.  It’s the right thing to do and feels good ending on a good note, and you never know when you may need to network with them.    Now is also a good time to request a written reference, if you have not already, for your files.

Start connecting with current colleagues on Social Media and build your network.  LinkedIn is considered appropriate, but consider if Facebook and Instagram are suitable (and if you want your managers to see what you get up to over the weekend).  It’s important to be a “casual professional”, not “all work, no play”, but be discerning about what you tell about your personal life!

 

Good luck, and if you work hard, go the extra mile and keep positive, you will be a huge success!

 

How to love your job.

Studies show that out of every 5 people, 1 loves their job, 1 dislikes it and 3 are neutral.  This is unfortunate as we spend more waking hours at work, then not.  Loving your job can be hard, especially if you are bored and feel unappreciated, but here are 10 things that you can do to change your life and your job.

 

  1. CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK. If you are bored and unstimulated, making a little change can make all the difference.  Try answering the phone a different way or asking your clients a new question when you see them.

 

  1. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB. When you focus on the negative, you attract negative things, and when you focus on the positive, you get more positive things into your life.  Try making a “Gratitude List” and every day add 2-3 more things to the list.  They may be little things like the tea that you are drinking, the quiet walk to the building or your comfortable chair; or bigger things like the salary you receive or the medical aid/ provident fund that you are a member of.  Read through the list when you are having a bad day.

 

 

  1. STAY AWAY FROM THE HATERS! Every company has them- those people that see the worst in every situation, resent the boss, love to gossip and most of all, to bring everyone down with them.  If you are constantly surrounded by this negativity you will soon get the same reputation, and find it impossible to see the positive aspects of your job and the opportunities.

 

  1. LOOK FOR OPPERTUNITIES– Ask for more of what you like. Chat to your manager about your concerns and possibly volunteer to take on a new project.  If they know you are bored, they will be more likely to think of you the next time one comes up.  If you want things changed, think of possible solutions, and instead of taking grievances to them, take solutions.

 

  1. LEARN SOMETHING NEW. Most people are not actually unhappy with the company, they are just bored.  Take advantage of any courses or training your company offers, and if they don’t, set yourself a goal to learn something new or read a book that enlightens you.  We live in an age of technology that puts this all at our finger tips, and often for free.  Be proactive and help yourself!!

 

  1. IMPROVE YOUR WORKING CONDITIONS. Make friends with your co-workers and go to office socials and Christmas Parties.  Make your work station neat and inviting and add a personal touch if at all possible.

 

  1. LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE. We all have bad days or weeks, and particularly stressful times at work.  Don’t let a mistake or a challenging client ruin the whole job.  Look at the bigger picture and ask yourself, “In 6-12 months’ time will these issues matter?”  If the answer is “No”, then do your best, work through the challenge, and remind yourself that this is only a bump in an otherwise pleasant road to success.

 

  1. LOOK AT YOUR WHOLE LIFE AND YOURSELF. Is the problem your job, or is it your life, and are there any obstacles in your personal life that you can change, to make your job more enjoyable?  Are you travelling too far to work?  Do you need more support with child care?  Are you depressed and just looking for an excuse as to why you feel miserable?

 

  1. WORK HARDER. Hold yourself to a higher standard and set yourself goals- challenge yourself!  The Universe has a way of rewarding people who make a positive effort- one way or another.

 

  1. CONSIDER LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB. Sometimes, after you have gone through all the above steps, you realize that for one reason or another, it is time to move on.  Take time to think this through, and to think about what you will want in your next job, so that you will feel fulfilled.  If you go through the above steps, when you eventually go for interviews, you will be able to confidently answer questions about why you are leaving your current employment; what you are wanting, and not wanting, in your next job, and you will come through as positive and proactive.

 

Be proactive and take responsibility for your own life.  Motivation comes from within, and no one can make you happy in your job, unless you decide that you want to be happy.

 

Happiness is an inside job!  Good luck.

 

 

fall-in-love-with-your-work work-hard-for-a-job-you-love-is-passionchose-a-job-you-love

Don’t Make New Years Resolutions- rather try this!

This New Years Eve, don’t make empty resolutions, rather do something that will

make 2017 an exceptional year!

 

Every January we get an influx of job seekers looking for “New Year’s Resolution” jobs or career changes.  While we are thrilled to have their talent on our books, by March a lot of these job seekers have lost their motivation and many are content to continue along in jobs and at salaries that a few months earlier, they found less than satisfying.

Although New Year’s Resolutions are largely a waste of time, it does present the majority of people with an opportunity to evaluate their lives over the past year, and look towards the future and what they want to achieve.  The biggest problem with New Year’s Resolutions, is that firstly, people set them at the last minute, generally at a party under the influence of alcohol; and secondly, with no plan of action to make them a reality.

 

With 2-3 days left of 2016, why not schedule a few quiet moments to reflect on the past year, and what you want to achieve in 2017.  If you don’t know what you want to achieve, how will you ever achieve it?  Are you 100% happy with the way things are in your life- don’t you want more for yourself, your family and your career?

 

Here are a few steps that you can follow to ensure that you make

THE MOST EFFECTIVE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

  1. Decide.  It seems crazy, but when asked what their goals are, most job seekers go blank.  The same is probably true right now for you!  It often helps to do a mind map, and brain storm what you want out of your life under the following headings:- Success, health, personal growth, home life and love.  Once you have a bunch of ideas, you can follow the steps below of refine your goals.
  2. Write it down. Studies have shown the goals written down are more likely to be (remembered, and) achieved.  Make sure that they are specific.  It’s better to write, “I want to plant carrots, lettuce and tomato in my vegetable patch by May”, then it is to write, “I want to do some gardening.”
  3. Tell someone. The more you talk about your goals, the more easily your brain will start to believe that they are going to happen.  Choose people to tell that will support, motivate and keep you focused.  One of the huge advantages of living in the times that we do, is that you can join on line communities, such as Facebook Groups, and get this motivation and inspiration from people who have achieved what you are wanting to achieve.  A perfect example of this is the “Sleek Geek” Facebook Group which has thousands of members supporting each other in achieving better health and fitness levels.
  4. Break down bigger goals. Some of our goals can be so big, that it is hard to see them as realistic.  For someone who does not own running shoes, The Comrades Marathon is a bit of a stretch.  But breaking it down into smaller goals, suddenly makes it totally realistic!  (Research and buy running shoes.  Join a running club and comrades training group.  Download a training program.  Run a 5km race in a set time.  Run a 10km race.  Run a half marathon.  Run a marathon.  Run a set distance each week… )
  5. Plan your first step and act. Maybe your first step, is to find out what your first step should be!
  6. Keep going and don’t let little bumps in the road stop you. The journey to achieving your goal is not supposed to be perfect.  You will cheat and you will backslide.  Keep reading and re-evaluating your goals and don’t lose sight of what you have trying to achieve and why.
  7. Celebrate where you are today and the small victories. Enjoy the journey.  The more you focus on the positive, the more likely you are to stay positive!

 

2017 AFFIRMATIONS

New Year’s Goals are great, but I read a book recently that introduced me to setting an Affirmation or Mantra for the year ahead.  An affirmation is a positive statement that you repeat over and over to yourself, until your mind starts to believe it and make it a reality.  It is about re-programming the way that we think.  Here are a few steps to assist you in creating your affirmation for 2017

  1. Chose a negative though and write down the opposite positive thought. “I am so tired of being broke and always struggling financially,” becomes, “I have financial freedom and live a life of ease.”
  2. Make your affirmation as short as possible so it is easy to remember- no more than 10 words if at all possible.
  3. Start the affirmation with “I” or “My”.
  4. Write the affirmation in the present tense, “I am happy”, “I am fit”
  5. Focus on the positive only. Avoid words like “won’t”, am not”, “can’t”.
  6. Believe that it is possible.

Write your affirmation down and read it several times every day, until you know it off by heart, then repeat it silently, or aloud to yourself in the mirror, as often as possible.  Every time you feel any doubt slip into your mind, silence the doubt by repeating your affirmation and taking back control of your mind from the negative thoughts.  (Tell us your affirmation and the top ones will be brand onto coffee coasters for your desk, or a water bottle, do you have a constant reminder at your fingertips.)

 

 

Finally, LET GO OF THE PARTS OF 2016 THAT DO NOT INSPIRE THE AMAZING 2017 YOU DESERVE!

The final thing that you need to do in your 2017 New Year’s Eve preparations is to let go of all the negative aspects of 2016.  You cannot leap into the New Year, full of enthusiasm, if you are carrying the weight of all your burdens from 2016.  A lot of people like to write down all the things that they want to let go of, and burn it on New Year’s Eve.  Here are a few points to help you in letting go of certain aspects of 2016:-

  1. Make the decision to let go of your grudges, conflicts and negative experiences in 2016. They won’t leave you, until you consciously choose to let them go.  Choose happiness.  Making this decision in itself is liberating!
  2. Express your pain… and your responsibilities…. Once and for all… and then let it go. Stop dwelling on it and re-living it.  (This is where a powerful affirmation can help in stopping your mind from running away from you!)
  3. Stop being a victim and blaming others. Take responsibility for your own happiness, and your part in where you are.
  4. Focus on the present. Right now, in this minute, reading this email- you are safe, peaceful and powerful.  Let go of past hurts, so that you can enjoy all the wonderful things in this moment.
  5. Forgive others, but most especially forgive yourself. We all do and say things that we wish we could take back- it’s part of being human.  But you can’t take it back.  It’s in the past.  So focus on today, and making a better tomorrow.

 

 

How to come across positive in interviews

I know that it sounds cliché’d, but “Shew!  This year is flying!”  This weekend I noticed all the Christmas Decorations coming out in the shops, and there are only six weeks until the schools break up for the year.  I have also noticed that a lot of the candidates are coming for interviews tired and demotivated.  It’s been a busy year, the news and social media are full of negatively and drama, and it’s easy to get sucked into this negative mind-set.

 

People like positive people, and people employ people they like!  So if you want to get a job, you have to put a smile on your face, inject yourself with positivity and energy, and go out there and make it happen!  Easier said than done?

 

Every negative mood started with a single negative thought, which snowballed out of control.  The good news is that a single positive through can do the same thing!  Here are a few things that you can do to hopefully turn your mood around for your next interview.

 

Play loud music on the way to the interview. 

Make a play list of songs that make you feel alive, turn it up loud and sing along.  Dance and jump around if appropriate.  Get that blood pumping and feel alive! There is nothing like some music to lift your spirits (just make sure you turn it down when you arrive at the interview!)

 

Stay in the moment.

People tend to walk into an interview, and I am not sure if it is nerves or adrenaline, but they either jump straight into the past (more often than not, to negative work experiences); or to the future- worrying about reasons why they cannot accept the position or skills they may not have.  Just breathe.  Don’t let your mind run away.  Stay present and look for the value in the moment.

 

Smile and be friendly.

In life, you get what you give.  So if you want people to be nice to you, be nice to them.  Smile and be friendly (not over familiar), and your interviewer will have no choice but to be friendly back.  Never forget that your interviewer is a personal too.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own nerves and what is at stake, that we forget this.

 

Start a fan club

Unfortunately in life, we tend to be surrounded with too many negative people in general.  Start developing a group of friends that are positive and believe in you.  If you need an extra boost before the interview, phone one of them, and tell them the purpose of your call.  If you are going to an interview with one of our clients, give RESOURCE recruitment a call, and we will tell you exactly why we think you are amazing for the position and all the reasons that you are going to do amazingly well!

 

Turn the negatives into positives.

You need to constantly be mindful of your thoughts, can catch negative thoughts or doubts.  As soon as you do, rephrase them and repeat the positive version to yourself a few times.  For example, change “I hope this position is not as hard as the last one.” To “This is going to be such a fun, stress-free position.  I have the skills, experience and attitude to do any position I want!”

 

Don’t play the Victim!  You create your life- now take responsibility and make the most of things!

The challenges we face in life are all opportunities to learn and grow.  Without challenges you would not be looking for a new job that potentially could make your life so much better.  I interview many people who thought the end of the world had come when they were retrenched, only to realize that it was the push that they needed to get out of their comfort zone!

 

Focus on the positives in previous positions.

Ever notice how it is easier to get passionate and talk about the negative stuff?  It’s that negative thought spiralling out of control.  And before you know it, the interview is over, and all you have talked about is your miserable boss, how you get no recognition and you cannot afford to complete your studies.  If you focused on the positive, you could have told them all about how you have grown in your last position, all the amazing experience you have, your achievements, and your dreams to study further.

Be grateful

There are a million books and posts out there about gratitude, and they are all true!  At the end of the interview, thank everyone for the opportunity.  Be grateful that you got short listed for the interview.  Be grateful that you may have been asked some questions that made you think.  Be grateful for advice you may have been given.  Be grateful if it made you feel inspired.  And be grateful if you ever not successful- because something better is out there for you, and you are one step closer to finding it!

 

Be kind to yourself

Finally, be gentle with yourself.  We all blow the odd interview question or interview all together.   We all say stupid things and make mistakes.  Don’t dwell on it.  You are human.  Take the positive, and move on.

 

It’s really hard work staying positive, but it’s worth it!  Read inspiring quotes, keep a gratitude journal, surround yourself with positive people, do something new and exciting that challenges you and constantly look for the good in everyone and everything!

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
Happy positive thinking!

 

 

 

Profile Pictures on CV’s

The latest trend in recruitment seems to be putting a photo of yourself on your CV.  The majority of the population hate having their photos taken, are naturally critical of themselves, and generally object to this.  I have to admit, if I was in your shoes, I would too!  But the reality is, that employers want these photos, so it may help you to understand why, and what your ideal photo should look like.

 

 

WHY PUT A PHOTO ON YOUR CV?

I cannot speak for every recruiter, and certainly I am sure that there are those people that are asking for photos for the wrong reasons.  RESOURCE recruitment does not ask for a photo when you apply for a job through us, but we take one at the interview, which we put on your CV that we will send to our clients.

We started this process a year or two ago, for internal purposes.  Many people are visual, and it helped us remember the candidate, a year or two down the line.  Clients then started requesting photos.  When they are interviewing several people in one day, it helps to look back on the CV and photo, to recall and reflect on the interviews.  Clients will also phone us three months down the line, and say, “Remember we interviewed that lady for the sales position, and she was not suitable.  Well another position has opened up, that she would be perfect for!  She was the one with the really cool afro.”  A glance at a photo, and they know they have the right person.

 

But probably the most important reason for putting a photo on your CV is that it makes your CV personal.  It makes a piece of paper, a person.  The candidates getting short listed, are the ones with pictures on their CV, it is not because of their good looks!  Last week we placed a senior bookkeeper.  All the applicants happened to be between 55 and 59 years of age.  One of the applicants did not want a photo taken for their CV (which we respect).  When the client short listed candidates for interviews, he asked to see all the candidates except the one without a photo.  When I asked him why he did not want to see her, he replied, “I don’t know.  I don’t get a good feeling about her CV.  Let’s see the others first.”

 

THE DO’S AND DON’T’S OF PROFILE PICTURES

Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when putting a profile picture on your CV.  Always remember the aim- to market yourself as a professional, not to win admirers and friends.

Blurry or Too Small

Ideally your photo should be 200 x 200 pixels or larger. Anything smaller and you’re guaranteed to end up with a fuzzy or teeny tiny image If possible chose a square head shot, as it will work with other social media accounts.

Too Close or Too Far Away

Stick with a standard head shot for your profile pic. Prospective employers won’t be able to identify you from a picture too far away.

The Group Shot

Remember, this picture is supposed to represent your professional brand – no one else’s. Don’t make recruiters guess which person you are in the photo. Use an image that shows you and only you.

The Crop

Cropping yourself out of the group shot doesn’t work either. While it may be your favorite picture, no one wants to see half of your loved one’s face or your best friend’s hair on your shoulder.

Too Serious

Opt for photos where you’re looking at the camera and smiling. You want to appear friendly and approachable.

Goofy Expressions

Remember, this image is supposed to represent your professional brand. When you look at your profile photo, does it send the same message as your resume?  This includes NO pouty lips!!

No props, baby pics and pets.

Save these cute pics with your toddler or puppy for your personal social-media channels such as Facebook or Instagram. Make sure that you are not holding alcohol or cigarettes, and that you don’t have any props in the picture indicating that you are off to do something, such as a motor bike helmet or fishing rod.  Stick to a photo of yourself for your professional profiles.

No Selfies

This is a professional photo of you.  Ask some to take it, rather that have your hand shooting out the corner of the photo.

Backgrounds Count

Before you put a photo of you in a nightclub, or most commonly a bathroom, think about the impression this makes.  Either a neutral background is good, or alternatively at your desk or in a professional setting is always good.

Dress to impress

Dress in appropriate work clothes.  No evening dresses, wedding gowns, bikini tops, topless men or sky diving suites if you want to be taken seriously.

 

It’s totally up to you if you put a picture on your CV or not, but if you are going to, make sure that like all things when looking for a new job, it markets you the way you want to be viewed by prospective employees.

 

 

How to use Job Portals to find a Job

 

Thirteen years ago when I started RESOURCE recruitment, I advertised every Sunday in the Sunday Newspaper, and the phones rang off the hook with people applying for jobs on a Monday morning.  Today, I cannot remember the last time that I placed a job advert in print media.

Now Mondays are about dealing with hundreds of email applications in our inboxes.

 

With recruitment trends taking such a rapid new course in recent years to e-recruitment and networking, I thought that I would share some information on Job Portals, how they work and a few tips on how to make them work for you!

 

What is a JOB PORTAL?

Simply put, a Job Portal is a website that job seekers can post their details (CV), and recruiters can post their vacancies and search for potential employees.  There are literally hundreds of job portals out there- some free and some charge employers to access the candidate pool.  As a Job Seeker you register your details on a Job Portal, and in most (but not all) only employment agencies that subscribe to the service can access your personal details, thus protecting you from your current employer finding your details on line.

Growth in online recruitment activities in 2015

In 2015 there was a 25% growth in the number of jobs being posted on line, and one service provider reported more than 600 000 new CV’s being posted to their site last year.  50% of the Job Seekers on these portals are reported to be between 26-35 years of age, and 20% between 18-25 years.

 

The five sectors that are highest in demand on the portals are reported to be Finance/ Account, followed by IT, Sales, Engineering and Administration.  There was a growth of over 33% in management positions being posted on websites in 2015.

 

CREATING & MAINTAINING AN ON LINE PROFILE

Like all things on the Internet and related to Social Media, it is important that you keep your profile active and up to date.  As discussed in last month’s newsletter, if you are going to do anything, do it 100%, so with this in mind:- set a goal to check your On Line Profile once a month to make sure that it is up to date.  I have also had job seekers complain that some of the portals take a long time to upload their details.  If this is the case, then use this monthly check as an opportunity to complete your profile as comprehensively as possible.

 

Here are five tips to help you get the most out of Job Portals:-

  1. Input as much information as possible.

Creating a profile is no different from creating a CV.  If the experience is not on your CV or profile, you never did it!  With portals, this is even more significant.  When a researched looks for a potential candidate for a position, they put in key words.  The Portal then searches the data base of profiles and CV’s and comes back with the most suitable applicants.  If I am looking for an Executive Secretary that has worked on SAP, arranged events and done minute taking and Dictaphone typing, I am going to search the following words, “SAP, Events, Minute Taking, Dictaphone Typing” and those people that have all these words in their application will come up as a 100% match.  If your application is incomplete, even though you are a perfect candidate, you will not come up in my search.

 

  1. Update your skills

Keep your profile up to date.  Have you changed jobs, moved hour/ areas, taken on more responsibilities?  You may be missing opportunities for these reasons.  Also, each time you update your profile, recruiters can see, and this tells them that you are an active job seeker.  Some portals offer recruiters the option that they only see candidates that have been active (created or updated their profiles) in the last six months.

 

  1. Keep it brief and to the point

As much as I want you to put as much detail as possible, remember to keep to the point, list information in point form and avoid subjective phrases like:-  “I work well within a team”; “I’m motivated”; “I have a proven track record”;  “I’m a fantastic communicator”;  “I thrive in fast-paced environments”.  This is to discuss in the interview- it won’t get you the interview.

 

  1. Attach a copy of your updated CV

One thing that I have never been able to understand in all my years in recruitment, is why do Job Seekers go to so much effort to apply for jobs…. And then use an astonishingly unprofessional CV that has been scanned through a fax machine (or are low resolution photos from a cell phone that you cannot read on a PC), with scribbled notes on it, a coffee mug stain in the corner and looks like it was kept in the bottom of someone handbag?  If you are guilty of this, I cannot stress how important it is to take a few minutes to retype your CV and save it as a PDF document.  It will be the most important thing you do in this process.  When I look at a CV, I assume that it is an indication of the applicants pride in, and quality of work, that they would produce if I employed them.

 

  1. Keep your personal information consistent with other websites

Use the same name for your Job Portal Profile that you’ve used on your LinkedIn, Twitter and any other social media platforms that you are using in your job seeking efforts.  Remember to include contact details, but not personal details.

 

WHAT JOB PORTALS DO YOU FIND THE BEST, AND WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF THIS MEANS OF FINDING A JOB?

We would love to hear from you, and share with other job seekers which Job Portals you think are the best- those that are the easiest to use and have the most vacancies.  Email us or post on our Facebook Group to share with other job seekers.  (https://www.facebook.com/groups/493969644105386/?ref=bookmarks)

 

Treat looking for a new job, as you would setting a new goal.

Looking for a job, is not really that hard–  Job Seekers just tend to go about it the wrong way.  Often they don’t know where to start, and the process can be a little overwhelming.  It is easy to lose sight of what you are actually trying to achieve, which ultimately leads to you getting demotivated.

 

The fundamental mistake that most job seekers make when they enter the job market, is that they enter it with the wrong emotions.  They are shocked having just been retrenched; or hate their current jobs, and start looking out of anger and disappointment; or perhaps are broke and desperately just need money!  Looking for a job is not an emotional thing- it’s a professional, well thought out career move.  The people getting those amazing new jobs- they never got them because they were scared, desperate or angry- they got them because they were focused, professional, had value to add their new employers.

 

To get the job of your dreams, you have to treat looking for a job the same way you would set a new goal.  Here are some steps that you can follow:-

  1. Decide

What is your goal?  What job do you want?  Companies want to employ people who WANT to work for their companies, who are passionate about the industry, type of work or the company itself.  It shows in interviews if you are applying randomly and don’t know what you are actually wanting, and your answers to the interview questions with lack the depth a job seekers who has a goal, will show.  Knowing what you want keeps you focused and makes answering interview questions a lot easier.

 

  1. Write it down.

A goal that is not written down, is just a wish.  There are numerous studies that show that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them.  Once you have written down what job you are wanting in detail, keep the information safe and refer back to it before every interview at revise it at least once a week.  (It is ok to revise your goal and change and tweak it as you go along and learn more).    You may not know the job title of the job you are seeking (and I am not a fan of titles), but make a list of the duties you want to do.  It may help to ask yourself what you enjoyed most and least/ what you were good or bad at, in previous jobs or while you were at school.  Write down the geographical area, the working hours, the salary, the benefits and everything else that is important in your next position.

 

  1. Tell someone. Telling someone we know about our goals also seems to increase the likelihood that we will stick at them.

Tell people about what you are looking for.  The easiest way to find a job is through networking.  Get excited about the job seeking process.  Ask people for advice and input, but stay away from people who are negative and will not share in your excitement for this new goal.

 

  1. Break your goal down.

Write down a “To Do” list of everything that you need to do to achieve this goal, i.e. break your ultimate goal down into smaller goals.  It’s easier to get your head around smaller goals, and as you tick each one off your list, it will take you closer to the bigger goal, and keep you motivated as you can see progress.  This list may include things like:-

  • Prepare a CV. You may need to research what this entails.  Possibly prepare two different CV’s if there are two different types on jobs that you need.  Have a look at our website 2r.co.za for tips on how to prepare a CV.
  • Research which agencies you want to send your CV to and phone the agencies to try get appointments.
  • Research which job portals are most active in the field you are looking, and register your CV in detail on them.
  • Find a suitable outfit to wear to interviews. There is a newsletter on our website with helpful hints and tips on how to dress to impress.
  • Make a list of questions that you may be asked, and write the answers down. Our Pinterest Page has a board dedicated to Interview Questions.
  • Make a list of companies that you would like to work for and phone their HR Departments or look on their websites to see if they have any openings.
  • Motivation is important, so set yourself a goal to read some motivational posts or watch TED or You Tube videos. Every day, write down one this that you are grateful for in your current job or your life.
  • Anything that you plan to do here- do it 100% or not at all! Type a professional CV, don’t scan an old copy with scribbles on it.  Register CV’s on job portals in as much detail as possible, etc

For all the smaller goals you need to set deadlines and quantify what you are going to do. This may be to spend 30 minutes on the internet three times a week looking for suitable vacancies; or to follow up within a week of every email application for feedback.  You could set a goal to send your CV to three possible companies each week.

 

  1. Keep focused.

Don’t get temped to start sending your CV off for every job out there.  Keep your focus and keep reading your ultimate goal which you wrote down in the beginning.  Only apply for jobs that meet 70% of your requirements (area, salary, working hours, industry, etc) and are jobs that you could see yourself doing.  Job seekers who lose focus and start sending their CV’s off for everything, get lost of rejections and get demotivated very quickly.

 

  1. Keep going.

Remember: Activity Breads Activity!  Consistently keep at your goals and keep reminding yourself of what you want and how amazing it will be when you secure your dream job! Ask for feedback when you receive rejections,  so that you can improve your next application and clear up any mis-communications, and silently thank each person regretting you- they are freeing you for the perfect job, which that one was not.

 

Celebrate every interview you are offered, every target you reach, all the positive feedback you receive.

 

 

The word “motivation” comes from the word “motive” which means to move.  So if you want motivation, take action.  You will be surprised how each little step you take, makes you more positive and motivated- and things will snowball from there.  Remember also, that all great things come from repetition.   The nail goes into wood after repeated hits.  Just keep at it!

 

You can have any job that you believe you can do, that you believe you deserve and that you believe you will add value to the company.  Keep positive, and keep focused.  You can do this!

 

Yours in recruitment

Kirsten Glen