CVs and Interviews

There are no jobs in Ireland …….

Yes it is a tough job market but there are jobseekers finding jobs and there are jobseekers interviewing for jobs as you read this post. If you talk to agencies, read the papers or view online job boards you will see a drop off in the numbers of jobs advertised. The nature of my work provides me with an insight into job market activity and believe me there is activity in the job market!! Just because jobs are not advertised does not mean that there are no jobs!! I have 4 interview coaching sessions this week – these are preparing for one internal interview and three external interviews.

I had an interesting experience last week when I spoke with a jobseeker and an employer one call after another ……

The first call was with the jobseeker. I was finishing off their CV and was providing some advice on job search strategies. This individual was employed in sales and I was commenting on the usefulness of the tools they used in his day to day sales job for job search. When talking about networking they commented that they did not have the time to network so would be solely relying on agencies.

When I hung up my next conversation was with a company owner seeking advice and costs for services to help a family member. We were having a general discussion when he indicated that he was bucking the trend and hired a sales executive recently. I said “I bet you didn’t have to advertise” to which he responded “no need”. He filled the job through industry contacts.

My jobseeker from the first call would never have landed the company owner’s sales job as their sales experience did not match requirements. BUT what if the individual could have done the job and was suitable for the job. As they are relying on agencies they would never have accessed the opportunity. Yes networking and proactive job strategies do take time and energy but this is the only way to access the hidden job market. I am not saying that you should not use agencies, newspaper adverts or job boards. You should use these tools to access the low hanging fruit (advertised jobs) BUT if you want to access the hidden jobs market (unadvertised jobs) you must get proactive and use strategies like networking.

Perhaps the above satement should read — “there are no jobs advertised in Ireland”

Career Expert – CV Writing, Effective Job Searching Advice & Interview Preparation.

How important is the visual appearance of your CV?

I believe there are 3 key ingredients to an impact CV – Content, Information Positioning and Visual Appearance. I rank Visual Appearance number 3 and least important of the 3 points. Content is number 1 and information positioning is number 2.

CV Writing – What do I mean by content?

“It’s amazing the difference words make. I feel so confident looking over my CV and I hardly even recognise myself”. This is a testimonial for one jobseeker I reworked a CV for. I have hundreds of testimonials but the above words stand out. CV content is critical and without doubt the most important aspect of CV writing. Unfortunately most jobseekers fail with content on three key points. (a) They write a CV about themselves focusing on information that they think is important and ignore the employer. Tip: Embrace the potential reader and their requirements. Your CV is a marketing document focused on the reader. (b) They “can’t see the wood for the trees” and are unable to communicate duties and responsibilities which minimises ability to sell themselves. Tip: If you are having difficulty outlining duties and responsibilities then brainstorm with some friends or cheat and review descriptions of similar jobs online (c) They fail to breathe life into their CV with facts, examples and achievements. Tip: If you “talk the talk” you must “walk the walk”. Helping paint a picture for the reader will help your CV stand out.

CV Writing – What do I mean by information positioning?

There are mixed messages on the topic of CV layout/format. Most CV “experts” will tell you exactly what information your CV should contain and in what order it should be found on the document. Much of this information is stiff and dated. A CV is a fluid document and should not be tied to a rigid layout. CV’s are similar to newspapers and the important headlines have to make the first page. I have created a CV with References on the first page and another CV with Hobbies & Interests on the first page. Why? Because it was relevant information to help sell the jobseekers for that particular role. Never leave it to chance that the reader will progress to the second page of your CV. More than likely they will have made a decision as to your suitability for interview before they get to the end of the first page.

CV Writing – What do I mean by visual appearance?

Quite simply this means that your CV is easy on the reader’s eye. Visual appearance does not rank as my number one priority but it cannot be ignored. I am a fan of the “Clean & Simple” CV. I believe that you can still produce a professional document without the bells and whistles. There is nothing too complex here – white space, clear headings, bullet points, uniformity of font type and size. Effective visual appearance does not have to mean fancy font or coloured paper.

Quite often jobseekers want a CV that looks good but has no substance. They focus on what the CV looks like rather than what it says. If your strategy is to land interviews through quirky CV design you might have an extended time period in the job market. Your CV may stand out visually from the others in the pile but will hit the bin when read. Change your focus now with the following tips:

1. Ensure your content packs punch and integrates quantifiable facts and figures. This will make a greater impression on the reader.
2. Ensure any relevant information make front page headlines. If it doesn’t make front page it might not get read.
3. Keep the layout and design of your CV clean and simple. Fancy designs might get you noticed but won’t get you the interview unless there is substance to match.

CV Writing Service Ireland

The Job Hunting Blame Game …..

As the economy continues to tighten we are all looking for someone or something to blame for or situation or woes. This is no different when job hunting. I regularly work with jobseekers who can list out many factors to blame while they themselves come out unscathed.

Top of the blame game hit list are the poor old recruitment agencies. I worked in the sector a number of years back and had my own agency so I have a good insight into the sector. I know there are some cowboys out there but equally there are many good recruiters. The fact remains they are not the reason why you can’t change jobs or can’t find a job. And another point blaming recruiters won’t get you a job!!

How to manage a recruiter

Below are some pointers but there are more ……

Firstly manage your expectations. This is a free service so expect to get what you pay for – nothing. Anything above this will be a bonus.

Recruiters are not there to offer career advice – they put bums on seats. Having said this you may meet a nice recruiter will to help – again remember these are sales guys and gals.

In this market don’t expect a response to your email or phone call. Recruiters are coming down with paper. They don’t have time to talk to you if you do not represent $$$. Believe me if you are hot property you will know!!

Try to make contact with the recruiter but again remember previous point. A good way to get contact is via an open vacancy that you could fill. Speculative CVs are a bit of a waste of time in this market. You could also make contact via referrals.

If you do get to meet or talk to a recruiter it is up to you to maintain the communication and manage the relationship. Again these guys and gals are extremely busy. They are frantically trying to source new jobs in order to place you. They don’t have time to call you up to tell you nothing. You have to stay in touch BUT avoid stalking.

Be good to recruiters and they will be good to you.

STOP BLAMING as it won’t help you find a new job!! Are you really doing everything you can? From experience working with many jobseekers most are not.

Measurability for Job Hunting Staregies, CV Writing & Interview Coaching.

You can now following me on Twitter. Been up there a while but have not really had time to use it properly. My new resolution is to find the time.

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I reviewed a CV WRITING article on IRISHJOBS website today titled “EIGHT EASY STEPS TO A PERFECT CV”. After reading this article I would say that it should be titled “EIGHT EASY STEPS TO A CV FAILURE”. Ok there were a few valid points but more schoolboy errors. Below are the eight steps outlined and my comments. Obviously you will take what I have to say on board

1. Include the following sections, and preferably in the following order: – Personal Details, Personal Profile, Education and Qualifications, Any other relevant qualifications, Employment History & References

Yes you will have these sections on your CV but I totally disagree with the fact that the layout must follow the exact order outlined above. Let’s say you were applying for a sales job in the pharmaceutical sector. The job description asks for 10 years Pharmaceutical sales experience and a Degree in Chemistry. You have the 10 years relevant experience BUT only a Diploma in Chemistry. Why would you place your qualifications at the top of your CV? I would rather let the hiring manager read about my excellent experience before they realise I don’t meet educational requirements. The above point is what text books will tell you about CVs BUT reality is very different. You need to get the relevant info onto the first page of your CV an tying yourself to rigid rules as outlined in point one will not enable you to do this.

2. Ensure your CV is concise, preferably no more than 2 A4 pages

I agree in principle but have a funny story. Back in 1997 I worked in recruitment and this was era before email when we used fax to send CVs. A candidate sent me a 9 page CV and I politely told I him it was cr*p. Due to time pressure I submitted CV as was and he got an interview with the company. I phoned him after interview seeking feedback and he proceeded to tell me that the hiring manager told him he loved the CV. Egg and Face. Generally it is expected that CVs will range between 1-3 pages but I always tell jobseekers if their first page does not make an impact forget about the rest!!

3. Choose your words carefully to provide maximum impact – especially in your personal profile where you really need to highlight your skills and knowledge.

This is true and a valid point. I don’t like this whole idea of a “profile” and personally lean towards a targeted value statement. Yes words can make an impact BUT not as much as quantifiable data such as achievements and results.

4. List your Employment History with the most recent job first.

No No No!! – This is text book stuff and again it will limit your ability to market yourself effectively. I have written CV’s that have thrown this rule out of the window. Remember my point that if it doesn’t make first page it may not get read. If your work experience is most relevant let the chronological rule force you to place it towards the end of your CV.

5. If you do not have any work experience then substitute this section for, ‘Personal Successes’ and describe your achievements and the skills required e.g. voluntary work or sporting achievements.

Good point – It is essential to get relevant information, skills and competencies across to the reader.

6. Make sure your CV is tailored to suit each job you are applying for, focusing your attention on the skills that job specifically requires.

True!!

7. Do not include any clip art or photographs.

Again 99.9% of the time I would agree BUT there was one occasion when I did put a picture on a CV but there was a valid reason for doing this.

8. Check your CV to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

YES U SHUD CHEK UR SELLINS AND GRAMMMER.

Measurability — CV Writing Service delivering Interviews and Interview Coaching delivering job offers.