Finding a Job After University

Finding a Job After University

The Interview Blueprint For Disaster:

Bella left university with a graduate degree and an elaborate resume she created using a CV template. Before starting her job search, she stumbled upon the chance for her dream job through an alumna who edited a top design magazine. With all the assurance of a newly-minted graduate, she felt that if she showed up for the interview with a CV in hand and a name to drop she would be offered the job.

Unfortunately her over-confidence at the interview came across as arrogance made worse by poor preparation. She blew it and a few months later settled for a less exciting job at a lower salary.

How Bella Got Her Groove Back

A little older but much wiser, our graduate learned what she should have done in the first place. Bella polished her interview skills, and prepared to launch a more successful graduate job search.

Luckily, her university career advisers were able to help revamp her job search by providing CV writing tips and conducting a mock interview to improve her performance.

Graduate Job Search Resources

You've created your new CV and brushed up on interview skills; now it's time to look at potential channels for job leads.

Begin early. Most universities offer career services to help their graduates job search for one or two years after graduation. Often universities maintain profiles of alumni willing to give graduates career advice, which can turn into valuable job leads.

Be Internet savvy. Online graduate career sites like Milkround or Uknetguide list jobs and employers.

Keep reading. The major newspapers - The Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian - plus local and regional papers report on the job market and salary levels. Each industry has trade journals covering industry trends and opportunities for graduates.

Reach out. Jobs can be found even before they're advertised through networking with business and/or personal contacts. However, remember that a networking interview or an informational interview is just that - an exploration for information, not an overt job application or interview.

A networking interview can allow more open discussion than a regular job interview - use this to gain expert industry knowledge. Remember to ask for further contacts, and always send a thank-you after the interview.

Tips For A Great Interview:

Do your research, be organized, well-dressed and on time for your interview.

Good first impressions at an interview are established with a pleasant smile, direct eye contact and a firm handshake.

Be clear and confident, not superior or overbearing.

Be positive and avoid negative remarks, especially about previous employers.

Ask a few questions of your own during the interview, and make sure you mention any aspects of your experience that are relevant to the job.

Be likable, but remember: You're an applicant, not a supplicant!

Ask when you might expect to hear from them. And thank them at the end of the interview.

Negotiating a Pay Rise

Negotiating a Pay Rise

Stick to your company's policies

Most companies address the issue of pay negotiations as part of their appraisal procedures, with any pay rises linked to an annual performance review. Mastering your company's assessment process is vital to your chances of getting a pay rise. If you are set various objectives throughout the year, then make sure you not only meet and exceed these but that you get all the evidence required to prove it as well. If your company does have a set process for addressing pay then asking for a pay rise at another time can often be met with the response that you should wait until the dedicated time.

Benchmark your position

It is essential if you are going to negotiate a pay rise that you have evidence. One of the best ways of getting this information is by benchmarking your salary against others. This means that you should get information from a range of sources about what level of salary is paid for your type of job in other companies and other industries - general sites such as Paywizard can be useful for this but you can also talk to trade associations and recruitment agencies, or even just look for adverts for similar jobs. The other aspect of benchmarking is to compare your salary to others within your company. If you're paid less then you might have a case.

Reasons for a raise

One of the main reasons that people ask for a raise is that they feel that they are currently underpaid - perhaps your benchmarking exercise found that you get a lot less than other people in your company for no perceivable reason. Another reason is being able to prove that you are working to a very high standard - in this instance, start with your job description or objectives and show how you are going above and beyond these. It might be that you feel that your role has changed and that you are now doing the job of colleagues who have left, or that you now need and have a different set of skills to do your job. Don't approach the meeting simply with a list of the things you do - the key is to show how you go beyond that which is expected of you.

An issue of equality

Although there has been much done in recent years to combat inequality with legislation such as the Equal Pay Act, there is no doubt that wage inequality still exists based on factors such as ethnicity, disability and gender. As an example, women currently earn 17% less than male counterparts (42% less based on part-time work). If you feel that you are being discriminated against then you need to collect evidence through benchmarking and then in the first instance informally approach HR - take a colleague or union representative if it makes you feel better. Don't forget that although the law forbids inequality, employers are still allowed to pay different rates based on a range of criteria, so establish the facts before contacting your lawyer.

A question of timing

Timing your negotiation is a political hot potato. If you pick the wrong time (when a company is experiencing financial difficulties, when you are in the middle of a big project, when your line manager is in a bad mood) then you can ruin your chances of a successful negotiation. Good times to broach the subject are when there are significant changes in your work - perhaps a colleague has just left (meaning you will have to take on a greater responsibility for their workload), you are embarking on a big new project, or if your job is changing in any way.

Making your pitch

Your negotiation should be undertaken as a formal process. Arrange a meeting with your line manager or someone from HR and give them an idea of what you want to talk about. If you knock on your boss' door on a Friday afternoon then your request might be received with less enthusiasm. Your negotiation should proceed with you presenting your case and backing it up with as much evidence as you have gained during your research. Although this is an important subject, don't let it become emotional or it may seem as if you're trying to use guilt to make your case. Equally, don't get angry: you might just have to go through with any threats you make.

Basic strategy for negotiating

Don't forget that in all negotiations you should start with a figure higher than you would actually be happy to settle for - with the expectation that a company might meet you halfway. You should also give yourself time to consider any offers that are made regarding your salary. Taking a night to consider your response shows you are thinking things through and acting professionally.

Tie your negotiation to future actions

A strong method of negotiating your pay rise is to explain that you would like to earn more and that you want to take on a greater range, or amount, of work. You might be able to offer to take on another project or the responsibility for looking after other staff members. If you are saving your manager a headache then this technique is even more effective. Explain how if the extra role goes well then it would be reasonable to increase your salary.

Dealing with a 'no'

Not all negotiations are successful and it could be that you end up faced with a no, rather than the few extra noughts on the pay check you were hoping for. If you find yourself in this situation all is not lost. Providing you have made your negotiation in a formal and professional manner then the company should give you reasons as to why they're saying no. If they don't, ask for them. This gives you the reasons that you can work to overcome when you negotiate again in the future. You might also have found that with your benchmarking information, you know that there are better companies to work for. It's important that in all of your negotiations you keep careful notes and copies of emails and letters sent because if you are still unsatisfied with the answers, you can turn your negotiation into a grievance which you would raise formally with HR.

Don't forget other benefits

Even if a company refuses you a pay rise you might still be able to improve your overall employment package without increasing your actual salary. Employers are often less protective about benefits and if they refuse to increase your salary then you still have company cars, travel loans, sabbaticals, pensions, health benefits and club memberships that you could negotiate for. These can be a useful loophole if an employer is worried about setting a precedent and having to increase other employees' salaries.

Job Searching in the 21st Century - It's Different Out There

Job Searching in the 21st Century - It's Different Out There

If you haven't looked for a new position in years, you're in for a surprise because technology and the Internet have changed the art of job hunting dramatically. And, in most ways, for the better.

Job Searching, Then and Now

The last time most of us made a job or career change, we did it by scanning newspaper ads and bulletin boards or making cold calls on companies in the hopes they might have an opening.

Now, the Internet is where most career advice is sought and most job searching takes place.

Then, you might have interviewed multiple times with dozens of employers until the magical match happened. Or not.

Now, hirers and recruiters know a great deal about you and your qualifications before you even approach them, so you only interview for jobs that actually suit you. Less time wasted with better outcomes for all.

Then, companies did their own hiring and it was up to you to make each one of them aware of your availability.

Now, many companies use recruitment consultants, which means just one agency can open doors to hundreds of potential employers. Plus they often have access to jobs that haven't even been advertised yet.

So, how do you enter this new world of job searching and take advantage of all it has to offer you and your career? Let's move around to the other side of the recruitment desk for a moment.

Advice For Job Searching Today

Recruitment agencies are a good place to start job searching because they have access to so many openings at so many companies. Some agencies even specialize in particular industries, like IT or finance, so the odds of them having a good position for you are even better.

But imagine the challenges those recruiters face: multiple jobs to be filled; thousands of potential candidates and CVs to sort out; the pressure of deciding who gets an interview and who doesn't. It's easy to imagine your paper CV slipping behind the filing cabinet, never to be seen again. Just as easy to imagine your emailed resume getting lost in the shuffle.

That's why it's more important than ever to have a clear, concise and up-to-date CV with all your relevant information and not too much fluff. To stand out from the crowd you need to create a CV gives real reasons why you are highly employable and worth taking a chance on. Then it's just a matter of perfecting your interview technique.

The pluses are, with online job searching, you've really got the world at your fingertips, and once recruiters have discovered your wonderful CV you shouldn't have too much trouble getting interviews. The challenge is to get that CV right in the first place, so be sure to make use of the best resources and tailor a CV which will work for you in the 21st century. Good luck!

Interview Success

Interview Success

I believe the clichés: first impressions count

The practical issues of a good first impression include making sure you arrive early (do a dry run to make sure you can get there easily) and look well groomed, with clean teeth, fresh breath and a business-like appearance. Even if the company has a relaxed dress code, you'll never be out of place in a smart suit and clean shoes. Keep a handkerchief in your pocket or bag to blot any pre-interview nervous sweat from your palm so you can give a firm handshake to each interviewer with a confident announcement of your name. Maintain this good body language by not fiddling, smiling and keeping good eye contact. Take along a copy of your application and any information you could need in a smart folder and make sure you switch your mobile phone off.

Arm yourself with relevant information

Most invitation letters will tell you who your interview will be with and should also give you an idea of whether it will just be an interview, or whether there will be assessment elements to the day. If it doesn't tell you then feel free to make a polite phone call to the HR department to find out. Armed with this knowledge you can begin to research. You should prepare by researching the company, its products, the people (especially anyone who might be interviewing you) and the role. If relevant, practice psychometric tests many are freely available - and reacquaint yourself with specific software that might be needed for the job.

Research yourself

Before your interview look over the information that got you through the door - your CV, your covering letter and any application forms. Go back to the original advert and refresh yourself on the competencies that they are looking for. There is every chance that you will be asked to prove you have these qualities, so get some strong evidence to demonstrate it. Research how you can link each point of your CV to the job. Finally, reconnect with the motivation that inspired you to make the application in the first place. A candidate who can convey genuine enthusiasm for the role and company is very difficult to reject.

Prepare your answers, but not too much!

At least one practice session where you walk through the interview and practice your responses is essential. There are two questions in particular to which you must have an answer before you walk into the interview: "why do you want the job?" and "why do you think you are the perfect candidate?" Other common questions include, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" "What has been your biggest challenge?" and "What do you know about the company?" It's better to have a fluid list of points which you can tailor for any given question, rather than an exact answer to a question that might not come up in the manner you expect.

How to give a good answer

There are some general rules to constructing a good answer. The first point is to listen carefully to the wording of the question. Rather than just hearing the word "teamwork" and listing your teamworking experience, listen if the interviewer is asking whether you like working in a team or whether you can work in a team. If you are in doubt about the meaning then politely ask for clarification. The second step is to think of your answer, don't just blurt out anything that comes to mind. If you need to buy thinking time, take a sip of water (ask for a glass at the beginning of the interview). Finally, give your answer - never a straight yes or no or a soft statement ("I'm a great team player") - but a statement of your opinion which you can then back up with reasoned and measurable evidence and strong facts.

The dreaded trick question

Trick questions, such as "who would your ideal dinner guests be?" are actually quite rare in interviews but they can crop up, so it's important to be prepared. The thing to remember is that what these questions really test is your ability to cope with the unexpected. So stay cool. If you need to time to think about you answer, ask if you can come back to that question later. You can use it as a chance to refer back to your skills, picking business leaders or people whose skills you admire as your guests, but ultimately there's no harm in answering a relatively trivial question with your honest opinion.

Classic interview mistakes

As tempting as it may be, never criticise your previous employers, colleagues or work. If you had to leave a job under a cloud then, as with all interview disclosures (periods of sickness, disabilities, criminal convictions), the best way to address the situation is in an honest and positive light. Never lie at an interview. Although massaging sales figures, or your previous salaries might seem harmless enough, HR departments often work co-operatively and any lie you tell could result in disaster.

Interviews are a two-way process

At some stage of the interview you will get a chance to ask questions. Make sure you take this opportunity. After all, your interview is the best chance you've got of making sure that you will enjoy doing the job and that you will fit well with the company. It also shows recruiters that your interest is genuine and that you've actively considered working for the company.

Coping with nerves

The best way to get over nerves is to prepare well. The fewer surprises that come your way, the less likely you are to get nervous. Ultimately, if you do find yourself put off by nerves then it's perfectly acceptable to mention it - everyone gets nervous and if you just ask for a moment to collect your thoughts, take a deep breath and drink some water - then you can get back on track. Don't try and avoid nerves with caffeine or alcohol as they can both make nerves worse.

Following it up

Ultimately, if you're not successful at an interview then getting feedback on your performance can help you improve your success rate for the future. Make a polite phone call to the HR department, asking for the person who conducted the interview. Explain that you accept their decision but would like any feedback that they can give you. Although you might feel quite emotional, try and focus on getting useful information rather than demanding an explanation. Getting feedback not only shows you where to improve but can also pinpoint other problems such as bad references which can be corrected for future interviews.

Simple Do's And Don'ts Of An Interview

Simple Do's And Dont's Of An Interview

1. Dress appropriately for the industry. Since you are a musician or part of a band then most likely this is a no-brainer because you already have a style of your own. But keep it professional, nonetheless. Try not to be too conservative because you still want to impress so kick it up a notch.

2. Arrive on time if not 10-15 minutes early. This will show your professionalism and willingness to impress. If you want to know the key to how to get signed, you must realize it is all about impressions.

3. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer. It sounds obvious but body language is everything. You don't want to appear aloof or disinterested in the offer to be there.

4. Throughout the interview, ask for any type of clarification if you don't understand a question or a statement. Don't fake your way through any interview. And don't feel stupid if you have to ask questions. Record labels can use a lot of jargon that the average musician may not understand so ask away, after all, it is your record deal!

5. Be honest about your expectations. You are working on how to get a record deal and now is your chance. You don't want to seem to eager but you do want to be upfront about everything.

6. If you are part of a group, then come prepared. Discuss before hand anything and everything that may come up during the process. You don't want to catch anyone off guard or worse, start an argument in front of the executives or whoever you are interviewing with.

7. Don't make excuses for anything. If you are asked about something that happened in the past or for example a past gig or album, don't make excuses.

8. Don't appear desperate to know how to get a record deal or how to get signed. But at the same time, you must appear humble. They are evaluating you and/or your band so you don't want to give off the impression you are "too good" either.

9. Don't take unrelated people to the interview. The band members and a manager may go. If there are negotiations being made then your attorney, if you have one may attend. You want to keep the focus where it belongs, on you and your shot at a record deal.

10. Don't underestimate the power of a follow-up call or letter. Keep your band fresh in their head. Shoot them a thank-you email or type a thank-you letter. If you feel it is appropriate then you may make a call to the interviewer to thank them.

Interviews are truly about impressing people. Knowing how to get signed includes learning how to conduct yourself in an interview. Follow the above simple do's and don’ts of how to behave in an interview and you should do great. If you want a record deal then you have to be prepared at all times for situations just like these.

6 Key Steps to Job Searching

6 Key Steps to Job Searching

*Contacting Employers Directly*

One of the most compelling ways to acquire a job is to contact employers directly, whether you know of an opening or not. First, create a check list for classifying the types of companies for which you'd like to work for. You might classify them by product line, size, growth outlook, or geographical locale.

The next step is to begin working on your resume. Send out your resume with a personalized letter. The letter should be addressed to a specific person, not just to the Personnel Office. After sending your resume and letter wait 2 or 3 days, then call the person you sent it to and let them know why you're calling. Speak with confidence, why you would be a good candidate for hiring, and what kind of position you're interested in.

*Networking*

Networking is the way of exchanging data, contacts, and services among individuals, groups, or corporations. Networking is a great method for finding a new or better job. Some of the groups and organizations you can contact or attend for carrying out your net working plans are...Industry and Trade Shows...Business Seminars...Conferences...Professional Organizations...

Career fairs is another important job-searching resource. With representatives and hiring personnel from various companies there, provides the opportunity to introduce yourself and have the chance to exhibit your skills and experience.

On-line newsgroups are an excellent place for networking, with discussion groups to suit practically every interest. These group participants generally include human resources agents and hiring supervisor, who lend their know-how by discussing the qualities they look for in employees.Taking part in on-line discussion groups brings a much larger exposure than, say, going to a meeting.

*Internet Job Search*

The Web is fast becoming the place to look for jobs on the Internet. There are many career resources on the Web that are devoted to job listings, with additional lists spring up every day. The Web has listings for job searchers of all backgrounds. Four of the major and most popular job-search sites on the Web are Career City, Career Mosaic, Job Options, and the Monster Board. Another way to find job listings on the Web is to perform a keyword search in search engine's like Google, or Yahoo. Use keywords like "employment opportunities", "job listings", or "positions available".

*CD-ROM Job Search*

Business directories on CD-ROM contain a vast amount of data for anyone searching for a job. Most furnish the same basic information; company name, description, address, phone and fax numbers, e-mail or Web site address, product and financial information. All directories list one or more contacts, so you know exactly whom to call for information or where to send your resume. The following is a list of 11 Databases on CD-ROM.

1. American Big Businesses Directory CD-ROM: This CD-ROM includes company descriptions that list business type, merchandise, and sales data. Available only through libraries.

2. American Business Disc: This CD-ROM contains general data on over 10 million US firms. Available only through libraries.

3. American Manufactures Directory: Lists over 1/2 million manufacturing companies with 20 or more employees.

4. Corp Tech Explore Database on CD-ROM: Lists and describes over 50,000 mostly private firms. It also gives the names and titles of Executives-Administrators, Sales Managers, and Supervisors. Available in many public, college, and university libraries.

5. D & B Million Dollar Database: Furnishes data on over 1 million businesses of numerous firms, listing the number of employees, sales volume, name of the parent company, and corporate headquarters. Also includes the names and titles of top executives. Available in colleges, universities, and some public libraries.

6. Hoover's Company Capsules on CD-ROM: Provides information and profiles of more than 11,000 firms and 30,000 executives. This CD-Rom includes detailed data on the company history and products. Available at public and universities.

Nurturing Yourself During a Job Search

Nurturing Yourself During a Job Search

To start with, it is important to remember two things. Number one, finding a job is the most difficult job you will likely ever have. If you can do this, you can do just about anything! Number two, it does not matter if you are Jane Doe or Donald Trump, if you work at your job search diligently every day, experience tells me that it will take you approximately 30 to 90 days to find a great job. It is going to take some time but it will not take forever. I promise!

Not supporting yourself emotionally and physically during this time is exactly what you should not be doing! By implementing a few key practices, you can stave off frustration, fear and boredom and keep yourself motivated, excited and the type of candidate most employers are eager to meet. These are not secrets; in fact, the list here applies to life in general. Who would have thought that the habits you develop during a job search could energize the rest of your career?

1. Stay in Shape: Okay, if you are out of shape when your job search starts, then this would be more aptly titled "Get in Shape." This does not mean spending hours at a gym, but it does mean getting physical exercise on a daily basis. Movement gets your blood pumping and helps generate endorphins. You will feel better, think better and look better. Step away from the computer at least once a day and hit the gym or the walking trail.

2. Eat Well: This does not mean going to four- or five-star restaurants; this means eating healthy, balanced meals that serve to fuel your body. It is well-known that eating foods high in carbohydrates and sugars put weight on the body and mess with our metabolism and mood. Do not give in to foods that will sabotage your job search intentions!

3. Meditate: By sitting quietly for 10-20 minutes per day, you allow your mind to clear and give yourself the chance to "go within." Staying in touch with your spiritual side helps tremendously during a job search. Meditation provides time for ideas and issues to bubble up and gives you the opportunity to address them rather than just stuffing them down...never a good practice but particularly toxic during a job search.

4. Journal: The response to this is usually "Ugh, I don't know what to write!" That is okay. Give yourself permission to write whatever comes up for you; frustrations, excitement or angry rants. It is particularly helpful to journal after a job interview...it does not have to be anything specific, just stream-of-consciousness stuff. Eventually you will begin to see themes and insights emerging that will help move you closer to your dreams. An important note: if you are using an online journal, adjust the privacy settings so that prospective employers cannot access your deepest darkest thoughts!

5. Live Your Life: It is easy for a job search to completely overwhelm your life. This is especially true if money is getting tight. However, focusing 24/7 on your job search will not serve you or the ones you love well. Maintaining interest in other people, the world, the economy, politics, volunteering your time, whatever captures your awareness, helps keep you well-rounded and interesting (i.e. the type of person hiring managers want to meet.) Withdrawing and only concerning yourself with your job search is a quick way to desperation (i.e. exactly the type of person hiring mangers hope to avoid).

Taking care of yourself during a job search gives you the opportunity to put yourself first - perhaps for the first time in your life. Giving yourself the chance to grow, change and adopt a healthy outlook makes you an attractive and interesting job seeker. Plus, you may learn some habits that will positively impact the rest of your life. Now that is turning a negative into a positive!

8 Ways to Become the Strongest Candidate in the Job Market

8 Ways to Become the Strongest Candidate in the Job Market

This turbulent economy has many individuals fearing for their jobs, so use this time as an opportunity to take stock of how prepared you would be if you found yourself out of work. Whether you are planning a career change, are actively seeking work or just making sure you are prepared for any eventuality – here are 8 steps to help you to be the strongest candidate in your field.

1. Strong Resume

Your career history and future plans will determine what style of resume you use (functional, combination or chronological) but whatever the style remember that your resume is not simply a list of your responsibilities but more a record of how well you carried out those responsibilities. A useful method to help you create a strong resume is the mnemonic is CARS. For each job held think of Challenges you faced, Actions you took, Results or outcomes and finally Skills / Strengths that this showed you have. Using this story to create a sentence that speaks to how successful you were at your previous role.

E.g.

C – We needed to recruit 10 nurses before the opening of a new hospital ward in 4 wks time
A – Worked with team to create a shorter recruitment turnaround time, created a Team Leader specific to the project and negotiated the buy in of senior managers to sign off new recruits.
R – Recruited and trained all 10 within the 3 weeks, reducing the predicted $500k agency spend.
S – Negotiation, team leadership, meet deadlines, motivation, intuition and creative problem solving.

Resume – Successfully managed a team that recruited 10 nurses, expedited their training and start date in order to meet a 1 month deadline, saving the hospital a predicted $500k in agency spend.

2. Cover letter

The cover letter elaborates on the points you have made in your resume and acts as supporting statement. The cover letter should be specific to the job or company you are applying to. If you do not have a specific job to apply to, then locate the company website of the person you are sending it to and note the language they use, note their vision or mission and use that language in your letter.

3. Informational interviews

Informational interviews are useful for people who know where they are going next as well as those who don’t have a clue. They are, as the title would suggest, an opportunity to meet professionals who can share their professional success stories with you. Identify people who are doing the job you want to be doing or people who are a living the lifestyle that you want. They are both great targets. In formational interviews are a great networking tool and will highlight you as someone who is proactively looking for a new opportunity. Treat this is an interview – research the company, prepare some strong questions and always end by asking - who do you know who can help me……

4. Networking –

Both in person and online networking is a great way to boost your job search. Work through which style of networking events work for you (breakfast meeting or bar based events etc.) and set yourself some targets on how many to attend on a weekly basis. Make the best out the networking events by following up with each of the people you meet and asking – Who do you know who can help me…..
Resources – www.bni.com www.meetup.com www.ingoodcompanyworkplaces.com www.linkedin.com

5. Variety of job listing

There are so many job boards. It is useful to have a variety that you receive notifications from. For example www.ladders.com / www.jobfox.com / www.craigslist.com / www.linkedin.com

6. More than just recruiters

Recruiters are a useful resource but do not solely rely on them. Take some initiative for yourself and use other job search sites to help with your job search www.jobfox.com (not for career changers) or www.linkedin.com

7. Professional Development

Keeping up to date with relevant training and development it really important so, begin to identify organizations that coordinate training relevant to you and regularly review their schedules, signing up where appropriate.

8. Interview skills

When you are actively looking for a new role, you use interview skills all the time – informational interviews, networking, creating your resume or cover letter, speaking to recruiters. Take time to practice how you talk about yourself. For example – how might you answer –Tell me about yourself? Or, what are your strengths and weaknesses? Behavioral interview techniques are also becoming more common so take time to practice some behavioral questions, for example – Tell me about a time you have motivated a team? Or, tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss? And finally, practice your handshake with a friend and make sure you have a firm confident handshake.

Use these 8 points to form the basis of your job search preparation and be comfortable with your strength in the job market.