In today’s job market job seekers often face stiff competition. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. By following simple rules and guidelines, you can make sure you stand out from the crowd. Our ultimate career survival guide contains everything you’ll need to make a lasting first impression and increase your odds of getting that great job you’ve applied for. Good luck and happy job-hunting. Enjoy!
Your online CV is your passport to a better career. It’s also your first chance to make a good and lasting first impression on recruiters and employers. Here’s our Top 10 CV rules:
Did you know?
Are you willing to relocate? Many recruiters and employers will consider you for a position if your CV blows them away and you’re willing to work in another city or province. Make sure you tell them on our CV. Recruiters spend less than 1 minute scanning your CV. In that time, you need to WOW them. These are the 3 most important sections that must appear om any CV. They are:
Personal Details
This forms the first part of your CV and therefore the first thing a recruiter will see. Get the basics 100% correct. Any mistakes, like missing a digit in your mobile number, is a big no-no. List the following.
Some job sites allow you to include a photo of yourself + links to your social media accounts. If you are not 100% comfortable with it, then do not put it on your online cv. No one is allowed to force you to give your social media login details to them.
Education Details
This forms a very important part of your CV. If it’s not included your CV might be binned. Even if you do not have a tertiary qualification, you are still required to complete this field. Start by listing recent qualifications:
So you don’t have a tertiary qualification, now what? a lot of people are unable to further their studies after completing high school. but there are other ways to further your education.
Work Details
Your work experience will have a big influence on whether you make it to the next stage or not, depending on the type of job you are applying for. Start off by listing your most recent work experience:
Little or no work experience? Bulk up your cv by providing more details about your studies. Highlight the skills you’ve learnt and explain how they can be incorporated into the new job. Ever volunteered or freelanced? Add it to your work experience.
So your previous job was great. You worked in a laid-back environment where you could make untimely jokes, wear what you want and get away with missing deadlines. It’s not to say that your new work environment will be any different, but as a newbie, you may want to take a backseat while you familiarise yourself with your new employer’s boundaries and office culture. Here are a 10 no-no’s when it comes to starting a new job:
Cover Letters
Out there it’s survival of the fittest. Your cover letter introduces you to the interviewer. In less than 30 seconds they would have most probably decided whether to interview you or not.
Good coverage
Making a first impression is so important when applying for a job, and that’s why a knock-out cover letter is essential in getting you noticed for all the right reasons.
Show initiative
Learn more about the company before you apply. It might come in handy when writing your cover letter and even more so when you are invited to an interview.
Get right to it
Raise the criteria listed in the job advert and how your skills/experience match what is required. It’s also a great idea to mention achievements relevant to this criteria.
Go the extra mile
Find out what the recruiter’s name is and personalise your cover letter. It will show that you are proactive. Do not start with “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear (Name)”.
Be an individual
Don’t send a generic (copy and paste) cover letter. A personalised message is what will set your CV apart from other job seekers applying for the same job. It’s a pain, but try writing a unique cover letter for every job application.
Short & sweet
Keep it succinct and powerful and use bullet points wherever possible.
No room for error
Make sure your message is 100% error-free; one spelling error is going to cast a storm cloud on your chances of being invited to an interview.
Keep it balanced
Try not to oversell yourself and focus on the position you are applying for. Explain why you are a good fit, and how you can add value to the company.
Understand what the market will value most about your strengths and weaknesses.
Culture – Work with people who value you.
Do your research on the company. This is where your personality comes into play. What attributes do you have that match the company’s environment? Tell them why you’ll be a good fit.
Skills – Understand what the market will value most about you.
What exactly does the job demand of you? Does it match your current skills and/or work experience. What do you have that will help you secure an interview?
Share – Identify the job that will allow you to do great things.
Do you have any great work or life achievements? Don’t hesitate to share that you were employee of the month or that you helped secure a big client. This will help the recruiter learn more about you and your potential.
Using the Internet to find and apply for jobs is by far the easiest way to discover many job openings in a short amount of time using your PC, mobile or tablet.
Hunt like a pro!
Searching for a job online can be overwhelming at times. There’s a big world filled with endless opportunities, just waiting for you to find the right one. Knowing how to navigate these deep waters when jobhunting is just as important as having a great-looking CV online.
Filter, but not too much!
Using filters is important, but over-use can be a bad thing. Don’t limit your search results too much. You never know, there might be a need for your skills in other areas.
Cast your net wider!
To broaden your search and avoid missing out on relevant jobs, use different variants of your job title. You might call yourself a “branch manager” but others may refer to you as a “shop manager”, “floor manager”, “frontline manager” etc. Use as many variants as you can.
Let the jobs come to you!
Sit back and let the right job find you. When searching for a job on CareerJunction, you can create email alerts, on the fly (and unsubscribe from them at any time).
Finding the right job online is really easy. Follow these simple steps to master your online job hunt.
Ready
Registering on CareerJunction is quick and easy and enables you to apply for positions at the click of a button. What’s more, recruiters/employers will be able to match you to suitable positions.
Upload your CV. Upload your CV (MS Word/PDF) on your existing CareerJunction account to stand a better chance of securing an interview. Uploading your CV will allow recruiters/employers to learn more about you and match you to available jobs. With all of the necessary information at their fingertips, they may just shortlist you for a position.
Steady
Be found! Don’t forget to make your CV and profile searchable on CareerJunction. This will allow recruiters/employers to find you and match you to suitable positions, increasing your odds of landing your dream job.
Apply
The cover letter – Prepare a short cover letter, using the tips in this guide, to send off along with your CV. Customise your cover letter for every job you apply for – don’t just copy and paste and hope for the best.
The follow up – You’ve applied for a job and you are now waiting in anticipation to find out if you have made the cut or not. Give recruiters or
employers a day or two and contact them via phone or email to find out if your application was received. If yes, wait at least a week before contacting them again. The recruitment cycle can take days or weeks so be respectful of their time.
The interview is where the real selling takes place. Remember, recruiters and employers don’t only hire the most qualified person; they also look at other qualities and hire the person who’s got the whole package. Your online CV has already proven that you are capable of doing the job, so relax and showcase your awesome personality.
Interview don’ts
Interviews can be daunting but mastering the interview process is really quite simple if you follow these basic guidelines.
Look sharp
Whether you are being interviewed for a temporary or full-time job, make sure you are presentable and make a good first impression. How you present yourself in an interview says a lot about you. Avoid dressing inappropriately, chewing gum, smelling of smoke or wearing too much perfume/cologne.
Be strong
Make sure your voice is heard during your interview. Be polite and humble but don’t be afraid to speak up. Confidence is key. Make sure you know the names of the people who will be interviewing you. Speak clearly and kick-start the interview with a firm handshake.
Send the right message
Think of 3 reasons why you want to work for the company and make sure these come across in your interview. This will help you with answering basic questions. For example, when asked “What is your reason for wanting to leave your current job?”, use phrases like “This position offers me the opportunity to…”. This will show the interviewer that you are passionate about the company and the position.
Get the basics right, first
Weather the storm and practice the basics. There are 1000’s of articles that list the most common interview questions. Stumbling over typical interview questions is a big no-no. Go through a few commonly asked interview questions (there are tons of examples online) and practice your answers. Focus on the most important ones like your Work History and current ”job responsibilities”.
Know the job inside out
Make sure you have read and fully understand the job description. Use your knowledge of the job to state your case and motivate why you are the best fit for the job. The interview also provides you with an opportunity to learn more about the position, the company and their working culture (and taste if their coffee is any good). Remember to have some questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. It shows that you are pro-active and have a real interest in the job.
Leave in style
Get ready to close the deal. Reassure the interviewers that you are passionate about the role and why you believe you would be perfect for the position. End the interview with a firm handshake, smile and don’t forget to thank them for their time and opportunity to meet. If possible, send an email to thank the recruiter who put you forward for the position and secured you the interview. It’s a great way to let the recruiter know that the interview went well and get feedback.
