“They say a year in the Internet business is like a dog year… equivalent to seven years in a regular person's life. In other words, it's evolving fast and faster”
How would we cope if we didn’t have access to the Internet when seeking new job opportunities?
Well it wasn’t too long ago when I remember sending out dozens of handwritten letters attached with a hard copy of my CV. I met with a number of recruitment agencies and scanned through FREE weekly magazines that were distributed at the central train stations in London. There was Girl About Town, 9 to 5 and Midweek Magazine packed from front to back with job opportunities. I might be showing my age however it just goes to show how quickly times and methods of seeking new job opportunities have changed.
The internet has pages and pages of information to assist the Job Hunter, just by doing a Google search on the words ‘Interview’ brings up 361,000,000 results and ‘CV’ brings up 139,000,000 results!
Perhaps too much information at once but I feel it’s important to acknowledge that the internet provides information at your fingertips without having to leave the house or office.
Below I have outlined 5 ways in which by using the internet can benefit the Job Seeker:
1) Google - Using Google in your job search can be very beneficial whilst preparing for an interview. You can find out company information, directions to the offices, even search for the interviewers that you will be meeting. Many employers are now using Google to find out information on the person they will be interviewing so please ensure you remove anything that might change their views about you!
Top Tip
Did you know that you can set up FREE Google Alerts http://www.google.com/alerts so that when an announcement has been made about the company you are interviewing, you will receive an email informing you.
2) LinkedIn - With 80% of roles being filled via LinkedIn in the US it’s not if but when it happens in the UK. Many search firms in London are already using LinkedIn as their main source for finding suitable candidates so it’s important that you complete your profile to ensure that you can be found.
Top Tip
Before attending an interview search for your interviewer on LinkedIn in order to find out about the companies they have previously worked. Be careful not to make assumptions and I wouldn’t suggest you make contact at this stage!
3) Blogs – Creating a blog is simple and should a potential employer want to find out more about you on the internet what better way to make a good impression if they found your Blog. Make it interesting and perhaps write short articles on your industry knowledge and expertise, it’s sure to impress.
Top Tip
When looking to create a Blog use http://www.wordpress.com/ or http://www.blogger.com/
4) Job Sites – So, in my day it meant scanning through the FREE magazines now the internet has made job hunting so much easier with the invention of Job Sites. Both Recruitment Agencies and Employers use these sites to advertise their vacancies and you can often submit an application online. It’s fast and simple to use however make sure you are productive in your search and apply for roles that are suitable for your experience.
Top Tip
When sending an application via a job site then take the time to tailor your CV to the job specification. It’s better to send quality than quantity!
http://www.cityjobs.com/
http://www.efinancialcareers.co.uk/
5) Company Sites – Go directly to each employer's Website and browse their current job vacancies. Since the recession many companies are now looking at ways to cut their recruitment costs and advertising roles directly on their own websites is one of the ways to do this.
Top Tip
The following website allows you to upload your details and companies can then contact you direct, recruitment agencies and search firms are not allowed to have access to this service
http://careers.hereisthecity.com/directconnect.cntns
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global http://www.chillipepperglobal.com/ advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
Thursday 29 July 2010
Friday 23 July 2010
L is for...Letters
“Letters are among the most significant memory a person can leave behind them”
Throughout the job seeking process there are a number of opportunities for you to stand out from your competition by ensuring that you send a letter. Yes, a simple letter.
In today’s society we have become too busy to take the time to write a letter to a friend or relative either thanking them for a birthday gift or just to catch up on news. I remember when I was younger shortly after each birthday or Christmas I would have to sit down and handwrite letters to all my relatives thanking them for my gifts. Coming from a large family it was a lengthy exercise although I’m sure that my handwriting was better back then that it is now! Not only did the letter writing help me to improve my handwriting skills but it also gave me a sense of appreciation, these days a quick email or text seems to suffice.
I would encourage you to send a letter if possible however a well written email will do. Please note that if sending a letter by post then I would suggest that you type the content but handwrite your name at the end and the name of the person you are sending it to.
There are 4 main types of letters to consider as follows:
1)Cover Letters Most people forget to accompany a cover letter when sending a CV especially those applying for roles internally with their existing employer. I would suggest that you ALWAYS include a cover letter even if it’s not requested.
2)Thank You Letters Send a note to say thank you to everyone who interviews you within 1-2 days of your meeting reminding the employer why you are the right person for their role. Even if you feel the role is not for you still send a thank you note and make a lasting impression.
3)Acceptance Letters Many people fail to send a letter to accept a job offer which can leave the employer wondering if you are going to start! Remember to write your acceptance rather than just making a telephone call.
4)Resignation Letters Whether you are glad to be leaving your existing employer or genuinely sad it’s important to remain professional and ensure that you leave behind a positive lasting impression. You never know when you might meet again!
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
Throughout the job seeking process there are a number of opportunities for you to stand out from your competition by ensuring that you send a letter. Yes, a simple letter.
In today’s society we have become too busy to take the time to write a letter to a friend or relative either thanking them for a birthday gift or just to catch up on news. I remember when I was younger shortly after each birthday or Christmas I would have to sit down and handwrite letters to all my relatives thanking them for my gifts. Coming from a large family it was a lengthy exercise although I’m sure that my handwriting was better back then that it is now! Not only did the letter writing help me to improve my handwriting skills but it also gave me a sense of appreciation, these days a quick email or text seems to suffice.
I would encourage you to send a letter if possible however a well written email will do. Please note that if sending a letter by post then I would suggest that you type the content but handwrite your name at the end and the name of the person you are sending it to.
There are 4 main types of letters to consider as follows:
1)Cover Letters Most people forget to accompany a cover letter when sending a CV especially those applying for roles internally with their existing employer. I would suggest that you ALWAYS include a cover letter even if it’s not requested.
2)Thank You Letters Send a note to say thank you to everyone who interviews you within 1-2 days of your meeting reminding the employer why you are the right person for their role. Even if you feel the role is not for you still send a thank you note and make a lasting impression.
3)Acceptance Letters Many people fail to send a letter to accept a job offer which can leave the employer wondering if you are going to start! Remember to write your acceptance rather than just making a telephone call.
4)Resignation Letters Whether you are glad to be leaving your existing employer or genuinely sad it’s important to remain professional and ensure that you leave behind a positive lasting impression. You never know when you might meet again!
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
Thursday 15 July 2010
L is for...Love
“Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life”
Whilst it might seem impossible to love every aspect of your job, it’s important that you discover what type of work you enjoy and spend your time and energies on securing that work.
Knowing that so much of our time is spent in the work place and travelling to and from work it’s vital that you enjoy your job. It’s not practical or healthy to leave a job we dislike only to do the same role again in a new company!
Before joining the world of recruitment I worked for Nomura and it didn’t take long before I was jumping out of bed on a Monday morning buzzing with excitement to get to work. I loved going to work, in fact I loved every minute of the day. You see, whilst at work I had met the man of my dreams (we have since married) and my job became irrelevant. However, as I mentioned above “you have to fall in love with your work” not fall in love at work! So, after a period of time I left and moved on because I realized that I really didn’t like my job and falling in love was NOT a reason to stay!
Another example is my sister Angela who left University not knowing what to do with her career and came to me for some help in her search for employment. Over a period of 5 years I was able to secure her roles with Morgan Stanley and Barclays Capital, however, she wasn’t happy with life in the City. Angela retrained and using her degree she became a Senior School Teacher. After 7 years working as a teacher in the UK she is now living in Perth, Australia, continuing to work as a teacher and having the time of her life – she found her passion, something that she loves…
Having identified what it is that you love about your job you can then start to recognise your abilities and skills within this area. Be honest and ask yourself “How can I build on my skills to enable me to be the best at what I do?”
Whilst I wouldn’t recommend for you to quit your day job and go back to school, I would, however, like to encourage you to think about how you could free up an hour of your time each week to build on your existing skills or learn a completely new skill? Perhaps you could use your travel time to work differently, take a lunch break or book a training session into your diary. Remember that we tend to do those important tasks that are booked into our diary.
We can sometimes get ourselves into what may seem to be a never ending cycle of work, sleep and very little play, however, there is a way out and you can love the work that you do…find your passion, something that you love
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process, guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
Whilst it might seem impossible to love every aspect of your job, it’s important that you discover what type of work you enjoy and spend your time and energies on securing that work.
Knowing that so much of our time is spent in the work place and travelling to and from work it’s vital that you enjoy your job. It’s not practical or healthy to leave a job we dislike only to do the same role again in a new company!
Before joining the world of recruitment I worked for Nomura and it didn’t take long before I was jumping out of bed on a Monday morning buzzing with excitement to get to work. I loved going to work, in fact I loved every minute of the day. You see, whilst at work I had met the man of my dreams (we have since married) and my job became irrelevant. However, as I mentioned above “you have to fall in love with your work” not fall in love at work! So, after a period of time I left and moved on because I realized that I really didn’t like my job and falling in love was NOT a reason to stay!
Another example is my sister Angela who left University not knowing what to do with her career and came to me for some help in her search for employment. Over a period of 5 years I was able to secure her roles with Morgan Stanley and Barclays Capital, however, she wasn’t happy with life in the City. Angela retrained and using her degree she became a Senior School Teacher. After 7 years working as a teacher in the UK she is now living in Perth, Australia, continuing to work as a teacher and having the time of her life – she found her passion, something that she loves…
Having identified what it is that you love about your job you can then start to recognise your abilities and skills within this area. Be honest and ask yourself “How can I build on my skills to enable me to be the best at what I do?”
Whilst I wouldn’t recommend for you to quit your day job and go back to school, I would, however, like to encourage you to think about how you could free up an hour of your time each week to build on your existing skills or learn a completely new skill? Perhaps you could use your travel time to work differently, take a lunch break or book a training session into your diary. Remember that we tend to do those important tasks that are booked into our diary.
We can sometimes get ourselves into what may seem to be a never ending cycle of work, sleep and very little play, however, there is a way out and you can love the work that you do…find your passion, something that you love
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process, guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
Thursday 8 July 2010
I is for...Internal Interviews
A majority of internal candidates believe that they have a greater chance of securing an internal role as they already have their foot in the door…think again!
It makes sense for an employer to recruit internally before they consider external candidates. Providing existing employees with new challenges or promotions is great for company morale and having a high retention rate is a great achievement for any business. Other factors to consider include utilising existing talent of individuals who have already bought into the company. These people already understand the systems and processes and are familiar with the company culture and the vision of the organisation.
Why then do so many internal candidates feel disheartened when they are not offered the opportunity within?
I have listed 5 key points as to how internal candidates can ensure they become their company’s preferred choice when hiring:
1) Preparation - Internal candidates can sometimes forget that they need to prepare in the same way as they would for an external interview. It’s important that you update your CV with the most current information and don’t assume that because you work for the firm that the interviewer will know all about you. One of the most common mistakes made by an internal candidate is to hold back on information about their skills and experience.
2) Promote Yourself - Whilst it can feel awkward to sell yourself to someone that you already know or have worked alongside it’s important that you promote yourself in the same way that other candidates will be doing. Provide the same amount of detail as you would for any external role.
3) Don’t Assume - The interviewer doesn’t necessarily understand your role fully on the basis that they work for the company, ensure that you provide all the detail and leave nothing out, by providing limited information you may cost yourself the opportunity
4) Presentation - Dress to impress regardless of dress policies within the organisation. Make an effort and show that you’re interested.
5) Networking - Is the role really what you want? Utilise your contacts by networking internally, speak to your peers within that team and find out more about the person who will be interviewing you, what do they expect from their staff, what are their values within the department.
Please note that it’s important that you ask questions and show that you are interested in the role, always send a thank you note or email regardless to how well you know the person. Be enthusiastic and don’t be afraid to ask for the job if that’s what you want!
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
It makes sense for an employer to recruit internally before they consider external candidates. Providing existing employees with new challenges or promotions is great for company morale and having a high retention rate is a great achievement for any business. Other factors to consider include utilising existing talent of individuals who have already bought into the company. These people already understand the systems and processes and are familiar with the company culture and the vision of the organisation.
Why then do so many internal candidates feel disheartened when they are not offered the opportunity within?
I have listed 5 key points as to how internal candidates can ensure they become their company’s preferred choice when hiring:
1) Preparation - Internal candidates can sometimes forget that they need to prepare in the same way as they would for an external interview. It’s important that you update your CV with the most current information and don’t assume that because you work for the firm that the interviewer will know all about you. One of the most common mistakes made by an internal candidate is to hold back on information about their skills and experience.
2) Promote Yourself - Whilst it can feel awkward to sell yourself to someone that you already know or have worked alongside it’s important that you promote yourself in the same way that other candidates will be doing. Provide the same amount of detail as you would for any external role.
3) Don’t Assume - The interviewer doesn’t necessarily understand your role fully on the basis that they work for the company, ensure that you provide all the detail and leave nothing out, by providing limited information you may cost yourself the opportunity
4) Presentation - Dress to impress regardless of dress policies within the organisation. Make an effort and show that you’re interested.
5) Networking - Is the role really what you want? Utilise your contacts by networking internally, speak to your peers within that team and find out more about the person who will be interviewing you, what do they expect from their staff, what are their values within the department.
Please note that it’s important that you ask questions and show that you are interested in the role, always send a thank you note or email regardless to how well you know the person. Be enthusiastic and don’t be afraid to ask for the job if that’s what you want!
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
Thursday 1 July 2010
H is for...Habits
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
Habits are routines of behavior that are repeatedly regularly. Throughout our day we form dozens of routine habits to include the time we get out of bed, brush our teeth, the route we take to work, the time we go to lunch, the time we leave the office, the journey home from work, the TV programs we watch, the time we go to bed.
Other habits which can affect our health include smoking, poor diet, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise and stress. We also have ‘funny’ or our friends, family or partners might call them ‘irritating’ habits whether it’s something we say or do on a regular basis.
But, let’s not focus on the bad habits let’s focus on the good habits and especially those habits that successful interviewees adopt when seeking new job opportunities. There are many to choose from however I have focused on the following 5 key points:
1)Positive Attitude – Whilst it can be difficult to remain positive when seeking new employment it is absolutely vital that you keep a smile on your face. Attending interviews feeling negative will have a HUGE impact on how you perform during interview.
2)Preparation and Practice – It’s an old cliché but….”fail to prepare, prepare to fail” You can’t prepare too much for an interview, do your homework and find out everything you can about the company / department and the people you will be meeting. Practice your interview answers by writing them down or even record yourself until you feel confident with the answer you hear.
3)Proactive – Input Activity = Output Results. Being proactive or taking ACTION in your job search can be quite difficult when working in a full time job however, if you’re serious about finding a new job then you need to dedicate some time to ensure that you’re ahead of your competition. If on the other hand you are not working then it’s your job to find a job and therefore you should be putting in the hours on a daily basis.
4)Networking – nearly 80% of jobs are filled direct via internal referrals, company websites and various job board sites therefore it is important that you’re not relying solely on Recruitment Agencies. Strong job seekers are aware that networking is a vital part of the job seeking process and are always looking for opportunities to meet or connect with new people.
5)Follow Up – Without follow up then a meeting, interview or new contact is an empty hole. It is in your interest to ensure that you follow up every lead and interview. Send a note to say thank you to everyone who interviews you reminding the employer why you are the right person for their role. Even if the role is not for you still send a thank you note and make a good impression.
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
Habits are routines of behavior that are repeatedly regularly. Throughout our day we form dozens of routine habits to include the time we get out of bed, brush our teeth, the route we take to work, the time we go to lunch, the time we leave the office, the journey home from work, the TV programs we watch, the time we go to bed.
Other habits which can affect our health include smoking, poor diet, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise and stress. We also have ‘funny’ or our friends, family or partners might call them ‘irritating’ habits whether it’s something we say or do on a regular basis.
But, let’s not focus on the bad habits let’s focus on the good habits and especially those habits that successful interviewees adopt when seeking new job opportunities. There are many to choose from however I have focused on the following 5 key points:
1)Positive Attitude – Whilst it can be difficult to remain positive when seeking new employment it is absolutely vital that you keep a smile on your face. Attending interviews feeling negative will have a HUGE impact on how you perform during interview.
2)Preparation and Practice – It’s an old cliché but….”fail to prepare, prepare to fail” You can’t prepare too much for an interview, do your homework and find out everything you can about the company / department and the people you will be meeting. Practice your interview answers by writing them down or even record yourself until you feel confident with the answer you hear.
3)Proactive – Input Activity = Output Results. Being proactive or taking ACTION in your job search can be quite difficult when working in a full time job however, if you’re serious about finding a new job then you need to dedicate some time to ensure that you’re ahead of your competition. If on the other hand you are not working then it’s your job to find a job and therefore you should be putting in the hours on a daily basis.
4)Networking – nearly 80% of jobs are filled direct via internal referrals, company websites and various job board sites therefore it is important that you’re not relying solely on Recruitment Agencies. Strong job seekers are aware that networking is a vital part of the job seeking process and are always looking for opportunities to meet or connect with new people.
5)Follow Up – Without follow up then a meeting, interview or new contact is an empty hole. It is in your interest to ensure that you follow up every lead and interview. Send a note to say thank you to everyone who interviews you reminding the employer why you are the right person for their role. Even if the role is not for you still send a thank you note and make a good impression.
Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global www.chillipepperglobal.com, advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.
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