Marketing YOU to help get that new job

In New Zealand like most of the developed world we are currently going through record low unemployment. Moreso, there is some concern around the credit crunch and the affect on the employment market.

The reality is as a prospective job seeker you still ‘hold the power’ when it comes to looking for the next job.  However, with the economic uncertainty opportunities may reduce and the battle for the ‘ideal’ next role may become more difficult.

To combat this, job seekers need to start thinking of how they are marketing themselves to get the best job.  Just as a marketer positions their product or service in the best light to increase revenue, to get the best role you need to think about how you promote your own best interests, from the initial application to the job offer stage.

Some points to consider are:

-    What makes you the best candidate for the advertised role?
-    Who are your competitors (i.e other prospective candidates) and how do you differentiate yourself from them?
-    Is your CV laid out correctly – is it appropriate for the job market you are applying or the industry?
-    Does your CV make chronological sense?
-    Put yourself in the hiring mangers shoes; if you were the hiring manager and you picked up your CV would you interview you?
-    Does your CV look good on the computer screen as it is likely it won’t get printed out?
-    If a busy hiring manager has only five minutes to look over your CV amongst one hundred other applicants will they be able to gain that you are suitable for the role?

Furthermore, the basics around your CV cannot be forgotten.  I would say the majority of CV’s that we review (at every level) have spelling and grammatical errors, a number have incorrect dates, often the layout is inconsistent etc, etc.

Key to provide the best application is to partner with a recruiter that will ensure that you are positioning yourself to get the best next job; be it for a vacancy they have or tapping into the ‘hidden job market’ through their client connections.

LINK Recruitment Auckland has created a talent agent approach to recruitment, rather than trying to box you into an industry, role, job type etc…  we will take the time to find out what you are looking for, your career goals and many other expectations around your next move.  We understand we cannot place everyone we work with, but provide professional advice on CV presentation, interview preparation and many other aspects on ensuring you are doing what is required to secure the best job available.