jobhop's Blog

New Year New JobThe definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over again & expecting different results.

Get Results in 2011 by doing things differently.

Reflect back on 2010 & decide what needs changing, what should you be doing differently now?

Do enough people know that you are looking for a new job? If not you need to step up the networking. Studies show that lots of jobs are found informally. Before some jobs get published they are filled instantly because of word of mouth, it pays to network.

Have you had many interviews during 2010? Do you know why you weren't offered the job/s? If the answer is No you need to start asking for feedback. How do you know what to improve on when you haven't asked for feedback!

Do you look in the mirror & feel glum? If so this will come across at interviews, perhaps you should make an appointment with an image consultant. Adding some colour to your wardrobe could make you feel like a different person. If you feel different, maybe even dynamic then this will come across at interviews.

Have you been aware of your body language? Weak handshake, no eye contact, fidgeting, slumped in the chair. If you can relate to any of these then you need to change. Go along & visit a personal coach who can help with the signs that your body is giving out & build upon your self confidence. Make sure that at your next interview your body is saying the same as your mouth.

Is there somewhere that you'd really love to work or something you'd really like to do but never got invited for an interview there. Did you research the job thoroughly? Did you research the company thoroughly? Did you volunteer your services for a couple of weeks for free? How much did you want the job? Perhaps you should try something different this New year.

Make 2011 a different Year so do things differently!

So you're in the job market voluntary or you've been put there, or you're considering entering the job market. It's such an effort though you have to update your c.v , register with recruitment agencies, read untold job adverts, constantly phone people and buy a new suit!

There are a few things that you can do to make it slightly easier for yourself. The main thing is to be organised, make a job folder & get a job diary.
In your job folder (fold out type or on your p.c)you should keep research material, contact names, copies of c.vs & your daily call list ( this is a list of companies that you cold call on a daily basis, companies that haven't got a job advertised but you have to convince them that they need you) In your job diary keep interview dates and details & follow up call dates recorded. Make sure reminders are set either on your P.C or your phone so you never ever forget to make that important call.

Do not procrastinate write out your daily plan the night before & make sure your most dreaded/difficult call is done first ( Eat that Frog) then the rest of the day is easy.
Experts say that 75% of jobs are filled by referrals so keep circulating!
Subscribe to Trade magazines & look out for events & seminars where you can meet new contacts.

Do not send out the same c.v to everyone, always make sure it matches the job description & highlight what they are looking for.

Make sure that any on line c.vs/resumes are packed with key words therefore making it quicker for employers to find you.

Don't send c.v's in as an attachment make sure you paste them into the body of the email, you have to make it as easy & quick as possible for someone to read it. If the attachment takes a while to open then it may never get opened.

If you've received an application form then always send in your c.v also, however never put on your form as a reply to a question "see my c.v"

Look out for Business expansions because expansions means Jobs!

And that suit, do you really need a new one? Look through your wardobe & see what you can put together before you rush out to spend your money.