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Special Feature Continued

10 ways to improve your job chances this spring!

Number 4 - Decide the type of company you want to work for
You spend almost 70 per cent of your time at work during the course of a year, so it is important that you work in an environment and culture that you can enjoy and thrive. And, that means targeting organisations that match your goals and career values.

After all, you don’t want to find yourself embarking on the same exercise again this time next year because you made a decision in haste.

Number 5 - Use the web
OK, so you are already on the web but are you really using it to your advantage as a tool to help you get your next job? No?

Then post your CV on sites such as www.welshrecruitment.co.uk, create your own personal account on different job boards and keep up to date with developments in your chosen field by reading the online community pages which will also give information about working in different sectors within your industry.

Welsh Recruitment’s website has a Resources section that will direct you to all the information that you need for your job sector. Knowledge is power, they say.

Number 6 - Network
Talk to friends, call old work colleagues, and attend industry trade shows or networking events. Networking may sound daunting but the more events you attend the easier it becomes. And, the higher up the corporate ladder you move the more and more everybody knows everybody else and a referral from one of your contact could help your career.

Number 7 - Customise your CV and covering letter
It may seem tempting to simply cut and paste the same CV and covering letter to several employers, but it could cost you in the long run. Tailor your CV to the job you are applying and only include relevant information that will demonstrate how your experience links to the advertised position.

For instance, if you are applying for a marketing role, make sure that your CV has a marketing bias highlighting your experience in this field.

Number 8 - Dress to impress
Shakespeare once said: “Apparel oft proclaims the man”. Your image is the outer reflection of your inner self allowing people to judge and make assumptions of your personality and attitudes. Dressing successfully (or unsuccessfully) can make or break your interview.

Most retailers are stocking up with their new summer range of clothing – that means that many of them need to clear old stock at reduced prices: luckily business fashion is not seasonal. So, there is no excuse for not getting out to the shops to get a great bargain on new professional-looking clothes and replace the old tired worn out suit that has seen better days.

Dress for the job you want not the job you already have.

Number 9 - Stay positive and avoid negheads
Job seeking is never easy and there will be times when you will want to give up and resign yourself to staying in your current job. But don’t give up.

Experts estimate that the average job search can last anywhere from two months to ten months. So be patient and have the belief that you will find your dream job just around the corner. As Henry Ford said: ‘If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right’.

Number 10 - Be good to yourself
Searching for a job is a job in itself and unless you take a break away from it you could start to feel exhausted and burnt out. Don’t allow it to consume your every waking moment.

Allow time to relax with friends, listen to your iPod or go to the gym and participate in activities that you enjoy. Clearing your mind and replenishing your energy will enable you to resume your job search feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

(Picture: Photo of a laptop on the grass)