7.8%), this takes no account of the number of people having to work in low-paid part-time jobs and those who choose not to register as unemployed. People wonder if they will ever get a job, but opportunities are out there and you can get a job if you approach your job search as if it were a marketing campaign.
There are significant changes between the first and second edition of this book. Most chapters have been extensively revised to take account of the most up-to-date techniques you can use, and new chapters focus on LinkedIn, on being found, and on research. Greater emphasis is placed on being proactive rather than on relying on the traditional way of applying for the jobs that are advertised.
Section 1 is focused on getting ready, creating a job search plan, getting organised, thinking about what you want to do, and considering the different ways to get a job. Section 2 is about getting the basics in place, compiling a CV, creating your personal message and getting started on LinkedIn.
Section 3 concerns finding things out, through networking, fact-finding interviews and research. Section 4 focuses on traditional job search, finding and replying to job ads, creating the cover letter, and using recruitment agencies. Then we get active in section 5 as we focus on the hidden job market, advanced LinkedIn and new approaches you can take. Once you get shortlisted, Section 6 will provide advice on selection, the interview, psychometric testing and assessment centres. Section 7 focuses on keeping going. It includes how to stay motivated, and what to consider before you say yes.
I’ve taken a multimedia approach to this edition. Access all the forms you need as complimentary downloads from the website, and download audio so you can listen to advice as you drive to interviews, go for a walk etc. You can also sign up for a 21-day eProgramme – each day you will receive an email guiding you on what to do that day.
You can access all downloads from this website: www.howtogetajobinarecession.com.
Wishing you all the best in your job search
Denise Taylor
Tewkesbury, England
September 2011
INTRODUCTION
This book will guide you through the different approaches needed to get shortlisted and then get the job offer. Too many people take a ‘scatter gun’ approach, sending out numerous CVs with general information not tailored to a specific position. It’s much more effective to take a two-pronged approach, keep an eye on the jobs that are advertised but focus more on building connections, getting known and targeting companies directly.
In this second edition we will ensure that you have systems in place to make the traditional means of job search as smooth as possible so you can focus your energy and time on taking direct action. Finding a job is like selling a product: you need to understand the needs of the buyer (the hiring manager) and make sure that you provide what they seek. You also need to be found, and there are many ways to get your name out there. Uploading your CV to a job site is the least effective way of being found.
The world of work has changed. There are no longer careers for life, only a job for now. Sometimes a job doesn’t even exist till you get in touch with a company. It’s only when they see what someone has to offer, and that someone can demonstrate how they can meet the company’s needs that a job is created.
I’ve written this book for you. Maybe you’ve lost your job to redundancy during these difficult times. Maybe you can’t stand another day in the position you have now, or you’ve recently left college or university and don’t know where to start, or your family commitments have changed and you are ready to enter or re-enter the job market.
Whatever the reason, you need help from a qualified professional. I’m sharing with you the techniques and advice I give to my clients; career coaching is my vocation and I’ve helped literally thousands of people identify what they want to do and achieve it. Kim had spent four months searching for a job and had not even got to interview, but within a week of my helping her, she was shortlisted for three jobs, and two interviews later she got a great offer. Lindsay was made redundant and was unsure about the proper way to apply for a new job. She followed the advice in this book and had a new job within weeks. Paul was unrealistic in his career expectations, and his CV and cover letter were too general and not targeted to the vacancy. Needless to say, he didn’t find employment till he got focused.
I could fill this book with many more examples of client success stories; I have included some as appropriate. However, my main focus here is to provide practical help for you. Within these pages you’ll go through the same process I use with my clients.
Taking Stock – How is your job search going?
If you have been looking for a job for some time you need to be honest, review your approach, see what is working and what needs to change. Too many people do the wrong things; they think that sat at their computer surfing on job search sites means they are actively searching. They think sending out 1000 CVs will help them get a job, but you need to do much more than passively hitting apply on a website. You have to get out there, connecting with people and contacting companies directly.
Many people think they are being proactive, but they are mail-shooting companies. You need to effectively research and target specific companies that need someone like you, so you can clearly focus on the benefits you offer to solve their problems.
Getting a step ahead
Who could have predicted that Lehman Brothers would fall? But there were clues this was going to happen. The business press had written how Woolworths was finding it hard to keep its place in the current market. It had moved away from its core strengths of being a source for products of good value. There are steps you can take right now to get yourself ready for a job search in case your job becomes redundant. Get started right away and be ready to ramp up your campaign if you get notice of redundancy.
Network: Stay in touch with people you know and develop relationships with others who may be able to help you in the future (or whom you may be able to help). Learn more about this in Chapter 8 Networking.
Skills audit: Be clear on your strengths and what you have to offer. Don’t rely on previous experience, but seek out training and other ways to keep your skills up to date and develop new ones. Your company may not pay for your training, but you could keep up to date through reading relevant articles and perhaps increasing your computer skills through practising at home. Read more in Chapter 3, What do I want to do?
Create an up-to-date CV: Give it a critical review and make sure it includes up-to-date information. Read more in Chapter 5, Creating Your CV.
Review your finances: Now is the time to review where your money goes and find ways to save. Reducing your debt or getting some savings together will take the pressure off you if your job is made redundant.
Will it be me or you?
Often, it’s not the whole company that closes, but just a percentage of staff that is let go (for example, one person in each store or department). So you need to look for ways to help increase the chances of your staying. Make sure that you do a good job so they are more likely to keep you.
Go
