The perfect candidate differs depending on the requirements of each job, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Using this guide from the award-winning recruitment consultancy in Solihull – The KC Group, you will be able to start your job search effectively and become the perfect candidate.
1) Take time to prepare and be serious
When starting your job search, you should consider the following essentials:
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Why do you want to leave? What are your motivations?
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How do I want my next job to benefit me?
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Is there anything I want to accomplish in my career?
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Are you able to make any changes within your current job/company?
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Do you have the ability to physically search for a job right now?
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Can you attend interviews during your remaining holiday days?
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To which locations are you comfortable commuting?
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2) Your CV
It should be no more than two or three pages long.
You should include an overview of your education, previous experience, responsibilities, and main accomplishments in your CV. All the relevant information should fit on two or three pages, no matter how experienced you are.
Be clear about what you hope to gain from your next position (this should always be adapted to each job). In addition to making it clear to recruiters what type of positions you are looking for, this will help you stand out in interviews when your personal goals align with what the hiring company is seeking.
Maintain an up-to-date CV. It is natural for responsibilities and achievements to change during the job search process. Nothing is worse than being asked about something in your CV and not remembering it.
3) Identify your goals clearly
Take the time to think about what your career goals are and what you hope to achieve in your next job. It’s ideal that you know exactly what you want from your next position, but the least you need to know is what your long-term career goals are. Recruiters will be able to provide guidance on your next move as long as you know what you want to accomplish in your career; it’s okay not to know exactly what the next step is, as long as you know what you want to accomplish. It’s a recruitment consultancy, after all!
Lack of knowledge of your long-term goals may come across in interviews as a lack of passion for your career or industry. Who would you hire if they didn’t have a burning desire to improve both themselves and the company they are working for?
4) Decide how you will communicate
What is the best way to reach you? When are you available outside of work hours? Only by email? When is the best time to call? The best method doesn’t matter as long as you clearly communicate it with your Recruiter. It is in everyone’s best interests to do this. In order to avoid feeling awkward and alerting your employers that you’re looking for a new job, make sure your phone does not constantly ring throughout the day. You don’t want recruiters putting you in an awkward situation, but they also don’t want to leave you endless voicemails when they could just send you a short Whatsapp message instead. It’s a win-win situation.
Make sure you are reliable. Don’t just say you’re going to do something; actually do it.
5) Expectations regarding salary
It may be an awkward topic for some, but it is one that must be discussed.
It’s important to know what you’re looking for in terms of salary, isn’t it? Certainly not. You can find out how much salary you should expect in your next position by speaking with other professionals in the field, searching online for jobs you are qualified for, or getting advice from a Recruitment Consultant who specialises in the field in which you operate.
If you think you deserve a pay raise because you’ve been doing your job for a long time, you’re mistaken. Consider these questions:
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In what ways do you add value?
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Do you have any examples of how you have added value?
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Is there a reason why you’re worth more than what you’re earning?
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Are you able to justify the salary increase?
Don’t overprice yourself with an arbitrary salary expectation.
6) Feedback from interviews
Preparation is key for interviews! Research the company, research the person you will be interviewing with on LinkedIn (but don’t connect) and find common ground. You can stand out at interviews by considering which of your achievements match the job specification.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. You’ll keep falling into the same pitfalls if you don’t take interview feedback constructively. Finding out why you didn’t get the position and what you can do differently in future interviews can lead to success.
Take advantage of interview feedback by using it constructively.
7) Explain your reasons for leaving
An employer will be alarmed more by a weak reason for leaving your current employer than anything else.Basically, if you’ve done it to them, then you’ll do it to me.You might want to consider why you must take such drastic measures just to get what you feel you deserve if you only use a job search to negotiate a higher salary at your current company.
8) Ambition based on reality
Your ambitions for your next position should be realistic, but you should be ambitious. Identify your goals and how you will achieve them.
It is much more beneficial to you in your job search to recognise and acknowledge your gaps in knowledge and areas that need improvement, rather than blindly asserting that you want to be a Director.
9) Choose the best recruiter and listen to their advice
Find a Recruitment Consultant who specialises in the area you work in and be honest and open with them. The right recruiter will become your career coach and a valuable asset for your short, medium, and long-term success.
Listen to your Recruiter’s advice about a position.It’s no secret that most job descriptions look the same. A job search approach that relies on Recruiters sending you a job spec will waste everyone’s time.
When you meet a recruiter, they’ll know the company and position inside out (especially if they’ve met you) and can advise you why it is a good fit for you.
10) Be able to sell yourself
What makes you unique? Recruiters work with hundreds of candidates and can help identify your unique selling points.
Avoid over-elaborating your CV. It is common for employers to ask for a reference, so don’t be caught off guard.
As you begin your search, I hope you have found this guide useful.
Let’s talk if you’re ready for the perfect job, or if you’re looking for the perfect candidate!
