Finding employment processes

This is the sixth of a series of articles for returners, people who want to return to the workplace after an extended period away from it.

The best piece of advice is plan, do not imagine you can be haphazard in your approach or can busk an interview. Think the 5 Ps; Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

Job Sources

• It is estimated 70% of all vacancies aren’t advertised, so use all of your connections
• JobCentrePlus are notified of some
• Even in the 21^st Century, a few are in newspapers
• Agencies have many, but some agencies are less effective than others; do your research for agencies operating in the area of your interest
• There are numerous online sites showing jobs in different sectors

The CV

• Two pages
• No typos or mistakes
• NO LYING
• Emphasise achievements rather than responsibilities
• Tailor to the vacancy

Recruitment Processes

• Most people assume there will be an interview, so why are so many people underprepared, including knowing what your own CV says
• Be ready to ask intelligent questions
• Take your time and don’t gabble
• If you don’t understand the question, ask for clarity
• Be bold and don’t undersell yourself and don’t think the interviewers will instantly recognise your value. Help them by giving them evidence
• Give examples. Saying you can do something has 10% of the value of an explanation of a time when you actually did it and how
• There may be other elements such as psychometric testing, a practical test, trial periods and assessment centres

Rejection

• It will probably happen, and you need to be resilient
• It is a statement there was someone with more relevant experience, not that you are a bad person
• Think through any lessons to be learned

An offer

• It will happen
• Is it a job you really want?
• Is the wage/salary negotiable?
• Are you waiting to hear about another job application which you might prefer? It is the result of an obscure law of fate this may occur
• Even if this isn’t the perfect job there will be oodles of learning opportunities, it is easier to get a job when you are in one, it pays, and it will re-stimulate positive habits

This is the final article in the series. The previous ones are on the website. It also has much more detail regarding all of these topics.

Work Horizons is an online membership site which gives you career coaching at a fraction of the cost of traditional support             https://app.workhorizons.com/