Working your next job….

Looking for a job can feel like a job in itself but if you follow some basic rules you can make the experience easier...

Don’t hold back information – it can make you look shifty

It’s important to be as honest as possible with your recruiter about your career, preferences and anything else that could affect your job search from the beginning.

Don’t forget to mention any personal obligations and other things that might interfere with your job search. Bringing these issues up at the last minute can be a deal-breaker.  

Changing the game at the last second with a hiring company makes you look complicated for no reason at all.

Avoid  jargon

Make sure your CV talks in a language that someone outside of your current company will understand. Don’t use in-house terminology and don’t make your recruiter or prospective employer have to translate what you're saying.

Talk to them in terms of their  needs and what you will do for them.

Don’t assume that a headhunter will do all the work for you

The biggest misconception a job seeker makes is that they assume that because a headhunter agrees to meet them, that headhunter will find them a job. 

In reality, if the companies headhunters work with don’t pick up on your CV, the situation is out of the headhunter’s  hands.

The role of a headhunter is to find the right candidate for the client who hired their recruitment services - not to find a job to every single job seeker who contacts the recruiting firm.

Tailor your CV for each opportunity

Not tailoring your CV to a specific job tells a recruiter that you are either lazy or the wrong candidate for the position.

Whether you are using a headhunter or applying directly through a company’s website, always tailor your CV towards the position and job description.

There is nothing wrong with having different versions of your CV as long as everything you state is the truth.

Always check for spellings and grammatical errors. Make sure the format is easy to read and the content is relevant to that specific role.

It is not a headhunter's responsibility to re-write your CV.

Don’t apply for jobs you are not qualified for

Be realistic about the jobs that you apply for. Don’t bother applying for jobs that you want or think you can get (when you know you can’t) … rather apply for jobs that you are qualified for.

A poor on-line reputation will thwart your chances of getting a phone call from a headhunter

Remember to monitor your online presence on networking sites such as Facebook  (by all means hang on to your Facebook page but keep your privacy settings just that – PRIVATE) and by simply Googling your name. Another way to keep track of what shows up about you online is to create a Google Alert for your first and last name.

Use LinkedIn for professional purposes only – don’t post a profile picture of yourself on your last holiday – no matter how cute you look…

The best time to contact a headhunter is when you are employed

In this market there are many good workers on the sidelines, yet companies still want to see candidates that are gainfully employed and at the top of their game.

In the current climate, you never know if your job could disappear tomorrow so anticipate the problem before it happens by networking and responding to headhunters, even when you're happy with your current job.

Research your potential employer

It doesn’t take long to do some research to market yourself as a candidate and it is well worth the effort in the long run. Find out more about the company, their competitors any relevant trade publications, websites or blogs.

A good recruiter can help you with resources and the results will pay off.

And finally….Don’t harrass the recruiter

Following up with a thank you note or email to remind the recruiter of your skills is appreciated.

What is not appreciated are numerous phone calls or emails requesting an update on your status.

Being assertive is a good thing, but be wary of coming across as desperate or overly insistent. It can make a candidate seem insecure about their abilities.

The secret to getting a job is acting as if you don't need one.

For the latest jobs in the card and payment industry go to www.cardandpaymentjobs.com