For the first time in my adult life, my career status is “Unemployed”. Having recently taken a package, I am out of a job and am on a bit of a roller coaster ride in looking for that new position that will suit both my new organization and me.
Previously, I have always found a role before leaving a position so this is a very new situation for me. In some ways it’s scary but I have learnt a few tips that will assist me in putting my best foot forward in finding the perfect role.
These are my key tips for anyone who is searching for a new role and new opportunities.
1. Have your resume reviewed and updated by a specialist. During our career, we all focus on our strengths, so why is it that we think we are specialists in doing our own resumes? Pay the money to someone who does it for a living – it is money well spent.
2. Be upfront and honest with recruiters and ask the same of them. If you can’t help me, say so. Please don’t ask me to send you a copy of my resume and never call me or email me back. At my age and with my level of experience, I am not going to cry if you can’t help me. I will actually think more of you if you are upfront with me.
3. Be prepared to answer all the questions that the recruiter needs answered. What types of role are you looking for; salary expectations; and are you willing to move for the right role etc. Initial phone conversations are great for recruiters to determine the right candidates and you can stand out from the crowd by being helpful and authentic.
4. Be yourself. You need to be authentic when dealing with recruiters. I need to feel comfortable in my own skin when working with a company and with the people that I work with. Don’t put on airs and graces that you cannot sustain. Additionally, whilst some might think it ok to fluff up a resume, I recommend checking out the company’s core values first. If you don’t think you can work within their value structure – then this is not the company for you.
5. Network, Network, Network: How will you hear about the latest opportunities if you aren’t talking to your network. As we all know – it is not what you know, it is who you know and sometimes that great job that we are looking for is not always advertised. I know that in my career, most of the roles that I have obtained have been through my network. So get out there and make sure you are regularly keeping in touch with your network.
Good luck to all of those looking for new opportunities and I look forward to hearing any other tips and hints that readers may have to help me in finding that great role that I am searching for.