2. Join a professional association and volunteer to assist with their events, you will be sure to network with key industry professionals.
3. If you believe you can perform the job duties but are lacking the degree or certification still go ahead and apply. For certain roles the need for a degree or certification can be waived. Also, for some jobs if you show that you have a plan in place to complete your degree or certification within a certain time-frame you will be considered for the role.
4. If you are faced with having to take a pay-cut in order to accept an offer with a more prestigious company you would be wise to accept the offer. In the long-run having worked for the prestigious, highly reputable company will enhance your career. Your background will appear more desirable to recruiters and hiring managers. You will undoubtedly learn skills and processes that will strengthen your ability to perform in the workplace.
5. One of the biggest lies out there is that a resume needs to be one page long. It is perfectly fine to have a resume up to three pages long. If you are a seasoned professional you will probably need more than one page to list your job duties and overall skill-set.
6. There are 4 main reasons why a recruiter will quickly pass up your profile that you have created on their career site, they are: Poor grammar and spelling. Improper usernames and passwords. Applying to too many jobs, i.e. applying to over 30 jobs will make you appear as though you don't know what you are looking for. A lousy resume that lacks critical information.
7. There is a great demand for over-500 applicants to fill positions of employment. Mature workers bring with them dependability and a rich source of knowledge. If you are right for the role, then you are right for the role whether you are 29 or 509 years of age...especially if you have the right certifications or degrees.
8. It is a major turn-off for a recruiter to see the word 'confidential' listed anywhere on a resume.
9. When you return a call or email from a recruiter, provide your first and last name, indicate the nature of your call and the best way to get back in touch with you. Most recruiters have over 500 candidates that they interact with on a weekly basis thus it will be frustrating for them to receive a return call from 'John'; don't assume you are on a first name basis...unless of course you are the stalker mentioned in the previous secret.
10. To be as visible as possible, post your resume on the job boards, create profiles on the social networks and join internet user groups.
11. When asked about your computer skills don't reply, "All of the Microsoft Suite." Instead break down the exact MS software you have experience with, i.e. MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
12. When asked to drop your C.V, don’t forget to attach copy of all your credentials in order of their importance.
13. Don't be vague and general when answering interview questions. Try to be as specific and detailed as possible.
14. One of the most under-rated (by job seekers) yet most in-demand skills, that the hiring authority is looking for in a candidate, is the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel. Excellent written communication skills are especially in demand. Well thought out email messages free of spelling and grammatical errors will set you apart from everyone else.
15. Be careful of the way you answer strange calls, be formal and polite with the calls you don’t know the source, it might be a phone interview from a recruiter.
16. Never to proceed to answer a phone interview if the conditions are not ideal. Don't try to eat, drink, wash dishes, supervise children or take a long vigorous walk (they can hear your slight panting loud and clear) while answering a phone screen.
17. Ask questions about the job and the company — although officially you are the one being questioned and interviewed, feel free to interject some questions of your own. This has two effects. First, it gives you valuable information about the climate and culture of the company. This is critical. You want to know as much as possible, without digging, about the work environment. You want to know whether the environment is dynamic, exciting, and fun or whether it is a sweatshop. You certainly want to know, if possible, what other opportunities exist—either for training or advancement. Asking about the environment also conveys the message that you are interested in the company. It lets the employer know that you have a vested interest in your career and are interested in knowing more than where your desk will be. Companies are interested in employees that are interested in them.
18. After you agree to the terms of your offer letter you should prepare a letter for your current employer informing them that you are resigning. Thank your employer for the opportunity to work with them and be sure to list the date that you intend to be your last day of employment. No one knows tomorrow.
Happy Job Hunting!
