Dovetail’s Job Search Toolkit
Whether you’ve just been made redundant, or you fancy a career change, searching for a new job is always a little daunting, and some people may not know how to find a new job or where to start!
Over the past few years, Dovetail have been writing blogs on how to find a new job, how to start your new job search, how to write a CV, interview and so on. We have been collating all of this to form our very own ‘Dovetail Job Search Toolkit’ for all your job searching needs. So without further ado, this blog post is collating all our content on how to find a new job and putting it all in one place for your ease. :0)
1. Create a great CV
First thing’s first, get yourself a great CV. Your CV is the first thing that any prospective employer will see and you can make it as standard or as creative as you like. If you have no experience and are unsure how to start, we also have some helpful tips on how to write a CV with no experience. Oh, and don’t forget to PROOF READ!
Here are the links:
- How to write a good CV
- How to write a CV with no experience
- Writing the perfect cover letter
- Video: how to make your application stand out further.
2. LinkedIn & Social Media
Next, if you aren’t already, get yourself on LinkedIn. If you are, make sure it’s updated with your current role. Think of LinkedIn as an online CV. Recruiters and employers are using this method of searching for top talent more and more frequently.
On the topic of social media, check your digital foot print. It might be best to put it in private mode if you’re slightly worried about what posts you currently have! And while we’re talking about coming across professionally pre-interview, here’s a question for you – does your voicemail sound professional? While we love a good voicemail joke as well as the next person, it’s often the first time a recruiter or employer will hear your voice and how you come across.
3. What do you want from your next job?
Often in the panic of being made redundant, we purely focus on securing a new role to get the income coming back in. However, it’s important to have a good think about what’s important to you in your next role. Have a good research of all the industries, businesses in the local area, even have a think about the type of job you want to do. This could be a great time to try something new! :0)
4. Putting yourself out there
Take the plunge and get yourself out there! Here are a few things to get you started:
- Get your CV on the job boards
- Get in contact with your local agency
- Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone
- Subscribe to company emails you’re interested in
- Follow companies on LinkedIn and other social media channels
- Research any online and offline networking events, are there any local events coming up?
5. Interviews
Depending on the type of company, role or time scale a company has when recruiting, interviews can take many forms and could be as short as one 30 minute meeting to a long series of several different interviews, team meet ups and trial days over a series of months.
Telephone interviews are quite common when a company is in the pre-screening stage. Although they may seem a bit easier than face to face interviews, they come with their own difficulties.
1st interviews are usually a time to really impress – 1st impressions do count so make sure you dress to impress, have researched the company and know what you will say to the ‘standard’ interview questions.
2nd interviews can be anything from a quick recap with a new team member, to a long day of meeting the team, further interview questions, and aptitude tests. Although you may have had a killer first interview and felt it went really well, don’t lose focus or rest on your laurels for your 2nd.
And don’t forget to ask some great questions no matter what stage you are at within the interview process. This allows you to get more of an insight into the role and the company and it also shows you’re interested in this particular role and this specific company. Remember, you don’t want to come across like you just want ‘any old job’.
And if you find it easier to watch rather than read, here’s our summary video on how to come across well in an interview.
6. Job Offers
All being well, you’ll receive a job offer or maybe even multiple! It may seem tricky to decide between two, especially if it’s a head and heart decision. Sometimes it will be easy, other times, it’s a case of trusting your gut. But if you’re really stuck, we’ve put together a list of questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge.
7. Handing in your notice
Handing in your notice is rarely easy, but we have gathered some top tips on how to create the perfect resignation letter and proceeding to hand in your notice.
8. Counter Offers
Did you know, 9 out of 10 people who accept their counter offers end up leaving their company after 6 months anyway? You’re looking to leave your job for a reason and an increase in salary, promise of progression or flexible working might make you forget that for a little while, but those reasons will continue to come up in the long term.
9. When All Else Fails…
While this may not cover every single question you have, it will definitely give you a good head start with knowing how to find a new job. If all else fails, just give us a call! Dovetail Recruitment like to support our candidates throughout the process of how to find a new job, so if there’s anything further you’d like to discuss, then don’t hesitate to give us a call :0) Happy prepping!
Related Dovetail Articles:
Music for motivation and Mind
Redundancy as an Opportunity
Business, HR + Recruitment News
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