Scholarships_CareerTips
4 Powerful LinkedIn Tips Guaranteed To Get You a Job – Must Read
By Jane Okoth,
Monicah Kogi, the Head of Talent Acquisition and Related Services, says that LinkedIn is one of the best sites to use for your job search.
According to Ms Kogi, most job seekers have not fully crafted their LinkedIn profiles yet it is the best way to be noticed by an employer.
So how do you go about it when looking for a job?
Here are the latest tips you need to consider when creating your profile in order to speed up your job search.
1. Get a professional photo and a good introduction
Pamela Skillings, an Interview Coach says that your photograph is a visual representation of who you are to the world.
“Unlike Facebook or twitter, LinkedIn is more professional and so should be the photo.
“It should be accompanied by an introduction of who you are, what motivates you and what you’re looking for,” she adds.
On the introduction part, Ms Kogi advises that, “For entry level, create your profile and target your industry by highlighting your qualifications, your interests and remember to connect with people.”
2. Your profile summary should be appealing
“A good and well crafted summary on your LinkedIn profile will give you opportunity to shine,” says Ms Skillings.
“This is your space to differentiate yourself from all the other accountants, marketers, and other professionals in the job market today,” she adds.
3. Highlight Your Experience, Skills, and Expertise
Ms Skillings states that, “This is an online platform to highlight what you have been doing as a professional.”
“It should show what you are currently doing and what you are looking for so make an effort to showcase your accomplishments in a compelling manner.
On the other hand, Ms Kogi advises that, “One should also join groups or organizations that are in line with his or her career.”
4. Get LinkedIn Recommendations
“These are testaments to your abilities in certain fields and welcome additions to your LinkedIn profile, particularly for job seekers,” explains Ms Skillings.
“The whole idea is to find someone to validate what you are currently stating in the profile,” she explains.
“You can go about this by asking somebody to recommend you. It could be your former colleague whom you have worked for long or your supervisor who can attest to your skills,” she elaborates.
Your LinkedIn profile can make or break your job search effort so apply these tips and see for yourself the kind of impact it can bring to your job search.
4 Simple Tips You Can Use To Avoid Being Overworked
By Jane Okoth,
If you are workaholic, there is no doubt that you spend most of your time in the office without being aware of the serious health consequences.
This is in regards to a recent research published in the BMJ journal which found out that working too hard can drive you alcoholism.
The research claims that people who worked 49-54 hours a week ran a 13-per cent higher risk of developing a “risky alcohol use” habit compared to counterparts who work for lesser hours a week.
To avoid such an occurrence, below are ways to overcome it.
1. Stay Within Limits
Manu Midha the Vice President, planning and strategy at infibeam cautions against burdening yourself with too many responsibilities at work.
“Do not set unrealistic deadlines at work. This will only result in hardly finding any time for yourself and family. Do not make work overload a part of your lifestyle,” he adds.
2. Plan Ahead And Prioritize Work
Celestine Chua a Career Advisor says that one of the biggest reasons you are likely to be overworked is lack of proper planning.
“Thus, you over-commit yourself, and have multiple deadlines running in the same time,” she explains.
“Prepare a schedule that shows what you have to do on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. That way, you know periods when your calendar is full and periods when you have time for more work,” she advises.
3. Tame Perfectionism.
Tess Marshall, the founder of The Bold Life says that perfection is an illusion and no one is 100% perfect.
“Stop over thinking and overanalyzing everything by doing your best and surrendering the rest,” he says.
“So many creations and inventions never come to fruition because we spend too much time thinking and not enough time doing,” he concludes.
4. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Celestine Chua argues that working under crunch deadlines might force you to forgo sleep to get work done.
“Don’t take your health for granted by making sure you sleep at least 5 hours every day. Having a proper diet and exercise regime is very important too.
If you are feeling overworked, try out these tips and get your life back on check.
Do you have a good work life balance right now and are your working hours manageable?
4 Best Job Search Methods You Can’t Ignore In 2015 – Must Read
By Jane Okoth,
Whether you are a graduate or a professional, implementing the right strategies in the process will always put you ahead of the pack.
What you need to realize is that with the rise in technology, there are other smart jobs that can successfully land you a job of your dreams.
1. Updating Your LinkedIn Profile
Monicah Kogi, the Head of Talent Acquisition and Related Services, says that LinkedIn is one of the best sites to use for your job search.
“For entry level, create your profile and target your industry by highlighting your qualifications, your interests and remember to connect with people,” she advises.
“Also join groups or organizations that are in line with your career,” she adds.
“Professionals need to ensure that their profiles are well updated because majority of them fail to sell themselves,” she affirms.
“You need to sell yourself by updating your profiles so that headhunters may be able to recommend you,” she advises.
2. Networking
As a job seeker Ms Kogi advises that you need to be out there and attend events and conferences that may be of help to your careers.
“You can join professional associations or connect with professionals who work in your field. This way, you will be able to widen your professional abilities,” she opines.
3. Placement Firms and Recruitment Agencies
“Recruitment firms usually help job seekers in identifying more opportunities,” Ms Kogi points out.
She stresses for the need to visit a recruitment firm and further warns about paying anything to be advised on your career.
“As a graduate, you may have had the opportunity to attend career talks in your campus. Use this opportunity to talk to your lecturers and know which opportunities available are best suited for you,” she advocates.
4. Online portals
Ms Kogi says that, “It is your responsibility to invest in online portals as they might help you in the job searching process.”
However, for graduates who have just completed school and are in the entry level, Ms Kogi cautions against being choosy and urges them to accept the available job for a start.
“Just because you studied economics in college does not mean that you have to start with a job in economics if it is not available at the moment,” she explains.
This way, she argues that you will get a chance to diversify your career.
As opposed with entry level positions, Ms Kogi says that it is not advisable for professionals to look for jobs blindly.
On her parting shot, she urges professionals to be specific and look for careers that align with their objectives as well as aspirations.
“Also target specific companies you would like to work for which will help you grow in your career,” concludes.
4 Powerful Tips for Fresh Graduates in 2015
By Jane Okoth,
As a fresh graduate, you can’t help but feel terrified at the thought of job searching, thanks to present unemployment situation in the country.
So what are the smart ways to ensure that you get a job fresh from college as we embark on a new year?
Speaking to Florence Mukunya, a Career Advisor at Corporate Staffing Services, she advises making the right connections is a big step in your career.
1. Make the right connections
“For starters, networking will ensure that your job hunting process is easy,” she suggests.
“Connections can be made by interacting with your immediate supervisors or colleagues through the course of your attachments as well as part-time jobs that you were involved in as a student,” she opines.
2. Attend career related trainings and conferences
Secondly, there are a number of trainings conducted to cater for the needs of graduates as far as preparing them for job market.
By attending them, Ms Mukunya advises that you will be able to meet with people who can guide you in your career.
“Find more information about these trainings by subscribing to career related groups and also networking,” she affirms.
3. List your relevant work experience in your CV
Thirdly, as far as tailoring your CV is concerned, ensure that you have indicated any related work experience along with the right referees.
She adds that, “Work experience puts you ahead of the pack compared to someone who has zero skills.”
4. Choose the right referees
“Your referees are very important in the job seeking process. This is because they provide extra information that lets a potential employee know about your work history, your skills and experience,” she states.
“About who to indicate as your referees, your immediate lecturers/colleagues could step since you do not have much work experience,” she suggests.
She further adds that, “The best references are written by people who know you well, so pick the person you worked most closely or got along with well.”
On her parting shot, Ms Mukunya stresses on the need to identify the companies you want to work with by listing their opportunities that match your profession.
“Once your CV and cover letter is in order, you can go ahead and start making your formal applications,” she concludes.
Life after graduating is not easy, so apply these tips and get started on your career.
Top 10 Professional Bodies You MUST Join in 2015
By Jane Okoth,
Joining a professional body will not only be a big boost to your career but will ensure that you are recognized as a professional in your field.
In order to have the opportunity to interact with other professionals in your field, here are top professional bodies that you should join depending on your career choice.
1. Institution Of Engineers Of Kenya
For the engineering professionals, this is the right body to join. Members who join the institution according to its website are practicing engineers in the local/and central government departments, parastatals, private industry, consultants, contractors and other persons interested in engineering.
2. The Institute Of Human Resource Management IHRM
(IHRM) is the professional body of Human Resource Management practitioners in Kenya.
Being a member of this professional body has its benefits including given an opportunity to make your personal contribution in the HR profession.
3. Kenya Medical Practitioners And Dentists Board
Its main aim is to regulate the practice of medicine and dentistry in the country apart from ensuring the provision of quality and ethical health care.
Doctors and dentists are eligible to apply in compliance with the board’s rules and regulations.
4. The Institute Of Certified Public Accountants Of Kenya (ICPAK)
This is the professional organization that regulates the activities of all Certified Public Accountants (the CPA (K)s) in Kenya. Professionals in the accounting industry are best suited to join the body.
5. Law Society Of Kenya
The Law Society of Kenya is Kenya’s association that includes all practicing advocates.
It has the mandate to advise and assist members of the legal profession, the government and the larger public in all matters relating to the administration of justice according to its website.
6. The Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (BORAK)
This professional body comprises of architects and quantity surveyors and regulates their professions through training, registration and promotion of ethical.
7. Nursing Council Of Kenya
For those in the nursing profession, The Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) is a professional body that ensures professionalism in the field is observed through quality education and best practices.
It is the only professional regulatory body for all cadres of nursing and midwives in Kenya.
8. The Media Council Of Kenya
Apart from regulating the media and the conduct and discipline of journalists, the media council of Kenya is also responsible for accreditation of journalists.
Journalists who wish to practice must obtain an accreditation letter from the media council of Kenya by following the required procedures.
9. Marketing Society Of Kenya
MSK is the national umbrella body for all marketers in Kenya whose key mandate is to empower and regulate the marketing industry.
For those in the marketing industry, this is the best body to join.
10. Kenya Association of Project Managers
Kenya Association of Project Managers (KAPM) is a professional body of Project Planning and Management professionals operating in Kenya.
The body focuses on four major areas such as Project Finance, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management Information Systems and Project Planning, Design and Implementation
11. Kenya Institute Of Supplies Management
KISM is a national body for professionals in the practice of procurement and supplies management in Kenya.
This is a body that caters for professionals in the supplies and procurement industry.
It is a good idea to join a professional association that aligns with your career and enhance your network.
Join a professional body today and develop your career.
7 Deadly Work Related Stress To Avoid in 2015
By Elizabeth Benu,
Emily Wambui* has a new boss this January. She has been crying everyday because she cannot cope with the new rules. This is stressing her and affecting her productivity.
Emily’s case is just a drop in the ocean of any work related stress every employee faces. Here is a list of the most deadly work related stress to avoid this year.
1.Not taking breaks from work
Most times you can be in a demanding job that gets you busy from the time you get to work until the time you leave.
Peter L. Schnall, MD, an occupational stress expert at the University of California advises that for such jobs, take breaks and move around.
2.Job frustrations
Have you been working too hard yet you receive no credit, raise or a promotion?
Mr. Schnall suggests that you try discussing your career goals with your boss.
“You may not get the rewards you want right away, but you could gain some insight about how to improve your situation—and outlook,” he adds.
3.Feeling alone
This happens when you require help and your boss will not give you and worse yet, you do not have a trusted colleague to vent to.
Work on communicating your needs, both practical and emotional. If you want your boss’s help, be as specific (and persuasive) as possible, and make connecting with co-workers a priority.
4.Demanding and verbally abusive customers
All this happens and you are expected to maintain professionalism no matter how angry you feel.
Asking your boss for advice or additional training on how to handle difficult customers without feeling demoralized is the best way to handle this.
5.Tech addiction
Are you the employee who checks work emails 24/7? This can lead to stress.
To protect yourself from mental and physical strain, learn how to unplug. Set aside time when you turn your electronics off and focus on clearing your head.
6.Burnout
You’re exhausted, both physically and emotionally, to the point where it ruins your productivity.
If you’re experiencing severe exhaustion from prolonged work related stress, discuss it with a supervisor and explore whether you can take time off or even a leave of absence.
7.Dictatorial boss
Does your boss insult you, make unreasonable demands or embarrass you in front of colleagues just because he/she can?
If you feel you’re the victim of such a boss, you can try to appease them. Alternatively you can document the behavior and forward your concerns to a superior or HR.
Stress is part of life; but do not let it ruin your year.
4 Secrets To Achieving Your Goals in 2015 & Beyond
By Elizabeth Benu,
A new year comes with committing to survive and thrive in the workplace. But if you had set any career goals in 2015 how do you achieve them?
1. Commitment
Cy Wakeman, an executive HR coach notes that most goals often fade quickly.
“The most effective approach to achieving your goals is to commit to succeeding in spite of the circumstances; to quit wishing your reality was different and to change the way you view that reality,” Ms. Wakeman explains.
She further adds that this mindset will make you less dependent on your circumstances and make you ‘bulletproof’ in the workplace.
2. Understand What You Need To Sacrifice .
Is your goal to be the best Sales person in your company this year? Analyse what you are willing to sacrifice, be it laziness or a low self esteem and give them up.
More sacrifices may include money, time and sleep. After this analysis, execute towards achieving it without derailment.
3. Start Every Day Prepared.
To advance in your career you need to effectively perform your duties in the current position. Show up to work daily when you are mentally prepared, be active, plan ahead and tackle any challenges that come your way.
4. Be Confident.
Did you know that lack of confidence is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving both professional and personal goals? As an employee or job seeker, you need to believe in your abilities.
It is also important that you maximize on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
Once you are aware of what you are capable of you will be more than willing to take risks to achieve your goals.
The fear of failure is what destroys most dreams. As Mirriame Williamson once said “Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”
Best wishes as you engage in your journey to achieving your goals.
Tips for Success : 5 Powerful Personal Branding
By Elizabeth Benu,
Are you looking to top the list as the best candidate in the job market this year or the best employee of the year? If yes, then your personal brand needs an extreme makeover for you to succeed in your career.
Here are effective and powerful Personal branding tips as laid down by experts:
1. Determine your unique value
Laura Smith-Proulx, a Certified Career Management Coach cautions that you should examine your strengths carefully by asking yourself what type of work opportunity do you thrive on, what do you consistently deliver that others do not and what kind of tasks make your day fly by effortlessly.
This specific type of information forms the core of a successful personal brand.
2. Gather Feedback From Others
How others see you is a key component of your brand. Ms. Smith counsels that you list down the qualities your supervisors point out as assets and the regular response you receive from clients and colleagues about the quality of your work.
This helps you get the idea of other peoples experience with you and what you represent as an individual.
3. Assess Your Competition
“In your current role, do you have peers that are tasked with similar duties? Further, what personal style do you bring to the workplace that distinguishes your abilities?,” poses Ms. Smith
“Another way to gauge your performance from a competitive standpoint is to measure your success against that of your predecessor in the same role.
In addition, what have you accomplished in terms of the improvement or turnaround efforts? The answers here will help you to distinguish yourself from others,” she adds.
4. Brand Your Appearance
“Brand yourself through your professional presence. First impressions count! What message are your clothes sending? Are you trendy, conservative, fashionable or outdated?
What about your grooming? Your hairstyle, facial hair, scuffed shoes and too much cologne or perfume can speak volumes before you open your mouth,” says Valerie Sokolosky, president of the executive coaching and consulting firm Valerie & Company.
5. Follow the 3 Cs of Branding
Peter Sterlacci, a Certified Personal Branding Strategist lists them as clarity where you are clear about who you are and who you are not. , consistency and constancy.
“Consistently demonstrate your brand promise everywhere. This includes your social media profiles, your website, your business cards, your communications. Everything. It is not enough to be clear and consistent if you are not always visible to your target audience. Strong brands are constant. Be visible or run the risk of being forgotten!,” he adds.
Let your personal brand speak for you.
Job Hunting in January 2015 – 3 Things You Must Do Differently
By Tabitha Makumi,
When you are a job seeker, you hope that the New Year will be kind to you than the previous one. You pray that for a change, you will get a call to prove that your diploma or degree wasn’t just for show.
“I have been tarmacking since I graduated in 2012 with a Degree in Business Administration from a top public university,” narrates Benjamin Wanga who adds that he didn’t think that his job search would take two whole years and still counting.
He shares that he hopes 2015 will be the year when he can finally say he has a source of income and finally move out of his parent’s house.
“I reckon I have to change my way of doing things to make that possible,” says the 23 year old.
1. Stop Waiting for the Dream Job to just ‘Happen’
“I think this has been my downfall since graduation,” narrates Benjamin who admits to disregarding promising opportunities because they did not his fit his dream job bill.
“For most graduates, we have the notion that just because we have a degree from a well known institution, that opportunities will just land on our feet without must of a hassle. In 2014, I had friends who would forward me vacancies that fit my academic qualifications like a custom made shoe but I thought them to be beneath me.”
He has however come to realize that nothing good comes easy. “I reckon I have to start somewhere and if I had applied for the said vacancies, I would not be in the same predicament I’m in right now.”
2. Admit I need professional help.
“I am more of an ‘I can do it all’ kind of guy and even though this is partially true, I need some help especially when it comes to writing my CV and cover letter.
He shares that during the December holidays, he got a new perspective after coming across a friend’s CV which had been professionally written.
“All along I thought my CV was a hot cake but it turns it is one big joke. Of course the format is right considering I have been reading numerous career articles but the content is bogus from all the copy and pasting I have been indulging in. It just doesn’t capture the professional in me.”
3. Be optimistic that something will come along.
“Of course this goes hand in hand with putting more effort in my job search and not just sheer wishful thinking.”
He shares that the right attitude will go along way in ensuring that he doesn’t hit rock bottom when it comes to depression.
“Of course it’s hard to remain positive when all you get is total silence from recruiters and if you are lucky enough you get a regret letter. If you’ve walked a mile in my shoes, you know what I am talking about,” shares the 23 year old.
His advice to people going through the same ordeal “Stay busy, look for something to do in the mean time, take what you can get and remember it’s not the end of the world if things take a bit longer to work out.”
How To Stay Competitive And Relevant While Unemployed
Source: Huffington Post
Being unemployed can be at times devastating but even so there are ways to turn it into an advantage.
Here’s how you should be using the free time you currently have in your hands
There is a direct correlation between how you fill your time and how people perceive you. You may think being unemployed is license to sit around all day watching movies but who could blame you? The problem is that watching TV doesn’t give you much to talk about with others.
A huge part of staying competitive is simply staying busy. It’s important to keep a routine in order to feel like you have a lot to do. The important thing is that you don’t wake up in the morning with nothing on your to-do list.
2. Give it away for free
Unemployment offers an opportunity to get involved in areas you may never be paid to experience. Find an organization that you like and volunteer your time. Organizations have more to offer you than a paycheck.
If you want to work in a specific industry, find an organization you admire and reach out to someone directly. Whatever you do, take it seriously. Treat it like a job. It will give you something real to talk about in an interview.
3. Don’t stop having fun
Although stressful and scary, unemployment is also a special time in your life where you have the luxury of time to yourself. It may be tempting to hide from the people in your life, ashamed that you don’t have a job and have nothing to share when asked “What’s new?”
This doesn’t need to be the case.
It’s a sign to potential employers that you are taking your unemployment seriously. It says that you are someone who appreciates learning and investing in yourself.
The more you can prove that you care about investing in yourself, the more others will want to invest in you, too.
5. Discipline, discipline, discipline
No matter what you do, it’s all about routine. Being unemployed means you need to create your own routine.
In a world of distractions, routine breeds productivity. If you can keep yourself disciplined enough to have one, you’ll be that much more prepared to return to work once you land that dream job. Searching for a job is a job in and of itself. Treat it like one.
Interview Answers: “What Have Been Your Greatest Accomplishments So Far?”
By Elizabeth Benu,
“I have an interview for an entry level position at a blue chip company in Nairobi next week. In my previous interviews, I have always failed to answer the question, “What have been your greatest accomplishments so far?”I feel confused whether to answer with accomplishments I have made in my personal life or in my career. Someone told me that if I do not have any accomplishments lined up I will not be considered for a position. Should I lie or steal credit from other people’s accomplishments? Please advise,” writes Lillian Kendi in an email
Here are tips from a Human Resource professional.
“A hiring manager wants to know about what you achieved in your previous work. Talking about your personal life does not add value to your interview,” ascertains Mercy Makena, a HR Consultant at Virtual HR
Ms. Makena says that such a question intends to find out if you are initiative and creative in terms of what you did and achieved out of your previous or current job.
“A hiring manager also wants to know what challenge you found in the company, how you resolved it and how it brought change in the organization,” she explains further
Ms. Makena also clarifies that an answer to this question should entail what you have done that had not been done in the organization before you came in.
Talking about your personal life does not add value to your interview
She adds that, “Employers wants to hear of your initiative in terms of developing new ideas, systems or projects. It should be more of the creative side of your job.”
‘What should you not do when answering this question?’ I probe further
She cautions against lying to the hiring manager adding that, “If you have not achieved anything stick to what you have done in your job.”
“Secondly, do not bring something that you have not done as an individual. For example if they were projects done by the whole department, don’t take all the credit. Remember companies perform reference checks on candidates. What happens when your prospective employer finds out it was not your own achievement?” she poses
If you are wondering whether the accomplishments you give should be recent or in the past, Ms. Makena advices that it’s best to give both recent and past accomplishments.
“Start with your past accomplishments and wind up with the recent accomplishments,” she adds.
Ms. Makena also points out that the accomplishments should not only be from one field or for the job that you are applying for.
What advice does she have when it comes to tackling this question?
“See what you have done outside your job description and be careful with the answer you give,” concludes Ms. Makena.
Documents You Should Never Forget When Attending Job Interviews
By Jane Okoth
The job interview is your best chance to impress or worse suffer the consequences of not getting that call again.
Preparation is very vital and will send a signal to your interviewer that you are taking the job offer more seriously.
Here are 5 crucial documents you should have when attending that job interview.
David Mureithi, a Human Resource officer at Transport and Lifting gives his thoughts on the issue.
First of all, a Complete CV should be in the list and one which is fully updated. This is because it signifies that you are up to date with your career, Mr. Mureithi advices.
“This is the only chance when you are asked to provide it and risking is not an option. It gives the interviewer enough room to decide on your suitability.” He says.
“Secondly you should have copies of your certificates both photocopied and original,” he advises.
“Carrying all of them will show that your seriousness, for instance, being in possession of all your 8-4-4 certificates will give your interviewers the chance to evaluate you properly.” Mr. Mureithi says.
“Thirdly you should also be in possession of your recommendation letter particularly from your former employers,” he says.
What is the importance of the recommendation letter?
“One of the reasons why it is important is because it is an indication that you were not a bad employee and that you left your previous job in good faith. In this way someone tends to be positive on you,” he suggests.
“Fourthly, you should carry your testimonials” he adds.
“Be aware that Different interviewers ask different information. You may be surprised that as one wants to know how you performed in college, the other one will want to know your behavior in primary school and then judge you based on that,” he opines.
“Lastly, if you happen to have award certificates or references the better,” he says.
“Some awards or certificates you acquired whether in primary or secondary school may help them know your potential.
Apart from you presenting your case in getting the job, your bases are well supported.” He adds.
And his parting shot?
“Please note that in the current job market, competition is very stiff. It is never easy to get a second chance because you are not even guaranteed that you will get the job. So make no excuses for not carrying these crucial documents,” he concludes.
Underqualified? 7 Tips To Inspire Employers To Give You a Chance
Source: Career Builder
Are you tired of been termed as under-qualified? When you are fresh out campus, “lack of experience” is what hinders most people from convincing recruiters that they are the right candidate for the job.
That said, what can you do to make yourself stand out and convince those choosy employers that they should hire you over potentially better-qualified applicants?
Design your CV around your transferable skills
When you’re changing careers, you need to frame your existing skills and experiences in terms of the job you are trying to get. Most people have a bank of skills that are freely transferable between jobs: communication, interpersonal, teamwork and leadership.
You may have other skills, such as computer programs you know, that would be valuable, but make sure that you frame them in the context of the new job. If you can’t find a way to make a particular skill fit, then don’t use it.
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to learn
Most employers value flexibility and trainability as much as they value hard skills. Employers believe that soft skills (including trainability and flexibility) matter just as much as hard skills.
This is great news for people changing careers or new college graduates. To demonstrate this to a prospective employer, be ready to give examples of times when you had to learn a new skill quickly.
Be likable
Even when you’re the most qualified applicant, competence alone will never win you the job. At the end of the day, hiring managers often hire the person they liked the best and who they’d like to hang out with.
After all, they’re only human. If your bona fides are lacking, then the likeability factor is even more important. The best way to be likeable is to have a positive attitude. Act interested in everything about the job, from the company itself to the industry as a whole.
Know when it’s a lost cause
It’s tempting to just throw your CV at every job opening you see, even those for which you are completely unqualified.
Yet, doing so makes no sense and is a waste of your time. For instance, if you’re an accountant, it would be silly for you to try to get a job as a technician.
However, realize that job ads represent employer wish lists and not absolute must-haves. Consequently, if you meet a fair amount of the criteria listed in the ad, go ahead and apply.
Experience is experience, paid or not
Many people think that you shouldn’t add unpaid experience, such as school and volunteer work, to your CV, because only paid work counts.
However, experience, paid or not, is still experience. As long as you can relate it to the job you are applying for, you should include it. For example, if you’re a tax major, and you interned at an accountant’s office during tax season last spring, it makes sense to include this information in your application to work at a tax preparation office.
Include keywords in your CV
Many employers are screening candidate resumes CV electronically. The screening software uses keywords and phrases from the ad and will only select resumes and cover letters that include those words and phrases.
To make sure that you make the cut, scan each advertisement for keywords that match your skills and include them in your resume and cover letter.
