LANDING YOUR DREAM ROLE

To land your dream role, it takes more than just flicking your CV off to whichever jobs take your fancy. You need to stand out from the other applicants (for the right reasons) and send the right message.

We’ve put together our top six tips on landing your dream role. Some might not be obvious but they are as important as getting your CV up to date.

YOUR ONLINE PROFILES

Before you even receive a phone call from the recruiter, they’ve likely Googled you. Creepy as it may sound, it’s a fact of modern life and job searching in 2019. Make sure your online and social media profiles are all sending the right message.

LinkedIn

If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, get one! LinkedIn is not only a fantastic tool to use while looking for your next job. It is also a great way to connect with potential new employers, previous colleagues and search for new roles and opportunities.

Top Tip: LinkedIn is not Facebook so remember to keep it professional. Most importantly, your profile photos. No selfies please.

Other Social Media

Social media is a great place to express yourself and your individuality. We’re all for it. Just keep in mind employers will most likely look you up on Facebook and Instagram. Keep your profile private and your content PG rated. You know the saying – once it goes online – it’s there forever. One screenshot is all it takes…

PRESENTATION

Presentation is key! If you’re unsure, check out our recent blog on presentation here!

I am as big a fan of a floral jumpsuit as the next girl but, this is usually not appropriate interview attire.

Dress to impress. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

If you’re unsure…

Ladies: Corporate dress, a pencil skirt, and crisp blouse or tailored trousers and a nice pair of pumps.

Gents: A suit goes a long way! An ironed shirt and tie should not be underestimated.

When you arrive at an interview in your flip flops and denim skirt or jeans it says that you just don’t care. It also says you don’t understand the importance of the interview or the job.

SOOOO many candidates come to see us at Sprint HQ in casual attire. When we ask what they would usually wear to work they assure us corporate attire. Which is all well and good to say however we don’t actually know! We are the first step of the process, you need to impress us so we can recommend you to our client. Make sure we see the best of you and how you’d present yourself to our client.

This doesn’t mean you can’t show your personality or personal style! Just make it appropriate for the job you’ve applied for.

TIMING

The little things can really set you apart from other candidates.

Rocking in at 9:04am is not a good start. It demonstrates that you are not good at keeping time nor do you value others time. This may sound like an overreaction but it is true! Remember, you’ve only got a short window to make a good first impression. At an interview, every detail counts. It’s all we’ve got!

Equally, arriving too early is not good either as it can put the interviewer under pressure.  I have had candidates arrive 30 minutes to an hour early and while I appreciate that they are keen, it’s awkward and unprofessional. 5 minutes beforehand is perfect! If you’re really early, grab a coffee from a nearby cafe and focus on what you want to say in your interview.

PREPARATION

I cannot stress enough that it’s the little things make such a huge difference.

Take the time to write down CLEAR examples of what you are capable of and achieved in the past. You need to know them well and be clear at communicating your examples. Answering a question with:” Yes, my last role was really busy” doesn’t give me the full picture and just won’t cut it.

Instead, try taking the interviewer into your world. For example:

“My last role was incredibly busy! I would get into the office at 10 to 8 to go through my emails, I usually had about 50 come through overnight and get a plan in place for the day. Once the rest of the team had arrived by 9am we were able to … and so on and so on”

It is your job to paint a picture in the mind of the interviewer of what you are capable of. The key to doing this well in an interview environment is preparation.

STAY CALM

I know it can be nerve-wracking but, we are all are just like you. Before going in, take 5 big deep breaths, give yourself a little shake and put your best smile on!

A strong handshake, eye contact, and a smile go a long way!

FOLLOW UP

One of the most important aspects of an interview is making sure you follow up, after said interview.

Follow up your interview with a thank you email. This will set you apart from the other applicants and leave a lasting impression. It’s also another opportunity to remind them of the reasons you are suitable for the role and keep you at the forefront of their mind.