Selling yourself to employers

ON PAPER

IN PERSON

ONLINECharlotte TracyHead of Marketing

About me

Reviewed 1,000+ CVs on Fish4jobs Jobs Roadshow

Head of Marketing for Fish4jobs one of UK’s leading job sites – 1.3 million job seekers visit us each month

Involved in recruiting over 50 staff

About this webinar• 3 sections: Selling yourself...

– On paper– In person– Online

• 30 minutes: – 20 mins presentation– 10 min Q&A at the end

• Do interact by posting questions using ‘Questions’ tab Visit ‘Attachments’ section:

• CV advice & templates• Cover letter tips &

templates • Interview advice & FAQs• Using social media in

your job search• And more…

Selling yourself on paper

Mistake #1: Bad formatting/layout

Tips

No perfect layout

Easy to scan read

Chronological flow

2 pages

Lead with the best stuff first!

Structure

• Contact details

• Personal statement

• Key achievements/skills

• Work history

• Education

• Hobbies & interests (where relevant)

• References available upon request

Attachments:

1. CV template

2. Graduate CV template

3. School leavers CV template

Avoid fancy formatting

Mistake #2: One CV

Different CVs for different roles/industries

Attachment:

1. CV advice

Mistake #3: Generic or no personal profile• 3 sections

1. Who you are (education and work history)

2. What you can bring to the table (skills, achievements)

3. Your career aim (what job you want)

• Avoid clichés

• Keep it concise

• Tailor

Attachment:

1. Write a profile that packs a punch

Examples that state the obvious

“A highly motivated, hard working and enthusiastic individual who possesses the ability to learn new skills. I am punctual with excellent timekeeping and attendance. I consider myself to be very reliable, honest and trustworthy, I get on well with people and enjoy working as part of a team or on my own initiative. I am of smart appearance and well spoken.”

“An employer would find me reliable and responsible as well as being extremely flexible and co-operative. I am eager and willing to expand my skills and try out new challenges that may come my way. I am a bubbly and bright person who works well in a team and solely. I also believe I have enough experience and life skills to excel at any challenge thrown my way.”

"I am a committed and hard working individual who enjoys a challenge. In addition to strong communication skills, I am able to work effectively in a team. I can also demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills and thrive under pressure. My drive and ambition ensure I am a valuable addition to any company."

Examples that sell

“Enthusiastic school leaver with five GCSEs looking for an apprenticeship in the engineering field Possessing good written and verbal communication and an interest in engineering which has spanned my lifetime with particular passion for electrics. For my GCSE Design & Technology project, I built a working calculator and was awarded an A*. Looking for a start in the exciting world of electrical engineering where I can learn a trade and realise a lifetime ambition.”

“A motivated, adaptable and responsible school leaver seeking an entry-level position in public relations which will utilise the organisational and communication skills developed through my involvement with promotional work during vacations.”

“As recent graduate from Durham University, with a 2:1 honours degree in media communications, I have undertaken several internships within leading organisations such as Bertelsmann and Times Warner. These placements have enabled me to develop not only specific media industry experience, but also a valuable and transferable skill set in this fast-paced sector.”

Mistake #4: Poor spelling and grammar

Some real life examples...

Mistake #5: Too personal

Unnecessary personal data

• Date of birth

• Marital status

• Children

• National insurance

• Passport number

• No photos!

• Relevant hobbies

Relevant hobbies & interests

• Examples:– Captain of school hockey team

(demonstrates leadership)– Duke of Edinburgh Award

(demonstrates commitment)– Volunteer/community work (proactive)– Visiting museums and art galleries (if

applying for jobs in architecture or the arts)

– Cars (if applying to be a mechanic/work with cards)

– Amateur dramatics (if applying for drama or role that involves public speaking)

To recap...

Keep the layout clear and easy to scan read, 2 pages

Tailor your CV to individual role/types of role

Include a personal statement that makes you stand out

Get someone to proof read your CV

Remove any personal data that isn’t relevant (esp. hobbies!)

Attachments:

1. CV tips

2. CV template

3. Graduate CV template

4. School leavers CV template

Cover letters: should I bother?• Simple answer, yes!

• Majority of candidates don’t include one so sets you apart

• Snapshot of why your skills, achievements and experience make you relevant for the job

• Always include cover letters when applying for jobs on job sites

Attachments:

1. Cover letter tips

2. Cover letter templates incl. school leavers & graduates

Cover letters: top tips Keep it short, structured and snappy

Tailor it to each job you apply for

Back up with relevant examples

Bring your reader up to speed on your current situation

Stick to plain, professional language

Proofread your letter or email with eagle eyes before sending

Sounds simple, but remember to include your address, telephone number and email

Selling yourself in person

Most common interview mistakes

Poor body language

Failing to do your homework

Not staying positive

Not dressing the part

Lack of confidence

Attachment:

1. Common interview mistakes

Interview FAQs

1. Tell me about yourself

2. Why should we hire you?

3. What are your weaknesses?

4. Why do you want this job?

5. Give me an example of when you...

Attachment:

1. Common interview questions

Selling yourself online

The hidden job market•70% jobs aren’t advertised

Getting your CV found

Make sure it’s visible

Include the right keywords

Keep it fresh

Social media: Cleaning up your act

• 80% of employers Google candidates before interview/hiring

Top tips:

Google yourself

Keep good company

Professional names

Set up Google alerts to monitor

Attachment:

1. Using social media in your job search

Using social media to your advantage• Get connected

• Get recommended

• Build an online platform

• Put Twitter to work for you

And finally...

facebook.com/fish4jobs@fish4jobs