Friday 24 April 2015

Social Media and your Job Search

Despite the on-going debate on whether social media actually hinders or aids your job search, statistics have shown that 73% of 18 to 34 year olds, found their last job through a social network. In addition, another report revealed that 89% of employers agreed to having hired someone through LinkedIn. The social networking site, LinkedIn has firmly taken the lead in being the most popular social media site in which to find employment.

So the question is job seeker.... do you have a LinkedIn profile?
No? then you may want to set one up...

For further information and advice on setting up a great LinkedIn profile please see blog post, "Is your Linkedin profile up to scratch?"

So what are the advantages of using social media?

Social media sites work well for both employees and employers when it come to finding the perfect job or the perfect candidate.  Social media sites give employers the opportunity to get a much clearer idea of what kind of person you are, rather than just focusing on you CV. With this mind, it is not necessary to register with everything single social media site, just the main ones will do. The main 3 you should be registered with is most importantly LinkedIn as it is particularly useful with aiding your job search. This is closely followed by Facebook and Twitter.

However, it is important that you represent yourself in the best possible way. It is perhaps a good idea to ensure that your social media profiles outline the type of job you are looking for. Studies carried out by Forbes have revealed that 92% of companies use social media for hiring and that 3 out of 4 hiring mangers will check a potential candidates social media profile. As a result, it is perhaps advisable to look at your social media as your own personal branding. This means however, that your profile needs to come across consistently professional.

Social media can often make the research process for jobseekers much easier. Social media networks give you the opportunity to follow relevant industries, companies and job boards so that you are instantly aware of any changes or news which may be relevant to your search. Read plenty of tweets or Facebook and LinkedIn posts related to your area of interest as you never know when you will come across the perfect job opportunity.

Social media beware?

Although we have just told you how great social media can be when it comes to your job search, it is also something that you should be wary of. Firstly, too much personal information can mean unprofessional rather than the 'professional' appearance you are aiming for. Many people think that too much personal information is available via social media which means it could possibly take away or distract potential employers from your professional appearance.

Oh and don't forget the all important profile picture. Inappropriate profile pictures will make any potential employers look elsewhere. Always present yourself in the best possible way, and avoid using photos that will give the employer a negative first impression of you.

Finally, avoid mentioning previous employers, especially in a negative way. Employers will often use what you post as a way of judging you. A negative or inappropriate comment could result in your chances of finding a job being dramatically decreased.

Wednesday 8 April 2015

Got a 2nd interview? How to prepare with Taylor Green Recruitment.

So you have completed your first interview and you have been invited back for a second interview. A second interview is usually the last and final stage of the job offer process. So there is now potentially a 50/50 chance of getting the position. However before you go to your second interview, here are some things to consider.

There are usually two purposes to a second interview. Second interviews are a great way for the hiring company to identify specific qualities and competences. This stage is designed to determine whether your skills suit the requirements the employer is looking for.

Fitting the company is also important for an employer. During a second interview, an employer will usually test you directly in the context of the company. By doing this, the hiring company will be able to see whether you will get on with their existing employees or the team you will be working with. They will also assess whether you're a good fit with their company culture.

What to expect?

During your second interview you will:

  • Meet a representative of the HR department upon arrival
  • Take a tour of the company (this is optional)
  • Meet company workers such as heads of department, managers or executives
  • Discuss salary, benefits, employment rules and other guidelines

So how should you prepare?

Always take the time to research the company. Knowing basic and relevant information about the company shows that you are serious about the job. Check whether the company has been mentioned in any press and be aware of their social media activity. Knowing who is interviewing you is essential, so doing a background check will help you understand their goals more clearly.

Always, always, always get to an interview on time or even better, early. Punctuality leaves a lasting impression and shows that you are highly organised.

Look back at your first interview. By reviewing your previous interview with the company will enable you to make practical notes about the employers requirements. Try to remember what questions you were asked and what goals were set by the employer. If you was asked a question that you found challenging to answer, try and prepare a response.

Asking your employer questions can also work highly in your favour. Asking relevant questions shows that you are enthusiastic about working for the company. However, you should try to avoid asking the same questions you may have asked in your first interview.

Always consider answers you could give to potential questions. Think about what the interviewer might ask you.

Overall, a second interview will be more detailed than your first. The employer will delve further into your skills, competences and experience as well as your attitude towards the position.