Before going into any interview it is crucial that you research the company you are applying for a job with. Job interviews can often be misconstrued and not seen as a two-way street. However, interviews are not just for the employer, it is also a great way to see whether the role fits your needs. By viewing your interview in this way will also help to reduce the pressure many employees feel when being interviewed.
So I've got an interview...what do I need to know?
Firstly and perhaps most importantly, you should know exactly what the company does. Not understanding who and what the company does can severely effect your chances of being hired. The best way to source this type of information is usually via the company's website and even Wikipedia.
Knowing the role for which you are being interviewed for is also essential. By understanding your duties will also make it easier to demonstrate and explain what makes you the best candidate for the job.
Many of the interviewees you will meet will explain what it is the company does. However, to really create an impression and show the interviewer that you have done your homework, it is perhaps an added advantage if you can explain 'why they do it'. Why does the company do what it does? This type of information can often be found in the company's mission and values.
A company's function and mission can often be broad, but knowing what they have been doing recently in order to achieve their goals can give you an added appeal. A great way to to do this, is to ask yourself whether the company is offering any new products or services or are perhaps expanding or even acquiring new offices. By knowing this information will help show that you didn't just glance at the company's homepage. It also shows a real genuine interest in the job and company itself.
So who makes up the management team? Although most common with corporate based industries, many company's will give a brief bio on who their key leaders are on their company website.
Finally and also importantly, who is your interviewer? Always find out the name of the person interviewing and their position. Most of the time, the person interviewing you, will be your boss if you are successful, so always be prepared!
Want some more interview tips? Taylor Green Recruitment provides all the necessary interview tips required to ensure that you are well prepared and your interview is successful.
www.taylor-green.co.uk/Candidates/Interview-Tips
Tuesday 16 June 2015
Thursday 4 June 2015
The importance of a cover letter
There is a common discrepancy in whether a cover letter is essential or in fact necessary when applying for a job. Cover letters are however the perfect opportunity to tell your story as an addition to your resume. A cover letter although, should not duplicate information which appears in your CV and should simply highlight the reasons why you are interested in a certain position, describing your professional skills and achievements.
There is often doubt as to whether a cover letter should be submitted alongside your CV. However, if in doubt its better to submit it than not to. Your personal cover letter is a great way for someone you have never met before to become interested in you and what you can do. Even the shortest cover letter is an additional way of getting someones attention.
Knowing what to say or what to write in a cover letter can be tricky as it needs to be both precise and relevant...waffling is not an option! Keeping it both short and sweet, here are some of the ways in which you can create a great cover letter to along side your great CV.
Firstly, keep it simple. By structuring your cover letter as follows; brief introductory line, your work experience, your accomplishments and finally, meeting request. When writing about your work experience it is important to word it so that it is relevant to the job you are applying for. Any skills included should also be relevant and beneficial to the company and job role.
Always ensure that your cover letter fits on one page. By being concise and to the point, will also help to ensure that one page is enough. No employer has time to read through reams of information, so don't let them get bored... always keep them interested!
Before sending over your cover letter and even your CV, it is essential that you thoroughly read through the job description of the job you are applying for. Make notes on what you are expecting to gain from the job and what the employer is expecting from you. Always keep this in mind whilst writing your cover letter and tailoring your CV. However it is important that you do not write any false information as it can sometimes lead to unpleasant situations.
Your opening sentence should include the job role that your are applying for. In addition, you should dedicate a couple of sentences to your previous work experience keeping it relevant at all times. Keep it brief and do not go into too much detail as it can be both a waste of time and space. Try to give examples. By giving a few examples about your professional achievements can help persuade the employer that you are the right person for the job.
Finally...the grand finale. The conclusion to your cover letter should include a short notice detailing a meeting and to tell the employer that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
So what else is important? Ensuring that your spelling and grammar is accurate is crucial. Errors will only distract the employer and spoil their impression of you. Proof read carefully!
If you would like further advice on how to write a cover letter or CV contact Taylor Green recruitment on 0161 255 2760 today! Taylor Green also offers interview tips and a CV writing service. Visit us online to find out more - www.taylor-green.co.uk
There is often doubt as to whether a cover letter should be submitted alongside your CV. However, if in doubt its better to submit it than not to. Your personal cover letter is a great way for someone you have never met before to become interested in you and what you can do. Even the shortest cover letter is an additional way of getting someones attention.
Knowing what to say or what to write in a cover letter can be tricky as it needs to be both precise and relevant...waffling is not an option! Keeping it both short and sweet, here are some of the ways in which you can create a great cover letter to along side your great CV.
Firstly, keep it simple. By structuring your cover letter as follows; brief introductory line, your work experience, your accomplishments and finally, meeting request. When writing about your work experience it is important to word it so that it is relevant to the job you are applying for. Any skills included should also be relevant and beneficial to the company and job role.
Always ensure that your cover letter fits on one page. By being concise and to the point, will also help to ensure that one page is enough. No employer has time to read through reams of information, so don't let them get bored... always keep them interested!
Before sending over your cover letter and even your CV, it is essential that you thoroughly read through the job description of the job you are applying for. Make notes on what you are expecting to gain from the job and what the employer is expecting from you. Always keep this in mind whilst writing your cover letter and tailoring your CV. However it is important that you do not write any false information as it can sometimes lead to unpleasant situations.
Your opening sentence should include the job role that your are applying for. In addition, you should dedicate a couple of sentences to your previous work experience keeping it relevant at all times. Keep it brief and do not go into too much detail as it can be both a waste of time and space. Try to give examples. By giving a few examples about your professional achievements can help persuade the employer that you are the right person for the job.
Finally...the grand finale. The conclusion to your cover letter should include a short notice detailing a meeting and to tell the employer that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
So what else is important? Ensuring that your spelling and grammar is accurate is crucial. Errors will only distract the employer and spoil their impression of you. Proof read carefully!
If you would like further advice on how to write a cover letter or CV contact Taylor Green recruitment on 0161 255 2760 today! Taylor Green also offers interview tips and a CV writing service. Visit us online to find out more - www.taylor-green.co.uk
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.
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:
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.
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.
Tuesday 31 March 2015
Organise your job search in 3 simple steps
Being organised does not necessarily come easily to everyone. Staying organised during your entire job search is essential. So here are 3 ways you can stay organised until you finally find your dream role.
Keeping Track
Always, always, always keep track of exactly what jobs you have applied for. If a recruiter speaks with you regarding a specific role you have applied for and you cant remember or have forgotten completely about applying for it, this makes you look very disorganised. In order to stay organised and to keep track of each job you apply for it is perhaps an idea to keep a job seekers diary.
Within this job seekers diary, you should take note of the job you applied for, the recruitment company recruiting for the role and when you applied for the job. So if they contact you regarding the role, you are fully aware of what the recruiter is talking about. In addition to this, you could also note down the name of the recruitment consultant handling the role as well as any email addresses or contact numbers. Got a job reference number? Note that down too.
It is not possible for everyone to remember everything so keeping a job seekers diary will act as a reference point.
Managing Deadlines
Jobs will often show a deadline. This is the cut-off point as to when you can submit your CV and cover letter. But it is important to note that most recruiters will start reviewing and processing applications before the deadline. Therefore it is best to apply for a job as soon as you see it. If you have seen multiple jobs you wish to apply for it is ideal that you find out the cut-off date. This will help you prioritise on which job to apply for first, second, third , fourth, etc.
In cases such as this it is perhaps advisable to create an excel spreadsheet or a calender. Whatever your method however, avoid leaving them to the last minute, as you can miss out on opportunities.
Setting Goals
Always remember that goals are different to deadlines as they are set by yourself and not by someone else, so you are completely in control. Setting goals is a great way to ensure that you are happy with the way your job search is going and that you are getting the results you wanted.
Goals could be in the form of how many jobs you apply for in a day/week/month or the amount of enquires you make or even how many recruitment companies you register with. These goals can be anything which is relevant to your job search.
Small and simple steps can be taken to keeping your job search organised. Give it a try and see if it helps you land that all important dream job.
Keeping Track
Always, always, always keep track of exactly what jobs you have applied for. If a recruiter speaks with you regarding a specific role you have applied for and you cant remember or have forgotten completely about applying for it, this makes you look very disorganised. In order to stay organised and to keep track of each job you apply for it is perhaps an idea to keep a job seekers diary.
Within this job seekers diary, you should take note of the job you applied for, the recruitment company recruiting for the role and when you applied for the job. So if they contact you regarding the role, you are fully aware of what the recruiter is talking about. In addition to this, you could also note down the name of the recruitment consultant handling the role as well as any email addresses or contact numbers. Got a job reference number? Note that down too.
It is not possible for everyone to remember everything so keeping a job seekers diary will act as a reference point.
Managing Deadlines
Jobs will often show a deadline. This is the cut-off point as to when you can submit your CV and cover letter. But it is important to note that most recruiters will start reviewing and processing applications before the deadline. Therefore it is best to apply for a job as soon as you see it. If you have seen multiple jobs you wish to apply for it is ideal that you find out the cut-off date. This will help you prioritise on which job to apply for first, second, third , fourth, etc.
In cases such as this it is perhaps advisable to create an excel spreadsheet or a calender. Whatever your method however, avoid leaving them to the last minute, as you can miss out on opportunities.
Setting Goals
Always remember that goals are different to deadlines as they are set by yourself and not by someone else, so you are completely in control. Setting goals is a great way to ensure that you are happy with the way your job search is going and that you are getting the results you wanted.
Goals could be in the form of how many jobs you apply for in a day/week/month or the amount of enquires you make or even how many recruitment companies you register with. These goals can be anything which is relevant to your job search.
Small and simple steps can be taken to keeping your job search organised. Give it a try and see if it helps you land that all important dream job.
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