How to get your CV thrown out... part 2

This is probably going to be my last post, at least for a while, so I thought I'd revisit the reason it all started in the first place: the do's and don'ts of job applications. I covered a lot of the more obvious points in an earlier post, but there are others that might not spring so easily to mind. 

DON'T PUT YOURSELF DOWN

I've noticed a lot of people seem to start their job applications with 'I know I'm not qualified, but...' There's nothing wrong with honesty, and telling lies about your skills and qualifications is never a good idea (way too easy to get caught out later), but why would you lead with what you can't do? If you feel like you're overreaching and applying for something you can't handle, maybe it's not the right job for you. But if you think you can do it, and still want to apply, try focusing on the skills you do have instead; the lack of relevant qualifications will be clear on your CV but if you've already impressed them by then they might still give you a shot.

BE NICE

Ever heard the expression, 'Nice guys finish last'? Not true. Yes, sometimes you have to think about your own interests before other people's, but that doesn't mean you get to be arrogant or pushy. I keep saying it but remember your application, and following correspondence, is going to be read and responded to by a real person, who might be your colleague one day. So be nice to them! They're not obliged to hire you just because you meet all the criteria. Definitely don't throw a strop if they ask you to complete a task before the interview stage - there'll be a good reason (probably to help them filter applications) and you'll do yourself no favours by being a diva and refusing to do it.

GET YOUR CONTACT DETAILS RIGHT

Make sure the details on your CV are correct and up to date. If you've changed your email address or phone number, you might miss an important message following up on your application or even inviting you to interview. A busy recruiter is unlikely to waste time trying to find out the right information unless they're desperate to meet you.

And it's not just your CV - if you're applying for jobs through a third party site like Reed or Monster, check your account details are correct there too. The messages received with applications are set up so employers can just hit 'reply' to contact you, and they use the email address from your account, not your CV.

MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT

I already mentioned making sure your CV is well laid out and there are no mistakes. But even if it's perfect you still need to make it stand out. This probably depends on the kind of job you're applying for, but in a lot of cases you don't have to use Times New Roman font; there are a lot of fonts to choose from (just make sure you pick something legible) and don't be afraid to use colour either. In particular if you're applying for a job requiring design skills or creativity, make your CV attractive. It doesn't have to be a straight text document - you can use images or even include a link or QR code to an online resume.

You also don't have to send the same CV to every company; you can adapt it to suit the job you're applying for. In particular, use the personal statement at the start to explain not only what you can do but how you feel that can be valuable in this particular type of role.

BE CONCISE

Recruiters only have a few seconds to spend on each application, so make sure you include the important information you want them to know as briefly as possible. And that's all I have to say about that ;)

I hope these (and the other tips I've shared) are helpful and although I might not be posting again for a while, I'll still be checking comments so please feel free to share any success stories!

Facebook Fail: the perils of social networking

Who remembers life before Facebook and Twitter? Social networking has become such a natural part of our lives that we now don't think twice about writing all our innermost thoughts online for all to see. I have Facebook friends I never actually talk to in real life and haven't seen since school, but I know everything that's going on in their lives, I've seen photos of their wedding and their new baby and I even know what they had for dinner last night.

Our behaviour on social networks like Facebook has a huge impact on how others see us. The content and frequency of our status updates, the links we share and the photos we post all give an idea of who we are and what we're like. Sometimes it's not accurate; I know quite a few people who have an online persona that's completely different to how they are in real life. And it can be used to our advantage - if we use it wisely. 

But the problem is sometimes we forget who else is going to see what we get up to online. Potential employers now check Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as a matter of routine before hiring anyone. With some sites like Facebook, there are security settings that mean you can keep members of the public from seeing your profile, but others, like Twitter, are completely public. Everyone can see what you write and how often - if a recruiter knows you're currently working but can see you're tweeting all day, that's not a good sign. Don't be like Connor Riley, who was offered a job by Cisco but then lost it after tweeting negative comments about the prospect of working for them.

Equally, you have to be careful about what you say and do online in case your current employer sees it. Complaining about your job, being rude about customers or just posting content that others might find inappropriate is a risky business. Here are some examples of people who suffered unforeseen consequences from their social networking:

Ashley Payne, a high school teacher from Georgia, was asked to resign from her job because her school saw photos of her drinking on Facebook. They felt the photos 'promoted alcohol use'.

In 2009, Kimberley Swann from Essex was fired after three weeks from her job as an admin assistant; she'd written on Facebook about how boring it was - even on her first day.

Cameron Reilly, a guard at Buckingham Palace, was sacked after he posted rude comments about Kate Middleton, because she didn't look at him as her car drove past.

Three Burger King employees from Ohio were fired after posting a photo showing one of them standing in two tubs of lettuce used in the restaurant. Although it was posted anonymously, the restaurant and consequently the employees were identified within twenty minutes.

All these mistakes were avoidable; just by taking a second to think about who might see their status, all these people could still be employed. But the problem with social media is that sometimes you don't have any control over what happens. Paul Marshallsea from Wales was sacked last week from the charity he worked for after footage of him heroically wrestling a shark in Australia went global. He was on extended sick leave from work and his boss was unimpressed, despite the universal praise he received for his courage.

The short version of this post is: nothing's private any more. Social networking has changed the way we communicate and the downside is once we've written something it's out there and we can't take it back. So check those security settings and think twice before updating your status, because you never know who's looking at them. It could be a recruiter. It could be your boss. Or, worst of all, it could be your mum...

How to not mess up a job interview

Last week I had a little rant about the obvious mistakes people make when applying for jobs. But sending in your application is just the first step, and there's obviously another huge hurdle to get over before landing the position. Yep, it's time for me to let rip again - this time about interviews. There are times when you know, before the interview itself even gets started, that it's not meant to be, and it seems crazy to have put all that effort into getting your application noticed only to mess it up at the second stage of the process.

BE ON TIME

Nothing is more disrespectful than being late to your interview. Often yours is one of many and if your appointment's delayed it means the rest of the day's schedule is thrown off. It's also just not polite to keep people waiting. Realistically, of course, things happen. I was late to the interview for my current job because of a road accident delaying traffic. If this happens, a phone call to explain and apologise is all it takes. Then when you arrive, apologise again. Being late because you didn't know where you were going isn't an option; make sure you check before you leave home and if you've got a smartphone have the location loaded into your map app just in case.

On the other hand, try not to turn up really early. Our office doesn't have a reception area where people can sit, so often they end up standing around awkwardly while we try to figure out where to put them. If you've allowed lots of time to get there and end up half an hour early, find a coffee shop or just take a walk round the block. Five minutes before your interview time is ideal; it shows you're enthusiastic but doesn't inconvenience anyone.

DRESS SMARTLY

It doesn't matter what kind of job you're going for, or even if you've been advised that the dress code for the office is casual. You should still make an effort with your appearance. It shows professionalism and respect for the people you're meeting. Yes, you may find that you're the smartest person in the room - but what's wrong with that? The golden rule: jeans are not appropriate interview attire! As this article explains, we all judge other people on their appearance, so why would we assume they're not judging us?

BE NICE TO EVERYONE

These people could be your future colleagues, so you don't want to start off by making a bad impression. You may be here for an interview with the boss, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be polite to the receptionist, or greet anyone you see around the office with a smile. You never know, they may even be a part of the interview process who'll later be asked for their opinion. Better safe than sorry!

So you've made it through the door, on time, smiling and looking smart - now what?

BE RELAXED (BUT NOT TOO MUCH)

Interviews are nerve-wracking, so this is difficult, but the more relaxed you can be the more your personality will come across and the better an impression you'll make. A good interviewer will do their best to put you at ease, but it works both ways - if you're fidgeting, shaking like a leaf and avoiding eye contact, it makes everyone else in the room feel uncomfortable too, and that's not going to make them like you.

However, remember it's a job interview so don't go too far the other way. Sit up straight, don't talk over people and definitely don't address your interviewer as 'dude'.

SHOW YOU'VE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK

Hopefully before you applied for the job, you looked up the company and knew a little about them, but before your interview is the time to do some serious research. You can pretty much guarantee that at some point, you'll be asked 'What do you know about us?' and just telling the interviewer what business they're in isn't enough; they know that already. Look up the company website and read it thoroughly, but also do a general Google search. If you can bring up a couple of less obvious facts that you've found this way, it shows you've made an effort and not just checked out the homepage of their website.

TALK LOTS, BUT KEEP IT RELEVANT

Interviewers don't want to listen to themselves talk. They want to hear from you, so avoid monosyllabic answers and expand on subjects to show you have plenty to say for yourself. This in turn will spark more conversations, whereas 'yes' and 'no' answers often lead to awkward silence while the interviewer looks for their next question.

But remember you probably only have a limited time, and they'll have a list of questions to get through, so don't ramble on. Answer the question and try not to go off-topic too much. Confidence is important, but keep it relevant. Thanks to Abby for this video, which takes a light-hearted look at whether confidence alone will get you hired.

ASK QUESTIONS

At some point you'll be asked if you have any questions, so come prepared. The interview is just as much for you to figure out if the company and position are right for you, so make sure you've got all the information you need to make a decision if the job's offered to you. It'll also show that you're interested and not just keen to get out the door.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

When the interview's over, thank them for their time, and make a point of thanking the receptionist on your way out too. Also a quick follow-up email when you get home will get you big bonus points; reiterate your enthusiasm for the company and the job and one final thank you always goes down well. Try to include the names of the people who interviewed you, it shows you paid attention.

I've just read through what I've written and realised a lot of the points are 'Do this ... but not too much', or 'Don't do this ... but don't do this either'. The fact is that interviews are often about finding a balance and it's not easy. An important part of it is reading the body language and personality of the people you're talking to and adapting accordingly, and that's something you can't prepare for. But get all the other bits right and you'll be well on your way to success. Good luck!

Extreme job hunting - the new normal?

When I mentioned to a colleague that I was starting this blog, he suggested I should write about the UK graduate who spent his last £500 on a billboard in London begging someone to give him a job. Adam Pacitti, who got a first class degree in Media Studies, had sent out over 200 job applications without success, so decided extreme measures were called for. The billboard immediately got picked up on Twitter and his website got 20,000 hits within 24 hours. It took a few weeks, but the investment paid off and Adam's now employed.

I thought I'd see if there were any other examples of this kind of thing, and discovered that not only are there examples - there are loads of them. Nick Begley from New York printed his resume on a chocolate bar wrapper and sent it out to potential employers. Ulrike Schultz from Vienna asked her Twitter followers to help her find a job in London by putting the hashtag #HireUlrike on all their tweets. And in 2009, Alex Kearns, another UK graduate, managed to secure an hour on a plinth in Trafalgar Square to promote his job search.

All these are brilliant examples of using creativity to stand out from the crowd, and it's no surprise that the majority of these 'extreme job hunters', as they've become known in the media, come from marketing, communications or advertising backgrounds. By thinking outside the box, they're proving to potential employers in those industries what they can do.

But it does make me think - how far are we from the day when submitting a regular paper application for a job won't be enough any more? All these ideas sound great and really original, but in my first few minutes of research for this post I'd already found two other examples of people hiring a billboard in order to get noticed by employers. It might be out-of-the-box thinking today, but in a few years' time (or even less) will it only be possible to find a job if we're willing to take such a drastic step? And if everyone's doing it, then it's not a gimmick any more and instead of standing out, we'll just be blending in. Billboards will be the new printed CV. And so it goes on.

Incidentally, there's one more example of people going to extraordinary lengths to find a job - popular BBC TV show The Apprentice, in which candidates battle it out in a series of gruelling 'business tasks' to impress The Boss, Lord Alan Sugar. And yet Stella English, who won the show in 2010, has been in court over the last couple of weeks, telling an employment tribunal that in fact the dream job she competed for never existed and she ended up as an 'overpaid lackey'. So maybe it's not always worth going that extra mile unless you know what you're getting at the end of it.

If anyone does fancy giving extreme job hunting a try, though, Adam Pacitti is now using his Employ Adam website to offer help to others in a similar situation. And he might even make you famous. You never know.

How to get your CV thrown out in one easy step

Ok, so first things first, the promised guide on what you should and shouldn't do when applying for jobs.

This is my own personal rant based on my experience of sifting through CVs, but I'm fairly sure the rules apply universally.

First and foremost, the golden rule:

READ THE AD.

Yes, this should be common sense. I always put a question at the end of ads, asking applicants to tell me something interesting about themselves when they apply. This is dual purpose - I genuinely want to know the answer, to get an idea about the kind of person they are, but also if they don't answer the question, then they didn't read the ad properly. We advertised a job a couple of years ago and out of over 200 applicants, only two answered this question. Everyone else was rejected.

Also, look out for specific details like the name of the person recruiting. This is another little test that I put in job ads - if the applications still come in addressed to 'Sir/Madam' or 'Manager' that doesn't bode well.

APPLY FOR THE RIGHT JOB.

It's amazing how often I get covering letters applying for a position I haven't advertised. My favourite was when I posted a finance job and someone applied wanting to be a paralegal. The same goes for 'I want to work at ...' This is great as long as you put the right company name...

WRITE A DECENT COVERING LETTER.

First of all, remember to include a covering letter, don't just send your CV on its own. Secondly, don't send a generic 'I believe my skills can be of great use to your company' letter. Show that you've taken note of the company, Googled them and now have some understanding, however vague, of what it is they do. Then explain why you're the ideal person to work with them on that. And don't start every sentence with 'I', it ends up reading like a list and that's a good way to make a recruiter's eyes glaze over.

TAKE YOUR TIME.

Whenever our company posts a job, I know that within minutes (or even seconds) I'll have applications flooding in. There's nothing wrong with looking keen, but if you're able to dash off an application that quickly then it's obvious you're applying for everything and haven't put a lot of thought in to your application, which doesn't go down well - companies like to feel special (the same rule applies when online dating - but more on that later). Getting in first won't do you any favours and might even damage your chances of getting any further.

CHECK OVER YOUR CV.

Assuming you've observed all the above rules, the next step a recruiter will take is to look at your CV. If it's a mess, all your hard work on the covering letter will be wasted. Not everyone's great on the computer, but if you're not able to do it yourself, ask a friend or use a template. Try to keep it concise; nobody wants to read a ten-page list of your achievements since you were five years old. Lay it out nicely, and check you've not gone one line over on to a new page, especially if that line happens to be something really important.

SPELL CHECK EVERYTHING.

There's no excuse for poor spelling and grammar, and being a bit particular on that front, I will more than likely reject any applications that have more than a couple of errors. You'd have to really impress me on all other fronts to get away it.

THINK ABOUT WHO'S READING.

Finally, when applying for jobs, have a little bit of sympathy for the poor person (i.e. me) who has to sit and go through all the applications. Recruitment is not a fun job - it's tedious and frustrating, and if your CV can break that monotony, you're far more likely to progress. Try and put across your personality and enthusiasm in your application, because at the end of the day, we want to work with people, not machines.

If you can think of any more do's and don'ts, or have committed any of these sins, let me know in the comment box. I promise not to judge (too much).