Valentines Day. Whether you are a true romantic or you don’t believe in the hype – one thing’s for sure, Valentines Day; Gal-entines Day; Pal-entines Day? Whatever you want to call it – is very similar to another process we have all found ourselves in at least once in our adult life - when one relationship ends, and we are looking for a new beginning. The process being referred to here is of course searching for a new job. The Job hunt. The big career move. Both can often feel as though the search for The One is impossible. A list of requirements, a few bad experiences, intensive screening processes only to find out this new ‘relationship’ isn’t quite what you had in mind. Whether you will be celebrating Valentines Day or not this year, if you are a candidate in search of that awesome new opportunity - there are several things to take away from this seasonal holiday.
- First Impressions count – when applying for a new role, first impressions really do count. Just as you would get dressed up and put your best foot forward for a first date, the same can be said when applying for a new position. Ensuring a professional well-presented CV that showcases your skills (both transferable and technical) and putting in the effort to write a Cover Letter tailored to that role will already put you a step above the rest. Imagine the nerve-wracking ‘First Date’ is the ‘First Stage Interview’; you want to show up looking the part. Be approachable, inquisitive, and most importantly be yourself – nerves are expected but try not to let them get the better of you – remember if you are lucky enough to be invited for a first interview it is because the employer chose you!
- Perfect your Profile – Modern dating (think popular dating apps such as Tinder) can be very similar to professional social media sites such as LinkedIn – your profile may be the first thing employers look at, and you want it to tell your prospective employer just enough that they are interested and leave them curious to find out more. Polish up your profile, taking the time and effort to ensure previous work dates, job roles and previous employers are all accurately noted. Never lie or misinform on your profile. Instead, highlight any skills you have taken away from each role, and put a positive spin on everything that could be seen as negative – such as career breaks or job losses.
3. Not feeling the ‘Spark’? You’ve had your first interview and received feedback – it all seems to have gone very well – so why aren’t you excited? Just as sometimes there can be no obvious signs as to why we shouldn’t pursue a relationship if the First Date has gone well, it can often be the same with job searching too. Do not ignore your gut feeling – If you do not feel excited by the job role you are not inclined to continue your interview process. An interview is as much for you as it is for your employer – just remember to politely decline any further interviews by letting your Recruitment Consultant know ASAP!
4. Don’t Forget your Friends – Ah that feeling of a new relationship, exciting, enticing and far more important than anything else in your life! However, do not forget that when entering the job searching process, you must try to keep an open and honest relationship with your current employer. The last thing you want to do is burn bridges with an old employer, as you may one day find yourself in need of someone with their exact talents. Keeping an old employer onside and keeping in touch is not only a very smart career move, but it also shows gratitude and appreciation for all that you have taken away from working with them.
5. Make it Official – You’ve aced the interviews, you feel the spark, and you are ready to make things official. Always ensure the feeling is mutual on both sides before handing in your resignation elsewhere. The most important thing to do is have an official contractual agreement, a ‘formal job offer’ is something you can resign over, a ‘verbal offer’ is not. Of course ensuring you feel completely sure of your decision is important, but it is always wise to follow up any formal employment offers in a timely manner (whether that is directly to the employer, or through a recruitment consultant). Do not leave your prospective employer ‘hanging’ otherwise you may find that when you finally get back to them, they have moved on altogether. When it comes to looking for a new job, you mustn’t worry about coming across as too eager – let them know clearly just how interested in the job you are, it may make all the difference.
For further professional career advice, executive coaching, help with your CV or to apply to a new vacancy – please reach out via email to info@Avatarrecruit.co.uk or visit our Vacancy’s page on our website ( https://www.avatarrecruit.co.uk/latest-vacancies/#/job-list ) for our current vacancies. Happy Valentines Day!
Written by Aimee Martin, Marketing Assistant
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