04/07/2013
Tips for job searching mode:-
*Change your answering machine and mobile message. Having a voice mail with James Bond is not exactly professional or mature!
*Be in business mode when you answer the phone. Some recruiters or headhunters may call you any time, even after hours. Be prepared. Let people in your flat know this and be aware. Even if they are not the potential candidate how they answer the phone to a recruiter or headhunter could influence the outcome.
*Have your business shirt ironed with back ups in case of creases, spillages before heading out the door, especially for those of you with young children! If possible get your suit dry cleaned, even buy a new one if you can budget for it and especially if you have a suit that is too dated. As a professional you want to look modern, up to date in terms of industry knowledge but also the modern corporate look, highly presentable at all times.
*It goes without saying that by now you would be expected to have an updated CV. It looks enthusiastic and professional for you to send through your details as soon as possibly following that initial contact with a recruiter or headhunter. Saying you will send it to them within a week will not do these days. Someone else could have been interviewed and hired by that time!. Fact.
*Maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise and lots of sleep. This is not the time to be going out partying, eating junk food and drinking too much. See the job search process as a form of marathon where only the fittest win or finish the race. Remember too you will want a healthy mind to be able to answer the increasingly strategic and challenging interview questions. Employers want to know that you can really make a difference to their company, add value to the organisation and ultimately add value to the bottom line. They won't be convinced of this if you stare blankly at them when asked about why you should be given the job or what you can add to the organisation. Remember most people in recruitment are people types, they can read people including candidates well and they know when a candidate is hung over, flippant about the opportunity or ill prepared for the interview. Whilst they may not say anything they may not continue to support your candidacy to the client as much. They may even decide not to represent you any more. They want the very best candidates for their exclusive and in executive search, retained clients.
*Lastly see the whole job search process as a fun challenge, a kind of career project. One that involves a win-win for yourself in terms of career aspirations and you being able to give something tangible to a future employer in terms of your passion for the job, company and your knowledge & skills.
Good luck!