Increase Your Chance of Finding New Employment: Recruitment Leaders

See also advice on writing CV's and covering letters

When looking for new employment, there are many things you can do to increase your chances of finding that job. Some are obvious; some are not so obvious.

I will start at the beginning of the process and give my opinion of how you can help yourself find that new job.

First of all, be sure you want a new job. Some people are looking for a career change, some look to climb the career ladder or find a job closer to home. There are a few candidates who assume that getting a new job will fix certain problems they might be experiencing. The grass is not always greener!
Next, know what kind of career you want. This may sound strange, but allot of candidates suggest that they can do anything. This may be true, but, as an employer or an agency, this does not sound very professional.
Their thinking is that:
a) you may not be committed to a career that you don't really care about getting, and b) because you have not been specific, they will not remember you when it comes to deciding on a shortlist.
It will also cause problems with some agencies' computer systems as they will not know which employment category to put you into, again, you may be overlooked.

Then you have to apply for the position.
Adverts normally state the employer or agencies' preferred method for you to contact them. Always try and follow this. Some people do not have email, therefore if the employer specifies sending your CV in by email, then, I would suggest a quick telephone call to ask whether they would mind if you post it.
If you are asked to send via email, then do so. I don't think calling them first will make much difference; a well-crafted email and CV will be a more powerful tool.
You can always telephone after a few days to make sure they have received your CV, giving you the opportunity to question them a little about the position and whether you are being considered. Just remember to be polite, not too pushy and brief as these people may be very busy.

Writing the covering letter and CV is an extremely important part of the process and is covered on another page, click here to go to that page.

If you are selected for an interview, you may be required to attend at very short notice. This can be very difficult especially if you are currently employed. You may not want to upset your current employer, despite the fact that you want to leave. Taking half a days' holiday is the best, and most honest way of getting the time off.
Some people take time off sick; I personally don't understand this. It may be the only way to get the time off, but would your new employer appreciate it if the same thing happened to them? Of course, the other point is that you could get found out, jeopardising your current employment.
Talk to the person requesting the interview, say to them that you cannot get the time off and suggest that you do not want to take a sick day because it will make you feel guilty.
Suggest a day you can take off instead.
Some employers are not flexible at all, this annoys me and job hunters alike, it's like they are don't care if you are dishonest with your current employer. It's a difficult situation, I know, but at the end of the day, you will have to decide what to do.

When attending an interview, there are many ways to make a good impression:
Be on time, dress as smart as you can, think of some questions to ask about the job; this will make you look keen, think of some answers to questions that they might ask you, especially if there are gaps in your CV that you need to explain and of course, why you want to leave your current employment.
Try and prepare as best as you can.

The way you sit and your mannerisms are also important. I am not a psychologist; I have no insight into the subconscious mind of employer. All I can say is look relaxed, don't cross your arms and be confident when you speak.

That's about all I can offer, there are people who specialise in this sort of thing if you think you need more help.

Good luck.
Recruitment Leaders Ltd