Using platforms such as LinkedIn can broaden your network and increase your chances of finding the job you want. A large percentage of employers and recruiters now turn to LinkedIn as their first option when they have positions to fill. As a graduate you need a LinkedIn profile that positions you where you want to be in the jobs market. To get noticed you should complete all sections of your profile.

Here’s a few tips to get you started.

Email address

What email address will you link your profile to? Seems like a simple question but it needs consideration. You need a professional email address that you will use for LinkedIn and for any job applications you make. Remember that if you already have a profile linked to your University/College email you will need to change the email address when you graduate, as it will no longer be available. Whatever email you choose make sure it is one you check regularly.

Write an interesting headline

Your headline needs to be strong and specific in order to draw the attention of the reader. Instead of “Graduate, seeking opportunities” try something like “Science graduate, specialising in microbiology, interested in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries”. This way you are indicating who you are, what you can do and what your interest area’s are. If you are saying it, others will hear it!

Include a photo

Your LinkedIn photo should be a head and shoulders shot with a plain background that portrays a professional image. You do not need a professional photo taken, its fine to get a friend to take it using a phone but do dress in the attire you would wear for work. You are much more likely to grow your LinkedIn network with a photo on your profile. Many people will not connect with you unless they see a photo and can confirm who you are.

Write a strong summary

Your summary is vital to creating the correct impression. It can be less formal than a CV and can be written in the first person. Where it also differs from a CV is that it allows your personality and unique selling points to come across. This is your chance to stand out and draw attention to your unique attributes and skills; therefore, it is worth spending time on getting it right.

Words are Key

As I mentioned earlier, employers and recruiters often use LinkedIn to find the right candidates. It is vital that your headline and summary include several keywords relevant to your industry so that you can be found on electronic searches. Do a search using words related to your industry and take a look at the profiles that come up top of the list. Read these top profiles and learn from them. Checking out job descriptions will also help you to identify the correct keywords for your Industry.

Education

As a graduate you need to include everything that is relevant in this section. For example, outline your degree including modules studied and particularly elective modules as they can draw attention to your particular area’s of interest and knowledge. Include your thesis/dissertation title and if possible say a little about it. Make sure you include any short courses/training in the additional certification section further down your profile. Upload work samples, presentations and other documents if they are relevant and you are comfortable sharing them.

Relevant experience/skills/volunteering

Include any experience that is relevant. You may feel your experience section is small but do think carefully about any placements or summer work you have done – you will often be surprised to realise how much experience you have to offer. If possible quantify or show the impact of your work rather than just giving a list of duties. Include any volunteering positions as employers often view these very positively. Also make sure to include details such as any additional Languages you speak. Finally, include at least 5 skills in the skills section; ideally make them skills that correspond to the experience and education you have included.

Making it work for you

Now that you have invested the time in completing your profile its time to start making it work for you. Creating a profile and expecting others to just come and find you won’t work, you will get out what you put in. Now that you are on LinkedIn don’t be a wallflower, be active, this means connecting, sharing, liking, posting, following and joining groups. Recommendations are very powerful so ask lecturers, past employers or placement supervisors to write you a recommendation.

Check back in for tips on how to grow your network by being active on LinkedIn

Questions? Contact us today.

Be proactive and make time

Job searching is hard work and requires a lot of your time. If you are unemployed then job searching effectively becomes your job until you find one. If you are working and interested in changing job the time aspect is challenging but in order to succeed you need to schedule time. If a good friend or colleague asked you to do something for them I’m sure you would make time and space for it – we often don’t do for us what we very willingly would do for others! Remind yourself how much you want it.

Treat it like a project, plan it like a project and execute it like a project

Rather than take an ad hoc approach it is best to plan your job search strategically. Think about what your top strengths are and the skills you prefer to use. What types of jobs correspond? Consider how flexible you can be in order to get what you want. Are you willing to move? Commute? Retrain?

Each week make a list of the tasks you need to do. List all the people you need to talk to and companies you need to contact. Keep a record of who you contacted and the dates so that you have this information for follow up calls. Keep a copy also of any applications you send out as your application can form the basis of your interview and you will need to review it when you get that interview!

The traditional method – applying to adverts

Searching through job adverts is the most common activity for jobseekers but yet it accounts for less success than other methods. When a job is advertised either locally or nationally you can expect strong competition. It is easy to find out about these jobs through newspapers, Internet, or recruitment agencies; therefore, it is highly likely all your competitors will be applying also. It is important to make sure you stand out from the crowd when applying to these positions by writing a good cover letter and a targeted CV. (See more here).

The hidden jobs market

Recent LinkedIn research has shown that the majority of jobs are still found by word of mouth. Up to 60% of jobs are not advertised but are filled internally or through referral. So how do we find these positions? This is where networking comes in. You need to let the right people know that you are looking, what you are looking for and what your key skills are.

Targeted approach

If you are applying to a particular industry make an exhaustive list of all the companies in this industry that interest you (I find Irish Times Top 1000 is a great website for this as you can search by industry (www. http://www.top1000.ie). Check out the company website’s to see if they are recruiting. Expand your network within your industry and join professional organisations if there are any. If there are industry-specific publications sign up if you can, as these will often contain details of opportunities. Don’t forget to check out small to medium business and start-ups as they often generate a lot of employment.

Social media

Employers are increasingly looking to social media to help with recruitment, particularly on platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. If your industry has a presence on social media you need to be on it. Setup a detailed LinkedIn profile containing keywords relevant to your industry so that employers can find you. Connect with people and post articles or links to show your knowledge and area’s of interest. Use these platforms also to research companies so that you can pitch your application correctly. Be aware of your digital footprint, it’s more important than ever with social media becoming a larger player in the job searching/recruitment arena.

Think positive!

Crucial to the outcome is your thinking.   Think positive! It really does matter. Your thinking can influence your job search. If you think you are unlikely to find a job this has an unconscious impact on how you conduct your job search and in turn on the outcome. The right job is out there for you, by putting in the work you will find it. Good luck!

Any questions? Contact me.

Volunteering can be particularly helpful for students, graduates or career changers. All sorts of skills are sought after in a volunteer capacity so regardless of your areas of interest you will find a volunteering opportunity to utilise your skills and build your experience. Here I’ll discuss the top 5 ways in which volunteering can positively impact on your career.

Career sampling

Wondering if a particular career or work environment would suit you? Getting involved as a volunteer will allow you to dip your toes in and see the reality of the job before you take the leap of leaving your current position. I have met more than a few people who changed their career direction after a volunteering experience. It is an excellent exercise in self-awareness that often results in enormous change.

Enriching your CV

Volunteering can greatly enhance your CV. This is particularly true if you are a graduate, on a career break or perhaps looking for a career move from profit to non-profit. A gap in your employment history can be presented more effectively on your CV if you have used the time to engage with volunteer work and build skills. Articulate your volunteering experience well on your CV, it is valid experience and the fact that it is unpaid does not make it less so.

Building skills

Volunteering offers the opportunity to build on your current skills and develop new ones. It can also help you to identify your key strengths, something you will be selling in your job searching. Many people choose to volunteer in a capacity that requires completely different skills to those they use in their current work life.   Thus, they are building a whole new set of transferable skills that can allow them to access different career opportunities.

Expanding your Network

Yes, networking again! Career counsellors constantly talk about networking, but for good reason. It is one of the most important aspects of job searching or career change. However, we often get into a habit of only networking within our own industry. By volunteering you are not only meeting like-minded people but you are also expanding your network, often in a completely different industry.

Building confidence

It is normal to lack confidence when considering a new career or returning from a break. Volunteers often feel a great sense of accomplishment that can boost self-esteem and provide a renewed sense of confidence in their skills and abilities. Generally volunteers often feel more energised and fulfilled, all of which comes across when you meet perspective employers.

If you have further questions about this or other career related topics, don’t hesitate to contact me.

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How you present yourself at a job interview is critical to the overall impression you make. Before you speak a word the interviewers will have noticed how you look and will have formed an initial impression of you. You want an outfit in which you can feel both comfortable and confident. Unfortunately, when attending interview many people feel as uncomfortable in their clothes as they feel inside. It is very difficult to come across well if you feel awkward in your outfit.

The look

Interview dress code is formal but you can choose a professional look that allows your personality to shine through. Even if the organisation appears outwardly casual it is best to dress formally and professionally when attending a job interview unless you have been told otherwise. Formal does not have to mean old fashioned or boring, you can still wear some of the latest styles and tailored looks.

The Outfit

You can’t really go wrong with a suit but you can also look great in a smart dress and blazer or skirt and blazer. Skirts shouldn’t be much shorter than just above the knee, check this sitting down to make sure you don’t feel uncomfortable about the length when you sit. Wear the outfit a few times at home to start to feel comfortable in it before wearing it on the day.

Colour

Choose a dark or neutral base colour and add just the right amount of colour to add warmth. For example, if you are wearing a black or navy suit perhaps pick a coloured or lightly patterned blouse or wear a nice neck scarf. It is a good idea to purchase at least two blouses as you may be called for a second interview with the same employer. As a rule of thumb for an interview outfit stay with two to three colours total.

Shoes

You need to be able to walk confidently in that door in order to look and feel as though you have what it takes to do this job. Comfort is important, stay away from heels that are very high – you don’t know what type of flooring is in the building, how many corridors you will have to walk or if there will be stairs to climb. If the shoes are new wear them at home several times in order to ensure comfort. Nothing worse than spending the interview wondering how soon you can get back to your car and into your pumps!

Accessories

Less is more. Keep to elegant and simple accessories. Avoid any overly dangly earrings or bracelets that create a jingle when you move. If you are carrying a folder or briefcase for documents or a portfolio then a handbag may not be necessary. You don’t want to arrive looking as though you are struggling to carry everything.

Perfume

The general rule of thumb is not to wear perfume and to go for a very lightly fragranced or non-fragranced deodorant. Scents can linger in the room and interviewers find this difficult when they have several candidates to see throughout the day.

After the interview you want them to remember you, your personality and of course your answers!

If you feel great on the day you will most likely come across more confident and competent. Good Luck!

Now you need to complete an application that gets you that interview!

If you need help with preparing for the content of the interview contact me.

When they pick up your CV employers only really want to know one thing – can you do the job they need done. Therefore, when writing a CV the needs of the employer should to be the focus – and all employers and job requirements are different.

Adapt the CV dependent on the job description

Many people make the mistake of sending out the same CV for every application. You do require a good CV to start with but it needs to be adjusted for each application. Go through each job description in detail underlining keywords and requirements. Note how your experience and qualifications match up and make sure your CV demonstrates this clearly. Do some research about the Company, it will give you additional information for pitching your CV.

Write an engaging Profile/Career Summary

The profile should summarise clearly your strengths, skills and experience and identify you as someone who can do the job. Use this space wisely, it could make the difference between the employer continuing to read or not. Draw attention to experience relevant to this particular job. For example if the job description mentions a required number of years experience, qualifications or skills and you have these attributes you need to state that here in a clear and concise way.

Don’t undersell yourself

When detailing your experience take care not to undersell yourself! In this section you want your experience to reflect the needs of the job description. Put the tasks or achievements most relevant to the role you are applying to at the top of any bulleted list. Where possible use ways to quantify your achievements, e.g. if working in sales “increased sales by 20% in first year” or management “led a team of 10 people”.

Address it to the correct person

No point in all that work if it doesn’t get in front of the right person. Never send a CV “To whom it concerns” or “HR Manager”. If replying to an advert make sure to use the name and title given, if none is given or if you are applying on spec ring the company and ask for the name and title of the person you should address your CV to.

Don’t forget the basics

Make sure there are no errors in spelling or grammar and that your contact details are correct. Check that employment dates match up and any gaps or career breaks are explained.

Need further help or advice?

The word networking now appears in the majority of careers and job related articles. I know I have certainly blogged about it in the past and talk to my clients about it. We have all heard the very valid reasons why we should be networking such as the hidden jobs market (the fact that up to 60% of jobs are not advertised), broadening our career options or making new business contacts.

So why do so many stand at the threshold of networking and yet find it hard to take the initial steps?

Much of the hesitation relates to a misunderstanding of what is meant by networking. There is a perception that someone who networks is using people or even coming across as desperate.

Those who feel networking is exploiting contacts are perhaps not seeing networking as it is intended. It is a two-way communication and should be initiated with a view to being mutually beneficial. Networking should be about building sustainable contacts that can be mutually beneficial over time. Perhaps you are a job seeker now but some of your contacts may find themselves job seeking or career changing a few years from now and would value your input.

If you are a job seeker you may feel vulnerable about the fact that you need a job. Remember you are not meeting contacts to ask them for a job, you are meeting them to ask their advice, to find out about what they do, how they got into working in this area, can they tell you who the best people are to talk to. Let people know about your skills, experience and the type of work you are looking for.

Most people who are willing to try it find that they get something valuable from each networking encounter. Are you still feeling reluctant to get started? careerFIT can help you plan your networking strategy and support you through the process.

Email: mary@career-fit.ie

Tel: 086 3701791

Happenstance theory does not suggest we leave career and employment decisions to chance but rather that we capitalise on chance events in order to generate opportunities.  Here are some of the ideas that I particularly like about Krumboltz work that can be helpful for career changers and job seekers.

Be alert:

Actively seek information about possible openings. Take the initiative to start conversations, get involved in new groups, attend events or find wider sources of information. Keep your eyes and ears always open regarding potential opportunities.

Be open:

Be open to different opportunities, if you hear about a job prospect don’t say no unless you have fully explored it in detail – including where it may potentially lead you.

Take action:

Taking action is often the challenging part but yet new ideas or information are of no use to us unless we take some action to see where it may lead. Take a step- by-step process to taking action. Making that phone call or starting that conversation may be difficult but if we do nothing the opportunity can be lost.

In taking some action we can have a hand in creating opportunities.

If you are experiencing obstacles to taking action consider making an appointment to discuss. (086 3701791)

Source: Luck is no accident, by, John D. Krumboltz Ph.D. & Al. S. Levin, Ed.D.

Leaving student life behind and moving into the world of work is a significant life change. Graduates bring a wealth of knowledge with them but are often unsure as to how to access opportunities. For some there may be a hesitation with crossing that threshold from student to working life. Remember that most organisations recognise this and will support new graduate employees in the transition.

Graduates report that they feel ‘stuck’ when it comes to deciding what types of jobs to apply for. It is useful to consider not knowing as a positive in this case. Not knowing means that you are also open to ideas and suggestions. Brainstorm some ideas with some of your contacts and research possibilities by checking out job descriptions. Remember that your course title does not have to match job titles. Most degrees will allow you to work in a number of diverse areas. Read job descriptions in detail before deciding whether you have the skills and qualifications required.

Looking for a job requires research, planning and follow through. Spending time on your career choice is an investment in your future. Give it attention and seek support if needed.

Top of the list is often fear. Change often provokes fear particularly when heading into a totally new venture. The hesitation is often a combination of both dreading failure and being apprehensive about success. Fearing failure is easy to understand; we all feel it, its understandable in a society that values achievement and success. We worry about it not working out, about ending up with less than we have now.

But fearing success? Yes it is often a factor too, for example many career changers ask themselves “If this goes well how will it be?”, ‘How will it impact other aspects of my life?”, “Will I be able to handle the increased responsibility or workload?” Fear is often an irrational emotion but a very human one none-the-less. If you are feeling it, face it and try to think logically about your concerns – do not let it be a barrier to creating a better life for yourself.

Having the self-confidence to make a change is also a common barrier, it can feel like a risk to put yourself out there. For those who have spent a considerable time in unhappy careers self-confidence can be a particular issue. Remember that change will be a process and with support your self-confidence will grow throughout the process – and will grow further when you are settled in a career that you love!

How your career change will be perceived by others is often high on the list of worries for career changers. Remember this is your life and this decision is about you, discuss it with those who matter to you and whose opinions you value. All other opinions are just that – opinions. What you do with your life will only impact those closest to you.

The recent recession saw many people feeling grateful to have any job, securing an income was paramount and being happy in your work a secondary concern. The economy is slowly changing and we will see opportunities for growth and movement in many industries. If you feel you need and want a career change do not let fear, lack of confidence or others hold you back.

There are many fears and concerns about re-entering the world of work. People change and the world of work has changed while they have been away from it. Many women report that they no longer feel connected to the working-woman image and feel that they will not fit back in. They worry about the impact on the family, and the many schedules to be coordinated. There is often concerns that qualifications and skills are out of date or a little rusty. Add to this the very practical concerns about producing a CV and the notion of presenting at interview and many will disregard the idea of returning before they give it a try.

All of these concerns can be overcome with support and planning. The majority of women who make the transition are happy that they did. Many find it useful to start by making a complete list of all the benefits they would get from returning to paid employment. A list of the challenges will be necessary too in order to plan but it is good to start with the positives.