How to get a job interview

[banesmabes 10]

Have you asked for feedback from anywhere where you've submitted your CV but have not been shortlisted for interview? This can help loads as it gives you an insight into what potential employers are actually looking for, and you can build your CV around this.

 

Also, don't use the same CV for every job and organisation. Have maybe 4 or 5 different versions that you think are suitable for different kinds of jobs/organisations. Potential employers want to see that you have put some real thought and effort into each and every application, not that you're blasting a generic CV to every company going. And I guess for the kind of job you are looking for, make it a really eye-ctaching design - but keep it simple.

 

If you are applying for a specific job and not just on spec, then ask for a job description and a person specification. Use the person specification as a guide for your CV/application. Go through every point in the person spec and outline how you meet it, giving examples of past experience. You can do this as a separate document to your CV and call it your 'Statement of Application'. Don't be afraid to use the same headings as they use on their person spec - it shows you've really thought about whether you are suitable for the job.

 

Then when you get an interview, use the job description to try and work out what questions they might ask you. Think of as many examples of your behaviour from the past that will show you will be good for the job. And don't just talk about your current job, talk about experience you have gained from previous jobs, and other aspects of your life.

[melthebell 864]

joanna the key is dont get down about it ...........just go about your day to day business and itll be fine, start getting down and you may as well kill yourself.

just dont worry about it and youll be fine......if id worried about getting a job in the last 18 years id be dead.

 

i have one now tho .........once somebody gave me a chance......then i got another lol, neither is what im trained / good at, but its a start.

 

all my qualifications / training / knowledge is in computers but i havent got a computer job ......im a painter / odd job man / caretaker / cleaner / handyman / pcb production worker in 2 factories (2 companies) for the same group of companies.

 

at the moment im working on the cnc drilling machines for pcb manufacture so i suppose its now partly computer work

[Guest]

Originally posted by Joanna

Before leaving uni, I went to get my cv sorted and talked about various options with the career advisor.

 

The thing is, there just aren't many job vacancies for what I want to do (journalism, script writing & graphic design) and getting a company to even ask me for an interview is really difficult.

 

I've got a good cv - both qualification wise and layout and a good covering letter - so what else can I do for a chance of an interview?

 

Plus I do know it's the worst time of year to get try and get a job with school leavers and graduates.

 

I'm doing what I like now, but the money is poor I've never got paid on time ever - sometimes it's 14 days late, this means I'm always using my overdraft and of course getting charged for it. There's no chance of promotion either.

 

Any tips?

 

move out of Sheffield if you are after those kind of jobs.

 

only thing I could suggest would be to try and get in with Sheffield newspapers or Exposed selling advertising and try and get contacts there. You could always write articles off of your own back and send them in and see what they say. I'm sure if you are prepared to work for free for experience they will look at you.

 

also commerial radio take on every so often in the jingle writing department and judging by Hallam's output they could use some new staff. Again if you were prepared to work for free you could stand a chance.

[Hels 10]

Sometimes one has to start at the bottom and work up, even with a degree these days it is still very difficult to walk into the perfect job.

 

It may mean you taking a job working for a particular company you want to progress with, or taking a job that is 'beneath' your skill level and working to prove yourself so that you are considered for promotion.

 

Either way, good luck.

[Joanna 10]

Thank you for all these replied. To anser some main points. My cv does have a design to it - my careers advicsor suggested that - although looking at job websites, they do suggest to keep it simple on white paper.

 

I do adapt my cv to suit the post.

 

That's a good point of "Statement of Application" which I haven't done before, so will.

 

I have considered leaving Chesterfield but don't really have enough money. It's also getting the work experience. I could never get in at The Star, I did manage at our local paper.

 

I have started at the bottom where I am now, but really want to move on. I really like the work it's really my boss that gets me down - everything is my fault all the time even though we've had quite a few dissatisfied customers - which I have nothing to do with.

 

If anyone knows how to stand up to an awkward boss, please help. My colleague also said "I don't want to come into work" because of my boss having moods all the time. It's a bad atmosphere sometimes - and a smoky one as he insists on smoking - not in our room, but the smell spreads.

[owdlad 10]

Originally posted by Joanna

 

Also, my contract says I can't be a graphic designer within a 10 mile radius of leaving my current employmnet.

 

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Check your contract of employment to see if there is a time limit on the time between you changing jobs within that ten mile radius, because very often you can get around it by simply leaving your current employment and having a week or two weeks "unemployment"

 

Good luck and keep at it.

[wendy2710 10]

Hello Guys,

 

For all job seekers, i understand the Reed jobsite is really good mainly because it is free for employers to advertise on.

If you want to post your CV where people / agy's / employers will see it and contact you then try either http://www.jobsite.co.uk or monster or hotonline.com

 

Hope that helps.

 

Also I recommend registering with an agency, even if they have no suitable vacancies for you at the moment they will put you on their data base for any future position. Also these guys are experts at employment issues and know and understand what to look for on a CV so ask one of them for tips on what employers look for and where you CV could be improved. For specialist HR, Pensions and Payrole, exce search and selection, IT and Sales, Manufacturing and Engineer position try TEK in Sheffield. 0114 252 5730.