We all know that the market is not as busy as it was six months ago and there is now greater competition when applying for both contract and permanent positions. It is more important than ever to make sure that you communicate effectively with potential employers throughout the whole application process from initially identifying where you would like to apply, to producing a resume that will open the door to an interview, through to the actual interview and follow up.

Here are a couple of pointers that we would recommend to assist you through this process. 


Identifying where vacancies may be

There are many avenues at your disposal to identify who may be recruiting including job boards, network of friends, ex colleagues, agencies, newspapers, previous clients or “door knocking”.  Always track where and what you have applied for. Always send a cover letter and resume that is specifically tailored to individual applications. If you can address your application to an individual, it will demonstrate that you are not simply blasting off your resume to everyone and you have done your homework.
Do your research on the company and the industry that they operate in.


What to do

Contract or permanent work? We would always advise caution if leaving a permanent position for contract work, however, if you are immediately available why not consider contract AND permanent options? Contract work can provide flexibility, good returns and often a long-term employment option. It may also lead to a salaried position if that is your preference, and it certainly does not put you in a bad light. What ever you do commit to it! Remember the market is smaller than you think and you never know who knows whom if you leave someone in the lurch.
What Salary? We have come out of an inflated market where there has been pressure on salaries from an employer’s point of view. During the inflated market there was a greater range in what two people with the same skills, doing the same job may have been paid. This range is becoming smaller again with that upper rates reducing. As such, what may have paid $90,000 12 months ago may now pay $80,000. Current salaries and rates appear to have recently reduced anywhere between 0% and 8%.
The actual position; be realistic but do not sell yourself short, apply for positions that are applicable to you and your skills. If you have not had the appropriate experience then do not apply. Remember, when using an agency you can register your details for any future positions that may come up, it does not have to be for a specific role.


Cover letter

Do not use a generic letter; make sure it is specifically tailored to the actual role and company that you are applying for. Highlight where your skills are in relation to the role / company and where you can make a contribution. Other important factors are:

1/  Try and address it to the person responsible for the recruitment or the decision maker, be it a Director or HR
2/  Do not make it too long, one page will be enough and always add a resume.
3/  If you are putting an email address on, make sure it is professional!
4/  Make sure that the spelling and grammar is correct, first impressions count
5/  Clearly state why you are applying for the role
6/  Keep away from negative information


Resume and Portfolio

Your resume and portfolio is essentially a sales document and you should treat it as such when you are deciding what to put in it. Whilst you have to be honest, be prepared to promote yourself.

The basic layout will include your contact details, qualifications (including where and when you were awarded them), registration details and awards or specific accolades and recognitions, then employment history followed by referees (make sure you have spoken to the referees you have listed). 

Make sure that your resume is easy to read and concise. When formatting your resume make sure that there are enough white spaces, do not over crowd or complicate it with interesting designs. Remember your portfolio will demonstrate your creativeness and this is simply about communicating what your experience has included.


Content of Your Resume and Portfolio

Put your employment history in chronological order with the most recent first.  Include months as well as years. Remember 2007 – 2008 may mean you have been employed for one or two years at a company.

List specific projects, their location, value and what your duties have been. Include information such as how many direct reports you have had and the software you were using. You may have worked on many project types so make sure that you have given yourself a good sample. You may wish to highlight different projects for different applications and companies.

When emailing your resume do not send overly large files with your portfolio attached. Someone will be receiving this and will not appreciate you clogging up their email!

Remember to spell check!
Remember to spell check!
Remember to spell check!
And do not use abbreviations, as this is a formal document.

Make sure your portfolio is organised and tailored to the position and company. Make sure it contains work that you have done, for example, there is no point in showing beautiful construction details that someone else has produced, however, the one exception to this is if you would like to include a 3d image or photo to put the project into context. If you feel that you have too much to bring, bring a sample and ask the interviewer what they would like to see. Would they like you to present it or would they like to take control and look through your work as they please?

If you are concerned that your portfolio is not appropriate please contact your consultant and they will be able offer feedback.

 
Interviews

Congratulations!!! You have made it to the interview stage, the more enjoyable part of the process and a chance to find out about the business and communicate what you have done. Make sure you are not running late, there is nothing worse than arriving stressed, hot and flustered. Aim to present yourself between 5 – 10 minutes before the arranged time. Be nice to everyone as you may not be aware of exactly who he or she is and who may be asked an opinion on you! Look professional, act professional, dress professionally but be yourself.
 
Your resume and portfolio is ready but make sure you are really familiar with it. Can you talk through it easily?  Have you thought about what questions you may be asked and what you would like to ask them?

Below we have included some typical questions that you may want to consider.

Tell me about yourself
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
What do you know about our practice / projects?
What are your reasons for applying?
What are your future career objectives?
What interests you most / least about this job?
How do you cope with pressure? Be ready to give examples.
What are your greatest achievements? Be ready to give examples
Describe your own personality. Be yourself.
What salary are you looking for? Do your homework.


Questions you may want to ask them

Why is this position vacant?
Who would I report to?
What will my responsibilities be?
Will this position entail traveling?
How soon will you decide on the appointment?
What is the next step?


Types of interviews

There are several different types of interviews, however, they will change in nature depending on who you are due to meet and for what type of position.

Unstructured Interview

This is the most common format and will involve a more relaxed two-way conversation and discussion in order to obtain the required information. Being well prepared about your previous experience will be important because although the conversation seems very relaxed the interviewer will be looking for details that highlight your skills, personality, and cultural fit for the role.

Behavioral and Situational Interviews

They are very similar to each other. A behavioral interviewer will ask you to describe how you handled various situations in your previous role. The focus here is on your experience and its relevance to the position that you have applied for. It is a good idea to prepare a few examples of challenging situations that you have had to deal with and how you responded. Even if there was a negative component demonstrate what you learnt thereby turning it into a positive.

Situational interview are the same but uses hypothetical questions that are based on skills and personality traits. This will always be accompanied by a detailed position description. Use this to prepare examples and answers.

Panel Interview

These will normally be seen in larger businesses for more senior roles. The panel is usually compiled of interviewers from different parts of the business, therefore with a different knowledge base. Make sure you acknowledge everyone and take care to listen to each question and respond accordingly answering technical and strategic questions taking into consideration the panels background.


The offer

Generally speaking an offer will not be given during the initial interview, however, it does happen with some frequency. Do not feel that you have to accept on the spot (unless you really want to).

If you accept the position make sure that you understand if the offer includes or excludes superannuation. Confirm a start date and time and you should ask for on your first day. Sometimes you will be given a contract before the start date but often it will be ready and given to you on the first day of work, if it is the latter, then there is nothing wrong with taking it home to read and understand over night.

When declining an offer make sure you do it in a courteous and timely fashion.

If you require any further information on any of the following please contact one of the consultants at Bloomfield Tremayne.