Hiring managers receive a large number of CVs for every vacancy they advertise. For this reason, job seekers can often end up being categorised. It could be based on experience, ambitions or how they try to land a job. We’ve listed the seven most common job seeker types below.
The Spammer
This job seeker will send the same CV to every single job listing they find that seems even slightly suitable for them. Due to the high volume of jobs they apply for, it’s likely they will get a call for an interview or two. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that they will secure the job they want due to their indiscriminate approach. Disappointment is highly likely to follow.
If you find that you are this kind of job seeker, remember that employers want to feel that their position is the only one you really want. An indiscriminate approach will not show them this. It also won’t show them that you are the best person for the job.
Take time to tailor your CV for each job and stop the spam!
The Undercover Agent
It can be easy for this job seeker to feel embarrassed by using their achievements to promote them as a candidate. However, this does not help their application as their skills can often be so well hidden that the employer does not see them.
Admittedly, you will not come across as a person who is full of themselves. Unfortunately, it will not stand to you if the employer has to survey your application to understand it.
Remember to value yourself and your abilities as an employee in your CV. This will show the employer that you are confident and know your worth as well as make it easy for them to understand the CV. Don’t be afraid to highlight your skills and achievements. Be proud of them!
The Job Hopper
Job Hopper’s CV is filled with work experience, which is great. However, the jobs are often random and have no correlation to each other. Unfortunately, having so many different jobs in different fields and not a lot of time spent in each job won’t reflect well on you as a candidate for a job.
Before applying to more jobs, it’s a good idea to really think about what job you want. Be sure to find something you think you’ll stick at and that greatly interests you. There are many ways to secure your dream job. Why not go for it?
In the meantime, try to reorganise your CV to focus on skills rather than experience. You can also use your cover letter to explain why you are a Job Hopper. You may have a perfectly acceptable reason why you are, so don’t be afraid to say it.
Pinocchio
This job seeker is always too good to be true. Making it out that you have done everything needed for the job and have all of the necessary qualifications and credentials to go along with it will have the adverse reaction you think it will.
There are no positives to becoming a Pinocchio job seeker and it can have serious consequences. Should you be found out to be lying, (which you more than likely will), you will have fraudulent misrepresentation on your record.
Instead of the lies, be honest with your application. Use your legit achievements, skills and work experiences to show who you are as a person. In the end, you’ll only feel like a fool trying to pretend you’re something you are not.
The Newbie
This isn’t necessarily a bad reflection on you as a candidate. It just means that you have recently left school and have little or no work history in the field you’re applying for. Aside from your youth and energy, there is not much to indicate how you will perform as an employee. An employer takes a chance by taking your CV up.
Use your application to list any and everything you can. It’s better to have much and be able to edit it down than to have too little. Keep it professional and tell them what you will add to the company.
The Shape Shifter
Instead of upgrading a role in their current job, this job seeker looks to move into a different role or industry. Unfortunately, it is not an easy thing to do. Hiring managers will admire your dedication and passion, but your lack of experience will not stand to you.
There will be plenty of candidates applying for the same role who have years of experience in the field. Use your CV to explain why you’re interested in moving into this field and how your skills will help you to transition smoothly.
The Emmental
Finally, this job seeker has many gaps in their CV. Some are by choice while others are a necessity. While these gaps aren’t ideal to employers as they could show you are unreliable, it will show them that this role really appeals to you as a candidate.
Make sure to have good explanations to the holes in your experience and even list them in your CV. You can also use your cover letter to expand on them if needed. Focus on the skills you’ve learned both during your time working and your career breaks.
Which job seeker are you? Let us know down in the comments!
CVs are essential for landing your dream job. However, cover letters help to reinforce your suitability for the job you’re applying for. Some people may not think they’re relevant, but they are certainly necessary for the job application process. You should always include one, even if it does not specify that it’s needed. Here is how to put the perfect cover letter together.
Your cover letter is essentially the first page of your CV. In a succinct and clear way, it will explain why you should be invited for an interview. You will be able to show employers that you can express yourself through the written word through a well put together cover letter.
Regardless of what position you’re in when writing the cover letter, for example a part-time worker, student or someone looking for a career change, it’s essential for you to show that you are the perfect fit for their job. Cover letters are a testimony for you by you.
When creating your cover letter, make sure to use the same grade and colour paper as your CV. Type your letter up and print it out. Only handwrite it if the job description specifically asks for it.
Try to keep it to one side of an A4 sheet. Write everything in your own words. It’s important to keep your cover letter clear and concise. Try to not repeat what you’ve already said in your CV. Make sure your spelling and grammar are perfect.
Try to be as engaging as possible and keep the reader interested. Take time to find out the name of the person who will be reading the letter and address it to them. Show that you have some understanding of the company. Suggest reasons why you fit the role. It’s also important to include when you can start.
The structure of the letter is also important. Generally speaking, if you address it to a person, for example, Ms Murphy, you must end the letter as “Yours sincerely”. However, if you start it with “Dear Sir or Madam”, it needs to end with “Yours faithfully”.
Start off the letter with the job you’re applying for, where you found the job and when you are available to start. Use the second letter to say why you’re interested in the job and why the company attracts you.
After this, mention your strengths and how they could add to the organisation and relate your skills and experience to the job. Finally, thank the employer for taking the time to read your application and that you hope to hear from them soon.
Remember, a poorly written cover letter could cost you your dream job, so it’s essential to take time out to do it properly.
After this, you’re ready to move on to creating your CV. Check out this post about how to nail your it.
Got any more tips for us? Let us know down in the comments!
During a job interview, you will want to sell yourself to the employer. Because of this, you won’t want to say anything that may reflect badly on you. However, being honest with your answers may open more doors for you than close them. An example of questions like this is “What are your weaknesses?”
While there is technically no correct way to answer this question, there is a wrong way. In fact, there are many wrong ways to answer this question. The most common wrong answer is simply not being genuine. Pretending that your weaknesses are not relevant is also not the right way to go about answering this question.
The first thing to remember is that you’ve been called to an interview based on your CV. This means that the interviewer has read about you and your skillset. They may already have an idea of where your weaknesses lie. Use this time to contextualise them.
What your CV says could actually help you to answer this question. Focus your weakness on previous experience or gaps in your CV rather than to you as a person. You want to be honest with the employer without putting them off you as a viable candidate. For example, avoid saying that you are stubborn.
The second thing to consider is the job description. Using one of the key points they’ve listed will show that you’re genuine, as well as showing them that you understand the role. However, be careful not to pick one of the points that could be a dealbreaker.
However, use step two as a way to move into step three which is to show them that you’re working on them. This will show them that you’re committed to growing as an employee and a person. Lifelong learners are much more attractive to employers than someone who will never aim to do better.
Be confident and honest with your answer. Do not apologies for it as it’s not a confession to the employer. Showing them that improvements are underway will ultimately look better for you. Where possible, finish up your answer with a question. This tactic will steer the conversation back to what you can do.
Don't let the question intimidate you. No one is perfect, but you can still be the perfect person for the job.
Certain answers may add a red flag to your interview.
Phrases like this will make you sound insincere. Do not use the “perfectionist” line or tell them that you work “too hard”. Avoid lines that may make you seem hard to work with such as getting frustrated with others who don’t pull their weight or that you sweat the small stuff. Don’t say that you don’t have any and definitely don’t say anything that has no relevance to the job.
Got any more advice? Let us know down in the comments. Next, check out our list of questions you might be asked in your interview here!
It’s important to remain calm and confident during job interviews, even when you get stuck on a question. You won’t know exactly what questions the interviewer will ask you, but there a few common ones that you can prepare for. These questions could come up in a variety of ways. Even if they're not asked, you can work the answers into anything. Here are some interview questions you may be asked.
This is a common opening question for interviews. It’s a good opportunity for the employer to find out about you, and to put you on the spot to see how you will react. The best way to answer this question is to briefly talk about education, interests in the field and work experience for two to three minutes.
The employer is giving you the freedom to introduce yourself, and you should absolutely take hold of this. However, remember to stay on topic. Do not give them your entire life story or add in unprofessional details.
2. What are your weaknesses?
Try to not kid yourself with this one. Everyone has weaknesses, just as everyone has strengths. Avoid using the cliché “perfectionist” line. Use this question to show how you are trying to improve yourself. Be honest and tell them your weakness before telling them how you’ve addressed it and how you’re trying to strengthen it. Check out our post on how to answer this question.
3. Why should you get the job?
This question is essentially an opportunity to sell yourself for the position. There will be many other candidates and of course, you want to show them you’re the best. Read up on the job description beforehand and use your experience as well as your skillset to show you’re the right fit. Tell them how you handled similar situations in your old job and how it benefited the employer or company.
4. What are your salary expectations?
This is certainly an uncomfortable question, but it’s incredibly common. It’s always a good idea to have an answer prepared so that you’re not put on the spot. The last thing you want is to say you’ll expect too little or too much.
It’s important to remember that this is only the first step to the hiring process so there is no need to try to negotiate. If you’re unsure of what salary is suitable, you can find a salary checker online as well as charts of the average salary in the country. The easiest way to answer this is “I’m looking for ….”.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Use this question to show that you’re ambitious and forward-thinking. It’s important to tailor all your questions to the company and job position, but this one in particular.
For entry-level positions, tell them how you would like to see yourself progress with them. For more senior positions, use this question to explain how you would like to move the company forward. Doing your research on the company as well as their objectives will help you with this.
6. Do you have any questions?
The answer to this question is always “Yes”. Always have a question or a few prepared to ask the employer. Saying “No” may make you seem uninterested in the position or the company. However, remember to keep them relevant to the job or the company.
Landing an interview for your dream job can be incredibly exciting, but also nerve-wracking. Pre-interview nerves are completely normal and indeed, expected. It’s important to remain confident on the outside. Here are some tips on how to remain calm during interviews.
First of all, make sure to tell yourself to breath and relax. Repeat. Being anxious before an interview is inevitable and it’s important to acknowledge it. Tell yourself that it will be okay and that you will nail it.
As well as this, pay attention to your body language. Be sure to make and maintain eye contact, sit up straight and to resist the urge to fidget. Speak slowly and think about your answers. It’s absolutely okay, and in fact it’s recommended, to pause for thought.
Focus on the positives of the interview. For example, make sure to tell yourself that you were invited to the interview for a reason. The employer already likes you and can see you fitting in with the company. Even if you don’t get the job, the interview is a great experience and an opportunity to get better.
Secondly, prepare for the interview. Once you’ve prepared and practised answers for the interview, you will be able to minimise the awkward moments or impulsive answers. This being said, you won’t be able to predict every question so it’s important to not panic when something you haven’t prepared comes up.
The more you have rehearsed in advanced, the better. You will have fewer occasions of “winging it” and will feel more relaxed as a result.
Next, remember that an interview is not an interrogation. It is a conversation between you and the employer. They will be assessing your suitability for the job and the company through your skills and experience. Despite the fact that most questions will be based around this, the bond between you both is also important.
While maintaining your professionalism, it’s good to be light-hearted and compatible with the person you are speaking to. Don’t rattle off your answers word for word, but make them conversational and anecdotal. Move from point to point naturally.
It’s good to chat with the employer but be sure to keep it entirely professional. Do not give them any unnecessary personal or intimate details.
Remember that those interviewing you are humans too. Don’t think of them as their official title or as someone who wants to quiz you. Don't let them intimidate you. Chances are they are nervous too and want to make a good impression on you.
More often than not, interviewers will be aware of the anxiety or stress felt by the candidates. They will be used to one or two minor slip-ups and probably won’t think too much about it as they know that you too are only human.
Finally, take it easy on the caffeine. While some people drink coffee to perk them up, it’s not a good idea to depend on it for your interview. Drinking a couple of cups of coffee could have a negative effect on you and have you feeling even jittery than you did before.
Caffeine can make you physically shake, and can also increase your heart rate. This means that you may sweat more and no one wants to shake a sweaty palm.
Have an early night before the interview instead. This way you will be naturally rested and energised and won’t depend on coffee to get you going.
Next, check out this list of common interview mistakes to avoid!
It can feel daunting to return to work after a career break. You will need to refresh your CV as well as getting to grips with the industry again. Your interview skills may also feel a bit rusty after a break in your career. It’s important to brush up on these skills and land the job you want. Here are the top interview tips for returning to work.
Research
It’s easy to fall out of the loop in terms of industry news or process updates when you’re not working. However, you can really stand out to your employers if you do your research to show you’ve stayed on top of it, even if you haven’t.
Familiarising yourself with the industry again is actually not as difficult as you may think. The first step is to sign up to newsletters or blogs related to your job and the industry. This means that you can gain knowledge on a daily basis and be kept up to date. You could also follow employers or well-known bodies or people in the field on social media.
It’s important to research the field when it comes to any interview. You will be able to answer questions as well as demonstrating your passion for the field. Conducting your research will show your dedication to getting back to work.
CV
Unfortunately, CVs will not be relevant forever. You will need to update it all of the time. It’s essential to tailor it to every job that you apply for. This is especially relevant if you are returning to work after a career break.
You could start to refresh your CV by adjusting the font and layout. This will help you to brush up on your skills and previous experiences while you do it. Next, add your most recent job experiences as well as any courses or volunteer work you may have taken up during the break.
Shave down your CV by removing any irrelevant information. This will leave space for you to explain the reasons for the gap in your employment. Here is our guide on how to master this.
First Impressions
Like any job interview, first impressions are very important. While it can be hard to come back into the working world, it’s essential to be confident. Preparing for any interview is important, but especially if you have been on a career break. Brush up on potential questions, but also the basics.
Be sure of where the interview will be held, how long it will take to get there and what you need to bring. Some things to consider bringing are a copy of your CV, a pen and notepad and examples of work if possible.
If you are running late due to traffic etc, let the employer know. Contact them directly if you can, but phone the company reception if not.
What you want to know about them
The main idea of an interview is for the employer to find out if you’re the right fit for their company. However, you will also have the opportunity to find out more about them. Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation.
Feel free to ask them questions about company culture, working environment, team dynamics and beyond. Career prospects, the position itself and the responsibilities you will be required to undertake are also potential questions.
Prepare at least three questions for the employers in advance. This will show that you are interested in and committed to the role, as well as demonstrating that you are a great thinker. Just be sure to keep it relevant.