Exclusive to online, Hayley shares her top tips for getting back on the job ladder...
1. Realism
Have a clear definition of what you are capable of achieving, be realistic in your aspirations, think about all the things in which you have succeed in the past, and utilise these in order to map out a future goal. Remember any previous experience you may have gained whilst in employment that has given you these skills, be it communication, cash handling, stock replenishment, working to targets and deadlines etc.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses
Be honest with yourself and identify exactly just what your strengths are, elaborate on these in any communication with a prospective employer, be aware also of your weaknesses, do not emphasise them just use them as a personal tool in which to describe your willingness to learn and accept any training that may be on offer.
3. Transferable skills
Think of the many skills that you have gained whilst being in the home, this is especially valuable to someone who has been unemployed for quite some time such as a stay at home parent who is returning to the labour market. These skills include negotiation, budgeting, time management, and prioritising. Believe it or not these skills are used every day and are valuable assets to a prospective employer.
4. Marketability
Remember first impressions count! Think about how you are perceived by others. Ask a friend to be brutally honest regarding your appearance, imagine you are an employer what exactly would you be looking for? Interview clothes don't have to cost a fortune, smart interview clothes can now be bought in supermarkets for around £30.00 this would provide you with a suit and a shirt or blouse. If this isn't an option ask a friend or family member who is the same size to help you out, alternatively check out the local charity shops as bargains can always be found. If you have enough time before your interview, contact your local Job centre who may be able to access a discretionary fund to help provide you with suitable attire.
5. Voluntary work
If you have little or no work experience, think about doing some voluntary work, this is especially useful if you have been in full time education. So many skills can be learnt in these kinds of environments, eg: if you love animals look at your local RSPCA, for those who love the outdoors try your local garden centre or alternatively if you are hoping to gain employment within the retail sector look at clothing charity establishments. The skills learnt in such environments not only enrich your knowledge, but can enrich the lives of others. By doing this you can gain a valuable reference, it will get you out and into a working environment, and looks great on your C.V, it also shows you have given something of yourself which speaks volumes to a prospective employer about your character.
6. Go out and find it
Employers are looking for the right candidate, save them the time and expense of advertising, and go find them! This shows initiative and a keen desire to progress. Go dressed smartly to establishments where you have identified you would be keen to gain employment, ask to speak to the Manager, offer them a copy of your C.V, who knows there may not be a current vacancy but if you impress them enough they will put you on file and may contact you when a vacancy does arise.
7. C.V
This is a document that enables you to sell yourself to a prospective employer, it is not about fancy boxes and margins it's about content. Make it too elaborate, long and difficult to read and the employer will become confused, distraction and boredom will ensue and it will land on the NO pile. If you are applying for a position that involves portraying a certain image eg: Beauty consultant, don't be afraid to attach a passport sized photograph and image is very important in this particular field and if they like what they see, you might just get an interview. Remember to use only top quality paper, a nice watermarked cream will feel and look different to a standard white printing paper&great for the kids homework but not for gaining employment. Make sure you include everything on your C.V especially if you have little work history, if you were in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and achieved awards for this then put it down, if you were a member of a club or society put it down, if you were in the Territorial Army put it down, these interests show you have focus, commitment and determination, which are valuable qualities to an employer.
