One of the very best ways to improve your personal finances is to get yourself a better job. With better pay and better benefits, you can enjoy life a little bit more and have more money to spend on the things that you love. But how do you go about getting yourself that dream job? We take a look at the steps you need to take to give yourself the best possible chance to get that fantastic new role.
Where To Find Jobs To Apply For
If you’ve not applied for a job for a number of years, you may be a little out of touch as to how to go about it. Unlike years ago, where you would look in newspapers and maybe at the jobcentre, nowadays it is all about online. According to leading job site Total Jobs, the most popular ways to find a job are as follows:
- 57%: General Recruitment Websites – This includes websites such as CV Library, Total Jobs and Indeed.com.
- 45%: Recruitment Agencies
- 24%: Professional Networking Sites – Sites such as Linkedin.
- 18%: Industry Specific Recruitment Websites – Many industry sectors will have specialist, niche job boards.
- 17%: Social Media – For example: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
- 16%: Local/National Press – Although not nearly as popular as yesteryear, this includes looking at both national and local press for employment opportunities.
- 15%: Recommendations From Family/Friends/Colleagues – Sometimes job opportunities are uncovered during conversations with close friends and relatives.
- 15%: Corporate Company Website
Once you’ve applied for some jobs, hopefully, you’ll have at least one interview to attend. However, if you’ve not had an interview for some time (or ever), then we’ve got some great advice on how to prepare.
Unless it’s a last-minute interview, you’ll almost always have a week or at least a few days beforehand to prepare. This time should be used wisely, and whilst you may find yourself getting nervous and stressed, this will decrease the more preparation you do.
During this time, you need to start doing your research. Whatever type of role you are going for, showing that you have done your research in an interview is a really positive sign to your interviewers. Start with the company website and build up a good general knowledge of the company. Then, check out relevant trade websites and publications to give yourself a wider knowledge of the market(s) they operate in and general industry news. Take a good look at their competitor websites too. Also, think about what sort of questions will be asked of you and how you will answer them.
The Day Before your Interview
When it gets to the day before your interview, you should have done plenty of research on its markets and thought about the type of questions you will be asked. That means on the day before your interview. Then, you can concentrate on some of the more practical elements of a successful interview.
Print a couple of copies of your CV off. Of course, your interviewer will already have a copy, but having one of your own to refer to can be very useful. Also, take copies of any documentary evidence of your achievements.
Check your transport options. If you are going by car, do you have enough petrol? Do you know where you are going? Are there any planned roadworks? If you’re using public transport, do you know the exact bus or train you to need to get and at what time? Meticulous transport planning will ensure that you don’t have to worry about getting there on time on the day.
The day before, you should shower and wash your hair as well as preparing your interview clothing. You’ll be glad if, for whatever reason, you get up late!
The Day Of Your Interview
The big day has finally arrived, so you should get up early and give yourself plenty of time to get your head together, get ready and prepare properly. Getting up early gives you time to have a proper breakfast too. Being hungry during an interview can be a big distraction and can affect your concentration.
After that, if you’ve done all your preparation properly, it’s simply a case of getting on with it. Try to enjoy the experience because it’s not a test or an exam. It’s an opportunity for you to exhibit why you are the best candidate for the role. So smile, be confident, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of securing the job and improving those finances.