DOES MY BUM LOOK BIG IN THIS?

Can you imagine what life would be like if we all went shopping to the same clothing store, but could only buy our dresses in one size, or one colour?

Sometimes that’s what it feels like when we are job hunting. We all go to the same websites and read the same advertisements in the newspapers. We all apply for the same jobs and get the same rejection letters. Well, someone eventually gets the job, but it may not be us!

Changing jobs is stressful, and not something we want to do regularly. Like any other major decision that we have to make, job hunting should be properly planned and well thought out.

So, where do we start?

Go back to the basics… Why are you looking for a new job? These reasons could be money, recognition, personal challenge, career development or a whole host of other things. Think about where you are most likely to get what you are aiming for. Think about the industry, the company, or even the department. Write this all down. It may take a few days for you to come up with a reasonable list. Keep it in mind as you drive to work, watch TV, play sport, read the newspaper, or whatever else you do. You will probably find company names popping into your head as you remember things you may have read or heard about in the past. As they do, ask yourself why you would want to work there, and keep a note of this too.

Now here comes the crunch – think about why a company that could offer you what you want, would want to employ you. Consider what you have to offer. Recall all your past achievements and quantify them in terms of numbers, income generated, awards won, etc. Have a really good blow on your own trumpet!



Now that you have all this information, what do you do with it and how will it help in attaining your ideal job?

That’s where a good recruiter will make the difference. Phone around in response to a few job ads and talk to some recruiters. Get a feel for who you are comfortable with and who you feel is professional. You are looking for someone who will take your prospective employer list and your list of achievements, and will do the work to find you an ideal job. In industry-speak, this is known as reverse marketing. There is no guarantee that your dream employer will have a vacancy that will suit you right now, but if your recruiter does a reasonable enough job, there is a good chance that you may be considered for future opportunities.

There are no words more powerful for a recruiter than: “I am working with a candidate who wants to work for your company”. That sentence opens door like no other. It is also an opportunity for your recruiter to introduce you in the best possible light – discussing what you are looking for and highlighting what you can do for the company.
Working in partnership with your recruiter, and planning a strategic approach to your job search is a very different approach for most people. But it does work and often gets the job you want, not just the one that is on offer.

Just try it. Never again will you have to ask: “Honey, does my bum look big in this job?”

For more information contact Xsell at www.xsell.net.au