On The Spot - February 2009
Welcome to this month’s edition of “On the Spot”
SPOTlight on: February
Hoping all Domino clients are coping well in the current crop of “adverse weather” as the Met Office likes to phrase it. One thing is sure that these inclement conditions won’t be with us for long and spring will shortly follow winter as it does every year. Even now, a few snowdrops and daffodils are shyly poking their heads above ground and the bolder birds are making tentative plans to get started on their nests. This whole scenario could well be a metaphor for the present economic climate. We’ve been here before and, without doubt, better times are around the corner, though it remains uncertain as to when that corner will be turned. Whether you’re switching career, looking for promotion or trying to find your first professional job, use this temporary lull to get ready for the off. That could be a little way ahead or it could be tomorrow, because, despite what the media would have you believe, some firms ARE still recruiting.
So if your CV needs a little attention, give it a revamp BEFORE the job of your dreams pops into your inbox. If you need to research the sector which you hope to join, do a little probing under the surface now: the internet is the obvious possibility, but don’t neglect trade journals and professional institutions as further sources of information. Prepare yourself for the rigours of application forms and interviews by doing a skills audit – identifying and evidencing your many talents in a way that will make you stand out from the common herd. And if, in the course of this exercise, you realise that your interview skills are rusty - or indeed, non existent - it’s worth remembering that here practice DOES make perfect. There are plenty of books that you can buy which will help you get to grips with the toughest grilling and, of course, Domino will be delighted to provide a mock interview, plus feedback, over the phone.
Tempting as it may be to hibernate through the next few weeks, work on the bright eyed, bushy tailed approach. Or, as dear old Baden Powell once said – “ be prepared”. A little spadework now will ensure that you are in pole position in the jobs race as and when recruitment starts getting back on track.
Hidden Assets
Following on from the above, let me introduce you to a cheap (nay, usuallyfree) and readily available source of hidden careers information. Your local reference library is likely to contain the following aids to job hunting
- some of the self help books mentioned above
- most of the “trade” journals ditto
- newspapers of both the local and regional variety
- prepaid licenses and subscriptions for all kinds of research websites which are normally beyond the reach (or the pocket) of ordinary mortals
- staff who are ready and, for the most part, willing to help find the most appropriate resources
- free internet access, should you be temporarily or permanently without a cyber companion.
Nowadays we tend to rush to the internet’s reassuring embrace rather than look any further afield, but it’s not the sole source of information, nor indeed, the most reliable. So don’t neglect the library on your doorstep or your campus (the uni library is not just a place to bag the books on your reading list). And, if you’re a city dweller, look around for specialist resources such as business libraries. Just one thing though: remember that, in this context, speech is silver, but silence is golden. Shhhh.
This Month’s Nugget Of Information
My spies tell me that there are still some shortage occupations out there. For instance, if you are looking to the financial sector, compliance and due diligence are less likely to be oversubscribed than the apparently sexier fields of broking or trading. Hardy outdoor types will be heartened to hear that landscape architecture has a shortfall of good candidates for well paid work. Sectors looking for “hard” skills include specialist business functions and some engineering disciplines.
The problem here may not necessarily be a lack of applicants - but a dearth of good candidates with strong motivation, sound skills and knowledge that they can market at interview. It’s important to show that you can both “talk the talk” AND “walk the walk”, otherwise your application will be wasted, even in areas that are fighting to attract jobseekers.
Dear Aggie: our agony aunt has the answers.
Zodiac Sign of the month - Aquarius
Your average Aquarian is made of stern stuff – positive, extrovert, a free spirit and an idealist, with strong leadership qualities. But, Mr or Ms Water Bearer, don’t sabotage all of this by coming across as too wet for words…..
Unlike your correspondent in December my problem is not getting interviews, but succeeding at them. I’ve had 10 so far, but have not actually been offered work. Feedback indicates that although I look good on paper, I can’t sell myself in person. Any tips?
This is a common malaise for both graduates and job changers. Perhaps it’s something deep in the collective psyche that makes people underplay their achievements at interview. Typically they will be over modest and attribute any success to good fortune or a team effort. Always remember that it’s about “me, me, me” not “we, we, we.” Try to use positive terminology and strong examples of language about yourself – ruthlessly excise sorry and soggy phrases such as “I feel I did x well” or “I may have contributed”. Tentative or what? Zap them with clear and decisive examples of your accomplishments. As to that old chestnut about strengths and weaknesses, a widespread error is to focus on the latter at the expense of the former. As a rule of thumb, you have just one weakness (and make sure it’s a “allowable” or not a serious impediment to your potential) and many, many virtues.
You might want to invest in your own information to help your preparation for interviews. Take a look at the Recommended Reading section of our web site for several excellent books in the CVs and applications section. Just a click will take you direct to Amazon to make your purchase.
In the words of the old song, “accentuate the positive” and you’ll find that your luck will turn.