Each of us knows this situation: the search for a new job. And most of us don't like it. To make your job search easier, below you will find our little checklist to help you on your way to your dream job.
Preparation
First Things First - in this case, it would be the ideal preparation for the job search. Why is this step so important? Well, imagine going shopping - without giving it a second thought. It would be a chaotic shopping experience and at the end you realize that you didn't buy everything you need, respectively the wrong thing. This is exactly how an unprepared job search can go. An efficient search needs a clear goal.
Location determination
"What do I want and what added value do I offer companies?" Before any application process, it is essential to determine where you stand. This will help you both in the search for job postings as well as in the applications themselves and, of course, in job interviews. Think about questions such as:
- What is my current situation with regard to my personality, skills, motivation, reasons for change and wishes for change?
- How marketable am I? (Qualifications, skills, training / further education, hard and soft skills)
- What are your goals and desires regarding activities, the company and your future life?
Once you are aware of all this, you can move on to the second step.
Types of job search
Probably the best known type is the active search through job advertisements or sending unsolicited applications. But also take advantage of the many other options available to you.
Involve your friends, family and professional network. Brush up your LinkedIn / Xing profile and let headhunters find you. Or you can contact recruiters like us directly - we'll help you find them!
Find job offers
Don't make the mistake of only applying for jobs where you meet the requirements 100%. Because this is unlikely to happen. It's perfectly okay if you don't meet everything, because very few do. It's wishful thinking on the part of companies as to what the perfect employee should look like. But don't worry, companies also take candidates who don't fit 100%. Convince them with your personality.
The application
You have found suitable job opportunities? Great! Then get to work on your applications. Job postings always describe exactly what documents are required of you.
Documents
Most often the following documents are requested from applicants:
- CV / Resume
- Cover letter and/or motivation letter
- Certificates, references and diplomas
Of course, you can now send in a standard document folder as a PDF. But let me tell you one thing: Your application must be convincing within a few seconds. Only then will recruiters consider your application.
Why not submit your application as a video? Or design the resume as a timeline and in the company's colors? Especially for professions that require creativity, extraordinary applications are almost a must. If you really want to attract attention, you can also try your hand at guerrilla applications.
But be careful: Every type of application should be designed appropriately and professionally!
Gaps in the CV
Not a nice thing, those gaps in the CV. But basically it is not a bad thing as long as you justify them. Write in the CV if they were looking for a job for a longer period of time, took care of someone or were on vacation for a longer period of time. Moreover, it is called a gap only from a duration of 3 months.
General tips
It is well known that you should submit all documents correctly and without errors. Likewise, you should not lie or exaggerate or send predefined sample applications. Also pay attention to the required format.
If you provide an e-mail address, it must be legitimate. Addresses like mausi1990@gmail.com do not go down well with recruiters.
Last but not least, the entire application folder must have a clear structure.
The interview
The next stage is the interview. Whether with a headhunter or the company directly - here, too, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Preparation is once again everything
It is best to structure your preparations thematically. Make sure that the following topics are considered:
- Gathering information about the company and the advertised job
- What are your strengths / your motivation / activities you have performed?
- Put together answers to the old familiar standard questions
- Think of 2-3 really good questions to ask
- Wash and iron your outfit best the night before the interview
- Depending on where the interview takes place, you will either need to clean up your background along with your table or find directions to the company.
To avoid stress before the interview, you can prepare everything important the night before.
Are you nervous? Ask your friends to practice with you, do relaxation exercises or go for a walk in the fresh air.
Questions, questions, questions
As you probably know, there are different types of questions you will be asked during an interview. Here you get again an overview of possible types:
1. standard questions
2. technical questions
3. stress questions (trick questions, brain teasers, provocations, analogy questions)
Whatever question you are asked, don't be put off. If you can't come up with an answer right away, don't be afraid to take a sip or say openly that you need to think for a moment. Especially with "How hard is New York?" style stress questions, it's not about a correct answer at all, but about your approach. So think out loud.
The crucial question: What are your salary expectations?
Sooner or later, the salary will play a role. This part of the interview also reveals your negotiating skills.
It is a good idea to determine the usual salary for your position, experience and industry as part of your preparations. Now you can determine your personal margin (always annual gross salary) - make sure it is realistic.
Once your guidelines are set, it's practice, practice, practice. Ask friends to play a (strict) supervisor and rehearse the negotiation with you.
Closing words
The job search doesn't always go smoothly. That's frustrating, but it's not the end of the world.
Even if it seems like you're only getting rejections, it's imperative that you stay on the ball and don't give up. The right job will come along!
Motivated to take your job search one step further? As headhunter specialists in the fields of construction and real estate, engineering and manufacturing, and digitalization, we can help you find your dream job. Feel free to contact us!