What Our Top Employers tell us THEY are looking for:

Applications

The golden rule here is to make it as easy as possible for the harassed HR officer sifting through the applications to identify you as a “must-see” for interview. That means:-

-         Always, always read the job and person specifications for the post thoroughly;

-         Make your form legible – if they can’t read it, employers aren’t going to know what a great asset you’d be. If you can’t make it look the part by hand – get it typed;

-         Don’t just say you have the relevant experience – provide details of what you have done to demonstrate it;

-         Be systematic – answer each and every criteria in the person and job specifications with concrete examples ;

-         Don’t exaggerate – you’ll only be found out; but its just as important not to under-sell yourself and to think creatively.

-         If you don’t have paid work experience in a particular area – is there anything you do as voluntary work or in your personal life that demonstrates you have the necessary skills? Looking after children on your own? Juggling part-time work and a college course? These could be examples of effective time management skills.

-         Never say “Refer to CV” on your application form – most organisations in the not for profit sector favour application forms over CVs – always answer each section.

-         Find ways to show you are a “team player” as well as examples where you have shown real initiative;

-         Ask your referees in advance to be courteous and so they are prepared.  Make sure they are the most relevant to discussing your work or personal skills.

Interviews

We can’t tell you the magic ingredient, which will get you that job but we can remind you of the basics!

-         Be smart and Be Prepared

-         If you are unsure where the interview is going to be held, try and find it in advance of your interview day

-         Arrive early so you are not anxious about getting there on time

-         If you have been asked to give a presentation, make sure you take copies to leave behind with the interview panel and that you have booked equipment at the interview

-         Try to be relaxed and yourself –

-         Make good eye contact and try to engage ALL the members of the panel

-         Listen to what you are being asked – and if you are unsure, don’t worry about asking to hear the question again;

-         Be concise but be prepared to go into a little more detail about the points you have made in your application

-         Do your homework about the organisation to whom you are applying – the internet and organisations exploitation of new media means it is sometimes very easy to get hold of a wide range of information

-         Doing your homework means you are more likely to be able to ask them questions – about the post, about the organisation, about the potential for development within the organisation.

-         Even if you don’t have every skill or quite as much experience as employers are looking for, if you think this is the job for you & you have enough experience to have something to offer – go for it. Sometimes employers can’t get everything they asked for – and your enthusiasm might just tip the balance in your favour.

-         Always ask for constructive feedback, if you don’t get the job. If you got to the interview stage, and assuming your application is accurate – then you are doing really well. Feedback can help you modify your technique, apply for slightly different roles or make you feel really good about being considered a strong candidate among a very strong field.