How to manage the Job Hunt and keep positive!

Jane BurnsSept. 7, 2013

WHAT NEXT!!• You have the power to get

over the first hurdle• Understanding the process

will help you prepare better• Help potential employers

find you• Some tips to get you there• How to stay motivated

Perception and then Reality

The Hunt…. Finally the perfect job for me….. The Reality

Understanding the Process1. Usually the first person who reads your CV may not really

know about the role or background of applicants2. For every job advertised there is a minimum of 70

applications3. Job Specs are often written as a Wish List or written poorly4. Your role is make sure your CV gets past point 15. You have to demonstrate you understand the role and how

you can deliver/solve the problem

What the Employer Wants1. Can this person do the job?2. Will they evolve with the job?3. Will this person fit in? Critical

for teamwork, collaborations, projects.

4. If over qualified will they leave when something better comes along?

5. Will they aggravate me? Dilbert Comics

How you can help1. Apply for jobs you are suitable for or

be able to demonstrate transferable skills.

2. Demonstrate your value as an employee, use experiences, coursework, volunteer work

3. If you are over qualified say it- but then say why you want the job and how you will commit.

4. Be professional from the 1st encounter- this includes the application process.

How you can help1. Review Job Specifications thoroughly

• Visual analysis• Job Spec table• DO NOT send application in within minutes of it being

advertised!

2. Standard CV that gets customized for each role3. Fresh Cover letter, matching points in job spec for each application4. A professional submission5. Understand from the employers perspective

Visual Analysis-Do I match the profile?

http://www.libraryjobs.ie http://www.tagxedo.com

Visual Analysis-Do I match the profile?

http://www.libraryjobs.ie http://www.tagxedo.com

Job Specification Table

Cover Letter – a Foot in the door• Address to the right person• Re: This Amazing Job• Hit every single point in the

mandatory field• Explain transferable skills• Triple check everything, esp. Job

Title• Don’t include Social Media unless

you want to highlight your prescence

Keeping Motivated• Employers don’t know your

back story- approach each interview fresh!

• Keep a log of time spent on applications, interviews, etc.

• ALWAYS ask for feedback• Don’t limit your scope for jobs• Go to talks, events, force

yourself to be with people• Be kind to yourself…when the

interview is over don’t replay!

• Research• Project Manager• Developing

Databases• Publishing• Information

Officer• Websites/Blogs• Desk Top

Publishing• Writer• Digital Imagery• Digitisation

• Taxonomy• Meta Data Dev.• Training• Social Media• Seminars • Archival• Information

Literacy•  Content

Development

Closing thoughts and Reflections• This is only one part of your life at this one time• You are employable- it is a very tough market• You have not wasted your education• You have the ability and power to help yourself• Reflect in a detached way when rejected• You have choices- taking a break should be one of them• We must be mindful of each other- lots of support

janeaburns@gmail.com