STUDENTS AND GRADUATES ENTERING THE JOB WORLD

In today’s volatile job market, we understand that students and graduates fear the world of employment. With the current unemployment rates, even among degree holders – this is a valid concern for many.

As with everything else in life, preparation is key, in order to make a smooth transition into the job world. Before you start applying to positions and sending out CV’s, ensure that you have a professional, well written CV and cover letter to accompany your application.

Landing your dream job isn’t all just about university grades, it is important to find new, unique ways to make yourself more employable, for example getting an online qualification, volunteering or even venturing off travelling.

Here are some useful tips from our experts for students and graduates to follow in order to land their dream jobs.

Use social media wisely

We recommend that you begin to build your network online. Start by creating a professional, well written and attractive LinkedIn profile. These days many recruiters and hiring managers will check LinkedIn to vet an applicant – ensure that the information provided is correct and shows you in the best possible light in order to impress potential employers. Ensure that you document all achievements, previous job roles and extra curricular activities.

LinkedIn isn’t the only social media network that recruiters and employers check – there is also a chance that they will search for you on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to gain insight. Therefore we recommend that you clean up your privacy settings, check all content, imagery etc. on these profiles.

Network, network, network

Following on from social media usage, we recommend that you begin to build your social media network with professional connections, as well as establishing an association with companies and industries that you would like to work within.

When addressing networking in the offline world, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” should be at the forefront of your mind. Each year thousands of job positions are filled through word of mouth, therefore take advantage of this. If you have a connection at a company you would love to work for, ask them to recommend you.

Try to get involved in as many networking opportunities and events as possible. Utilise this time to approach key people in your chosen industry and share with them your passion to work alongside them.

Get industry experience

When it comes to the graduate job market, industry experience is crucial. Although the thought of giving up the university holidays, or that post graduation break, in order to secure an internship might not be the most appealing. It may well lead the way to you landing your dream job.

Prospective employers find students and graduates with hands on work experience, or great internships, far more appealing than those without. It gives them the impression that you are serious about your chosen career path and future plans – it also gives you the chance to try out the industry before committing to a full time career.

Hands on industry experience allows you to apply your knowledge and skills gained through education, and apply these to the practical working world. Work experience is also a great way to build your professional network, and to gain connections within your chosen industry.

Tailor your applications

When applying for jobs we recommend that you tailor all applications. Every job will require an impressive CV during the application process, with most of said jobs requiring a cover letter accompanying your application. Although it may be tempting to send out the same CV and cover letter for multiple roles, we highly recommend that you take the time to tailor each and every application for the specific role.

The purpose of a CV and cover letter are not simply about giving a clear picture of who you are and what experience you have, it is also about showing how you would perfectly suit the particular role at the company. If you’re applying for your dream role then tailoring your application will help you to get to the next stage of the application process.

https://www.fish4.co.uk/career-advice/students-graduates-entering-job-world/

4 THINGS THAT MAKE YOU MORE EMPLOYABLE

If you’re feeling like your CV is a bit average, and your work experience is okay but nothing special, you can hardly expect employers to get excited over it. To make you more employable, and more impressive as a candidate, you need the kind of skills and background that’s attracting managers right now.

Travel Experience

Cosmopolitan has recently published details of a Hostelworld study that found people with travel experience are perceived to have better job prospects. An impressive 82% of recruiters surveyed thought that having travel on your CV makes you more employable.

For those of you who didn’t climb Everest in your gap year, remember there’s plenty of value in smaller-scale adventures. If you completed a TEFL course and taught overseas, or you spent a year studying abroad during your degree, you can draw on those experiences and demonstrate that you’re a self-starter who isn’t afraid to be out of their comfort zone.

This applies even though your actual experience overseas might not have been a laugh a minute. Some people do struggle with the reality of being far from friends and family, and following another country’s work or education style, with potentially longer hours and fewer rights. Your CV doesn’t have to reflect this – focus on what you learned, and what you can take forward to your next job.

Digital Skills

Today’s workplace is increasingly dependent on machines and gadgets, and we’re all spending hours on our computers and smartphones every day, so everything from accounting to tourism can involve tech skills. Children are being taught to code in primary school, for goodness’ sake. If you have any digital background, make the most of it in your job applications to get ahead.

Any digital presence you have, such as a blog, a photo stream (on Flickr or Smugmug), a vlog, a website or a Twitter account, can be an asset if you share it on your CV and keep it updated. However, if you don’t want to be found, or your account is more light-hearted than serious, tighten your privacy settings and consider using a pseudonym. Keeping unprofessional content open for HR managers to find is a big mistake.

Of course, if you want a specific digital job, that’s a no-brainer these days – in fact, digital technology is Scotland’s largest growing economic sector, there’s a new Digital Knowledge Exchange programme in Leeds, and Google Academy has just launched in London. Basically, you’re in good company.

Voluntary or Charity Projects

Voluntary work will always look great on your CV, but it becomes extra important if it relates to your industry, especially if you’re targeting the type of job that has far too many applicants in the first place. As a volunteer, especially in a small organisation or charity, there will be room to take on extra responsibilities should you be interested in them.

You can easily build your skills – for example, if you want to work in events, you can volunteer to marshal, promote or organise charity events nearby. Once you’ve got your foot in the door, extra tasks might include managing other volunteers, or attending meetings with full-time staff. Being a volunteer shows future employers you’re willing to muck in and you aren’t just motivated by money, company perks or starry job titles.

Events careers aside, there’s a huge gap in public sector volunteers (working in libraries, local hospitals, and other settings), so your help could make a difference. You’ll find plenty of national and local websites listing local opportunities, or you could approach charities and local groups directly with your CV and a brief cover letter. Having made a great impression, you could secure a useful reference for jobs and internships.

A Video CV

Video CVs are becoming popular with recruiters, because they allow your future employer to see what you’re really like straight away. Though you still need to take things seriously when making a video CV, you have the chance to really sell your personality and individuality.

Practice selling yourself in short soundbites, without dropping in those clichéd CV words and phrases like ‘team player’ and ‘hard-working’. Give snappy, simple descriptions of your experience, with facts and figures backing you up wherever possible and, as the Guardian highlights, don’t use a script.

When making your video, choose the right space and background – don’t have the remains of last night’s dinner in full view, for example. Put your computer, tablet or smartphone at the best angle so you’re not looking up or down at the camera but fully facing it, with your face well lit. Dress smartly and focus on positive posture: sitting up straight (not hunched or slouching), without crossing your arms or fiddling with your pen.

Now you’ve got your digital CV ready, your voluntary work is underway, and your travel and digital skills are being put to good use, you’ve got extra ammunition for those job applications. Go get ‘em!

 https://www.fish4.co.uk/career-advice/4-things-make-employable

How to Write a Thank You Letter After a Job Interview

7 Tips for Writing a Post-Interview Thank You Letter

Only about one out of every 20 jobseekers sends a thank you letter after a job interview, even though it’s a commonly recommended practice. The letter doesn’t need to be long, just a paragraph or two. Here are some tips on how to make an impression with your thank-you letter after an interview:

1. Personalize the Letter: Be sure to spell the interviewer’s name correctly. Also, make a note of something specific you discussed during the interview. This is a perfect way to remind the interviewer of skills you have that are specific to the job.
2. Make It Neat: If you’re writing the note by hand, consider writing a rough draft on a separate sheet of paper. This gives you a chance to make changes before you write on the stationery.
3. Organize Your Points: Use a computer or a separate sheet of paper to organize the points you want to include. This lets you create a letter that flows. It also adds to your appearance of professionalism.
4. Be Concise: While you want to include reminders of how well your skill set matches the open position, this isn’t the time to create a rambling text that may overwhelm your interviewer.
5. Proofread: Misspelled words and bad grammar can cast you in an unfavorable light. This is especially true if your interviewer is highly attentive to details. Take a moment to proofread your message, or run it through a grammar checker if you are using a computer to prepare it.
6. Choose a Mode of Delivery: If a company has a highly technical culture or the hiring process is expected to move quickly, sending the thank you message via email may be acceptable. However, it’s still a good idea to send out a traditional paper copy of the message.
7. Send It Promptly: Time is of the essence for this step of the interviewing process. The letter should be sent out within 24 hours of the interview. Sending a thank you letter after an interview is a sign of professionalism. Still, many interviewees fail to complete this easy but important step.
   

 https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/interview/sample-thank-you-letters

After the Interview: Sample Thank You Letters

It takes time and effort to perfect your resume and cover letter, gather references, and practice answering interview questions. After all that work, the last thing you want is to ruin your chances of employment with improper post-interview etiquette – especially when it comes to the thank-you note.

According to a recent Top Resume survey, sending a well-crafted email within 24 hours of a successful job interview could be the tipping point that catapults you to the top – or bottom – of the finalist pool.

"The job interview doesn't end when you walk out the door but rather affords job seekers a unique opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with the interviewer and keep their candidacy top of mind," said Amanda Augustine, a career advice expert for Top Resume.

Why send a thank-you note?

If an employer has two equally qualified candidates, the offer will always go to the person who took the time to send a thank-you note, said Augustine.

"Sending the note sets you apart from the others," she said. "It shows the employer that you're polite, that you can follow through, and that you're truly interested in the role. Also, your note will demonstrate to the employer how well you can write and convey your thoughts in a short amount of space – a skill that is highly valued in myriad roles."

The note should be sent out within 24 hours, as the Top Resume study advised, because you'll still be fresh in the interviewer's mind. However, Augustine advised not to send your thank you the moment you walk out of the employer's office.

"Timing is everything," said Augustine. "If you send the thank you right away, your interviewer will either assume you're sending a generic template that didn't require much thought or that you're desperately eager for the job – both of which can be turnoffs to employers."

While email is the fastest way to get your thank-you note to the interviewer, some think that a handwritten note carries more weight. Although a handwritten letter may offer a quaint, personal touch, the organization will likely receive it too late for it to have an impact.

If you write a handwritten note, first "send a quick email within 24 hours," said S. Chris Edmonds, author and founder and CEO of The Purposeful Culture Group in another Business News Daily interview. "Mail your handwritten thank you within 24 hours … That way, it'll arrive a day or two following your email note, adding gravitas to your thoughtfulness."

The format you choose for your thank-you message should be based on what you know about the company's culture, said Augustine.

"If you interviewed with a tech start-up, chances are, your interviewers will appreciate a paperless thank-you note in their inbox the next day," she told Business News Daily. "You also have the benefit of hyperlinking to additional information and attaching your resume to strengthen your message and jog the interviewers' memory."

Augustine noted that if you interviewed with a conservative organization that values tradition, a snail-mail thank you may earn you brownie points.

Constructing the note

In an article on job-hunt.org, author Susan P. Joyce reminded interviewees not to be casual with their tone or language, even though email is a relatively informal method of communication. Don't slip into informalities or use emoticons or "text speak" such as LOL.

Your thank-you note, according to industry experts, should:

• Thank the person for meeting with you
• Mention something you liked about the interview
• Reiterate your interest in the job
• Address any concerns presented during the interview head-on and demonstrate you have what it takes to perform the job well
• Include small details you learned about the person, such as a shared interest, to help jog the interviewer's memory about your interview

Jezra Kaye, public speaking coach and president of Speak Up for Success, wrote in a blog post on her website that the best place to start with your thank-you note is to put yourself in the mind-set of your "audience," i.e., the people who interviewed you.

She also advised asking yourself these questions: Did the interviewer(s) enjoy the conversation? Where did you connect with them? And what kind of interviewing style did they have (warm and friendly versus strictly business)?

As with your resume and cover letter, it is best to customize the thank you, and double- and triple-check it for grammatical and spelling errors. A typo-filled follow-up can easily ruin the stellar impression you made during the interview. If you met with multiple people, be sure to send one note to each person if you have their contact information.

Sample thank-you letter

Based on these tips, here's an easy template to follow for a thank-you letter after an interview:

Good morning, [Interviewer's Name]:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the B2B staff writer position with Purch. It was a pleasure meeting with you, and I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the company. After our conversation, I am confident that my skills and experiences are a great match for this opportunity.

I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and would greatly appreciate a follow-up as you move forward with the hiring process. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone. Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Best regards,[Your Name]

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5578-sample-thank-you-letters.html

How to Nail Your Next Video Job Interview

Today, an increasing number of companies are using video interviews as part of their hiring process. With applicants scattered throughout various geographical regions, it's much more convenient (and cost-effective) to interview candidates using video conferencing services like Skype or ClickMeeting than it is to fly out a contender for an hour-long meeting.

"For hiring managers, … [conducting] video interviews means having the ability to make personal connections with candidates no matter how near or far they live to their company's office," said Josh Tolan, CEO of video interviewing solutions provider Spark Hire. "[It] also helps create a positive candidate experience, which is very important but often dismissed."

Tolan noted that by using video interviews, companies can streamline their hiring process to reach smarter hiring decisions faster.

"Candidates will appreciate knowing the status of their application and not feeling like they've been left hanging," he added.

While video interviews might seem less intimidating than traditional interviews, you still need to be as professional as you would in person. Because you're meeting the hiring manager through a screen, you should be especially careful how you present yourself in the short period of time spent speaking with them. Here's everything you need to know to nail your next video interview.

Types of video interviews

According to Spark Hire, there are two major types of video interviews: live video interviews and one-way interviews.

Live video interviews

As the name suggests, live video interviews allow employers and candidates to connect remotely in real-time, which offers the convenience of a phone interview with the advantage of the personal connection you can get from an in-person meeting. Employers may use video-chat services to conduct this interview; but depending on the platform capabilities, the hiring manager may be able to record the interview and share it with other colleagues involved in the hiring process. In general, phone and in-person interviews are not recorded, which gives you as a candidate the opportunity to have your great (or not-so-great) interview performance preserved.

One-way interviews

One-way interviews are becoming increasingly common among hiring managers, quickly and efficiently screening candidates. One-way interviews require applicants to respond to preset interview questions, which allows them to think through their answers and present their best selves when they submit their videos. It's also a plus for the hiring manager, who can watch the video anywhere and at any time and doesn't have to clear his or her schedule for a full-on interview.

Dos and Don'ts

Just like with any interview, you need to be mentally and physically ready for your video conference. Since they'll be hyper focused on you and your video, hiring managers will be aware of any red flags on your end, from inappropriate apparel to lack of understanding of the software or service being used.

"It's very important that candidates familiarize themselves with the technology because they will most likely be asked to participate in a video interview during their job search," said Tolan. "If candidates take the time to research best practices for video interviews such as proper lighting, attire and body language, they'll better their chances of getting hired."

Paul Bailo, author of The Essential Digital Interview Handbook ($14.99; Career Press, 2013), shared some specific do's and don'ts that will help you succeed in your next video interview.

Do...

Know how to use your software. Whether it's Skype, Google Hangouts or GoToMeeting, know how to use the technology and use it well.

Get a quality camera and microphone so you can look and sound great.

Adjust your lighting to avoid shadows or over-exposure. Soft, natural lighting is the way to go. Use two lights, one to your right and one to your left, each at a 45-degree angle.

Place neutral-colored paper behind you to create a professional-looking background that does not compete with your wardrobe.

Clean the camera lens so you don't look blurry or smudged on screen.

Get the right angle. Your camera needs to be at eye level.

Look straight into the camera. This way, it appears on the other end that you are looking right at the other person.

Write a script. Know what you plan to say and post it on cue cards behind the camera so you know all the key points.

Don't…

Be a diva. Your interview is about the other person, not about you.

Have an unprofessional or juvenile username.

Move around too much. Stay still and focused, and don't use a swivel chair.

Get distracted by other windows or programs. The only thing on your screen should be the other person's face.

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5798-video-job-interview-tips.html

How to Negotiate a Salary Counter Offer for a Job

What's the best way to negotiate a counter offer when you're not thrilled with the job offer you received? How much leeway do you have when you get a job offer? What's the best way to make a counter offer? When should you stop negotiating and accept or reject a salary job offer?

These are great, and challenging questions. It's wonderful to receive a job offer, but less wonderful if the salary or rate doesn't match your expectations or requirements.

So when you find yourself with a surprisingly low offer — or simply feel you deserve better or could get more — it's only reasonable to consider negotiating your way to a better salary.

What is a Counter Offer?

A counteroffer is an offer made by a candidate in response to a salary offer from an employer. A counter offer is issued when the job offer presented by a prospective employer isn't considered acceptable by the applicant.  

An employee might also issue a counteroffer to their current employer if they are awarded a promotion and don't agree with the new compensation offered for accepting that position.

 A counter offer can also be made by a company when they learn that a valued employee has received an offer from another organization. In this case, the employer would offer more money or other incentives for an employee to stay with the company.

Should You Make a Counter Offer?

A career builder survey reports that over half of workers (56 percent) don't negotiate for more money when they are offered a new job.

The reasons include not being comfortable asking for more money (51 percent), worrying that employer will decide not to hire them if they ask (47 percent), or not wanting to appear greedy (36 percent). A glass door survey reports that women are less likely to negotiate compensation than men, with two out of three women (68 percent) not negotiating pay compared to about 52 percent of men.

Even though many job seekers aren't comfortable negotiating, many organizations do expect candidates to make a counteroffer. Fifty-three percent of employers say they are willing to negotiate salaries on initial job offers for entry-level workers, and 52 percent say when they first extend a job offer to an employee, they typically offer a lower salary than they’re willing to pay. So there is room to negotiate for many candidates.

How Much Compensation to Target

You don't need to mention in the email how much more money you're hoping to make – that discussion will unfold after the hiring manager sees your email and agrees to schedule a meeting or a phone call. (Hopefully. More on the other possibility in a moment.)

Ideally, you'll have set your target salary range before the first interview, but if you haven't, there's no better time than the present. You want to have a good idea of how much you're hoping to get – and willing to take – long before you start negotiating in earnest.

Research is crucial, here. Don't make the mistake that many job seekers commit, where they set their price based on a gut feeling or financial obligations that need to be fulfilled. By doing so, you could either be pricing yourself out of a job you want or selling your skills far shorter than necessary.

Instead, research salary ranges for the exact job title and duties, as determined by the job description and what you've learned during the interview process. There are a lot of online tools that can give you a sense of what's reasonable. For example, the salary information site PayScale.com will create a free report for you, based on your answers to survey questions about the job you're targeting, your experience, skills, education, and geographic location.

Finally, don't set the low end of your range lower than you'd like to accept. Hiring managers have a budget, and may even get bonuses for keeping costs low. They'll often offer you the lowest number they think you'll take – not because they want to low-ball you or devalue your skills, but because it's their job to stay on target, budget-wise, as well as hire good candidates.

What Can Happen When You Counter Offer

But while you can negotiate, it's possible that the employer might rescind the job offer if you do so too aggressively. Some employers aren't thrilled with candidates who go back and forth over salary offers multiple times. Also, there may be a set salary range for the position and there may not be much room for further negotiations.

It's possible the negotiation process could leave both you and the employer feeling frustrated and disenchanted. In an ideal world, this situation won't arise, because, during the interview process, you will have gotten a sense of what the company has in mind for a salary, and made your salary expectations clear. 

Of course, it's also possible that the negotiation process will go smoothly, resulting in a counteroffer that's everything you want, and is acceptable to the hiring manager and company as well. When you are deciding whether or not to negotiate a counter offer, keep these considerations in mind: the salary conversations you had throughout the interview process, the market rate for the position, your current salary, how much you need this job, the availability of similar positions, and the job market in general.

If you feel that as a candidate you deserve more, and that your expectations are reasonable based on the position and industry, use the tips and strategies below to negotiate a counter offer. 

How to Negotiate a Counter Offer

If you have received an offer that's not what you expect, you do have a few options:

• Ask if there is any flexibility in the starting (or future) salary

Consider perks you may be able to negotiate in addition or in lieu of salary

• Turn down the offer, realizing that the company may not make a counteroffer
• Create an opportunity for more discussion

One of the best ways to open discussions after you have received an offer is to ask for meeting to discuss the offer. Review a counter offer letter and counter offer email message you can tailor to fit your circumstances if you're going to make a counteroffer.

Tips for the Negotiation Process

While we have mentioned a lot of reasons to be cautious while negotiating, it's also good to remember that if you don't ask for something, you generally won't receive it. It is possible that the company has more money available for your salary (and in fact, they may expect a certain amount of negotiation to take place, and have crafted the offer accordingly).

Here are some tips to consider while negotiating a counter offer:

Know your value and the industry rate for your position: 
The best negotiation tactics are rooted in facts, not emotion, so spend some time researching. When negotiating your counteroffer, you'll need to make a case for why you should receive a better offer. This case will be built on your value: You'll want to remind the employer of why you're a particularly good match, offering experience and know-how that other candidates do not. (Most likely, employers would prefer not to restart the interview process; they picked you for a reason!)

As well, you'll want to let employers know about the market value for the position. You can mention the salary range for similar positions at other companies. Here is how to research a company, and here are salary calculators to help you know industry rates.

Don't Rush It
Since you need to have a lot of information to make a reasonable counter offer, it's worth taking some time before you begin negotiations. Start by sending a thank you note for the job offer, and establishing a timeline for when you'll be in touch.

Don't Forget Non-Salary Benefits
Before you crumple your offer letter into a ball, look beyond the salary. Perhaps you get other benefits and perks (such as tuition reimbursement, the ability to work from home a week each month, etc.) that make up for the lower salary. Or, if you don't, perhaps there are some non-salary benefits that you could ask for that would make the lower salary more palatable. You can ask for a signing bonus, for health care coverage to begin immediately if the company has a 30-day period waiting period, additional vacation days, coverage of your moving expenses, etc.

Don't Push Too Much
Think about why you're negotiating—is it because you genuinely think that the position merits a higher rate, or are you negotiating for the sake of negotiating? If you are comfortable with the offer, you might not want to push too hard just to get a little more. The very best job negotiations end with both employee and employer happy with the resolution.

DON'T SAY TOO MUCH
There are some things that won't help your case when you're negotiating salary.

Know What's Really Important to You​
You're going to negotiate differently depending on your circumstances. Getting a job offer after you've been unemployed for a year is different than an offer when you're employed at a tolerable job. Don't bluff if you are not actually willing to walk away from the job offer. But if you are lucky enough to be considering two job offers, do use that to your advantage.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-negotiate-a-counter-offer-for-a-job-2063441