Essential Job SEARCH GuidE

Essential
GuidE SERiES

Take your work seriously and yourself lightly.

Bob Nelson

Essential Job Search Guide

Whats inside
DeciDing your cAreer

direction
Sharpening your

CV

job

Making the Most of your search

The

interview
GettinG what youre

worth
Whats inside | 3

Essential Job Search Guide

deciding your career direction

dECidinG youR CAREER

To find your ideal job, its critical to map out exactly what youre looking for and how you can get there. Having a clear idea of what you want will give focus to your job search and ensure youre applying for the right roles.

direction
wH At

Here are some fundamental questions to get you thinking about your career direction:

wHAt do

i RE Al

nt? wA ly

y SkillS? y kE EM AR

wH ERE do

? o Go i wAnt t

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Deciding Your Career Direction | 4

page 5

What do

I re al

t? an W ly

Wh at

y skills? y ke em ar

Wh ere do

go? I Want to

dECidinG wHAt you wAnt

What motivates me and what do I enjoy doing? What are my personal strengths and weaknesses? What kind of lifestyle do I want to have? What are the five key things I really want in a job?

MAkE it HAppEn
Now that you have a better idea of your career direction, its time to put your career goals into a practical action plan.

idEntifyinG youR SkillS

What qualifications and experience do I have? What are my key technical and soft skills? What are my biggest achievements to date? What are my weaknesses and areas for development?

ER N ARE N PLA C IO ACT

CHooSinG A diRECtion
Which industries really appeal to me? What type of roles would suit me best? Do these options match my skills and attributes? What areas will I need to develop?
E TO WN RO HER YOU LAN CK D CLI P u LOA ION OWN ACT D EER CAR

Essential Job Search Guide

Deciding Your Career Direction | 5

sharpening your cv

A Cv iS youR pERSonAl MARkEtinG doCuMEnt.

For the best chance of selling your skills and abilities to a potential employer, ensure it is:

MAtCHEd to tHE Job dESCRiption

Show a clear match between your skills and the job requirements Demonstrate how you meet the key skills, experience and attributes the employer is looking for Emphasise your most relevant strengths and eliminate details that are unrelated to the position Use similar key words to those used in the job description, to create a link in the mind of the reader.

foCuSEd on ACHiEvEMEntS
Avoid listing your daily workload. Instead, focus on the unique accomplishments that make you stand out Show how you contributed to the organisation; did you save money or time, exceed targets, solve problems, improve processes, or attract new customers? Where possible, quantify how you added value with numbers, percentages or dollar amounts.

CoMpEllinG REAdinG
Ensure the tone is enthusiastic, upbeat and professional Put your strongest and most relevant points first, using action words such as completed, developed and managed Present your accomplishments honestly but confidently using high impact words like first, best and highest Keep the layout of your CV simple with lots of white space, bulleted information and a plain, readable font. Three or four pages are usually sufficient, so choose clear, concise language. Research suggests that employers scan job applications within about so its important to show them at a glance why you are the best fit
Sharpening Your CV | 6

20 seconds,

Essential Job Search Guide

page 8

wHy CovER lEttERS Still Count

A concise and compelling cover letter is your chance to: Create a strong first impression and attract the readers attention Stand out by explaining why you make the best fit for the job Express your personality by describing your strengths in your own words Show enthusiasm for the opportunity through your tone and wording Demonstrate how your skills match the needs of the employer

1 2 3 4 5

GEt tHE StRuCtuRE RiGHt

StEp 1: StEp 2:

CliCk here

for more info on how to create a convincing cover letter

Centre your contact details at the top of your resume. Include your name, address, phone number, mobile number and email address

List the relevant education and training that you have undertaken, starting with your most recent studies

StEp 3:

Res

Outline your career history in reverse chronological order. List your job title, name of the employer, a short description of the company (if appropriate), and the dates you worked there
u C VI LIC R EW K H ES A ER U M SA E E M TO P LE

ume

StEp 4:

For each role, outline your key responsibilities, skills and accomplishments

StEp 5:

End your resume by naming your referees, or stating that they are available on request

Essential Job Search Guide

Sharpening Your CV | 7

making the most of your search

job

MAkinG tHE MoSt of youR SEARCH

How to bEGin youR Job SEARCH

When looking for a new role, the key is to work smarter, not harder. Here are some easy ways to kick off your job search and maximise your chances of finding a great role: Find a good recruiter

By working closely with a good recruitment consultancy, you can gain access to new opportunities before theyre advertised, and take advantage of expert career advice. Set up job alerts

Leading recruitment company sites and major job sites have hundreds of opportunities to search through. Register with these sites to have relevant jobs sent to your inbox daily. Scan relevant publications

You can register with the Michael Page

Scan relevant trade publications and e-newsletters for the latest roles. Newspapers are also a good source of current vacancies. Enlist the help of your network

Talk to friends, family, colleagues anyone you know that could monitor opportunities, introduce you to new contacts, and provide referrals.

mypage service

to get jobs emailed to you daily from some of the countrys top employers.

Essential Job Search Guide

Making The Most Of Your Job Search | 8

iS tHE Job RiGHt foR you?

doES tHE RolE:
Seem compatible with your attitude, beliefs and personality? Make use of your key strengths and attributes? Provide scope to gain new skills and knowledge? Offer clear prospects for career development?

doES tHE CoMpAny:

Offer a clear and attractive career path? Have company values that align with your own? Have a strong financial standing with high quality leadership? Offer a salary that rewards your skills and experience? Offer conditions that are important to you? (e.g. flexible work arrangements)

top 5 Job SEARCH tipS

1. For the best chance of finding a job, keep your options open, consider a variety of roles, and have a degree of flexibility around salary expectations. Be Flexible 2. Dont underestimate the time it takes to find the right role. Even if youre not ready to move yet, start browsing the type of jobs available, including the skills required and salaries on offer. Start Looking Now Get Prepared 4. Think about the skills and experience required for your next role. Determine what you can do now to boost your appeal with potential employers. Increase Your Employability 5. Mingling with peers at industry events and professional associations is a great way to gather job leads and build your reputation as a wellconnected professional. Build Your Network 3. As well as polishing your CV, you should make a list of the companies, job types and salary you are looking for, and register with recruitment consultancies that specialise in your job type and market.

Essential Job Search Guide

Making The Most Of Your Job Search | 9

building your online brand

buildinG youR onlinE

brand
Get involved with respected online forums for your industry ake sure your social networking M profiles are optimised and up to date Join relevant industry groups online and participate in discussions

Your online profile creates an image of you to a prospective employer, so it is critical to make a good impression on anyone who discovers you online during your job search.

HERES How you CAn HElp build youR pRofESSionAl onlinE pRESEnCE:
Become an active member of industry associations, both online and offline Contribute valuable advice to questions posted on relevant forums or discussion groups Share thought provoking articles and resources with your social network

Research from LinkedIn indicates that people are

to connect to you if you have a photo on your profile...

30% more likely

Essential Job Search Guide

Building Your Online Brand | 10

protectING your oNlINe reputatIoN

Comment with care Every word you post online is permanent, so be aware of the impression your photos, comments, emails, tweets and updates are making to potential employers. Adjust your privacy settings Most photo-sharing and social networking sites allow you to restrict who can view and comment on your content. Check your privacy settings to ensure your personal content is hidden from prying eyes. Monitor the comments of others Unflattering photos or unintentionally harmful content may be posted about you by others, so be sure to monitor and remove items that should not be made public. Determine public vs. private content If you are using social media for both personal (family/friends) and professional (networking with colleagues) purposes, ensure what you share is appropriate for both groups. Search for your name Google yourself regularly to ensure all search results are positive and professional.

Want more info on managing your online reputation?

CliCk here to visit our website

Social networking sites rank highly in

Google search results.

To help control your online profile, ensure you have high quality social media profiles.

Essential Job Search Guide

Building Your Online Brand | 11

the interview

tHE

interview
Practice, practice, practice Youve heard the saying if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail! The most critical step in interview preparation is taking the time to rehearse answers to common questions.

ARE you pREpAREd?

To convince the interviewer youre the best person for the job, preparation is vital. Follow these tips to impress your potential employer during that critical first meeting.

Research, then research some more Research everything you can about your prospective employer through their website, company reports and press coverage. Use this knowledge to demonstrate initiative and boost your credibility with the interviewer. Understand the role Re-read the job advert and position description. Think about what you are likely to be asked about the role, as well as what questions youd like to have answered.

popular interview questions.

Click here for advice on answering some of the most

Know your strengths The interview is your opportunity to show what youve done, and what you can do. Think about how you can sell yourself with concrete, convincing examples of what makes you special. Ask the right questions Asking intelligent questions is a tactic guaranteed to impress your interviewer. It also demonstrates your initiative, knowledge and research.

Click here for

sample questions
to ask at your next interview

Essential Job Search Guide

The Interview | 12

MAkinG A GREAt iMpRESSion

No matter how compelling you appear on paper, its the impression you make in person thats the deciding factor. Be there on time Being punctual shows professionalism and enthusiasm. Give yourself plenty of travel time in case you are delayed, and aim to arrive about 10 minutes early. Get dressed for success To convey that you are serious about the role and would be a good representative for the company, be sure to dress neatly, professionally and relatively conservative. Beat the nerves Even the most seasoned professional can get interview nerves. The best you can do is prepare thoroughly, think positively and focus your energy on giving the best interview you can. Greet with confidence First impressions count! Greet your interviewer standing, with a firm handshake, good eye contact and a smile. Watch your delivery Actions speak louder than words, so ensure your body language (tone, eye contact, posture) is positive. Try to convey genuine enthusiasm, warmth and professionalism. End on a positive note Close the interview with a handshake, a smile and a genuine thank you. A brief, friendly email thanking the interviewer for their time is a nice touch.

- and show

embeR Rem et to gted exci

the candid with the beate attitude an st most enth d usiasm for the role w
ill always n top. When interv iewing people wit h similar skills and e xperience,

it!

come out o

Essential Job Search Guide

The Interview | 13

by Jerome bouin
Managing Director at Michael Page

To really impress a potential employer, make sure you stand out as the most prepared candidate
No matter how impressive your CV appears, the interview is your chance to sell your skills, experience and personality so theres no doubt that youre the best person for the job. Whilst every person has different strengths and skill sets, there are three key qualities that will help you to stand out from your competition: Professionalism. Employers hire people they can trust to represent their business in a professional way. Professionalism is communicated through your punctuality, choice of dress, and the way you interact with the interviewer. Ensure you conduct yourself professionally throughout all stages of the interview process, and be sure to deliver responses that are well-considered and articulate. Preparation. It may sound obvious, but its an area that many job seekers could improve in. Employers want to be impressed by your knowledge of the company. They want to see youve made the effort to find out about their culture, the products and services they offer and their position in the market. They want you to ask thoughtful, intelligent questions and deliver smart, polished answers. To really impress a potential employer, make sure you stand out as the most prepared candidate. Passion. Employers want people who are excited to come to work each day. They want to see an eagerness to learn and grow, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude to work. Whilst any number of candidates could bring the right skills and experience to a company, the final hiring decision is often determined by how much you want the job. For the best chance of winning your ideal role, let your enthusiasm for the opportunity shine through. Good luck! www.michaelpage.com.sg

Essential Job Search Guide

The Interview | 14

getting what your worth

bEfoRE you StARt nEGotiAtinG youR nEw SAlARy, itS CRitiCAl to do youR HoMEwoRk.
For the best chance of a successful negotiation you must have a clear idea of what your skills and experience are worth and be prepared to ask for what you want.

Whats the bEnCHMARk?

Scan similar jobs on the internet to find out the average range for your sector, location and experience. You can also leverage the knowledge of your industry colleagues for advice on what people are earning in similar positions.

How strong is the CoMpAny?

Take the time to research the financial performance of the company, its recent staff movements and industry conditions. This will help you to better understand the companys position and anticipate potential objections when negotiating your salary.

What do the ExpERtS SAy?

Speak to your recruitment consultant for expert advice on what your particular skills and experience are worth. They match jobseekers with new roles daily, so will have a good idea of what you could earn in the current market.

to find out what youre worth in the Michael Page Salary Survey

CliCk HERE

Essential Job Search Guide

Getting What Youre Worth | 15

Who talks fiRSt?

Always wait for your interviewer to raise the topic of salary negotiation first. Youre in the best position to talk about compensation when the employer has offered you the job, is hopeful of employing you and has suggested a figure first.

Whats your bACk up plAn?

Good negotiators will enter a meeting with a range of options. If the opportunity to negotiate salary is limited, think about other potential alternatives like support for education and training, flexible hours, or a salary review in 6 to 12 months.

Can you hold youR GRound?

Employers respect applicants who are hard but fair negotiators. Having the confidence to negotiate well for yourself shows the employer that you could bring these skills to the role. Avoid reacting emotionally to the discussion - treat it as a regular business negotiation.

CAn you AnSwER tHE touGH quEStionS?

Great negotiation skills come with practice. Enlist the help of your recruitment consultant to practice answering these tough questions with confidence: What is your current salary? What do you think the position is worth? What are your salary expectations?

Essential Job Search Guide

Getting What Youre Worth | 16

career action plan

CAREER ACTION PLAN

Back to DeciDing your career Direction

Essential Job Search Guide

Deciding Your Career Direction | Appendix

Sample CV

SAMPLE RESUME
1

Contact information Always include your telephone number, email address and residential address. Education Be specific about your education. Include your university, the course you completed and date of graduation. Professional qualifications State your professional qualifications together with the date of your qualifications and any awards received. Computer skills Computer skills are important and you should definitely indicate your proficiency. Languages Language skills are important so include your abilities in this area.

ANGIE CHAN
PERSONAL DETAILS
RESIDENCE

11 Blue St, Jurong, Singapore 609434 H: +65 6643 9700 W: +65 6643 9701 E: mpage@email.com.sg Singapore-Cambridge GCE A Level 2002 Nanyang Girls High School Bachelor of Business 2005 (Major: Accounting, graduated with credit) National University of Singapore

EDUCATION 2

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

3 4

CAT 2008 ACCA 2011 Conversant with: Excel Symphony MS Access Word Mandarin Fluent spoken and written Water sports and music, particularly jazz Recruitment Consultant Michael Page International Singapore Pty Ltd

COMPUTER SKILLS

LANGUAGES

LEISURE INTERESTS CURRENT POSITION

Back to sharpening your cv

Essential Job Search Guide

Sharpening Your CV | Appendix

SAMPLE RESUME
6

Company description Describe your current employer concisely, i.e. size, market sector, turnover if applicable, as this informs the reader and gives them a frame of reference. Position Display your most recent job first and then work chronologically backwards (using months and years in the dates) giving less space to earlier jobs. Since space will be at a premium your objective must be to inform and excite the reader. Responsibilities and achievements Whenever possible, include the experience relevant to a particular job and always quantify your responsibilities and achievements so that employers can quickly identify how you can add value to their business.

ANGIE CHAN
CAREER HISTORY
JANUARY 2008 TO PRESENT MICHAEL PAGE INTERNATIONAL (MPI) SINGAPORE PTY LTD Michael Page International Pty Ltd is a $500m turnover recruitment consultancy with offices in Australia, Asia, the UK, Europe and the Americas. Recruitment Manager (promoted from Recruitment Consultant)

6 COMPANY DESCRIPTION
POSITION

7 8

RESPONSIBILITIES

Managing a team of six recruiters Developing consultants skills Successfully managing a substantial Preferred Supplier Agreement with one of Chinas largest blue chips and increased market share by 17% in 2009 Offering a business-to-business service based on providing recruitment solutions to ensure the best possible match between a candidate and client. This covers both the technical abilities of the candidate and those required by the client. Assessing candidates abilities and personality using behaviouralbased interview techniques Initiating a plan of action (specific jobs, client etc) Maintaining constant contact to ensure service levels are maximised Developing existing client relationships via regular calls, client events and provision of information such as salary surveys etc. Face-to-face meetings to gain a better understanding of the clients workplaces and promote Michael Page Providing recruitment strategies and service that will exceed both candidate and client expectations Reason for leaving relocating to Fiji where there is no current Michael Page office.

FEBRUARY 2006 TO SEPTEMBER 2008 COMPANY DESCRIPTION

ARTHUR WILLIAMS & PARTNERS Arthur Williams & Partners is a medium-sized firm of chartered accountants with five offices across Asia Pacific. It has a diversified client base, including public companies, private companies, sole traders and partnerships. Audit Manager (promoted from Trainee) Planning, controlling and reviewing audit and related tax work on three public company clients, prior to partner review Planning and competing accounts, audit and taxation work on a variety of private groups in industries such as manufacturing, retail and agriculture Involvement in due diligence work prior to an acquisition by a public company client Considerable involvement in the recruitment of graduates into the firm whilst at Assistant Manager level Direct supervision of up to eight members of staff Full client liaison, including billing and cash collection Reason for leaving Decided to pursue a career in commerce

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

References References do not have to appear on the resume, although be prepared to provide references on request. It is a good idea to state that you have business references available.

Essential Job Search Guide

Sharpening Your CV | Appendix

MiCHAEl pAGE
For more career tips and insights, visit:
michaelpage.com.sg/careercentre

blog.michaelpage.asia

SinGApoRE - RAfflES plACE

One Raffles Place Office Tower 2, #09-61 Singapore 048616 Tel +65 6533 2777 Fax +65 6533 7227 enquiries@michaelpage.com.sg

Essential Job Search Guide

Office Locations | Appendix