The job market has been incredibly tough for graduates
No more... the prediction for 2014 is that graduate recruitment will reach a 7 year high. I hope that's true.
The job market has been incredibly tough for graduates It's been an employers' market for the past few years. So many graduates have had to settle for roles that pay pretty well minimum wage while effectively exploiting their skills. Others are performing duties that underuse their skills, abilities and intelligence. No more... the prediction for 2014 is that graduate recruitment will reach a 7 year high. I hope that's true. Author: Barbara Patrick of Compelling CVs I read an article this morning which has left me feeling a little incensed. The article in The Telegraph (Education Section) discussed whether: 1) Employers should ignore internship experience because it may indicate that the candidate has been privileged, and 2) Employers should ignore graduates' degree classifications - again because it may suggest privilege or better educational opportunities. So, where does that leave the graduates who've worked really hard to gain a place at a good university and achieve a first-class degree? Where does that leave work ethic? Where does it leave the fact that some people are - in reality - more intelligent and more employable than others? The fact is, the world isn't, and never will be, a level playing field; it's a jungle. But the same opportunities are out there for anyone who wants to get off their backsides and go after them. I know people who've attended state schools and gone on to become lawyers. And I know people who've had a private, aka 'privileged', education and gone on to achieve very little. Success is a mindset. It's about parents encouraging and supporting their kids. It's about kids getting off backsides to seek out and make the most of every opportunity. There's plenty of help out there for the under privileged. Educational establishments should focus on referring kids to those resources and, if necessary, running classes for parents to educate them on the importance of supporting, stimulating and motivating their kids; leading by example. In terms of level playing fields, we need to be very careful about the message we send out and we should avoid at all costs undervaluing or resenting those who have worked hard to create a brighter future for themselves. For those who'd like to read the article, here it is: Telegraph Article by Barbara Patrick Professional CV Writer and Career Coach Compelling CVs Reading Berkshire Read more of our blogs Professional CV writing, LinkedIn Profiles, Cover Letters, Job Search Skills, Interview Skills, Outplacement and more... Our success is built on yours... By Barbara Patrick at Compelling CVs
By Barbara Patrick at Compelling CVs In today's madly competitive job market, it's a great achievement to secure an interview, but sadly you've only just cleared the first hurdle. Now you have to shine at the interview and perhaps at 2nd and 3rd stage interviews, depending on the role and how thorough the recruitment process is. If you asked for our 3 top tips for interview success the answer would be very simple... Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! Interviews are a two-way process. Not only is the employer assessing you, but you are assessing them too! So use the interview to glean as much information as possible.
We could give you many more interview tips but at the end of the day, the interview is a sales pitch. You are selling yourself. If the interviewer doesn't like what they see and hear, they won't buy. It's as simple as that. Interview preparation is key so remember our three top tips... Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. Good luck! Visit our Tips & Advice page or sign up for more tips and advice If you've read through our site you'll already know the importance of making an instant impression with your CV. Recruiters spend very little time reading your CV (if they read it at all). They need to pick up key points - fast - and that means scanning for keywords. The Ladders recently undertook an eye tracking survey to see just how much time recruiters spent looking at your CV, and also detecting "hot" areas on the CVs.
After you've read it, you might want to get in touch with us for help with your CV and/or LinkedIn profile. Our CV writing service includes the incorporation of key words to match the job description and person specification, together with clear formatting to make your CV attractive and easy to read.
If you didn't read Part 1 of my blog on Video Interviews, you might want to read that article first... During the Video Interview
Practice your Video Interviewing Technique It's a good idea to practice video interviewing with a friend - possibly recording the interview over Skype. Enlist the help of someone you trust to give you positive, constructive feedback, and who will help you to identify problems and to improve your performance.
Interview QuestionsAll recruiters will set different interview questions, so we cannot provide details of what you will be asked. However, since video interviews are not interactive, questions will be static - totally
We recently conducted some video-interview skills training for a client, in preparation for a video-interview for a graduate training programme in London. Video interviews are becoming increasing common as recruiters and hirers begin to recognise their value and convenience - especially during the early stages of the selection process. They are especially useful where distance is a problem, for example where candidates are overseas. Basically, video interviews are conducted via the candidate's own computer and webcam. Recruiters use specialised software into which any range of interview questions can be programmed, together with with variable timings for questions and answers. Each candidate is sent a link to the video interview with a specific time window during which they can log in and complete the video interview. When the interview starts, the candidate will see the first question on the screen. The video recording commences and the candidate gives their response into the webcam. Response time permitted for each question may vary and will be limited by the software programming. Some questions might allow just 1 minute to answer, others 90 seconds or 2 minutes. The recruiter decides. The process repeats for each question. Preparing for a Video Interview Candidates should treat video interviews as they would any other formal interview, and should consider the following:
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Barbara Patrick, Career, Job Search and Employability Coach, and Professional CV writer at Compelling CVs in Berkshire, UK
Thank you for visiting my website and welcome to my blog. If you have any questions or if you'd like me to write about a specific subject, please get in touch.
My success is built on my clients' successes, so I do my utmost to help every client achieve their goals - however great or small. Contact me:Archives
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