Careers
If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected] or @NScareersEd
Search for a job in the wrong way and you will give a negative impression of yourself and what you have to offer. Mike Higgins outlines the pitfalls to avoid
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB Not being clear what you are looking for Given the number of jobs available and the speed of applying online, it can be tempting to apply for unsuitable posts. Only go for those jobs that fit your criteria. Only applying for the perfect job The converse of the above is being too selective. Challenge yourself. If you have all the required and 80 per cent of the desirable criteria, apply. Only searching sporadically Job searching is a process and best approached consistently. Be organised and keep track of where you have applied. Build up a library of answers to questions on application forms so you don’t have to rethink them every time. Using the same application for all vacancies A cover letter, CV or personal statement should always be tailored to the particular role you are applying for. Failing to double check your application documents Spelling errors or failing to personalise
JOHN HOULIHAN
Job seekers who struggle to find the perfect post often make the same mistakes, so here is our 11-step guide to maximising your chances of landing the ideal job.
RCN Bulletin Jobs Fairs offer nurses the chance to meet employers and obtain careers advice
RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair Mike Higgins will be speaking at the RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair, which will be held at the Business Design Centre, Upper Street, London on September 4 and 5. A large exhibition of employers will be supplemented by careers seminars. The event is free of charge but booking is advised. Go to www. rcnbulletinjobsfair.co.uk/London_fair/Home.aspx
NURSING STANDARD
a cover letter can give a bad first impression to a prospective employer. Double check and ask someone else to check too. Not researching the organisation Not every organisation reflects your personal values or a good work culture, so find out beforehand. Ignoring the hidden job market Networking is a great way to find out informally about any roles coming up that you would be suitable for. Networking doesn’t have to be onerous; it can be as simple as catching up with someone for a coffee. Winging the interview Some lucky people are good at interviews and even enjoy being challenged about their achievements; the rest of us need to rehearse common questions. Organise a mock interview if you can. Not asking for feedback If you are unsuccessful at interview,
always ask for feedback. Most tends to be bland, but in a few instances it can help you to refine your approach the next time. Taking the first offer If your search has been long, the temptation is to accept the first offer you receive. There is no shame in turning a role down. Seek advice from colleagues or a mentor. Developing a negative outlook Job searching can be difficult and we all need to let off steam. This is best done to friends and family. Being consistently negative outside this circle can mean people are less inclined to recommend you, so do remain positive. These tips will not guarantee a successful job search but should make the process less painful and more rewarding. Mike Higgins is a writer and careers consultant august 27 :: vol 28 no 52 :: 2014 63
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If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected] or @NScareersEd
Search for a job in the wrong way and you will give a negative impression of yourself and what you have to offer. Mike Higgins outlines the pitfalls to avoid
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB Not being clear what you are looking for Given the number of jobs available and the speed of applying online, it can be tempting to apply for unsuitable posts. Only go for those jobs that fit your criteria. Only applying for the perfect job The converse of the above is being too selective. Challenge yourself. If you have all the required and 80 per cent of the desirable criteria, apply. Only searching sporadically Job searching is a process and best approached consistently. Be organised and keep track of where you have applied. Build up a library of answers to questions on application forms so you don’t have to rethink them every time. Using the same application for all vacancies A cover letter, CV or personal statement should always be tailored to the particular role you are applying for. Failing to double check your application documents Spelling errors or failing to personalise
JOHN HOULIHAN
Job seekers who struggle to find the perfect post often make the same mistakes, so here is our 11-step guide to maximising your chances of landing the ideal job.
RCN Bulletin Jobs Fairs offer nurses the chance to meet employers and obtain careers advice
RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair Mike Higgins will be speaking at the RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair, which will be held at the Business Design Centre, Upper Street, London on September 4 and 5. A large exhibition of employers will be supplemented by careers seminars. The event is free of charge but booking is advised. Go to www. rcnbulletinjobsfair.co.uk/London_fair/Home.aspx
NURSING STANDARD
a cover letter can give a bad first impression to a prospective employer. Double check and ask someone else to check too. Not researching the organisation Not every organisation reflects your personal values or a good work culture, so find out beforehand. Ignoring the hidden job market Networking is a great way to find out informally about any roles coming up that you would be suitable for. Networking doesn’t have to be onerous; it can be as simple as catching up with someone for a coffee. Winging the interview Some lucky people are good at interviews and even enjoy being challenged about their achievements; the rest of us need to rehearse common questions. Organise a mock interview if you can. Not asking for feedback If you are unsuccessful at interview,
always ask for feedback. Most tends to be bland, but in a few instances it can help you to refine your approach the next time. Taking the first offer If your search has been long, the temptation is to accept the first offer you receive. There is no shame in turning a role down. Seek advice from colleagues or a mentor. Developing a negative outlook Job searching can be difficult and we all need to let off steam. This is best done to friends and family. Being consistently negative outside this circle can mean people are less inclined to recommend you, so do remain positive. These tips will not guarantee a successful job search but should make the process less painful and more rewarding. Mike Higgins is a writer and careers consultant august 27 :: vol 28 no 52 :: 2014 63
Downloaded from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 26, 2015. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
