job search

How to use a recruitment agency to find a job

Anonymous — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:18:00 +0000

How to use a recruitment agency to find a job Anonymous (not verified)

You have been searching for that dream job for months, but it seems like there isn’t a suitable job out there for you. The job search process can be time-consuming and tiring. Wouldn’t it be great if someone else could manage the process on your behalf?

And someone else can. This is where recruitment agencies come in.

Many job-seekers go down the route of searching for a job on their own, and few know how to tap on the expertise and network of recruitment agencies to find their next job. The role of a recruitment agency essentially revolves around working with employers and job seekers to facilitate a successful job match. In short, recruitment agencies can be the key to unlocking great job opportunities.

How recruitment agencies work

To be successful in your job search, it’s essential to clearly understand how recruitment agencies work. Think of a recruitment agency as a partner in your job search. They can not only connect you with prospective employers but act as a guide, helping you to refine your resume, market you to employers and give you advice on your career path.

After submitting your CV or applying to jobs on their website, recruiters will contact you if there is a suitable match or potential job opportunity. Also, recruiters may reach out to arrange a preliminary interview to find out what your career aspirations and motivations are, and where you fit into an organisation for your current role.

Once a successful job match has been found, and you have an interview session scheduled with your prospective employer, recruiters may provide interview coaching and help you negotiate a compensation package with your prospective employer. When working with a recruitment agency, you know that someone is following up on your application.

Related: How to make a career change

You may also wish to choose a recruiter with whom you can build a rapport. Spend some time connecting with a few recruiters and interviewing them: for example, find out how long they have been with the company and how they usually market your resume and present it to potential employers. Network with colleagues and acquaintances to get recommendations and have them refer you to a recruiter.

There is no harm in connecting with more than one recruiter. Still, it is important to take note that getting double-submitted by multiple recruiters, i.e. having two different recruiters submit you for the same job, may damage the recruiter’s and your reputation as it makes you look like you’re trying to game the system and up your odds at an interview. At the end of the day, the question to ask is if you really need more than one recruiter, assuming that you do your due diligence to find a recruiter who is experienced, qualified, and knowledgeable.

Remember that working with a recruiter is a two- way street. You’ll need to build a good professional relationship with your recruiter. And you can help recruiters help you by making yourself employable – this means completing basic tasks such as updating your CV or cleaning up your LinkedIn profile. You may also need to be flexible by broadening your criteria for the new job and by being willing to compromise on interview timings.

Get the most out of a recruitment agency

There are many reasons why those searching for jobs apply through a recruitment agency. The main reason is that recruitment agencies can tap on the wealth of information and experience they have from working with companies across different industries and sectors.

As companies outsource hiring to recruitment agencies, they not only do the job hunting for you but have access to job vacancies that may not be advertised elsewhere. The best part is, recruitment agencies are free to use by job-seekers.

On top of that, you can also get insights into hiring requirements that are not listed or obvious in job advertisements. That would prepare you for your interview with a prospective employer and increase your chances of getting hired.

Finally, be honest with the recruiter and utilize their expertise. Try and identify what it is you’re looking for in a job and ask lots of questions. The more honest you are, the better they understand you and are able to help you find the best match.

Start your job-hunt now

Most recruiters are open to connecting via LinkedIn or through word of mouth recommendations. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them as they are constantly seeking out potential candidates. Recruiters often use LinkedIn groups to connect with and monitor potential candidates, so join professional and industry associations as well as alumni groups to get in touch with them.

Looking for a career change? Browse current job opportunities, submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to find out how we can assist and support your job search process.

Alicia Tsi

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Job hunting over 50 in Hong Kong: it isn't over yet

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:55:17 +0000

Job hunting over 50 in Hong Kong: it isn't over yet Anonymous (not verified)

Looking for a new job when you’re in your 50s, or older, can be a challenge, even if you have the necessary qualifications or work experience. There are jobs for those who are 50 years and older in Hong Kong, but sometimes, it takes a little extra searching to find the right fit.

In some cases, an age bias may be standing in the way. Employers may think that older workers are more expensive to hire and insure. In other cases, employers may question whether PMETs and other professionals over 50 have the relevant skills needed to do the job.

However, we have seen that not only are there plenty of exciting jobs for those over 50 in Hong Kong, experienced professionals are in high demand to help lead projects and provide specialised expertise. Here are some tips and advice if you are 50 years and older in Hong Kong and searching for a job.

Take a good look at your skill sets

What are your soft and hard skill sets that have gotten you this far in your career? And what are the skills that are missing in your CV? To maximise your appeal to potential employers, you need to convey an awareness of recent industry developments, a commitment to continual learning and an aptitude for using the latest technology.

If you have time, seek out options for upskilling or retraining in order to ensure your skill set stays relevant to the current job market. Here are some ways you can position yourself as a skilled, savvy and well informed professional:

Build your technology/computer skills with a short course
Boost your experience with common business technology
Read industry publications to stay up-to-date with the latest trends
Join a professional association and attend industry events
Upgrade an existing qualification, or invest in professional development to fill key skill gaps

Refresh your resume or CV

It’s something that many professionals overlook: the importance of a CV or resume in getting noticed for open jobs. Especially if it’s been awhile since you’ve done an overhaul of your CV, it’s time to go back to square one and create a CV that is eye-catching, well-presented and does well.

Here are a few practical tips for your CV:

Avoid specifying personal details such as your marital status or date of birth. Your name, address, phone number and email are sufficient.
Limit your employment history to the last 10-15 years, focusing on the skills and experience most relevant to the role.
Address any periods away from the workforce in your cover letter or at the interview, highlighting the skills you gained during that time.

Think outside the norm

If finding a suitable role is taking longer than anticipated, try expanding the scope of your job search. Could you transfer your skills to a new or related industry? Would you be willing to look for roles in a different location? If these options don’t suit your situation, consider these ways to keep your skills up to date and take the pressure off while you search for your ideal type of work:

Part time, contract, or temporary employment
Offering your services as a coach, mentor or tutor
Volunteer work
Becoming a board or community representative

Use your network

Many interviews for senior level positions are generated by personal recommendations; making networking even more important for mature age job seekers.

Let everyone know you are looking for a job, including former colleagues, alumni, family and friends. As well as sourcing potential job leads, you can also gain advice on prospective companies and positions on offer. You might also consider creating a profile on LinkedIn, which has the dual benefit of building your network and demonstrating an aptitude for technology.

Networks are also crucial at this juncture as personal connections play a strong part in opening up possibilities and opportunities. If your networks are not strong enough, it is still not too late to build on them now. Start by doing some pro-bono consulting work — this will help you to build connections across more platforms.

Job market outlook for those in Hong Kong

Mid to senior-level candidates in high-value products and R&D are highly sought-after in Hong Kong. Also, in rapidly developing economies like Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, senior-level candidates will have the expertise and experience that companies are looking for to support and accelerate business growth. Especially in key sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, energy and construction.

Again, on the corporate side, employers are seeking professionals who possess robust management experience, regional based roles, clear thought processes, and a wealth of knowledge as well as understanding on the industry.

The competition for local talent in high value-added industries is fierce because there is no real push factor for many senior-level candidates. To overcome this challenge, some employers are now re-looking at their talent attraction strategies as well as considering alternative candidates from related and close sectors.

Stay positive and don’t lose motivation

In a competitive job market, finding the right role can take months. Feelings of frustration are natural. Try to remain patient and focus on the key strengths and experience you offer prospective employers. Project yourself as an energetic, motivated and upbeat professional who embraces change and is open to new challenges.

And whatever you do, don’t give up.

Start your job search

Michael Page

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How to confirm interview attendance via email

lizjammal — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 05:33:52 +0000

How to confirm interview attendance via email lizjammal

Landing an interview for a role you’re excited about is a significant milestone in your job search. This signals a perfect match between your resume and the employer’s needs.

Before you dive into the nuts and bolts of interview prep – rehearsing commonly asked job interview questions or deciding on your outfit – there is a pivotal first step to consider: sending a confirmation email. This action remains crucial, even if the hiring manager or recruiter initially communicated the interview details over the phone.

This guide covers the importance of job interview confirmation emails and their impact on professional relationships. It includes easy-to-use templates for crafting the perfect message every time.

What is a job interview confirmation email?

A job interview confirmation email is a reply to the interviewer’s initial communication. After receiving the interview details from the hiring manager or recruiter, the job applicant sends a confirmation email to acknowledge receipt of the information and confirm their attendance.

This step follows after crafting a standout resume that aligns with the job’s requirements and catches the hiring manager's attention. With your resume setting the stage, the interview confirmation email showcases professionalism and attention to detail while ensuring everyone is aligned on the interview logistics. It’s your chance to let the hiring manager know you are on the same page about when and where your interview is happening, and it is your next act in showcasing your professionalism.

Despite being a seemingly simple step, it's often overlooked or underestimated in its importance. Many job seekers don't realise how much value a well-crafted confirmation email can add to the overall interview process. It's a small action that can have a big impact, serving as a first impression of your organisational skills, professionalism, and communication style – three qualities that hiring managers care deeply about.

In short, it's not just about making sure you show up at the right time – it’s about making a solid first impression.

Why is a job interview confirmation email important?

Sending an interview confirmation email may seem like a small task, but it’s a powerful way to make a lasting impression. It’s your chance to ensure everything is in place and highlight your professionalism before the big day. Here’s why it matters:

Verifies the details a second time: Confirm the time, location, and format to avoid any last-minute confusion.
Clears up uncertainty: Use this opportunity to ask about any details you might not have covered – like the interview format or who you'll be meeting with.
Shows you’re organised and proactive: A thoughtful confirmation email tells the interviewer you’re on top of things and ready for the conversation.
Demonstrates enthusiasm: Reaffirm your excitement for the role and the company, setting a positive tone before the interview even starts.

Key elements to include in a job interview confirmation email

A job interview confirmation email should be clear, concise, and to the point. It doesn’t need to be lengthy or overly detailed, but it should contain a few key pieces of information. Here’s what to include:

Subject line: The subject line should clearly state the purpose of the email. A simple phrase such as “Interview Confirmation for [Your Name] as [Job Title]” is professional and effective.
Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name, using a professional salutation such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”.
Thank you and acknowledgment: Start by thanking the interviewer for the opportunity and acknowledging the details of the interview they provided.
Restate interview details: Confirm the time, date, location, and format (e.g., in-person, phone, or video) of the interview. If necessary, include any additional information, such as the name of the interviewer, the department, or the specific address.
Availability for adjustments: Politely let them know that you are flexible and open to any changes if needed. This shows that you are accommodating.
Closing and gratitude: Close by expressing your appreciation for the opportunity once again and your excitement for the interview.
Contact information: Include your phone number or another way to reach you if needed.

Tips for replying to a job interview invitation

When replying to a job interview invitation, it's crucial to be professional, timely, and clear. Here are some important tips when replying to an interview invitation:

Email your reply on the same day or by the next business day to show enthusiasm and respect for the opportunity.
Keep your tone enthusiastic but professional to balance excitement with formality.
Carefully review the email before sending it, ensuring no spelling or grammatical errors.

4 templates to help you reply to job interview invitations

If crafting the perfect email reply seems challenging, you're in the right place. Below, we've compiled several sample responses to interview invitations. These templates are crafted to be flexible, allowing you to customise them to showcase your distinct personality and highlight your fit for the desired role.

1) General interview confirmation template to accept or confirm the job interview

This is an email template that would be suitable for situations where you are simply accepting or confirming your upcoming interview.

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you again for your earlier [call/email] inviting me to interview for the [job position] role at [company].

I am writing to confirm my attendance for the interview will take place at [time], at [place]. Are there any other details I should know before arrival, or is there anything you would like me to prepare?

I truly appreciate the opportunity to discuss the role and how my skills and experience are suited to the position. In particular, my previous work in [most relevant area of work for the position] would make me an ideal candidate.

If there’s anything else you need from me before the interview, please let me know.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

2) Email template to reschedule a job interview

Here’s an example of how to reply to a job interview invitation requesting for alternative dates if you’re unable to accommodate the suggested date and time that are communicated to you:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you again for your earlier [call/email] inviting me to interview for the [job position] role at [company].

Due to a prior work commitment, I’m unavailable at [time] on [date]. Would it be possible to reschedule to another time that works for you? I’ll do my best to accommodate your schedule if you could provide a few alternative dates.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

3) Email template requesting accessibility accommodations

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [job position] role at [company name]. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team and contribute to [company name].

I would like to confirm the interview scheduled for [interview date] at [interview time], to be held at [interview location] via [video conferencing platform].

Additionally, I would like to discuss arranging for [specific accommodation]. This accommodation would ensure that I can fully participate in the interview process. I greatly appreciate your understanding and support in facilitating this request.

Please let me know if you need any forms or additional information from me to arrange these accommodations. I look forward to our meeting and discussing my application in more detail.

Thank you again for this opportunity and for considering my request.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

4) Replying to a job interview email invitation: To decline the job interview

Here’s an example of how to decline an interview invitation by email:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for your earlier [call/email] inviting me to interview for the [job position] role at [company].

I truly appreciate your interest in meeting with me to discuss my suitability for the role. However, I unfortunately will have to decline as I have decided to take on an opportunity at another organisation, and this role is not the right fit for me at this time.

I wish you all the best in finding the right candidate for this role.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

FAQs: Nailing your job interview confirmation emails

How should I respond to an interview invite?

Responding to an interview invite is your opportunity to echo professionalism with a touch of your flair. Start with a gracious thank you, confirm the nuts and bolts (date, time, place), and let your excitement about the role shine through. Remember to maintain a polite tone and a positive outlook when writing your reply.

This is also a prime time to toss in a line or two about why you are the puzzle piece they’ve been searching for, using your experience and skills as proof.

Can I really use a sample email as my template?

Absolutely, a sample email is like having a map when you are exploring new territories. It gives you the outline, but you get to fill it in with your own landmarks.

Swap out the generic bits with specifics – name, job title, company, the works – to make it unmistakably yours.

Related: Resignation letter templates

When is the best time to send my interview email confirmation?

Timing is everything, and in this case, sooner is better. Hit send on your confirmation email the same day you get the invite or the next business day. It shows you are keen and on the ball – qualities every employer appreciates.

What goes in the email subject line?

Your subject line is like the title of your favourite book – it should grab the attention of the email recipient. Keep it clear and informative: “Interview Confirmation for [Job Title] at [Company Name]” or “Looking Forward to Our Interview on [Date]”. It’s the first impression of your email, make it confident and strong.

What if their time doesn't work for me?

Life happens, and sometimes schedules clash. If you need to request a different time, do so with grace. Explain your conflict and offer alternative slots, showing flexibility. It’s about finding a win-win time slot while maintaining respect for everyone’s calendar.

How do I politely decline an interview?

Sometimes a role isn’t the right fit, or another opportunity comes up. To decline, thank them warmly for the offer, briefly explain your decision, and wish them well in their search. It’s about closing the door gently and leaving a positive impression.

What should I triple-check before sending my email?

Before your confirmation email takes flight, give it a thorough pre-send check. Look for typos, confirm you’ve got the right names and details, and ensure your email radiates professionalism and enthusiasm. A well-polished email speaks volumes about your attention to detail.

How do I show I'm really into this opportunity?

Your email should glow with your enthusiasm and professionalism. A respectful tone, a dash of gratitude for the invite, and a succinct showcase of your relevant talents can make your email stand out. And before you press send, a final proofread can be your best friend.

What if I have more questions?

Do you have queries about the interview process or need clarity on logistics? It’s completely okay to ask in your confirmation email. It shows you’re thorough and eager to be fully prepared. Just keep your questions concise and relevant.

Remember, your confirmation email is more than just a logistical checkpoint; it’s your first step in building a relationship with your potential employer. Make it count!

Start your job search

Michael Page

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Why do I need to tell recruiters and employers my last-drawn salary when making a career move?

Simone Wu — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 03:00:00 +0000

Why do I need to tell recruiters and employers my last-drawn salary when making a career move? Simone Wu

Having worked in the recruitment field for close to 10 years, one of the common questions I get from candidates is, “Why do I need to disclose my last drawn salary?”

Candidates wonder why their latest salaries should be a benchmark for potential offers, rather than employers offering a salary based on market rate or initial budget.

Whenever I come across this question, I feel for the candidates. Some of them will think that if they are underpaid currently, they will be underpaid forever, with their current salary as the (always low) base. Indeed, some candidates are underpaid compared to the market average (and of course, there will always be a small portion that simply thinks they are underpaid!)

Regardless of perception, this is still one of the critical questions that we need to ask candidates at advanced stages of the interview process (if not right at the beginning) for the following reasons:

1. Justification of proposed salary

In the Hong Kong market, whether working with an MNC or local company, many employers request the last drawn salary before getting approval for the hire. This will justify the proposed offer and is often a set part of the administration process.

2. At the minimum, matching your last-drawn pay

The “market rate” can be pretty subjective. It can be tough to have an absolutely accurate indicator of the right rate, even with salary surveys by recruitment firms or HR consultancies in the market. Knowing your latest pay package makes the employer aware of what you are earning. If their offer (even ones they think are market rate), cannot match your latest salary, it is mutually beneficial to all parties to stop the recruitment process sooner, rather than later.

3. A job title does not always reflect the salary

Titles and organisational structure differ significantly among different organisations. Some companies may have a flat structure with seemingly humble titles that carry a great deal of responsibility. In contrast, other companies may have job titles that are inflated. Judging only from the CV or resume, a job title may not reflect true seniority, so salary can add to the complete picture of your responsibilities and knowledge.

What is an appropriate salary increase to ask for?

Usually, when making a career move, recruitment consultants would advise candidates to aim for a salary increment of 10-20%. However, if you’re one of those candidates who really are underpaid, or you simply expect a big jump in salary for your next move, we advise adopting the below approach to reach the salary you want.

Be upfront with your salary expectations from day one that you apply for the job. Some candidates try to meet the company first, impress them, and then negotiate hard on the salary when they feel the ball is in their court. This can work, but many times it does not work well and instead has a detrimental effect on your overall impression as a candidate.

Justify the larger percentage that you are asking for. Ensure you have solid reasons for asking for a certain amount, and the experience to back it up.

Perhaps you held equity or stock in the previous company on top of your paycheck. Perhaps it is because a large portion of your last salary was a variable bonus/commission. If this is the case, try to present data points that show you are entitled to this portion of the variable bonus for the past few years or quarters.

Keep in mind that it might be challenging for your future employer to factor your variable bonus into guaranteed basic salaries because bonuses are, after all, variable. However, it helps to have the numbers ready.

Have a fair and honest assessment of your own profile

You can expect a more considerable increment if you have a stable CV with steady experience. Alternatively, if you are in a hot, niche and up-and-coming function with a talent pool that is highly sought after (for example, a digital role), it may also be easier to secure a higher increment percentage.

We all work hard to look for reasonable rewards, and so it is natural for all job seekers to hope for a competitive package whenever possible. However, it is equally important to learn about the market landscape, market practice and the timing and techniques of negotiation to get to the salary that is fair and reflective of your skills and experience.

Explore more salary insights

Get a comprehensive view of salaries across various industries and roles with our 2025 Michael Page Salary Guide, which features the average salary of roles in Hong Kong’s dynamic job market, or use our Salary Comparison Tool to see how your compensation compares to industry standards.

Gabriel Nam

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What to do after being laid off: A guide to navigating this challenging time

Simone Wu — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:28:31 +0000

What to do after being laid off: A guide to navigating this challenging time Simone Wu

Being laid off can be a deeply unsettling experience. You would likely feel a range of emotions, from sadness, grief and anger to confusion and even relief. Many individuals face job loss at some point in their careers. With the right approach, you can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger.

Related: Building your personal brand

How to recover from layoffs and get back on your feet

1. Acknowledge and process your emotions

Job loss can trigger a rollercoaster of emotions. Acknowledge and validate your feelings, whether they be sadness, anger, or even fear. Talking to trusted friends, family, or therapists can provide a safe space to process these emotions.

-Don’t bottle up your emotions: Bottling up your feelings can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and hinder your ability to move forward. Allow yourself to express your feelings in a healthy way, whether through journaling, talking to a trusted confidant, breaking things in a rage room, or engaging in activities you find therapeutic.

-Seek professional help if needed: If you’re struggling to cope with the emotional impact of job loss, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. They can provide guidance and support as you navigate this challenging time. It is not easy to take the first step to ask for help. If you are not mentally ready for a face-to-face talk, consider calling a counselling service helpline.

Maintain a positive outlook

Though the situation may seem overwhelming and immobilising, it’s important to remember that this phase is only temporary. Keep your sights set on the future, maintaining an optimistic outlook as you navigate forward. Recognise that being laid off, like many workers laid off during economic downturns, is a strategic business decision that could be due to various factors such as the need to cut costs or poor performance elsewhere in the company. It's not a measure of your professional capabilities or worth.

-Reframe your perspective: Instead of viewing your termination as a setback, see it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. This shift in perspective can empower you to approach your job search with a more positive and proactive attitude.

-Focus on your strengths: Reflect on your skills, accomplishments, and experiences. Recognising your strengths can boost your confidence and self-belief as you embark on your job search journey.

2. Understand your rights and finances

Understanding your employee rights and financial standing is crucial after a layoff. With the right approach, you can lay a solid foundation for your next career move.

Review your severance package

Carefully review the terms of your severance package, including any severance pay, continuation of benefits, and outplacement services that could have a significant impact on your financial well-being. If you have questions, discuss them with your HR department or seek legal advice.

-Don’t rush into signing anything: Take your time to thoroughly understand the terms of your severance package before signing any agreements. Seek legal counsel if necessary to ensure your rights are protected.

-Negotiate your severance package: Depending on your circumstances, you may have some room for negotiation regarding your severance package. Consult an employment lawyer to understand your options and explore potential negotiation strategies.

Explore unemployment benefits

Research and understand the unemployment benefits available in your country. Knowing your eligibility and application process can provide financial security during your job search.

-Contact your local unemployment office: The unemployment office in your area can provide information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefit amounts.

-Seek assistance from non-profit organisations: Some organisations offer resources and support to individuals facing job loss. These organisations can help you navigate the unemployment benefits system and connect with other valuable resources.

Create a budget

Assess your savings and expenses to create a realistic budget. Identify areas where you can cut costs and prioritise essential spending to manage your finances effectively.

-Track your expenses: If you haven’t already, start monitoring your spending habits to identify areas where you can adjust your budget. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your income and expenses effectively.

-Seek financial counselling: If you’re struggling to manage your finances, consider seeking professional guidance from a financial advisor or counsellor. They can help you create a personalised budget, explore debt management strategies, and navigate financial challenges during your job search.

-Find temporary work: While taking time to strategise your next career move is vital, sometimes the need for income is urgent. Finding temporary work doesn’t have to derail your long-term career goals.

While you secure immediate income through temporary, freelance or part-time work, you can continue your job search for a permanent position that aligns with your aspirations. If you’re in this situation, here are some resources to help you find temporary work and bridge the financial gap:

Explore the gig economy: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect businesses with individuals offering various skills and services. From writing and editing to graphic design and programming, these platforms provide diverse opportunities for project-based work.
Look for contract or temporary jobs: Staffing agencies specialise in placing individuals in temporary or contract positions. Depending on your experience and qualifications, these roles range from administrative support to specialised technical skills.
Utilise online job boards: Major job boards, like our Michael Page job portal, often feature sections dedicated to temporary and freelance positions. Use relevant keywords and filters to find opportunities that align with your skills and availability.
Contact your network: Let your professional network know you’re available for short-term projects or freelance work. Former colleagues, clients, or acquaintances may have leads or referrals to provide immediate income opportunities.

3. Redefining your career path: Reflection and exploration

Before diving headfirst into applications, take some time to reflect on your aspirations and redefine your professional path.

Uncover your “why”

Ask yourself what excites and motivates you in a career. Do you crave the intellectual challenge of a specific field, or are you drawn to roles that offer opportunities for creativity and problem-solving? Identifying your intrinsic motivators will guide you towards fulfilling career options.

Explore new horizons

Instead of confining yourself to the boundaries of your previous role, embrace the opportunity to delve into new industries or fields that spark your curiosity.

By researching emerging trends and pinpointing areas where your existing skills and experience could seamlessly transition, you open the door to many possibilities that align more closely with your interests and aspirations.

-Identify skill gaps: Analyse the requirements of your desired jobs and identify any skill gaps you may have. Utilise online resources, job postings, and industry reports to understand the in-demand skills for your target positions.

-Explore online learning platforms: Numerous online platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, offer courses and certifications to help you acquire in-demand skills. Many platforms offer free trials or introductory courses, allowing you to explore their offerings before committing.

-Focus on practical application: Don’t just focus on theoretical knowledge; actively apply your newly acquired skills through projects, volunteering, or freelance work. This practical experience will enhance your learning and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

-Consider alternative learning methods: Volunteering or taking on freelance projects can provide valuable practical experience to complement your online learning.

Clear your mind

A well-defined objective streamlines your job search. Instead of applying to every available position, focus on opportunities that align with your newfound direction. This targeted approach saves time and increases your chances of landing a fulfilling role. Self-reflection is not a one-time event.

As you progress through your job search, revisit your goals and aspirations regularly. This ongoing evaluation ensures your actions align with your evolving vision for the future. By prioritising introspection and exploration, you can transform a challenging experience into a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

4. Prioritise your mental health and well-being

Whether you prefer to do light yoga or run regularly exercise, eat nutritious meals or check off your list of new restaurants to try, create habits that can contribute to your overall well-being and resilience during your job search. The key is to go at your own pace. Some might jump into a job search a few days after being laid off, while others need more time.

Seek support

Emotions can hit you anytime, not just at the beginning of your layoff. Talking to someone you trust can help you manage stress and navigate the challenges of losing your job.

-Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Techniques like meditation and yoga can help manage stress and anxiety during your job search. Explore various mindfulness and relaxation techniques and find what works best for you.

-Seek professional help: Sometimes, talking to a professional therapist or counsellor can be a more comfortable starting point than speaking with close families and friends. They are trained to listen and provide support without judgment. This can also alleviate the fear of burdening loved ones.

-Join support groups: Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can reduce the sense of isolation and the burden of sharing. Peer support groups offer a safe space to express feelings and share coping strategies.

-Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s normal to need help and ask for help. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and support you’d offer a good friend.

5. Leverage your network and announce your job search with confidence

While updating your resume can wait, updating your LinkedIn profile is crucial before publicly announcing your job search. While acknowledging layoffs can be challenging, the landscape of job searching has shifted significantly.

Career transitions are increasingly commonplace in today’s economy, driven by factors like business restructuring, technological advancements, workforce budget cuts and unforeseen events like the recent pandemic. This widespread understanding has led to a normalisation of openly expressing your “open to work” status on platforms like LinkedIn.

Don’t shy away from expressing your feelings about the layoff situation authentically on LinkedIn. Honesty and vulnerability can resonate with potential future employers, and connections. Some may choose to say they have been laid off while others may not want to.

Do what is comfortable for you. Here are several pointers to consider when writing your LinkedIn post:

-Focus on the future: While acknowledging the past, emphasise your excitement for new opportunities. Showcase resilience and optimism, qualities valued by potential employers.

-Express gratitude: Thank your former colleagues and express appreciation for your time at the company. This demonstrates professionalism and respect.

-Clarity is key: Clearly state your desired role, including details like industry, level, location, and desired work arrangement. This helps connections identify relevant opportunities.

-Utilise professional language: Maintain a professional tone throughout your announcement, avoiding negative remarks about your previous employer.

-Call to action: Encourage connections to share relevant opportunities or make introductions, expanding your reach.

Sample LinkedIn post template

Here is a LinkedIn post template for your convenience. Feel free to copy, paste, and modify it to suit your needs – remember to personalise it before sharing.

“I recently completed my journey at [Company Name] and am now actively seeking new opportunities to leverage my skills and experience in [mention your areas of expertise]. I’m grateful for the valuable experiences and connections I made during my time there.

I’m particularly interested in [mention your desired role and industry], ideally in a [location or remote] setting. My passion lies in [briefly describe what motivates you in your work].

If you know of any relevant opportunities or are willing to connect me with individuals in your network, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your support!”

6. Craft a winning job search strategy

After taking some time off to process what just happened and grieve as needed, you can start to work on your job search. The first step is to update your resume.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

Even if you intend to find a new job later, it is always recommended to keep your resume updated so it would be up-to-date if someone requests it.

Naturally, when you update your resume, do the same for your LinkedIn profile. If you decide to start your job search, be sure to tailor your resume to each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.

-Use keywords strategically: Identify keywords commonly used in job postings for your target positions and incorporate them in your resume and LinkedIn profile. This can improve your visibility to potential employers who use applicant tracking systems.

-Quantify your accomplishments: Use metrics and data to quantify your achievements on your resume. This will demonstrate your tangible impact in previous roles and strengthen your candidacy.

-Proofread meticulously: Ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile are free of typos and grammatical errors. A professional presentation is crucial for making a positive first impression on potential employers.

Layoffs, while challenging, are opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By following these steps, taking care of yourself, and maintaining a positive outlook, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this transition, be ready for future employment, and find a new role that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

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How to answer workplace culture job interview questions (sample answers included)

Naren Sankar — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 03:07:36 +0000

How to answer workplace culture job interview questions (sample answers included) Naren Sankar

Landing your dream job often hinges on more than just showcasing your skills and qualifications. It is about fitting into the fabric of the company’s culture seamlessly. This crucial aspect is often evaluated through culture-fit interview questions.

While traditional interview questions like, “Why are you suitable for this job?” and behavioural job interview questions like “Describe a time when you had to overcome a difficult situation at work,” assess your competencies, culture fit questions delve deeper into who you are as a person and how you will mesh with the company’s values, beliefs, and working environment.

Are you the right fit?

These questions go beyond the surface and aim to uncover your alignment with the organisation’s culture. It is not just about skills and experiences; it’s about your attitudes, behaviours, and working style.

Hiring managers, human resources professionals and recruiters use culture-fit questions to gauge whether candidates will thrive within their unique workplace ecosystem, contribute positively to the team dynamics, and uphold the company’s core principles.

Understanding a candidate’s values and preferences ensures alignment with the company’s ethos, promoting workplace harmony and productivity.

Workplace culture interview questions and sample answers

These questions, related to corporate culture, aim to uncover how well your beliefs, behaviours, and work style align with the organisation’s core values. Preparing thoughtful responses to these questions can greatly enhance your chances of demonstrating a strong culture fit during the interview process.

Here are the 10 commonly asked culture fit interview questions and sample answers to help you craft your answers:

1. Describe your ideal work culture and how it relates to our company’s culture.

When it comes to the hiring process, it’s not just about finding candidates with the right skills and experience; it’s also about finding individuals who align with the company’s values, mission, and workplace culture.

Employers understand that a candidate’s fit with the company's culture is crucial for long-term success within the organisation. This is why they often ask questions like, “Describe your ideal work culture and how it relates to our company’s culture.”

The importance of this question lies in its ability to reveal whether a candidate’s values and preferences align with the organisation's culture. It allows hiring managers to assess whether the candidate would seamlessly integrate into the existing work environment, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and contribute positively to the company’s growth.

Example answer

“In my ideal workplace, I value open communication and teamwork, fostering innovation and aligning with your company’s transparency and collaboration focus. I prioritise a culture promoting professional growth, aligning with your organisation’s opportunities for skill development and career advancement. My ideal work culture champions collaboration, learning, and shared values, synergising well with your company’s culture.”

2. What do you value most in a workplace, and how do you seek to maintain a positive work environment?

Hiring managers and human resources professionals ask this question to assess a candidate's alignment with the company’s core values and their ability to contribute positively to the workplace culture. Key to answering is demonstrating an understanding of workplace values and a proactive approach to fostering a harmonious and productive environment.

Example answer

“In a workplace, I value open communication and collaboration. To maintain a positive work environment, I actively engage with my colleagues, encouraging idea-sharing and mutual support. I believe in addressing challenges with constructive feedback and finding solutions as a team. This fosters a sense of trust and camaraderie, contributing to a productive and enjoyable workplace for everyone.”

3. Do you prefer working by yourself, with a partner or in a team?

During job interviews, hiring managers and recruiters aim to understand your work style and how they interact with others to determine if you are a good fit.

By asking this question, employers can assess how candidates approach projects, their collaboration tendencies, and their adaptability to different work environments.

The response provides insights into whether the candidate’s preferred working style aligns with the organisation’s company culture and the specific role’s requirements, ensuring a harmonious and productive work relationship.

Example answer

“It really depends on the task at hand. If it’s one of those tasks that needs laser focus and a keen eye for detail, I’m all about working solo. But when it's time to brainstorm, tackle complex challenges, or get different viewpoints into the mix, I’m all in for teamwork. Basically, I adapt to what the project needs at the moment, and my top priorities are doing quality work and getting things done efficiently.”

4. What do you think your managers would say about you?

This question is commonly posed by hiring managers and recruiters to gain insights into a candidate’s self-awareness, professionalism, and interpersonal relationships.

It allows employers to understand how candidates perceive themselves in a professional setting and gauge their ability to receive and act upon feedback.

Furthermore, it provides a glimpse into the candidate’s past work dynamics and how they believe they were perceived by their superiors. By asking this question, the hiring manager can assess the potential compatibility of the candidate with the company culture and their prospective team.

Example answer

“I reckon my managers would see me as a real team player. In my last gig, my boss gave me a pat on the back for hitting tight deadlines like a champ and for being a smooth operator when it came to teaming up with folks from all over the place.

“They might even say I’m the kind of person who’s all about feedback, always looking to up my game. Plus, if a chance to lead a project pops up, I’m all over it. And hey, I’ve always kept the lines open with my higher-ups, making sure we’re on the same page.”

5. How do you handle feedback and criticism, and how do you use it to improve?

In today’s dynamic workplace, the ability to accept constructive feedback and translate it into personal and professional growth is highly valued.

Hiring managers tend to ask this question as they want to know your approach to handling feedback and criticism because it reflects their adaptability and growth mindset. Crafting a response that showcases your receptiveness to feedback and your capacity to leverage it for improvement is pivotal to excelling in this interview question.

Example answer

“When I get feedback, I’m all ears! I really value different viewpoints and stay open-minded. I see constructive criticism as a golden opportunity to level up my skills. What I do next is make a game plan to tackle any areas where I can improve.

“I keep tabs on how I’m doing and even reach out for more feedback. Basically, I’m all about continuous improvement, and it’s a big part of how I roll in my professional journey.”

6. Can you share an example of a project or task where you demonstrated adaptability and flexibility?

Hiring managers ask about adaptability and flexibility because they want to uncover your ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment. The key to answering this question is to provide a specific, compelling example that showcases your problem-solving skills, resilience, and capacity to embrace change.

Example answer

“In one of my past projects, we had our initial plan in place when we suddenly had to pivot due to a change in client requirements. It was a bit of a curveball, but I gathered my team, and we huddled up to figure things out. We ended up reshaping certain aspects of the project to align with the new demands.

“I took the lead in guiding the team through this unexpected twist, and I'm proud to say we not only met the client's new needs but also left them delighted. It was a great lesson in adaptability and teamwork, and it ultimately led to the project's success.”

7. What motivates you professionally?

Employers want to understand your motivations at work for several reasons. It ensures alignment with company culture, boosting harmony. It also leads to higher job satisfaction and retention by aligning job and candidate motivations.

Intrinsic motivation fosters engagement and productivity. It helps gauge long-term commitment and identifies contributors to company growth. Acknowledging professional aspirations demonstrates a commitment to personal development, enhancing the company's appeal. In sum, understanding motivations is pivotal for hiring success.

Example answer

“What really drives me professionally is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. I find immense satisfaction in tackling challenges head-on, whether it’s solving complex problems or driving innovation. Additionally, being part of a collaborative team that values creativity and open communication is a big motivator for me.

“When I see that my work contributes to the company’s growth and success, it fuels my enthusiasm even more. Ultimately, I’m motivated by the chance to learn, grow, and continuously improve while making a positive difference.”

8. Tell me about a situation when you went above and beyond to help a coworker.

Hiring managers ask the question to gauge your teamwork, empathy, and commitment to a positive workplace culture. It is key to share a specific example that highlights your willingness to support colleagues, showcasing your interpersonal skills. This question provides insight into your collaborative spirit and how you contribute to a harmonious work environment.

Example answer

“There was a time when one of my team members was facing a tight deadline and needed assistance. I recognised the importance of the project, so I offered to help. We collaborated closely, even working late hours to ensure its success.

“As a result, we not only met the deadline but exceeded our quality standards. It was a rewarding experience, and it strengthened our teamwork.”

9. How do you contribute to fostering an inclusive environment?

Hiring managers ask this to assess a candidate’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. They seek individuals who actively promote a harmonious workplace.

The key to answering is showcasing awareness, actions, and collaboration. Emphasise your dedication to inclusivity, share relevant experiences, and highlight your role in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Example answer

“I believe fostering inclusivity is crucial. In my previous role, I joined the company’s employee resource group to help promote diversity and inclusion by helping to organise workshops on cultural awareness.

“I sourced a face mask manufacturer for our Pride Month initiative and got a C-level professional with Tourette Syndrome to share her life story over an online webinar with our regional team. I’m committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.”

10. Describe the last mistake you made at work.

The interviewer often asks candidates about the last mistake they made at work to evaluate their self-awareness, accountability, and problem-solving skills. This question provides insight into how candidates recognise, take responsibility for, and learn from their errors.

It also sheds light on their ability to handle setbacks constructively, implement corrective measures, and prevent similar mistakes in the future. The way candidates answer can reveal their level of maturity, resilience, and adaptability, which are essential traits for success in any role.

The key is to be as honest as possible in your answer about the mistake you made, and the point here is not to see how well you rectified the mistake but the steps you took to do so. Whether or not, the issue was solved is not as critical as how you managed the situation.

Example answer

“In my previous role as a project coordinator, I once overlooked an email update from a key vendor, which led to a minor delay in the project timeline. The oversight occurred because I was managing multiple tasks and mistakenly marked the email as read without properly digesting its content.

“Once I realised the mistake, I immediately communicated the delay to all relevant stakeholders and took corrective actions to expedite the process and minimise the impact. I also implemented a new system for tracking vendor communications to ensure such oversights did not occur in the future.

“This experience taught me the importance of meticulous attention to detail, especially in a fast-paced environment, and reinforced the need for effective communication tools and strategies.”

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13 questions to ask hiring managers during a job interview

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:16:42 +0000

13 questions to ask hiring managers during a job interview Anonymous (not verified)

When applying for a job, top candidates don’t just want to know whether they can get the job. They are interested in understanding the company’s plans and how they can contribute.

A job interview is a two-way process. Besides the interview preparation for the common job interview questions, candidates should use the hiring process to find out more about the role and company. You are at the job interview to learn about the company and whether you want to be a part of it as much as the interviewer is assessing you for the role.

You should engage in a meaningful conversation during a job interview, as that would allow you to demonstrate your alignment with the organisation and set yourself apart from other candidates.

To do that, asking questions during a job interview allows candidates to actively participate in the conversation, gather information, assess fit, and leave a positive impression on the hiring team.

It is important to note that you must not discuss salary during your job interview. Salary discussions are more appropriate during the later stages of the interview process, typically after you have received a job offer or when the employer initiates the salary negotiation conversation.

Bringing up salary too early in the interview can give the impression that you are primarily motivated by monetary factors rather than the opportunity itself. Waiting until you have a formal job offer allows you to leverage your accomplishments and qualifications to negotiate from a stronger position.

Questions to ask at the end of a job interview

The questions you ask will help provide valuable insights into the role you are applying for and the culture at the organisation. It’s not about asking as many questions as possible but rather asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the company and your fit within the role.

Choose key questions that are most important to you and focus on having a meaningful discussion around those topics. Ahead are our top questions to ask hiring managers during a job interview. These are categorised into categories, such as career growth, company culture, and work environment, to help you navigate and find questions most pertinent to your needs for the new position.

Questions about career growth

1. What does career progression look like for someone in this position?

By asking this question, you show your commitment to long-term engagement with the company and your desire for professional growth. Try to bring up some points in the job description to get a more specific answer from the hiring manager.

2. Are there opportunities available for training and career advancement?

This demonstrates your ambition to surpass expectations. It highlights your determination to excel in your prospective role and your eagerness to learn new things by taking online courses, for example. Companies are always looking to retain employees, so hiring managers will likely appreciate your self-improvement mindset.

3. What are the key factors for success in this role?

As an employee, you are an investment for your hiring manager. It is expected that you will bring value to the company. One way to achieve this is by surpassing performance indicators.

Asking about these indicators shows that you want to thrive in the position. For you, you get a clearer understanding of how the potential employer sees success and how you can succeed in the company in the long run.

4. What were some challenges faced by the previous person in this role?

This question provides you with clarity on expectations for the role. A direct and positive response with an explanation is a promising sign, while a hesitant reaction and vague explanations raise red flags.

Keep in mind that a job interview is an opportunity for you to evaluate the company as much as it is for the interviewer to assess you. Savvy candidates always seek to understand the role’s immediate challenges, as it helps determine their potential for success.

5. What qualities or skills were lacking in the previous person that you hope to see in the next candidate?

This question shows your ability to address potential issues proactively, and the answer can shed light on what caused the previous person to struggle or leave the position, providing insights into the path to your success.

It can also tell you about how the role may have evolved and the changes in the company. From here, you can highlight certain skills or experience you bring to the role and reassure the hiring manager that you are the right candidate for the position.

6. Can I expect any changes to my main responsibilities in this role within the next six months to a year?

You are conveying your curiosity about future possibilities and potential growth within the role. It demonstrates your eagerness to explore different aspects of the job that attract you and the skills required to remain valuable in the position.

7. What would a typical day or week look like if I were offered the position?

This question allows you to assess whether the role aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals. It helps you evaluate whether you would enjoy and excel in the responsibilities involved on a daily or weekly basis.

On top of that, understanding the typical day or week provides insights into the workplace, team dynamics, and the level of collaboration required in the role. Of course, you must have realistic expectations of what the job requires of you.

8. Do you want me to address any concerns or gaps in my resume?

When you ask about any potential concerns or missing information on your resume, it provides an excellent opportunity for you and the interviewer to address them directly. It demonstrates your receptiveness to constructive feedback and eagerness to improve, which are valuable qualities in a prospective employee.

This is a good practice even if you don’t secure the job, as it helps you identify areas for improvement for your next job interview, especially within a specific industry.

Questions about the company culture

9. What do you enjoy most about working here?

This question focuses on personal experiences and allows the hiring manager to share their positive experiences and aspects they appreciate about the company. It gives insights into the company’s strengths, values, and employee satisfaction. It also helps you understand the positive aspects of working in the current company and gauge if it aligns with your own preferences and career aspirations.

10. What distinguishes working at the current company from any other company you have worked for?

This question allows the hiring manager to highlight unique aspects of the company’s culture, work environment, and opportunities. It helps you assess whether the company’s values and atmosphere align with yours.

11. How does the company prioritise social events to ensure inclusivity for all employees?

By posing this question, you show interest in inclusivity, the company culture, and the company’s efforts to create an engaging and inclusive environment for everyone.

Questions about the work environment

12. How do you handle conflicts within the team?

This question shows your interest in understanding the company's approach to conflict resolution and teamwork dynamics. It provides insights into the hiring manager’s leadership skills and how the hiring manager fairly addresses a challenging situation.

13. Are there opportunities for flexible work arrangements combining remote work and office presence?

This question aims to understand the company's stance on flexible work arrangements, which allow employees to balance remote work and office presence based on their preferences or specific job requirements.

It helps you evaluate whether the company aligns with your preferred work style and needs and whether you can balance your work hours and personal life if offered the role.

Important tips on how to ask questions during job interviews

Besides knowing what questions to ask, candidates need to learn how to ask questions effectively during job interviews. Keep in mind to ask these job interview questions in a logical and professional manner. Whether you are meeting the hiring manager in person or are having a video interview, always maintain good eye contact and body language throughout the interview.

By mastering the art of asking questions, candidates can actively engage in the interview process, gather valuable information, demonstrate their qualifications, and leave a positive and lasting impression on the interviewer.

Be prepared

Take the time to research the company, its culture, values, and recent news or developments through the company website, social media pages and news publications. Review the job description and understand the role’s requirements and responsibilities. This preparation will help you ask relevant and informed questions.

Demonstrate active listening

Asking relevant and thoughtful questions shows that you have been actively engaged and listening attentively during the interview. It reflects your ability to process information and seek clarification or deeper insights.

Focus on the interviewer

Pay attention to the interviewer’s cues and responses throughout the interview. Tread carefully and tailor your questions to their interests and experiences to engage in a meaningful conversation. Building rapport and showing genuine interest can leave a positive impression.

Be specific and personalised

Frame your questions in a way that relates to your experiences and aspirations. Instead of asking generic questions, make them specific to the role you are applying for. For example, ask about the day-to-day tasks, key challenges, or growth opportunities within the position.

Build on the conversation

Refer to earlier parts of the interview and ask questions based on the information shared. This demonstrates active listening and shows the candidate's ability to connect different aspects of the discussion.

Show enthusiasm

Ask questions demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Inquire about the company’s goals, exciting projects, or initiatives. This showcases your motivation and long-term commitment.

Ask open-ended questions

Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Instead, ask open-ended questions that encourage the interviewer to provide detailed responses. This allows for a more insightful and engaging conversation.

Be mindful of timing

Respect the interviewer’s time and be aware of the interview schedule. If there is limited time remaining, prioritise your most important questions. You can always follow up with additional questions if you receive a job offer or during subsequent interviews.

Remember, asking thoughtful and relevant questions during a job interview demonstrates your preparedness, engagement, and genuine interest in the role and company. It helps you gather valuable information to make an informed decision about the opportunity.

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10 resume builders and template tools to make your resume stand out

Naren Sankar — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:48:38 +0000

10 resume builders and template tools to make your resume stand out Naren Sankar

A resume serves as a marketing tool for your professional experience and background, so it needs to be distinct as well as easy to read to land a job interview.

How your resume looks and reads matters when competing for a job. According to a study by TheLadders, recruiters spend an average of six seconds before making the initial “fit or no fit” decision on candidates. However, the time a recruiter or hiring manager spends looking at a resume can vary depending on the role, the company, and the number of resumes they review.

Crafting a great resume is no easy feat, especially if you have an extensive career background, as resumes, unlike a CV, should not be more than two pages long. It can be a time-consuming process, and even more so when you need to customise resumes to target different jobs.

Resume templates can give you a head start by providing a pre-formatted document you can customise with your information. This way, you do not have to spend extra time on the resume format and can use your time to fill it up.

Not just for those who are not skilled at creating a resume layout, you should use a professional resume template because these resume templates now come in the form of resume builders that provide ideas and prompts, and even applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly resume templates to make sure you cover all grounds and details of your career when creating a professional-looking resume.

Benefits of using resume builders, templates and tools

Early resume builders offered basic templates and limited customisation options. However, resume builders have evolved to give you professional resume templates that incorporate advanced features such as writing suggestions, pre-written phrases, ATS optimisation, and integration with job boards.

Today, there are numerous online resume builders available, offering a wide range of templates, features, and pricing options to cater to the diverse needs of job seekers.

It goes without saying that resume builders offer a multitude of time-saving benefits for job seekers. By providing pre-designed resume templates and intuitive interfaces, these tools take away the need to spend hours formatting and designing resumes from scratch.

With easy-to-use editing features, you can swiftly input your information, including work experience, education, and skills, saving significant time and effort.

However, resume builders do so much more than that. Here are some other benefits of using resume builders:

1. Most resume builders include features like spell checkers and suggested phrases to help ensure that resumes are error-free and well-written.

2. They provide guidance and structure for your work history, resume summary and critical skills hiring managers expect to see.

3. They allow for quick updates and modifications without starting from scratch.

4. They streamline the resume creation process, enabling focus on tailoring content to specific job applications.

5. They provide attractive and modern resume templates with presets to suit different job applications.

6. Some resume builders come with help for cover letters and CV templates, either in the form of a builder or as samples.

7. These tools can be extremely helpful when you lack design skills.

Always customise when using resume templates

With that said, there are also some potential drawbacks to using resume templates. For example, if you use a template that is not well-designed or that is not tailored to your specific skills and experience, it could actually hurt your chances of getting a job. It’s important to choose a professional template that highlights your strengths.

You also don’t want to use a resume template blindly. Be sure to customise it to make it work for you.

Overall, the benefits of using resume templates outweigh the drawbacks. Utilising a resume template is still a great option if you’re looking to save time, make a good first impression, and highlight your skills and experience.

10 resume builders and template tools

Resume templates are valuable tools that can help job seekers create professional and visually appealing resumes efficiently. Here are 10 resume-building tools to help you construct your resume.

1. Canva

Canva is an online user-friendly graphic design tool that helps people make flawless graphics without needing any previous experience.

In this case, it can help job hunters build beautiful, creative resumes. There are hundreds of templates that you can use and customise onsite by switching colours, fonts, and graphics.

You can choose between a simple resume template, sleek resumes, bright and colourful templates, executive-level professional templates, and more. You will also have the option of uploading your own elements if you have features you would like to add.

2. Easel.ly

If you’re on a creative streak and looking to make something truly unique, Easel.ly gives you all the tools to make it happen. Technically speaking, Easel.ly is a tool for turning any kind of information into an engaging infographic, so you can use it for your resume and presentations and reports once you get hired.

Easel.ly offers one free resume template, and if you want more options, you need to pay. There are three pricing plans: Student, Individual and Business.

While all three packages give you access to 320+ templates (including resumes and others like brochures and infographics), 1.1 million icons and pictures, the Individual and Business plans provide access to many other elements like free student accounts and organisational options.

3. Kickresume

kickresume has over 50 templates to choose from, including career-specific options. It also comes with over 100 resume examples from people who have landed dream jobs to help you get the creative juices flowing.

The free version offers 4 basic resume templates, 4 matching cover letter templates, 1 basic website template, 20,000 pre-written phrases, 1,500+ resume examples and unlimited downloads.

The paid version provides more resume and cover letter templates, as well as personal website templates, full customisation options, an AI resume checker, and priority email and chat support.

4. Michael Page resume templates

We offer a range of professional resume templates that differ depending on what suits you and the position you’re applying for. For example, a skills-based resume focuses on your professional skills and will have a different look and function than a chronological resume and a creative resume, so choose the one relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Compared to resume builders out there, these fuss-free Microsoft Word templates offer a simple way for you to create your own version.

5. My Perfect Resume

My Perfect Resume takes the hassle out of resume writing. Choose from several templates and follow easy prompts to create the perfect job-ready resume effortlessly. It provides professionally designed templates, industry-specific content, and customisation options to match your professional style.

Unlike other resume-building websites, MyPerfectResume offers a cover letter builder, resume-writing services, resume optimisation tools and additional resources for the job seeker.

6. Resume.com

Resume.com comes with 24 free resume templates to choose from. You can upload your resume and work on the existing document or create one from scratch.

It provides a simple and intuitive process for creating professional resumes, allowing users to easily customise them. With its focus on aesthetics and ease of use, Resume.com offers a unique and visually appealing approach to resume building.

7. Resume.io

Resume.io is an online resume builder that offers users a user-friendly platform to create professional resumes. It provides a wide range of resume templates, including recruiter-tested templates and 350+ occupation-specific resume examples, and offers both free and paid subscription options with various pricing plans available.

The platform offers features such as research-based writing suggestions, AI pre-written phrases, optimised resumes for applicant tracking systems (ATS), and a convenient and easy-to-use interface.

Resume.io includes additional tools like a photo background removal tool, an integrated job tracking board, and the ability to merge resumes and cover letters into one PDF document.

8. Resumonk

The free version of Resumonk comes with four templates and the ability to import your LinkedIn profile. A paid version will set you back by USD$29 a year but provides 17 templates and no Resumonk branding in the footer.

It also enables you to create a cover letter for each resume, a custom URL to share your resume online, and analytics to track online views. The platform also offers valuable resources, including expert tips and advice on resume writing, to enhance the quality and effectiveness of your application.

9. Resume Genius

Resume Genius is a resume-building website that provides users with a well-designed and helpful resume builder. It offers 15 modern resume templates that are highly professional and ATS-friendly, ensuring that resumes are easily parsed by applicant tracking systems.

What sets ResumeGenius apart is its use of AI to add pre-filled bullet points to the experience section, making the resume creation process fast and easy.

Unlike most resume builders, where you need to first choose a resume template of your liking before filling in details, Resume Genius gets you to upload your existing resume first, and implement them across its templates for you to visualise your resume before you decide on the best resume template for you. There are also resume samples available as references as you craft your job-winning resume.

The website charges a one-time fee of USD$2.95 for downloading a custom-built resume or a monthly fee of USD$7.95 for unlimited resumes and cover letters.

10. VisualCV

When creating a resume on VisualCV, users can choose from over 20 resume templates and have the flexibility to download the resume as a PDF or share it online. You can download a branded and free resume without purchasing any plans.

The VisualCV branding can be removed from your PDF by upgrading to VisualCV Pro. If you decide to upgrade to the Pro version (USD$12/month for a minimum of three months), you can access all templates, multiple resume versions, and the ability to export to PDF without the VisualCV branding.

The platform also provides resume writing services by certified professional resume writers and a range of career advice content on how to get a good start in your career.

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What is a cover letter, and why is it important?

lizjammal — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:30:41 +0000

What is a cover letter, and why is it important? lizjammal

In today’s competitive job market, the cover letter remains an essential element of the application process. It is a snapshot of your qualifications, accomplishments, and personality, providing hiring managers with valuable information beyond your resume.

While some argue its demise, a poll by the Office of Career Education at Arcadia University in 2022 found that 72% of recruiters expect cover letters even if they are optional, and 77% prefer candidates who submit a cover letter.

More importantly, 83% of recruiters said a cover letter could help you get a job interview even if the resume isn’t good enough.

Moreover, a well-crafted cover letter demonstrates your communication skills, sets you apart from other candidates, and allows you to explain gaps or career changes. So, whether required or not, including a cover letter is crucial for making a strong impression and increasing your chances of securing an interview.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document typically submitted alongside a resume as part of a job application. It is a three- to four-paragraph memo that provides an opportunity for applicants to explain their interest in the job and company and highlight their skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the position they seek.

A well-written cover letter goes beyond the information in the resume, allowing applicants to delve into more detail about their professional career and demonstrate their fit for the role and company.

By effectively showcasing their qualifications, a cover letter aims to make a positive impression on potential employers and set applicants apart from other candidates.

How to write a cover letter

Creating an effective cover letter will increase your chances of getting an interview with a hiring manager. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your efforts:

1. Address the contact mentioned in the job advert

When addressing your cover letter, ensure it is received by the correct person – ideally using the hiring manager’s name. When you are unable to find out the hiring manager’s name, it is still crucial to address your cover letter appropriately.

Instead of using “To whom it may concern,” which can sound impersonal, there are several alternatives you can use to make your salutation more specific and professional.

Here are some examples of how to address a cover letter if you don’t know the recipient’s name:

“Dear [Company Name] Hiring Manager”
“Dear [Department Name] Hiring Manager”
“Dear Hiring Manager”
“Dear Human Resources Manager”
“Dear [Company Name] HR Department”

When you use these greetings, you avoid assuming someone’s gender or marital status and maintain a professional tone. It is recommended to be as specific as possible, such as addressing the hiring manager for a particular department or using the company’s name in the salutation.

2. Outline your current job situation and why you want to move on – don’t be negative

If you are currently employed, explain the reasons for your interest in the new role in the cover letter, whether that be career progression, personal interests, or even that you are just looking for a change.

If you are between jobs or have previous employment gaps on your resume, use the cover letter to highlight the reasons for your interest, but also ensure you are upfront as to why you have been out of employment previously.

3. Show you’ve done your research

In a cover letter, it is beneficial to demonstrate an understanding of the company’s history and its area of business. Doing so can showcase your interest in the position and alignment with the company’s goals and values.

Researching the company’s history and area of business allows you to tailor your cover letter to the specific organisation and highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.

When you demonstrate an understanding of the company’s history and area of business, it shows the hiring manager that you have taken the time to research and are genuinely interested in the role. It also helps you craft a more targeted and personalised cover letter, making a stronger impression on the hiring manager.

However, it’s important to strike a balance. You don’t need to provide an extensive history lesson in your cover letter but rather incorporate relevant information demonstrating your understanding and genuine interest. Focus on key points that align with the position you are applying for.

Remember to use your own words and avoid copying directly from the internet or other sources. Tailor the information to your experiences and explain how your skills and background make you a strong fit for the company and the position you are applying for.

4. State why you are interested in working for them as an employer

When writing a cover letter, it can be beneficial to demonstrate how the role you’re applying for aligns with your long-term career goals. This way, you can showcase your ambition, motivation, and strategic thinking to the employer.

Articulating the connection between the position and your career aspirations can help you stand out as a candidate. Here are some key points to consider when incorporating your long-term career goals into a cover letter:

Identify relevant goals and aspirations

Choose the career goals most aligned with the position you’re applying for. Select the ones that demonstrate a clear connection between the role and your future plans. Make sure to adjust your goals, if necessary, to match the job description and emphasise how the position supports your overall career trajectory.

Highlight previous positions

Discuss your previous roles and how they have contributed to your professional development and progression towards your long-term goals.

Share specific skills you have acquired and relevant experiences you have gained that directly relate to the position you’re applying for. This demonstrates the active pursuit of your career goals and shows that you have been proactive in acquiring the necessary skills and experiences.

Showcase how you can benefit the company

Employers want to know how the role can benefit you and how you can bring value to the company. Explain how the position will help you gain industry knowledge, enhance your skills, and contribute to the company’s goals.

Show that you have researched the organisation and understand how your abilities align with its objectives. Emphasise the mutual benefits of your career goals and the company’s mission.

Discuss your future with the company

Express your interest in long-term commitment and growth within the organisation. Share how staying with the company can provide opportunities for skill development and advancement towards your career goals.

Discuss how the company’s culture, values, and vision align with your aspirations. Demonstrate that you see yourself as a valuable asset to the company and convey your enthusiasm for a lasting partnership.

By incorporating these elements into your cover letter, you can effectively demonstrate to the employer how the role fits into your long-term career goals. This approach shows your forward-thinking mindset and aligns your aspirations with the objectives of the position and the company.

Remember to tailor your cover letter to the job you’re applying for, highlighting the aspects that resonate most with your career goals.

5. Tell them why they should be interested in you as an employee

Most top candidates will be skilled and hardworking professionals, so it’s important to consider why you would be the perfect candidate and communicate this in your cover letter. Highlight your past accomplishments and any additional skills that would benefit the organisation if you were selected to fill the position.

6. Tailor your cover letter to the job and avoid repetition

If you’re applying for multiple roles, don’t fall into the trap of reusing the same cover letter. It should be tailored to the position you are applying for and closely aligned with the job description.

7. Highlight your transferable skills, achievements, and versatility

Transferable skills can help determine your suitability for a role, so include any personal characteristics or personality traits that make you a better fit for the position and interesting to a hiring manager. If you have achieved outstanding results in a similar role, highlight your success.

8. Tailor your information, but don’t slavishly match the job description

Where your skills and experience fit the criteria, mention the crossover between them, but don’t use every word or listed skill set to describe yourself in your cover letter.

9. Make sure it’s neat, brief, and typo-free

A typed, one page and error-free cover letter is expected. If your cover letter contains spelling mistakes, your resume will very quickly find itself in the ‘no pile’, regardless of how experienced or skilled you are.

10. End by politely expressing interest in further dialogue

Invite them to get in touch or make reference to speaking further in an interview to emphasise your keenness to join the team. If you don’t hear back, email or call the interviewer.

Traits to showcase in a winning cover letter

Recruiting and hiring managers may receive hundreds of resumes and cover letters to review during the recruitment process. Your cover letter must reflect your unique capabilities, which position you as an ideal candidate.

The purpose of your cover letter is to demonstrate the key attributes necessary for the position, so you should take the time and effort to write it well. Here are a few qualities and characteristics your cover letter should demonstrate:

Valuable: What do you have to offer as a professional, and how could you positively affect the organisation if you were to be offered the role? Sell your key strengths confidently in your cover letter to grab the reader’s attention. This will increase the likelihood of progression through the selection process.

Literate: There’s nothing worse than a glaring spelling error on your cover letter. A mistake in your letter suggests to the hiring manager not only that you lack attention to detail but also that you don’t care enough to take the time to proofread.

Therefore, it’s essential to make sure you check it over and have a friend do so as well before submitting it. It can be challenging to check your own work, so you could get a friend or mentor to help read your cover letter. Alternatively, you can run your letter through writing tools like the grammar checker on Microsoft Word or Grammarly.com.

A unique candidate: Use your cover letter to display your unique combination of skills and experience that relate to the job selection criteria of the role. Provide examples demonstrating a clear link between your knowledge, experience, abilities, and the employer’s needs.

Experienced: While soft skills, as well as academic abilities, are critical for securing an interview, your cover letter should also demonstrate your experience in relation to the job description to the hiring manager.

Be sure to include examples of relevant experience in your cover letter to highlight the value you would bring to the role and why you would be the best-suited candidate for the position.

Enthusiastic: A tailored, compelling cover letter shows you have taken the time to research the company and understand the employer’s needs and job requirements. It is an opportunity to express that you are enthusiastic about the role, keen to be part of the team and demonstrate the value you would add to the company.

Cover letter template

Now that you know how to ensure your cover letter is ticking all the right boxes, you are ready to start writing. Like a resume, a certain amount of personal preference is involved when writing your cover letter.

There are generally similar guidelines for writing cover letters, and candidates should choose different letter structures that reflect their preferences and the job they are applying for.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise, usually one page long, and use a simple, professional font. Format it like a business letter with appropriate sections and spacing.

Here is a cover letter template you can use as a starting point for creating yours:

Dear <<Hiring Manager>>,

I am writing in response to your recent advertisement for the ‘Human Resources Recruitment Specialist’ position. Please find attached my resume for your consideration.

I am excited to express my interest in this role and believe that my experience and accomplishments make me an ideal candidate. With four years of successful experience as a human resources recruitment specialist, I have developed a deep understanding of the industry.

My background includes working for a leading global recruitment company, where I gained expertise in both specialist and generalist roles. Additionally, I have a proven track record of working with clients from various sectors, including the private and public sectors.

In my current role as a human resources recruitment specialist, I have achieved significant milestones that demonstrate my value:

Established strong relationships with the human resources functions of leading retail banks, earning preferred supplier status for HR and the wider business.
Expanded the client base by 20% year over year, showcasing my ability to diversify and attract new clients.
Increased the number of job placements across the client base by 45% year over year, indicating my success in finding suitable candidates for diverse roles.
Improved productivity and revenue by 30% year over year, contributing to the overall growth and success of the organisation.
Successfully managed multiple projects alongside day-to-day activities, including organising a CSR day and charity quiz, which raised $6,000 for charity while enhancing client and candidate relationships.

My experience aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role, and I am confident that I can bring substantial value to your organisation.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please do not hesitate to contact me via the details on my resume. I am available at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

<<Your name>>

Looking for your next job opportunity? Explore our open roles, or get in touch with Michael Page’s recruitment specialists.

Michael Page

Summary

Cover letters are still very much essential to your job application process and for nailing job interviews. Here's how you can master the art of writing cover letters to help you stand out.

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‘Why are you suitable for this job?’ - Sample answers

lizjammal — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 03:17:11 +0000

‘Why are you suitable for this job?’ - Sample answers lizjammal

“Why are you suitable for this job?” is one of the most common interview questions out there. Expect to answer it (or something similar) in your next interview, whether you’re applying for an entry-level position, a senior role, or something in between.

It might seem like the sort of question you can answer off-the-cuff - after all, anyone can talk about themselves. But in reality, even if you’re the perfect candidate with a CV that’s tailor-made for the role, crafting the perfect response requires preparation to help you “sell yourself” effectively.

Fortunately, Michael Page is here to help. Here, we’ll be giving you our expert insight on answering this typical interview question, and providing some boilerplate examples to guide your own response.

Answering ‘Why are you suitable for this job?’ in a job interview

Before you even applied for the role in question, you likely asked yourself: ”Why am I suited for this job?”

Coming up with an answer isn’t about considering how you feel about the company or what you like about the culture. Instead, it’s about scrutinising the job specification and relating your strengths and weaknesses to the demands of the role.

Every job spec should spell out the necessary skills that successful candidates must possess. Some will also list extraordinary skills or unusual demands that would help an applicant stand out during the interview process, while others will detail the desired personality traits and characteristics of the ideal candidate.

The good news is that studying the job specification in detail won’t just help you demonstrate your suitability for the role; it should also prepare you to answer other common interview questions, like why you want the job and what interests you about it.

Use any of the following approaches as inspiration for your own answer.

Use the STAR interview response technique

The STAR technique is one of the most effective ways to plan your response to behaviour or competency-based interview questions. It involves breaking your answer down into four steps:

Situation: Outline the scenario you’re going to describe and when it happened.
Task: Set out what task you were performing and the goals you hoped to achieve.
Action: Explain the actions you took to deliver your desired objectives.
Result: Describe the outcome of your task and actions.

Not only does this approach ensure that you hit all your desired “talking points” when answering an interview question, but it also keeps your response specific and actionable. It’s harder to get sidetracked and give a vague, undirected answer when you’re sticking to a prescribed framework.

💡 Example answer

The job specification states that you’re looking for a candidate with excellent communication skills. In my current role, I led a project involving colleagues from three other teams, with the aim of streamlining a common workflow. I set up daily standups and weekly meetings to keep the team on track, and kept other stakeholders in the loop through bi-weekly reports. As a result, my team and all relevant decision-makers knew exactly what was going on throughout the project, which helped us get our recommendations signed off and implemented with minimal feedback.

Emphasise rare in-demand skills

Demonstrating your suitability for the job means persuading the interviewers that you possess all the necessary skills. However, some skills will naturally help you stand out more than others.

If the job specification highlights extraordinary or unusual skills, it’s in your best interest to focus on them in your response. Not only are these skills in high demand, but they are also unlikely to be possessed by every single candidate, which means they can be a clear point of difference between you and other applicants.

💡 Example answer

Under extraordinary skills, you say that the ideal candidate will be able to converse in Spanish. I’ve been taking Spanish classes for the last two years and feel comfortable speaking to native Spanish speakers in words or in writing.

Back up your words with evidence

It’s easy to tell interviewers that you have all the skills they’re looking for, but it’s a lot harder to back up your points with evidence. That’s why supporting your answer with real-world examples will help you demonstrate that you really are the perfect fit for the role.

💡 Example answer

My skill set matches all the requirements laid out in the job description. In particular, my ability to work to tight deadlines and manage my time effectively make me a good fit for the role. For example, in my current job I have to manage my own workload, taking briefs from colleagues in multiple departments and creating a priority order that keeps everyone satisfied. Having been in the job for 12 months, I have never missed a deadline.

Want to keep your options open? Submit your CV today to stay up-to-date with all the open roles in your industry.

Michael Page

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How to write a winning resume

Simone Wu — Thu, 25 May 2023 17:00:00 +0000

How to write a winning resume Simone Wu

Your resume is vital in securing your dream job, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers and boosting interview prospects. It acts as a professional snapshot, showcasing your skills, experiences, and qualifications, enabling employers to evaluate your suitability for the role.

In today’s competitive job market, where applications flood in, crafting a concise and well-structured resume is paramount. Highlighting your strengths, relevant experiences, and qualifications effectively captures employers’ attention, enticing them to explore your application further.

Success lies in tailoring your resume to the job requirements and presenting information clearly. Doing so significantly increases your chances of grabbing the attention of recruiters or hiring managers during the initial review process.

Ahead, you’ll find ways to make your resume stand out, resume formatting tips and tips from resume-writing pros to help you perfect your resume.

How to write a resume that stands out

1. Tailor your resume to fit the job description

When applying for jobs, it may be tempting to take shortcuts and send generic applications, but this approach won’t lead to interview success. To stand out, carefully analyse the job description and use its language to demonstrate how you meet the core requirements.

Thorough research is critical: familiarise yourself with the company and tailor your application accordingly to showcase why you are the best fit for the role. In creative fields, consider including a portfolio to showcase your abilities.
Infographic-style or highly formatted resumes may create unnecessary complications since recruiters typically prefer a specific template for all resumes.

Some individuals go above and beyond, like a designer who created an interactive resume or a financial analyst who made a slide deck. However, remember that while these unique formats can be impressive, they should complement, not replace, your standard resume.

2. Highlight the critical skills

A creative resume allows you to showcase the specific skills that a company is seeking, highlighting the value you can bring to their organisation. To make an impact, identify the challenges you can address for the company and emphasise the corresponding skills in your resume.

Engaging infographic resumes are an effective way to present information, capturing attention with visually appealing formats. By focusing on the skills that align with the company’s needs, a creative resume can greatly benefit your job application. An example of this is Phillipe Dubost, a web product manager who created an Amazon page to advertise himself, which quickly gained viral attention.

3. Highlight your achievements

When crafting your resume, emphasise the unique accomplishments that set you apart. Showcase how your previous roles contributed to the organisation through cost savings, exceeding targets, problem-solving, process improvement, or customer acquisition. Quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages when possible.

4. Create a compelling read

Infuse your resume with an enthusiastic, upbeat, and professional tone. Use impactful language to present your accomplishments, placing the most relevant points at the forefront of your resume summary. Utilise action words such as ‘completed’, ‘developed’ and ‘managed’, along with superlatives such as ‘first’, ‘best’ and ‘highest’.

5. Use a practical resume format

While there’s no one-size-fits-all resume structure, ensure your layout is practical and easy to follow. Start with your basic details (name, address, phone number, mobile number, and email address) prominently displayed. Next, list your education or training, starting with the most recent.

Finally, present your career history in reverse chronological order, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, key responsibilities, and accomplishments for each role. It’s customary to include references or note their availability upon request at the end of your resume.

6. Ensure clarity

Clear communication is a vital skill in any industry. While attractive graphics and gimmicks may catch attention, they must serve a purpose. Format and present your skills in an easily understandable way, ensuring your prospective employer can gather the necessary information for hiring. Avoid an infographic resume that prioritises graphics over substance to gain the desired recognition.

7. Maintain conciseness

Your resume represents your talents and employability, so include relevant information highlighting your specific skills in relation to the company you’re applying to. However, be mindful of overwhelming the reader. Focus on key skills that demonstrate your fit for the role without overwhelming the resume with excessive details.

8. Follow up after sending your resume

Due to the high volume of applicants, it’s common not to receive an immediate response, even if your application stands out. While avoiding excessive pestering, a polite follow-up after a couple of days shows your particular interest in the specific role, rather than a general job search.

Crafting a Resume Objective

If you have a clear career goal in mind, consider including a well-written objective statement on your resume. This statement provides an opportunity to showcase your background and achievements, reinforcing your suitability for the job.

What is a resume objective statement?

A resume objective statement, or CV objective statement, is an opening statement at the top of your resume that outlines your work objectives. The aim is to summarise, as concisely as possible, your background, key skills, and your goals.

While some argue that resume objectives are unnecessary or outdated, if crafted appropriately, they can show that you know what you want from your career and have relevant skills and experience.

How to write a good resume objective statement

Like all well-written resumes, your resume’s opening statement should be tailored to suit the job you’re applying for. Aim for one or two sentences summarising your background and where you want to go.

Your objective should directly relate to the job you’re applying for. For example, suppose you’re applying for the manager role at a chain clothing store, but you eventually want to be head of merchandising at a luxury clothing brand.

In that case, your statement should still align with the store manager position and how you’d like to grow within the business.

It’s also important to show that your goals will add value to the business. So, while you want to talk about your career aspirations, you should also include information highlighting your skill set and experience in the field. For example, a poor resume objective would look like, “Seeking a senior accounting position where I can challenge myself professionally”.

A good objective for a resume might read, “Certified accountant with an MBA looking to apply my 7 years’ experience in corporate accounting to grow XYZ Company.”

Resume objective examples

1. Obtain a challenging leadership position by applying 10+ years of lean management experience to achieve maximum profits and scale at XYZ Company.

2. Utilise my 5 years of Ruby and Python programming experience to develop robust tech solutions as a Back-End Developer at XYZ Company.

3. Career objective: A challenging and fast-paced logistics management position within the private sector where extensive supply chain management experience and a forward-thinking approach are of value.

As you can see in the examples above, the applicant’s education, experience, and value to the company are all made clear within a single sentence.

6 resume-writing tips from the pros

Customise it. “Focus all content purely on the role and industry you’re targeting. Using pages to talk about an unrelated job or field diverts attention from what skills you have, where you are heading and why you’ll be of value to the specific job.”
– Gayle Howard, Certified Master Resume Writer

Champion your achievements. “In your job history, focus on achievements, don’t just list responsibilities and duties. Do this by writing a 1-2 sentence overview paragraph on each job role and then a bullet list of specific objective achievements for that role. You can discuss the full specifics at the interview stage.”
– Mandy Johnson, Best Selling Author, Speaker, and Business Advisor

Engage. “Make a detailed list of every key skill and quality required for the role and ensure you articulate how your work or other experience demonstrates these.”
– Aziza Green, Digital Marketing Pro

Structure is king. “If you’ve had a solid career history with companies and job titles that will enhance your application, add a career summary in a table format, listing the company name and job titles in reverse chronological order.”
– Jane Jackson, Career Management Coach and Best-Selling Author

Format appropriately. When writing bullet achievements, put the result first. The formula the professional writers use is this: Achieved XXX (result) by doing XXX (action) to resolve XXX (problem).
– Gayle Howard, Certified Master Resume Writer

Keep it brief. “Be clear, concise and keep it relevant.”
– Sarah Jensen, Creator of Rock Your Goals workshops

A standout resume is the first step to landing your next job. After that, it’s up to you to fully prepare for the interview process and impress them with your communication skills and expertise.

8 resume formatting tips

Choose a fuss-free layout that provides enough white space so the resume is easy to read. Ensure the design suits the industry and job function you are targeting (for example, it would be ideal for a graphic designer’s resume to appear more creative than a finance professional’s.)
Keep the text size no smaller than 10-point font and provide enough white space so it’s easy to read.
Aim for 2-3 pages to include relevant information for the role – there is no need to include everything you’ve done over your career.
Ensure your name and contact details (mobile phone and email address are requirements) are clearly visible at the top of the resume.
Include a career summary or professional profile at the beginning highlighting your relevant experience, core competencies and technical skills. This should instantly capture the reader’s attention and place you in the ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’ rather than the ‘no’ pile when screened.
For each role you’ve held, include the company name, job title and the dates. Start with your most recent role and then add your previous roles in reverse chronological order.
Describe briefly the scope, responsibilities and essential aspects of each role, to whom you reported, the number of people you managed, the size and type of projects you handled and the size of the budget, if relevant.
Include bullet points of your accomplishments for each role. These should include the tangible results of your efforts. These accomplishments may be profit improvements, streamlining of processes, time savings, cost savings, improved morale within the department, completion of projects under budget or ahead of schedule, etc.

Looking for your next role? Submit your CV here, or search for current job opportunities.

Michael Page

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'What interests you about this role?' Best answer examples

lizjammal — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:44:40 +0000

'What interests you about this role?' Best answer examples lizjammal

You have probably heard the common interview question, 'What interests you about this role' during a job interview before. When a hiring manager or interviewer asks this, it can be tricky to know how to avoid generic answers but instead tailor a response that best showcases your unique skills as a candidate.

Being prepared is a huge part of interview and job search success, even if you are the perfect candidate on paper and have a perfectly built CV and cover letter. If you're not prepared for your interview or don't know the best way to sell yourself to a prospective employer or hiring manager then you are going to be out of luck.

With that in mind, we're sharing our expert advice on how to answer this common interview question like a pro, with some great answer examples that you can use in your next interview.

Answering ‘What interests you about this role’ in a job interview

There are a lot of ways you can approach answering this open-ended question. If answered correctly, it's a good tool that will enable the hiring manager to learn more information about you, gauge your level of interest, your understanding of the role itself, and check that your values align with the company's.

There are three key ways you can potentially answer this question and that's by either focusing on yourself, the company, or the role itself. You can either focus on one of these approaches or a mix of any of them to answer what interests you.

Use any of these examples below for a well thought out response to this common interview question, or use them as a template to build out your own answer:

Focus on yourself

With this approach, you will focus on your fit for the role, your own goals and how your experiences make you the perfect candidate for the job. This is looking beyond the job title, and looking more about how you're the best fit for the business.

Let’s look at a couple of key things you could highlight with this approach:

Culture - talk about how you will be a great cultural fit for the business and how you can see yourself working well with potential co-workers. If there is a certain element of the culture that's already been discussed with the hiring manager during the interview that interested you, highlight this and discuss how that helped you come to your decision to carry on with the hiring process.
Progression - a lot of prospective employers want to see that you are interested in moving forwards through the company and that you don't see this role as just a quick career stop. Make it apparent that if you are successful in this interview, you will be part of the company long-term. Highlight how you see yourself progressing to show you have a better understanding of the company and its potential. This will ensure you stand out from other applicants.

💡 Top tip: Matching the job description with your own personal career goals shows that you have taken the time to think about whether this role is a good fit for you, your personal brand, and that you're not just answering interview questions without any thought.

Example answer:

There are a lot of elements that interest me about this role from the job description, but one of the key elements that really appealed to me is that I feel I would be a great fit within the company culture. I want to work in a progressive team and the collaborative of this company is something that interested me in this job. Looking over the company website, and from our previous discussions, I believe this role would also give me the ability to progress in my career and develop my skills in a lot of different areas such as ‘X, Y, Z’.

Focus on the company

It is important to have a vested interest in the particular company you are applying to that are specific to that organisation. Saying 'I need to pay my bills' is not a viable reason for applying for a job and shows you are only interested in the pay and not the company or the role itself.

When focusing on the company in your answer to 'What interests you about this role', there are a few things to mention:

History - a popular angle when answering this question is to highlight your interest in the company due to its reputation, history or innovation within the industry. This shows you are involved in the company’s growth, understand its current position and want to be part of that journey.
Problem-solving - this requires some research but can be a very good answer if approached in the right way. This is where you will highlight an issue within the business that you could help solve, or perhaps a trend that you foresee coming that the company has not addressed. This also shows that you want to help the company achieve success and are aligned with its mission and goals.

Example answer:

One of the big factors that attracted me to this role is the company itself, I have loved your recent innovations and the development of ‘X’. Historically, the company has proven time and time again to be a market leader and that would be a great environment for me to develop in. Looking at your previous projects, have you ever considered the implementation of ‘Y and Z’ to further increase profits and increase engagement? I think this would be great for a business like yours.

Focus on the role

In this answer, you want to focus on the job listing or the role specifically. Drill down into the job description and the role and how this particular position suits both your needs and the needs of the hiring manager.

Experience - pick out areas of the job description that match up with your experience and showcase how your previous experience will be invaluable in this role. As much confidence in your own ability to get the job done, the better. Having some previous examples written down or memorised can help prove you are organised and interested in this job.
Opportunities - focus on how the role will provide you with the ability to further develop your career and specialise within your industry. At the end of this answer, you could also ask what kind of support they give or training opportunities do they offer. You have a unique skillset, but you also want to showcase your thirst to develop and grow within this particular company.

Example answer:

This job suits me and my experience as I have been looking for the opportunity to get involved in ‘X and Y’ which directly links to my previous roles where I had extended experience dealing with ‘Y and Z’. I feel there would be a lot of opportunities for me to grow in my role and further my knowledge in ‘X’ and progress my career.

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Explaining the reason for leaving your current job

lizjammal — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 23:37:52 +0000

Explaining the reason for leaving your current job lizjammal

The question, “Why do you want to leave your current job?" is one of the most common interview questions, yet it often leaves candidates stumped. While it may seem like an opportunity to be dismissive about your current employer, this is highly unlikely to paint you in a good light.

Planning a persuasive, positive response can go a long way to highlighting your suitability for the new role.

What does the interviewer want to find out?

As with many interview questions, it can be helpful to consider what the interviewer really wants to learn when asking why you want to leave your current job. To put it another way, they could be asking: "Why are you looking for a new role?" In this context, it has much more to do with the positives afforded by a new job, rather than any negativity you may feel about your current position.

Why it's important to avoid negativity

Just because your interviewer wants to get to know you, that doesn't mean they're your friend. Remember that you're not venting in the pub after a hard day in the office, you're trying to impress a hiring manager. Launching into a tirade about grievances with your boss or employer – broken promises, slights against your ability, lack of respect – will only paint you as someone who likes to complain. Who's to say you won't be the same at another company?

Examples of positive reasons for leaving a job

Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons for leaving a job that can be explained in a manner that paints you in a positive light. Consider the following:

I want to learn more
I feel like I'm ready to take on more responsibility
I believe I've progressed as far as I can in my current role
I need a change of environment to motivate me
I want to develop a new skill that isn't required in my current job
I don't feel like my current role is challenging me anymore

It's sensible to prepare a couple of answers to this question because people often leave jobs due to a combination of factors. Your interviewer may ask for additional reasons.

Want to secure more interviews for exciting new roles in your sector? Check out all the live roles on the Michael Page website today.

How to structure your answer

Answering this question gives you the opportunity to show off how much you know about your potential new employer and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Give your reason for leaving, then explain how this makes the new job particularly appealing.

For example:

My biggest reason for leaving is that I'm ready to take on more responsibility. I want to manage a team, but there are no leadership positions available at my current employer. I enjoy delivering training sessions and upskilling junior employees. It's something I do a lot in my current role, and I've received lots of positive feedback, but I could do this even more effectively if I had my own team. I know you're looking for someone to lead a small team of graduates and I'm really excited about the prospect of helping them to develop.

A similar question you may need to answer in your upcoming interview might be 'Why do you want this job?'.

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How to answer ‘Why do you want this job?’ in an interview (with examples)

lizjammal — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:09:10 +0000

How to answer ‘Why do you want this job?’ in an interview (with examples) lizjammal

One of the most common but deceptively tricky interview questions is: “Why do you want this job?” It may sound simple, but many candidates struggle to deliver a clear, confident answer. A great response shows you’re not just interested in the role – you’re the right fit for the company.

In general, a compelling answer that gets you noticed when answering 'Why do you want this job?' requires you to know about:

The company's background, and why the role appeals to you.
The company's mission, vision and values
The job description in detail
What you can contribute to the company

Your answer should also:

Demonstrate your enthusiasm with context
Highlight your value proposition

You must also avoid saying:

"I just need a job."
"This role pays more."
"This role is good for my career goal."
"I'm qualified for this role."
"My previous work is toxic."

What interviewers want to hear

When interviewers ask, “Why do you want this job?”, they’re looking for a few key points. Your response should show you have done your research and can bring value to the team.

1. How much you know about the company

Hiring managers want to see that you’ve done your homework. Demonstrating familiarity with the company’s values and goals shows you are genuinely interested in joining the team – not just getting any job. For example:

I admire how your company champions sustainability and innovation across your product lines.

2. How the role fits your career plan

Your answer should demonstrate a commitment to growing with the company, rather than merely using it as a stepping stone. Highlight how this role aligns with your long-term goals and builds on your experience.

Tip: Connect your long-term career aspirations to the company’s growth, showing that your professional development benefits the organisation.

3. How you bring value to the role

Hiring managers want to know how you can contribute – not just what you hope to gain. Share specific examples of past successes and explain how you’re eager to achieve similar results for their company. For example:

I believe my background in digital marketing can help expand your online reach and drive conversion in key markets.

4. Why the company appeals to you

When it comes to two equally qualified candidates, employers often choose the ones that have answered interview questions in a way that demonstrates stronger alignment with their values and vision.

Expressing what excites you about being part of their team helps reinforce that you are not just the right fit for the role but also the company.

Ultimately, a good answer to ‘Why do you want this job?’ should focus on how you will bring value to the team and help drive the company’s success. Focus on how you will benefit the company, rather than the other way around, to leave a positive impression on your potential employer.

How to prepare your answer

Interview preparation is key to landing any job. To master commonly asked questions like this, follow these steps.

Understand the company's mission and core values

Before the interview, acquire as much information as possible about the company, including its background, the company’s mission, track record, and team structure.

Consider if their culture and goals align with your personal values and career aspirations. When you explain what aspects of the company appeal to you, you show that you are a strong cultural fit.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of the job description

A great answer is personalised to the job specifications. Your response should connect your skills and experience to the specific requirements of the role.

Even if you lack direct industry experience, focus on your transferable skills. Discuss specific examples of how past projects or achievements can help the company achieve its goals.

Focus on what you can contribute

Reflect on what initially drew you to the role. What specifically excited you about the job description, and what made you feel you could be an asset to the team? Use this as a starting point to frame your response.

Good example answers

Here are some sample answers to help you craft a response that demonstrates both enthusiasm and value.

Showcase genuine enthusiasm with context

Sample answer 1

I’m excited about this role because your company’s approach to tackling industry challenges aligns perfectly with my passion for [relevant field]. After exploring your innovative projects on the company’s website, I believe this job role offers the kind of innovative environment where I can contribute effectively while expanding my expertise in [specific area].

Sample answer 2

What initially drew me to this job was your company’s commitment to [specific value or achievement]. As someone who has dedicated my career to [related area of work], I see this role as an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that aligns with your mission.

Showcase your strategic value proposition

Sample answer 3:

My experience developing [specific skill/project] has prepared me to address the challenges outlined in your job description. I am equipped to help your team with [specific challenge or goal], having achieved [measurable result] in my previous role using [relevant skill].

Sample answer 4:

This position represents an ideal intersection of my problem-solving skills, technical abilities in [specific technical skill], and my experience with [complementary skill]. For example, at [previous company], I applied these combined skills to [specific achievement with metrics], and I see similar opportunities to drive results for your team.

Sample answer 5:

Throughout my career, I’ve developed expertise in [specific area relevant to role]. After learning about your company’s goals to [mention specific company initiative], I recognised that my background in [relevant experience] could bring immediate value while allowing me to pursue work I find deeply fulfilling.

Tip: Match your specific skills to the job requirements. This positions you as a well-researched and confident candidate. Keep your response concise, as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to elaborate on your experience throughout the interview.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid answers that focus solely on your needs, or sound negative:

Response to avoid #1: “I just really need a job.”

This answer focuses on your circumstances rather than what you can offer the company. While everyone needs employment, hiring managers look for candidates who demonstrate specific interest in their role and organisation.

This answer suggests a lack of enthusiasm for the role and indicates a potential for quick departure. Instead, focus on why this particular position at this company appeals to your professional goals.

Response to avoid #2: “The pay increase appealed massively.”

While compensation is a factor, citing it as your primary motivation suggests limited professional interest in the role itself. A more effective response balances the acknowledgement of competitive pay with specific aspects of the position that align with your professional interests.

Meanwhile, get accurate salary insights by role and industry with our latest Salary Guide.

Response to avoid 3: “I feel like this will be a good step towards my next career goal.”

This response signals to hiring managers that you view their position merely as a stepping stone. Instead of positioning the role as a temporary stop, frame your answer in terms of how your long-term development will benefit the organisation.

Response to avoid 4: “Because I'm qualified.”

This response fails to differentiate you from other candidates, as meeting basic qualifications is the minimum threshold for consideration. Instead of stating the obvious, articulate the unique value you bring beyond the minimum requirements.

Response to avoid 5: “I’m trying to escape a toxic workplace.”

This response raises immediate concerns about your professional judgment and discretion. Avoid criticising a past employer, as it may cause interviewers to wonder how you might discuss their company in the future.

Key takeaways when answering ‘Why do you want this job?’

Approaching the ‘Why do you want this job?’ question with confidence and a well-prepared, articulate answer can significantly impact your interview performance.

By focusing on your strengths, demonstrating your knowledge of the company, and avoiding the pitfalls discussed, you can position yourself as a top candidate and significantly improve your chances of landing the job.

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Simone Wu

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How to know when it's time to resign - and how to leave well

Simone Wu — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 17:00:00 +0000

How to know when it's time to resign - and how to leave well Simone Wu

Have you ever seen a high-profile resignation in the news or on social media? Maybe it was a hedge fund manager who released a lengthy letter calling out their company’s leadership, or a manager who made a viral video announcing their departure. While these grand gestures can be attention-grabbing, they may not always be the best approach for your own career.

It's important to be mindful of when it might be time to move on from a role, whether it's due to a difficult team dynamic, a negative company culture, or other challenges. By paying attention to the signs and making a professional exit, you can avoid letting the situation deteriorate and potentially damaging your reputation.

Because when it comes down to it, while everyone loves the idea of a dramatic exit, the reality is that your career is worth more than that.

When to stay longer in a job

When thoughts of resigning come to you, take a quick internal look inside and see if there’s anything you can do to improve the situation.

Especially in the workplace, it can become a habit to look at things through a negative lens. Often, a change in perspective or an honest discussion can dissolve much of that tension.

When you have low-level disagreements or miscommunications with your manager, first see whether there’s a way to preserve the relationship.

It may simply be a case of understanding a different management style, and then working out how to manage it. Staying longer to work things out could help you strengthen your relationship with this person for the future.

However, once you’ve done all you can on your side, look for signs that resigning may be the only solution.

How to know that it’s time resign from your role

Look out for these factors to tell you if it’s time to hand in your resignation:

You don't feel engaged.

If you’re showing up to work every day feeling disengaged, this is a big sign that it’s time to leave. Even in leadership positions that look great on paper, a manager can become disengaged for a variety of reasons.

If you’ve noticed a lack of passion and proactivity in your role and can’t seem to find a way to get it back, a change may be what you need.

The office has a hostile environment or culture.

Whether it’s a toxic manager, a dysfunctional team or impossible targets, it can be hard to recover once a working environment has turned negative.

Don’t feel obliged to stay in an overly negative culture or office environment. This becomes even more important if the stress and negativity affect your life outside of work.

There are no growth opportunities.

It’s normal to want to upskill, gain new responsibilities and grow within your career. If you feel you’ve reached the end of where you can within the company, you may need to look outside for your next big role. While company loyalty is a great value, keep an eye out for your career.

Another amazing opportunity comes your way.

Especially once you’ve reached a level in your career where you’ve become a specialist, companies will start to seek you out.

Evaluate offers that come your way fairly, and decide what constitutes an opportunity that you can’t turn down. Maybe it’s at a dream company, better working conditions for your lifestyle, or an exciting chance to lead a new team.

How to resign on a good note

Once you decide to leave, it’s important to leave on a good note and communicate clearly. Speak with your manager and also prepare a resignation letter. Where possible, preserve your professional relationships.

Before actually resigning, take one more look at your decision. If you’re leaving because of feeling undervalued, decide what, if anything, would make you stay in the role, versus your external options. What will you do if you get a counteroffer to stay with the current company?

Ensuring that you have clearly defined reasons for handing in your resignation will also make the actual resignation easier. Above all, keep professionalism in mind, and make it a goal to resign gracefully.

Find a positive

In delivering the message, think about the positives the job has brought you. Maybe focus on the good professional relationships you have, the new skills learned, or the stepping stone it’s delivered to your next role.

Even in the most challenging environment, focusing on the good things when you’re on your way out helps make you appear more professional and constructive.

Especially in smaller job markets, such as Singapore, or specialised industries, you never know who you might end up working with in the future.

Even some of the best resignation stories can end with an old manager coming into the picture later as a necessary reference, a future manager, or a network contact.

How to find your next job

Start by signing up for job alerts and getting new jobs that match your search criteria sent to your inbox. Rework your CV, contact a recruiter and start conversations with companies you want to work with.

Meanwhile, ensure that you are still present at your current job for as long as you’re able.

When interviewing for your next role, if a future employer asks why you’re leaving, speak more about you than about them – focus on opportunities for growth, new opportunities, and what you want to accomplish in the future.

After all, dwelling on negative aspects of your current company or manager might make you seem petty or over-emotional – not great qualities in a key hire.

Consult with a recruiter who can help you find roles that match your requirements and the next step in your career. Look for places whose values match yours, and who clearly walk the talk regarding these values.

Recruiters have the advantage that they communicate with both you and the employer, allowing you instant feedback on interviews and the hiring process.

Leave professionally

Leaving a job can feel personal, especially if you have a strong sense of company loyalty, have built a great team, or worked on pivotal projects. However, when it’s finally time to leave, try to take emotion away from the equation.

The important thing now is to look forward – and towards your next role, and to succeeding in the first few months of a job.

Ready to make your next career move? Search our current opportunities, submit your CV or get in touch with one of our recruitment specialists at Michael Page.

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3 impactful resume templates to guide your resume writing process

Anonymous — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 13:00:00 +0000

3 impactful resume templates to guide your resume writing process Anonymous (not verified)

You have made the decision to take the next step in your career, and one daunting task looms ahead of you immediately: updating or rewriting your resume. Whatever stage of a career you’re in currently, updating or writing a resume is a challenge.

As you edit your resume, questions such as “What experience should I include and in how much detail?”, “What format should I use?” and “How can I make my resume stand out from others?” will come up.

And these are legitimate concerns – resumes are one or two written pages that aim to summarise all the experience, learnings and accomplishments of your career. The way that a resume is structured, the layout, the sessions and the way it presents your work history can make the difference between whether or not a hiring manager or recruiter will spend an extra few seconds reading through your qualifications.

If you are lost on where to begin, consider using a resume template as a starting point. The ideal resume will be easy to read, well-organised and highlight experiences in a way that is easy for the hiring manager to digest. Here are three free resume templates you can use for any stage of your career.

Related: Top 3 tips for emailing recruiters

1. Chronological resume template

This traditional resume layout is suitable for fresh graduates, those with shorter career history and those who have held multiple roles within one organisation. This resume style allows potential employers to see your work experience in a quick, easy-to-follow way, working backwards from your most recent experience. It should include your education, work experience, and other information like technical skills or awards. If you have a few chronological gaps, see this article on how to handle employment gaps.

2. Skills-based resume

This resume is suitable for those from mid-managerial level and above. Once you have accumulated a significant amount of experience, your resume could naturally stretch quite a bit. It can get tedious for hiring managers to read through full descriptions of every position you have held.

Instead of having the hiring manager go through your resume line by line to comprehend your work achievements, put that information upfront. Highlight your most relevant experience and skills sets in a separate section before the segment on work experience.

Focus on the most pertinent roles to the one you are applying to, and highlight your most tangible work performance and skills sets. That way, you are helping the employer, and in other words, helping yourself, get noticed if your achievements are relevant to the position.

3. Executive-level resume

This resume template is ideal for those applying for more senior roles like director-level jobs. It focuses on your achievements in greater detail. This resume format also leaves room for you to highlight positions you held in other organisations or on boards and professional groups.

Related: How to negotiate for a higher salary

Personalise your resume after downloading the resume template

These resume templates are meant as a starting point for you to create yours. So once you have downloaded a template, fill in the sections and get on to personalising it. Feel free to underline specific section headers or even make the words bold.

It should look organised and easy for hiring managers to navigate. While it can be tempting to go fancy with your resumes, using templates with different colours and exciting graphics, it is best to keep to a conservative one, even if you are in the creative line.

Use no more than two font types. Star and bar charts may look like they add texture to the resume in terms of how it looks; they don’t add value and may not be easy to understand. If you are uncertain about how it reads or looks, get a peer or industry mentor to review it. Also, use a grammar checker tool like Grammarly to help proofread your resume and eliminate any grammatical mistakes.

The rising importance of transferable skills: Hard and soft skills

If you are looking to move to another industry, be sure to include transferable skills in your resume. These are made up of hard and soft skills, and are the ones you have picked up along your employment experience. These are highly essential if you’re looking to switch to a different industry or a new type of role.

Hard skills are things that anyone can learn and pick up like computer software and technical skills, and language skills, while soft skills include leadership, delegation, time management, interpersonal skills, research and planning, and writing, communication and administrative skills. Soft skills are essential to highlight in your resume as they can differentiate between candidates with similar or equal technical competencies and experience in a competitive job market.

An effective way to work your transferable skills on your resume is to explain in the work description section how your actions solved a problem, and how that produced results.

For instance, if you want to bring attention to your communication skills, you can say that you “created effective press releases for a key campaign that resulted in press coverage in 12 media companies”, instead of saying that you “created press releases for events and campaigns”.

Another example: Instead of stating that you “managed a team”, another example would be, say you “trained and managed a team of five marketing professionals responsible for eight markets”. And always keep in mind to tailor your resume to the specific job description where relevant.

Ready to make your next career move? Search our current opportunities or get in touch with one of our recruitment specialists at Michael Page.

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How to make a career change

Anonymous — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 20:14:03 +0000

How to make a career change Anonymous (not verified)

Most job seekers will experience a varied career path over their working life. Essential to making a career change of any scale a success is targeted research and thorough preparation. Follow these steps to maximise your chances of making a rewarding and fulfilling career change.

Step 1: Reflect on your preferences

To set the foundation for a successful career change you must first reflect on what really drives you. This will help you to determine the type of work you are most suited to, and open doors to careers you may not have considered. Ask yourself these questions:

What do you like or dislike about your current role and industry?
What has excited/bored you in past roles?
What are your personal interests and passions?
What are your key attributes, strengths and talents?
What would your ideal job look like?

Step 2: Research viable career change options

Based on your personal preferences, research some careers that appeal to you. Scan online career and job profiles to find out if the reality matches your expectations. Try to find out:

Roles that could suit your interests and abilities
The daily tasks involved in these roles and likely starting salary
If your skills, strengths and experience are transferable to the roles
The strength, stability and growth prospects of the industry

Step 3: Analyse your skills

Your career change will be smoother if you can find a role that builds on your existing skills. Think about the key transferable skills, strengths and experience you could bring to potential roles. Consider how past study and achievements could apply in a new context.

It’s also important to determine the skills you will need to bridge the gap to your new career. Research any additional training, education or experience you might need. If possible, try to volunteer or temp in your new industry to gain some experience before making your move.

Step 4: Expand your network

Get to know people who work in the field you want to enter. They may be able to offer you information and advice on your career change, introduce you to relevant people, supply you with job leads, or even provide referrals. Consider joining professional associations and seek out a mentor for advice on what it takes to succeed.

Step 5: Write a career change plan

Taking a strategic approach to your career change and following a structured plan will increase your chances of success. To get to your ultimate goal, list both short and long term milestones around education, skill development, networking and research and put time frame around their achievement. Be sure to also refresh your job-search skills, so that you can seize any opportunities that arise.

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9 tips to get you noticed by executive search specialists

krystinelumanta — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 05:36:27 +0000

9 tips to get you noticed by executive search specialists krystinelumanta

There comes a time in the career of many professionals, especially those in senior-level management roles, when the most likely source of alternative career options is via a professional recruitment consultancy. So, if your next role is in the hands of search firm, how do you go about catching their attention?

1. Boost your visibility

One of the most effective ways of being recognised and identified as a talent is to participate actively in dialogue within your field/industry. Speaking at industry events or conferences, having articles published or being quoted in relevant articles will increase your visibility.

2. Be recognised for your success

Typically, the more successful you are, the more likely it is that you’ll be approached by a search firm. People who stand out (in a good way!) are often easier to find. However, viewing yourself as successful is not quite enough. What matters is what other people, like your colleagues, ex-colleagues and competitors for example, think of you. Are there enough people out there who will recommend you and suggest your name if their opinion is sought?

3. Be recognised as an expert

Although the cultural fit between an individual and a potential employer will be a crucial element of the recruitment decision, most executive search consultants will be seeking individuals with specific skills and experience. If you’re acknowledged as being an expert or specialist, you have a greater chance of being approached by professional recruiters.

4. Network consistently

Many people talk about networking, but fewer actually do anything about it. Networking effectively among your peer group and across your industry is a powerful way to increase your chances of being noticed. Make an effort to stay in touch with talented and well-connected colleagues and reach out to other people whom you know are industry leaders in your area of expertise.

5. Invest in your network for the long term

The most successful networkers invest in their professional relationships consistently and over the long term. This type of behaviour is far more genuine and more likely to reward you than the ‘suddenly enthusiastic’ networking that people often end up trying when they need a job.

6. Social networking

LinkedIn, other social networking sites and search engines have changed some elements of the executive search process. While the traditional ‘black book’ approach remains valid, most researchers will also use a plethora of online tools as part of their ‘long-list’ building process. As a result, it is advisable to build yourself a compelling social media presence profile.

Ensure also, that any of your articles, industry comments and/or PR is visible online. Over-exposure is not advisable but some visible presence online will lead to more executive search specialists finding you more often.

7. Be patient

Genuine executive search campaigns are intended to find the best possible talent for a specific role and then persuade the most appropriate individuals to consider the role. Whether or not an individual is actively seeking to change jobs is normally irrelevant. The norm is for the consultant/researcher to call you and this partly explains why you might not find it easy to get in touch with them.

Most executive search professionals are specialists, so if your profile is highly relevant to the roles they recruit for, they are likely to be happy to talk to you and or meet you.

8. Use a search firm for your own recruitment

One of the easiest ways of developing a relationship with an executive search firm is to use them to recruit for you. The strongest professional relationships are often those that are truly beneficial to both parties. If you have discovered a search firm relevant for your own career development, contact them when you are hiring. They will take your call then! If you are known to that firm they may well contact you again on a future search.

Conflicts of interest and ‘off limits’ protocols are taken very seriously by professional search firms and this does limit some of the effectiveness of this approach. Nevertheless, if you are keen to invest in long term relationships, this approach is often successful.

9. Practice two-way communication

For most people, the answer to this question is both, but not always at the same time. Executive search consultants frequently end up placing people that they have met as clients and also work for clients they first meet as candidates. It is worth remembering that a talented recruiter may well be able to help your career as well as helping you find talent for your organisation.

If, in the past, you had decided not to take a call from a recruiter in case they were looking for business, they might not take your call when you are looking for a job. The same is true in reverse, of course, so the best advice for all of us is to take the time to communicate with each other.

Take a long-term approach to building strong, mutually-beneficial relationships with colleagues and key recruiters. Try to be visible and ensure that your key skills and achievements are in the public domain.

Michael Page

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5 ways to handle interview nerves

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 03:35:46 +0000

5 ways to handle interview nerves Anonymous (not verified)

If you're feeling nervous in the lead up to a job interview, rest assured you are not alone. Most people experience a degree of nervousness before and during a job interview. Nerves are a natural response to an important event, and simply indicate that you care about getting it right.

Being too nervous can hold you back, though, so it’s important to know how to relax. Follow these tips to ace your interview:

1. Visualise success

Top performers in all walks of life use visualisation techniques to overcome nervousness. Visualisation simply involves running through the interview in your mind ahead of the event. Picture yourself entering the room feeling calm and in control.

Visualise yourself standing tall, smiling and shaking hands with ease. Imagine answering questions with confidence and poise, building a good rapport with the interviewers and leaving the room feeling happy with your performance.

Focusing on the best-case scenario will help you keep your composure in the lead-up to the interview. Your positivity and confidence will show during the interview, and the employer will probably mirror your positive energy. If you are confident that you deserve the job, they may just feel the same.

2. Practise your responses

Interview nerves are often caused by a fear of the unknown, or concern that you are going to freeze or say the wrong thing. To avoid getting flustered, rehearse answers to common interview questions. This will help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your ability to provide coherent, succinct responses on the day.

You may also be thrown an unexpected question. Try practicing your answers out loud with a friend to get feedback on your delivery. If you can't get a friend to help, consider recording yourself answering hypothetical questions, then play it back to hear how you sound. If you use a video recorder, watch for nervous body language and try to be mindful of any fidgeting that could reveal your nervousness.

3. Be prepared

If you don't prepare yourself for the interview, nerves can really take over. Taking the time to prepare for your interview will help you stay relaxed, and the interviewer will be able to tell you've put some time and effort in before turning up.

Confirm the name and contact number of your interviewer, the time you should arrive and what you plan to wear. Ensure you have all relevant documents on hand, including your CV and examples of past work. Give yourself plenty of travel time in case you get delayed – being late could lose you the job before you've even begun. Being on time will also give you the opportunity to compose yourself prior to the interview.

4. Take your time

Taking your time is something you associate with being relaxed. Give yourself ample time to answer the questions as they come. When feeling nervous at an interview, you may be tempted to rush your responses. This will often cause you to miss the point of the question and leave the interviewer struggling to keep up as you hurry through your answer.

Avoid stumbling over your sentences by taking a few seconds to consider what it is you’re being asked. Breathe deeply, then focus on articulating your answer slowly and clearly. If you forget what the question was, avoid giving an answer that you hope might be correct. Instead, keep calm and ask the interviewer if they feel you have covered their key points. Don’t forget that you can ask questions too.

5. Think positively

Mindset is a powerful thing. Changing the way you think about an interview can have a huge impact on the amount of pressure you feel. A positive mindset will be evident to your potential employer. Be sure to smile and reflect your positivity through your body language as well. Rather than thinking that you’re being judged, try viewing the interview as an exciting challenge to overcome.

Remind yourself of past successes and concentrate on the strengths you could bring to the role. Avoid putting expectations on yourself to give perfect answers, or thinking about things over which you have no control, such as the competition. Instead, focus your energy on simply giving the best interview you can.

Michael Page

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5 tips for dealing with early career setbacks

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 06:50:33 +0000

5 tips for dealing with early career setbacks Anonymous (not verified)

Bill Gates. George Lucas. Oprah Winfrey. Jack Ma. These are some of the most successful names in their fields, but have you also heard about their early career failures?

Bill Gates’ first business folded. The first commercial film by George Lucas was a flop. Oprah Winfrey was dropped from her first stint as an anchorwoman after only a few episodes. Jack Ma was rejected from 30 jobs, but later co-founded Alibaba Group – and today he’s worth US$48.7 billion.

These are not unique stories – all the world’s most successful people have at least one or two epic failures in their past. However, they all found ways to overcome these setbacks and returned stronger and better prepared.

When faced with failure, it’s important to keep looking forward. Carol Cai, Associate Director, Manufacturing and Engineering at Michael Page China says, “Focus on the learnings instead of the failure. No one can change what has already happened – how you use it for a better future is the key.”

Keeping that advice in mind – what’s the best way to handle these setbacks? Here are some tips for not only making it through challenging times but coming out on the other side in a stronger, more knowledgeable place than before.

1. Don’t let setbacks define you

Especially early on in your career, be sure not to let setbacks get into your head. It’s normal to internalise events, convincing yourself that you are could be the problem. However, in many cases, other contributing factors have nothing to do with your own efforts or knowledge.

No one can change what has already happened – how you use it for a better future is the key

Being retrenched or furloughed can feel very personal, but you have the power to turn it around by being open and honest in your job search. Govil Aggarwal, Associate Director, Marketing at Michael Page India advises, “If fired or laid off from a previous role, job seekers should be upfront and honest about what happened. There is no shame in admitting a role was retrenched and some companies actually prefer candidates who are immediately available.”

Even more, avoid labelling yourself as a failure. In fact, one study conducted by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management found that current failure can actually spark later success. The study analysed data from scientists who had applied for grants early in their careers and split them into two groups – those who succeeded and those who failed.

Later, they tracked how many papers those same scientists published over the next decade and found that those in the failure group were 6.1% more likely to publish a high-impact paper than those in the success group. In other words, failure might be a catalyst for working harder to be successful the next time around.

Bottom line: Don’t let external factors doubt your knowledge and belief in your own capabilities.

2. Take the lessons, leave the judgement

It sounds like a platitude, but it really is true – there’s more to be learnt from challenging situations than easy ones. With that in mind, focus on what lessons can be learned.

If you’ve been fired or laid off, seek out feedback from someone in the organisation that you trust. From there, see what you can fix for the next time around. It’s not easy to turn a critical eye inwards but doing so will allow you to improve.

When starting the job search again, it’s important to be honest and open with prospective employers. Emma Parnwell, Associate Director at Michael Page Australia says, “At the interview stage, be honest, but stick to the facts and leave out emotion. Quite often, job seekers fall into the trap of over-justifying and giving too much detail. This can lead to them providing an emotional narrative that will raise more questions.”

Bottom line: Own the situation, learn what you can from it, but then set your sights on your next opportunity.

How to handle setbacks and failures

1) Use your failure as motivation to work harder at the next opportunity
2) At job interviews, own the situation, rather than over-justify
3) Take on a growth mindset to enable better learning, adapting and persistence
4) Understand that small, steady wins can lead to transformational power

3. Keep trying, as long as necessary

Sometimes, success will only come on the 10th attempt, or with the 15th job application. It does not matter when exactly that success comes, it only matters that you persist.

In this time of lay-offs and hiring freezes due to COVID-19, persistence is even more important, as this situation may continue for some time. While you are waiting, make sure you have everything in place to succeed, then wait until the time is right.

Bottom line: Let small wins keep you going and keep trying as long as necessary.

4. Adopt a growth mindset

A growth mindset (versus a fixed one) is the belief that a person can always learn, improve and develop the necessary skills and abilities. A growth mindset is essential in recovering from a career setback, as it allows you to learn, adapt and keep going.

This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

As Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, outlines in her book, “The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”

In the job search, Aggarwal echoes this call to be flexible, “Be open-minded about new opportunities, as long as your skillset is put to good use. This is a time to be flexible on titles and team structure, as long as the company is ready to invest in your future growth.”

Bottom line: A growth mindset also allows you to reframe your loss as an opportunity: to learn, to grow and to do things better the next time around.

5. Take Action

After a setback, it can be hard to find the motivation to get going again. This is where it’s important to take the situation into your own hands, find out what you can control and take action steps to get back up on top.

Even if you were retrenched, be picky and do not apply to all the jobs that you see, but instead focus on those that are the best fit.

In the case of losing a job, those action steps include getting back into the job search. Imeiniar Chandra, Director at Michael Page Indonesia advises, “Build your own personal brand, get in touch with a recruitment agency to assist you in a job search or reach out directly to companies you want to work for. Even if you were retrenched, be picky and do not apply to all the jobs that you see, but instead focus on those that are the best fit.”

Related: How to make a career change

Parnwell also advises taking stock of what your strengths are, and find ways to highlight them as you move forward. “Remember, you are not alone, it’s a competitive market and this means that companies can be selective about what they are looking for. What are your tangible and transferable achievements and skills? Focus on the positives of your skillset. Not every role will be right for you, so instead of emotionally investing into a position that is a 60% fit, focus on the positions that are the right fit and spend time tailoring your application to the position deliverables.”

Bottom line: If you take the chance to learn, finding a job is still possible. It may not look like it at first.

Growth from failure

Experiencing a setback early in your career is hard and discouraging in the short term. But in the long term, it can turn out to be a great opportunity to learn more about yourself as a professional, find new sources of motivation and acquire additional knowledge for the future.

Looking for a career change? Browse current job opportunities, submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to find out how we can assist and support your job search process.

Michael Page

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The education sector in Hong Kong ticks on, despite uncertain times

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 08:49:01 +0000

The education sector in Hong Kong ticks on, despite uncertain times Anonymous (not verified)

The education sector in Hong Kong finds itself in a period of uncertainty, like many other industries, due to recent events, particularly the protests and the outbreak of COVID-19. However, amongst the uncertainty, companies within education are still recruiting - just that the hiring process looks very different and there has been a shift in which roles are in demand.

In this article, the Michael Page Education team presents more insights into the effects of these current events, along with how digital transformation is changing hiring demands.

Digital transformation driving change

Perhaps driven even more urgently by the current state of the world in which remote working is becoming a priority, digital transformation remains at the top of everyone’s agenda, including in the education sector.

Larger scale international publishers are undergoing transformation with the constant push for new product innovation, such as launching digital products with an emphasis on better UX/UI. Additionally, they are focussing on product diversification, such as positioning themselves as educational service providers instead of publishers.

As a result of digital transformation, EdTech is in a period of growth, with an increase in demand for digital content creators for schools and learning centres, usually in the form of contractors. We are also receiving more hiring requests from innovative education start-ups from overseas to expand into Asia with Hong Kong or Singapore as their initial location.

While the push is strong, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a relatively traditional industry, and technical transformation appears to be slow due to the lack of urgency in day-to-day operations, resistance from staff and the lack of precedence in the industry.

Coronavirus outbreak increases demand for EdTech

With the Coronavirus outbreak, we find that most industry practitioners have, to different extents, responded to this unfortunate event by accelerating their EdTech initiatives that have been pending on their to-do lists. As optimistic and forward-looking education leaders seize this unique opportunity, the hiring needs derived from digital transformation and EdTech have surged over the past few months.

Changing hiring demands and trends

These are a few more hiring demands and trends within the education sector that we have seen.

There has been increasing hiring demand for Admission Consultants, which some hiring managers see as a result of the previous social unrest that has prompted the middle class to look for their kids’ study abroad options at a younger age.
Some household education providers in franchise models encountered major challenges in finding balance, resulting in the shut-down of locations or putting most, if not all staff, on no-paid leaves.
Supply for expat teachers has been very tight since Fall 2019, due to various social issues causing these professionals to look at opportunities outside of Hong Kong. Conversely, demand remains high, so some educational institutions have decided to secure top professionals right away - with a delayed start date to ensure that the candidates are still available and receive proper onboarding when business is back to normal.
Despite the market slowdown, there are still some plans (work-in-progresses) for new education centres and international schools at the pre-launch stage. These are most likely backed by investment groups that are planning to bring a brand to the city and run as operators, rather than creating their own brands.
Some potential merger and acquisition activities are still cautiously progressing - often with objectives of investment groups trying to leverage on the heritage and resources of some well-established brand names to create synergy for other education-related business, in both Hong Kong and Greater China.
More companies have plans to structure the business in the cluster of “Greater Bay Area” to hope for greater synergy.

All these trends and events show that the education sector is still active, it is just a matter of readjusting expectations of the market and traditional mindsets.

For more information about the education sector within Hong Kong, please contact Gabriel Nam at gabrielnam@michaelpage.com for a chat.

Michael Page

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Tell me about yourself: How to answer the dreaded interview question

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 06:42:57 +0000

Tell me about yourself: How to answer the dreaded interview question Anonymous (not verified)

Not all interview questions were created equal. Some are there for the interviewer to extract essential information, like the places you worked for, your previous job scopes, past projects you worked on — these are pretty common interview questions.

Some interview questions are objectively more left field, and they are there to test your analytical thinking skills and ability to think on your feet. However, some questions will always come across as challenging no matter how common it is, such as: “Tell me about yourself”.

Self-introductions can be problematic because most people don’t go around every day thinking about who they are, let alone talking about it to strangers. So when you are put on the spot during a job interview, many candidates either clam up with few things to say, say too much or, worse, say too much in the wrong direction. Even given enough time to prepare before the interview, it is difficult to summarise all of your experience and skills into one solid and punchy answer. This is on top of the pressure of having to impress the interviewer.

The good news is that most of us are overthinking it. Self-introduction, or these tell-me-about-yourself questions, are pretty simple to answer. All you need is a framework to work with, a bareboned scaffolding that will allow you to build relevant, impressive answers.

1. Stay specific

Interviewers generally have a handful of candidates to go through, so staying on point is a good rule of thumb anyway. After all, it is an interview and not a chat over coffee. With that said, your specificity is even more critical when asked to introduce yourself. For example, interviewers generally want to hear concrete examples of your past achievements rather than listing every one of your existing skills, which will likely overlap heavily with other potential candidates.

Part of being specific is also about showing off actual data and results to back your examples up. Dishing out the numbers is a quick and easy way to differentiate yourself from the crowd and to show that you did indeed make a difference to your last company. As such, instead of saying, “I have solid social media skills,” say, “I was in charge of X social media channels, and I managed to increase engagement by Y% and followers by Z during my time there”.

2. Give short, punchy answers

All the information about your prior job achievements will be for nothing if you take too long to get to the point. All they really need is one good example, then one piece of evidence to support said example. Ensure that, along the way, everything you talk about ties back to your key skills and showcases what you can bring to the table.

Think about it this way: Recall the last time you told a friend or family member a joke. A good joke is supposed to come with a punchline or a word, sentence or twist that’s supposed to trigger laughter. A good storyteller will capitalise on the build-up to that punchline to make the joke memorable and funny. But, on the other hand, if you ramble on, the punchline will get lost, and you end up with awkward silence at the dinner table — it’s the same thing here.

Be concise and succinct with your self-introduction, and predict where the most impressive bits — the punchlines — are.

3. Build a structure around your answers

When it comes to communication, it is common wisdom that the words themselves are only part of the message. The method of delivery, too, is critical. We mentioned earlier about building scaffolding to hang your answers on, and this is where it applies.

And while there isn’t a fixed scaffolding per se, we recommend the basic structure: background, reasoning, and then the opportunity for follow-up. In this case, the background is the ‘What’, the reasoning is the ‘How’ or the ‘Why’, and the opportunity for follow-up is a chance for the interviewer to ask more questions.

The answer will look something like this:

(Background) I have more than 10 years of experience in digital marketing, including roles at Company A, B and, most recently, C. I specialise in SEO-based content. When I was the social media manager at Company C, I led a team project that increased engagement by X% and the number of social media followers by Y%. (Reasoning). I am looking for a role that will allow me to apply my skills to an e-commerce platform. I am also really interested in areas X, Y and Z. (Opportunity). That’s how I would describe myself, but what else would you like to know?

4. Practise, practise, then practise again

In a way, the best part about interview questions based on self-introduction is that you know it will come up in every interview. This also means that you have more than enough opportunities to prepare for it. Preparation also allows your answer to come across as less rehearsed and more relaxed. It would help if you treated this as a presentation.

One tip to do so is to record your answer as an audio or video, then play it back for yourself to assess. You will be surprised at how much a recording can reveal the way we speak and what we are saying. If you need further help, there are resources online that will help you speak even better.

Of course, if recording an audio or video of yourself is intimidating and strange — and it can be bizarre indeed to hear your voice — grab a friend or family member who will be able to give you pointers and feedback.

Are you looking for a career change? Submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to determine how we can help.

Michael Page

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How to spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations

Anonymous — Wed, 03 May 2017 06:14:12 +0000

How to spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations Anonymous (not verified)

When beginning your job search it’s absolutely key to have a clear idea of why you are looking to leave your current role, and what you’re looking for in your next one.

Get clear on your three key reasons for leaving your current role.

Some of the examples could be the following:

Lack of career development/progression
Hong Kong-only business so a lack of international/global mobility
Company culture

Next, define the three most important motivational drivers for finding your next role.

For instance, the search criteria could be to find a role that has the following:

People leadership
Multinational-listed business
International career development opportunities

This list of key priorities should be the principle driver of your job search and you should assess each possible role you consider applying for, against these criteria.

Define your career

Once you’ve defined your career aspirations and put together your CV, get in touch with an expert to discuss your career plans and get their assessment of the market opportunities.

You should consider the following variables when assessing your next move:

People – Would you like to work with these people? Will they push, develop and teach you new skills? Are you the right cultural fit?
Platform – How do the products and services the company offer compare with their competitors?
Position – Does the scope of the role you are applying for match your key criteria?
Package – Is the salary and commission structure competitive?
Progression – What is the opportunity to develop your career with this next organization?

To spot a role that does NOT fit your career aspirations, go through the checklist below:

Ensure the job you are applying for matches your top three reasons for seeking a new role. For example, is it a listed Multi-National? Is the role you are applying for leading a team? Does the role or company have a track record of moving people internationally?
Do not compromise and accept something that doesn’t align with your goals and ambitions simply to leave your existing role.
Be realistic with what you’re looking for and seek professional guidance from specialist recruiters to ensure that your goals are realistic and attainable.

If the answer is ‘no’ to the questions above, you can safely say that the role is not a good match for your career aspirations. You may find yourself experiencing similar frustrations as with your current role, and look to move again.

It’s really important that if you are feeling frustrated in your current role, you understand that there are other options out there. Focus your energy and efforts on putting together a targeted action plan with relevant recruitment experts in your specific field you can help you ensure you get your next career move right.

They will have a portfolio of clients with a range of mandates and insight into each of their employment value propositions and culture’s to ensure there is a suitable fit and that you are applying for the right roles.

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6 ways to market yourself to future employers

Anonymous — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 00:37:47 +0000

6 ways to market yourself to future employers Anonymous (not verified)

The job market can be competitive and having the right skills and experience isn’t always enough to secure you the job of your dreams. You must know how to market yourself effectively to really get noticed.

To win over employers, you’ll need to prove you have an excellent combination of relevant expertise and strong communication skills.

Generally speaking, good marketing is about establishing the needs of your target audience and positioning your brand to meet their demands. It’s exactly the same for a job candidate – you must offer the ideal solution through the perfect package.

Here are six great ways you can do so:

1. Identify a target audience

Understand your potential employers inside out. Do as much research as possible to help identify the ethos of the organisation and the skills, personality and knowledge they value highly. Use the job description as a lead and try to work out how this role will fit into the company’s bigger picture.

2. Know your USP

The term USP (unique selling point) is often bandied around in sales and marketing departments in many countries. This refers to the niche factor that makes a product or brand desirable and different from its competitors. Understand your own USP — it could be your specialist training or a unique combination of past experience and personal interests. Once you’ve honed in on your USP, make sure you let future employers know about it.

3. Have a way with words

Your terminology can be important when applying for a new role. Understand what key phrases and buzz words are particularly sought-after by potential employers in your industry. Certain jobs in specific sectors may look out for particular skills and training. If these buzz words genuinely apply to you, use them.

4. Show a little personality

Don’t be afraid to add a little flair and a personal touch to your application. Nobody is solely a collection of professional skills and employers may be keen to see a more human side. Your interests, passions and personal skills will be part of the whole package — so don’t forget to market yourself as a well-rounded individual.

5. Keep your finger on the pulse

Keep up-to-date with any developments and news in your industry to ensure your knowledge is always relevant and well-informed. Read industry publications, influential blogs and websites — you may find they help to inform your answers or provide discussion points when it comes to the interview stage.

6. Be digitally-savvy

The web has made it easier than ever to promote yourself. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter now give you direct, accessible channels of communication through which to network and uncover new opportunities.

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How to select and prepare referees for a job application

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:45:26 +0000

How to select and prepare referees for a job application Anonymous (not verified)

Referees play a crucial role in your job search by adding a third party perspective of your work ethic, skills, and strengths for any prospective employer. Their references can make or break your chances of securing your next role, so it is critical that you choose the right people, maintain those relationships and properly brief them on the roles you apply for.

Read these tips to ensure you obtain the best possible references for your resume.

1. How to choose your referees

It is important to have a strong collection of current, relevant referees on hand to support you in your job search. Choose referees who:

You have worked with closely within the last five years
Are fully aware of your strengths and will speak highly of you
Can verify and discuss your skills, experience and abilities in detail

Such people could be past or current managers, managers from other departments with whom you’ve worked closely, external clients, suppliers or colleagues. Be sure to get their permission before listing them as referees and check that their titles and contact details are correct and up to date.

2. Consider which referees will best present your case

It’s an unfortunate truth that even if someone is sure to speak highly of you and can attest to your strong work ethic and diverse skillset, they may still not be the best option as a resume referee.

This is because not everyone is adept at communication, particularly over the phone, which is how most referee interviews are held. For example, this person may be known for tripping over their words, mumbling, speaking in a monotone voice, or failing to respond to questions with clear and concise answers.

While these cases are not that common, it may be an important factor to consider, especially if you have other referee options that can speak eloquently and with enthusiasm.

3. How to brief your resume referees

You should properly prepare your referees so they are not surprised by the call, and are in a strong position to give you a positive reference. Let them know that you are job hunting and will contact them when a reference is required. When that time comes, provide them with a description of the role you have applied for and details on who will be contacting them and when.

You may want to share your thoughts on how your experience and personal attributes are relevant to the new role. This allows the referee to reinforce aspects of your past performance that will show you in the best light.

4. Maintain your references

Keep in regular contact with your referees so that the relationship remains strong and they have a positive opinion of you when the call comes. Keep them informed on your job search activities and let them know that you’d be happy to act as a referee for their own resume should the need arise.

5. Match your referees to the job

Put together a small collection of potential references that you can call upon during your job search. This way, you can match two or three that would best suit the role you are applying for.

For example, say the job you’re applying for requires strong leadership skills. In this case, you may be best passing on details of someone who has worked under you who can personally attest to what it’s like having you as their manager. Or perhaps the role is all about communication skills, in which case a client could be a good pick, as communication is a huge part of successful client relationships.

6. Don’t forget to thank your referees

Regardless of the outcome, always take the time to give your referee a call, or send them a quick email, to say thank you. If you are successful in the job application, consider reaching out to your referees with a thank you card or small gift to show your appreciation.

Looking for a career change? Browse current job opportunities, submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to find out how we can assist and support your job search process.

Michael Page

Summary

Your resume references are often the last step before a formal offer from your potential employer. The role of a resume referee is crucial in verifying your skills, employment history, and additional information you’ve spoken about in your CV and interview.

Have a selection of good referees on hand and maintain these relationships so that when you are job seeking, your referees are prepared and willing to speak highly of you.

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Job hunting over 50 in Hong Kong: it isn't over yet

Take a good look at your skill sets

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