WebWordsJob hunting in the 21st Century

Keep a note of every job you have applied for. A spreadsheet on your computer, or a paper notepad will suffice. Enter details of the job, any reference, location, contact details, whether or not you have been selected for interview, interview date, the outcome of the interview and any other relevant information (including dates and times). This will be your "battle plan" and it will help you to keep track of what you're doing, and prevent you wasting valuable time.

Preparation

Job hunting is, in itself, a business. If you have never run a business, now is the time to learn a few basic skills, which will not only help you in your current search, but any future ones. You have to market yourself. You are now a commodity and an asset to your business. Potential employers need to know about you; they won't come to you, so you have to go to them. Put your mind into job hunting mode; be prepared, dedicated and tenacious. Don't ever give up and don't let it get you down. Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is your most important tool. This is your route in to anyone who has a vacancy; it is your marketing statement. If your CV isn't "fine tuned", presentable, informative, accurate and grammatically correct, you won't get any further than the application. With so many people looking for work, recruiters want to see something that stands out in a positive way. If your CV is full of mistakes, it will create a negative impression of you and it will be discarded. It is a worthwhile investment in time and energy to look at some CVs on the internet and find a layout/style that suits your profile. If you're uncertain about grammar etc, ask a friend or family member, who has good English skills, to help you. You may decide to go to a professional CV writing company, but this costs money and is not guaranteed to be any better than a bit of research and effort on your part. Also, always listen to the feedback that you are given from prospective employers, even if negative. Constructive criticism can help you. Don't be afraid to "tailor" (and I don't mean fabricate) your CV to particular roles, highlighting relevant experience/skills. Decide which jobs you are going to search for and diversify only as much as necessary; you want a job you can stay in and make a future for yourself, not one that is going to last for a few days or weeks, because it isn't the right one for you. Being selective is more effective than a "scatter gun" approach.

Getting the Leads

Most jobs are now to be found online, on internet job location sites. Examples of these are jobserve and totaljobs, (two of the most well-known, but by no means all). Do some research for yourself. Set up a free login with the site(s), upload your CV, create a profile and make sure you check at least twice every day. The best times to search are late at night and just after midday. Most job search sites also have a daily email facility, where the latest jobs that match your criteria are sent to you. Often, they are not well matched to your requirements (they are computer-generated, after all). However, it never hurts to have a job site doing the work for you. It doesn't take long to scan through a few emails. All of this from the comfort of your home, or even the local library or internet café. Be prepared to search through literally hundreds of jobs and don't be afraid to apply for numerous; the more you apply for, the greater chance you have of success. Don't, also, be scared of rejecting more than you apply for; focus your energy and resources in the right places. Don't miss out on newspaper advertisements, "word of mouth" information or recommendations. You can also create your own "marketing campaign" using either the postal service or emails. However, do exercise caution with the electronic medium; people do (rightly) become annoyed by the volume of unsolicited mail they receive. If you receive a "no thank you", with the suggestion that they will "keep your CV on file", this is a polite way of rejecting you and saying they'll never be in contact again. Don't take it to heart; it's all part of the duplicity surrounding job hunting. If you compose a covering letter, ensure it is succinct, interesting and grammatically correct. Ensure your application is sent in good time (the sooner, the better), and that it is properly considered, well presented and is sent to the right person. If you are applying via an online application system and the site "crashes", see if there is another way that you can get your application across. Don't rely too much on technology; it doesn't always work. Even if you have the promise of a job, or an interview, don't give up your search; it's never a "done deal" until the paperwork has been signed. In the meantime, keep looking.

Time Wasters

Unfortunately, job hunting will expose you to a lot of time wasting. This may be on the part of the employer or a recruitment company. Unfortunately, it happens far too often and it is annoying. Agencies trawl through vast numbers of CVs (usually using computer software to pick out words/phrases) and they send out lots of "spam" emails, using the "scatter gun" principle. They can be a total waste of time, an absolute nuisance and/or a real asset. Whatever happens, though, don't let them bully you into accepting something you don't want. Another of their favourite "tricks" is to "pump" you for information about where you're working or where you've recently been interviewed. If you are asked to provide references in advance of even being put forward for a potential job, my advice to you is not to do it. This is usually a desperate and unscrupulous agency that is only looking for leads and it is highly unlikely that they have anything at all. How do I know this? Experience. If you are put forward for a position, keep it to yourself and never discuss it with any other potential employer or agency. There are also employers who waste your and their time, too. There are some (predominantly large public sector ones) who engage the services of a number of agencies, to potentially source candidates for them. However, when the job requirements start "flowing", it soon becomes clear that the agencies are being used only to ensure compliance with current legislation, because the employer has their own candidate in mind. How do I know this? Experience.

The Application Form

Most application forms for jobs are so poorly thought out, that they appear only to have the sole purpose of putting off the potential candidate. Spaces for entering important information are compressed, for the sake of style, and you end up almost having to write using a pinhead. The forms usually ask for details about previous employment and are a cynical - and lazy - ploy by the employer to save them time reading your CV. The best advice I can give is to read the form carefully, be as tidy and concise as possible, always use the specified colour ink and write in BLOCK CAPITALS where told to. Just do your very best and enclose any other documentation requested. Never send originals of proof of identity, such as birth certificate, driving license, passport or any other form of identification. If required, these should always be taken along to the interview.

The Interview

Once you have secured an interview, you are on your own. It is now up to you to give the very best impression of yourself as possible. Here, you face your biggest challenge of all, and whatever happens, never ever underestimate the task ahead of you. Everyone, no matter how pleasant, kind, reassuring and genuine they appear, is prejudiced against someone and that someone might just be you. There is no "hard and fast" rule to succeeding at an interview, but there are a few things to do and to avoid doing, which will, at least, give you a sporting chance.

Make certain you are familiar with where you are going, in advance. Things such as parking, security etc are essential pieces of information to have. I usually do what I term a "dry run" to the location, a day or so prior to the interview, just to ensure I know exactly where I am going. Do whatever you can to arrive early. If you are delayed due to circumstances beyond your control, telephone and let someone know - quickly. Arriving early gives you an opportunity to relax and prepare yourself, maybe use the "facilities" or just calm down and ease the nerves. Don't smoke, or drink alcohol, prior to an interview; it gives a very poor impression. I would also advise "restraint" in the usage of cosmetics, including perfume/aftershave lotion. Less is more. Good, basic hygiene (including clean hands, nails and shoes), as well as clean and sensible clothing, always form a good impression. Always be polite and courteous; it costs nothing and creates a favourable impression, but don't be over familiar; your prospective employer is just waiting for an easy opportunity to turn you down.

During the interview, try to relax; speak clearly, and look at the person/s asking the questions. If you don't know the answer to a question, say so. If you don't understand something, ask for clarification. Don't try to talk about something you have no understanding of. Don't express religious, political or other "personal" opinions and certainly never criticise a previous employer.

Interview Madness

There is no accepted standard for conducting an interview. There are a few dubious "tests" used by some lazy employers, that purport to be able to tell if you are suitable, based upon some psychological questions. In point of fact, an interview is the biggest waste of time that any employer can possibly use in their search for a suitable employee and it is more through chance than anything else, that the right person is found for a job. Everyone attending an interview is acting, and on their very best behaviour, because they want to create a favourable impression. Some people are better at being interviewed than others. Employers often carry out interviews with little or no planning, even down to where the interview will be held. In one case where I applied for a vacancy with a public sector employer, the interview was conducted in the coffee shop of a local supermarket. On another occasion, with a large private sector company, the interview was conducted in a broom cupboard. Chaos like this should give you a useful impression as to whether the employer is suitable to you and not only vice versa. The interview, itself, may be a pleasant experience for you, or it may prove quite the opposite. Some employers lack elementary courtesy and even forget to ask if you need to "freshen up" prior to what is usually an hour in front of one or more people.

Then there are the interviewers who feel it is their place to criticise and belittle you. It isn't necessary, and often this type of employer will find candidates turning down a job, because of a negative interview experience.

It is also virtually impossible to tell whether you have been successful, whatever they say to you at the time. I cite two other examples of my own experience:- In the first example, after I had been interviewed, I was told I was the best candidate they'd seen. It took them two weeks to decide to hire someone else and it turned out that it was all down to money. Another place where I was "interviewed" (and I use the term loosely), they spent only half an hour with me, during which time they asked me nothing about myself. They didn't even have the keys to the rooms they wanted to show me around afterwards. An hour later (after the interview had concluded), I was informed that, although I "came across well", the other candidate had "pipped me at the post". That was complete rubbish.

The last interview I cite happened to me in 2017. I was interviewed by the IT manager of a large company in Croydon. After two hours and fifteen minutes (the longest interview I have ever experienced), the idiot announced that he didn't know when he would be able to let me know, because he was going on holiday the next day. It took that moron another 3 weeks, after which I received a telephone call from the agency, saying he had hired someone else. With stupidity like that, I was pleased I hadn't been successful.

My career is littered with these types of interview, and it never ceases to amaze me the time and money some organisations squander, by allowing "juveniles" to be a part of the selection process.

Pride and Prejudice

Despite the laws in place in this country to prevent prejudice in the workplace, I regret to say that it is still rife and there is little - if anything - that you can do about it. I was rejected by one company, after an interview, in favour of an Australian ex model because, although she was less experienced than I was, they felt she would "fit in" better. Fortunately, that company has since gone out of business. I have far too many more of these "horror stories" to detail here, but I have also had sufficient successes to continue.

You will experience prejudice against your age, your experience, your religion, your weight, your gender, your race, your looks, your perceived sexuality, or even the colour of your eyes (and a whole lot of other, absurd things, too). It is tough out there, but don't be surprised and never give up. Another application I made for a job was with a "religious" educational establishment. I received an email saying that my application wasn't going to be taken further. When I politely requested clarification and a reason, in order to avoid future disappointment, I was informed (and I quote): "On this occasion we had a number of applicants with strong sector experience". What they meant to say was that they rejected me because I hadn't put that I am religious. With stupidity and prejudice such as this, it is no wonder why so many find it difficult to find work and why so many employers hire the wrong people. On another occasion, I (unwisely?) "came out" to a potential employer, in order to prove my commitment to them and to explain some of my background. Despite that I had, until that time, been the "favourite" candidate, they turned me down. When pressed, they obfuscated and refused to answer my questions. They had been totally dishonest from the outset. It is with this in mind that I have to say that honesty is never the best policy, when trying to secure a job. In the future, I intend to wear a wedding ring and I shall never reveal my sexuality. Bigots have no conscience. Remember: never appeal to a person's better nature; they may not have one. Invoking their self-interest gives you more leverage.

Persistence, Breaks and Flexibility

It pays to be persistent. If you are in contact with staff agencies, keep a friendly contact with one or two people in the company. Send them an email at least once a week and follow it up with a friendly telephone call, even just to ask them whether they had a good weekend. This keeps your name in their mind and, so long as you are polite and friendly (being friendly always helps), they don't mind. In fact, they positively encourage it. Don't be afraid to make a bit of a nuisance of yourself. Follow up an application with a telephone call and be cheerful and witty; it gets you noticed and remembered.

Try, wherever possible, to be a little flexible in your expectations. Be realistic and be prepared to negotiate. It never hurts. Job hunting exercises and interviews are all unique, although they have many similarities. If you get a system going and refine your technique, you will, eventually, succeed. Don't forget, though, as with any job, you do need a break, so make sure you allow yourself time to "switch off" from job hunting, ready to start again. Remember: in your search for employment, you are up against some of the worst bigots, fools, liars, cheats and idiots that you could wish not to find. It never pays to be too honest; "careless talk, keep what you know to yourself". If you know you can do the job, do whatever you can to secure it - even if this means "embellishing" your CV, your past or your experience. So long as you do not lie (and especially not about any criminal convictions you may have), you have nothing whatsoever to lose. Interviewers have no conscience or integrity. They couldn't care less whether you stand to lose your home or your family. They wouldn't even care if it meant the difference between life and death. They are totally unscrupulous and you will be wasting your time, if you try to appeal to their "better nature". Their "hidden agenda" is less about whether you are any good, and more about their own vanity.

I wish you every success.