Dynamic Business

Even the most successful businesspeople may find selling themselves to a prospective employer both uncomfortable and daunting. However, if you follow the below guidelines of: getting back to basics, putting the work into networking, following up and not giving up, then you will be on your way to your next great job. 

Getting back to basics

Let’s start at the very beginning. It may have been a while, but preparing a CV and cover letter to assist in your personal selling effort is all about going back to basics.

In my opinion, no CV need be longer than four pages; two is ideal. After four pages you must be repeating job descriptions from the last century. Most job titles will let a recruiter know what you did, so focus on achievements rather than responsibilities. This is about selling. A Masters Degree and 10 years’ experience in FMCG are features. The role of the CV and cover letter is to demonstrate benefits.

Don’t assume a reader knows that Evans and Smith are a boutique brass doorknob manufacturer in Spain. A brief one-line description that identifies industry, size by employees, turnover or market cap is helpful to the reader.

When you write the cover letter, address it! If the recruiter has included a name in their advertisement, don’t write “To whom it may concern”. Spell their name correctly. Use spell check, and get a helpful partner or colleague to check for grammar and plain old common sense.

Tailor your cover letter for the advertised role.  It should be short and to the point, and not repeat what is in your CV.  Focus on what you can contribute and the reason you should be considered, not just what you have done before. Also, tailor the CV if necessary. I recently saw a CV for a role with a client that proclaimed their interest in general management when the advertised role was consulting!

Remember that recruiters or potential employers may Google you! So make sure that any photos are flattering rather than incriminating and that social networking sites like Linkedin are up to date, and consistent with your CV.

Finally, some attention to detail. I don’t need to give fashion tips here, but this is the time to look, and feel your best. And be on time. You may be meeting people who have busier schedules than you do, so arrive early.

Put the work into networking

The statistics vary, but the generally accepted wisdom is that most jobs are not advertised. Most roles are filled by internal promotion, or by word of mouth. Unless obliged by policy, only after that does an organisation invest in search or advertising to fill roles. Networking is simply the opportunity to meet and engage (personally or online) with those who you know, or know of, that may help you on your way. But there are two things to keep in mind.

The first is to be positive, Use networking as an opportunity to learn, seek advice and socialise. It is not an opportunity to smear the reputation of the organisation that chose to “let you go”. That is not constructive.

The second thing is to be helpful. Yes, you are seeking them out, but approach the opportunity from the perspective of how you can help others. How can you assist with others needs and challenges or provide introductions through your connections?

Opportunities for networking are boundless. Start with family and friends, ex-colleagues and clients, suppliers or business partners, your club, church or school, then expand your network with referrals to those who your contacts are willing to refer you to on the basis of your interest.