How to ensure you don’t end up in a job you’ll regret
Olaitan Ajimobi • March 3, 2020
We all need to search for a new job at some point in our working life. The usual expectation is that our next job should at least be more rewarding than the previous one either financially, mentally, emotionally, socially or more aligned with our values. However, many find themselves settling for almost any job as long as their skills are relevant and they are reasonably satisfied with the pay. Here are four ideas that would help make your job search more productive.
Ideal job description
It's normal for employers to have a person specification where they clearly outline key essential and desirable qualities they want in an ideal candidate. However, it is rare to see it the other way round. I always advise my clients to make up a job description that aligns with their skills, passions, personality and ambitions. This ideal job description is what they use as a benchmark for every job opportunity they come across. Of course it's probably unrealistic to find a job that matches the description a hundred percent but at least they end up with one that is close enough or more fulfilling than having a job that you have no interest in.
Interview transparency
Many people don't see the need to express who they really are during job interviews. Rather than having a mutual discussion to assess if there is a fit between them and the employer or job opportunity, they sell themselves often under false pretences so they can appeal to the employer. We hide our true values and interests out of a fear that we'll jeopardize our chances of getting the job. Although this ‘fake it till you make it’ approach to tick the boxes might achieve the instant gratification of landing the job by, it is could be end up being counterproductive and self-sabotaging for long-term career success and fulfillment.
Personal recommendation
It is widely said that ''word of mouth is best form of advertising'. In fact, Nandos apparently gained most of their initial exposure through word of mouth and personal recommendation. Getting referrals or approvals from friends and people you trust is also a great way to ensure that you don’t end up with an employer or job from hell. Not only will this help you get access to the hidden job market, but you are also more likely to get an unbiased perspective about the employer or job because the person cares about your well-being. Many companies also provide incentives for employees to refer a friend, so it's a no brainer.
Social proofing
Social proofing is a concept that is almost natural to the economic behaviour of humans. Before making a decision concerning something like a holiday, restaurant or a service, many of us like to listen to the judgements and reviews of others who have experienced what we are thinking of trying out. This is how companies like Trip Advisor make their money. Glassdoor is a great way to get social proof from an employment perspective; it is a website where current and former employees anonymously review companies. This could help you make a good judgement on an employer or their company culture.
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Ideal job description
It's normal for employers to have a person specification where they clearly outline key essential and desirable qualities they want in an ideal candidate. However, it is rare to see it the other way round. I always advise my clients to make up a job description that aligns with their skills, passions, personality and ambitions. This ideal job description is what they use as a benchmark for every job opportunity they come across. Of course it's probably unrealistic to find a job that matches the description a hundred percent but at least they end up with one that is close enough or more fulfilling than having a job that you have no interest in.
Interview transparency
Many people don't see the need to express who they really are during job interviews. Rather than having a mutual discussion to assess if there is a fit between them and the employer or job opportunity, they sell themselves often under false pretences so they can appeal to the employer. We hide our true values and interests out of a fear that we'll jeopardize our chances of getting the job. Although this ‘fake it till you make it’ approach to tick the boxes might achieve the instant gratification of landing the job by, it is could be end up being counterproductive and self-sabotaging for long-term career success and fulfillment.
Personal recommendation
It is widely said that ''word of mouth is best form of advertising'. In fact, Nandos apparently gained most of their initial exposure through word of mouth and personal recommendation. Getting referrals or approvals from friends and people you trust is also a great way to ensure that you don’t end up with an employer or job from hell. Not only will this help you get access to the hidden job market, but you are also more likely to get an unbiased perspective about the employer or job because the person cares about your well-being. Many companies also provide incentives for employees to refer a friend, so it's a no brainer.
Social proofing
Social proofing is a concept that is almost natural to the economic behaviour of humans. Before making a decision concerning something like a holiday, restaurant or a service, many of us like to listen to the judgements and reviews of others who have experienced what we are thinking of trying out. This is how companies like Trip Advisor make their money. Glassdoor is a great way to get social proof from an employment perspective; it is a website where current and former employees anonymously review companies. This could help you make a good judgement on an employer or their company culture.
Without an intentional and proactive approach to job hunting, it appears the probability of ending up in an ideal job is likely to be low. While the traditional methods such as looking on job boards, company websites or through agencies might still be useful for the employment seeking process, the ideas mentioned are practical steps to ensure that we secure opportunities that are more aligned with our values. If you need support in this area, feel free to contact us today by clicking the button below to book a consultation.
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Your CV is more than simply a record of your accomplishments; it is also your marketing weapon. Its usefulness can be greatly influenced by how you format it. A well-structured CV showcases your qualifications, piques your interest, and communicates your worth. Here's a detailed guide on formatting your CV for maximum impact. Choose a clear structure Begin with a simple layout that is succinct, legible, and organized. Begin with your personal information, then go on to a summary or objective statement, job experience, education, talents, and any other parts pertinent to your field. What to include in your CV There are various items you should include on your CV, including: ● Your contact details ● An individual statement ● Your employment history ● Your formal education ● Your abilities ● Your honors and accomplishments How to make your CV stand out You may do various things to make your CV stand out from the crowd, including: ● Use an original and imaginative design. ● Calculate your accomplishments. ● Make use of action verbs. ● Make use of keywords throughout your CV. ● Customize your CV for the job you're looking for. Have your CV professionally prepared. Mind the length Keep your CV brief. A two-page CV is usually sufficient, however, three pages may be appropriate for substantial experience. Prioritize relevance and quality above quantity. Formatting consistency Consistency is essential. Use the same font throughout and keep text size and style consistent. Make sure that the formatting of headers, subheadings, and bullet points is consistent. Prioritize content The most important facts should be readily available. Customize your CV to the job you're looking for by emphasizing relevant experiences and abilities. Use bulleted lists Bullet points may be your best buddy. Use them to list duties and accomplishments for each work or educational experience. Make these arguments succinct, compelling, and outcome-oriented. Utilize white space Don't undervalue the importance of white space. It helps your CV seem less cluttered and simpler to read—balance content and space to produce an eye-catching document. Include keywords Many businesses screen CVs using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Incorporate industry-specific keywords to boost the likelihood of your CV being accepted by these systems. Highlight achievements Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. Numbers grab attention and give real proof of your ability. Proofread vigorously Errors can detract from an otherwise outstanding CV. Proofread thoroughly for spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. Request that a friend or expert evaluate it as well. Consider design elements While simplicity is essential, subtle design features may enhance the visual attractiveness of your CV. Colors should be used sparingly and only if they complement the overall design. Your CV is the first thing potential employers see. Its format is critical in making that first impression count. Follow these guidelines to successfully organize and style your CV, ensuring that it reflects your qualifications and stands out in a competitive employment market. If you are looking for the best CV writing service, and CV review service in the UK , the OLightOn Career Coaching program is a great option. If you have any questions, write to info@olighton.com to book a consultation.
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Do you feel stuck in your current job and unsure of how to advance your career? Do you have big career goals but aren't sure how to achieve them? If so, one-to-one career coaching may be the solution you're looking for. Clarifying your career goals One of the main benefits of working with a career coach is that they can help you clarify your career goals. A career coach can help you identify your strengths, skills, and values and align them with your career aspirations. They can also help you develop a plan to achieve your goals, whether that involves advancing within your current company or pursuing a new opportunity elsewhere. Providing guidance and support Career coaches are experienced professionals who can provide you with guidance and support throughout your career journey. They can help you identify and overcome obstacles, offer feedback and advice, and help you stay on track towards achieving your career goals. A career coach can also act as a sounding board for your ideas and concerns, providing you with the support you need to navigate the ups and downs of your career. Developing new skills To advance your career, you may need to develop new skills or expand your existing ones. A career coach can help you identify the skills you need to succeed in your current or desired role and provide you with guidance on how to develop them. They can also help you identify new opportunities for learning and growth, such as attending conferences or taking on new projects. Building your confidence Building confidence is key to career success. A career coach can help you build your confidence and overcome any self-doubt or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. They can help you develop a positive mindset and a can-do attitude, which can be critical for success in your career. A career coach can also help you identify your strengths and leverage them to achieve your career goals. Networking and job search A career coach can provide you with guidance on how to conduct a successful job search, including developing a networking strategy, identifying potential job opportunities, and refining your CV. They can also help you prepare for job interviews, providing you with feedback and advice to help you make a positive impression on potential employers. Accountability One of the benefits of working with a career coach is that they can hold you accountable for taking action towards achieving your goals. They can help you set realistic targets, track your progress, and offer feedback and support along the way. This can be especially helpful if you're prone to procrastination or have difficulty staying motivated. Whether you're looking to advance within your current company or pursue a new opportunity elsewhere, a career coach can provide you with the guidance, support, and accountability you need to achieve your career goals and unlock your full potential. If you're ready to take your career to the next level in the UK, consider booking a consultation for one-to-one career coaching with a professional coach at OLightOn .
In today's job market, an increasing number of companies are offering remote or hybrid work options, which means that you can work from home or a different location while still being part of a team. If you're interested in finding a remote or hybrid job, it's essential to have a strong and effective CV that showcases your skills and experience. However, writing a CV that stands out from the crowd can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with the latest trends and best practices. This is where a professional CV writing service can be beneficial. In this blog post, we'll explore why it's a good idea to hire a CV review and writing service for your remote or hybrid job search. Targeted Keywords Remote and hybrid jobs require specific skills, such as being able to work independently and communicate effectively online. CV writing services are knowledgeable about the keywords and phrases that are most relevant for these types of jobs and can help you highlight your experience and skills in these areas. They can also ensure that your CV is optimised for online job searches, which often rely on algorithms to match candidates with job postings. Customisation Remote and hybrid jobs may have different requirements than traditional office-based jobs. A professional CV writing service can customise your CV to ensure it stands out for these types of positions, highlighting your ability to work remotely and any relevant experience with remote tools and communication technologies. They can also ensure that your CV is tailored to your target industry and role, so you can make the most of your experience and skills. Professional Formatting A well-formatted CV is essential to make a good first impression. Hiring a professional CV writing service can ensure that your CV is formatted correctly and is visually appealing, increasing your chances of getting an interview. A well-organised and easy-to-read CV can also help you stand out from other candidates and make a positive impression on potential employers. Time-Saving Writing a CV takes time and effort. Hiring a CV writing service can save you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your job search, such as networking and preparing for interviews. A professional CV writer can help you create a strong and effective CV in less time than it would take you to write one yourself, which can be especially helpful if you're juggling multiple job applications. Competitive Advantage In a competitive job market, having a professional and well-written CV can give you an edge over other candidates. A CV writing service can help you create a strong and effective CV that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. They can also help you identify and highlight your unique selling points, which can be especially valuable in a crowded job market. Hiring a CV review and writing service can be a smart investment for anyone looking for a remote or hybrid job. Not only can it help you create a strong and effective CV, but it can also save you time, help you stand out from other candidates, and give you a competitive advantage in a crowded job market. If you're ready to take your job search to the next level, book a consultation with one of our UK-based professional CV writing experts at OLightOn.
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