Just Engineers attended the Advanced Engineers Exhibition 2011.

Have evolving recruitment practices resulted in some candidates being out of touch with the best ways to get a new job?

The world of job hunting has dramatically changed over the past 10 years. With the current economic down turn we are seeing more candidates entering the jobs market and having to face the daunting task of finding a new job. As a result, we are seeing two different groups emerging. In one group you have the computer & internet savvy candidates who know the difference between Recruitment Agencies, Job Boards, Social Media and all the ‘value added services’ that are available to them which claim to ‘help you find the perfect new job’. On the flip side you have a segment of society who may have been in the same role since leaving school, who have never had to look for a new job until now –asking the question “So what do I do now”?

I was speaking with my uncle the other day, who was recently made redundant for the first time in his working life. He’s In his mid/late 50’s and started working when he was a teenager joining the Royal Navy. After leaving the Navy, he joined the Metropolitan Police before retiring from the Met about 4 years ago. At this point an acquaintance who owned a building firm offered him a role within his company as “Operations Manager”. Subsequently, the recession hit and things got tougher and two months ago the owner of the company closed the firm and my uncle was made redundant. Speaking with him now, it’s clear that he doesn’t know how the job hunting process works. Why would he? He’s never had to job hunt before.

Before most of the previously mentioned services were available the recruitment process was simple. The employer advertised a vacancy in the local paper, if a candidate processed a relevant qualification, a little knowledge or experience to perform the role, they would apply to the employer direct in writing with a copy of their CV. The employer would source through all the applications and then interview the candidates that stood out. Once the interview process had taken place an offer would be made to the right candidate. Continue reading “How a decade has impacted job hunting” »

As part of our continuing commitment to support the clients & candidates within the Engineering industry, Just Engineers gears up for another round of exhibition this November.

We will be starting at the Advanced Engineering Exhibition taking place on the 9th & 10th November at the NEC.

Managing Director of the Advanced Engineering UK 2011 Mr Ian Stone commented.

“Integrated within Hall 20 at the NEC, Birmingham, the Advanced Engineering UK 2011 group of events brings together some of the UK’s highest-growth advanced engineering sectors through four co-locating shows. Each provides a business networking technology & innovation agenda not only within its own supply chain and customer groups, but across those of the co-locating events”

Just Engineers will be on stand 1300, feel free to visit us to discuss any and all requirements.

Then onto the National Engineering & Construction Recruitment Exhibition back at the NEC Birmingham, which opens its doors on the 25th & 26th November

An insider commented

“Whether you’re looking to kick start your career or are searching for that next step on the ladder, NECR offers a vast array of exceptional opportunities for all engineering and construction professionals and graduates.

You will find not only the best industry recruiters, but also invaluable careers advice and job-seeking tools”.

Our stand number is yet to be confirmed, but we at Just Engineers look forward to seeing you there.

If you would like to talk to us about any and all requirements, and would like to arrange a meeting in advance at either of these event, please contact our team on Tel: +44 (0) 844 561 9340

www.justengineers.net are working in partnership with The Advanced Engineers Exhibition, which is set to take place 9-10 November, NEC, Birmingham UK

Integrated within Hall 20 at the NEC, Birmingham, the Advanced Engineering UK 2011 group of events brings together some of the UK’s highest-growth advanced engineering sectors through four co-locating shows. Each provides a business networking technology & innovation agenda not only within its own supply chain and customer groups, but across those of the co-locating events.

www.advancedengineeringuk.com

All in one Logo

When it comes to CV’s and cover letters, the one size fits all approach tends not to be the most effective strategy. The competition for jobs is intense in today’s environment and job seekers need to be able to tailor their CV and cover letter for the particular jobs and industries they are targeting.

If you can successfully tailor your application and show the employer that you are suitable for the job advertised, your chances of gaining an interview will dramatically increase. Here are four key points to help you achieve the perfect tailored job application.

Read Carefully

This may sound simple however it is important; make sure you read the job advertisement carefully, noting the key skills and experience asked for. Ask yourself which of the skills and experience stated in the job advert do you have, and ensure to incorporate them into your CV and cover letter.

You will be surprised by how many job seekers just read the job title, salary and location before applying. Remember, the more relevant your CV and cover letter is to the job advertised, the more attention it will get from the recruiter or employer.

Do your Homework

If you are targeting a particular company, sector or industry, do as much research as you can on that particular subject. Some questions you may like to ask yourself include; what is the current economic climate for the company or industry? What are its major opportunities and challenges? What are business experts saying about the company or industry? Can you find a company or industry report online?

Make sure that your cover letter communicates to the reader that you are informed about the company or industry. An astute recruiter or employer will recognise that you are knowledgeable on the subject and this will no doubt, contribute to you gaining an interview.

Tailor your Personal Profile

A personal profile is a small paragraph (usually 3 or 4 lines) at the top of your CV which gives the reader a general overview to who you are and what experience you have. This is one of the first things an employer will read, so make it short, concise and relevant to the job you are applying for.

Tailor your Key Skills Summary

A key skills summary is a detailed yet succinct list of your significant skills, experience and achievements. It usually sits just below your personal profile and is the second part of your CV that recruiters and employers will read.

This is an essential area to tailor for every job application, as it is quick and effective. Be sure to include your most relevant skills and experience which link directly with the job advert concerned. This is also an opportunity to hand pick your significant achievements which are related to the job, company or industry you are applying too. If this section is written well, the recruiter or employer is certain to read on for more.

If you do these four simple things, it will improve your chances of success and gaining an interview. After all, in many cases you only get one shot at it, so make it count.