Using Job Sites - Hints & Tips

Category: Tips and Advice Publish date: 28/07/2015

Despite over 70% of jobs being filled through networking, applying to a job advert is still a major route of recruitment for many companies. Indeed, for roles below senior management and Board level, it may be the only route in to some companies.

General hints and tips

• Upload a generic CV so that recruiters can search on your profile, but DO NOT apply to any vacancy using that generic CV – you must target your application for each job. If you have any questions about this please contact your CTP Consultant who will be able to provide advice and guidance.
• Remember to highlight what makes you unique. If 200 people are applying for the same job as you – why should you be selected for an interview? Prove you have the appropriate skills and experience for the job through your CV.
• Job titles are often a thing of fashion so be careful not to focus too much on the job title, but look at the skills and experience required to identify if the role is for you. Make sure your CV matches the requirements of the job and illustrates how you meet the required competences.
• Be cautious of applying for a vacancy through an agency if they require you to part with any money. Recruitment consultancies should not be asking you to spend any money in order to get a job you are qualified for. If you lack specific qualifications for a job it is important to understand if that job is right for you and what accredited courses are available to up-skill yourself. If in doubt, contact your CTP Consultant.

RightJob

• The CTP jobs board is a great place to find opportunities that are suited to your skill-set. Employers who use RightJob are keen to see applications from Military personnel and by applying through RightJob to you are clearly identifying yourself as such.

Multi-Job Websites

• Not all companies use external multi-posting sites such as Monster, Indeed or Job Site, so if there is a particular company you are targeting it is a good idea to check their company website or RightJob.
• Vacancies on these sites may not be kept up-to-date so check the closing date is still valid.
• Use the Advanced Search function to narrow your search.
• Be aware that many organisations post their jobs on multiple job sites; keep a record of your applications to ensure you don’t apply for the same role twice!

Company websites

• The first time you visit the company site, double-check that you have actually applied for the job you intended to and not just registered for the site. This is a significant problem for employers and candidates.
• Even if you register for alerts, you will still need to search regularly for vacancies as we are all guilty of ignoring emails, even if we have requested to be contacted.
• Ensure you add any email addresses associated with the job site to your Contacts, to avoid emails being re-directed to your junk mail folder.