WIN THAT ROLE

Job searching isn’t easy. You may not get the first or second job you apply for, but you must always make sure you are a top-notch candidate with every job application. The first impression you give a potential employer is the most important one – and the first impression is not when you turn up for an interview. Instead, it is much more likely to be your email, phone call, cover letter, job application form or CV.

So, before you apply for your ideal job, make sure you are prepared.

1 MAKE A LIST

List any work you have done, paid or unpaid, organisations you belong to and any volunteer organisations you have helped. When you’re applying for a job, you will usually have to describe how well your skills and previous experience fit the job description. Even if you are short of experience in the workplace, there are the key skills that employers look for that anyone can demonstrate, such as good communication skills, and showing initiative and commitment.

2 EMAIL ADDRESS

Set up an email account for job searching with an address that is appropriate for business use. All your employmentrelated communications should be as professional as possible. Make sure to proofread your emails for grammar and spelling – even an emailed note needs to be error-free.

Keep a note of your job applications, CVs sent, email enquiries and responses from employers. That way, you will be prepared when you are called for an interview.

3 INTERVIEW ATTIRE

When in doubt, dress up, not down. Add an interview outfit to your wardrobe.

4 DON’T STOP

Don’t apply to one salon or spa and wait for the phone to ring. Complete as many job applications as you can, send emails and letters of enquiry to every salon you would like to work for, and consider a variety of positions to get started. The more you apply for, the better chance you have of finding your ideal role.

Creating a CV

There is no universally accepted format for a CV, but the most important attribute of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the reader what it is that you can do for them. A CV should be wellpresented, be a source of interesting, relevant information, and be a script for talking about yourself.

The purpose of a CV is not to get you the job, it is to get you an interview. You are not writing a CV for yourself, you are writing it for the reader. As you write your CV, put yourself in their shoes. Make sure it meets the needs of the business where possible, and highlights your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for the role.

The first page of a CV should contain enough personal details for a potential employer to contact you easily. Employment history should commence with your current role or most recent job, and then work backwards Achievements should be short, laid out in bullet points, and include your role, the action you took and a comment on the result of your action.

You need to present your CV well and make it user-friendly. For instance, don't have the margins too narrow, use a standard font no less than 11pt, and always check for errors.

Cover letter

After putting together a concise CV, next comes the cover letter. The goal of a cover letter is to tell a hiring manager that you are more than just your CV. A cover letter is also an opportunity for you to share your professional goals. Use it to provide a brief summary of your career and accomplishments. It gives you the chance to establish a relationship with the company. A good letter will also provide additional context to your CV, which lists your various achievements and work experience.

Though a cover letter should be somewhat formal and respectful, it doesn’t need to be boring. It is an opportunity to explain why you are interested in a special role or company, which your CV may not include. Less than one page or about four paragraphs will suffice.

The letter should end with a request for a meeting. The application is the first step and a cover letter is an important part of the package. By establishing a follow-up interview request, applicants can express active interest in moving forward to that perfect role.

Liz McKeon is an author, business coach, trainer and mentor, specialising in the hair, beauty and spa sector. For further information, visit lizmckeon.com or call +353 86 386 1243.