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Showing posts tagged with: job search

Writing a successful CV in 2023 might sound like a daunting task. There are a lot of job vacancies but competition is fierce. A lot has changed and continues to change in the world of recruitment too. New hiring techniques and different candidate requirements post-pandemic have caused a seismic shift towards flexible and remote working. With the ever-evolving job market, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the most effective CV writing techniques. In this blog post, we will explore five important things to consider when crafting your CV in 2023: using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments. 

#1 Using Keywords 

Keywords are words or phrases associated with a job description or industry and they help recruiters match you to a job. They help hiring managers quickly identify whether or not you are a match. The average hiring professional with spend just six to eight seconds scanning through to determine whether or not the candidate is right for the role. It is, therefore, important to focus on using keywords when writing your CV in 2023. When crafting your CV, be sure to review the job description, research the industry and include all relevant keywords that highlight your skills and experiences.

#2 Formatting 

This isn't a new one but it is worth revisiting. Formatting is  a really important element of your CV.  Your CV should be easy to read and well organized. Be sure to use headings and subheadings to break up the text and highlight important information. Moreover, make sure that your contact information is clearly visible at the top of the page. This will make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to contact you.  Using bullet points to summarise key experience is a good way to pack information in an easy -to -read format. Keep to simple fonts and layouts. Let your experience and skills do the talking.   

#3 Showcasing Your Accomplishments

It is important to showcase accomplishments in your CV. Rather than simply listing your experiences and skills, be sure to include any successes you have had in your past positions. This can help you stand out from other applicants and provide a more comprehensive view of your abilities.  This means highlighting the output of your duties, rather than the duties themselves in your work history.  
  • Focus on offering proof of your qualifications by including specific examples, figures or case studies that illustrate your abilities. 
  • Wherever possible, quantify your contributions and achievements to show the value you’ve created for your past employers. For example, have you helped to reduce costs, eliminate bottlenecks, increase productivity, drive more revenue, or improve operations?  
  • Did you meet or exceed your project goals or complete a project on time, ahead of schedule or under budget? Have you received any awards or special recognition for your performance?  
These are the types of information you want to present in the bullet points within your work history. This component of your CV is important because recruiters gauge your potential based on how you performed in previous roles. 

#4 Most Requested Skills 

These are the top five requested skills (in descending order):
  • Adaptability and flexibility 
  • Communication 
  • Critical thinking and problem solving 
  • Collaboration and teamwork 
  • Time management 
Most employers are looking for all of these skills in digital marketing and ad agencies. Demonstrating you have these skills will help you in your job search - this is especially useful to know if you are trying to move into digital marketing from another industry or if you are a new graduate and have limited work experience.

#5 Use Social Media To Your Advantage

More than ever, recruiters and hiring managers are using social media to help in their selection of candidates to invite to interview.  So, you should include links to relevant social media accounts. For example, you might wish to include the details of your LinkedIn profile and Instagram accounts alongside your contact information. Just make sure that whichever profiles you link to. Just make sure you ensure these are up to date and that they don’t contain any inappropriate or unprofessional content. A social media audit is a must! If you have a side hustle or profile related to your passions and hobbies, it might be better to link to those accounts rather than simply give your personal accounts. 

Now, Put It Into Action!

Crafting a successful CV in 2023 requires a combination of up-to-date techniques and strategies. By focusing on using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments, you can ensure that your CV stands out from the rest. You will need to tailor your CV for each job you apply for, but if you get a good template set up using the tips above this shouldn't take you too long. Good luck out there! For the latest in digital marketing and ad agency jobs, head to Dotgap now to browse or get in touch. We are ex-agency ourselves and so we understand the industry better than anyone and are committed to helping you find your dream job.  

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As we near the end of the year, we wanted to reflect on some of the most popular topics covered in the blog.  From tips on how to get a job in digital marketing as a graduate  to re-entering the workforce after taking time away to be a parent, we have tried to cover relevant topics for recruiters and jobseekers alike. Read on for a roundup of Dotgap's 2022 digital marketing blog. 

The Recession, Cost Of Living Crisis and Digital Marketing

The economic climate has presented many challenges over the last few years. Businesses have had to adjust their strategies to accommodate changes in consumer behaviour and the availability of resources. People are likely to be more cautious with their spending during a recession so it is important to emphasise value over price. Companies must reduce costs while still achieving measurable results from their marketing efforts. Considering how the current climate will impact the marketing industry we can surmise businesses need to be mindful of budgets while maximising technologies that can help reach their target audience.  This includes leveraging social media platforms to build relationships with potential customers, as well as utilizing search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure they're visible in online searches.  This can also be a difficult time to be looking for a job, raising questions about the impact on remote and flexible working arrangements.

Changing Jobs For Your Career

Changing jobs can be a daunting and even confusing process. It can be especially difficult to know whether you should stay or go when you are thinking about the bigger picture in your digital marketing career.  The first step is to assess your current situation and make sure you are making an informed decision. Consider your current job, the new job you are considering, and the implications of a switch in terms of salary, hours, and benefits. Once you are confident that the change is the right move for you, it is time to start the job search.  Research potential employers and the job market, and make sure to update your resume and cover letter. Reach out to former colleagues and contacts to see if they have any job leads you may be interested in. You may also want to consider networking with professionals in your field in order to get your name out there.  Once you are ready to apply for jobs, make sure you take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to. After you submit your applications, it is important to follow up with employers, either through email or phone calls, in order to make sure they have your application and understand your skillset. If you are looking to relocate, make sure you take extra consideration. The last step is to prepare for the job interview. This means researching the company, its products, and its mission statement. Make sure to practice answers to common interview questions, and dress professionally. Finally, make sure to be yourself and be prepared to discuss why you are the right fit for the position. 

Diversity in Digital Marketing Recruitment

Diversity, equity and inclusion have been buzzwords for the last few years now. But what does it actually mean in practice for businesses and candidates? There are lots of benefits for organizations to embrace diversity in the workforce, including but not limited to a wider talent pool and better representation. The recruitment process should be designed to ensure diverse representation. This means that the recruitment process should not be biased towards any particular group, and should avoid making assumptions based on gender, race, religion, or other characteristics. Digital marketing companies should strive to create an inclusive recruitment process. That means it is free from any kind of discrimination. A diverse set of applicants should be encouraged to apply, and the criteria for selection should be based solely on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant.  Is digital marketing diverse enough? There is still a lot of work to be done and it is an ongoing task but there have been great advances in recent years. Constant review and evaluation is vital for continued development.

Mental Health At Work

Mental health is an important part of overall physical health and wellness. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked, and many people struggle with mental health issues in the workplace. Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health and seeking help can help ensure that everyone is able to stay healthy and productive. There are a number of steps employers can take to create a healthy and supportive workplace. These include providing mental health awareness training, setting up an anonymous reporting system, and making sure to provide employees with regular breaks and vacation time. The increase in remote and flexible work has brought many benefits for people. But the blurred lines between home and office can make keeping a work life balance tricky. Employers should ensure that they are providing necessary resources and support to employees who may be struggling with mental health issues. This includes providing access to mental health professionals or offering flexible working hours. By taking these steps, employers can create a workplace that is open to discussion about mental health and supportive of employees who may be struggling. This can help ensure that everyone is able to stay healthy and productive in their work.  

Digital Marketing Job Search In 2023

We started the year with tips on writing your CV in 2022 and many of these tips remain relevant. Automation remains one of the key trends in digital marketing recruitment. Automation tools can be used to streamline processes such as job postings, CV sorting, and candidate outreach. This can help businesses save time, money, and resources, and make their recruitment process more efficient.  You need to optimise your CV for these tools too. Social recruiting is a growing trend in digital marketing recruitment. This involves using social media to find and engage with potential candidates. Companies can use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to post job openings. They are increasingly using them to engage with potential candidates, and build their employer brand.  Candidate, be aware of your presence online with a social media audit and make sure you are making use of platforms such as LinkedIn to bolster your credibility.  

Empty asphalt road and New year 2023 concept. Driving on an empty road to Goals 2023 with sunset.

Looking Ahead: Digital Marketing 2023

Digital marketing recruitment is changing, and it's important for businesses to stay on top of the latest trends. As a jobseeker it is important for you to be aware of these trends too so you can review your career progression plans and continue to grow in the workplace.  Dotgap is committed to keeping media professionals in their industry. Head to our website for the latest vacancies. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas                        

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The Bank of England has predicted the UK will enter into recession in the last quarter of 2022. Limited spending leads to little economic growth and unfortunately, recruitment is an area which will feel this hit sooner and harder than other industries. In spite of this, the world keeps turning and recruitment is still necessary during a recession. Even though candidates are likely to be more reluctant to leave their current jobs, plenty of candidates will still be graduating from university and looking for work. Some workers will be faced with the reality of redundancy or reduced hours. Recession recruitment then will play an important role in many lives. So, what can you do to navigate the recession as a jobseeker? When there is an economic recession, finding a job can be a challenge. Successfully securing a new job requires patience, determination and the willingness to adapt to new working conditions and processes. Learning how to find a job during an economic downturn can help you navigate any potential challenges with patience and expertise. In this article, we discuss what a recession is, explore how to find a job during a recession and review some tips to help you during your job search.   

Update Your CV To Stay Ahead In A Recession

The most important thing you need to do, you can do right now. Updating your CV should be part of your job search anyway, even in a booming economy there is fierce competition in the digital marketing industry. To elevate your chances of getting noticed, you need to update your CV and establish your personal brand. You should clearly and effectively communicate your knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to your potential employers. Focus on your skills. When job opportunities are limited, the competition becomes even more fierce so it is important that you put together a strong cover letter to accompany your CV. This will help differentiate your application from other candidates. Your CV should demonstrate your work history, skills and any relevant achievements. For graduates with limited work experience, check out our previous blog post on how to demonstrate your value to potential employers. You can include any technical skills such as computer programs or any additional languages you speak. Just make sure you would be comfortable speaking those languages in the workplace!  

What Areas Of Media Remain Lucrative in A Recession?

If your chosen career or industry does not thrive during a recession, you might need to consider looking for work elsewhere. Temporary jobs or those with transferrable skills to your dream career can help you gain valuable experience and build your CV for future job seeking. Some industries which tend to be recession-proof include education and law.   Luckily, there are areas of the media industry which are proven to be recession-proof. Performance media offers the lowest risk return on media investment and so it is the safest form of advertising there is. Anyone with a website offering can justify highly quantifiable expenditure through performance media channels. We have already talked about the following areas being among the most in-demand marketing roles this year: 
  • PPC Search 
  • Paid Social Media 
  • Programmatic 
While temporary jobs only last for a specific amount of time and may only include limited job responsibilities, performing well at a temporary job can help you expand your professional network, which may assist you in eventually finding full-time work in your desired role.  

Level Up To Keep Up

In the highly competitive digital marketing and ad agency industries, you may find you have access to a wider range of jobs when you learn new skills. You can find many free resources online including podcasts which discuss the skills you are interested in learning. Spend some time determining if you need to brush up on certain skills to make yourself more marketable - it might be a brand-new skill or something you haven't utilized in some time.  Review job descriptions for jobs in your field and industry, keep up to date with new technologies and trends and you can make yourself a more employable candidate both in the short term and when the economy picks up. Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning and Google Analytics are all great resources.  

Networking (Always Networking!)

We've said it before, and we'll say it again! Networking is such a powerful tool. Seek out like-minded professionals and research events, both in-person and virtually. LinkedIn and Facebook both host professional groups and the opportunity to comment and engage with people in your industry and beyond. You can make use of both personal and professional social media to signal that you're open to new work opportunities. make sure you perform a social media audit to make sure you are putting out the best image you can.  Connecting with and contacting people within your professional or personal networks is helpful when there is a recession as they may know about job opportunities that are not advertised online. Step outside your comfort zone and make yourself visible. If there is a thread, share relevant information as well as your own personal experiences and expertise. You never know where what doors that engagement may open up in your professional career. 

Act Now To Get Ahead

There is no time like the present. For more helpful articles like this one, head to the Dotgap blog: Upskilling And Why Is It Important For Me Why Is LinkedIn The Ultimate Career Tool Dotgap breaks the traditional digital recruitment agency mould and have a more thoughtful, considerate approach. We know the industry because we have all worked there ourselves. Get in touch today to see how we can help you.    

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Job interviews are your opportunity to demonstrate your personality and skills in action.  In your marketing interview, you should be ready to talk about your experiences, interests, strengths and weaknesses. Whether you are a graduate or a seasoned professional, interviews can be daunting.  In this article, we will review some interview basics and look more closely at how you can ace your next marketing agency interview.  

Interview Basics

You may have read our previous blog post on the Top 5 Interview Dos and Don'ts earlier this year, but if not, here are the basics: Be prepared, be on time, dress well. While different companies will have different dress codes, it is always a good idea to wear a suit or similar. You should practise answers to questions and prepare relevant questions to ask such as "What is the culture like at this agency?", "how big of a team would I work on" or " what's a client that the agency would love to land?" This shows you are interested in more than just a pay check and can help demonstrate commitment, particularly helpful if you are a graduate with limited experience.  Remember, as we come into the busy fourth quarter you might need to be ready at short notice so preparation is key.

Your Marketing Agency Interview

Now for some more specifics. Marketing agency jobs often require you to work quickly, as part of a team on different campaigns. It is a fast-paced office environment. You will need to demonstrate creativity, adaptability and strong communication skills. If the role is client-facing, interpersonal skills will also be important. 

Prove It With Numbers

In your interview, make sure you have numbers to back up your stories and experience. Data and metrics are a sure way to impress, especially at a digital marketing agency. Using numbers can give more weight to your experiences and ultimately make them more convincing in regard to showing your value. Some ways you can incorporate this into your interview are:
  • How many clicks were generated from campaigns
  • How many followers were gained as a result of your efforts
  • How much profit you generated

Learn and Upskill

Everyone is looking to get ahead of the competition, and in marketing agencies you will always be learning from your clients, co-workers and tasks. You can boost your chances of acing your agency interview by demonstrating your desire to learn and upskill. You can use certifications to get a deeper understanding of the tools that are used in the marketing industry and use your knowledge to impress your interviewer. The great news is there are plenty of free online resources that  you can use to upskill remotely.  

 Good Luck Out There!

Are you looking for your next marketing job? You can see all of our current vacancies at dotgap.com. Register with us today to help find your ideal job. For more interview tips, industry insight and more, visit our blog. You might enjoy these similar articles from the archive. What to Expect From a Second interview In-Demand Marketing Jobs and How To Get Them    

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As we are coming out of summer, the Christmas countdowns will be starting before you know it. The rest of the year has a tendency to slip away very quickly and if you are job hunting, you may feel as though everything grinds to a halt and you may as well wait until the new year to find a new job.  You may have even heard that companies don’t hire in the fourth quarter of the year because of the holidays. The truth is though, the worst time of year to find a job is actually over the summer, during the school holiday period.  Hiring remains relatively high across all sectors with a notable increase in hiring across hospitality and leisure, retail and media, marketing, advertising, PR and sales. These industries are the most active recruiters at the moment.   October through December are certainly very busy for businesses but companies all across the country will still be actively recruiting and keen to have open positions filled for the new year. On top of this, if you don’t find your dream job to apply for there are still plenty of things you can do to help get a job before the year ends. 

Networking Can Help You Find A Job 

Part of the reason the holiday season seems like a daunting time for jobseekers and hiring managers is the busy social side of the end of the year. It is likely your calendar will fill up with social events with friends, family and work events all vying for space. Instead of writing off the last quarter of the year to parties, why not make them work for you? 85% of job openings are filled through networking in the UK. Now, we aren't suggesting you try and network with your granddad at your Aunt Linda's Christmas lunch but you never know who you might meet at a holiday party. Someone might know of an opening at their work or put you in touch with a friend who's hiring. Consider taking business cards with you or connecting on social media. Keep it professional though - Linked In is best. For tips of how to network successfully, check out this article on networking at tech events.

Be Ready For Short Notice Interviews 

As we have already mentioned, hiring doesn’t slow down in Q4. However, you need to remember that many employees take time off for the holidays and this can slow down the recruitment process while staff cover for one another. You might notice you wait longer than usual for a reply to emails. Don't let this put you off your efforts to find a new job.   You may receive interview confirmation and a date with little notice. With staff off, it will be harder for companies to organise interviews. o, you should be ready to go at short notice. Read up on interview skills, think of answers to common interview questions and think about why you want to work for this company. When you get called in for an interview, you'll just have to focus on researching the company. You'll be able to go in armed with knowledge and feel confident you are prepared.   

Get A Headstart On The New Year

Obviously, there are many reasons you may not find a new job by the end of the year but there are still reasons why you should be active in your industry during Q4. The fact that many believe there is no hiring in Q4 will work in your favour, you might find there are less applicants and you are more likely to land an interview.  Even if your dream company isn't actually hiring until the new year, you will benefit from networking. It is a great time of year to network and if you are memorable, you might be the first person they bring in for an interview. You can avoid being lost in a pile of new year's applications. 

Now Is A Great Time To Find A Job

The average time to hire in 2022 is 42 days. If you take into account the time on either side of that for you to find a new job, and to get ready to start, the whole process can take longer. By October, many companies will be making plans for the new year which includes seeing whether they need new staff. Instead of hiring someone in January, it’s much more beneficial to hire someone in the months before so their new hire can be fully onboarded and ready to contribute once the calendar rolls over. For your next opportunity, contact doptgap today and find your next job!

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There’s no escaping social media these days. Whether you use it for you career or not, you need to consider the implications of what could be decades of historical data available online about you. That fan blog you wrote when you were at school for example, or some outdated jokes exchanged with friends from the late noughties. We have talked about using Linked In to help get a job, but it is important you do not overlook other social media platforms as an active job seeker. All social media, used correctly can be great for job seekers. It could, however, be costing you interview opportunities. Recruiters and potential employers may actively search for applicants on social media when they are reviewing your CV so if you have an online presence, you need to make sure it is working in your favour with a social media audit. Read on to find out what you can do to give your social media the once over.

Five Tips For Optimising Your Social Media Presence:

 

Photo by Caio on Pexels.com

#1 Check Google

You may not think you have much of an online presence but you might be mentioned or tagged elsewhere, or perhaps you have an old profile somewhere you have forgotten about. Google your name and social media handles and remove any information you do not want public. Try setting up a free Google alert to let you if you turn up somewhere in the future. 

#2 Privacy Settings Vary

Privacy settings vary from platform to platform, and are subject to change. If you are a job seeker or not it is a good idea to make sure you are up to date on what 'public' and 'private' means across your networks and what can be seen on your profile from outside your direct connections. Click here for a great article on how to protect your privacy settings online:

Photo by Yew Hui Tan on Pexels.com

#3 Be Consistent

Once you have established what is visible, you need to make sure there is consistency with the profile you have created in your job application and the profile that is visible in a search of your name. Make sure there are no obvious differences in basic information and, if you have time, you could think about sharing some content that is relevant to the job you are seeking or to support your interests and skills. 

Photo by Vanessa Garcia on Pexels.com

#4 Be Mindful

Be mindful of how you might sound to potential employers when commenting. Try to get involved in conversations on Linked In or Facebook groups that are relevant to your field, but always time to consider your responses. Avoid political commentary or bad-mouthing previous co-workers or employers – jokes can be highly subjective so be aware of how things might sound out of context! 

Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

#5 Keep it Simple

Don't try and cultivate two or three entirely different identities. Simplicity is key and sometimes just making sure you are on top of your privacy settings is enough to keep your professional persona safe. Maybe you don’t use social media, or you are a social spectator, not posting anything yourself.  This is certainly the safest option. However, you may want to make sure you are demonstrating the character and skills you want to put across for your job search, in the digital world especially, you might find no online presence would be detrimental to your job search.  Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Time to Put it Into Practice

The truth is that there is no one size fits all answer and it depends on the type of job you are looking for, the role, the level of seniority and ultimately your preference and interest in managing your information in the ways above. Start by googling yourself and go from there! For the latest in digital jobs and tips for improving your chances of success, make sure you check out Dot Gap jobs and blog pages.  

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LinkedIn is undoubtably the number one online social networking site in the world. It is not industry specific, and with its global reach there is nearly no end to the potential connections you can make. In an ongoing climate of uncertainty with to face to face meetings, a booming global jobs market, and virtual networking it has become invaluable. Here’s some of our top reasons you should be using it, whether you are actively looking for work, wanting to learn more about your industry, or progress in your current position.   

Share and Learn With Your Peers

Not only is LinkedIn a great place to network, it is a great source of information. You can find articles written by some of the top thought leaders in industries around the world and join groups related to your work to learn and share. Reading articles and asking questions can be a really easy way to keep up to date with the latest trends in, and related to, your industry. Another great new addition to LinkedIn are the skill assessments you can take to earn a certificate to add to your profile to show your proficiency. For a full list  click here.

Ready Made CV  

LinkedIn can work for you as a CV or resume template. There are, however, pros and cons to this. Filling in your LinkedIn profile is a simple enough process but it can be fairly time consuming. There are a lot of sections and you need to fill them all in in order to have a chance at being found. When you've done this though, you'll have a personal statement, basis for a cover letter and a full list of your job history, experience, and skills all completed and easily updated. To further this, you can get involved with conversations on industry topics and post your own thoughts and articles to show your interests inside and outside your profession. In need of some inspiration? Check out some examples of great linked in profiles here

A Good LinkedIn Profile Gives You A Headstart 

On your marks, get set, GO! Even if you aren't actively looking for a new job or promotion, when you keep your profile updated with new skills or recommendations. These can come from employers and co-workers you are keeping yourself ready for any sudden changes or opportunities that come your way. With a reach spanning approximately 200 countries, you can keep your online CV in top condition discretely while keeping yourself open to opportunities should the right one come along.  It's not just useful for jobseekers, as an employer you can easily make long term connections and reach out to promising talent as you discover it.  Just starting out? Here's some more tips on how to use Linked In to get a job.

 But wait ... 

... A Word of Warning 

Hopefully this article has given you a few pointers to either start your LinkedIn profile or to think about polishing it up. Some things you need to consider are:
  • Make sure you remember it is a social networking site. So remember your employers past, present and future could see it.
  • Any links to other social sites should be treated with caution too.
  • There are pros and cons as there to any online profile, so make sure you do your research and respect the security of own and other people's information.
Any questions? Get in touch, as experts in finding jobs for jobseekers and candidates for employers we'd be happy to help.

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Do you have itchy feet? Maybe you are looking for new opportunities in a market with more room for growth? Or are you simply dreaming of sunnier climes? With global travel becoming increasingly accessible again, and countries once more welcoming visas and immigration, there's no time like now to start looking for your next job abroad. Before you embark on your next adventure, you need to make sure you CV is up to scratch. Read on for three simple tips to optimise your CV for international job search.

Photo by Fauxels on Pexels.com

Always Write A Personal Statement 

Some things never change. From our experience, all countries look favourably on a personal statement. Whether it’s explicitly asked for or not, it is a great way to showcase you personality, achievements, and ambitions as well as a way to expand on your previous experience. Your full job history may not fit on two pages of your CV* so a well-written personal statement gives you a great opportunity to sum up what makes you the best fit for this role.  *Bonus tip: some countries even prefer a one-page CV, and others permit three!

Do I Need A Photo For My International Job Search? 

Photo by Andrea Piacquad on Pexels.com

Depending on the job your are applying for, and the country it is in you may need to provide a photograph. This list provides a fairly comprehensive overview of which countries require a photo with a CV submission. However, be wary, this can change,  and may be different for different roles so be sure to consider tip number three below: research.

Do Your Research

This shouldn't be news to any seasoned job seeker but ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH. Find out about the company, the company culture, the country's working culture, whether a photo is expected, or frowned upon, what personal information should be included. Treat this like your first CV and make sure you double-check everything.  Carrying out research on new countries is easier now than ever before. You can join international jobs Facebook groups and connect with people who live there, or even connect with employees at the company via Linked In. Make sure to get a native speaker to read your CV, especially if you are writing in another language.

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

Checklist For Success In Your International Job Search

Just like any job search in your home country, it is vital to understand the CV norms and expectations. You can unwittingly exclude yourself from consideration for a role without even having your CV read to the end. In summary, here's our checklist for success:
  • There is no universal template
  • Find out about any local or national cultural norms
  • Check out Linked In
  • And don’t forget the usual tips on How to Make Your Job Application Stand Out 
Don’t delay your dream career any more. For more help with your CV and job search you can check out our blog, or get in touch today.  

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You are motivated and ambitious, and you are ready to move up the career ladder. You apply for new jobs every single week, and you feel mentally prepared for a job interview – the only thing is, you haven’t heard back from any employers. Can you relate to this? If so, you’re not alone. Most available jobs receive lots of interviews, so if your job application isn’t top-notch it may be dismissed. Here are three tips to help you make sure your job application stands out.  

1. How To Make Your Job Application Stand Out: Tailor Every Single Application

Do you send the same application to every vacancy that you find? If you are doing this, it is likely you are missing out on lots of great opportunities because your job application doesn’t stand out. You might think that sending out the same job application to every role helps to save you time. In reality, if it isn’t well-suited to any of the roles, you are wasting your time sending it out! So take some time to tailor your CV to each role. If the job description lists certain skills and experience, move those skills and experience to the top of your CV so they are immediately noticeable. Remove sections that are outdated or unnecessary. For instance, a 4 week yoga qualification isn’t needed for a digital marketing role! Then include a tailored cover letter explaining why you think you are a good fit for the role. This will significantly increase your chances of landing a job interview.  

2. Check For Errors

Before you submit your CV go through it and check for any errors or misspellings. This may seem obvious, but many people don’t do it – and recruiters are clear that poor spelling is a big problem. When you think your application is ready, walk away from it for an hour or so and focus on something else. When you return you will be able to look at your CV with fresh eyes. This means that you are more likely to spot spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. You could also use a free online spell checker (although we do suggest also looking through your application, as bots don’t always pick up on every error). Do you have a job interview coming up? Here are some tips to help you prepare for your interview.  

3. Follow Up

Finally it is important to follow up once you have sent a job application. Wait a reasonable length of time (perhaps a week or so), and then send an email to let them know you are thankful for the interview opportunity. Make sure that the email is professional and well written. This is a great way to make your application stand out, especially if lots of people are applying for the same role.

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Do you have a job interview on the horizon? If so, you may be feeling a little nervous. After all, job interviews can be stressful, especially if it is for your dream job. Thankfully it is entirely possible to ace your job interview; you just need to be prepared. So if you’re thinking about finding a new job, we are here to help. Here are some common questions interviewers like to ask.  

1. Questions Interviewers Like To Ask: “So, tell me a little about yourself.”

This is normally the first question most job interviewers ask. Some people struggle to answer the question as it is quite vague and general, but the best thing you can do is talk about why you are a great candidate for the role. Talk about previous experience that is relevant to the job, and discuss any personality traits that also suit the job (for instance, if it is a salesperson role you may want to mention that you are quite confident and chatty). Don’t overshare, and don’t feel like you need to provide too much detail about your personal life; remember you are only here to show the interviewer why they should hire you.  

2. “Why do you want this role?”

This question is another chance for you to mention your relevant skills, but it is also a good opportunity to talk about the company itself. Maybe their ethics and values align with yours, or maybe you are particularly passionate about working in the area the company is based.  

3. “What are your salary expectations?”

This question can feel uncomfortable, but it is important to be honest. Don’t under or oversell yourself; do some research about the role before your meeting, and come up with a realistic, fair number.  

4. “What are your strengths?”

Most employers ask this question to work out if you are actually qualified for the position. This is a chance for you to talk more about your qualifications and previous experience – but make sure to ‘show’ this, rather than just telling it. For instance, don’t just say that you have good leadership skills; instead, give an example of when you displayed leadership skills.

5. “What are your weaknesses?”

This question can seem like a bit of a trap, but it is just so the job interviewer can get a proper idea of who you are. Try to frame any of your weaknesses in a positive way; maybe you could mention skills that you are currently trying to improve.

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We would love to hear from you if you are either looking for a new job in the digital media industry or if you are looking to find talent and hire people from the digital media industry.

We work mainly with media agencies, advertisers, media owners, marketing agencies. technology companies and creative agencies.

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