26 Nov 09 How To Write A Good Job Specification
Writing an accurate job specification is imperative if you want to attract the right kind of candidate to your organisation. You may know exactly the type of individual you are looking for but unless you put together a detailed job specification the whole recruitment process could end up taking longer and proving harder than expected.
The best way to start is to think of your job description as a ‘snapshot’ of the vacancy you are trying to fill. To provide this to candidates you will need to communicate clearly and concisely the following points:
- Job Title
- Department
- Reports to (who the successful candidate will directly report to)
- Salary Range (with benefits)
- Overall Responsibility (a brief outline of the role)
- Key Areas Of Responsibility (more specific tasks and responsibilities)
- Skills & Experience (this can include educational qualifications as well as work experience)
Once you have finalised the Job Title and Salary you will need to focus on the more detailed areas of the spec.
Overall Responsibility
This section of a job specification is there to provide candidates with a brief description of the vacancy. This should be kept to a paragraph at most and should inform the reader of the general nature, level, purpose and objective of the position.
Key Areas Of Responsibility
This section should contain a list of the principle duties and ongoing responsibilities of the role. This should be provided in bullet point format whenever possible as big chunks of text can put off potential candidates. The list should contain every duty and responsibility that is considered critical to the successful performance of the job. Traditionally the list will start with the most important duties and continue in order of significance.
If the role you are filling is varied or there are a large number of duties in different areas it may be necessary to split the Key Areas Of Responsibility into relevant sections. For example, if you are looking for a Sales & Marketing Manager, it may be necessary to split the duties into two.
Skills & Experience
The skills & experience section is there to ensure prospective candidates know exactly what is required of them in relation to their skills, previous work experiences and qualifications. This can include educational qualifications but only if they are a real necessity for the job.
This section should also include any specific technical requirements/IT Skills/languages needed/the ability to touch type etc.
If you can put together these three sections clearly and accurately and avoid including irrelevant information you will be well on your way to having a fantastic job specification ready to advertise.
Yellow Cat Recruitment is a leading recruitment agency based in London. To advertise jobs in central London and for Executive Search London, contact Yellow Cat Recruitment.
Tags: jobs, Recruitment
15 Oct 09 How to write a good CV
If you are job hunting then your main tool for securing an interview is to make a good first impression with a professionally written CV. A CV (curriculum vitae) is Latin for ‘life story’ and there are many correct and far more incorrect ways to put together your career life story to display to any potential employer. A CV is similar to a personal advertisement about your background, history and qualifications and the main point of it is to sell yourself to a new employer by creating an easy-to-read personal profile.
Basic dos and don’ts
Always include the following:
Personal details
Name, address, email address, website (if applicable) and telephone number.
Interests
Hobbies, activities that are related to the job you applying for and any volunteer work.
Education
Start with the most recent place of study, include all courses and certificates that you have achieved i.e. first aid and list all qualifications including subject and grade.
Skills
Extra skills that are relevant to the job, second language and driving licence etc.
Work experience
Include the details of your most recent job first and include your duties and responsibilities and your reasons for leaving i.e. to aim higher in your career, more money etc.
References
Names of professional people, not relatives, who can vouch for you and include ways to contact them as well as details about how the referee knows you.
Never talk about negative aspects of yourself as the whole objective of a CV is to sell yourself. Always put yourself in the place of the person who will be receiving the CV and read it back to ensure it sounds interesting and appealing to someone who doesn’t know you. Remember that you want to stand out from the rest of the applicants from the very start and a well put together CV is the first step on the way to securing an interview.
How to create a CV for a student
One of the downsides to being a student or a recent graduate is the lack of experience that you have in the workplace, which makes the draw of your CV all the more influential. A good place to start is to go to the career advice office on your campus or at school as they will be able to assist you to create a CV in person. It is vital to remember that an employer is looking for a CV that stands out from the crowd so ensure that you make it unique, descriptive and above all captivating. The idea is to make them want to meet you so pull them in by making your CV catchy and memorable.
Presentation and covering letter
The presentation is the key to a successful CV and it is vital to appear professional by paying acute attention to detail. Use a clear font that is neither too big nor too small and make the headings bold so it is clear what is in each section. Clarity makes your CV organised, which in turn speaks volumes for your character, and an easy to read CV is always an attractive one. A covering letter is vital as it is essential that your CV not only goes to the correct person but also that the person it is aimed at knows which job you are applying for. The means that the letter should be direct and to the point but also interesting enough that it persuades them to look through your CV. Don’t be shy or modest; sell yourself without coming across too arrogant and make them want you.
Tags: Recruitment
07 Oct 09 What is an employer looking for?
Employers are looking for different skills for different jobs but there are some elements that all employers will be looking for in their employees no matter what job they are applying for. It goes without saying that you should be pleasant and personable as well as honest and reliable and these attributes will stand you in good stead for making a lasting impression with your employer. When you are invited to an interview for a job there are many aspects that the employer will be evaluating you on during the process and if you know what they are then you can gain the power back and influence your employer with your freshly sharpened traits.
How to make a good impression
Firstly, your potential employer is looking for someone who is able to hold a conversation and be genuinely pleasant so greet them with a smile and be confident when you speak. The ability to speak clearly and look your interviewer in the eye while talking is something that they will be looking for and an enthusiastic employee is always a benefit to a business so do your research on the company to prove you are dedicated and keen.
First impressions count for a lot with an employer and it is vital to sway this to your advantage by dressing appropriately and bringing certificates and a CV with you when you first meet. Every employer wants a member of staff who can hold a conversation with confidence, even more so if the job involves you working as part of a team.
You will be evaluated constantly throughout the interview and as such you should be aware about what it is that you will be evaluated on. In general, employees will mark you on three main points; ability to adapt, ability to function and your core skills.
Adaptation evaluation
Any employee is looking to judge you on your general personality and this will come into play first as your personality will be the first thing that shines through, either in a positive or negative way. You will be marked on how well you interact with your potential employer as well as how well you answer on-the-spot questions. It is vital to think answers through before jumping straight in and always put a positive spin on things.
Functionality dexterity
After making a lasting impression with your calm and cool personality your employer will be looking at how well you will function in the work place. This applies to your ability to get on as part of a team as well as how well you can absorb data and tasks. The reasons that you cite for leaving previous employments will be scrutinised by any employer in a bid to determine how you operate at work. Create positive outlooks rather than negative ones and never act bitter about past employers or jobs but rather talk about how you learnt from the experience as this proves your ability to behave in a mature manner in the workplace.
Core skills
Once you have won over your employer with your shining character and proven your ability to perform at your job, the next thing an employer will be looking for is your actual skills for the position. They will get this from your experience and qualifications and if you are lacking in both then express your desire to learn and willingness to attend the appropriate training and courses in a bid to make up what you lack in actual experience with determination.
Tags: Interview techniques, Recruitment
