How To Stand Out From The Crowd

How to stand out from the crowd

Prepared and presented by:

Landry Takeu & Stephanie RaymondICHEC Business School_ Brussels_ March 29/2010

• Current job market• How to stand out from the crowd– Finding the job that is right for you = targeted

approach– Power of the network – who do you know?– The CV, motivational letter– The interview

• Conclusion

Current Job Market

• Stat

Current Job Market

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/Unemployment-rate.aspx?symbol=BEF

Unemployment Rate in Belgium July 2008 – January 2010

What makes you different?What makes you the best?

USP – Unique Selling PointWhen a company is determining how to advertise their products to consumers, they focus on its unique selling points - the things which make the product different from any other.

The same principle applies to you when you are applying for a new job.

What is the one reason that an employer should hire you above all other candidates?

What can you bring that is unique or added value to the position/company?

What skills and experience do you have that will meet their needs?

source: http://content.monster.co.uk

Finding the job that is right for you = targeted approach

Focus on the things you love to do.What have you dreamed of doing in the past? What do you naturally enjoy doing? Jot down what comes to mind, no matter how improbable it seems.

Look for clues everywhere. Take note of projects or topics that stir your compassion or excite your imagination. Reflect on stories of people you admire. Ask yourself why certain activities make you happy, and pay attention to times when you are really enjoying yourself.

Be patient. Remember that your search may take some time and you might have to go down a few different roads before finding the right career path. Time and introspection will help you identify the activities you most enjoy and that bring you true satisfaction.

Targeted approach to job searching

Evaluate your strengths and skills Transferable Skills are applicable to any situation –

remember to have examples for all of the skills that you list on your CV!

• management and leadership experience • creativity• communication (both written and oral)• research and program planning • public speaking • Problem solving and mediation• managing your time effectively • computer literacy• foreign language fluency

Power of the network

Power of the network – who do you know?

Networking is the art of building alliances. It's not contacting everyone you know

when you are looking for a new job and asking if they know of any job openings.

Networking starts long before a job search, and you probably don't even realize you are

doing it.

Applying – CV and motivational letter

• In this case, if you don’t use your network…. You need a way to “stand out of the stack” !!

CV and motivational letter – Some advice…

• Motivational letter and CV should ALWAYS be customized

• Do your research, know the company• Find common links with what they are

looking for and what you can offer!

Education & Qualifications· • Educated to higher level education or equivalentExperience - Essential· • Experience in writing project applications and in participation in multi - partner projects· • At least 1 year work experience in organisation and coordination· • Fluent in English· • Experience in a variety of IT applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and databases Experience - Desirable· • Experience in other non-governmental organisation· • Good organisational/coordinating skills· • Precision, thoroughness and attention to detail· • Good verbal and written communication skills in English· • Preferable good verbal and written communication skills in French· Personal Attributes· • Empathy with the aims and objectives of the Group· • Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team· • Able to work under pressure and to deadlines· • Ability to communicate with pan – European partners· • Stress resistant· • Meticulous, with good attention to detail· • Flexible, Enthusiastic and cheerful manner· • Good sense of humour

Have Examples for every skill you list on your CV/Motivation letter

… and be ready even for those that you have not listed but are listed in the job description

CV and motivational letter – Common mistakes

It's easy to make mistakes on your CV and very difficult to repair the damage once an employer gets it.

Spelling and grammar Writing a lot, but not saying anythingNo tailoring Highlighting duties Instead of achievements Breaking the two-page ruleLeaving out informationUsing clichés Being vaguePoor designIncorrect personal details

source: http://content.monster.co.uk

Proof reading is important…

for

The Interview What are the employers looking for during a job interview ?

• 1. Will you fit in? You may look good on paper , but will people get on with you and want you in the same office/store/department? This is where your appearance, way of speaking or your attitude to the work may let you down.

• 2. Can you do what you say you can do? ( tests, e.g. typing or shorthand or give a short presentation. This is a common way for an employer to check out your skills.)

• 3. Can you do what is needed? (If the job involves public speaking or answering the telephone for example, your voice may be too faint or hesitant to be heard.)

• 4. Do you really want the job?• 5. Can they give you what you want? You may ask about career prospects,

travel, training or other factors that you want from the job.

Source: http://www.greatmanagement.org/

Act like you are already on the payroll…

• http://blogs.bnet.com/career-advice/?p=193

Some advice to keep in mind throughout the process

• Be patient• Be convincing• Be confident• Be knowledgeable• Know what you want• Know yourself, what you have to offer

Any Questions?

Thank you and good luck!