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Category: Application tips

Application tips

3 questions to prepare for your job interview

15 Jan 2020
Congratulations! Your resume and motivation letter have resulted in an invitation by a recruiter. You are invited for a job interview! What's next?

Now the idea of being interviewed for a new job is scaring the living daylights out of you. Don’t panic! With the help of 3 simple questions you will be able to prepare yourself for your job interview:

  1. Where do you want me to start?
  2. Who are they, what are they doing and where do they want to go?
  3. Who is sitting at the opposite side of the table?

Where do you want me to start?

Job interviews often start with the question “Can you tell me something about yourself?” This question may seem very simple, but your answer can be very decisive for your (first) impression on the recruiter. If you put too much emphasis on the present it may seem like you’re trying to cover up the past. And if you start your answer too far in the past the recruiter might think you are still living in the past.

In job interviews, answering open questions can be trickier than you think. Luckily there are some simple tips on how to answer open questions about yourself:

  • “Where do you want me to start?”
    Answer open questions like “Can you tell me something about yourself?” in a polite manner with a counter-question such as “Where do you want me to start?”. By asking the recruiter for a brief clarification you will be able to give a better answer. Never ask a recruiter “What would you like to know?”. When you are fully giving the question back it may seem that you are not prepared for the interview or that you want to test the recruiter. This is obviously not a good idea.
  • The “30 seconds pitch”
    When you are in an elevator and a recruiter or colleague asks you to tell something about yourself, what is your answer? Make sure you can introduce yourself in 30 seconds or less, well before you should step out of the elevator. You can practice a “30 seconds pitch” or an “elevator pitch” in front of the mirror. Make a story about yourself and then reduce it until only the most important aspects of your education, experience, ambitions and distinct skills are left. A “30 seconds pitch” is a superficial presentation. Forget about the details. They can be filled in later. Be brief and concise! You cannot practice this presentation enough. The presentation should sound natural at any time and any place.
  • “What is your added value for our company?”
    Before the job interview, think about your added value for the company you are applying with. Make sure this answer corresponds to and/or forms an extension of your presentation in your motivation letter. Use the answer to this question to highlight any skills you have built up in extra-professional activities, provided that they can help you with the executing of the job for which you are applying. This will highlight your skills and your personality.
  • “Once upon a time…” – the short version!
    During an interview, it is important to formulate your answers as a brief, concise and enthusiastic story. It is not nice for the recruiter when the candidate cannot bring his or her own story. It gets even worse when candidates have forgotten parts of ‘their story’; when they cannot explain certain parts of their resume. So walk through your resume a couple of times before taking a job interview.

Who are they, what are they doing and where do they want to go?

The answers to these questions are defining your interviewers. Make sure you know the answers to these questions before the job interview. This will help you to tailor your answers to the needs and expectations of your interviewers.

Usually, you can find all the information you need on the website of the company you are applying for. Concentrate especially on the following items:

  • History: Discover where, when and how the company started and where it is heading. There is no future without a past! You don’t have to remember all the strategic decisions, but try to know the overall evolution and milestones of the company’s history.
    Industry. Read more about the industry the company is operating in. See how the company is presenting itself in the market and how it is positioning itself with regard to the competition. Form your own opinion about this so you can articulate a substantiated and inspiring answer should you be asked to do so.
  • Structure: Check out, if possible, an organization chart of the company you are applying with. Maybe you know some people who work for the company? An organization chart shows the structure of a business. Find out where your job will fit in.
  • Mission and vision: Can you identify yourself with the mission and vision of the company you are applying with? If this is the case then you have come to the right place. Try to find some examples which show that you have the same values as the company you are applying with. This will help you make a positive connection during the interview.
  • News: Keep an eye on newspapers, magazines, brochures and social media to gather more information about the company and to respond to recent events such an award or a donation to charity. Responding to news is often a nice way to break the ice at the beginning of the job interview. It shows that you are well informed and that you are aware of and interested in the activities of the company.

Who is sitting at the opposite side of the table?

You may have your job interview with a recruiter from the company you are applying with, but you can also encounter a third party recruiting company. Try to find out who will be sitting on the other side of the table and search for information about your interviewers.

  • The number of partners in dialogue: How many and which people will be sitting at the table? Ask the recruiter beforehand which people will be present during the job interview and what their function is (e.g. supervisor, direct colleague, etc …). Bring enough resumes of yourself to the interview so everyone will have a copy.
  • Assessments: Sometimes you will have to take an assessment before, during or after a job interview to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. A language test is a classic example of such a test. Make sure you are honest in your resume and that you refresh your knowledge and skills before the job interview.
  • Formal or informal? Prior to the job interview, ask the recruiter how the conversation will be organized and what will be discussed. Also, check the dress code. You don’t want to be dressed too formal or (even worse) too informal.
  • Social media: In our previous article you could read more about the use of social media by recruiters. You can do the same! Do not forget to study the online profiles of your interviewers before the interview. This will give you more insight into the careers and values of your interviewers.

A good start is half the battle

In this article, we have discussed how you can prepare yourself for a job interview by answering 3 easy questions. A good start is half the battle. If you are able to answer these questions then you will make a good impression during the job interview.

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Application tips

How to break the ice before a job interview

14 Jan 2020
“How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice!” OK, this is probably not the most original nor the most appropriate icebreaker to use before a job interview. But you get the point, right? Icebreakers can certainly help you relieve tension before a job interview.

In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to break the ice before a job interview. And our tips do not involve any use of polar bears!

HOW DO YOU BREAK THE ICE BEFORE A JOB INTERVIEW?

Most of us feel some sort of stress or anxiety before a job interview. The following tips can help you relieve tension before and during your next job interview:

    • Give the recruiter the opportunity to start the talking

Don’t feel obliged to take the first step. Usually, the recruiter will kick off the conversation with an easy question. The most popular opening question used by recruiters is probably: “Did you find the office easily?”. Make sure you prepare your answer well before entering the building!

If you don’t prepare your answer in advance and if you answer with a sigh or a long-winded story about a dreadful quest and lack of parking spaces… you will not make a great first impression. Try to prepare a positive response with a touch of humor instead to relieve tension and to start the interview on the right foot.

    • Keep it shortmind your posture during job interview

An icebreaker should not take more than 1 or 2 minutes… at most! Short answers and quick jokes are usually more powerful than long monologues. Don’t go on and on about the traffic or your hobbies. And don’t try to deliver a stand-up comedy act either.

    • Be professional at all times

Don’t talk about your nightly escapades and certainly don’t use political jokes or dark humor. Humour is powerful, but also a dangerous tool for communication. You never know how people will respond. You better play it safe!

    • Avoid awkward silences

Therefore, make sure to prepare a few icebreakers and/or interesting questions before you go to your next job interview. Preparing such questions may be easier than you think.

Start with visiting the website and social media channels of the company you are applying with and see if the company has been positive in the news lately. If you talk about current events and if you show that you know about the company’s recent achievements, you will make a good impression right away.

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HOW TO LEARN TO USE ICEBREAKERS

  • Practice and learn

Many of us find it difficult to start a conversation with a stranger. If you feel the same way, try to practice first in situations where you feel comfortable (e.g. at your local bakery). Try to start a chat with a stranger standing next to you. The weather is a classic but simple subject to start up a conversation. But there are other ways that may even be easier.

The secret is in the connection with your conversation partner. If you see that he or she is in a good mood, try to respond to that. If you sense that he or she is frustrated because he or she has to wait, you can use your common frustration as a starting point. Try to empathize with your conversation partner. You will notice that the conversation will start up quickly!

verbal and non-verbal communic

 

    • Learn at your next party

If you want to (learn to) make new contacts, try to meet new people at the next party you attend. Don’t just stick with the people you already know. Don’t see strangers as a threat but as an opportunity to get to know new people.

Remember that you are not the only person who may find it difficult to connect with strangers. Therefore, at your next party look for a stranger who is standing alone and who is looking around without great focus. You are probably both in the same boat. That creates a bond! The other person will be happy and perhaps even thankful if you start a conversation.

    • Be the type of person you like most

Which kind of people do you like most? Most probably you like people who are looking at you when they talk to you, who are happy and who have a good attitude. Try to be this very person to the people you want to connect with.

Take care of your facial expressions and body language at all times. Make sure others want to come to you and talk to you when you approach them.

    • Silence is not always golden

You may not realize it, but silence is often interpreted as arrogance! So silence is not always golden. Always try to answer with a smile when others start a conversation with you and keep a number of icebreakers up your sleeve to start a conversation when you can and/or need to.

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Maxime van Belle Content Marketeer
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Application tips

Visiting a job fair is top sports: 9 tips for success!

20 Dec 2019
Visiting a job fair is top sport. You can visit them 'anonymously' and get few results, but you can also profile yourself and go home with a number of job interviews or job offers.

In this article, we tell you how you can stand out to potential employers in a positive way during a job fair. We give you practical tips to optimize your chances before, during and after a job fair.

Stand out from the crowd

Winter is coming to an end, the days are getting longer and… the first job fairs are coming up! It’s high time to get ready! Because success at a job fair depends on 3 things: your preparation before the job fair, your visit to the job fair and your follow-up after the job fair.

In this article, we tell you how you can stand out in a positive way to potential employers and optimize your chances of success.

Prepare well for every job fair

Tip 1: Bring enough resumes 

A CV is still an important tool in the application process. After all, recruiters speak to many candidates at job fairs and they often have too little time to take notes.

That is why recruiters often use the received CVs after a job fair to determine which candidates they will invite for a follow-up interview. Make sure your CV stands out in a positive way.

In our article 21 ½ tips for written communication during the application process, we gave you some tips for a solid resume. Some important points for a good CV:

  • Make sure your CV is up to date.
  • Make your CV easy to read. Formatting is important!
  • Start your CV with a short version of your CV (summary of 2/3 sentences). This allows recruiters to scan your CV quickly and easily.
  • Don’t forget to include your phone number, link to your LinkedIn and email address. This is forgotten too often!
  • Add a professional photo. This way the recruiter will recognise you immediately when he or she looks at your CV after the fair.
  • Bring several copies of your CV with you. After all, you will speak to several companies.
  • Put your CVs in separate covers (one for each company you want to deliver your CV to) so that your CVs don’t crease.

job fairsTip 2: Determine in advance which companies you’d like to visit

Good preparation is half the work. Before the job fair, study the list of companies that will be present. You can usually find this list in advance on the website or in the brochure of the job fair.

Read in the brochure how the different companies present themselves. Make a list of companies where you want to work and then study their websites. Then update your list so that you only have the companies where you really want to work.

Then try to summarize in 2 sentences why you want to work for each company on your list and why you are a good choice for that company. You will certainly have to answer these questions. You’d better be well prepared.

Tip 3: The elevator pitch: what’s your story?

Chances are that a recruiter will ask you: “Tell me something about yourself”. Make sure you can easily tell him/her in 2 to 3 sentences who you are, what your ambitions are and why you fit in well with the recruiter’s company.

An elevator pitch should roll off your tongue. Practice your elevator pitch often and forget the reluctance to praise yourself. Dare to tell your story. After all, it is about your future!

In our article about the ideal elevator pitch you can read more tips for a good elevator pitch.

“Work the room during the job fair”

Tip 4: Dress properly

You only get one chance to make a first impression! So make sure you look neat and tidy. At a job fair, you don’t have to wear a costume or suit, but you also don’t have to wear a jogging or washed-out jeans. A good candidate is a well-groomed candidate!

job fairsTip 5: Pay attention to your verbal and nonverbal communication

In this article, you can read more tips on verbal and non-verbal communication during a job interview. A job fair is a test of your social skills. From a solid handshake to the tone and volume of your voice. Make sure you radiate peace and quality. Give a powerful handshake, speak clearly, slowly, eloquent and always be positive.

Tip 6: and… Action! 

When you research these companies, you’ll undoubtedly still have some questions. That’s good! This will kill two birds with one stone. If you ask intelligent questions at a job fair (questions the answer to which cannot be found on the internet and which show your personal ambition), you not only get answers to your questions, you also show that you are really interested in the company.

Also dare to ask ‘difficult’ questions about challenges, ambitions and the future of the company you are talking to. As long as you can link the questions to your own ambitions. Also, be critical about the answers you get.

After all, at job fairs companies are in a ‘war for talent’. Make sure you talk to all the companies you might want to work for. This is the only way you can be invited for a follow-up interview.

Tip 7: Inspector Gadget

One of the most annoying phenomena at a job fair (from a recruiter’s point of view) is the proverbial “Inspector Gadget”: the job seeker who tries to collect all the gadgets.

Ballpoint pens, balloons, USB sticks… don’t just take a gadget. Only take a gadget if a recruiter offers you one. That is correct behaviour and necessary for a good first impression.

Follow up on your contacts after the job fair

Tip 8: Make a personal report of the job fair

Make a personal report as soon as possible after the fair. Which companies did you find interesting and why? Which companies did you not find interesting and why? Which recruiter from which company did you immediately ‘click with’ and why?

Don’t wait too long with this report. After a few days, all companies and all conversations will look alike. Then the important details fade away. Networking is about making and maintaining a connection. And you only get connections with other people if you pay attention to the details.

job fairsTip 9: Send thank-you emails or a LinkedIn invite

Did you have some pleasant conversations and did you receive contact details of recruiters? Then send a polite thank-you e-mail. It is also recommended to add these people on LinkedIn.

Always make sure that you don’t appear to be too ‘pushy’ and that you define a clear call to action. End your thank-you e-mail or LinkedIn invite for example with ‘If you have any further questions I would be happy to help you’ and/or ‘I look forward to your response with interest’.

If you have spoken to several recruiters and/or employees of one company, you can send them all a personalized e-mail and/or LinkedIn Invite. Few job seekers do this. And this can make all the difference!

Be prepared, stand out, follow up!

In this article, we gave you 9 tips to get the maximum out of your next visit to a job fair. Good preparation is half the work, but don’t underestimate the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication during the job fair and a swift follow-up afterward.

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Application tips

5 Salary negotiations tips for a good start

20 Dec 2019
An interesting job, a fun work environment, great career opportunities ... These are all features that can make your job attractive. But each month you will have to pay your bills. So at some point, you will need to talk about money.

At what point in your job application process should you indicate how much you want to earn? And how can you do this without coming across as a greedy Scrooge McDuck? In this article, you will find 5 salary negotiation tips to start your new job on the right foot.

5 Salary Negotiation tips for a good start!

  1. Do your homework
    Find out how much other people with similar knowledge, experience and in similar positions are earning before you go to your first job interview. This will help you set realistic expectations. This in turn, will help you with your salary negotiations and it will prevent you from disappointments.
  2. Hit & run will work against you
    Prevent yourself from communicating your salary expectations too fast and too aggressively. You don’t want to look greedy. Don’t start about your salary in your first interview with a potential employer. Wait for the interviewer to bring the subject up. If you come across as a greedy person, the interviewer may doubt your motivation.
  3. Be clear but not too specific
    Don’t mention a specific amount of money when an interviewer asks you what you want to earn. After all, you will never know the exact salary package that your potential employer has in mind. It is, therefore, safer to provide a bandwidth with minimum and maximum salary expectations that you expect to earn after taxes have been paid.
  4. Money is just one way to reward you
    Do not dwell on your salary! Additional benefits such as flexible hours, training, personal coaching and fringe benefits such as a company car should also be taken into consideration. The combination of an average salary and comprehensive fringe benefits may very well outweigh a top salary with fewer fringe benefits.
  5. Be realistic
    Do not sell yourself short but think in the long term! Will you be really happy with this job? Does it give plenty of room for development? And can this job give your career a good start or a nice boost? In that case, invest in yourself and go for a win-win situation with your new employer. A relationship where both parties benefit will always last longer.

Realistic salary negotiations for a mutually beneficial relationship

In short: do your homework, be realistic, be assertive but never aggressive, think long term and look beyond your salary. This way, you can earn good money and (more importantly) really enjoy your job. Consider every job as a step in your career path. Keep your goal in mind, but make sure you enjoy every step of the way.

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Application tips

How to search & apply for a job discretely

16 Nov 2019
So you are ready for a new job. Maybe you are looking for your first job or a job that will suit you better. What to do now?

In the first case, you can openly begin your search. In the second case, you may have an employer for whom you want to hide your search. In this article, we share tips on how to increase your chances for a job interview while keeping your job search discreet.

Optimal results with minimal visibility

Do you know the feeling? You have a job but you are secretly looking for a new one. Then it is not handy to openly communicate that you are looking for a new job.

An open approach may increase your chances of a new job, but your current employer may quickly realize you want to leave the company. This can lead to strange and unpleasant situations.

Tips for finding a new job while keeping your job search discreet

1. Build up your reputation and network before searching for a new job

When searching for a new job, people often start profiling themselves aggressively in an attempt to expand and leverage their network. There is nothing wrong with building a network, but when you start (over)doing it when you need a job, it is actually a bit too late. And it may seem awkward. Avoid stress and start building your reputation and your network while you still enjoy your current job. This will prove beneficial for you, your network and your future employer.

After all, by helping others and sharing your knowledge and experience you will build up credibility and gratitude. This way you will start noticing that the opportunities often find you instead of the other way around. And should you start looking for a new job in the future, the people in your network will be more than happy to help you out.

Having a complete online profile and an outstanding reputation also helps future recruiters and employers to find, screen and contact you for job interviews. The more complete your profile is, the more likely you will be invited for job interviews that truly fit you. Start building your online reputation now by proactively sharing your knowledge and expertise on the web.

In other blog posts, we give you practical tips on how to enhance your online profile and reputation. We will then discuss the use of social media for sharing your knowledge and expertise and for building up your online reputation.

Meeting workshop iso quality management2. Create a ‘career narrative’ for good friends

You can greatly increase your chances of success if you can clearly articulate your wishes, strengths and ambitions. If someone asks you “What can you do and what are you looking for?” then you should be able to answer in 2 or 3 sentences.

The answers to these questions are your verbal business card. It is also called a ’30-seconds pitch’ or a ‘career narrative’. It helps you to stay focused and it will help your friends to help you find your next job.

3. Keep your application low profile

At first, tell only a limited group of people that you are looking for a new job. Speak with your good friends and acquaintances, and try to make direct contact with companies you would like to work for. Ask for discretion because you still have a job with another employer.

You can also send your resume to one or a limited number of recruitment agencies who then try to find you a suitable job. However, make sure to emphasize your wishes for discretion very clearly, especially when multiple recruiters are assisting you.

And of course… mind your use of social media! Even if your profiles aren’t directly linked with your employer’s profiles, your employer may soon find out about your intentions via mutual contacts, posts or reactions, or the good old grapevine. On LinkedIn, you can change your status to ‘open to opportunities’ in a way that your current employer doesn’t see it.

4. It is possible to sign up anonymously on online job boards, but…

You can also sign up anonymously on online job boards such as StepStone, Monster, HotJobs and CareerBuilder. However, if you sign up anonymously companies can often see (too) little information from you.

Applying anonymously could raise the threshold for recruiters and HR staff to contact you for a new job. Therefore we don’t recommend doing this through online job boards.

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Maxime van Belle Content Marketeer
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Application tips

References on your resume: Common sense or nonsense?

16 Oct 2019
Candidates often wonder whether they should mention references on their resume. The answer is simple. Only mention references when asked for. Otherwise don't.

Employers usually don’t expect contact details of references on your resume. Still, you better play safe if you have to mention references. The following six tips can help you with this!

6 tips for useful references on your resume

  1. Always ask for approval when including someone as a reference

References on your resume are meant to increase your chances of getting a job. This will not work if your references don’t even know you are looking for a new job! Imagine the surprised reaction of a reference when he/she is contacted without even knowing that you mentioned him/her as a reference! Always ask for permission before you include someone as a reference on your resume.

2. Choose your references wisely

Only mention references that are interesting for your career and the specific job you are applying for. It is not wrong to use different references for different applications. After all, your resume may vary slightly per application as well.

Also, make sure your references are credible. Don’t restrict yourself to immediate colleagues only. Try to include at least one immediate colleague, a supervisor and a client. These people can paint a complimentary picture of your skills: your colleague can tell how you function in a team, your supervisor can tell how you function in an organization and your client can tell more about your qualities, punctuality and communication skills.

3. Help your references

Make sure your references can tell sensible and good things about you, preferably matching the job you are applying for. Therefore inform your references when and why you are applying for which position.

Give your references a copy of your most recent resume and inform them about the points you would like to emphasize. If your references know your goals they will be able to support them with their story.

4. Update your references about your application procedure

Inform your references about your applications. Chances are that your references will receive a phone call from the employer or recruiter who is handling your job application. Keep your references well informed about relevant progress in your application process, but avoid an ‘information overload’.

5. Three to five references is enough

You should not fill half your resume with references. Focus on three to five relevant references that can really have an added value for your application. Just as your resume, your references can vary slightly per application. Use the right references for the right applications!

6. Don’t forget your LinkedIn profile!

Don’t forget your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters and employers will probably search the internet for more information about you, so make sure your online brand is consistent with the image you are painting in your paper resume.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and that it does not show contradictions with your paper resume. Try to get credible recommendations from supervisors and clients here as well.

References on your resume. Common sense or nonsense?

It is difficult to estimate the value of references on your resume. Some companies rely on them; others ignore them because they are only expecting a positively biased story.

Should you include references, try using them to the greatest possible extent! In order to do so, make sure to select, prepare and use your references at the right time and for the right job application.

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Application tips

How to choose and use job boards for your job search

16 Oct 2019
Job boards can be of great help when you are looking for a new job. Job boards allow you to upload your resume so that companies can contact you with interesting opportunities. Evidently, you can use job boards to actively search for jobs as well.

Over the years, many different kinds of job boards have been created. This raises questions. Which job board is the best for me? Can I post my resume on more than one job board at the same time? And do I have to pay a fee to use them?

In this article, we will briefly discuss the different kinds of job boards and the most frequently used job boards in Belgium. We will also give tips on how to find your ideal job on job boards and how you can be found by recruiters – even when you are not actively searching for a new job.

Not all job boards are the same

There are different kinds of job boards. In Belgium we know at least the following categories:

  1. General job boards such as VDAB, Stepstone, Vacature, Jobat and Monster. These boards are publishing a large variety of jobs from different companies.
  2. Specialized job boards such as ICT job, CreativeSkills and Experteer. These boards are focusing on specialized jobs for a particular target audience.
  3. Confidential job boards such as CVWarehouse where the emphasis is on applying confidentially and systematically following-up your application process.
  4. Job aggregators such as Indeed and Careerjet. These websites are collecting and presenting jobs from other job boards on their own website.
  5. Job boards from companies, recruitment and interim agencies. These job boards are publishing jobs that can be filled immediately (and sometimes only) through them.
  6. Social media such as LinkedIn, that is offering a job board and application opportunities in addition to their well-known networking possibilities.

1. General job boards

The most popular job boards in Belgium are VDAB.be, Vacature.com / Références.be, StepStone.be, Jobat.be and Monster.be. Companies are paying to post vacancies on these job boards (with the exception of VDAB.be – this website is for free). It is good to know that:

  • These job boards are free for job seekers;
  • You can actively search for vacancies on these job boards yourself;
  • You can automatically receive new and relevant vacancies in your mailbox;
  • You can upload your resume so that companies can contact you.

2. Specialized job boards

In addition to general job boards, there are of course also ‘niche’ job boards such as ICTjob.be, Creativeskills.be and Experteer.be. These job boards are focusing on profiles within a particular niche. ICTjob.be is focused on IT profiles, Creativeskills.be on creative profiles and Experteer.be on profiles and vacancies for senior management positions.

3. Confidential job boards

In addition to general and specialist job boards, you can now also use confidential job boards such as CVWarehouse.com. On CVWarehouse.com you will find the same functionalities as on the aforementioned sites, but there are two important differences:

  • On CVWarehouse.com you can only apply to job openings confidentially. This is particularly useful when you don’t want people to know that you are searching for a new job or when you want to choose which companies may contact you.
  • On CVWarehouse.com candidates and companies have access to an ‘application tracking system’. Through this system, you will always know the current status of your applications and the companies you have applied for will always have access to your most current resume unless you revoke permission to disclose your resume to them.
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4. Aggregators: one job board to rule them all?

Indeed and Careerjet are ‘aggregators’ of vacancies. Both companies scan other job boards on a daily basis and they summarize and present the job openings they find on their own website. So with be.indeed.com and careerjet.be you will be able to search most of the vacancies on other job boards and apply immediately through the job boards these vacancies were originally published on. You can also upload your resume for free.

5. Job boards of companies, recruitment agencies and interim agencies

Of course, you can also search for vacancies via the websites of companies you want to apply with, on the websites of recruitment agencies who are supporting these companies and on the websites of interim agencies.

The jobs on these websites are often (though not always) also published on general and aggregator job boards, but it is always nice to apply directly with your future employer and to contact the company personally for more information or an introductory meeting.

6. Social media

Finally, LinkedIn offers companies the opportunity to bring their jobs to the attention of very specific target groups. This takes into account the content of your LinkedIn profile. On the right side of your profile, you will see for example ‘sponsored’ jobs matching your skills and expertise.

Through linkedin.com/jobs you can also search vacancies and you can apply immediately via the website of the companies that have posted their jobs on LinkedIn. Both services are free.

Tips on how to use job boards

Such a large variety of job boards raises questions. Which job board is the best for me? Can I post my resume on more than one job board at the same time? And can I publish different versions of the same resume on different job boards? A few tips:

  • If you want to apply confidentially through general job boards then you can post your resume without disclosing your name and contact details. Note that companies will not be able to contact you directly. You will always have to give them permission. This can create a barrier and reduce your chances of an invitation for a job interview.
  • If you want an overview with interesting openings fast, then aggregator websites such as Indeed.com and Careerjet.be can be a great help.
  • If you want to be able to monitor your job applications then CVWarehouse.com is an excellent choice. You will be able to check the current status of your application process at any given time.
  • Depending on the type of work you aspire, you can pay more attention to the use of specialized job boards and/or LinkedIn. Higher profiles, in particular, may benefit from using sites such as LinkedIn and Experteer.be.
  • You can safely publish your resume on various job boards. Just make sure you publish the same resume on all the job boards. And always adjust your resume on all job boards. This way you will retain a coherent and clear online profile.
  • Optimize the findability of your resume: make sure recruiters and employers can easily find you. When searching for resumes they often use specific search terms. So make sure all important technical terms from your field are included in your resume but don’t exaggerate the use of jargon.
  • Most job boards are offering templates to fill in your resume. This is handy because this way you don’t have to worry about the layout of your resume. However, we do recommend to post your own original resume (with your own layout) whenever possible. This gives a personal touch.
  • Apply only once for the same position. If you use different job boards to apply for the same position then (probably) one recruiter will have to process all your identical applications. This will not make a professional impression.
  • Adjust your resume when you have found a new job. This way you will save yourself calls from recruiters and potential employers.

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Maxime van Belle Content Marketeer
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Application tips

Jay to the Z – What job seekers can learn from Jay-Z

01 Oct 2019
Jay-Z… one of the most successful rappers in history. His success is phenomenal, but it hasn’t always been like this. Not at all.

Jay-Z’s story reads like the perfect ‘American dream come true’. It involves life lessons everyone can learn from. Especially if you are looking for a new job.

The American Dream is just a dream. You have to make it happen!

Jay-Z hasn’t always been successful. He grew up in a world of violence and drugs and he did not complete his education. He dealt cocaine as a kid and at the age of 12, he shot his brother in the shoulder when he tried to steal Jay-Z’s ring.

Fast forward to 2013. Jay-Z’s net worth is estimated at a whopping $500 Million. Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s net worth is even estimated at over $1 Billion. In addition to (or as a result of) being a successful rapper, Jay-Z also owns a night club, a clothing line, a record label and (until April 2013) an NBA basketball club.

Contrary to popular belief, none of this happened by accident!

5 Lessons job seekers can learn from Jay-Z

  1. I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man!

This is Jay-Z’s credo. The rapper doesn’t consider himself as a businessman. He considers, treats and markets himself as a business in itself. That’s why Jay-Z pays so much attention to his personal branding. So should you when you are looking for a new job.

We wrote about the importance of personal branding before. If you know who you are, what you are looking for and what you can offer to your ideal employer, you can easily optimize your LinkedIn profile, your online presence, your resume, your cover letter and your elevator pitch to improve your chances of being found when recruiters are looking for someone with your background, skills and ambitions.

2. I’m far from being a god, but I work god damn hard!

If you deal cocaine as a young kid you don’t just ‘earn’ a showbiz career, a night club, a record label, a basketball club and a glamorous girl like Beyoncé overnight. You have to work hard for it. Do you do whatever it takes to prepare yourself for every job interview?

If you really want to succeed, read up on the history, mission, vision, structure, products, services and people of the organizations you want to work for. And make sure that you can clearly articulate your added value for your future employer in 3 short sentences.

Did you get the job? Excellent! Be happy and do your best to show your added value to your employer. Did someone else get the job? Cheer up and analyze why you didn’t get the job. Eat, sleep, learn, repeat. Every single day. Until you find your dream job. That’s when the work (and fun) really starts.

3. “Remind yourself: nobody is built like you. You design yourself!”

Most job seekers ignore their most important ‘unique selling point’: each candidate is unique. Considering this, it shouldn’t be too hard to land your dream job… if you know what your dream job looks like.

Every company has certain expectations for every position. If your knowledge, expertise and ambitions match these expectations and if you can articulate your added value to the company, others will have to outperform themselves to get ‘your’ job.

4. “My brands are an extension of me. They’re close to me. It’s not like running GM, where there’s no emotional attachment.”

General Motors is a multinational. It may be the perfect working environment for some, but others may find it hard to work passionately for such a large company. If you discover your own brand and if you can define what you are really passionate about, it will be much easier to excel and have a great time at work.

The better the company and the job match your personality, the better you will feel and the better you will perform at work. Don’t settle for second best! Select the positions you want to apply for with care. It will save you much time and stress and it will seriously increase your chances of success.

And last but not least…

5. “I’d rather die enormous than live dormant.”

Be visible and get found! Make sure that the right people see or (at least) can find you when they need you. Are you an extrovert? Then consider attending job fairs and reaching out to companies you want to work with.

Are you an introvert? Then at least make sure that your online profiles are in sync and that they are optimized for search engines. And try to build your online reputation by showcasing/sharing your knowledge and expertise through online presentations, blog posts and status updates on social media. Try to impress anywhere your recruiters may be looking for new candidates.

Success is a verb. Are your ready?

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Application tips

Creating the perfect elevator pitch: What is your story?

14 Sep 2019
When somebody asks you what you are doing for a living, what do you say? And suppose you would have 3 sentences to describe yourself, your wishes and ambitions to talk yourself into the company of your dreams. What would this sound like?

In this article, you will discover 4 important features of a good ‘elevator pitch’ that will make sure that the right people will think and talk about you at the right time: when they need you!

3 Sentences and 30 seconds. Ready set go!

With the advent of the internet, email and social media, we often pay (too) little attention to the power of the spoken word. However, when you are looking for a new job (or if you want to consider opportunities at a later point in time) it is important that you can articulate who you are, what you can do and what you are looking for in a brief, concise and enthusiastic manner. Anytime and anyplace!

This ‘short resume’ is often called a ‘career narrative’, a ’30 seconds pitch’ or an ‘elevator pitch’. If you know what you want and if you can articulate your message in a powerful way, others will remember you and talk about you when they need you. A good elevator pitch is usually easier to remember than a long resume.

personal branding4 Key characteristics of a good elevator pitch

What does a good elevator pitch look like? Imagine the following situation: you are on your way to a job interview and you are waiting in front of an elevator in a large office building. A senior employee approaches and asks you what you are doing, and who and what you are looking for.

At that moment, the door of the elevator opens and you have exactly 5 floors to tell your story before the senior leaves the elevator.

At this moment (and any other moment in time), the ideal elevator pitch would be:

  • Short, clear and easy to retell

Make sure you can deliver your elevator pitch fluently and make sure that everyone can remember and retell your story easily when others are in need of your knowledge and experience. Craft a short, clear and simple story. Try to aim for 2 to 3 sentences and 30 seconds at most.

Cater your elevator pitch to the specific situation you are in and the company you are pitching to. If you are pitching for a tech company, don’t go talking about the knitting competition you won last year…

Don’t tell them everything relevant at once, if they’re interested in your story, they will ask for more explanation. Throw the ‘bait’ and see if they’ll bite… If they show verbal or nonverbal signs of interest, tell them more. If you are lucky, you can turn your elevator pitch into an elevator conversation!

  • A bridge between your past and your future

Based on your background, knowledge and experience, describe your ambitions and added value for your ideal job and employer. Think from the employer’s perspective. Clearly state the added value you can offer and support this statement with knowledge and experience from the past.

  • Honest and personal

Confidence is good but it should never turn into arrogance. An elevator pitch is about the added value you will bring to the company thanks to your previous successes, but don’t go overboard. This also goes the other way around: a lack of confidence will get you nowhere. Believe in yourself! If you don’t believe in yourself then why would others?

  • Not carved in stone

Adjust your elevator pitch to your discussion partner, just like you adjust your motivation letter and resume to each application. Always be honest and personal, but make sure you focus on the right things to connect with the experiences and needs of your discussion partner.

Write your elevator pitch down first

Although you could be a gifted speaker, bringing a concise and cohesive story is never easy. People tend to jump back and forth in time and bring up the best memories but these are maybe not the most relevant. So, it is a good idea to write your elevator pitch down and then start practicing.

Deciding on what kind of work you want and knowing your audience is important. Before you can write down that speech, you need to know the goal and who you will be talking to. If you would like to be a backend developer (you’re taking classes after hours) but you are currently working in retail and you are pitching to a web agency for a new job, then focus more on your school or side projects and less on your shop responsibilities. (Of course, soft skills are essential in any job.)

It goes without saying that the person you are talking to, needs to understand what you are saying, so do your research and find out who will be on the other side of the table or virtual meeting. Save the complex jargon for the experts.

Focusing on your added value means describing the goal of your job e.g. You are a Customer Happiness expert, say that you communicate with customers and that you keep them happy throughout their customer journey (experiences with your brand). Here, you could include details or numbers. I’ve helped x numbers of customers, for a total worth of x…

A good alternative to the elevator pitch, if you are ever in a situation where you need a good fallback, is talking about what you do on a daily basis. What does a normal working day look like for you? So, if you are having a hard time writing your elevator speech, think about this and use the elements that are important.

The ultimate goal of your elevator pitch is being asked for more information. So try turning your elevator pitch into an elevator conversation by maybe asking a question. Let’s say you are an SEO-expert, try asking them: When you type in a google search, which links do you click? “Oh, the first ones?” “Well, it is my job to get a website to that first spot by using several techniques”. This explanation is very relatable and opens the door for more questions like how do you do this and why is that important…

Then practice, practice, practice!

A good elevator pitch should roll off your tongue. Every time, everywhere and for everyone. So make sure you thoroughly practice your elevator pitch with friends & family and get comfortable with the feeling of promoting yourself.

What should you try not to do during your elevator pitch?

  • Try not to sound like a computer just repeating the words you practiced a thousand times. You could get hung up on a different choice of words, keep it natural.
  • Don’t make your elevator pitch complex. If you have a job that is difficult to explain, try making it easier by using a practical, relatable example or maybe even comparisons. E.g. I am a Process Engineer for a pharmaceutical company – I help create and build production lines for eye drops.
  • Don’t leave out your personal passions and side projects, if they are relevant!
  • Don’t oversell (‘too salesy’) or undersell yourself, be honest but don’t be too modest about your accomplishments. You can, of course, mention that you are proud of them.
Ready to let us hear your elevator pitch?

Find your ideal job and apply

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Maxime van Belle Content Marketeer
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Application tips

The benefits of using recruitment agencies for your job search

06 Sep 2019
Recruitment agencies are increasingly popular. More and more companies are relying on the expertise of a recruitment agency for filling vacant positions and projects. But also more and more candidates are finding their way to these agencies!

In this article you will discover how a recruitment agency works, you will learn different types of recruitment and the benefits of recruitment agencies if you are looking for a new job.

Navigate this article:

What is a recruitment agency?

Recruitment agencies look for suitable candidates for vacant positions with one or more companies. Based on a job description they search for suitable candidates through their website, network, job fairs, job sites and social media.

When a recruiter has found a potential candidate then he/she will screen the resume, motivation letter and other relevant information about the candidate. If there is a potential match between the candidate’s profile and the job description, the recruiter will plan an interview to discuss the skills and needs of the candidate.

If this interview is successful, the candidate can be invited to an interview with the client. Meanwhile, the recruiter is carefully monitoring the application process. If the client considers the candidate appropriate for the vacant position, he or she may get the job.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF RECRUITMENT

There are different types of recruitment. Common types are recruitment and selection, project sourcing and interim recruitment. These types of recruitment differ considerably. Your personal desires and ambitions will determine the type that will be most suitable for you.

Recruitment & Selection

Recruitment and selection is a type of recruitment where a recruitment agency is looking for candidates to fill in permanent positions with a client. The work of the recruitment agency comes to an end once a candidate starts working with his or her new employer.

Recruitment and selection are particularly interesting if you are looking for a permanent job (at a certain company) in a specific industry. Recruitment and selection are interesting for companies who have too little time or resources to search for new employees themselves.

keep eyecontact during job interviewProject Sourcing

Project Sourcing has several names, among which outsourcing, co-sourcing, contracting, project work, secondment … to name a few. But what is project sourcing exactly?

Project Sourcing is a type of recruitment where a company is seeking candidates to work on temporary projects with different clients. You will be permanently employed by the project sourcing company.

Project Sourcing is particularly interesting for employers and/or freelance experts with specialized knowledge who want to gain a lot of experience in different projects. By joining a project sourcing company they will be able to work on temporary (usually medium and long term) projects for various clients.

Project Sourcing is interesting for companies because in this way they can temporarily ‘hire’ specialist knowledge whereas the responsibility for the specialists remains with the project sourcing company. Project sourcing thus offers optimum flexibility for companies that are quickly in need of specialized knowledge.

Interim

Interim work focuses on short term projects. Temping agencies are searching on behalf of other companies for employees who can quickly fill in short term projects. These can be work assignments to:

      • Replace a permanent employee;
      • Handle a temporary increase in work;
      • Deal with exceptional work.

Interim work differs fundamentally from project sourcing because:

      • Interim is mostly concentrating on the rapid implementation of short term projects. Project Sourcing focuses on medium and long-term projects.
      • Interim is focussing mainly on filling general vacancies that require limited specialized knowledge. Project Sourcing focuses mainly on the implementation of projects that requires highly specialized knowledge.
      • Temping agencies are having a ‘temporary’ relationship with jobseekers. When your job is finished, your relationship with the temping office will come to an end as well. Project sourcing will offer you permanent employment with the project sourcing company. Because of this, you will probably get more personal attention and better conditions compared to interim work.

 

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mind your posture during job interviewThe advantages of recruitment agencies for job applicants:

Are you looking for a new job? Then a recruitment agency can help you in two ways:

  • A recruiter may contact you himself/herself because he or she has found your resume or profile and because the recruiter thinks you are qualified for a particular job.
  • You may contact the recruitment agency yourself. You can apply for a particular job or submit an open application. The recruitment agency can look to see if you qualify for any upcoming positions.

Recruitment agencies provide the following benefits for applicants:

  1. Recruitment agencies are free of charge for candidates. Recruitment Agencies are working on the request and are paid by their clients (other companies). Therefore, there are no costs for you as a candidate. You are getting help for free!
  2. Recruitment agencies have an excellent knowledge of the labour market. They know which sectors and companies are forming exciting opportunities for people with your knowledge and expertise, and which expectations are realistic.
  3. Recruitment agencies have a large network. Therefore they can often quickly get you in contact with interesting clients and projects.
  4. Recruitment agencies have access to jobs that you as a job seeker often cannot see (yet). Through many years of partnership with clients, agencies are often the first to hear about profiles that are needed.
  5. Depending on the type of recruitment (see above), recruitment agencies are following up on your application. You will receive feedback and/or will be assisted from intake interview to salary negotiation.
  6. Depending on the type of recruitment (project sourcing in particular) you will enjoy the security of a permanent contract and the variety of different projects.

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