Instructions for a new job

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44

You want to get a new job, but you forgot the instructions? Read tips for preparing a sales resume and succeeding in your interviews.

The idea of changing jobs is in your head. However, you no longer know how to conquer the job market since you have held the same position for a few years. Above all, don't let the economic upheavals of recent months hold you back. The prospects for permanent positions are numerous and talented candidates are missing! So this is your chance to show off.

Attract attention with your CV

A curriculum vitae, commonly known as a CV, is like a picture of your professional life. Typically, it should include:

• a short three-line paragraph that introduces you professionally and explains your desired direction;
• your education;
• your career path chronologically;
• your professional training and volunteering experiences;
• your technical (software) and language skills.

“An effective CV makes it possible to follow in form points and chronologically the path of a person throughout his experienceprofessional, says Marie-Claude Rousseau, senior human resources advisor at Adecco. The information must be presented in an airy, clear, easy to read and concise manner. If you want to develop a point, you will do it in an interview. »

In concrete terms, the choice of words, the spirit of synthesis and the quality of the French will denote your professionalism. In addition, illustrating your achievements with figures becomes an added value: number of employees supervised, budget managed, etc. As for the description of each position held, it must highlight your favorite tasks first so that the recruiter can easily spot them.



“In summary, the resume should sell what you want to sell, which is how you want to be perceived. If you read your CV and you can't find your way around, the recruiter will have a hard time identifying you,” adds Ms. Rousseau.

Of course, before you send your CV to all the winds, think about what you are aiming for in terms of the type of position and work environment so as not to spread your search too thinly. Also, consider attaching a personalized cover letter according to the position you are applying for. This one-page text (at most!) should highlight your skills, abilities and qualities in relation to the job.

Your phone is ringing: be ready to answer questions

For a large number of companies, the selection process begins with a telephone interview to assess certain points such asas mobility or salary expectations. Otherwise, you will be called for a face-to-face interview. Above all, don't see it as a test, but rather as a discovery meeting to promote yourself and get to know your potential employer.

Thus, it is important to know exactly why the position appeals to you. Target your skills and previous achievements related to the position, because the recruiter will surely question you in this regard. Then, take the time to ask yourself the most common interview questions:

• your qualities and your faults;
• your ideal job, workplace, team and boss;
• your motivations for the position;
• your career goals;
• the achievement that makes you proud;
• how you are perceived at work;
• the strengths and weaknesses of your previous jobs, etc.

Of course, go for honest answers. Otherwise, you will be mechanical and ring false. "When someone is not real, a good interviewer detects it immediately by cross-questioning," warns the human resources advisor.



Also remember that the interview is used to signal your interest. So, visit the company's website to find information that will be valuable to you for the interview. “Organizational values offer a great gateway,” notes Marie-Claude Rousseau. Otherssmall details: prepare your professional references on paper and have a few copies of your CV on hand so that you can hand them over on request.

On D-Day, have the right attitude

Punctuality, appropriate dress, authenticity, smile, frank gaze and confident handshake, politeness; all basic advice worth repeating. Pay attention to your non-verbal attitude, because the simple act of talking with your hands can annoy the recruiter. Also, be in listening mode to answer questions clearly. And leave your worries and personal stories at home.

“Yes, a person can enrich their explanations with examples, but without recounting a whole section of life,” points out Marie-Claude Rousseau. All in all, the key is to keep it concise, focus on the issue, and sell yourself…as you are! To do this, you must know yourself well and be able to popularize the content of your CV.

And if a question arises that you cannot answer spontaneously, take a moment to reflect. It is better than saying anything. Of course, never criticize a former employer. Focus instead on the relevant experience acquired in this company.

End on a good note

At the end of the interview, you can ask questions. This is when you can address organizational values and company strengths. Take the opportunity to inform yourself about how thefollow-up and ask for the business cards of the people you meet in order to send them a short thank you note. This is another way to express your interest.

A final piece of advice: in an era where specialized social media (Facebook, Linkedin) are gaining in popularity, many employers consult them to gather information about candidates. Make sure you have nothing to hide! Finally, know that Adecco's human resources advisors can answer your questions about effective job searches in addition to opening the door to hundreds of employers.

In collaboration with Annie Boutet, editor.