Just 8.8 seconds to impress - Can you do it?

A recent study on Linkedin revealed that you only have a mere 8.8 seconds to impress a potential employer!

It's almost unfair considering the time spent drafting and perfecting your cv, but new research shows that your prospective employer will spend just under 9 seconds before deciding whether or not to invite you to an interview!




1st Second - Keep it short!
This is your introduction - keep it brief.  Stick to the facts and cut the waffle.

2nd Second - No bells and whistles
That fancy font can be difficult to read, the same goes for an entire cv in UPPER CASE - don't do it!

3rd Second - Is it relevant?
Ensure that the relevant skills and experience are highlighted

4th Second - Avoid jargon
Avoid buzzwords - the most frequently used word for 2014 was "motivated"
Don't use words you think we want to read, you may be called on to prove it!

5th Second - Tailor-make your cv to suit the position
The prospective employer will look for key words and phrases particular to the position - highlight them.

6th Second - Networking matters!
Highlight your social media credentials where they relate to your work.

7th Second - Be interesting
Prospective employers will want to know that you actually have a life outside working hours.
But avoid generic interests, for example don't just list reading - be a little more specific - read autobiographies.

8th Second - Highlight personal achievements
Do you excel with presentations?  Tell us!

9th Second - Be contactable!
Are your contact details clearly visible?
Oh, and please check your e-mail address, funnybunny@gmail.com just isn't going count in your favour.

For tips on how to maximise your chances and make every second count, read more here:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-business/11359554/CV-writing-How-to-impress-an-employer-in-8.8-seconds.html

Career Advice

The geospatial industry operates in a wide market and it can be daunting to decide in exactly what industry sector you would like to pursue a geospatial career.  This decision can even be more overwhelming if you are just qualified or have changed careers and are starting your search for employment within the GIS industry.

 

In order to provide sound career advice, we have listed here below quick links from our earlier blogs which broadly cover the more commonly-asked questions.

 

Free online GIS Courses - Ideal for those wanting to up-skill themselves or just exploring their options.  Although we certainly do recommend that those serious about their profession try to obtain a formal qualification, it is possible to teach yourself GIS for free to kickstart your training.

Once you've got that qualification behind you and you are now ready to enter the job market, there are some really important points to consider before you apply for that desired position.  Remember that you want to sell yourself to a potential employer, and a well-written cv can do that for you, so take the time to draft up a good cv.  We just cannot stress how important it is to spend time on your cv and here we've written numerous blogs on this.  Free-cv-templates is a good starting point.  Don't forget the importance of a cover letter - please pay special attention to spelling and grammar.  Ask a family member for honest feedback - this is not the time to be offended.

Our blog Tips and Advice contains a wealth of valuable links - a must read for all newcomers into the job market.

And then when you've spent hours drafting your cv, you only have 8.8 seconds to impress a prospective employer.  It's not fair we know, but preparation is the key here, so go back and relook that cv! 

Before you think you're all set to go have a look at these blogs :

• 5 ways job seekers blow it may be humorous, but very applicable!
• Seven key questions to ask yourself before applying for a job contains very pertinent questions - a must read!

The next big step, of course is the interview, and this is where you will finally be given the opportunity to sell yourself face-to-face.  Randeep Hooda once said "knowledge is power.  You can't begin a career, or for that matter even a relationship, unless you know everything there is to know about it" - therefore be prepared and do your homework.  If you are new to the job market enlist the help of your family - let them ask you potential GIS interview questions.

It's unrealistic to expect to land your dream job at your first interview - use it as a learning curve to see how to improve your interview skills see how you can improve your geospatial employment prospects

During your job search you may come across that ideal job in another town, but please think very carefully before submitting your application.  Talk about it with your loved ones, we've had numerous situations where candidates have been given a firm offer of employment for them to suddenly back-track, all because they didn't think it through.

And lastly, even looking for an internship can be daunting if you don't know where and how to find internships

If we haven't covered your query here, please do make contact with us - we'd love to be of assistance.