Job hunting tips

I am currently a stay at home mum. And I won’t hesitate to admit that sometimes I do find it difficult. Very difficult. Having worked since leaving university and even after having Munchkin (although I went to part time), I found it really difficult when I was made redundant while on maternity leave a year ago. I found it difficult staying at home and feeling like all my life now was cooking and cleaning. And washing dishes! How I HATE washing dishes. They are the bane of my life and we have no space in the kitchen for a dishwasher. But most of all, I hated not having my own money to do with as I pleased. I hated having to think twice about whether to buy something….or having to ask the hubby. It did make me miserable for a long time. I am kind of used to it now but I still do sometimes miss working. Helping people, dealing with appeals, challenging crazy benefit decisions…. Although we are just about managing on hubby’s income, I am keeping my eye out for work that will fit in around us but it is not always easy. I have only ever once had to apply for a job and then I stayed in that position for 9 years. So looking for work is all alien to me. I had to learn how to job hunt again!

My quick and basic tips for job hunting:

• Make your CV the best you can. Don’t waffle in it about irrelevant things, keep it focused on the job you are applying for and highlight your strengths. Have more than one CV if necessary. I have two, one is focused on my legal work for any legal jobs I may apply for  and one is a more general one to apply for the non legal jobs. Tweak the CV for each job application if necessary. There are some standard CV templates online, if you are struggling, which you can adapt.
• Register with Job Agencies, both in person and online. There are many online sites such as City Calling, where you can do a UK job search. Get email alerts for jobs if they are available, so you don’t miss out on any new jobs in the field you are searching.
• Do not use a standard cover letter for all jobs. Employers will notice and will feel that you haven’t made an effort. Adjust the cover letter to focus on your strengths for that job.
• If you are lucky enough to get an interview,then make sure you research the company if you don’t know much about it. Get an idea of their work ethos and highlight your relevant strengths in more detail at the interview. And make sure you dress smartly!

If you are currently job hunting then good luck! And if you have any tips of your own then please feel free to share.   This is sponsored, as per disclosure policy. However, all words are my own.