How to Stand Out From the Crowd like Ben Southall!
In the news recently, Ben Southall from the UK won what was described as ‘The Best Job in the World’. Ben beat 34,000 applicants to work for Tourism Queensland for 6 months as ‘caretaker’ of the Great Barrier Reef. He will live in a luxury cottage on Hamilton Island, explore 1,500 islands and reefs, share the experience with the world through the internet and for this he will be paid $150,000.
Luckily we don’t have to beat 34,000 applicants for every job, but in this current economic climate we have to recognise that there is certainly more and more competition. Anyone hoping for a new position at the moment will need to assess every aspect of their application process. CVs need to be well presented and laid out in a way that is easy for the reader to understand, and it is more important than ever that they are free from spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Accompanying letters need to be professional, succinct and work as an excellent introduction to you as a person. Your CV and covering letter is the first impression a prospective employer will have of you, it’s your marketing tool – is yours working for you?
Interviews need to be prepared for – this doesn’t only mean wearing smart, clean clothes and making sure you look neat and presentable, although this is certainly important. For example, think of questions the interviewer might ask and how you will answer, go through your CV and consider relevant skills/experience or achievements you did not mention but that it may be useful to talk about at the interview. Most importantly of all, consider why it is that this company should employ you – what is it that you can offer them? Carry out research on the organisation you are applying to – what do they do, who are their customers, what seems to be the ‘style’ of the business, what type of people work there? How can you fit in with this – what skills and abilities can you bring that will complement their business?
Taking the time now to look at all of the above will provide you with the best opportunity to succeed in getting the position you are applying for. If you need further help and advice, just get in touch with any of our Consultants who will be happy to help.
