1. How to position yourself on the market?

2. How do companies recruit?

3. Internally Via recruitment agencies Via their own website Jobsites: Monster, Stepstone, Vacature, Références, e.o. Via networks: Linked In, Plaxo Pulse e.o. (don’t use facebook, profile yourself as a professional) –Important: Use the right keywords in your searches! How do companies recruit?

4. What to do?

5. Know your qualities Know what you want Be prepared Be a step ahead of other candidates You only get one chance to make a first impression! Be the right candidate for the job! How?

6. A thorough personal preparation before acting is a must ?

7. Your personal preparation beforehand Before you start applying, define … What are you good at? What are your interests (sectors, type of functions …)? Info on this can be found on line, talking to friends, talking to professionals, … You can read up on information and participate in tests e.g. on Références.be How do you wish to evolve? You have your degree and extra-curricular experiences to start with – broaden the scope! => You will be able to pinpoint the opportunities and companies in line with your skills, interests and ambitions

8. Look for information on your target companies What are the values that companies carry ? What do they stand for ? What is the experience other people working there have ? What is their approach towards their employees ?

9. Look for information on your target jobs What is the content of a certain position or job ? What are possible contents of jobs with a similar title ? What is expected from someone taking on a certain position ? What are possible next steps in a career path ?

10. Approach the market in a both reactive & proactive way

11. Approach the market reactively Look for job postings In the paper On line On company websites On recruitment companies’ websites Use your network: over half of the job openings are never published They are filled with internal people before they can be published through networks of the company through confidential missions

12. Approach the market proactively Make sure the market Can find you Knows what you are looking for Publish your resume on job sites, send it to recruitment companies, send it to companies …

13. Make an efficient and effective resume

14. Layout Restrict your resume to 1 or 2 pages. You can make an extended version or an addendum with more information. Write your resume in the language of the job posting. Do not use fulle sentenses: be concise and clear. Avoid typo’s. Use a clear structure, with clear blocks of information. Leave white spaces in between so that the reader has a clear overview.

15. Building blocks Personal information Objective Experience (project management, teaching…): situations in which you developed skills Education & if applicable conferences, publications, seminars,... Language skills Hobbies … mention what is relevant for the job you apply for ! … tell the truth !

16. A few examples

19. Letter of motivation

20. Content In a few lines indicate why you are the candidate for the job (experience, knowledge, …). Explain your motivation: why are you interested in the job / the company. Base your information on elements you checked. Avoid typo’s. Be short & concise.

21. Example

23. From: pc (c@hotmail.be) To: (stephanie.de.lange@jobs.hudson.com) Cc: Subject: BE632759_1301040013 Sent: 30-03-2011 09:51 Attachments: - Dear Stephanie, Your ad where you are looking for a HR Manager drew my special attention. As I am currently looking for a new opportunity in Human Resources I hereby apply for this job. My extended experience in both HR and Operations should give my application an added value. Please find in attachment my resume and of course I am willing to present myself in an interview. Looking forward to meeting you. Kind regards, PC

24. Extra recommendations

25. Some extra recommendations Restrict your resume to 1 or 2 pages. You can make an extended version or an addendum with more information. Name of the file: use your name. A resume is read in 2 minutes: make sure the structure reads by itself. Make sure your email adress and voice mail are professional. Work in a chronological order (most recent at the top). It is good to mention dates – if you did not have the perfect path, you do not need to mention it explicitely but need to be prepared for questions. Tell the truth!

26. Some extra recommendations If you insert a picture, make sure it is a professional one. Indicate language skills in a correct way. Only mention references if the people involved are informed. It is even better to mention ‘references on request’.

27. Good luck in your search! Questions?