10 tips for finding your dream job

Finding a job gets tougher during the downturn - here are CJ's 10 tips for finding a cracking job despite the credit crunch.

• Don't post your CV on internet job boards - it is a much better tactic to look at the boards to see what is out there in the market then call and quiz the recruitment consultant over the vacancy.
• Only send your CV to a consultant that is keen to physically meet you.
• Don't register with every recruitment consultant in town. Restrict yourself to no more than three consultants and insist they inform you where your CV is being sent prior to them sending it.
• Give the "War and Peace" version of your CV to the consultant and then work with them to bring out the specific skills and experience in an abbreviated version to be sent to the client.
• Name drop as much as possible in terms of individuals and organisations you have worked for.
• Keep in regular contact with the consultant in respect to progress - set expectations and manage the consultant against that.
• Be honest and open in respect of your job hunting to date. Create a list of contacts, companies and recruitment consultants that have already been approached.
• Prior to interview research the company thoroughly. Learn as much as you can about the job. It is essential to be well-briefed then you can concentrate on selling yourself during the interview.
• If you have the right skills you will get an interview in the current market. Despite being in demand don't come across as a prima-donna. It puts employers off however well qualified you are.
• Don't just consider the pay and conditions on offer. Look at where the company is going and how the markets it specialises in are performing. It is better to have potential for promotion in a booming sector than an initially well paid job in a peaking market.

Source: The Management Recruitment Group