With the constant economic upheaval and general disquiet in todays job market many jobseekers rush CVs out. Simple details can be missed during this rush and when there are many candidates applying for the same vacancy you need to ensure you stand out.

Here are some ideas to get recruiters attention.

Make is easy for them to contact you.
Recruiters like to have several different methods of contact, so put in land-line, mobile phone numbers, email and postal addresses. Double check to make sure you are entering the correct details, it could loose you the opportunity of a lifetime. Have a simple and effective email address: YourName@Hotmail.com is better than jumpingjoeiscrazy@hotmail.com

When responding to employers emails make sure you include the original message string so that the employers know which appointment they gave you and when they have asked you to attend an interview.

Make sure your full contact details are displayed on your CV and are correct, don’t make them hunt around to find them, they may go off the idea of interviewing you.

Be Ready
As Employers make use of CV databases more and more these days, you need to assume that every time your phone rings it could be a potential employer. Answer politely and awake as many small business owners will call late in the evening or early in the morning.

When attending an interview be polite to the receptionist and the security staff. Don’t arrive too early or late. Don’t talk to yourself while waiting for the interviewer. In other words don’t do anything that might make employers question your suitability as a candidate.

Keep it positive. If asked why do you want to leave your present employer, it is better to say ‘It’s a small company and I can go as far as I can’, not ‘They are stifling my growth and don’t trust me as a self starter’.

Whilst its good to have a salary guide in your head, remember to look at the bigger picture, is there more scope for promotion, does the package include private health care or a car. Remember once they have decided you are the best candidate and offered you a position you can do a bit of negotiating.

Keep your CV Fresh
Make sure your CV has a logical name and the name appears up to date. Joescv2007.doc or joesupdatedcv.com probably wont help you. By naming your CV jsmithlandscapeforeman.doc you are telling the potential employer both your name and current position before he even starts to read your CV.

When asked questions about hypothetical situations in an interview try and use the S.T.A.R. technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell the story of how you have handled a similar situation before.

Differentiate between your achievements and those of you plus a team. By saying that you completely re designed Hyde Park and finished the job on time and on budget sound boastful. It is better to say that you worked with several others on the design and that a team of 12 landscapers headed by you worked to bring the project in on time and on budget. Emphasis the specific problems you encountered and how you overcame them.

When the interviewer asks ‘Do you have any questions?’ have some ready.

Make sure the people named as references are aware that you have used them, ask their permission in advance so that when the employer calls to ask about you they are ready for that call. It is also helpful to let your referees know the job you are applying for so that they have some idea of the questions they will be asked about you.

Write a thank you note, even if you do not get the job this time, you may have been their second choice and their first choice candidate might not work out. They will also remember you for the future.

Follow these simple steps to help you get noticed. Employers appreciate candidates who are prepared and it tells them you understand the needs of their company and you can offer solutions.

Perhaps the single most important effect of your job advertising is the generation of good quality candidates. It is one of those statements that is much easier said than done. Here are some tips for drafting an advert that will help you to generate those quality jobseekers.

• Choose a job title that reflects accurately the job role and responsibilities.
• Include an overview of your company and mission statement if you have one.
• Consider the age range of the candidates you are trying to attract by using words and phrases that are familiar to them.
• If you are trying to attract the millennial generation try using words such as flexible, challenging, opportunity for growth etc.
• Be as clear and concise as possible. Create interest with a catchy phrase to keep the jobseekers reading.
• Include your company logo for brand recognition.
• Look at what makes your company unique and emphasise this.
• Use bullet points for qualifications, responsibilities and requirements no more than six to ten is best.
• Check that everything is spelt correctly and the grammar is good.
• Try not to make the advertisement too long as jobseekers will rarely read to the end.
• Give clear instructions on your chosen method of application. ie Completed application forms only will be accepted.
• Try to include keywords that relate to the position so that the internet search engines will pick up on these.
• Look at other employers adverts to make sure your company stands out.
• Ask for a quote from a current employee on what makes your company great to work for.
• Try to include a salary scale.
• Try to bear in mind that you are selling your vacancy to jobseekers.

If you would like some assistance in perfecting your job advertisements the Land-Force Customer Care team are here to help.

Appropriately for the extra sunny weather we are having in the UK this July, Edinburgh Zoo has new arrivals -  two sun bears from Cambodia.

(img: Edinburgh Zoo)

The two brothers have arrived from a wildlife rescue centre to Edinburgh Zoo as part of a long term breeding loan from the Royal Government of Cambodia.

These enchanting bears are the smallest species in the world and are declining in the wild.

A career in Animal Care allows you the privilege of working with animals such as these. To look into a career in Animal Care go to our Careers Page for further information on a College in your area. To visit these animals you must go to Edinburgh Zoo.

All livestock and Animal Care professionals are aware of the dangers of leaving animals in cars or without sufficient drinking water. The rest of us should remember to check on our animals more regularly in this hot weather.