Click on the shortlist settings bar and filtering options will become available.

As you change the settings, like Drivers Licence,  applicants not matching your requirements will be greyed out leaving only the more suitable candidates.

• Highlight likely candidates
• Filter options can be saved for each advert

To make sure you get off on the right foot, here are a few helpful tips to get you through that first week at a new job.

1. Enthusiasm

Entering a new job with an enthusiastic attitude is the best way to make a good impression, as long as you don’t “overdo it” and look like you are full of ambitions to take over the jobs of the people training you. Therefore, the delicate balance needs to be achieved where you are eager to learn, excited about the opportunity but don’t come across as a “brown-noser” or threat to anyone’s position.

2. Grooming

Of course, you will want to look your best when you start your new job, which usually means getting a fresh haircut, giving yourself a nice manicure and picking out the most fashionable — yet comfortable — clothing, shoes and accessories. Be aware that while you’re getting trained, you’ll probably be in close contact with people and should avoid wearing any heavy perfumes or aftershaves that might offend delicate noses. A clean fresh-scrubbed smell is always welcomed, but avoid strong scents it could turn people off before you even have a chance to dazzle them.

3. Paying Attention

The first couple of days at a new job can be a whirlwind of people giving you information, advice and direction. It can be easy to get confused, so it is advisable to keep a small note pad and pencil — or the technical gadget that will do the same — on you at all times so you can take notes to refer back to later. It will not only impress people at the moment, but you will be spared having to go back and ask a question that has already been answered.

4. Chatting

Of course, your first few days you’re going to want to get to know little bit about your coworkers and they are going to want to know details about you as well. However, you have to be very aware that your conversations could be disruptive to the normal flow of the routine and be prepared to end a conversation quickly and suggested it be finished later if you sense it might not be an appropriate time.

5. Tidiness

While you’re settling into your space in the office you might create a bit of a mess, so be very aware of any clutter that piles up around your work space that might put others off. Also show great respect when you are in common areas like lunchrooms and break rooms by picking up after yourself and taking a moment to police the area for the benefit of all your fellow employees.

Here are some examples of show-stopping questions that can leave you groping for answers without proper preparation.

Consider how you would answer them while you have the time to think it through, because even though you might not face exactly the same questions, it is a good mental exercise to be used to devising answers to such questions in advance.

1. If aliens landed in your front yard and offered you any job in the world, what would your answer be?

This kind of a question gives you a chance to show off your sense of humor and your ability to think on your feet. The actual answer to the question can be as fantastical as you like as long as it does an insult the type of work you are applying for, of course. One interesting response from a job applicant to this question was,”‘First I would want to go change my clothes since the aliens just scared the crap out of me! … then I would ask for a job as Chief Navigator so I could enjoy coming to Earth and start scaring the crap out of other human beings.”

2. If you could change places with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be?

This is another ploy to determine if you will blurt out an unconsidered answer or adopt a “deer-in-the-headlights” response while you try to come up with a good answer. So go ahead and smile and take a deep breath while you consider your audience and devise a proper response. It always wisest to just be honest and chose someone you truly admire, but it’s probably not the best time to mention you once had daydreams of being Tarzan.

3. If you had six months paid leave, what would you do with the time?

This one can test a number of different personality aspects for the interviewer, so answer carefully and with an awareness of what kind of social and leisure activities are considered ” appropriate” for the type of position you want to land. Of course, you can use this opportunity to try and score some ” brownie points” by keeping it altruistic like “helping build houses in Haiti” instead of something juvenille like “hanging out at the golf course drinking beer.”

4. If you could compare yourself with any animal, which animal would you choose…and why?

There are several different ways to approach this type of question: humorously, figuratively or logically. The idea is, of course, to create a strong image of yourself, so don’t be tempted to say something too silly like “an aardvark” that really would not reflect well on your association with noble creatures. Of course, to use a response like, “a lion, because he is king of the jungle” does not indicate you have a very lively imagination. Consider a more lovable approach with a response like “I would like to be a dolphin so I could finally understand just what they have been saying.”

5. In a news story about your life, what would be the big headline?

Questions like this are a wonderful chance to show your high self esteem while wrapping it up in humble modesty. Quite an achievement, undoubtedly, but good answers to this question include: “Man Finds Secret To Happy Life,” “Devoted Worker Sets All-Time Sales Record” or even “Local Man Finds Job of his Dreams.”

But thanks to an organiation known as Work & Volunteer Abroad (WAVA), English speaking UK residents can sign up for a program to work in the hospitality or agricultural business in Norway.

Although there is a charge for the service — from £580 for 8 weeks to £800 for 22 weeks, the expenses are a fraction of what a vacation would cost because of their work/exchange program. Participants stay with a local family and are provided three meals a day.  In exchange, they work 35 hours per week at a job arranged in advance by WAVA. Each week a stipend of about £75 is provided for pocket money. Personal transportation is not provided –although workers can bring their own bicycles — and most employers provide transport to and from work.

WAVA workers learn about the Norwegian culture up close and personal, making their journey much more than just a sightseeing tour or a typical “job abroad.”

Total immersion in the local community provides a chance for UK participants to appreciate how many common concerns people share – regardless of their location – while learning the facinating differences that are created by climate, religion, government and education.  In return, the hosts are exposed to fresh perspectives on their business and society as well as provided with much needed assistance during peak seasons, making it a win-win situation for all concerned.

WAVA programs in Norway are available for citizens of the UK and Eire over 18 years of age who speak fluent English and are able to perform the types of tasks required by their host.

Experience in agriculture, animal husbandry and hospitality are matched with appropriate positions, and participants are briefed on the program before departing. Letters of intent are sent by WAVA participants to the host families who select candiadates suitable to their lifestyle and job requirements.

Of course, working for WAVA is not going to replace the need to secure full-time, permenant employment, but it can provide fresh insight and perspective into the truly important things in life while learning valuable lessons about yourself.

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.

• 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.

It may sound flippant but the reality is that everyone you have ever interacted with may have an impact on you achieving your professional goals.

Taking some time to forge a positive contacts network can pay huge dividends in the future and it needn’t take a lot of effort.

Firstly, always treat other people with respect because you are always making an impression on others and you never know when they might have an influence on your future.

Secondly, look for opportunities to build relationships, particularly in areas that interest you. Try to attend relevant events, discussion groups, etc. and make an effort to talk to people you don’t currently know. Then follow up these new contacts after the events to start to build relationships. Remember, it takes time to build good relationships but it takes only seconds to destroy your reputation!

CVs should present relevant information in a logical and easy to read format. Whilst there are no hard and fast rules, typically a CV should include personal information such as name and contact details, as well as a summary of your education and qualifications and your employment history. Many employers also like to see a summary of your career goals, details of any training you have undertaken and the details of referees.

Most importantly, your CV should never contain false information and it is also important that your spelling and grammar is accurate. It is also advantageous to tailor your CV to each job that you apply for, as certain skills/ experience may be more or less relevant.

Finally, get someone else to check your CV before you send it off to a prospective employer or publish it on Land-Force.com. And good luck in your job search!