Steve Miller, author of “Get Off Your *** and Grab that New Job”

As I return from Scotland having delivered an outplacement programme I recognise all too well just how important it is becoming to work hard to get the job you want. In this article I will provide solid practical advice to those of you looking for a fresh start, or having to following redundancy as well as those of you who are just so damn unhappy in your current role.

The economic climate is so incredibly tough at the moment, however let’s remember job opportunities do exist but we have to realise that in the downturn only the best will get them. In this article I offer you 6 key steps to help you grab the job you really want.

1. Learn to relax about yourself and let it all out

Anxiety blocks us whereas relaxation frees us up so that we can let all our true potential out. If you are finding you suffer from high levels of anxiety it is imperative you learn the art of self induced relaxation. Practicing self induced relaxation will mean you begin to condition your mind so that you become more naturally calm which will ensure you begin to feel more at ease with yourself. Once the mind is relaxed and your central nervous system cools down the more quickly you will communicate naturally and inspirationally. To make this happen take time each day to sit in a safe and comfortable place, close your eyes and take 12 deep breaths. On the out breath release tension and then breath in calm before mentally counting down from 10 to 1 on every other out breath. Then imagine yourself in your favourite place of relaxation before awakening yourself by counting up from 1 to 10.

2. Affirm belief in your brilliance

Design a few positive affirmations about you such as “I am at ease with myself” “I am calm and confident in the things that I do”. These affirmations can become your mantra. Be sure to say them to yourself at least 500 times a day so that these positive messages get filtered down into the unconscious part of your mind. It’s rather like putting data on a computer but this is much more powerful for you. We are what we think we are so be kind to yourself and let the affirmations be your positive strokes. Once they become embedded deep into your mind yourself belief will begin to increase and there will be no holding you back.

3. Glam up!

It’s time to do some wardrobe weeding and throw out all the clothes that make you look like a frump. In this competitive marketplace employers can pick and choose who they will recruit and of course promote. Image is everything so glam it up by carrying out my three checks. The first is your clothes check. Dress professionally and wear colours that suit you and select a style that suits you. Secondly it’s the grooming check. If your hair looks like rats tails then book into a decent salon and let an expert take care of you. The same goes for your hands, nails and teeth. And finally it’s the accessory check. Choose accessories that complement your look. Wear shoes that match the colour of your outfit and gentlemen no joke ties or socks please. Choose a fragrance that isn’t overbearing and forget too much jewellery as it can make you look too busy.

4. Skills audit

List the skills you have developed over the years. And be sure to think of the less obvious skills. For example if you are an HR manager you will have also developed skills such as influence and persuasion and customer focus as well as the more obvious ones that fit into the HR remit. Once you have listed your skills write down an example for each demonstrating how you have used those skills. You will need to have hard evidence for each skill to demonstrate you are not winging it at interview so be sure to do this.

5. The charisma habit

Charismatic people generally leave a positive lasting impression. Charisma is about you having presence. I actually believe that most people can develop their charisma. There are 3 core ingredients to charisma that I would encourage you to use. The first is to accept that you are fallible. We all make mistakes, no-one is perfect and that’s ok. When you accept fallibility you actually communicate with far more charm. Secondly let out your energy and personality plus, and finally develop positive habits that will support your charismatic style such as smiling with your eyes, using gestures that support your words and walking tall like a true winner.

6. Polish up that CV

Your CV needs to be concise, two sides maximum, and aligned to the job you are applying for. Divide the CV into the following six sections:-

 i)              Personal details – name; address; contact details

ii)             Career objective – clearly stating what role you want to attain and which sector you wish to work within

iii)            Education and qualifications – including further, higher and professional education

iv)            Experience – include the last 10 – 15 years. List your achievements in each position you have held rather than listing your job description

v)             Special achievements – a key part of the CV noting special awards both inside and outside of work

vi)            References

Steve Miller author of “Get Off Your *** and Grab that New Job” (Headline) £14.99 and can be contacted at www.stevemillertraining.com.