Carolyn Smith

Not all potential employers are created equal, so it is really important, before you decide to accept a job offer, or even before you prepare a job application, to decide whether this is the type of employer you really want to work for. 

Remember this is your career, so before you invest time in preparing an application, or accepting a job offer, it pays to ensure this is the sort of position you are interested in and that it provides good career prospects.

Below are some vital issues that you need to consider, plus some sample questions to ask a potential employer before, or during the interview. [Read more…] about Questions to ask a potential employer so you don’t end up with the job from hell.

SEEK’s latest drive is to get job seekers to create their very own SEEK profile, rather than just applying for jobs via job postings. The advertising goes something like this – put your talent out there – let opportunity come to you.  I’m sure you also recall their fairly recent TV advertising campaign.

With SEEK feeling the impact of LinkedIn it has tried to launch its own product.  I personally like SEEK’s company profiles, where job seekers have a really useful resource when they are applying for a job at a company with company reviews. But I don’t like the SEEK profile.  Why? [Read more…] about Why I personally don’t like the SEEK profile option

I have to confess that I’m fairly indifferent when it comes to my personal Facebook page. I’m not an avid poster of personal news and I can go weeks without checking it out (I’m currently on a 90 day Facebook detox). Whether you are an avid user, or like me, fairly indifferent, what most people don’t realise is that your Facebook page is an important tool during your job search strategy.

According to CareerBuilder’s annual social media recruitment study in 2015, the number of employers taking to social media to research applicants has risen to 52% (this is just the average, with the figure rising to 90% or more in the tech. sector). This figure is continuing to increase across all sectors and will probably become standard recruitment operating procedures.  Likewise Recruiters also use social media to assess candidates and headhunt talent. [Read more…] about Is Facebook ruining your career?

I’m sure many of you have had the experience of recruiters ignoring you, or the relationship turning stone cold. In fact this experience is not uncommon amongst many jobseekers. So the question you have to ask yourself:

Are recruiters a waste of time? [Read more…] about Are recruiters a waste of time?