Use Your Initiative
Be ahead of the game and land yourself a great opportunity
Be ahead of the game and land yourself a great opportunity
"Use your initiative!" but what does that even mean?
Using your initiative is more than just a skill, it is a way of thinking, it's problem solving and creativity combined. In thinking about your next steps, using your initiative is all about setting yourself apart from the rest, showcasing your unique selling points in a desirable way to the employer, and could make the difference in getting you the job!
Below are some ways you can use your initiative in your job search:
Using your initiative is more than just a skill, it is a way of thinking, it's problem solving and creativity combined. In thinking about your next steps, using your initiative is all about setting yourself apart from the rest, showcasing your unique selling points in a desirable way to the employer, and could make the difference in getting you the job!
Below are some ways you can use your initiative in your job search:
SPECULATIVE APPLICATIONS
What is a Speculative Application?
A speculative application is when you send an employer your CV with a cover letter when a specific job has not been advertised. Speculative applications are usually emailed but can be sent by post or handed in in person to an employer. A well thought out speculative application can demonstrate to an employer that you are a proactive and motivated individual.
Why send a Speculative Application?
A speculative application is when you send an employer your CV with a cover letter when a specific job has not been advertised. Speculative applications are usually emailed but can be sent by post or handed in in person to an employer. A well thought out speculative application can demonstrate to an employer that you are a proactive and motivated individual.
Why send a Speculative Application?
- Some companies don’t always advertise when they have available jobs.
- You may be looking for seasonal work.
- You may be looking for an internship.
COLD CALLING
What is Cold Calling?
Cold calling is when you call a business directly without knowing if there are any jobs available.
Why Do It?
In today's society it is implied that young people do not like to speak on the phone anymore, whether true or not, a well-prepared cold call to a business you have researched shows initiative. Even if there aren’t any current jobs available when you call, you may be offered work experience or given information about a forthcoming job opportunity.
Cold calling is when you call a business directly without knowing if there are any jobs available.
Why Do It?
In today's society it is implied that young people do not like to speak on the phone anymore, whether true or not, a well-prepared cold call to a business you have researched shows initiative. Even if there aren’t any current jobs available when you call, you may be offered work experience or given information about a forthcoming job opportunity.
cold calling TIPS FOR SUCCESS
OBJECTION handling
Getting past the 'gatekeeper' is often the biggest hurdle in any cold call or speculative approach. Here are some examples of how you might respond to any challenges you are met with.
JOB WALKS
What is a Job Walk?
A Job Walk is when you physically walk into an employer’s premises and give them your CV.
Smaller businesses and those from certain sectors, such as charities, may not have the resources – financial or human – required to process the volume of applications created by job ads. In this case they may place job adverts in their window as they can fill vacancies from direct approaches.
Why Do It?
Approaching an employer when you have a genuine interest in their organisation, or skills that can add value, can be viewed very positively and may result in an interview or even a job.
A Job Walk is when you physically walk into an employer’s premises and give them your CV.
Smaller businesses and those from certain sectors, such as charities, may not have the resources – financial or human – required to process the volume of applications created by job ads. In this case they may place job adverts in their window as they can fill vacancies from direct approaches.
Why Do It?
Approaching an employer when you have a genuine interest in their organisation, or skills that can add value, can be viewed very positively and may result in an interview or even a job.
