Q: I saw a job advertised last night that I’m very interested in. I know I can do it, but, to be honest, the job spec has almost put me off. I don’t actually understand some of the items listed and others are not really necessary for the role, I believe. Should I walk away now or still go for it? (TG, email ).
A: Job specs are a mixed bag. And I suspect as we hit into a challenging economic time, we could see more of the scenario you outline, writes Amy O’Connor, Career Coach, Slí Nua Careers.
Job specs often appear like wish lists and the candidate with all that the spec requires hasn’t been born yet. In my view, a lot of what appears in some job specs is more suited to the contract.
It sounds to me like you have forensically gone it and reduced it to what matters. If, having penetrated the jargon and overlooked the hyperbole, you still feel you are an appropriate candidate for the job, get cracking on your application.
The over-complication of job specs is a widespread phenomenon and I have no doubt it scares off good candidates. When push comes to shove, most jobs are decided on the basis of a few criteria: and if, as seems the case, you fit the bill for what the job is ultimately about, you shouldn’t hesitate to apply.
Your application should reflect what you believe to be the key elements of the role. You needn’t exhaustively cover every single topic they have raised – indeed, by cutting to the chase in your application, you may convince them that you know what the job is actually about. That could be a good start.
How to jazz up a LinkedIn profile
Q: I’ve been using LinkedIn for a while, but I’m not getting much out of it. It feels like my profile is flat and it stimulates no contacts or job offers. Any tips? (DC, email ).
A: Yes, it’s important to keep your LinkedIn profile alive. Rather than giving you an exhaustive list of what you might do, I will just flag a new LinkedIn feature, and a LinkedIn resource, that you might find useful.
1. Video cover story: This new tool lets you customize the first ‘hello’ that visitors see when they visit your profile. As it’s new, you may be seen as someone ahead of the curve. It’s quite cool, easy to create and, as you are probably aware, video is becoming more and more popular. You can talk about your expertise, your training and your plans, for example. That’ll help you bring your profile to life. 2. If you’re really serious about your profile, check out LinkedIn For Creators (members.linkedin.com/linkedin-creators-home ). It contains a range of useful tips and will also challenge you in terms of creativity and commitment. It will lead you through an array of useful LinkedIn tools, educate you on best practice for content, help you find your target audience and show you how to optimise your profile. It will take a bit of time but the rewards should be worth it – LinkedIn is a hive of activity and you need to start getting into the game.
Slí Nua Careers (www.SliNuaCareers.com ) offer a full online service. Their services include CV preparation, interview training, public speaking and presentation skills, and career direction. For more details, visit www.slinuacareers.com
