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Posts Tagged: job search

Job search: Training programs for young professionals

Monday, November 14, 2011 | Category: General Information | No comments

There are many companies out there that offer training programs for the potential young employees. These training programs aim to introduce a company to a trainee and demonstrate what a trainee could expect from certain positions. What are these training programs and how do they differ across sectors? Should you consider such path, or do you need to go with the direct-entry jobs? What questions should you ask before accepting temporary training contract? Read on to explore what it’s all about…

 

What are your options in choosing your training program?

 

There is no fixed definition of what training program is. Both the length and the content of such programs vary significantly from company to company, and from sector to sector. In most cases, training programs target mainly university graduates. The aim that companies pursue here is to turn trainees into versatile junior employees. For this to come true, training programs usually last from 12 to 24 months, with two to three months at various departments and sometimes also foreign offices. By working in multiple locations/departments, trainees learn about the company’s structure and get to think and act across departments. In addition to the general training programs, there are specific technical programs, in which a trainee goes through various levels of their major department, where they plan on being permanently hired. Oftentimes, however, employers do not know exactly in which role in the organization the trainee will end up. After the training program is over, a trainee might be considered for several positions and departments.

 

What salary can you expect?

 

Trainee salaries differ significantly, depending on the industry and the region. Salaries range from less than 10,000 € to more than 50,000 € gross per year. Two essential factors here are the industry and the size of the company.

 

What do various programs offer?

 

Besides giving you hands-on experience with the company, training programs often offer special soft-skills seminars to build the qualities essential for leadership roles. Another typical element of trainee programs are networking events. These serve to ensure that managers from various departments know the trainees personally, which will help to collaborate across the organization in the future. Although many graduates initially sign the contract only for the duration of the program, the companies are highly interested in hiring the trainees permanently, due to the high investment in training (training itself, travel costs, soft-skills seminars, networking events, etc.), provided that the trainee meets all expectations.

 

How difficult is to get in?

 

Companies set high standards for applicants, and this is particularly true for corporations active on international arena. Oftentimes, a minimum that training programs require are a good university degree, some experience abroad, relevant soft skills and relevant practical experiences. For the medium-sized companies, graduates with less than “A” in all disciplines also get real chances to be accepted into a training program. Until recent years, training programs were mainly available for the graduates of economics and finance. Meanwhile, however, companies are also increasingly offering trainings for engineers, computer science graduates, lawyers and students of social disciplines.

 

What should you ask yourself before going for training programs?

 

Before you decide on go to a training program, you should gather a lot of information about it to avoid potential unpleasant revelations.

 

We suggest that you make sure the following points are clear to you:

 

- How long is this training program?
- How will your work be structured? Will you get to work in different departments?
- If yes, how long will you stay in each department?
- Will you travel abroad?
- Will you have a mentor or another person responsible to take care of you during the program?
- Will there be any professional and personal development trainings and seminars?
- What specific tasks will you be responsible for?
- Will you have your own projects?
- Will you receive a temporary contract for the duration of the training program, or a permanent contract?
- If it is a temporary contract, what are the prospects for a subsequent employment?
- How likely are you to get a job after this training program?

 

These are the questions you could investigate online, and/or ask the former or current trainees in the company, as well as the person in charge of the training program.
If you find that the position suits your aspirations for the future career and offers a smooth transition into employment, don’t hesitate and go for it. As the practice shows, many graduates have found their permanent jobs through training programs.

Looking for a job – where to start?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 | Category: General Information | No comments

If you plan to engage in one of your first job searches, you might not know where to begin. To tell you honestly, even if it is far from your first job search, you may still feel confused about this process. Here are a few tips for you to gain momentum in your search.

 

What to do first?

 

First of all cool down. When you stay focused and organized, job search may become – if not to say an entertainment – but at least a pleasurable activity. Those still in school, make sure to take full advantage of the career services in your university. Get advice on CV writing and interview skills, attend skill-building workshops, have a couple of mock interviews and be ready to ask direct questions, including “How do I start looking for a job”? Take advantage of the free CV check available at Jobzippers and generally use any opportunity to talk with someone experienced about your career planning and your further steps.

 

Where to look?

 

Start with sitting down and thinking about what type of opportunities you’re looking for. Make a list of top 10 or 20 companies where you would like to work most. Then go ahead and target the companies of your interest. Keep a close eye on the positions through regularly looking at companies’ websites and reading industry magazines.

 

You need to be persistent, so don’t hesitate to call a company after you have applied to confirm they have received your application. You can also get an internship with the company of your interest first and by working hard gradually earn a permanent contract. Besides, it can provide you with excellent experience and improve you CV, which may open up a career for you later on.

 

If you are unsure about the companies of your interest or don’t have any particular ones in mind, you can look at newspapers, websites and agencies or just surf through different companies’ websites. If you are certain of the roles you’re looking for, you may apply directly on the companies’ websites. It can be difficult though to be aware of all the different roles that are open to you. Using job web sites with search engines can help you solve this problem by finding exactly what you require through specifying different industries, locations and sectors. They will save you much time and effort from having to look for jobs as you will be given a comprehensive list of jobs that may suit your needs.

 

Who to talk to?

 

– Your friends, ex-colleagues, and previous bosses

 

Most job opportunities nowadays tend to come through our networks and the networks of our networks. Try developing your networking skills early in your career and make sure to nurture your networks all the time, not just when you need them.

 

Write down all the people you know and contact them. Let them know you’re searching for a job, what you would be interested in hearing about, and how they can help. Keep it nice and short and don’t sound like you’re begging.

 

– Recruiters in your field

 

It is very important to start building relationships with recruiters early in your career. Find out which recruiting firms work in your field and make initial contacts. Even if the recruiter doesn’t have any job opportunity that suits you at the moment of your query, letting them know you’re in search of opportunities keeps you on their radar. Check in occasionally.

 

Use the power of the web

 

– Look for people with similar backgrounds on LinkedIn

 

This can give you an understanding of what backgrounds suit specific job types. Check for people with similar experiences you have to see what kind of job they are engaged in. When surfing through your target companies, look for what types of professionals they look for in new hires. This will help you to position yourself better. You can check out statistics on the employees at the company such as charts that show job functions, years of work experience, degree type, and universities attended by the company employee population. You can also see which companies those employees used to work for or leave to work for, which will help you discover other companies with similar interests.

 

– Check your profiles online

 

Update all of your social network profiles, including your Facebook profile. Your activities on Facebook will show people in your network that you actively participate online, which means you’ll be in the forefront of their minds. Make sure your profile information on both Facebook and LinkedIn is complete so prospective employers can easily find you.

 

What is the key?

 

There is such a variety of opportunities everywhere that the key is to stay organized. Keep track of your applications and recruiters’ response to them. You can use a simple Excel spreadsheet or a fancier tool like JibberJobber to organize and manage your search. A disorganized job search can make your experience really frustrating, and you won’t be able to assess your job searching style. Keep a log of each application, date, contact, progress and feedback. This will help you with the time management and you will never find yourself in an awkward situation where you get called for an interview and you’re not quite sure for which position you have applied.

 

Don’t stress!

 

If you haven’t been given a role, don’t panic! If you were refused way too many times, don’t panic! It can take time to get the job that you want, so keep trying. It is always good to ask for feedback to know why your application was turned down. We live in the very competitive times and everyone is struggling just as you are. Make sure not to give up, constantly improve your CV as well as your career skillset and you’ll get where you want to be.