DON’T copy these poisonous traits from The Apprentice to get a brand new job

The Apprentice is again on our screens once more, with one other 18 entrepreneurs hoping to safe a £250,000 enterprise funding from Lord Alan Sugar.  

Now on its eighteenth collection, the veteran businessman has seen all of it – from outrageously assured candidates to spectacular job failures and staff in-fighting. 

Contestants face the wrath of Lord Sugar within the boardroom because the hit present begins its 18th collection

The actuality present could be team-focused, however with every contestant out solely for themselves, it does not provide essentially the most compelling picture of a optimistic office tradition.

Perhaps there may be not a lot to be taught from contestants on the present about tips on how to safe your dream job – however there are undoubtedly some good examples of what to not do. 

We spoke to careers consultants to learn how it’s best to actually go about your job search, and the way it’s best to act when you efficiently nab a brand new position.

How to put in writing an incredible CV 

Constructing a CV is a troublesome stability. While you need to inform the employer all about your achievements and what you may carry to the position, you do not need to come throughout as boastful or over-sell your expertise and expertise. 

As we have seen time and time once more on The Apprentice, those that make inflated claims on their CV at all times get discovered in the long run. 

Lorraine Twist, a director at recruitment agency Hays, says it’s best to focus in your particular expertise somewhat than basic attributes, and present how they apply to the job in query. 

‘In an period of skills-based hiring, it is vital to be particular in regards to the expertise you may carry to the desk as a substitute of relying in your {qualifications} or expertise to do the speaking,’ she says. 

‘Rather than reeling off the day-to-day obligations a earlier job entailed, make sure you show how the expertise and expertise you could have below your belt are transferable and related to the job in query.’

Another piece of recommendation The Apprentice candidates appear to have missed is to keep away from utilizing buzzwords. 

Ray’n Terry, human assets director at CompleteJobs, says: ‘[Don’t] overly depend on buzzwords. Buzzwords can simply detract from the important thing expertise and genuine self you need to spotlight in your CV.’

She provides that candidates ought to bear in mind to concentrate to the finer particulars, ensuring their resume is readable and steers away from cliches. 

‘Check for typos. Spelling errors will distract out of your real-life expertise and may break all of the exhausting work put right into a CV,’ she says. 

‘If you may, ask a buddy or member of the family and even an AI instrument to go over it with a recent set of eyes.’

No errors: A shoddy CV will not impress a hard-to-please boss like Lord Sugar

When it involves the structure and format, it’s best to be clear and never too wordy.  

Career knowledgeable and writer James Innes, also referred to as The Jobs Guru, says: ‘It is crucial to your CV to be simple for the reader to scan rapidly and successfully. 

‘You have to separate completely different sections and insert clear part headings. Avoid lengthy paragraphs; use bullet pointing to interrupt up textual content into extra manageable bite-size chunks.’

It additionally helps to analysis what CVs sometimes appear to be in your trade, as there could also be completely different expectations relying on the kind of position you’re going for. 

David Overmars of recruitment web site Jobseeker.com says: ‘Craft your CV with a transparent, skilled format, specializing in related experiences and achievements that match the job description you are making use of for. 

‘Always needless to say CV expectations range from trade to trade – the inventive arts will commonly require way more emphasis on the visible format of your resume, for instance.’

Nerves are pure: Employers should not mark you down for being barely anxious, says Terry

Tips for impressing at an interview

With a robust CV behind you, you would possibly discover that you’ve bagged an interview to your dream job and the possibility to show your self to an employer. 

The Apprentice candidates would possibly boast of being super-confident below stress, however for most individuals it is a daunting job.

According to CompleteJobs’ Terry, nerves are completely pure and never one thing most employers can be important of. 

‘Remember, pleasure and nervousness really feel the identical in your physique. It exhibits that one thing vital is about to occur,’ she says. ‘No one ought to mark you down for being nervous in an interview.’

More vital, says Terry, is that you do not current a false persona. 

‘You need to exhibit your truest, most genuine self or it might be a mismatch later down the road,’ she says. 

Careers knowledgeable James Innes warns that not researching the position beforehand is likely one of the worst errors a candidate could make

For Innes, the important thing to acing your interview comes lengthy earlier than your step into the room.

He says: ‘The key to stopping pre-interview jitters is to arrange your self completely. We concern what we do not know and what we won’t management, but there may be a lot you are able to do to plan and put together to your interview – and the primary merchandise in your record needs to be to completely analysis the job in query.

‘Not figuring out the ins and outs of a job is among the many worst blunders you can also make in an interview – as is failing to exhibit to the interviewer the way you meet the necessities for the job.’

One factor interviewees would possibly be taught from the confident candidates on The Apprentice is that it does pay to place a optimistic spin on issues. Even if there are unfavorable experiences which have made you need to depart your present position, it’s not a good suggestion to air these grievances in entrance of your potential new boss. 

‘Always current your self positively,’ says Overmars. ‘Avoid unfavorable remarks about previous roles or employers, and interact actively with the interviewer to exhibit your curiosity and competency. 

‘This method exhibits your professionalism and real curiosity in contributing to their staff.’

Appearances additionally make a distinction, Twist tells This is Money, so it’s important to reach on time and to decorate appropriately.

‘Be acutely aware of your physique language and eye contact that will help you come throughout as assured and approachable,’ she says.

Put your finest foot ahead in your new job  

Having made a profitable utility, and delivered a profitable efficiency on the interview stage, a job provide would possibly simply be across the nook.

However, touchdown your self a brand new job doesn’t suggest you could have a possibility to relaxation in your laurels. as a substitute, it’s time to show to your new employer that you’re value what they’re paying you.

‘Make a poor first impression and also you may not have the ability to get well from it,’ Innes says. 

‘How rapidly do you sum up somebody you have simply met? It’s most likely simply a few minutes. Make positive that you simply make a robust first impression on everybody you meet – begin your new relationships off on a optimistic foot. Start as you imply to go on.’

Beyond first impressions, additionally it is vital to focus your efforts on constructing relationships with members of your new staff. 

Don’t take any notes from The Apprentice, the place candidates consistently converse over one another and assume nothing of throwing staff members below the bus within the boardroom. 

Instead, consultants recommending lively listening to colleagues, asking questions and exhibiting a willingness to be taught.

Overmars says: ‘When you land your subsequent position it’s best to embrace it with enthusiasm, looking for alternatives to be taught and combine into the staff.’

The Jobseekers.com knowledgeable additionally recommends making an attempt what he calls the ‘sure development’. 

‘This is the place you actively settle for all optimistic alternatives introduced to you throughout your first month,’ he explains. 

‘These can embrace studying experiences, espresso breaks with a supervisor and even deliberate “fun” actions that the corporate might provide.

‘This will put you in the very best place to completely ingratiate into any staff. But after all, solely ever say sure in case you are comfy with doing what’s on provide.’

When it comes down as to whether or not it’s best to actually emulate the contestants on The Apprentice, Terry warns that teamwork is vital. 

‘You should not act like success is solely down to 1 particular person,’ she says. ‘Everyone’s contribution is legitimate and brings one thing completely different to the staff.’