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How many of us are fed up in our jobs? You've been doing the same thing for ten years. The guy next to you has B.O. The woman opposite won't stop talking. Another colleague always leaves the wrong phone number on messages. We've all been there. But is that enough to make you want to change jobs. They say you're a long time retired - well you're even longer working. So, rather than apply for that job offering wads of cash - be wary if they offer limitless on target earnings, because you won't achieve them - review your current situation. If you've been doing your job for years, you have the advantage of being in the comfort zone. You know where everything is, you know what's required of you and you can virtually do the job with your eyes closed. If you move, all of a sudden, you will have to start as the new kid on the block all over again. And it may not be comfortable.

But, if after appraising your situation, you conclude you need a fresh challenge, then go for it. Before you get in your application though, do some research on the company that has sparked your interest. Is it a reputable firm? What does it do? Find out everything you can about it - and even try to talk to some people who already work there. If you are still impressed, then take care over your application.
That initial CV is the first impression your potential employers will get of you. Keep it brief and to the point. There could be hundreds of other applicants and the employer will want to sift through them all pretty quickly. State the basic facts - personal details such as name, address, date of birth, education, work history, interests and referees. Do not write a huge essay - it won't get read. Add a covering letter, again briefly stating why you are interested in the job and what you can offer the firm. Try to show a bit of spark - stand out from the crowd while not trying to appear to be something you are not. Do you telephone the firm after sending your application or not? Well, that depends. If you have a valid query, then by all means. You might even call to check your application has been received. But do not hassle the firm - that will go against you.
Right, so you get the interview. Put in plenty of preparation in the days leading up to it. Do detailed research on the company and the job. Prepare yourself to be confident. It's you the firm wants to know about. So, the more talking you do the better, although you must be careful not to chunter away for the sake of it. If you are asked a question you don't understand, make that clear. Say something like, "I'm sorry, please could you repeat that." Don't squirm and struggle to answer something for the sake of it. On the day of the interview, leave plenty of time to arrive - if you get there late, you can virtually kiss good bye to the vacancy. And dress smart.
Above all, my number one tip to people attending interviews is - remember, it's not just you on 'trial'. Relax. The company has got to sell itself to you. You're a potential valuable member of staff. Make the person interviewing you realize that they are also being interviewed. You have to make a decision as to whether the firm matches up to your requirements. Be careful not to portray this in an arrogant way. If you like what you see, well then you'll get back to the firm and let them know if you want to accept the post!

Learn more about this author, Phil Hill.
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