The other day, I took delivery of a new careers book. I’d been looking forward to reading Willorna Brock’s ‘The Art of Job Hunting: Myths, Secrets and Truths‘ and it didn’t disappoint. Willorna and I had been discussing her book a few months ago and she invited me to her virtual book launch earlier this month.
Willorna is well-placed to contribute in this space. Over the years she’s successfully secured a wide variety of jobs in different sectors, including teaching, recruitment and HR. She’s therefore sat on both sides of the hiring table and has much wisdom and advice to share. Here are a few of my key take-aways.
1. Use a SWOT analysis when considering different jobs.
I’d not thought of using the SWOT analysis in this way before. It’s a great way to identify what you have going for you in relation to a particular job role. Exploring your strengths can help you define your Brand. You can also identify any gaps (Weaknesses) in your knowledge, experience and skills and consider how to fill these. Focusing on Opportunities enables you to consider who you know who may be able to help. Threats gets you to ask what the competition for the job may be.
Building a picture of what you have and what you need and increasing your self-awareness makes it more likely you’ll succeed.
2. Encouraging younger readers to take advantage of the careers support available to then in FE and at Uni.
Those of us working in HE Careers are always surprised to find students appear to be unaware of our support despite our efforts to promote our services to students in many different ways, so it’s great to have a mention in the book!
3. Document your successes and failures
Willorna recommends capturing both your successes and failures- and reflecting on the learning for each. These will provide rich examples to draw on for STAR examples in applications and at interview.
4. Illustration through personal examples
In each section of the book, Willorna provides personal examples from her own experience which makes the book feel much more ‘real’ to the reader. For example, how, when Willorna wanted to work in a particular bank, she did her research before writing a speculative letter, leading to a job offer.
5. Practical advice
Actual examples of documents help job seekers to understand see what a good CV should look like and really understand what’s important to know about the recruitment process. There is a range of examples designed to take out some of the heavy lifting of making job applications.
- CV layout and tips
- Cover letter
- LinkedIn advice
- Speculative letters
- Telephone interview tips
- Possible interview questions you may be asked
- Questions you might ask the interview panel
- How long your answers to questions should be (2 minutes- a handy tip!)
- What to do if you receive more than one job offer
- Useful weblinks with access to free resources and information for job seekers.
5. Encouragement
Each chapter begins with a positive mantra which provides reassurance to the reader. Willorna’s warmth and support for the reader is evident throughout.
6. Myths, secrets and truths
Willorna debunks popular misconceptions and provides illumination around job hunting. For example: Truth: employers will check your social media profile.
Recommendation
This book would make a great gift for any young job hunters or those who have been out of work for a while. Willorna provides practical advice and support. Each step feels entirely do-able. The real life personal examples she provides bring the theory to life. It feels as though the author is holding your hand as you work though the practical exercises, willing you on.
Willorna Brock: author, consultant, senior HR professional, educationalist, linguist
