Although I have been back a few weeks now, my Italian adventure is still on my mind. We had such a fabulous time, enjoying everything the country has to offer. The warm welcome, the food, and the sights. Did I mention the food?
In Rome, my family enjoyed referencing some of the famous proverbs and idioms inspired by the eternal city. Even on holiday, the job search is never far from my thoughts. I started thinking about how these famous words can provide inspiration for jobseekers.
This renowned phrase is reported to reference the Milliarium Aureum, a monument which may still be present in the Roman Forum. It was the milestone from which all roads within the Roman Empire were measured, and to which all Roman roads were said to lead.
In the job search, all activities should take you closer to your identified career goals. Getting really clear on your destination will help you to recognise if you are moving closer, and to tell when you have arrived.
If you are unsure about your career direction, why not tune in to this recent podcast on how to determine your career path? It outlines some practical tools which will help you get clear on your career goals and define your next move, BEFORE you start writing your CV.
We loved bandying this phrase about when we were in Rome, using it as an excuse for all sorts of mischief including excessive consumption of pizza and pasta. The phrase in full: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’, refers to following the crowd and accepted best practice.
For jobseekers, the phrase might be translated as ‘When seeking a job, do what jobseekers are doing.’ By this, I mean, when seeking a new role, it’s important to use the tools and approaches that gets results in today’s recruitment market.
Using social media in your job search is one such approach. Towards the close of 2014, I was delighted to participate in a Guardian Careers’ debate on how to use social media to get a job. The top tips shared by the panel of experts are outlined here, and should give you some useful pointers on your online profile.
Quantifying your achievements is now a must to stand out in a competitive job market. It’s no longer enough to state veni vidi vici (I came, I saw, I conquered), as Julius Caesar supposedly did. Recruiters cannot be appeased by bread and circuses. You need to state where you have been, what exactly you saw, and by what degree you conquered it. Check out this recent blog on how to quantify achievements on your CV, even when you think your input isn’t measurable.
Another aspect of the changing job search landscape is the advent of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), used by recruiters to manage CVs, access applicant data, and identify the best candidates for each position. Find out here why you need to beat the ATS to land an interview.
This phrase originated as a French proverb, and was taken on by the English in the 16th century. It is now used to remind the listener that good work takes time, and to encourage patience in return for longer-term gain.
As a jobseeker, it’s important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s rare to get overnight results, so try to remain patient and accept that an important change takes time to achieve. Build your case brick by brick and remember a solid foundation will serve you better in the long term.
Tracking progress against written goals can hearten the despondent job seeker. Find out here why your job search needs to start with written goals to be successful.
If your job search is taking longer than anticipated, remember to track your job search. Check out this blog to find out how.
I hope this week’s blog has given you the inspiration you need to improve your CV and job search tactics.
The main thing is to be proactive. Don’t rest on your laurels. Carpe Diem!
Lis McGuire
Latest posts by Lis McGuire (see all)
- Confused about your next steps? - December 18, 2020
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