Jobs and Careers - Hilary Devey 2012 - (Page 43)

job hunt reading between the lines Codes CrYPTIC aCrOnYMs anD languagE unCOvErED… ✱ O.T.E On Target Earnings. Most commonly found on job advertisements for sales positions; the salary stated is subject to you meeting the targets set by the organisation. Your basic salary is likely to be a lot less. Find out what they really mean decoding job WORDS: Jessie Bland | PICTURES: Getty Images, Shutterstock ✱ D.O.E Dependent On Experience. Many job adverts now state this, rather than a concrete salary figure. This typically means there is room for manoeuvre depending upon the individual candidate, their qualifications and experience to date. ✱ PrO raTa This is usually stated next to an annual salary, when advertising a part-time position. It means that your income will be proportionate to the hours you will work: if your contracted hours are half that of the full-time role, you will be paid half the amount stated. et’s face it: reading, and what’s more understanding, job advertisements can prove quite a challenge. In the same way that many candidates are guilty of using catchall phrases to summarise their skills and experience, employers often use similar standard terms and language when describing their ideal employee. And so, making sense of job specifications is the first step to application success. L adverts or assignments independently – a confident approach is required. Competitive salary and benefits A demanding work environment “Demanding” implies that the job will be a high-pressured role: expect tight deadlines and long hours as part and parcel of such a position. This may instil fear in some, but if you thrive in a fast-paced working environment and are organised, it could be the ideal role for you. When an employer states “competitive” this typically signals that the salary is in line with industry standards, similar to comparable roles in other organisations. But, if you don’t actually know what the industry standard is, it’s advisable to ask for specifics early on in your application process to avoid misplaced expectations. Self-starter An employer who states they’re looking for a self-starter is searching for a proactive candidate – one who is willing to take initiative rather than be spoonfed. So be warned: this will not be a role where you will be hand-held, you’ll need to hit the floor running and deal with projects Flexible hours Market leader This generally means one of two things: either that you may have to work unpaid overtime hours on a regular basis or that the organisation provides options for home-working. Find out what individual employers mean before accepting a role. Many organisations will attribute this title to themselves, but don’t just take their word for it. Be sure to research the company before you meet your employer. The size of the company and the latest industry news will help determine its importance and clout in their particular industry. www.jobsandcareersmag.com 043 http://www.jobsandcareersmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers - Hilary Devey 2012

Hilary's hello
News
The home office
Dress to impress
The woman at the top
Your guide to education
Intern success
What do you mean?
CV don’ts
The thrill of the search
Money matters
Moving on.
Let’s get medical
Medical know-how
Caring and sharing
A senior moment?
Keeping it clean
Going global
Funeral services
Home sweet home
Constructing a career
As good as new
Power on
Engineering heroes
Changing gear
A bright spark!
Water work
Bank on it
Insure your career
Nice supplies
Get creative!
Don’t sell yourself short
Food for thought
Hilary Devey Q&A
Get connected
Online round-up

Jobs and Careers - Hilary Devey 2012