TransCIV
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Facts of Changing Jobs

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 1:24 am

There are many myths around the elements needed to change jobs.  There is a plethora of information and templates freely available on the internet that it makes people believe this must be so simple because there is so much free stuff out there.

For those who have changed jobs before, you only wish it were that simple.  If you’re changing careers for the first time, its best to go into this with your eyes wide open and don’t fall into the traps many job seekers do, especially those transitioning from a Defence career.  If you follow our guidance, you will avoid the landmines we hit during our transition

Here are some facts of changing jobs that are mostly not known:

  • The amount of stress associated with changing jobs or careers is widely recognised as being up there with moving house, divorce or a death in the family. 
  • According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average time to gain new employment in 2014 was 13 weeks (three months).
  • Most people think gaining new employment is easier than it actually is.
  • The average number of people applying for jobs advertised on seek.com.au is over 100 (over to 300 for admin jobs).
  • Applying for more jobs with the one CV won’t increase your chances of getting an interview.  It only increases the knock backs.
  • Generic CVs don't give you more options, they too only increrase the amount of knock backs.
  • Applications (CV/Résumé, Cover Letters and Selection Criteria) are deemed as effective only if they get you to the job interview.  Not if they look pretty or have many buzz words, or conform to what is freely available on the internet.
  • The only thing that makes an application effective is how it matches the requirement of the vacancy.
  • Some people lie on their applications – therefore employers are wary of what is written on a CV (ie, it must be believable and consistent throughout)
  • Some people are great at interviewing and very poor at working - therefore employers are extremely watchful and risk averse throughout the interview stage.  In addition to determining if you can do the job, they are also looking to see “where is the risk in hiring you”.
  • Exiting Defence members are behind the 8-ball in the open job market – because you’re competing against people who are constantly thinking about other employment opportunities and how what they are doing can be brought out in their next job interview.  This process becomes second nature to them.  Therefore you may need to play catch up and overtake civilians to win jobs.  The amount of effort you put in will determine how quickly you get there.
  • It continues to be proven that when people use the Trans-Civ CV format and interview process, they win jobs.
  • Time unemployed costs you and your family - yes that sounds obvious, but many don’t realise it until its too late! The longer you’re unemployed, the less confident you become. The pressure to find employment to support your family only compounds things. When you cpombine a lkack of confidence, increased stress and financial pressure, your ability to take advantage of a good opportunity when it presents may be significantly reduced.

For help in winning your dream job and not becoming another statistic, call us on 1300 366 104 or Contact Us using our web form and we’ll get in touch with you.