On the fast track

Start by getting your CV up to speed.

Ask yourself, what is your unique selling point – the thing that will set you apart from all other applicants as the person a prospective employer really needs? Think about your experiences so far: it could be something as simple as being an excellent team-player,

or perhaps you have experience from another sector or a different aspect of housing, giving you a unique perspective.

Once you’ve found “the” advert, give yourself plenty of time to do your application – depending on the type of job you’re applying for, it could take from several hours to a couple of days, but it’s time well invested. Read the job description properly and tailor your experience to what they say they need.

If you’re invited for interview, do your homework properly. Get your hands on all the bumpf from the organisation, from business plans and annual reports to tenants and resident newsletters to leaflets about aspects of the organisations’ services. Check the organisation’s website and that of the Audit Commission – has the organisation had an inspection recently? Are there any issues to consider for your interview? Make sure you demonstrate this knowledge.

Before the big day, ring and ask

questions about the job and the organisation, its vision and aspirations – there’s usually a named contact person and it always looks good if you do this. In the interview, use this research to show you understand and can contribute to achieving the organisation’s ambitions – it will give you a head start on other candidates.

Finally, if you’re unsuccessful this time, learn from the interview so when your perfect job does come along, you’re even better prepared. Get feedback and put it into practice next time.