Getting the job you want, with the agency you want

Looking for a new role can be a challenge, for some it's exciting, for others daunting. One thing however is common for all - when you find a role, and a company, that fits you like a glove it is heavenly. The stakes are high which is why you should aim to be more appealing than the rest.

So, we all have a list of companies that we would like to work for - those who we think are ahead of the rest, seem to care about their people, win loads of awards or have a great reputation. Whatever the reason, you will know who they are. So how do you bag yourself a job with them?

The first step is to get your foot in the door. So here are some tips that can send you to the top of the pile.

Practice what you preach - I'm sure that during the interview process you will wow the audience with ideas and evidence of how you have propelled a company's reputation with neat campaigns. Now think of yourself as that company - how would can you maximise your coverage to your agencies of choice?

Do your homework - search websites, news, who's who, their people, networking opportunities, speaker engagements, cool stuff they're doing,  industry events, follow them on Twitter, and get Linked In.  Make their business your business.

Put them first - whether it is a CV, a covering letter, or meeting, make sure they know what you can do for them. Cover letters may explain why you are a good candidate, but take it one step further, explain why taking you on will benefit their business, and bingo!

Do something that gets you noticed  - show you understand it's all about communication. Do something memorable and relevant. They may love it, they may not, but you can guarantee they will remember it. As an example of some brilliant ways to get noticed (and maybe even land a job along the way) check this and this out. Just brilliant!

Go direct and not through a recruitment agency - it shows initiative and confidence. Going through an agency is a contradiction and could well work against you. PR agencies will always be on the lookout for hot talent, whether or not they have vacancies, so assume you're on!

Of course the initial contact is only the first step in getting your name on a desk, but my advice is to target the companies you want to work with, and come up with an interesting and relevant way to get noticed. As the well worn cliché says, you never get a second chance to make a first impression - it's well worn for a reason.

Lisa