I’m sitting at my desk, trying to focus on work, but I’m struggling. Our youngest collected her GCSE results this morning, a week after our middle one received her A-level results. For many teenagers, this marks the end of a chapter in their lives and the beginning of another. What lies ahead? (In our case … Read more
Written by Gary Hughes Congratulations on being invited to interview! This means the recruiter feels you are potentially the person they are looking for, and you now have the opportunity to confirm their opinion. While you can’t fully control how the interview will go, preparing thoroughly in advance will give you a significant advantage and … Read more
Achievements are an essential component of your CV. They showcase that you possess the skills and abilities recruiters are seeking and prove you can add value. Including achievements will set you apart from other candidates, as so many people don’t include them. Many CVs read like job descriptions, purely listing responsibilities – how will the … Read more
Nowadays, securing your dream job often requires more than just submitting your CV to online job boards and advertised roles. A high percentage (I’ve seen 70% quoted in several places) of jobs are secured through networking, rather than an advertised role. LinkedIn is a fantastic place to network and is often underutilised by job seekers. … Read more
Cover letters are an important part of most job applications so make sure you get it right. You need to sell yourself in a succinct manner and grab the reader’s attention so they want to look at your CV. So what should you include and what should you avoid when writing your letter? Using the … Read more
Recruiters see hundreds of CVs and when you apply they’re looking to see if your skill set matches the role requirements. How do you identify and showcase your skills on a CV? How to identify your skills 1. Seek input from others Ask for feedback on your hard and soft skills from family, friends, colleagues, … Read more
There aren’t set rules in CV writing but there are guidelines. Here is an outline of what to include. As the most common type of CV, I’ll focus on the sections for a reverse chronological CV. Personal Details You don’t need: Profile Key Skills Career History Voluntary Roles Education, training, and qualifications Interests Footer References
Did you know there’s more than one type of CV structure? All structures showcase your skills, experience, and achievements, but in different ways. Here I provide a summary of 4 types of CV and why you might choose them. Reverse Chronological CV Structure This format is for you if you’ve been following a natural career … Read more
Many people are still working from home, at least some of the time. They will have often been sent the correct equipment, be set up with all the software required, and have regular meetings with others. What if you’re not working and are applying for jobs from home? How can you do this effectively? Here … Read more
I’m a strong believer in learning the value of money and the importance of a good work ethic from a young age, and securing a part-time role is a key part of this. But there are hundreds of students looking for part-time roles. How can you differentiate yourself and secure that all-important interview? I can … Read more
We’ve all been there, and it is one of the most frustrating and demoralising parts of job seeking. You’ve invested lots of time and effort into submitting an amazing CV and cover letter, then regularly hit the refresh button on your inbox or eagerly await the postie for details of the anticipated job interview. Often, it … Read more
Achievements are a key (and often missing) part of your CV and prove you have the skills and abilities the recruiter is looking for, and that you can deliver results for your new employer. Can you solve their problems, impact their bottom line, increase efficiency, decrease costs, improve customer service? Many CVs read more like … Read more
Dressing for a job interview can be sartorially daunting at the best of times. In 2023, first impressions are often made virtually, making your on-screen presence just as crucial as in-person meetings. Not only do you need to consider what you wear, you also need to ensure you show yourself in the best light, quite … Read more
Has your job been impacted by COVID-19? Have you used the last few months to think about what you want to do next? Is a career change on the cards, by choice or not? In today’s rapidly evolving job market, understanding and leveraging your transferable skills can set you apart from other candidates. Especially post-COVID, … Read more
There are many reasons why you could be looking for a new CV ( e.g. you are looking for a step up the career ladder, want a career change or are returning to work after a career break) and a CV writer (e.g. you just don’t have the time to write it yourself or know … Read more