Candidates
I want to know what’s most important to you about your next job. Is it who you’re working for, what they do, what you’ll be doing, what you’ll be learning? How far do you want to travel, how much do you want to be paid?
You might be the next Richard Branson or Steven Bartlett, and I can help you take the next step on your career journey.
But also your hours, your time, and flexibility are important too. What’s your situation? Do you have a side hustle, a family, a pack of dogs? Would you like to be able to cycle to work? Are you working close enough to home, or far enough so your commute can be wind down time?
Let’s talk about what’s important to you HERE
CV Tips
I’ve seen a lot of CVs over the years, the good the bad and the ugly, so here’s my top tips for preparing yours:
Remember your CV is a sales tool – if someone isn’t hooked by the middle of page one, you’re probably going to lose them, so make sure all the key information is right at the top.
Beware the photo – of course it’s lovely to put a face to a name, but remember, your photo could stir some unconscious bias in the reader.
The best CVs are targeted to the role you are applying for so it’s worth investing time in more than one version: By all means create a generic one to post online, but always tweak it to highlight your knowledge of the requirements of each role you apply for.
Use keywords – if your CV is posted on the job boards ensure that you use lots of keywords to make you findable in a search. Use as many keywords as you can!
Give company/industry information as well as your job title –Sales order processing is a very different skill in a mail order company than in a specialist pharmaceutical supplier.
Explain gaps – it might be something engaging, so put it in. If your gap was spent aimlessly unemployed, then maybe own it. Can you say, “I was young, and I didn’t have any direction, but now I am on a mission”?
The length of your CV isn’t important. Don’t waffle or add in filler to make it longer, but if you have 4 pages of interesting and relevant information then include it all.
Formatting is crucial – does your spacing make it easier to read? Is your font choice clear and professional? Being accessible will mean more of it will be read.
Always check and check again – I have seen “excelnt attention to detail” on a CV which will probably send you straight to the bin. Don’t rely on spellcheck alone – it won’t spot an “our” instead of an “out”. Spelling and grammar are important, as you will be sending documents on behalf of the organisation you work for so always remember you only get one chance at a first impression.
Upload a CV
Interview Tips
Preparation is key!
Ask your recruiter for their inside knowledge of the company the person you are seeing and what they are looking for. Let’s chat!
Learn about the company – in the days of LinkedIn and online information you can learn so much about a company. There is no need for you to recite the first page of the website: “you were founded in 1965 and you moved to the area in 1985.” No. Think about company culture, mission, clients and competitors so you can really demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm
Learn about the role – what responsibilities in the job description have you had before? Think of examples of when you’ve done these in the past. What would you need to learn for the role, and how would you help yourself to learn it?
Don’t be late – aim to arrive 15 minutes before the interview time slot. If it is a video call, be logged on before the start time – try to be there first!
Video calls – check your set up, what is behind you? How is the lighting? Can you bring the camera up to face height so the interviewer isn’t looking up your nose? If you don’t do video calls often, consider a practice run with a friend.
What to wear – when it comes to what to wear overdressing is always better than underdressing. A full suit might not be necessary, but it will only be noted in a positive way, whereas jeans will rarely give the right impression. The world is changing, so ask your recruiter or interviewer about the expected dress code, then go up a level.
Feedback – call your recruiter straight after the interview. They can pass on to the client how you feel about the role, and can mitigate any clangers that you might have dropped! If you are interviewing directly, it’s always a good idea to follow up with a “thank you for having me” email to show your enthusiasm and professionalism.
Body language – sitting up straight, a good handshake, eye contact (at a comfortable level!) and a smile will make a huge difference to the impression you will make. If you’re uncomfortable with physical contact, perhaps have your hands full to avoid that part. If eye contact is difficult for you then pick a spot on an eyebrow if you can, or make intermittent eye contact when you can.
