Job hunting post pandemic

Job hunting during and post pandemic Up to February/March 2020, the job market had been candidate driven – as in there was a real shortage of candidates across sectors, from technology through to retail and hospitality. The tables have well and truly turned and companies are now shedding staff, or worse – closing up shop[…]

First and lasting impressions at interview

First and lasting impressions at interview Recently I have had feedback from 2  separate clients about 2 candidates that didn’t get any further than first stage interview. This was of course 90% due to their performance in the actual interview situation, but one of the more standout comments fed back, was that on both occasions,[…]

CV templates – get in front of the Hiring Manager and past the robots

CV templates – get in front of the Hiring Manager and past the robots After reading (at a conservative estimate) 10-15 CVs per working day over a 20 year period, it’s safe to say, I have seen some excellent ones and some not so good ones. Sadly the poor ones outweigh the stand-out ones, which[…]

Bringing good manners back to recruitment

Picture the scene – you are frantically sending out multiple job applications per day, crafting a cover note for each, tweaking your CV to highlight your pertinent experience relevant to the job you are applying for – and you get nothing back, if you are very “lucky” – an auto-response, acknowledging your application. As a[…]

Interviews – preparation & actual meeting!

Interviews – preparation & actual meeting! Interviews – I don’t think there are many people that wholeheartedly embrace interviews, even those that purport to love them, I think that’s either a foolhardy or slightly off-key attitude!  Even those that are practiced interviewers, will admit that they aren’t really a fan of them, if they’re very[…]

It’s the little things, not just the CV & interview – you are being scrutinised!

It’s the little things, not just the CV & interview – you are being scrutinised! When going through a job application process, it’s easy to think that as long as you send your bespoke CV, with bespoke covering letter, for the positions that you believe you are amply experienced and qualified, that’s all that matters![…]

How to get the most from your recruiter

Most people view recruiters as a necessary evil!  They have in the past, gained as bad a rap as being an Estate Agent,  in the times of economic booms! No doubt there are a lot of bad operators out there and I am not going to dwell on typical failings in this blog,  but suggest[…]

Should I be bold and call the company after sending my job application?

Yes, yes & yes! Obviously there are going to be challenges in reaching the right person, as these days it is rarely clear who the actual recruiter or hiring manager is, from an on-line job ad. However, follow these steps if the recruiter or point of contact isn’t named: 1) Check out the company on[…]

Writing a stand-out cover letter

Cover letters – the source of so much angst! (1) What makes a good cover letter? (2) How do I address the recipient? (3) Who actually is the recipient? (4) Does the addressee actually bother reading a cover letter at all?! ….the questions are endless Let’s deal with what actually constitutes a good cover letter[…]

Do I acknowledge the recruiter’s overtures if I am not looking for a role?

To be “head hunted” used to be a real badge of honour.  Nowadays it’s more of an irritant to be contacted by recruiters, who with the advances in technology, can find you through so many social channels, which don’t usually involve a call to your current workplace, as they did in yesteryear!  – So count[…]