Candidate Advice
Are you doing everything you can to find the right new job? You need to make sure that your CV can be found by the right people and that your energy is focused on delivering results.
Looking for some tips?
Process:
Create a process to manage and follow up your job applications. Make note of jobs that you apply for, the agent contact details and whether you’ve heard back or not – It’s really easy to forget what you’ve applied for and lose track of a good lead.
Many people get frustrated when they don’t get a response to their application; the truth is that with competitive vacancies a hiring manager or consultant can get inundated with responses and the role could even get filled before your CV is seen. Within 24 hours of applying follow up your application with a phone call to the company/agent. This way, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and start to build a trusted relationship with your recruitment representative.
Pick up the phone:
Highlight your skills:
Take the time to demonstrate why you’re the right candidate by making sure that the most relevant skills for the job are highlighted throughout your CV, talk about the projects you have worked on and how you implemented your skills. What new skills have you learned along the way? You might not think a few months experience is worth mentioning, but that could be the deal breaker - especially with a company who are keen to invest in your learning and development!
Throughout your CV and in any conversations you have you should focus on your achievements. There may be a number of people with similar experience to you, but it’s what you’ve personally achieved that will make all the difference. How did you make a difference in your last job? What effect did that have on the success of the project you were working on?
Focus on your achievements:
If you’re serious about finding a job upload your CV to as many job boards and recruitment agency websites as possible.
Share your CV:
LinkedIn:
Do you have a LinkedIn account? If not, you should really invest some time in getting one and completing all areas, including uploading a photograph. Almost all recruiters are on LinkedIn and statistics show that more than 15% of people are being recruited through LinkedIn alone.
Create a list of all of your current and past colleagues, recruiters, trainers, suppliers, managers etc, and contact them to see if they’re hiring or would like to recommend you.
Use your contacts:
Salary calculation
If you want an idea of how much tax you'll be paying, the salary calculator website will help you to work this out.
Send us your CV
Use the button below to send us your CV and we will be happy to review it for you and provide you with our expert feedback with any pointers for improvement.
Leaving your current job?
Leaving a job can be a scary thing, it's not something most of us do very often. We've put some tips together to help you out.
Starting a new job is always exciting; however, the prospect of handing in your notice to your current employer can be daunting for some. Don’t worry, you are not alone - most people are understandably apprehensive. Changing jobs is stressful and not done lightly. A good deal of time and effort, along with a fair amount of soul-searching has gone into you making your decision to accept a new job. Remember this at all times.
Handing in your notice:
1. Notify your employer of your notice.
2. Confirm your leaving date.
3. Depart on good terms.
4. Keep us notified at every stage.
Objectives:
Your letter:
Your notice should always be given in writing and you should keep a copy for your own personal records. The letter you write needs to convey only your intention to leave and the date you are leaving. There is absolutely no obligation to state your reasons, although many people add a goodwill tag. Always date your letter. Ask to see your manager/supervisor privately and give them your letter. If you are asked why you are leaving, 'time to move on' is quite sufficient if you don’t want to disclose any other reasons. You may want to add more, but above all avoid a confrontation. If all goes well, your boss will accept your resignation and wish you good luck.
Notice period:
Your notice period will be stated in either your contract of employment or the original letter sent to you when offered the job. Remember, even if you are asked to stop coming into work before your notice period is up (and this is not uncommon), you will still be paid to the end of the period, so you won’t lose out.
In most cases, managers will be disappointed at losing a member of staff, but will accept the situation graciously and begin to make arrangements for your leaving. It is likely that your boss will be disappointed at your leaving and this could make your predicament more uncomfortable, especially if you have a good relationship. So be prepared to stick to your guns. An employer may encourage you to stay by offering more responsibility, an increase in salary (remember this will cost considerably less than replacing you), a complete change of position, or the opportunity of further training. However, generally most people who give in and stay are invariably on the job market again in around three months' time - with even less chance of finding something they like.
Handling resistance:
Don't be bullied into submission:
You looked for a new job in the first place because you were unhappy with your current position, and it has taken you handing in your notice for your boss to wake up to the facts and realise your worth. On the other hand, your new company has recognised your strengths straight away. At the end of the day, it's your life and your career - you must be selfish up to a point. Do not be persuaded to withdraw your notice to mull over things, this will only delay your start date, and will not impress your new employer.