In our 19th Birthday month, we asked some of our Team what their Top Candidate Tips were that they have gathered over their career in recruitment.
Take the time to put together a good CV – this is your sales document, and you need to invest the time to put this together. For example, expand the information on the company, all your duties, systems used, staff managed and achievements. Also really think about why you want to move and consider talking to your employer before searching for work particularly if it is just about the money. Searching for a job takes effort so if your heart is not in it, it will waste everyone’s time and can get you a bad reputation as a candidate. –Louise Woodward
Use the “Editor” function to scan for spelling and grammar mistakes before applying for roles. – Peter Knibbs
Take the time to tailor your CV to the job you are applying to, particularly if you have a diverse set of skills and experience. If there is a job you really want, it is worth spending 30 minutes or so making sure you accentuate the key parts of the person specification on your CV, to maximise your chance of getting an interview obviously only if you do have the skills and experience, never add anything you don’t have, you’ll always be found out. Partner with a professional Recruiter and they can assist you with this process as well. – Ben Markwell
Keep the format of your CV simple, don’t distract from the detail with lots of boxes, graphs, and photographs. A simple word format makes it a lot easier to read and see the experience clearly. – Alison Dowse
Build a relationship with your agency, treat them with respect, kindness, and honesty as they really do have a lot of market knowledge and company insight that could be a real help to you. Good agencies will always give you the time to talk about you and your future. Candidates can often become clients over time so that foundation stands you in good stead when you are looking to recruit and build your own team in the future. – Alison Taylor
Be well prepared for your interview and do your homework. Showcase your personality during the interview and ask relevant questions beyond the salary and benefits – Suzie Sherriff
Keep an eye out on agency websites and advertised roles, new roles are added daily. Stay connected with your contact and let them know of any changes in circumstances. Prepare for every interview like it’s your first, prepare and ask enough relevant questions at interview stage and research the company beforehand. – Charlotte Harris
Tailor your CV! Make sure your CV is relevant to the role you are applying for, this is key. Always cross reference your CV against the job specification. Does your CV have your skills on it that they are asking for? Do you have your relevant qualifications / accreditations / certifications even if it states desirable – let them know what you have – show case your CV to the role you are applying for. No two jobs are ever the same, for a little extra time and effort it may secure you the interview / job offer you have been seeking. – Charmaine Padfield
Some roles can be done remotely. However, some clients still prefer to work either on site or on a hybrid basis. Since the pandemic, quite a few candidates have now got a lifestyle or a routine that requires them to work from home. Whilst this isn’t a deal breaker, it does limit your opportunities.
Be open minded to different opportunities when looking for a new role and weigh up the options with salary, benefits and most importantly, company fit. Always be prepared for interviews and take your time doing research on companies to show a potential employer that you are invested in the process.
