14 • HR & recruitment


Get hired A


n excellent CV is the cornerstone of a successful job search, at least that’s


the opinion of Neil Rogers, head of content & editorial recruitment at RedCat Digital. “Your CV is an introduction and an employer’s first impression of you,” he says. Therefore, the first rule of a CV? Never submit the same one for every job. It’s something that every single


one of us does again and again throughout our career, and yet, despite the amount of time we devote to CV writing, it’s something we all continue to struggle with. Wouldn’t it be great to learn how to craſt the perfect CV from the very people you’re sending it to? “Attention to detail is key — triple


check for spelling mistakes and poor grammar,” says Rogers. “The CV needs to look clean, consistent and demonstrate to an employer that thought and effort has gone into its construction.”


KEEP IT TIDY While content is crucial, Rogers also argues that formatting is key to a good CV. “The choice of font


New Year Business Guide - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 11 January 2023


Looking to land your dream job? Don’t let a poorly written CV be your downfall. Here’s how to nail it. Words: Iris Goldsztajn


and layout can instantly draw or detract a potential employer from your experience. Bullet points are much more impactful than large paragraphs of text.” He goes on to say that a two-page CV with clear evidence of your career is much better than a five-page description of each and every role.


SELL YOURSELF SUCCINCTLY Ultimately, your CV isn’t intended to say much about you as a person or about your potential. As such, don’t be tempted to include a long bio or mission statement. “Instead, list your field of experiences: bookkeeping, budgeting, forecasting, etc,” says Rebecca Leppard, strategist at GirlBranding.com. “And write one thing that you’re the best at. For example: ‘At work, I’m best at building relationships and connecting the dots on how two parties can benefit from a professional partnership.’”


MAKE IT AI-FRIENDLY Did you know that more oſten than not, the first time your CV will be read, it will be by a computer? According to a 2018 report by


Jobscan, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS), Therefore, it’s important to check you’re using the right keywords (i.e. the ones that are used on the job listing). “These days, job titles are way too


creative for bots to understand,” says Leppard. She suggests modifying your job titles in a way that makes them match the listing. “For example, if you’re a general manager applying for a chief of staff position, change it.” This rings true for former full-


time freelancer Jennifer McShane, whose decision to change the word ‘freelance’ to ‘consultant’ on her CV more than paid off. “When I made the change, I would apply for maybe five or six jobs and get three responses,” she says.


LOOK BEYOND THE CV While your CV is extremely important, it’s only a first step in your application journey. “CVs, interviews and references have notoriously low predictive validity, which means that they consistently fail to predict high job performance,” says Michelle


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE


EPQ for everyone Honest, open and transparent recruiting


EPQ has a forward thinking and passionate approach to recruitment. The company’s foundations are built on the relationships it creates and builds with its clients and candidates. EPQ’s approach within different sectors helps it to stand out from its competitors — it’s created a quick and seamless recruitment process reducing the time spent on hiring overall. EPQ is committed to


modernising and changing the ways of recruitment using the ‘organic hiring’ approach, where its team strive to create a fully inclusive process for everyone through promoting a diverse pool of talent. EPQ really wants to shine the spotlight on each candidate’s skills and abilities, therefore allowing it to accurately match the right candidate to the perfect role and fill its client roles to the highest possible standard. EPQ covers multiple sectors of


business and industries, with no challenge too big for its team of expert recruitment consultants. The company’s team of handpicked specialists have over 40 years’ experience combined in both internal and external recruitment. EPQ, from start to finish, wants to


create a great recruitment journey that promotes its ethos and ethics as a company. The name says it all: E- Ethical, P- Person Centred and Q- Quality.


For more information


Contact Cheryl Parsons T: 0333 444 1120 E: recruitment@epqrecruitment.co.uk W: epqrecruitment.com


GETTY


“ Tese days, job titles are way too creative for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to understand. If you’re a general manager applying for a chief of staff position, modify your job title in a way that matches the job listing”


Minnikin, a chartered organisational psychologist and co-founder at Work Pirates. Psychometric testing (a means of assessing a candidate’s cognitive ability and their personality) is therefore used to add more information into the selection decision. A good tip is to familiarise yourself with the kinds of questions it tends to ask online beforehand. Bottom line: you should optimise


your CV according to what recruiters want, to maximise your chances of moving on to the next stages of the process, and eventually landing your dream job.


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE


Te human face of HR Get in touch for tailored solutions for all your HR needs


Working with business owners, as an independent HR consultancy, McGin-Lee HR has over 20 years’ HR experience and provides vital support to businesses. The company solves your peopley challenges. As a chartered CIPD,


McGin-Lee HR offers expert advice online, remotely or in person. It provides tailored solutions, specific to your business and your needs. Do you have a need for an HR


Get in touch for a free, no-


obligation, no-time-


bound initial consultation. Quote HR4M3 by 31 January 2023 to claim your offer. The Secret HR weapon you didn’t realise you needed


audit or compliance check, support with an employee issue, or a one-off HR project? McGin-Lee HR’s services include


short-term and Interim HR support. If you prefer regular support, the company’s services can be retained. A range of packages are available to suit your HR needs, and budget. Engaging Sam Lee (founder and


managing director of McGin-Lee HR) guarantees you support from the HR Consultancy of the Year 2022 winner. She’s also an industry speaker, HR podcaster and a blogger. Add value to your business


and find solutions to your peopley challenges.


SAM LEE Get in touch


T: 01775 888242 E: samantha@mcgin-leehr.co.uk Visit: mcgin-leehr.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20