Choose your referee carefully to maximise job chances
Q: I am down to the final three for a job and I think I might be about to get it because they have asked me to supply them with a reference from my recent employer apart from my current. However, I had an uneasy relationship with the managing director (MD) there and I’m afraid […]
My CV – how long should it be?
Q: I haven’t had a CV in years – not since I left school in 1989, and there’s been a lot of water under the bridge in the meantime. I threw it out years ago but I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be a good place to start as I’ve been reading a lot about the […]
Sprucing up your CV after 20 years
Q: I’m updating my CV for the first time in 20 years – for my last three jobs, I was head-hunted within my sector (sales). Now I’ve seen a job I’d like to chase, and I need a CV. I’ve a few questions that perhaps you can answer? (KK, email). A: We’re happy to try. […]
How to make the most of second college chance
Q: I started a college degree, but I was young and foolish, and the course didn’t suit me. I lumbered along for a year and a half before cutting my (well, my parents’) losses. The following year I started again and this time I enjoyed the course much more and saw it through to completion, […]
Good work experience can go a long way
Q: I have over 20 years’ work experience in an office administration and management role, but no formal qualifications. An opportunity to move to another company has come up to carry out a similar role, but I am afraid I will get overlooked. Does my broad range of work experience matter more than a degree? […]
Cover letter still has a role to play – even by email
Q: What is a cover letter? Why would I need one – is it not just an old-fashioned idea at this stage? (KB, email) A: Yes, you will need a cover letter quite a lot and it is not an old-fashioned idea. It is necessary to include a customised cover letter with many CVs you submit […]
Key points when tweaking your CV for different scenarios
Q: I am an undergraduate looking for a job. I need to write a CV now. However, I intend to return to post-graduate studies next year. Is it possible to write one CV now that will suit both scenarios? (AC, email). A: You do not actually say what you want the CV for at the […]
Three skills to add to your post-pandemic CV
Q: With the year coming to an end, I would like to update my CV for next year. I understand there have been a lot of changes in the market due to the pandemic. I am wondering what else is now expected from candidates, and how any new skills I have acquired might be included in my […]
Standing out from the crowd
Q: I am on the look-out for a new job. I got a good education in my sector and have gained good experience in my field, but when I start looking around now, I am certain to be competing with other candidates with similar experience and qualifications. That is a worry as I am not […]
Lost my job, now what?
Q: I have been in work for 24 years. I had a stable job, and no desire to change. Due to COVID-19 and other issues, the company has offered me a redundancy next month. It’s hard not to take this personally and it is affecting my confidence. I am not sure where to start or […]