Category Archives: Starting Work

A new trend in the employment world that employers are noticing are creative CVs, but are these truly the way forward?

A creative CV is essentially a normal CV but with some creative flair. This can be simply adding colour, adding a photo of yourself, or changing the layout slightly to look more unique. But is doing this to your CV worth the time and the way forward?

We believe that yes, creating a creative CV for yourself is the way forward. It is going to become the way forward as more people begin to share a creative CV with employers. We have found that you can be more likely to receive an interview or job offer if you have used a creative CV.

Think of it this way, what is going to impress you or an employer more? A CV that looks the same as everyone else’s, or a CV that has some creative flair?

Investing some of your time into producing a creative CV shows all employers that you’re dedicated. It allows you to add your own personality to your CV, giving the employer more of a feeling of who you are as a person.

However, saying this, just because you have a creative CV does not mean you will automatically be given a job. Creative CVs are being used more often than not, so there will be a fight between them all. It is not only the creativity, but the information included. Employers will still be looking at your experience, your education, and your personal statement. You want to ensure that these sell you just as much as you can sell yourself. Making it creative just gives you the extra one up on people who haven’t taken the time to make an impressive CV.

For many people, a new year is a time for a new start. This means looking for a new job, which also means you will need to have your CV perfected and up-to-date. Your CV is the first thing a potential employer will see,  so it is a key selling tool.  It needs to show  your core skills that make you employable, while giving insight into your attitude and personality too.

When writing your CV,  start by showing your most recent experience.  This is the experience most relevant to potential employers. Make sure you go into detail about all of your key duties and what they show about you, and your work ethic.  Further down your CV,  you can also include hobbies and interests to get your personality across. Make sure this is done in such a way so as to make you sound professional still, while also showing you are a well rounded person.

Attending an interview can naturally make you feel nervous. There is a lot at stake, especially if it is a job that you would really like to get. If this is the case, then you will want to put a lot of work into your interview technique – but this still won’t necessarily stop you feeling the fear. Here are some tips to stay calm during an interview:

• Take deep breaths. This will help to slow your heartrate down so you will feel calm.
• Concentrate on the questions. When the interviewer asks you a question, think deeply and carefully about it, rather than about what the interviewer thinks of you and how you are coming across.
• Change the way you think about an interview. One of the best things you can do to combat nerves is to think of an interview as a chance for you to find out if you want the job.

Everyone will interview differently and come across in a different way. This can make it very difficult for job candidates who are meeting recruitment consultants the the first time and may be nervous.

The first piece of advice is to be yourself and make sure you answer questions honestly. It is better to be honest than to try and make something up on the spot. White lies tend to stay with you.

Interviewers will mainly be looking to see what you are like, whether you will fit into the team, and how you cope with their competency-based questioning as well. Everything you do will add to their opinion of your character, so make sure you remain calm and answer questions honestly. It’s pointless answering questions and lying in your answers – you will get found out, and even if you don’t, you might end up in a role that just isn’t right for you.

When you work with a recruitment agency, you might be asked whether you are willing to relocate for a position. This is a big decision to make, as it would mean uprooting your whole life. However, if the right position came up, you might be willing to do anything to get it.

Have a serious think about whether you would be willing to relocate and, if so, how far you would be willing to go. It would be good if you could give your recruitment consultant some specifics, so that this can go onto your records. For example, you might be willing to relocate within 100 miles for your ideal job. Something else to think about is whether you would be able or willing to commute. Sometimes this can be a good in between option, allowing you to access more positions, but without having to worry about moving home and location.

Working with a recruitment consultant can help you to find new job opportunities, but it can also be quite a lot of work to sign up with the agencies. If they want to meet you in person, sign paperwork and generally get to know you a little better, then this is inevitably going to take time. There is no point in job hunting without any real prospects, so it’s important you find the right recruitment consultant before you put in the effort.

Look at the kinds of jobs they have available on their website to give you an idea about positions they recruit for. You can also speak to recruitment consultants on the phone first – many will want to have a telephone interview first to make sure you are the kind of candidate they want as well. If you feel you make a good connection, they proceed with the relationship and see if you can meet face to face.