Help & Advice

Covering Letter

A covering letter is the first stage in selling yourself to the job market. Self marketing and selling is an important part of finding a new job as you will be competing against numerous other applicants often with equally desirable skills.

The recipient of your letter will read it and form judgments about your personality and your suitability for the job. Therefore use it as a chance to highlight your skills and any experience that is relevant to the job. Take points from your CV and elaborate on them; the use of examples will strengthen them.

Common mistakes include an untidy layout and poor spelling and grammar. The key to a good covering letter is accuracy and summarising your relevant skills. If it lacks effort then the reader will make similar judgements about your work ethic and personal attributes.
In addition, generic covering letters where the company name, job title etc have simply been changed for each vacancy are easily identified as the skills and experience you are selling never quite fit the position you are applying for. Again, this demonstrates a lack of effort and gives the impression you are sending out your details frivolously.

A covering letters needs to be no longer than four paragraphs or sections and use only one page of A4 paper. Your first paragraph should explain why you are writing, for example, in reply to a job advertisement you saw in the local paper etc.
The second provides supporting evidence or information about you and is your chance to show what sets you apart from other candidates and why you would be perfect for the job. Always try and accentuate the positive, i.e. if you do not have the relevant qualifications the vacancy requires but you have gained similar experience in a working environment it is important that you highlight this.
Third, you should end your covering letter with 'I look forward to hearing from you soon' or something similar which shows interest and pushes for a 'next step' i.e. the recipient calling you for an interview.
The fourth section will be your close, for example 'Yours Sincerely' and underneath you should write / type your full name and contact details leaving enough space in-between for your signature.

You should always check and re-check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Following this, when you've finished your letter, read it carefully. Have you got your main points across? Do you sound like a good, interesting candidate? Showing it to someone else for comments, such as a careers adviser or your consultant for a second opinion is advisable.

And always keep a copy of your letter, so you don't get caught out at interview.

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CV Guidance

Whilst your CV will never fully encapsulate you and your skill set, it will be the first impression a client will have of your experience and therefore it is essential that your CV portrays you as positively as possible.

The advice below will give you some helpful information on what makes a good CV.

• Try and keep your CV to two pages. Unless you are at a senior level and have plenty of relevant experience aim to make two pages your maximum.
• Make the CV as relevant as you can. For example if you are going for a sales position make sure that any previous sales experience is given as much reference as it can. Giving your CV focus is important.
• Use a professional font and try and keep colours to a minimum. Putting your name in colours surrounded by flashing stars and smiling faces doesn't create the most professional impression.
• Divide your CV into clear sub headings e.g. Personal Details, Profile, Education, Employment History, Interests.
• Your Personal Profile should detail your strengths, attributes and realistic career ambitions, approximately one hundreds words would suffice.
• Employment History: Start with your most recent experience and work backwards.
• When detailing your previous work history, bullet point your core responsibilities and duties. This will give the client a clear breakdown of your experience and skills.
• Make sure that there are no gaps in your CV. If you have been travelling, freelancing or taking time out to raise a family, it is vital that you say so.
• Spell and grammar check your CV and then get your consultant to check it for you.
• Don't lie or elaborate the truth.
• Sometimes a consultant will suggest making alterations so don't be afraid or too proud to change your CV.
• Do not include a photo.
• List your interests. You may have interests in common with potential employers on which you can find common ground.

Below you can find a template CV
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Managing Job Offers

Managing job offers can be a problematic. Some potential employers will understand the difficulties involved. They appreciate that job-hunters need time to make up their mind and may have other offers to consider.

Alternatively, others are less flexible and after offering a position within their company may expect you to take it there and then. If you don't, they may threaten to withdraw the offer and leave you with nothing.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is difficult to determine the best way to proceed.

Consider how you want your career to grow. In the rush to say yes or no, and perhaps in the urgency just to get started, it is easy to lose sight of your objective.

Fortunately, you do not have to immediately accept or reject the majority of job offers. Most large companies are prepared to wait several weeks for an answer. This is because the nature of these companies are often slow moving so there is usually no need for a rapid-fire response.

In this case you should simply send a letter acknowledging receipt of the job offer and informing them that you will be in touch in the near future. In the meantime you can consider any other offers before making a final decision.

Smaller or medium sized companies may not be able to give you this time. By their very nature they can be more dynamic. Their business has a need to keep moving, with or without you. Out of fairness to them you should make your decision within a couple of days which may give them time to contact previous applicants.

None of this alters the fact that choosing between one job offer and another is difficult.

In the event of any decision, it is essential you cover the basics:

• Find out exactly when the employer expects a decision
• Gather as much information as possible about the job or jobs on offer
• If you have another interview approaching, ask if it can be brought forward
• If you're still waiting to hear back from an interview, contact your consultant (or the company if not through a consultancy) to determine exactly when a decision will be made.
• Finally, always be courteous when rejecting a job offer. Don't burn your bridges.

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Interview Advice

Being fully prepared for your interview will give you the best possible chance of securing the role. Before you go to the interview your consultant will fully brief you and send you as much information as possible.

Outlined below is interview guidance you may wish to consider:

• Before going to the company we will give you as much information as possible so research the role, research the product and research the company.
• Before going to the company we will give you as much information as possible to research the role, research the product and research the company.
• Make sure you know where you are going. All information will be provided but work out how long it will take to get there and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive early.
• Dress smart, a suit is essential. No exceptions.
• When you meet the client shake hands and maintain eye contact.
• During the interview lean slightly forward, maintain eye contact and don't fidget.
• Try and get the client talking about the role. Whilst you will already have a job specification if you get the client talking they will tell you exactly the type of person that they are looking for.
• Listen to what the client is saying and do not interrupt.
• Be enthusiastic. Do not let an opportunity get away from you simply because you were monosyllabic and appeared disinterested. Let the client know this is the role you want.
• When giving answers always use examples. It's more powerful to prove that you have the experience.
• When asked why you are looking for a new role be honest but don't be negative. Think positively and make your reasons for leaving as career orientated as possible.
• Do not criticise former employers, the client would not want you passing similar judgment on their company if you left.
• When asked for your strengths tailor your answers to the type of person the interviewer is looking for and as ever always use examples.
• If you're asked what your weaknesses are, try not to offer up a genuine weakness that is critical to the role. You will only serve to give the interviewer reason not to take you on. When asked, try and describe how you have overcome a weakness and turned it into strength.
• If the discussion moves to salary try not to talk figures. Your consultant will have a thorough understanding of what you are looking for financially and will act in the best interests of both client and candidate to reach a figure that all parties are happy with. Once again if asked, try and make your reasons for wanting to join the company as career orientated as possible and not as though you just want the highest salary.
• At the end of the interview give yourself another chance to cover any lingering reservations the client may have about you. Don't ask "How did I do?" but instead ask them if there was anything they'd like you to clarify or go over again. Close them for a second interview but don't push too hard.
• If invited for a second interview you may be asked to do a presentation. Allow yourself time to prepare and you can always ask your consultant for advice.
• Don't be complacent in a second interview. You may have performed superbly in the first interview but you will still need to prove to them that you are the right person for the role.

Below you can find a possible interview questions
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Counter Offer

Congratulations, you've been offered a new role. The next step is to tell your current employer that you are planning on leaving.

What happens next? It is likely that your current employer will try and counter offer you with rise in your pay. Understandably this will raise a lot of questions in your mind about what the best way to proceed is.

Below details a few points to consider:

• Why are you resigning? It is unlikely that money is the sole issue, therefore you desire for a new challenge and better prospects etc will still remain.
• If your boss thinks you are worthy of a raise then why has it taken you resigning to warrant the extra money?
• It is in the best interest of your employer to offer you more money to stay. If you leave, the company will have to spend time and money recruiting and training a new member of staff so there will still be a cost implication.
• If you do decide to take the offer there is a strong chance the raise will come out of your next pay review.
• It will almost certainly affect your relationship with your current manager and company. Despite them wanting you to stay, it will have implications on your future promotions and pay rises.
• Your reputation within the industry could be tarnished if you decide to accept the counter offer and companies in the future may be less inclined to consider your details.