Job Seekers

No More Bungee-Jumping CVs: Why Applying for Suitable Roles is the Way to Go!

by Veronica Blatt

Today’s guest blogger is Tim Lane founder and director of Park Lane Recruitment based near Manchester UK.  Park Lane Recruitment is a specialist recruiting firm in the technology space with niche areas of cybersecurity, fintech, space and defense IT, as well as generic IT sales, tech and managerial.  Tim is also a former NPAworldwide Board Director with responsibility for the EMEA region and a 30+ year veteran of the recruiting industry. Today Tim gives us a lighthearted look at the serious topic of applying for suitable roles.

Greetings, job seekers and career enthusiasts! Are you tired of bouncing around like a kangaroo on a pogo stick, submitting your CV for every job that catches your eye? Well, hold on to your hats and get ready for a wild ride as we embark on a journey to explore the hilarious and thought-provoking world of applying for roles that actually suit you. Join me in this rollercoaster of laughter and wisdom as we uncover why it’s essential to apply only for suitable roles. #Lessonsfromarecruiter

The Great Pretender:

Imagine this: you stumble across a job description that could make even James Bond sweat with excitement. You’ve never been a spy, but hey, who’s to say you can’t pick up espionage skills on the fly? You proceed to craft a cover letter that would impress the pope. But let’s face it – you don’t actually have a penchant for martinis and Aston Martins, so this isn’t your cup of tea. It’s time to face the music and embrace roles that genuinely match your skills and experience.

The Curse of the Frankenstein CV:

Ah, the infamous Frankenstein CV – bits and pieces of experience stitched together in a desperate attempt to create a perfect fit for a role you’re clearly unsuited for. Picture the confusion on the recruiter’s face when they realise you’ve gone from lab assistant to accountant to social media manager, all in the span of six months. Spare yourself and others the absurdity and apply for roles that align with your background. Trust me, your CV will thank you.

The Chasing Game:

Ever felt like you’re running a never-ending race, chasing after roles that always seem just out of reach? It’s time to break free from this Sisyphean cycle and focus on the roles that genuinely ignite your passion. Remember, job satisfaction comes from finding the perfect balance between your skills, interests, and the job’s requirements. So, lace up your running shoes and sprint towards roles that make you excited to jump out of bed in the morning.

The Mediocrity Mirage:

Applying for roles outside of your expertise often leads to a dangerous mirage of mediocrity. Sure, you might land a job that pays the bills, but deep down, you’ll be yearning for more. By aligning your applications with your true talents, you have a greater chance of finding fulfilment and excelling in your chosen field. Break free from the shackles of mediocrity and let your skills shine in a role that’s tailored just for you.

The Power of the “Right Fit”:

Remember the tale of Cinderella and her perfect glass slipper? Well, finding the “right fit” in the job world is just as crucial. Like Cinderella’s prince, the ideal role is waiting for you, customised to showcase your skills and passions. By targeting roles that suit you, you increase your chances of finding a workplace where you feel valued, motivated, and supported. Say goodbye to uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes and embrace the perfect fit that will take you to new professional heights.

Conclusion:

In the grand adventure of finding the perfect job, it’s easy to get swept away in a sea of unsuitable applications. But let’s keep our feet on solid ground, shall we? Focus on suitable roles that genuinely match your skills, interests, and experience to save yourself from endless frustration and unlock the doors to career success and satisfaction. Pay special attention to the “must-haves” and ensure you have those. Your future self will thank you for it!


Mastering Videoconferencing Lighting: A Guide for Recruiters and Job Seekers

by Veronica Blatt

image of a man in front of a laptop with poor lightingIn the dynamic world of professional recruitment, how you present yourself can be the difference between landing that coveted opportunity or being passed over. Today, we’re focusing on a vital yet often overlooked aspect of your digital presentation – lighting.

The Impact of Lighting on Videoconferencing

What makes one video call visually appealing and another less so? The answer is simple, yet profound – lighting. Proper lighting not only enhances your on-camera appearance but also projects an image of professionalism and attention to detail. It’s not about vanity; it’s about visibility. Read the rest of this entry »


Thanksgiving Reflection: Meaningful Work

by Liz Carey

A slice of Pumpkin pie on a plate on a fall-themed tableThanksgiving is this week here in the United States, and for many of us, that means preparing for a day centered on spending time with family, sharing good food, and giving thanks for all that we have. But for candidates in search of meaningful work, Thanksgiving can also be a time of reflection and evaluation. As recruiters, understanding why candidates are reevaluating their work can help better connect them with opportunities that align with their values and desired career paths. Read the rest of this entry »


7 Great Blogs for Job Seekers

by Veronica Blatt

Whether you’re actively seeking a new role or just want to sharpen your skills, blogs can be a good resource. Here is a list of blogs for job seekers to follow:

Ask the Headhunter – Nick Corcodilos provides a detailed website for job seekers that is more than a blog. His free weekly Ask the Headhunter newsletter (currently on hiatus) is a treasure trove of advice. I know I’m looking forward to its return!

Reed.co.uk – This site offers a wealth of career advice including CV templates, interview advice, personal statements, and more. It’s UK-based, so some of the advice may not be geared towards job seekers in other countries. It’s one of the most comprehensive blogs for job seekers that I’ve come across. Read the rest of this entry »


Advantages of Working with a Recruiter

by Liz Carey

Two business professionals looking over a documentWhen it comes to finding the perfect job, the job search can often be a daunting and frustrating process. But the good news is that working with a recruiter can help make your job search easier, faster, and more successful. A recruiter is a professional who specializes in matching job seekers with job opportunities across various industries. While you may be able to find some job opportunities on your own, working with a recruiter can offer several advantages that can help take your job search to the next level.

Here are some advantages of working with a recruiter:

  • Access to Hidden Opportunities
    One of the key advantages of working with a recruiter is that they have access to job openings that are not advertised publicly. Employers often use recruiters to fill positions that require highly skilled workers, require confidentiality or are hard-to-fill. When you work with a recruiter, they not only help you find the job you’re looking for, but they can also give you access to jobs that you may not have otherwise known about.
  • Saves Time
    Job hunting can be a full-time job. Scouring job boards, sending resumes, and going through interviews can take a lot of time and effort. When you work with a recruiter, they do all the legwork for you. They identify appropriate positions, submit your resume, and manage the interview process. You get a lot of your time back, so you can spend it doing things you enjoy or preparing for the interviews.
  • Personalized Attention and Guidance
    Recruiters work individually with each candidate to understand their strengths, interests, and goals. As a result, they provide personalized guidance and coaching, helping each candidate prepare for job interviews and provide feedback and get better prepared for the next interview or job opportunity.
  • Negotiation Power
    Recruiters have relationships with hiring managers and understand the market because they perform analysis with their clients regularly. This can be a great asset when it comes to compensation negotiation. Talented candidates can often negotiate for higher salary, bonuses, and benefits through their recruiter representation. Recruiters can advocate more on a candidate’s behalf towards the employer and increase the chances of the candidate landing the job.
  • Ongoing Support
    A recruiter’s job doesn’t end when the candidate accepts the job offer. They continue to support the candidate during the onboarding process, including various aspects of the new job such as understanding the company culture, policies, becoming familiar with new processes, and ensuring the transition is smooth.

Working with a recruiter offers many benefits, including access to hidden job opportunities, personalized attention, and support, and saving you time in your job search. Any job seeker can benefit from a recruiter’s expertise, whether it’s their first job or they’re a seasoned professional looking to make a career change. So, start your job search journey on a positive note by partnering up with a recruiter to help you explore any options that can significantly enhance your chances of finding the perfect job.


Mastering the Art of Writing a Perfect Cover Letter

by Liz Carey

pen writing on lined paperWriting a cover letter is not an easy task. It is often the only opportunity that job seekers get to make a memorable impression on their prospective employer. So it is essential to ensure that your cover letter is perfect and makes you stand out from the pile of resumes. Here are tips on writing the perfect cover letter, to significantly increase your potential for success:

  • Study the job description: A great cover letter should align with the job description and help sell the many reasons you would be perfect for the role. The first step is studying the job description and noting what they are looking for in a candidate. Highlight keywords and pay attention to essential qualifications that you possess. Use this information to tailor your cover letter to match and show how your experience, skills, and qualifications make you an excellent fit.
  • Address the hiring manager: It’s essential always to address the hiring manager or recruiter by name rather than a general greeting such as “To whom it may concern.” You can usually find the hiring manager’s name in the job description or on the company’s website. It shows you have put in the effort to research the company and are interested in the position.
  • Hook them with an opening statement: The opening sentence of your cover letter should be memorable and capture the hiring manager’s (or recruiter’s) attention. Use a compelling sentence to describe a remarkable experience or a personal story that emphasizes why you’re passionate about the job. It should be something that will draw them in and make them want to read your entire letter.
  • Highlight your relevant experience: In the second and third paragraphs, highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. Use examples to demonstrate how each one makes you an asset to the company. If you are switching careers, indicate how your transferable skills and achievements align with the job.
  • Conclude on a high note: The concluding paragraph of your cover letter should summarize your passion and eagerness for the job. Emphasize how you can add value to the company and your enthusiasm to learn the ropes and contribute to the organization’s culture and success. Also, include a call-to-action that shows an eagerness to meet with them for an interview.

Writing a perfect cover letter takes time, effort, and skill. It is essential to make your letter stand out in a way that highlights your best qualities and makes hiring managers eager to meet you in person. By following the above steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a letter that gives you the best chance of getting noticed and landing that dream job. Remember to get feedback from a career coach or mentor to fine-tune your cover letter and ensure you’re putting your best foot forward.


Independent Contractors: 5 Proven Tips for Negotiating Favorable Contracts

by Veronica Blatt

Today’s guest blogger is Cesar A. Jimenez, CEO of myBasePay. Cesar is an entrepreneur, investor, and military veteran with over 25 years of staffing industry expertise successfully leading technology staffing organizations. His expertise in the IT industry allows him to use his experience as a thought leader for talent acquisition, staffing, IT, and recruitment technologies with a passion for contingent workforce solutions. Cesar has held various leadership roles for both a global staffing organization and technology solutions companies. This expertise has enabled him to develop alternative workforce models that provide the agility for organizations to be competitive in today’s marketplace. In this article, he shares valuable negotiating tips for independent contractors.

Becoming an independent contractor comes with its fair share of pros and cons. One of the biggest considerations is ensuring that you are able to negotiate favorable contracts for the work you perform for your clients.

Without a fixed, full-time salary, independent contractors have greater freedom to negotiate how much they are paid — as well as when and how they get paid. Read the rest of this entry »


Why Using a Recruiter Can Help Land The Job Of Your Dreams

by Liz Carey

Finding a job can be a daunting task – clicking “apply” and submitting your resume and cover letter, and hoping that you will hear back. So why navigate the job search alone? Why not enlist some support to help you land the job of your dreams? Utilizing a recruiter can help, as they know the industry and have relationships with their clients and know what they want and need.  Read the rest of this entry »


How to Give Your Two Weeks’ Notice Gracefully

by Veronica Blatt

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the interview process, received an offer and have accepted it enthusiastically! Now comes the part many job seekers dread: submitting your resignation to your current employer. In the US, two weeks’ notice is customary, but the resignation period can be longer (30 days or more) in other parts of the world. Here are some tips on how to resign gracefully: Read the rest of this entry »


How to Use a Recruitment Agency for Your Job Search: Tips and Advice

by Veronica Blatt

Today’s guest blogger is Tim Lane founder and director of Park Lane Recruitment based near Manchester UK.  Park Lane Recruitment is a specialist recruiting firm in the technology space with niche areas of cybersecurity, fintech, space and defense IT, as well as generic IT sales, tech and managerial.  Tim is also an NPAworldwide Board Director with responsibility for the EMEA region and a 30+ year veteran of the recruiting industry.

Looking for a new job can be a daunting task. There are so many things to think about, from writing a great resume to preparing for interviews. And that’s just the beginning! Once you’ve found some jobs that you’re interested in, you need to start applying and competing with other candidates. If the thought of all of this makes your head spin, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people choose to use a recruitment agency to help them find their next job. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and advice for using a recruitment agency successfully during your job search. Read the rest of this entry »


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