Recent research, by major online job boards, such as Jobsite, Monster and Reed, showed that a sizable proportion of CVs contain a number of obvious mistakes.

When you consider that a role will frequently have well over 70 applicants, and as such a recruitment consultant can only spend up to a minute assessing your details, it shows how essential it is to double check everything.

Some of the most frequent CV mistakes we have encountered within Jenrick Commercial are highlighted below. We would urge you to spend a couple of minutes referencing them against your current CV:

Spelling and grammar
Over 20% of CVs have obvious and multiple spelling mistakes. A spellcheck on a PC is a good start, but please check it yourself - or, even better, have someone with fresh eyes look through it.

Concise and to the point
You have a limited window of opportunity, so keep it to the point and ensure your core messages come across with strength - and do not make your CV too long.

Lack of tailoring
Each employer is looking for a CV and cover letter that applies to their role and as all roles are different, you should make small adaptations so that it matches their specific requirements. Show that you understand what it is they want you to do. (more…)

We were recently forwarded a very pertinent article, written by ere.net, regarding counter-offers and why candidates should never accept one. Here is the article:

For the sake of this article I’m going to assume you know how to qualify your candidates from the moment you speak to them until they’ve signed the offer letter and started. I’m going to assume you’ve been communicating effectively with them throughout every step of the process and have been asking quality questions to ensure you’re not getting “sunshine blown up your skirt.”

There’s nothing 100% foolproof and guaranteed, but good methods of pre-qualifying candidates regarding counteroffers will make your life less stressful and more financially rewarding. In addition, if you are straight in your qualifying methods you may even weed out the candidate who would accept the counteroffer and possibly leave you hanging.

First, I know the word “never” is a strong one. I don’t use it lightly or without substantial consideration as my world, both personal and professional, is gray. In this case I believe accepting a counteroffer is positive in a fraction of the cases and it’s just not worth the risk.

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From One Click magazine:

Have you tried ‘Googling’ yourself lately? Or for that matter the members of your board of directors? Go on, try it, you may find it enlightening, but not necessarily in a good way!

Type your name into Google and see what appears. And once you’ve found yourself, try the image results. It could be right about now that you regret uploading those holiday snaps to Facebook, because that shot of you in your swimwear is potentially the first impression of you that future customers will have. And this can be a real headache for marketing and communications professionals charged with managing the corporate image. (more…)

Recent research, by major online job boards, such as Jobsite, Monster and Reed, showed that a sizable proportion (in some cases 50%) of CVs contain a number of obvious mistakes. (more…)