Navigating the current job market…. Jemma and Kerry share their views
As HR recruitment specialists who like to keep close to the market, Jemma and Kerry have gathered some of the most common questions they’re being asked right now. We sat down with our HRLife founders for their expert take. Whether you’re returning to work after a break, struggling to stand out, or wondering whether to follow up after an application, hopefully we’ve got something for you to think about.
Q: Some adverts I look at have over 100 applicants, is it even worth applying?
Kerry: Definitely! High applicant numbers can seem daunting, but remember, not all candidates will have the right experience or skills – believe it or not, some won’t even have any HR experience! If on reading the full advert, you meet the criteria, have a genuine passion for the business and can see some synergies with your experience and their requirements then we’d say apply. We’ve previously advertised for a French speaking HRBP and applicants have applied without having the French language skills – so our recommendation is ‘don’t let the numbers put you off, the numbers don’t tell the full story’.
Q: How do I make my CV stand out from others?
Jemma: Tailoring is key. Make sure your CV is tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description and don’t underestimate the power of a clear, well-structured CV. A skills matrix, typically under a 4–5-line personal summary is always well received by clients as it takes them to the relevant information on the CV that you’ve emphasised as being key to their role. If you want to take advantage of our recent CV template, drop us an email and we’ll happily share!
Q: I’ve not worked for a little while now, how is it best to detail this on the CV?
Kerry: Be honest. Share what you’ve been doing – time out can still really add value to your CV. We often hear of people completing a degree, achieving a coaching qualification, travelling and learning a second language – all positive things that can potentially bring to your next role. Gaps on a CV shouldn’t be a problem if you can talk positively about what you’ve been doing during that time. We know the market has been tough of late and there are some people who haven’t found their ideal role yet which we hope most clients are understanding of, but sharing the online courses, any networking events you’ve attended all add value to that time out.
Q: I haven’t got the sector background, shall I still apply?
Jemma: We sit on the fence a little with this one as we’ve worked with clients who are really open to sector background; for them it’s more about what you can bring and perhaps a specific project you’ve worked on and being able to hit the ground running with the same project in their business. For other clients, who are perhaps a little more closed, the sector experience is important to them as it will allow that person to deliver results quicker and understand the nuances of a client group or the challenges that come with that sector. For example, for a specialist Talent Acquisition role, often coming with a network of people or agencies in that sector will set someone apart from hiring someone outside the sector who would have to research and build their network from scratch.
Q: Is there a recommended length for a CV now?
Kerry: Two to three pages still seems to be the sweet spot. It’s a balance between keeping it concise enough whilst ensuring you’re providing enough detail to really showcase your experience and skills. CVs that are too long can be overwhelming and risk appearing irrelevant.
Q: I’ve applied for a role and not heard back, would you suggest I follow it up?
Jemma: Yes I do think it’s worth following up, trying to find the person responsible for the role is probably the hardest part but we’ve heard several success stories recently where people have made a call directly or sent a well put together message on LinkedIn and they’ve been invited for interview …. what is there to lose?! Our recommendation though would be that you tailor your message rather than using the AI generated one as it will give you the chance to pull out the one or two key points relevant to your application.
Q: It’s so easy to spend hours on end searching for new roles, have you got any tips for focusing my time?
Kerry: Yes absolutely – I’d say my top two tips would be:
1) Don’t spend all day trawling job boards for a role – think about using your network too! Talking to relevant agencies, checking in with previous consultants who have helped in the past, getting in touch with people you’ve worked with previously, attending networking events is all valuable time – it’s that old cliché of who you know rather than what you know!
2) Invest your time wisely – It’s better to apply to fewer relevant roles with a tailored CV than just clicking the apply button.
Q: Is it worth putting together a covering letter nowadays?
Jemma: Sometimes you will need a covering letter as the ATS applications often require them, so in this instance use them to highlight why you’re a strong fit for the role. It’s a good opportunity to share the reasons why you’re passionate about the business.
However, for us, a well written, tailored CV that is concise and draws out the relevant skills and experience outweighs the necessity of a cover letter.
If you’re actively looking for new HR opportunities and want to discuss your search or the current market, please reach out to Jemma or Kerry!