LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

We are delighted to announce that our recruitment specialist, Harrison, has now joined Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment as a director to support our leadership team. This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading independent recruitment company. With over 37 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Shepherd Stubbs has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality staffing solutions across various sectors. Harrison, who has already been working with us for a while, brings valuable experience and knowledge of our operations to benefit both our clients and candidates. His appointment as director reflects our commitment to continued growth, innovation, and excellence in service. This is what Harrison had to say about joining the leadership team: “I am both excited and honoured to be appointed as a director of Shepherd Stubbs. With 37 years of history and success as a leading recruitment agency, I am eager to contribute to the company’s continued growth and future success.” One of our current directors, Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs, said: “A huge welcome to Harrison, who is joining us to support and drive the next stage in Shepherd Stubbs’ development as a leading independent recruitment company!” Our Founder and Director, Sandra Shepherd-Stubbs, added: “A worthy appointment for Harrison! We look forward to the continued growth and success of Shepherd Stubbs with this exciting addition to the team!” As we continue to expand and grow, we are confident that Harrison’s leadership will bring fresh ideas and opportunities to strengthen our services and client relationships. His passion and dedication align perfectly with our values, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.  This is an exciting time for Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment, and we look forward to sharing more updates on our journey. Stay connected with us as we continue to evolve!

In today’s fast-paced work environment, burnout has become increasingly common for professionals across all sectors. Long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations all contribute to this and can take a toll on both the physical and mental well-being of the workforce. We understand the challenges and the importance of maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Here are some practical steps you can take to help you avoid job burnout and stay motivated in your career.  Recognise the Signs Burnout doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual process with many signs. Are you experiencing constant fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability, or a decline in work performance? If you are feeling overwhelmed, now is the time to act. Set Realistic Goals One of the most common causes of burnout is taking on too much in your work or personal life. While ambition is an excellent quality, it’s essential for your well-being that you set realistic goals and communicate your limits. Learn to say no and ensure you have enough downtime to recharge. Prioritise Self-Care Your health should always come first. Schedule time for regular exercise, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep. Doing things you love outside of work can also reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Take Breaks It’s easy to feel like you have a lot to do and always need to be ‘switched on’ during your workday, but short, regular breaks can actually boost your productivity. Make the most of any leave you are entitled to over the course of the year to rest and return to work refreshed. Seek Support If you are struggling, always seek support from someone you trust. Whether that’s a family member or a manager at work, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We always encourage professionals to find supportive workplaces that foster a healthy culture and promote employee well-being. Find the Right Work Environment A positive work culture can make all the difference. If you feel stuck in a role that drains your energy, it might be time for a change. Our team is here to help you find opportunities that align with your skills and values. Work is an important part of life, but it should never come at the expense of your well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and seeking out supportive work environments, you can reduce the chances of burnout and maintain a successful career. If you are looking for a new opportunity, our experienced team is here to guide you.

In our March LinkedIn poll, we turned our attention to the strategies businesses employ for lead generation, aiming to uncover which methods yield the most success. The diverse approaches and preferences among professionals offer a glimpse into the effectiveness of various techniques in today's competitive market. Leading the results, 'Word of Mouth' was identified by a commanding 50% of respondents as the most effective method for generating leads. This traditional but powerful tool underscores the importance of reputation and customer satisfaction in driving business growth. Positive experiences leading to personal recommendations remain a cornerstone of successful marketing strategies, highlighting that trust and reliability are crucial. 'Networking' also proved significant, with 36% of the vote, reinforcing the value of building strong relationships within the industry. These connections are not only vital for immediate opportunities but also for long-term business development, proving that interpersonal connections can be a reliable source of new leads. Surprisingly, 'Internet Search Traffic' garnered only 14% of responses, suggesting that while online presence is essential, it may not always be the most direct or impactful method for lead generation in certain sectors. Notably, 'Social Media' received 0% of the vote, indicating either a lack of effectiveness or perhaps a need for businesses to reevaluate their social media strategies to better engage and convert their audience into leads. These insights provide valuable information for companies looking to optimise their lead generation efforts. Emphasising the power of personal connections and the enduring value of word-of-mouth referrals can significantly impact how businesses approach their marketing strategies in the future.

If you are applying for a new role and want to make a good impression, it’s not just about listing your previous roles and responsibilities; employers also want to see the tangible impact you’ve made in your previous positions. A results-driven CV highlights your value and helps you to stand out. Here are some of our top strategies for measuring and showcasing your impact on a CV effectively.  Use Measurable Metrics Numbers provide concrete evidence of your past achievements. Wherever you can, always try to include measurable results you have achieved in the past. For example: Increased sales by 25% in six months, generating an additional £50,000 in revenue for the company, or improved customer satisfaction scores from 80% to 90% over the course of a year. If direct figures aren’t available, approximate percentages can still highlight your progress. Include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Every industry has general benchmarks for success. Use benchmarks from your previous roles to demonstrate your achievements and always make these relevant to your new role. Have you ever met and exceeded sales targets, improved customer satisfaction, or streamlined project completion times? Even if your role wasn’t target-driven, think about the different ways you improved team performance, efficiency, or quality of service. Show Career Progression and Promotions Career growth within any of your previous organisations is a strong indicator of your capability. Always highlight any promotions you achieved, as well as increased responsibilities, to show your professional development. For example: “Promoted from assistant to manager within two years due to consistent performance and leadership.” Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills Employers always value candidates who show initiative and problem-solving abilities. Use your CV to showcase real challenges you’ve overcome and the impact this had on the company. Include any difficulties you encountered in your previous roles, how you came up with a solution and what the end result was for the company. Use Strong Action Verbs Make your achievements stand out with dynamic, results-oriented language. Instead of passive phrases like “was responsible for”, try to use strong action verbs such as achieved, led, developed, implemented, and optimised to highlight your abilities. For example: “Led a team of five to launch a new product, generating £100,000 in sales,” is stronger than “Was responsible for a team of five.” Keep It Concise and Relevant While detail is important, try to avoid unnecessary information. Tailor your CV to the role you are applying for and focus on your most relevant achievements that align with the job description. Always double check your CV or get a trusted friend or family member to look over it for any spelling and grammar errors. By following these strategies, your CV will become a valuable document that you can use to highlight and demonstrate your ability for your next role, helping you to stand out and secure your next opportunity. Need expert CV advice? We can help you refine your application and find your ideal job. Get in touch today!

In our latest LinkedIn poll, we explored what professionals believe is the key to building a resilient career in today's ever-changing job market. The results highlight significant trends and preferences that are shaping the ways individuals approach their professional growth and stability. Dominating the responses, 'Flexibility/Adaptability' was identified by an impressive 67% of participants as the most crucial factor. This overwhelming consensus underscores the importance of being able to pivot and adjust to new challenges, environments, and technologies. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt is invaluable and often seen as more critical than any specific skill. 'Continuous Learning' also received notable attention, garnering 25% of the vote. This reflects a recognition that ongoing education and skill development are essential for keeping pace with industry innovations and remaining competitive in the job market. Interestingly, 'Specialisation in Niche Areas' was seen as key by 8% of respondents, suggesting that while having a specialised skill set is beneficial, it may not be perceived as the most important factor compared to adaptability and continuous learning. 'Networking' received 0% of the vote, a surprising result that might indicate a shift in perception about the value of professional networks, or perhaps it reflects a belief that other skills outweigh networking in terms of importance for career resilience. Stay tuned on our LinkedIn channel on 1st March 2025 for our next poll.

When you are applying for a job, standing out against the competition is crucial. Employers will receive numerous applications for each role they advertise, so as well as understanding the role and the company, understanding what employers are looking for will significantly improve your chances of being called for an interview. Let’s take a look at some of the key things hiring managers are looking for when reviewing applications. A Well-Structured CV Your CV is the first impression an employer has of you, so it needs to be clear, concise, and tailored to the role you are interested in. Employers are looking for a professional layout that is easy to read, relevant work experience, key skills that tie in with the job description, your education and qualifications, and no spelling or grammatical errors. A CV that is too long, disorganised, or too generic may be overlooked. Always tailor your CV to each role by highlighting the relevant skills or experience you possess. A Well-Written Cover Letter Not all employers will require a cover letter alongside your CV, but when they do, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality, skillset, and enthusiasm for the role. A strong cover letter should address the hiring manager if possible, explain why you’re interested in the company and the role, highlight your relevant skills experience and demonstrate how you can add value to the business. Avoid simply turning your CV into a few paragraphs and use the opportunity to show how passionate you are about the job and what you can bring to the company. Attention to Detail Employers will favour applicants who have carefully read the job description and tailored their application to fit the role. Always follow instructions and stick to the requested format. Another important point to note is that your application is your first impression to potential employers and any spelling or grammar mistakes will make you appear careless or unprofessional. A well written and error-free application enhances readability and clarity, helping you to stand out for the right reasons. Before submitting your application, always proofread, use spellcheck or ask someone to review it for you. Relevant Skills and Experience Hiring managers are looking for candidates who meet or closely match the requirements of the role, and whilst relevant work experience is important, transferable skills such as working well within a team, problem-solving, and good communication are highly valued. Use examples to highlight how you have demonstrated these skills in previous roles so the keywords you use aren’t hollow, empty, or just filling space on your application. Professionalism and Enthusiasm Employers will always prefer candidates who present themselves professionally and show a genuine interest in working for the company. Always be aware of your language throughout the entire process; from the first email, through your application and right up to interview, as professionalism plays a key role in securing the job. Implementing the points above will increase your chances of capturing an employer’s attention and, most importantly, securing that interview. If you are looking for support in finding your next job, our team has over 35 years’ experience in matching job seekers to their perfect role and employers with their perfect candidate. Get in touch today to see how we can help and support you. 

As we step into 2025, it's crucial for professionals and businesses to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Our first LinkedIn poll of the year asked industry leaders and professionals to identify what they believe will be the biggest challenge facing their industry this year. The responses shed light on the diverse obstacles different sectors anticipate as we navigate through 2025. The poll results revealed a clear concern, with 'Skilled Labour Shortage' leading as the predominant challenge, cited by 40% of respondents. This highlights an acute issue across industries: the struggle to find adequately skilled professionals. This shortage can hinder growth and innovation, emphasising the need for enhanced recruitment strategies and perhaps a greater focus on training and education within companies. Both 'Regulatory Changes' and 'Technological Advancements' were each seen as the biggest challenge by 20% of participants. These results indicate a landscape of rapid change, where staying compliant with new regulations and keeping pace with technological evolution are critical for maintaining competitive edges. Similarly, 'Economic Fluctuations' were also viewed by 20% as a significant challenge, reflecting concerns over market stability and the broader economic environment that can impact business operations and profitability. These insights are crucial as they highlight the multifaceted challenges industries face in 2025. For businesses, understanding these potential hurdles is the first step toward mitigating their impacts. It suggests a need for a proactive approach in workforce development, regulatory compliance, technology adoption, and economic resilience. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about the results from this month’s poll or maybe looking to recruit and expand your team in 2025, click here to get in touch.

When reviewing CV’s, employers often encounter common red flags that can indicate potential issues with a candidate. Whilst no single red flag should automatically disqualify a job seeker, it’s important to pay attention to red flag patterns that could be a concern for you moving forwards. Here is a look at some of the most common red flags employers should watch out for when reviewing a CV. Unexplained Gaps in Employment Gaps in a candidate’s employment history can be a natural part of a career journey but if those gaps can’t be explained, that could cause a recruiter to look at the application more closely. Most gaps can be explained if the candidate has taken a career break to move into further education, travel or raise a family but it’s wise to ask for context from the potential employee for significant periods of inactivity. Frequent Job Changes Moving from job to job quickly can sometimes reflect ambition and a desire for new opportunities but too many job changes in a short space of time could also portray that the candidate shows instability or lack of commitment to their career and could be someone who isn’t going to stick around to grow within the company. Typos and Errors A CV is a candidate’s opportunity to create an excellent first impression and a CV full of spelling and grammatical errors can create doubt about their attention to detail. If a candidate can’t take the time to proofread their CV, it could be a sign that they might not put in much effort to their job responsibilities. Overuse of Buzzwords The overuse of buzzwords and generic terms such as ‘team player’ ‘dynamic’ or ‘passionate’ have become red flags. Whilst these words can be used genuinely, they often lack real substance unless the candidate has explained how they have demonstrated these qualities. If it looks like the candidate is just trying to fill space on their CV, they probably aren’t a good fit for your company. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements A CV that lists responsibilities without demonstrating how a candidate contributed to their previous employers success won’t add much value. Employers want to see results, so the candidates that highlight specific achievements or improvements that demonstrated their impact in previous roles is a winner. A Generic CV If a CV comes across as a generic one that could have been sent to a lot of employers without addressing the specific requirements of the role, this could show a lack of interest or effort on the candidate’s part. Tailoring a CV to highlight the most relevant skills and experience to the job posting shows that the candidate is serious, interested and committed. As an employer, reviewing CV’s carefully can save you time in the hiring process. Whilst one or two minor red flags might not be a reason to discount a candidate, larger patterns of inconsistencies or lack of professionalism shouldn’t be ignored. Keeping our tips in mind, you can make informed decisions and ultimately find the best person for the role. Are you struggling with finding the right candidates for your vacancies? Reach out to us today to learn how we can help streamline your hiring process and connect you with top talent.

As we approach the end of 2024, our latest LinkedIn poll sought to uncover the primary professional goals of our network for the upcoming year. The responses we received provide a clear indication of shifting priorities in the modern workplace as we head into 2025. An overwhelming 64% of respondents identified 'Better Work/Life Balance' as their top professional goal for the new year. This significant majority underscores a growing trend among professionals prioritising their well-being and personal time equally with their career ambitions. It reflects a broader movement towards achieving a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, emphasising the importance of mental health and overall life satisfaction. 'Career Advancement' still remains a priority for many, with 21% of the votes, showing that climbing the professional ladder continues to be important but perhaps balanced with a desire for quality-of-life improvements. Surprisingly, both 'Skill Development' and 'Networking' received the same level of focus, each garnering 7% of the vote this month. This suggests that while continuing education and expanding professional connections are still valued, they may currently take a back seat to more pressing concerns related to personal well-being and career progression. These poll results highlight a critical shift in professional goals as we move into 2025, with a notable emphasis on achieving a sustainable work/life balance. This insight is invaluable for employers and HR professionals as they plan support systems and corporate cultures that align with the evolving needs of today’s workforce.