4 Things to Consider Before Pressing the APPLY NOW Button

Applying for a new job can be an exciting time for many people! A new opportunity for growth in your career could be just around the corner but have you taken some time to consider the vacancy thoroughly first? In this guide, we explore the 4 things to consider before pressing the ‘apply now’ button. Let’s dive in…

Location & Working Hours

The job you are applying for could be perfect in so many ways but does it suit your life and your current circumstances? Where is the job located? Is it a few minutes’ walk away each morning or will you need to commute some distance? Does the cost or time spent commuting outweigh any bonuses or the salary itself? Is there an opportunity for hybrid working or working remotely? Really take the time to consider all of the different practicalities of getting the job before you hit ‘apply’.

Company History and Culture

Dig deep into the history of the organisation you are thinking of applying for and try to get an idea of their working culture. Does the company have a high turnover of staff or frequent redundancies? How will these things affect your job security in the future? Another thing to consider is the culture of the company, it’s deep rooted beliefs, styles of working and overall mission - does this align with what you need for job satisfaction in the long-term?

Responsibilities and Growth

What are the expected responsibilities of the role? In any job, your best work will always be where your strengths and skills lie. If you work best in a quiet environment alone, leading and being responsible for a large team might not suit your strengths and vice versa.

If you have become stagnant in previous roles, you will know how de-motivating this can be and if you are looking for further growth or promotion opportunities it’s best to choose an organisation that focuses on employee growth and further skill development.

Are You Qualified

Are you qualified, underqualified or even overqualified for the role you are interested in? These factors are all important things to ask yourself before you apply for any job. Have a good read of the job description and try to work out what is negotiable and what isn’t. If a job advertisement is asking for a minimum of 3 years of experience and you don’t have that, it may not be worth applying. However, if the job description mentions a specific skill or experience as being ‘desirable’, you are still in with a chance. (Speak to your recruitment consultant for their advice)

We hope our guide has been useful. If you need help to find the perfect job, our experienced team of recruitment consultants are on hand to help you and find your next role in our extensive database of job vacancies. Good luck!

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LinkedIn Poll Results - January 2025

by Simon Clark • 17 January 2025

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.

Employers - What are the Top Red Flags on a CV?

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 2 January 2025

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.