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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Top Strategies for Measuring and Showcasing Your Impact on a CV

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 26 February 2025

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!

LinkedIn Poll Results - February 2025

by Simon Clark • 17 February 2025

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.