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.

Interviews are often the most nerve wracking part of the job seeking process and whilst you might be happy that you got the interview, you might wonder if it went as well as you’d hoped. This is a natural reaction to something as important as your career but there are several key signs that suggest your interview was a success, let’s take a look at them. Positive Body Language and Engagement We can usually tell when we get on well with someone and you can also read subtle signs in the interviewers body language which could mean that you left a good impression. Were they leaning forward, engaging with you and seeming interested in what you had to say? Did they respond enthusiastically to your answers? These are all good signs. The Interview Takes Longer Than Expected Interviews are typically structured to a strict timeframe to allow the interviewer to see multiple people and find the best candidate for the job. If your interview has gone over the allotted time but it doesn’t feel rushed, this is a really good sign and means that the company is open to learning more about you and sees potential. Natural Conversations If you have built up a natural rapport with your interviewer and the interview doesn’t seem like a basic question and answer session, this bodes well. If the interviewer also shares information about the company culture, team and future plans with you at this stage, it’s a sign they see you becoming part of their company. Next Steps Discussion If the employer takes the time to explain what the next steps of the process are going to be during your interview, asks about your availability for further stages or lets you know about their onboarding process, these are all good indicators that you are being strongly considered for the role. Introduction and Highlighting the Benefits Another sign that your interview has gone well is if your interviewer introduces you to other team members or key decision makers during the course of your interview. This shows that they personally have deemed you a good fit for the role and could be looking for a second opinion before they make a hiring decision. The interviewer could also begin to highlight the benefits of you working for their organisation, they might mention the ‘perks’ of working for the company, any career progression opportunities or just that it’s a great place to work. They could be trying to sell you the role within the company which often means they think you are a strong candidate.  Whilst the above points aren’t a guaranteed measure of success, they are really encouraging signs that your interview has gone well and that you have made a good impression on the company. If you are currently navigating the job market and need some professional support and guidance, we can help, contact us for advice and information on our current vacancies today.

In our November LinkedIn poll, we explored what factors are most valued by employees for their company’s year-end celebrations. As we wrap up another year, understanding these preferences can help organisations plan events that genuinely resonate with their teams and enhance company morale. The results clearly highlight 'Recognition / Awards' as the leading priority, with 44% of respondents indicating that acknowledging individual and team achievements is the most important aspect of year-end celebrations. This underscores a significant trend: employees value recognition of their hard work and contributions over the course of the year, seeing it not just as a reward but as essential to their satisfaction and motivation. ‘Food’ emerged as the second most crucial element, garnering 33% of the vote. Good food can turn any gathering into a memorable event, suggesting that catering choices play a pivotal role in the overall enjoyment and atmosphere of corporate events. ‘Venue’ was also a notable factor, with 22% of participants considering it important. The setting of a celebration can deeply influence the event’s ambiance and how the festivities are perceived and enjoyed by the staff. Interestingly, 'Entertainment' received no votes, indicating that while enjoyable, entertainment might not be a priority for employees when compared to other aspects like recognition, food, and venue. This could suggest a shift in what employees consider valuable at corporate events, with a stronger emphasis on elements that reflect direct appreciation and tangible rewards. These insights are invaluable for any company looking to boost employee morale and retention through meaningful end-of-year celebrations. By focusing more on recognition and awards, companies can not only make these events more impactful but also reinforce a culture of appreciation that resonates throughout the year.

White fonting is a practice used on a CV where a job applicant includes extra phrases or keywords in white text which is invisible to a human reading the CV but readable by Applicant Tracking System software, otherwise known as an ATS. These keywords usually relate to job titles, certain skills or experience which the candidate doesn’t possess but match with what the company software is primed to look for. This might seem like a clever tactic but white fonting can actually harm your job prospects and could even damage your professional reputation. Here are some reasons why it’s wise to avoid white fonting on your CV and our top tips on how to land your ideal job without using it. It’s Considered Dishonest White fonting is professionally viewed as deceptive to a prospective employer and whilst it might help you bypass the initial stages of a job application, hiring managers will spot inconsistencies between your CV and the information you provide in your interview and reference checks. Employers could also question your honesty and integrity which will quickly remove you from the running. Technology is Getting Smarter Technology is always evolving and what you might get away with today could be different tomorrow. Many systems are now being programmed to spot white fonting and other tactics, causing you to be flagged before you even get to talk to a human being at interview stage. Irrelevant Matches White fonting often involves elaborating on skills and experiences you don’t have so whilst this might get you through the initial screening, you could end up being considered for roles that don’t match your real-life skills and experience. This potentially wastes your own time as well as the recruiter’s and could make getting through an interview difficult for you.  Reputation Damage Even if white fonting gets you through the first stages of the application process and the ATS software, it could still come back to bite you at a later stage. Employers could begin to question your skills or qualifications when it becomes apparent that you can’t carry out the claims made on your CV. Recruiters in your area could also work closely with each other so your reputation could precede you. With all this in mind, we have put together some much better ways to get noticed on your job applications. Use Relevant Keywords Tailor your CV to match the job description, but only use terms that genuinely reflect your experience. The ATS software will still recognise these keywords if they are presented naturally within the content and will significantly improve your chances of getting an interview with the employer. Showcase Transferable Skills We always encourage that you highlight any transferable skills you have, even if you don’t meet all the listed skill criteria in the job advertisement. Use your genuine achievements to demonstrate how you can bring high value and integrity to the company. Customise Your CV to Each Application Always tailor your CV to each individual job application and though this might take more time initially, it’s a tried and tested method and will show that you have thoughtfully considered how you will be an asset to the company and how you see yourself fitting into the role. Whilst white fonting might seem like a harmless shortcut to your ideal job, it’s a risky move. Authenticity and trust are key in the job market so always stay true to yourself. If you need some support in finding and applying for a job, our expert team can help you to stand out and support you every step of the way. Contact us here .

This month, we sought to understand what keeps employees committed to their workplaces. Through our monthly LinkedIn poll, we explored the various factors that influence employee retention, an aspect crucial for organisational stability and success. The poll revealed that 'Work-Life Balance' is the predominant factor, with 46% of respondents highlighting it as the biggest influencer in their decision to stay with their current employer. This underscores the growing trend where employees prioritise flexibility and a manageable workload that allows them to harmonise their professional and personal lives effectively. 'Company Culture' also emerged as a significant retention driver, receiving 31% of the vote. This result points to the importance of a positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace environment that aligns with employees' values and fosters a sense of belonging and engagement. Interestingly, 'Competitive Salary' was seen as the key factor by only 15% of participants, suggesting that while remuneration remains important, it might not be the primary reason employees choose to stay at a job if other needs are not met. 'Career Advancement' received the least emphasis, with just 8% considering it as the crucial factor for retention. This could indicate a shift in focus towards immediate job satisfaction over long-term career progression opportunities within the company. These insights are invaluable for employers looking to enhance their retention strategies. It's clear that focusing on creating a balanced, supportive workplace culture can be more effective than merely offering competitive salaries or career advancement opportunities. At Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment, we recognise the importance of these factors and are dedicated to helping our clients and candidates find the right fit that supports both their professional growth and personal well-being.