Finding a job can be a stressful time, especially if you only have
limited experience with the recruitment process. At Maximus we ensure
that we provide candidates with the best advice possible on how to
find the right position, knowing too well that requirements are unique
from one candidate to another. Preparing you in the appropriate way
can often make the difference between getting that job or not. In
this section, you will find various tips on how to make the job search
process as successful as possible. Included is information on how
to write the perfect CV, the secrets of how to make an interview successful
and information for freelancers including IR35 solutions.
Accuracy – This is vital. Particularly when recalling
dates, qualifications, work duties and targets.
Brief – A CV should be a thumbnail profile, not a blockbuster
epic. No longer than two/three pages it should contain just enough
information to secure the interview. Employers want a brief overview
of your education, qualifications, employment history, professional
skills and interests. Its function is to guide the conversation
and not to replace it.
Corrections – Double check for dates, spelling and grammar.
Detail – The experience and skills that you list should
be directly relevant to the job.
Features – Be sure to mention any outstanding achievements
you may have been recognised for.
Gaps in employment – If you do have career gaps, state
positive reasons for them, such as travel, a full time course
or maternity leave.
Keep it concise – A CV should be short and simple.
Dishonesty – Lying is not worth it. Write only what you
can back up. They will eventually catch you up.
Marketing – You are using your CV to market your skills,
personality, background and knowledge. Learn to do it effectively.
Structure – Organise your CV in a particular style and
maintain. The presentation needs to be consistent. Remember to
keep it simple.
Quality – Make sure your CV is easy to read, structured
and to the point. Use quality paper if sending via post.
Recent and up to date skills – Skills and new knowledge
acquired need to take priority. Most employers don’t want to know
what you did ten years ago, especially if it is irrelevant to
the post.
Tailor – Individualise your CV for each post. Make sure
you understand and know the key skills of the post. Highlight
and present the relevant skills. Relate your skills to the particular
job requirements.
Update – Review and update your CV on a regular basis,
including new skills, qualifications and achievements.
Summary – Consider your most important activities and
responsibilities and then summarise them briefly. You cannot and
should not include everything as it will read like an essay.
Zest – Remember the employer will be reading dozens of
other CV’s and it is important to make your different. Express
an eager and enthusiastic nature through the structure and wording
of your CV.
The 7 Lucky Maximus tips on how to deliver a successful interview….
1) Before the interview:
Research the client, their history and market
– greater knowledge shows greater interest.
Map out your journey clearly, factoring in
time for any possible delays.
Visualise the interview in a positive manner.
Take a copy of your CV to the interview.
Familiarise yourself with it and use as an aide memoir if necessary.
First impressions are vital – dress
the part & look healthy.
Devising good questions for your interview
is essential; it separates the best candidates from the worst.
2) First Impressions/During the Interview:
Meet your interviewer in positive & professional
manner by standing up, smiling and shaking their hand firmly.
Remember you never get a second chance to
create a great first impression so ensure it’s a good one.
Smile, empathise and show genuine interest
whilst the interviewer introduces their company. This builds trust
and rapport quickly.
Take notes at the interview as it demonstrates
your interest in the job and how important it is to you.
3) Addressing the need:
Ask the interviewer exactly what they’re
looking for from the ideal candidate. This will help you sell
yourself in the most appropriate way: Focussing on exactly what
they want.
4) Negative scenarios/questions:
Being asked a question you don’t know
the answer to can be a difficult scenario to find yourself in,
so it’s always useful to know your weaknesses as well as
your strengths prior. Firstly be truthful, honest and up-front.
Empathise with them but then provide a parallel option. Describe
something very similar you’ve worked with in the past or
a time where you’ve had to learn something new in a quick
time frame. Your main objective should be to turn any negative
points around.
5) Salary Question:
Try to avoid discussing figures at the first interview;
it can always be discussed later on. You don’t want to undersell
yourself or create the wrong impression early on by overselling.
This is normally best left to your recruitment consultant to deal
with, allowing you to remain out of the loop altogether. If you’re
pushed, stating you’re looking for no less than your market
worth is sufficient.
6) Close:
It’s crucial to close the interview on a
positive note thus leaving a strong lasting impression. Do not
be afraid to relay your interest & enthusiasm for the role
to the interviewer, in fact we strongly recommend it.
7) The Final Word:
Please remember to be yourself; interviewers can
always sense candidates who are not genuine. Enjoy the interview
don’t endure it!
Contractors have three main options in the way they operate from
a tax point of view. They can either work through their own limited
company, an umbrella company on PAYE or offshore.
All these methods have very different tax and cost implications.
The Money Farm is a specialist firm of Financial Advisers who have
looked after contractor’s needs for 20 years.
We undertake a detailed financial analysis and provide a written
report giving our recommendations and reasons.
Due to the nature of contracting sometimes it is difficult for a
contractor to secure the best possible mortgage. It may be because
of the inability to prove income, the length of the contract or
just the way the accounts have been prepared to achieve maximum
tax efficiency.
The Money Farm are specialist financial planners to the Construction
industry. Quite simply we obtain the best possible mortgage for
contractors regardless of the circumstances.
Whether it’s your first mortgage or a mortgage if you are new to
contracting or new to the country, if you have perfect credit or
less than perfect credit, for residential or buy to let mortgages
contact The Money Farm for a no obligation quotation.
