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Sales is a competitive field, so it's important to put your best foot forward in your interview. To help you prepare, here are some tips on how to ace your next sales interview, including sample answers to common questions:1. Research the company and the role.The more you know about the company and the role you're interviewing for, the better prepared you'll be to answer any questions. Be sure to read the job description carefully and research the company's website, social media pages, recent news articles, and know the names of key people such as the CEO and Sales Director.2.Practice your answers to common sales interview questions.There are a number of common sales interview questions that you can expect to be asked, such as:Tell me about a time when you successfully closed a deal.How do you handle objections from customers?What is your sales process?What are your sales goals for the next year?Why do you want this job?Take some time to practice your answers to these questions in advance. This will help you to deliver clear and concise responses during your interview. Remember that detail is king. Make sure to have examples prepared to back up your points.3. Be prepared to talk about your sales experience and skills.In your interview, be sure to highlight your sales experience and skills. This could include your track record of success in closing deals, your ability to build relationships with customers, and your knowledge of the sales process. If you have any relevant sales awards or accolades, be sure to mention them as well. 4. Have your numbers readyHave your sales figures to hand to show billings in similar positions, as well as any notable deals or KPIs you successfully worked to.5. Be enthusiastic and positive.Sales is a people-oriented business, so it's important to project a positive and enthusiastic attitude during your interview. Show the interviewer that you're excited about the opportunity and that you're confident in your ability to succeed in the role.6. Ask questions.At the end of your interview, be sure to ask the interviewer some questions about the company and the role. This shows that you're interested in the position and that you've been paying attention during the interview. Here are some sample answers to common sales interview questions:1. Tell me about a time when you successfully closed a deal."I was recently working on a deal with a new client (insert name) that I had identified and approached. It took a number of attempts to get a hold of the right decision maker but eventually I got speaking to the right person (insert name). They were hesitant to buy at first as they weren’t sure if they needed the offering we had, but I was able to build rapport with them and understand their needs and challenges in their business. I then tailored my sales pitch to their specific requirements and was able to close the deal by presenting a solution to an issue they had."2. How do you handle objections from customers?"When I encounter a customer objection, I first try to understand their concerns. I then address their objections directly and provide them with information that will help them to make an informed decision. I also try to find common ground with the customer and build a relationship with them."3. What is your sales process?"My sales process typically consists of the following steps:Prospecting: I identify potential customers and reach out to them.Qualification: I determine whether the customer is a good fit for my product or service.Needs assessment: I learn more about the customer's needs and challenges.Solution presentation: I present the customer with a solution that meets their needs.Handling objections: I address any concerns that the customer may have.Closing the deal: I ask the customer to purchase my product or service."4. What are your sales goals for the next year?"My sales goals for the next year are to increase my sales by 15% and to close 10 new deals. I believe that these goals are achievable and that I have the skills and experience necessary to achieve them."5. Why do you want this job?"I want this job because I am passionate about sales, and I believe that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in this role. I am also excited about the opportunity to work for a company that is growing rapidly and that has a strong reputation in the industry."By following these tips and practicing your answers to common sales interview questions, you can increase your chances of acing your interview and landing your dream sales job.
One of the most common questions we get asked by recent graduates or people looking to alter their career is about working in Digital Marketing. It is the Holy Grail for a lot of people coming out of a business/marketing qualification and is one of the mostly highly competitive spaces to go into when searching for work. It is difficult to get these positions but not impossible. First of all why do you want to work as a Digital Marketer? Are you techie, a nerd or a geek? To be successful in this space you need to be passionate about the tools you are using to reach the people you are trying to target. This is a space that moves so fast that knowledge gained can be redundant within 6 months and if you don’t have the desire to keep pace you will get left behind. Keep embracing new technologies, be an early adopter and don’t fall by the wayside. Now that we know you really want this career let’s see how you can gain an edge against your competition: 1. Get a qualification. You are going to need a qualification in marketing with a strong focus on digital in it. If it’s not in the title then mention the digital courses in your education. Any additional courses you can do for free in your spare time should be mentioned – Companies want you to be good with software packages like Hubspot – download it and play around! 2. Build an online presence! You are applying for a digital role so you need to have a digital presence – Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter – all should be up to date and active (especially Linkedin as this is the first place a recruiter or hiring manager will look). Blogs, digital portfolios or anything that shows contribution or activity online can be an effective tool. You want to stand out so blog about something you are passionate about! 3. Specialise in something. Social Media, Digital Content and e-Marketing are probably the 3 biggest areas within Digital Marketing and if you can show that this niche is your gig then you will fare better in applying to those roles.While having a broad understanding of digital marketing is important, it's also beneficial to specialize in a specific area that aligns with your interests and strengths. This can make you stand out in the job market and increase your chances of finding relevant opportunities. Determine which aspect of digital marketing you enjoy the most and focus on developing expertise in that particular area.4. Stay up to date with industry trendsThe digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and strategies by following industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in relevant online communities. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to adapt to new challenges.5. Work experience This is the tricky bit. Most employers want to see some experience on your CV so where possible do internships and ask for work while there. Also look at volunteering to improve the online presence of local clubs or businesses – do they have a Facebook page and can you increase the amount of likes they get? Stay up to date with industry trends: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and strategies by following industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in relevant online communities. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to adapt to new challenges.6. Mention all of this on your CV! As a recruiter I don’t have time to read a cover letter from every applicant so if the info isn’t on your CV then I won’t see it. Be clear and concise but make sure I see – education, digital experience, and digital skills. Remember, landing a job in digital marketing requires a combination of knowledge, practical skills, and relevant experience. The key thing about getting work in digital is to realise that the person you apply to will immediately check out your online presence and level of activity. If I am looking for someone to publish content online and you can show that you do that on a regular basis you should be a step or two ahead of some of your rivals. None of the above will guarantee you a job in digital marketing, but it will certainly set you on the right path!
In the aftermath of the recent financial crisis, the employment landscape has undergone significant changes, shaping the way companies approach recruitment and employees' expectations. As we step into 2023, the job market continues to recover, with companies cautiously offering temporary roles and embracing flexibility. Temporary work in the public sector has seen significant increases where many new roles are project related. The market's recovery has instilled greater confidence in employers, leading to more permanent positions in the pipeline. However, the demand for temporary staff remains strong, providing candidates with valuable opportunities to showcase their skills and secure permanent positions in the future.As the job market gains momentum, employees are gaining more leverage, leading to increased demands for a flexible work environment. Part-time arrangements and remote work options have become immensely popular, with companies tapping into the talent pool of older workers and stay-at-home parents. Advancements in technology have made it possible for companies to support remote work effectively, unleashing the potential of highly skilled individuals who were previously unable to participate actively in the workforce.From Sigmar’s perspective, screening candidates for technical and cultural fit is key, before sending candidates to our clients. Efficient screening processes ensure that candidates are prepared and ready to move as quickly as employers require, ensuring they secure top talent. While we may not have returned to the days of abundant job opportunities, the market has come a long way from the recession of 2010. Candidates, especially temporary ones, are in high demand and spend minimal time on the market. Companies need to adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain the best talent availableWith the continued improvement of the job market, salaries have seen a noticeable increase, particularly in the latter part of the previous year.As competition for skilled candidates intensifies, companies have begun offering attractive benefit packages to secure talent. While salary remains a significant factor, candidates' decision-making process now extends beyond monetary considerations. Employers must outline clear career progression plans during interviews, making the hiring process a collaborative effort between employer and employee. Counter offers have also become more prevalent, necessitating a deeper understanding of candidates' motivations to move. Candidates looking for their first step on the career ladder can be very flexible but will still have expectations of a great work environment and culture. Legislation for temporary workers is at the forefront so matching salaries to that of their permanent counterparts is essential.For candidates when looking for an office role researching the company where you are trying to get a new job is key. While there is a huge pool for companies to hire great candidates from, there is still an expectation that all interviewees will have done significant research prior to their interview. Not knowing adequate information about your potential future employer, is a disappointing reason to not get a job role. Companies invest a lot of time and money on their websites, LinkedIn pages, PR etc. It is expected that you will have researched the company and be able to comprehensively answer the question “why do you want to work here?” with great examples from your research. This can be the decision maker when it comes down to two candidates and deciding which of the two deserve the job. A well prepared answer can demonstrate to your potential employer that you want the role more.The job market in 2023 offers both employers and employees a range of opportunities and challenges. The scars from the financial crisis have led to cautious recruitment strategies, with temporary and project-based roles becoming increasingly prevalent. Employees, benefiting from a recovering market, have more leverage, demanding a flexible work environment. Candidates and employers must adapt their approaches to screening, salary negotiation, and interview preparation to thrive in this evolving landscape. By staying informed and responsive to the shifting dynamics, both employers and employees can navigate the job market successfully in 2023.
The market for newly qualified accountants continues to thrive, offering a wide range of opportunities beyond traditional practice. Making the right choice for your first job outside of practice is crucial, as it can shape your career trajectory for the next few years. In this updated guide, we will explore key factors to consider and provide relevant insights for today's job market.Determine Your Preferred Job Role:As a newly qualified ACA accountant, your experience is highly sought after by various employers. Instead of settling for any role that isn't external audit, take the time to identify the type of job you genuinely aspire to pursue. Consider roles in financial accounting, financial reporting, financial analysis, internal audit, and more. Choose a position that aligns with your interests and offers long-term job satisfaction. Explore Industry Preferences:With several years of audit experience, you have acquired first-hand knowledge of companies across different industries. Reflect on the organizations you audited and identify those you would personally like to work for. Dublin, in particular, offers numerous opportunities in sectors such as banking, insurance, funds, multinationals, and even Irish-owned SMEs and start-ups. While transitioning to a similar industry may be easier, some employers recognize the transferability of your skills and may provide opportunities to change sectors. Consult with your recruiter to learn which companies can offer this flexibility. Practice or Transition?While many accountants in audit eagerly leave practice after their training contract, staying in practice can also be a viable option. Advancement to managerial roles, leading larger teams, and engaging with senior stakeholders in different companies can benefit some individuals in the long run. However, if staying in your current role offers no new challenges or growth opportunities, it may be advisable to explore other options. Consider shifting to a different accountancy practice after completing your training contract. Big 4 and top-tier audit firms often seek talented auditor seniors. Changing practices can expose you to new clients and sectors, particularly if you trained in a Top 20 practice. Gaining experience in a Big 4 firm can be advantageous if your ultimate goal is to secure a role in a multinational or financial services organization. What is most important to you in a new job? All candidates will have different motives for leaving practice. Every candidate has unique motivations for leaving practice. Some seek organizations that offer continuous progression and development over the next 5-10 years, while others prioritize roles that provide variety and mental challenges. After working long hours for several years, some individuals simply desire a job with regular work hours. Whatever your priorities, there are diverse options available to suit your needs.When working with a recruiter, be transparent about your preferences, which will help them identify the most suitable companies and roles for your skill set.Additionally, reach out to former colleagues who have transitioned to industry roles to gain first hand insights into life outside of practice. Update your CV:Until you interview your CV is the only document you have to describe your skills and experience. Until you secure an interview, your CV serves as the primary document to showcase your skills and experience. Despite the availability of resources like CV templates and online advice, preparing a strong CV can still be challenging for some qualified accountants. Ensure your CV accurately represents the relevant experience gained during your training contract. If you're uncertain about the layout or content, consult a recruiter who can assist you in this process. In general your CV should be clear, concise, easy to read and very informative (facts and figures). If you have trained in audit list the different clients you have audited and describe their size (turnover, number of employees etc.) and industry sector. Recruiters see hundreds of CVs from Big 4 candidates every year and most CVs look very similar – what distinguishes one from the other is the different clients that you have worked on. Your audit clients will also be the first thing employers will look at when reviewing your application along with your educational record. In certain cases your recruiter may get you to tailor your CV for an application to a specific role – this will significantly increase your chance of securing an interview. Engage with a recruiter:Meeting with a recruiter in person offers more benefits than a mere phone call. In an initial meeting, you can have an open and honest conversation about your desired job and preferences. This ensures that you are only considered for roles that genuinely interest you, rather than being submitted to multiple positions solely due to your skill set. Applying to jobs of no appeal to you is a waste of the recruiter’s and the client’s time and does not reflect well on you either. By meeting with the recruiter at the beginning of your job search you will also distinguish yourself from the other hundred candidates coming out of training contracts at the same time. A good recruiter will also be able to match you to a company environment that will suit your personality as well as your skill set. Don't wait to be approached by recruiters; take a proactive approach and contact them yourself. While being headhunted for a specific role is appealing, recruiters with the most relevant opportunities might not have the time to extensively search LinkedIn. By registering with a reputable recruitment consultant, you'll stay informed about suitable job openings. Even if you are not looking for a role immediately the best way to find out about good jobs is by having a relationship with the recruiter that will be speaking to these companies. Also, recruiters that have worked with companies for a number of years tend to be able to influence clients into meeting candidates that they have met and can personally recommend. By applying to a job through an agency you should be able to gain a competitive advantage over applicants that apply directly. Your recruiter will be able to give you advice about the company, the work environment, the hiring manager and also be able to conduct interview preparation with you. They will also be able to keep you better informed of the timelines involved in the process and will be able to ensure the hiring manager makes a quick decision if you are interviewing with a couple of different companies. Consider Salary Expectations:Naturally the salary you attain in a new job is an important factor when making your decision about what company to join. As a qualified ACA accountant in Dublin's current job market, you can expect a competitive salary. Companies in different industries pay different various salaries so have a look at salary guides for an idea of what you may be eligible for. Some companies may offer lower initial salaries with a clear path for increased remuneration and benefits as you progress. Others might provide a higher starting salary but limited opportunities for career advancement over the next few years. Maintain an open-minded approach and seek advice from your recruitment consultant, colleagues, and managers.Taking a short-term view of salary expectations may not be in your long-term best interest, as slight differences in salary will have minimal impact on your monthly take-home pay. Should I take a contract job?Many candidates focus exclusively on permanent positions when considering career changes. While this approach is understandable in certain circumstances (e.g., mortgage applications), dismissing contract roles can limit your options. Large multinational and financial services companies in Dublin often offer contract roles initially, which often extend beyond the initial fixed term. These roles are typically permanent in all but name. Consult your recruiter for insights into which companies are more likely to offer permanent positions. Can I go travelling after my contract ends?On completion of a training contract or within a year of qualifying, a large percentage of accountants will go abroad to travel or to work. Depending on your personal circumstances you may be better off staying in your current practice for six months before going away whereas in the majority of cases it may be good to try and get 6-12 months industry experience before going away as this will make your CV look more marketable when you decide to return to Ireland. Of course this is dependent on individual circumstance and jobs on offer.What if I fail my FAEs?If you fail your exams you will still have a significant number of options available to you. The first thing you should consider is whether you plan on repeating your ACA exams the following year. If this is the case, the best option will likely be to stay working in practice as no company in industry will offer you the amount of study leave that you will get in practice. If you are unhappy in your role maybe consider joining another audit firm that will offer a new environment and new clients to work with. A good option for a lot of candidates is to change to ACCA. This is still a prestigious qualification that will be hugely beneficial to you over the course of your career. You will be exempt from most exams and should be able to qualify within a year. The exam format is much friendlier to people in full time jobs than ACA exams are. The majority of accountants that train in industry will undertake ACCA exams rather than ACA ones. If you want to stay doing ACA maybe consider taking a contract role until next summer and then take a couple of months off to study for your FAEs once again. You will still have lots of options available to you to move into industry. You have the same amount of work experience as those that are qualified and your skillset will still be in demand to employers. You may not command the same salary that qualified accountants can but you will still get a good package. You will also have a year’s experience in industry (rather than another twelve months in practice) and when you qualify next year you should be able to command the same salary as your work colleagues who pass the exams this year. If you have any questions on your current position or are interested in roles that Sigmar has on offer please contact our Accountancy Recruitment team by email at accountancy@sigmar.ie or call 01-4744 600.
The one question I am always asked when preparing a candidate for an interview is “how do I answer the weakness question?” The worst reaction you can have to this question is to say I don’t have a weakness. Everyone has a weakness and the reason the interviewer is asking this question is to see how you act outside your comfort zone. People often make the common mistake of trying to turn a negative into a positive. An example of this would be I’m a perfectionist or I work too hard. These answers are boring and show the interviewer you have put very little thought into his/her question. Also you are not actually answering the question you’re just trying to put a clever spin on it. Another mistake candidates make is being too honest. Never mention a weakness that you have if it is going to stop you from getting the job. So don’t answer “I’m lazy” or that “I’m always late” as this is not what your potential new employer wants to hear. The trick to answering this is in the same way you would answer any interview question and that’s by preparing your answer in advance. It can be very difficult to talk about your flaws in a stressful situation like an interview so make sure you spend time preparing your answer. These are a few ways to best answer the weakness question: 1. Pick a weakness that is acceptable for the jobDon’t pick a skill or requirement that is on the job spec that you don’t have and say it is your main weakness. This will only put doubt into the interviewers head. 2. Pick a weakness that you can developFor this type of answer you might think of an example where you had a weakness but developed it over the course of your time in prior employment. 3. Describe your weakness in a concise wayDon’t go into loads of detail on this question. They are asking you your weakness so be brief and don’t come across as negative. A common answer that candidates often use when asked the weakness question is on their delegation skills. Here you can mention a time when you used to have the mentality that only you could do the job but over time you realised that it was actually slowing the work down and by delegating to other staff members the job was done quicker. This answer is perfect to give but it depends on what job you are going for. If you are going for a managerial role where managing and delegating work will be part of your job description then don’t use delegating as your weakness. Every question in an interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself, so it is important you never miss a genuine opportunity and the weakness question is no different. Treat it like you would any interview questions that you find hard and prepare your answer.
As a recruiter, I have seen some good, some bad and some ugly CVs cross my desk. There are a couple of things which an accountancy CV should always contain and similarly, a few things which should never appear. Below I will discuss in a number of points how you, as an accountant, can grab the attention of the prospective audience i.e. recruiters or HR professionals and secure yourself an interview. Personal ProfileThe one thing you are looking to gain from your CV is an interview and hopefully, at the end of the process, a job. The first thing we should realise is that a HR professional or recruiter takes only 10-15 seconds to decide whether they are going to delve deeper into your CV and discover what you can offer. So to grab their attention you should include a short summary of yourself which is essentially a description of what an employer would be getting if they hired you. “A highly experienced ACA big 4 qualified accountant with 3 years PQE in a global FMCG multinational. Highly adaptable team member with strong communication skills. Looking for a role with a progressive multinational in a commercial finance capacity.” QualificationsAs a finance professional, your qualifications and certificates are some of the first things employers or HR will look for on your CV. For this reason you need to put exact details of your education and how proficient you were in each area, for example: 1st time pass ACA. The same goes with your degree or college achievements. You need to include the level of the qualification, the name of the degree and the name of the college, not to mention the dates which you attended. I would also include your leaving certificate points and results here to save the employer looking for them later in the process. Experience and AchievementsWhen listing the companies you have worked for, my opinion is that you should use the same format every time. The experience should be listed from the most recent back to the beginning of your career. Each role must list the company name, dates employed, industry, monetary turnover and your position. If you have worked in a number of roles in the one company, you need to clearly specify the continuity of your time there and the different positions you held. For each role I would separately list your responsibilities and achievements and list them in the third person. Describe your responsibilities according to the requirements of the job specification you are applying for. As an accountant or finance professional, the more senior you are, the more important your achievements become. Potential employers want to see where you have run projects, cut costs, improved processes and generally exceeded expectations. IT and Software SkillsThese are extremely important to have on your CV as a role with a prospective employer could depend on the systems exposure you have had. I cannot begin to tell you the amount of times I have had to do a specific search for an accountancy package or system and began my search from there. If you happen to be a super user of any system, again have it noted in black and white. It could be the difference in you or someone else getting the job, and I have seen it happen. Skills and Hobbies This area of an Accountancy CV is difficult to advise on. I would recommend that skills such as fluency in a language should always be included and even have their own section but if you would like to list them here that is also ok. I would not recommend you put skills like “fastest pint drinker” on your CV but at the same time, an innocent skill or achievement like being a beauty pageant winner or Ireland’s strongest man can alienate you or intimidate the interviewer so always be careful in that regard. The reality is, you will not do yourself any harm leaving hobbies off your CV altogether but this is something to take on a case by case basis and speak to your recruiter if you are unsure. Proof Reading 9 out of 10 recruiters will agree with me when I say that seeing a CV with a number of grammatical or spelling errors is a major annoyance. The opinion is that if a candidate cannot take care while writing their CV, how much care and effort are they going to put into the role? Your CV is a ticket to an interview and can get you in front of the right people so there are no excuses if you cannot do a simple spell check before you send it off.
Face to face interviews can be scary, but with the added pressure of presenting during an interview anyone can become a nervous wreck. Here are our tips to help you ace your interview presentation.Structure Your PresentationA strong structure is the most important thing to get right. The aim is to keep the interviewer’s attention through presenting engaging and relevant content. Plan out what you want to say through brainstorming. Draw a map showing how each point links to the next. Make sure the points you are making fit within the companies aim and objectives, thus showing the research you have done. The key thing is not to waffle. A basic outline for any presentation should have:Introduction: Give a brief overview of the subject of the presentation and what you wish to coverElaborate: Discuss the subject in as much detail as time will allow using as little slides as possibleConclusion: Sum up what you have spoken about adding in your thoughts where necessaryN.B. A useful slide to include would be a “Why Me?” slide. At the end of the day you want them to hire you for the job so this should be one point they take home.Know Your AudienceResearch the interviewers and try to understand their roles and interests. Tailor your presentation to resonate with their specific needs and expectations. This shows your understanding of the company and demonstrates your ability to customize your approach. Be VisualUse your slides to keep the panel engaged as reading from slides will send anyone into a daydream. Use bullet points and images as much as possible to keep your audience attentive. Other things to include:Provide hand-outs for them to read and to take away (but give them out at the end!)Have inviting body language (do not cross your arms or put your hands in your pockets)Do not be afraid to use gestures (it will draw their attention back to you)Use Examples and StoriesIllustrate your points with relevant examples or anecdotes. Sharing real-life scenarios helps to make your presentation more relatable and memorable. Practice Makes PerfectPreparation is a vital part of any interview and this will help overcome nerves. You should be given enough time to prepare your presentation in advance. Use this time wisely and practice until you know everything off by heart. Additional things to perfect include tone of voice and gestures. Worried you might trip over your words? Ask a friend to help you practise your presentation until you’re completely confident. The key is to talk naturally as this will show the panel that you understand your area and that you are the best person for the job. Pronounce Every Word ClearlyWhen you are nervous there is a temptation to speak fast to quicken the whole process; you must resist this. Add commas to your notes to signal where to take breaths and regularly pause to collect your thoughts. Speaking clearly will ensure that the panel understand your points and won’t be interrupting the presentation to ask questions. Eye ContactPresentations can be a lot harder than face to face interviews as the interviewee is the main talker. One sure way to ensure that people stay engaged is to maintain eye contact using friendly eyes. It is important to shift eye contact to everyone on the panel to keep everyone engaged and listening.Show Enthusiasm and ConfidenceDemonstrate your passion and genuine interest in the position and the company. Be confident in your delivery and showcase your enthusiasm throughout the presentation.There Will Be QuestionsDoing a presentation doesn’t mean that you will not be asked more questions. It is still an interview and the interviewer/s will still have questions to ask. They will more than likely ask about you and your presentation so be prepared. For further interview advice and/or to discuss career opportunities call 01-4744624 or send a confidential email to Alan at amurphy@sigmar.ie
Your CV is your sales document. Make sure to target your CV for each job you apply for. Your CV should mirror the job spec of the job you are applying for, ticking all of the requirements for the role. Create a first draftWrite all your qualifications, experience, employment history, personal history, hobbies and interests, including all relevant information under headings. Now write down everything you’ve gained personally from these experiences – skills, insights, personal growth (in paragraphs). At this stage just write as many pages as you need to get the brainstorming process done – only later on will we be concerned with cutting it down. Filter out the unimportantYou can’t tell potential employers your entire history, but you can highlight the important details for them: these will include skills, insights and abilities that you have been able to develop, as well as your academic qualifications and what you gained from your studies and experience. Keep it conciseEliminate unnecessary details.HR departments have lots to do, so don’t make the mistake of asking them to read through an unnecessarily long CV. HR departments won’t read a lengthy CV if they are short on time, short on patience, or have a lot of CVs to wade through.Remember that there may be a pile of CVs a foot high for some positions!CV’s should be around two pages in length, although it may be longer if you have to describe a lot of relevant work experience. Even a two page CV is of no advantage if it’s full of information that isn’t reasonably applicable to the position you’re qualified or applying for. Use the space only if you need it to fully disclose your accomplishments. Include the Basic informationEven if you have entered this information into this site, you should still include it on your CV. When the recruiter makes the call to say you have been accepted, your CV is the only document he or she will hold in their hands. Make sure it at least has all your personal information such as:NameAddressTelephone NumberDate of BirthNationality, including visa and work permit statusLanguages (level for both written and verbalDriving License (if you have one) State long term objectivesWhat are your short and long term career aims and objectives? Do you have any preferences for the type of work you want to undertake? (Don’t be too restrictive. It is better to be general about your career aspirations at this stage, for example, Business Related, IT). Don’t include short term objectivesYour short-term objectives should be clearly articulated in your cover letter. If you do include objectives, be specific. Vague statements, such as “Looking to utilise my marketing skills” or “seeking a rewarding position” add nothing to a CV and may in fact make you appear insincere. Include your Employment historyAll your employment is important whether it is part-time, temporary, voluntary, vacation work or Saturday only. It should be presented in reverse chronological order, most recent first.Give dates, name of employer, job titles etc. Include your Education historyList your most recent qualifications first, including:Dates, Institution – Name of Degree Course etcDegree Classification. It is not necessary to list all the modules you have studiedTechnical qualificationsAchievements / Positions of Responsibility Include Hobbies / InterestsBe Positive! Use “power words” such as “developed,” “managed,” and “designed” to emphasise your accomplishments. Stick your chest out and don’t be afraid to tell people what you’ve done. Produce a well-organised professional documentYou’ll generate a better response from your curriculum vitae if it is well organised and is packed with relevant information to match and support your professional, academic or career objective. Be honest!There is a huge difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified CV can be easily spotted by a recruiter or employer (if not immediately then certainly through the interview process), and if it doesn’t prevent you from getting the job, it will cost you the job later on. Use good document layoutMake your CV easy on the eyes. Use normal margins (one inch at the top and bottom, one and a quarter inch on the sides) and don’t cram your information onto the page.Allow for some “white space” between the different sections.Avoid unusual or exotic font styles; use simple fonts with a professional look.Do not use more than two fonts throughout the entire document. If you aren’t sure of the fonts to use, try a sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica for the headings, and a serif font such as Times Roman for the rest of the text. Put the good stuff at the startOne big mistake that job seekers often make is to list very important data in the lower sections of their job descriptions. As you compile statements for your CV, prioritise them by importance, impressiveness and relevance to the job you want. Remember that a strong statement, which uses power words and quantifies, will affect every statement under it. Re-read!Read through your CV. Ask someone else to read through your CV carefully once you are finished. When you have been working on your CV for hours, it can be difficult to spot the errors.
Paris2Nice 2022 is done. Our team arrived in Nice after cycling a gruelling 750km over 6 days, through wind, rain, lightning and (thankfully) lots of sun. Taking in beautiful French scenery, iconic places, a huge mountain (Mont Ventoux) to finally see the Med. A tough, challenging experiance with a few hairy moments, but mainly a joy shared with 64 amazing people all fundraising for very worthy causes. Sigmar Recruitment/Groupe ADEQUAT team have completed this challenge to raise money for Saplings Special School in Kilkenny, who desperately need funds to help make their facilities fit for supporting the children in their care who have autism and other special needs. Thank you to all those who have already donated (so many of you...amazing!). If you've meant to, but haven't yet, you can still do so: https://lnkd.in/epcB8gpVFinally, a massive congratulatiosn to all the cyclists and teammates for the huge support throughout the week. An incredible achievement and one you should all be very proud of!