CEIAG

When it comes to writing a CV, you want to make sure it’s perfect, after all you only get one chance at making a first impression. A CV should be a representation of you and all your achievements to date – don’t be afraid to blow your own trumpet!

There are no strict rules about what a CV should look like. CV styles can vary from industry to industry, if you are looking to secure a role in the Financial sector, you will be best sticking to writing formalities with a clearly structured CV. If you want to dive into the world of Graphic Design, why not design your CV to look like a cereal box, get creative and really showcase what you can do. There are some tips that apply for all CV writing, keep it clear and concise, make sure there are no spelling/ grammatical errors, and make sure you keep it honest.

Now we have established what the CV will look like, what about the contents? Knowing what information to include can be tricky, que the CareersInc team of CV specialists. Our team know a thing or two about writing a great CV, and they have shared their tops tips for what makes a CV pop and what makes it flop.

1. A CV is your sales pitch
   We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to really showcase all your achievements, big or small, include them all. Your CV is your chance to show the employer what you have done and what you can contribute to their business.
   
   
2. Make sure your CV is up to date
   Make sure all your latest and greatest achievements are on your CV, if you are submitting a CV that is a few months old it is likely you have a few more experiences and accomplishments since then. As best practice our CV specialists suggest updating your CV at least once a month.
   
   
3. Adapt and customise
   For each job you apply for you should adapt and customise your CV based on the needs of the employer. Emphasise the skills employers are looking for that you have or focus on experiences that link to the specific job role. This will help increase your chances of being shortlisted for the interview stage.
   TOP TIP: If you are struggling to identify what skills and experiences an employer is looking for, refer to the job description or person specification provided.
   
   
4. A CV is not enough!
   Most people think a CV alone will help them secure an interview, but covering letters are just as important. A covering letter is your space to communicate directly with the employer. Tell them why you want to work for them, what makes you the most suitable candidate for the role and what you can bring to the role that makes you different. A covering letter also shows you have taken the time to write personally to the employer and not just sent the same CV to everyone.

Our team of specialists have devised a CV template that will offer you guidance when creating your CV, you can use this as a starting point and build on the CV adding your own flare and creativity. If you need this, just ask your CareersInc adviser!

Ensuring you have a good CV takes you one step closer to landing your dream job, so remember to take the time to create a CV that is reflective of you and your accomplishments.

For more information on CV writing visit the CareersInc website.

As companies continue adapting to doing business in a COVID-19 world, the demand for jobs is changing and evolving all the time. Before the pandemic struck in March the job market look substantially different, fast forward to the present day and a very different picture is painted.

During the peak of the pandemic we saw our retail sector in need of extra staffing due to the increase customer demand and buying behaviour. After entering a second national lockdown it could mean the retail industry will remain near the top of the list for the most in-demand roles.

Research conducted by professional networking site, LinkedIn, identified exactly what job roles where most in demand during the months of June and July 2020. Surprisingly, Personal Shopper ranked top, Customer Service Assistant second and thirdly Pharmacy Manager. [1]

Specific jobs were not the only things in demand during the height of the pandemic, we also saw a shift in skills demand and what skills were considered the most important to employers. LinkedIn found that communication was the top sought after skill for employers globally, followed by business management and problem solving. [2] Unsurprisingly, communication is a skill that is considered vital in the current climate. It is more important than ever for employers to keep a line of communication open with their customers, employees, and partners.

Now we have seen the short-term effects of the pandemic on the job and skills demand but what about the long-term effects? How will the pandemic shape the future job landscape in the UK and what jobs will be the most in demand in years to come? We looked at some of the top predictions and what pathways are available to enter those professions.

Healthcare professions

We have seen longstanding issues regarding shortages of graduates in professions such as nursing, it is more than likely that the demand will remain highly probable in 10 years’ time. [3] What are the pathways to getting a job in the healthcare industry? Below we have listed what pathways are available and what to expect as your average salary.

Nurse
Pathways: University, Degree-level Apprenticeship  
£22,000 – £50,000

Paramedic
Pathways: University, Apprenticeship, Trainee Scheme
£25,000 – £38,000

Hospitality trades and food preparation

Recent research suggests that while Healthcare and Teaching professions remain the most probable to see increase in demand by 2030, closely following is hospitality trades and food preparation. [4] This could be down to the fact consumers value this type of industry when it comes to socialising with friends and family.

Chef
Pathways: University, College, Apprenticeship
£13,000 – £50,000

Construction

With the Government’s recent promise to inject money into construction in the UK, it is no surprise that construction jobs will remain in demand post-COVID.  

Project Manager
Pathways: College, Apprenticeship, University
£28,000 – £78,000

Teaching

Teaching is another profession where we see a continued demand, with a shortage of teachers across the UK. This type of profession offers excellent levels of job security, an advantage many are seeking in times like this.

Teacher
Pathways: University
£23,000 – £43,000

Whilst we can see some roles will remain in demand there is some unexpected results when we look at the future job demand. Whether its teaching, construction or healthcare were your passion lies, CareersInc can guide you through the process to your future.

Start planning today for a brighter tomorrow, visit www.careersinc.co.uk

Author: James Madine, CEO, CareersInc

During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that we support our young people, ensuring that they are not left behind when the world returns to a pre-covid state. In times like this, it is easy to lose sight of our ambitions and goals, but by being able to access the right careers education, information advice, and guidance, young people can still be supported to lay the foundations for a brighter future. As careers professionals, it is our job to work closely with young people to help them navigate the rapidly changing landscape.

Young people have been subject to the social and economic repercussions of the pandemic, being the worst hit age group by unemployment rates. Between May – July 2020, unemployment rates for young people increased to 13.4%, numbers that are huge in comparison to the national unemployment average of 4.1% [1].

Through impartial careers advice and guidance, we can make those connections at the earliest possible stage and help prepare young people for what is to come. We can help identify strengths of the young people we support, and what job sectors those fit in to. We can highlight what industries are most in demand and help young people to reach their desired goals. Whether it is a hairdresser or an engineer, our specialist team will help a young person to find the right fit.

At CareersInc we support students, and in turn parents and teachers across the 64 schools where we currently work, by offering impartial, careers, education, information advice and guidance.  

Despite the incredible challenges that face the labour market for the foreseeable future as a result of the pandemic, our Careers Advisers are there to ensure that every young person is guided to raise their aspirations and ambitions to their highest possible level. Our young people will be the future in a post-COVID world; it’s our job to ensure they are well prepared to rise to the challenge.

To find out more about our careers services, visit: https://www.careersinc.uk

With challenges and barriers in the way of fulling your dream career, do you simply quit, or do you face these challenges head-on with some support?

Outwood Grange Academy student, Nafeesa, decided that no matter what, she would stay focused on fulfilling her dream career of becoming a Midwife. Helping her overcome these barriers, Nafeesa received support not only from the school, but additionally from her CareersInc Adviser.

Nafeesa came across CareersInc via her sister, who had recommended their services and highly praised the support she had received. Nafeesa always wanted to be a Midwife and lacked confidence in achieving her career goal. She knew it was a competitive career to get into, and it would be unlikely that she would have a smooth progression route.However, her Careers Adviser, John, pulled out all of the stops to ensure that Nafeesa would reach her full potential in her dream career.

During her sessions with John, they discussed the various options that Nafeesa could consider to enhance her CV and boost her University application. Together, they searched and uncovered a number of work experience opportunities that would assist Nafeesa on her career journey.

Thanks to the support Nafeesa received from CareersInc, she is currently awaiting her start date in October 2020 to join her local hospital as a Midwife. She recently contacted CareersInc to share her success. She said:

“Mr Paley was very supportive and believed in me. For my own reassurance, he even set-up a back-up plan if things didn’t go accordingly. I felt I was able to relieve my personal stress relating to Sixth Form and he was always friendly, understanding and empathetic.

“I believe he is a great asset to the team at CareersInc who goes above and beyond for his students and I am forever grateful for his support. I couldn’t have done it without him!”

John and the CareersInc team were delighted to hear the great news from Nafeesa. They are passionate about helping students achieve their goals and map out their future in terms of careers.

CEO at CareersInc, James Madine, was delighted with the kind words from Nafeesa regarding her experience, He said,

“Everyone in the team works extremely hard and they all share the same passion and commitment as John. They are all prepared to go the extra mile, to support their students, which has been particularly evident during the lockdown when advisers have worked evenings and even weekends to support students when needed. But when a student takes the time to get back in touch and share their incredible success with such kind words about a member of your team, I couldn’t be prouder.

“Nafeesa is just one example of the amazing work from my team and the impact of Careers Education in schools. We all wish her the best of luck in her new career!”

CareersInc are Matrix accredited provider of independent and impartial Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in schools and colleges, supporting young people, like Nafeesa, to make decisions about their future.