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How to Write a Covering Letter 8 Quick Tips

Cover Letter Writing Tips

Why do some job hunters with a good CV never gain interviews?

Often it is because the job hunters do not follow the instructions on the job advert “send a CV and Covering Letter” employers often feel if you can’t follow simple instructions on the job advert, how will you be able to follow the instructions (job procedures) when employed.

Employment King recently asked a number of employers “how often do you read covering letters” – we were given a mixed result of the answer with one common theme, most of the employers said regardless if they read the covering letter or not, applicants who send a CV without a covering letter will not be offered an interview. Some employers also said they only read the covering letter and not the CV!

Play it safe always send a covering letter with every job application, even when applying by application form or speculative letter.

CV writing service available –

How to write a covering letter – 8 quick tips:

1. Keep the covering letter on one page, use the same text font and size as the text on your CV

2. Put your address on the top right-hand side of the page and the company address below your address but on the left-hand side of the page

3. Date the covering letter on the right-hand side of the page – this is to stop your covering letter from looking like a template

4. Start  by addressing the letter to a named person such as the company manager

5. The first main paragraph should record the job you are applying for and where you saw the job advertisement

6. Follow this by writing a paragraph (or bullet point) stating the reasons why you should be interviewed, what skills and qualities you can offer the employer – this should sell your key strengths

7. Next, you need to personalise the covering letter and record a small paragraph about the company you are applying to. Employers like it when you know a little about their history, as it shows you are interested in the company as well as the position

8. Finish by thanking the employer for taking the time to read the application and sign and print your name

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10 Tips for a Perfect CV

10 CV Tips for creating a perfect CV

1. Use a CV writing service.

View your CV as an investment, if you can afford it you should consult with a professional CV writing service.

A professional service should be able to target your CV to a specific industry and job role, a targeted CV worded to catch the employer’s attention will significantly reduce the time it takes to find employment.

If you can’t afford a full CV writing service, templates for targeted CVs are included in the Secrets of Employment E-book.

2. Have your CV appraised for free.

A CV appraisal is normally a free service and can be a good opportunity to test out different companies’ services.

When sending your CV for a review ensure that you explain what job role your CV is being used to apply for. Once you receive the appraisal, don’t be afraid to ask any additional questions about their comments or suggestions.

3. CVs should be a maximum of two pages.

A little bit of information that is often told but not always adhered to! Most employers only spend 30 seconds skimming through your CV looking for certain criteria, having a CV that is 4 pages long makes this job more difficult.

Keep your CV brief and to the point, remember the CV is designed to gain you an interview. It is during the interview that you can recount the nitty-gritty details of your vast employment history.

4. Break up the CV text.

Employers can receive up to 300 applications for every advertised job – an arduous task for the most committed recruiter! Using Headings, Shadings, Bold, Bullet Points to break up the CV text, making it easier for the employer to read or “skim” through.

5. Use Font size 11 or 12.

A simple but often overlooked detail – The text has to be easy to read, employers can spend all day reading CV’s – let’s make it easy for them! If you’re struggling to fit the text on one or two pages, use font size 11 but no less. Avoid the use of unusual fonts – Arial is simple and easy to read.

6. Target your CV.

You need to have a targeted CV; a targeted CV is a CV written for a particular industry, job position and company. You may like to save a generic CV which can then be edited for specific roles using job specifications and company information.

7. Always send a Covering Letter.

Candidates may spend hours on their CV only to undo all their good work by neglecting to enclose with it a Covering Letter. Research undertaken by Employment King indicates that many companies will not even read CVs that are received without a Covering Letter. Some CV writing services offer free Covering Letter letter templates with every CV.

8. CV text should be concise and to the point.

An easy mistake to be made with CVs is the temptation to include masses of information, CVs are more difficult to reduce than they are to increase.

Everything you have undertaken in your working life is a selling point, on the CV you need to intrigue the employer, leave them wanting to know more. Include around 3 bullet points for each job and start by recording the duties you did that are needed for this new role.

9. Match your skills.

Once you have applied to a job advert, most employers will send you a job specification. Read the job specification and highlight the “Essential Criteria” these are the main skills the employers is seeking.

These criteria must be visible in your CV or you shall not secure an interview. It goes without saying, a record that you have these skills on your CV, this way you have nearly guaranteed yourself an interview.

10. Feedback.

Remember – there is no failure, only feedback.

If your CV does not secure you interviews, you need to change it either yourself or through a CV review service such as that provided by Employment King.

You should not be afraid to ask employers for feedback, this is considered to be a standard part of the application process and can stand you in good stead for future applications and how you can make yourself even more employable.

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The 10 Myths of Employment

10 Top Myths of Employment

1. If you are offered a job you should discontinue your job search.

You should always continue to apply for jobs until you receive an offer of employment in writing. You may be offered a job verbally only to have the offer retracted a few days later due to funding issues or review of the requirement for another employee.

Ensure that you request an offer of employment in writing and continue to job search until you receive it.

2. An employer cannot dismiss you without a valid reason, whilst you are on your probationary period.

This is a common misconception! Your employer is essentially viewing this period as a trial run, monitoring your progress to see if they have picked the right person for the job. Ensure that you have been truthful about your abilities during the application process, if you have been misleading about your capabilities you will often be asked to leave the company.

An employer can dismiss you at any point during your probationary period without a valid reason.

3. Most jobs are advertised on job search engines.

The internet is a great and quick way to job search, but employers often avoid using these if they can to avoid hefty advertising fees. You will find more vacancies by looking at Company websites, local newspaper jobs sections and other media, as well as using job search engines.

Use a mixture of job searches to find the largest number of suitable vacancies.

4. Interviewing shall be carried out in a face to face environment.

Recruitment systems have had a dramatic overhaul over the last 10 years; employers now use a wide range of interview styles and find the right member of staff.

Interview formats and mediums vary from one organisation to another- webcam interviews, group interviews, telephone interviews, panel interviews to include a few. Some employers may require the completion of an ICT, Literacy or Numeracy test or you may be asked to carry out a short presentation. This information should be provided in your interview pack – if not then ask!

Employers use a wide range of interviews to ensure you have the essential criteria needed for each individual job role.

5. Employers can give you a bad reference.

Employers can refuse to give you a reference, unless your contract states that they have to, which is often the case in the financial industry. If an employer provides a reference they are legally bound to ensure its accuracy so they will often tread carefully in their wording.

Employers can often highlight areas for development without explicitly saying so, for example praising your ability to keep the organisation informed when you are sick through a number of mediums of communication – it doesn’t take much for a potential future employer to read between the lines with this.

An employer has to give an accurate reference that they can back up if challenged.

6. All employers check if you have a criminal record.

Many application forms require you to disclose whether you have any criminal convictions. However not all companies require the completion of this type of form. Only in certain industries will you require a full Criminal Records Bureau Check, mainly in occupations working with vulnerable people.

Many employers from a wide range of industries will not ask you if you have a criminal record.

7. You need to choose a career for life. 

The job market is constantly changing with new sectors developing all the time.

There are many jobs available today that did not exist 10 years ago. On average people stay in one company for around 3 years and then move on to a better role or company. The days of having a “safe job” or “job for life” have gone.

You need to pick a career that suits your personality type, this way you will work in an industry that you will enjoy.

8. Employers cannot discriminate on job adverts.

In most cases it is unlawful to discriminate negatively or positively against a certain category of people.

However there are lawful exceptions, for example a Women’s Hostel may seek to recruit a female Support Worker due to Safeguarding, although it should specify exemption from The Discrimination Act of 1995 on the job advert.

Companies have to follow equal opportunity regulations, but in some cases employers can legally discriminate on job adverts.

9. You cannot return to education if you’re over 25. I’m always surprised when I hear people say that they think they can’t return to college due to their age, this is often down to the belief that you can’t change your career ideas. If your under 19 yrs old your college course will be funded for you, when over 19 yrs depending if you are claiming benefits you will have to fund the course yourself-you can do this by applying for a student loan or grant. Anyone can return to education at any age.

10. I can’t turn my hobby into a job.

The secret to having a good job and career, is to do something you enjoy – would you like to be paid to do your hobby?

Most of us would say yes, first you need to think about what your hobby would be like if you did as a full time job, would you still enjoy doing it 5 days a week? Also, there tends to be additional duties when a hobby becomes a job -would you still enjoy your hobby with additional responsibilities?

Today there is a wide range of job opportunities and specialist jobs and everyone can turn a hobby into a type of job. Many people also choose to use the internet as a way of making money from their job.

The possibilities are endless; turning your hobby into a job takes time, commitment and passion, but can easily be done.

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10 tips when posting your CV online against fraud

CV stole by criminals

I am often asked, “Can I be a victim of fraud by posting my CV on the web?” The answer is “Yes!”

On average, criminals committing identity fraud only need 3 out of 15 pieces of information, don’t let your online CV give criminals a chance to commit identity fraud.

As job hunters are keen to gain employment, many do not think twice about giving companies the information they request. How do you know if the company you are applying to actually exist?

Criminals can easily advertise for a bogus job just to gain your private information, I even saw one job advert asking for a fee for the company to accept your CV.

Protect yourself from CV ID Fraud

1. Google the company name, gain contact details and check if the company exist

2. Be wary with e-mail addresses not containing the company name (some criminals will advertise a fake vacancy for a real company)

3. Ensure your details have not been saved on a computer desktop or in document files when using public computers and internet cafes

4. Don’t leave your paper CV lying about in public places, shred any CVs before throwing them away

5. While job searching on the internet is a great way to find employment, especially when you can upload your CV onto employment websites, you first need to ensure you do not give to many personal details away.

6. Good CV hosting websites will not show employers your personal information without your consent.

7. Your CV should show your skills and qualities, once an employer is interested they can request a full CV and references. This is because your CV is “live” on the internet for everyone and anyone to see, unlike a paper CV which will only be read by the employer.

8. With the age discrimination act, you no longer need to record your date of birth on your CV-stopping criminals from knowing your age.

9. Only give your forename and surname on your CV

10. Do not include your place of birth

11. Never record your marital status, no employer needs to know this and employers should never discriminate against people being married or single

12. You can use a telephone masking service, stopping you from publishing your private phone number

13. Never give any bank details to an employer until you have a job offer in writing. Employers only need your bank details if they employ you and want to pay your wage into your bank account. Never ever put bank details on a CV.

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101 Tips for Job Searchers

101 Job Searching Tips

Choosing a career:                                                                                               

1. Pick a career that suits your personality

2. Take a personality type test to match your skills to a job role

3. Write a list of criteria you would like in your career and match these against job specifications

4. If you are unsure on your career goal visit a careers coach

5. Look at LMI articles, check which careers will be here in the future, in these changing employment times

6. Volunteer to gain experience (and to check if you enjoy the job/industry)

7. Read a job profile to find out which skills are needed for your industry

8. Become an industry expert by signing up to industry blogs, tweets, Google alerts

9. Check if you have the essential qualifications required for the position you are applying for

10. Learn industry jargon and the meaning of acronyms

Job Searching                                                                          

11. Attend networking events and collect contacts

12. Sign up to industry news feed (find out which companies are recruiting or downsizing)

13. Google “industry name” and “location” for links to job adverts

14. Post your CV on job search websites and let them e-mail you vacancies

15. Sign up to several job agencies, allow the professionals to find you vacancies

16. Attend industry job fairs

17. Apply online using job search engines

18. Look in job papers and industry magazines

19. Write an action plan with SMART targets

20. Use the Secrets of Employment E-book as a guide to gaining work

21. Apply for unadvertised vacancies by sending a speculative letter and CV to companies in your industry

22. Look on company websites (under careers or jobs) for vacancies

23. Tell friends and family you are job searching

24. Use social networking sites to sell yourself and to find vacancies

25. Telephone past employers to ask if they know about any industry companies recruiting

26. Continue to job search until you gain a job offer in writing

Need a CV Writing Service?

CV and Cover Letter                                                                                             

27. Write a targeted CV and cover letter

28. Always send a cover letter with your CV

29. Check your CV especially your contact details before you use it to apply for vacancies

30. Update your CV throughout your career progression, have your CV reviewed for free

31. Use the same font and font size on your CV and cover letter

32. Just record “years” on your employment history to help delete small amounts of unemployment

33. Use your cover letter as a guide to writing a speculative letter

34. Break up your CV text by using headings and bullet points; use a good CV Tempalte to help you write your CV

35. Edit your personal profile as a “sales profile” record what you can offer the employer-this is your selling point, the reason why they should employee you

36. Match your skills and qualities to the job specification-especially the essential criteria

37. Research the company you are apply to and record a paragraph on the company’s achievements on your covering letter

38. Send your CV as a PDF as some old computer systems will not be able to read your text on an open document

39. Only record positive achievements on both your CV and covering letter

40. Sign your covering letter

41. When e-mailing a CV, put your covering letter as the main body of the e-mail, not as an attachment

42. Inform your referees to prepare your references

Write your own CV with the secrets of employment CV writer

Application Form’s                                                                         

43. Follow all the instructions on the application form

44. Only write using a black pen

45. Take a copy of the application form to write a mock application form, this will also help you check if your text fits into the application form boxes

46. Index all additional pages on the application form

47. When completing online application forms save a copy of your personal profile on your desktop to save time on your next application form

48. Match your personal profile to the job specification ensuring you mention all essential criteria

49. Break up your personal profile text with headings

50. As with a CV, send a covering letter with your application form

51. Check if you need to send any documents with your application form

52. Tick the disability box if you have a disability as some employers will guarantee you an interview if you meet the essential criteria

53. If you have a “spent” criminal record, tick “no” to the question “do you have a criminal record” in some industries they will ask you if you have a “spent record”

54. Never lie on an application form

55. Always sign your application form

Applying for vacancies on the telephone

56. Be prepared for a short online telephone interview (normally around 4-5 questions)

57. Stand up and smile, research has proven that your voice carries better by doing this

58. Dress for an interview as an outfit can put you into an “interview/business” frame of mind

59. Have a pen and paper ready, in case the employer passes you on any information such as an interview date

60. Prepare your CV by highlighting any selected information you want to discuss

61. Have a list of question ready-remember an interview can’t see what you have prepared on the phone

62. Complete a mock telephone interview with a friend or careers advisor

63. Have a quiet room prepared (put a do not disturb sign on the door)

64. Turn off your mobile phone (use a landline to ensure you do not lose the signal)

65. Check that the room is quiet from outside noise; close windows, turn of the TV

Job Interviews                                                    

66. Prepare your interview clothes-first impression count

67. Complete a mock run to the interview venue

68. Take a copy of your CV to the interview in a smart-looking case

69. Polish your shoes – sometimes the little things count

70. Brush your teeth, no one likes bad breath

71. Practice your interview questions and answer

72. Complete a mock interview

73. Create a list of questions to ask the interviewer

74. Never give just a “yes” or “no” answer, always back this up with the reason why

75. Only give positive answers even to negative questions

76. Shake hands and introduce yourself to the interviewer

77. Smile throughout the interview

78. Copy the interviewer’s body language as this creates rapport

79. Never interrupt the interviewer

80. Ask the interviewer to repeat any questions you don’t understand

81. Be prepared for a panel interview

82. Look at all interviewers when answering a question on a panel interview

83. In customer service roles be prepared for a group interview

84. During group interviews, listen to others and give your own ideas

85. Practice numeracy, literacy and ITC test as many employers use these during the interview process

86. Visualise yourself being positive in the interview before the interview, creating self-confidence

87. Thank the interviewer for the interview

88. Shake hands before you leave the interview

89. Be prepared for a follow-up interview and be prepared to re-answer the same questions

90. Apply for a job you know you will gain an interview in even if you do not want this job, use this interview to get rid of “first interview nervous” and to practice answering interview questions

need to complete a mock interview with a careers advisor?

After the interview                                                                                                           

91. Reflect on your interview-what went well, what should I improve?

92. Write down your good answers, as preparation for your next interview

93. Follow all interviews up with a phone call if you do not hear about the outcome of the interview

94. When not successful, gain feedback from the interviewer

95. Act on the feedback given by the interviewer

96. Complete a new mock interview, now you know what questions you will be asked

97. Continue to job search until you find your ideal job role

98. Once in employment gain any relevant industry qualifications on offer

99. Gain a positive work identity (be known for being a good worker not the joker)

100. Always look forward and aim for promotions, set yourself job goals

101. Continue to network and gain relevant employment contacts

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Can You Follow Instructions

Can you follow the instructions? Quiz

I often use this fun quiz at the beginning of a group session for  “completing applications forms”

See if you can complete all the questions in under 3 minutes-most cannot. You will need to print this quiz before starting:

Time Limit: 3 minutes

CAN YOU FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS?

1. Read all that follows before doing anything.

2. Write your name in the upper right hand corner of this page.

3. Circle the word “corner” in sentence two.

4. Draw five small squares in the upper left hand corner of this page.

5. Put an “X” on each square.

6. Put a circle around each square.

7. Sign your name under line 5.

8. After your name, write “yes, yes, yes.”

9. Put a circle around number 7.

10. Put an “X” in the lower left hand corner of this page.

11. Draw a triangle around the “X” you just made.

12. Call out your first name when you get to this point in the test.

13. If you think that you have followed directions carefully to this point, call out, “I have

14. On the reverse side of this paper add 6950 and 9805.

15. Put a circle around your answer.

16. Count out loud, in your normal speaking voice, from 10 to 1.

17. Put three small pin or pencil holes in the top of this page.

18. If you are the first person to get this far, yell out, “I am the first person to get to this spot and I am the leader in following directions.”

19. Say out loud, “I am nearly finished. I have followed directions.”

20. Now that you have finished reading carefully, do only those things called for in the sentences numbered 1 and 2. Did you read everything on this page before doing anything?

Hope you enjoyed and passed the quiz- Quiz author – Unknown

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How to gain an Interview from a job fair

Gain an interview from a job fair

Job fairs are held throughout the UK, being organised by recruitment and job advertisement companies as well as local councils and public service companies. Job fairs can be held for both general job roles or targeted to a specific sector.

First find out which company/sectors are attending, if even one company for the industry you are interested in is attending, then it is worth going.

Before you go to a job fair ensure you know which career and job role you are interested in. Many people gain career ideas by meeting with a qualified career advisor.

How to prepare for a job fair?

1. First, the impression you make at the job fair counts, often the same person who interviews you for a job position, will also attend the jobs fair. We all know that First impressions count.

2. Research the company you are interested in like you would for an interview. Companies are always impressed if you know something about the company’s history.

3. Check and update your CV, if you’re unsure how good your CV is, have your CV reviewed by professionals. You need to take a targeted CV to the job fair.

4. Dress smart, people make instant presumptions on your appearance.

5. Most importantly, prepare a 60-second introduction you can use with employers. Don’t make it sound too scripted, but it should quickly explain why you are attending the job fair and what you are looking for.

Example: “ Hello, my name is Dave Smith, I currently work at (Company Name) I am interested in applying for a position as a (job role) within your company, I have 3 years experience working in this field and feel that I would fit in well with your company”

How to act during the job fair.

1. Timing is everything, job fairs can be very busy and when you speak to an employer you want them to listen to your excellent prepared introduction. Wait until the employer is free and head over and introduce yourself.

2. Carry all your documents and CVs in a smart case; remember people judge you on appearances.

3. If an employer is busy talking to an employer on a different stand as they sometimes have inside information regarding the employer you really want a position with. Need careers advice?

4. Shake hands with the employer and be prepared to answer question regarding your skills and experience, like any informal or formal interviews prepare questions to ask the employer.

5. Discuss the application process and ask the employer what type of examples/skills they like to see on the application form. This way you know your application form will be targeted to each individual employer.

6. Finally, thank the employer; shake hands and move on to the next employer’s stand. Need a new CV

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I can’t get an interview

Struggling to get an interview?

Many job hunters become frustrated after applying for large numbers of job advertisements, only never to receive an interview.

As a careers advisor, I would always check how the job hunter had applied for these vacancies.

As an example you may in the main, be applying for jobs using your CV, if your CV does not gain you interviews it will either be because:

  • Your CV is not targeted to the industry you are applying for
  • The CV you use is more then 2 pages, so the employer is not reading the whole of your CV
  • You have not sent a Cover Letter with your CV; in some cases, employers see this as essential, while other employers don’t.

If you’re unsure how good your CV is, have your CV reviewed for free.

If you have a good 2 page targeted CV, with the text split up by headings and bullet points and you always send an individual tailored covering letter. Basically, your CV is great and sell’s your strengths to the fullest.

If this is the case you may need to re-look at the job positions you are applying for, as some job hunters apply for jobs out of their ability.

• Are you applying for job you feel has a large salary, compared to your ability to fulfill the role?
• Do the job roles you apply for ask for skills and experiences you do not have?

It is always good to aim high and follow your dream, as I always believe everyone can achieve their goal-sometimes you first need to overcome a couple of small barriers.

If you don’t have a career goal, you can use a career coach to help you move forward.

If your job goal is set high, you need to ask yourself if you first need to apply for a vacancy a level below your career goal? And use this as a stepping stone towards your dream career.

How to check if you are applying for job at the right level.

Pick 4-5 job adverts you have applied for and highlight with a highlighter the common skills, experiences and qualifications needed for all the job adverts. you now need to be honest with yourself, you may already know you would be a dedicated worker but if the advert is asking for a certain qualification or a certain number of years experience as an essential requirement – do you have what the employers are asking for? Be honest, as we want to increase the amount of interview you receive.

If the answer is yes, you do have the essential requirements, then you need to re-look at your CV or application forms review them.

If you answered no:

You can apply for any job and hope that your other strengths will out way the criteria you do not have, but if you have already applied for a large number of similar vacancies with a good CV or application form and you do not make it through to the interview round, if you want a different result, do something different, you may now need to re-look at the positions or salary you are applying for (the higher the salary the more strict the employer will be when it comes to flexibility around the essential criteria)

Still apply for jobs in the same industry, jobs that suit your skills and abilities and use this experience to make you more employable for future industry job roles on a higher scale.

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What is a Targeted CV?

A targeted CV

Many unsuccessful job seekers in fact will not have heard of targeted CVs, having just one CV. Often this CV is of a good standard and records the job hunter’s employment and education history. So, why do you need a targeted CV?

A targeted CV will make you more marketable.

If you’re applying for several job roles, which many job hunters do to help increase their chances of gaining employment you need to create a targeted CV. A targeted CV is a CV aimed at an individual job role and company; research has shown that targeted CVs increase offers of interviews.

First write your general CV, or if needed ask a CV writing service to write one for you. A general CV should record your contact details, personal profile, employment history, education, hobbies and your references.

Once you have a CV, read the job specification for the job you are applying for. The job specification will tell the job hunter what key skills and qualities are essential for this particular job role in this particular organisation, if you possess these essential requirements RECORD them on your CV-it’s these skills the employer is looking for, so many job hunters record information that they feel is relevant, where as the interviewer does not.

The personal profile is often the first section on the CV the employer will read, this is the section on your CV to really sell yourself. Look at the personal profile as a “sales” paragraph, why should the employer interview you? What makes you stand out from the other applicants? Before you write your personal profile, re-read the job specification and only record your transferrable skills needed for this opportunity.

How long does an employer spend reading your CV?

Need a CV writing service?

An employer can receive over 300 CVs for every advertised job role, for any organisation that is a large amount of CVs to read and time is money! In many cases employers will spend 30 seconds “skimming” through your CV quickly looking to see if you have the essential skills and qualities needed for the job role. If you do, the employer will put your CV through to the second round of the application process, spending more time dissecting your CV, helping the employer decide which 6, on average, applicants to interview for every one job position.

Unhappy with your job?

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How to get rid of gap’s in your CV

Do you have a CV with gaps in your employment history? Don’t worry, so do many other job hunters. Some gaps can be easily explained, while other normally longer gaps may not be so easy to explain.

The secret to writing a CV is to keep the CV positive, especially when explaining employment gaps. If you can not avoid the gap in employment, you should record an explanation rather than just leaving a long gap.

If you leave a gap, an employer reading your CV, will notice your employment gaps and may come to their own conclusions why you have the employment gaps.

How to get rid of gaps in employment.

1. On your employment history only record the years of employment rather than the day, month and year as this will quickly delete any small gaps of unemployment between jobs.

2. Record if you have had time off for becoming a parent or taking a gap year to travel-you can even record what skills and qualities you have gained from this experience that you can use in your new job.

3. If you have had a custodial sentence and completed any qualifications while in custody, you can record the qualifications and governing body. This will look like you have attended a training establishment. You don’t need to record criminal convictions on your CV, when completing an application form you have to answer honestly the question “do you have a criminal record” Remember with many industries you don not need to declare “spent Convictions” for more information visit the Nacro website.

4. Many people at one time throughout their career have a long term illness, leaving them with an employment gap. Explain that you have had an accident or illness and you are now completely recovered and ready for continuing with your career. I recently worked with a client who had recovered from cancer, while having treatment the client became a mentor for other cancer patients, from this he gain a wide range of skills that he could add to his CV.

5. Have you been unemployed for several years? Many job hunters find a large unemployment gap hard to explain. To overcome this type of employment gap you need to highlight any positive activities you undertaken, this could be voluntary work, attending a short course or a hobby that has given you transferable skills that will be useful to your next employer.

Need help? Use a professional CV writing service.