Recruitment Realities

I think it’s time to ‘call time’ on the monster that we seem to have created.  Talent acquisition strategies and recruitment systems (with a little help from some humans) are turning recruitment into a circus.

Candidates are including every single key word they can think of in their CVs (personal statements) just to appease the system that reviews them.  Then they’re critisised for not living up to their CV when they get to interview.

This isn’t about whether candidates should or shouldn’t get help with CVs or applications from a friend, a coach or AI, but it is about the ridiculously complex and often tortuous processes we’ve adopted.

Of course I want to support people back into work and if you’ve worked with me before, you’ll know how I like to simplify JDs and refresh CVs, but let’s be realistic and encourage people to:

·       Recognise their strengths (and that’s not everything they do)

·       Create a CV that reflects their personality and values

·       Understand the contribution they make at work

·       Feel good about themselves

·       Write and tell their personal story (not someone else’s)

·       Remember that they know themselves best of all

·       Tailor their CV to highlight critical experience yet reflect their true self

It’s perfectly possible to write an executive level JD and ideal CV on a couple of sides of A4 if we choose the right words and phrases.  It’s not just colours that need to pop, it’s jobs that need to stand out and capture the curiosity of the audience.  And the same goes for CVs – it’s not your job as the organisation sold it to you; it’s the difference you made to the people and situations you came across that matter.

I’m here to help you whether you’re an employer that’s recruiting or a job seeker who needs a break Let's Chat — Heather Watt