JOB NEWS from PERFECT CVs
	Unexpected Impacts of Credit Crunch on quality of Applications

The shortage of some types of vacancies in UK is having an unexpected effect on applications. HR departments in some of the country’s main corporate Companies are reporting that the quality of applications for all posts is falling alarmingly as candidates trade quantity for quality, particularly making bulk applications on line. The real value of these applicants to an organization is often very hard to determine from their applications.

Getting a new role is a sophisticated marketing project even when vacancies are reasonably plentiful. These still exist at most levels and in most industry and commercial sectors in UK but the competition, not surprisingly, is fierce. Hence, it’s understandable why those seeking work, desperate to get themselves in from of a recruiter are applying for anything vaguely relevant in volume and sacrificing the quality of their applications. Whilst there is nothing wrong with casting the net far and wide, the clear message from recruiters is “keep the quality high”.

What recruiters want to see is unambiguous evidence of relevant skill and experience supported by real life examples, an aptitude for the role and a motivation and personality that is likely to provide a good “fit” with the recruiting Company and the environment in which the work will be performed. Hence, at the core of the project to win a new job, a CV and application letter, email or on line upload need to be compelling personalised marketing documents.

A CV will typically spend approx. 20 seconds being viewed by a recruiter or may even be scanned by software to determine  a candidate’s suitability; what is more, it is likely to be amongst probably hundreds of other CVs undergoing the same process. Which is why its content, style and presentation has to create an instant picture of a candidate actually doing the job for which an application is being made. This just cannot be done in bulk with any real hope of success and what it means in UK right now is that applicants will need to spend a huge amount of time writing individual application letters, emails or uploads and tweaking their CV  to tune its relevance for each application. Whilst this is a task that can be successfully completed by most individuals, and there is plenty of good advice on the internet (and some dubious advice as well!), it should really be down to the experts who know what gels with recruiters in specific industries and for different types and levels of jobs; and know how to present a candidate and their skill set and experience in a manner that will result in interview invitations. The message from HR is that if a candidate is at all uncertain of the impact their CV will make, get professional help.

Unfortunately the best written CV is not all you need to land the job! The impression created at interview is equally important and its certainly not enough to turn up without preparation and answer a few questions. Learning the techniques that interviewers use, knowing how to present yourself most dynamically, knowing how to project your natural personality are essential skills that once mastered will set you out from the crowd.