Returning after career breaks
Whether your career break was planned or unplanned, short or extended, returning to work can feel daunting. The good news is that employers are increasingly open-minded about career gaps – particularly when candidates can articulate what they’ve gained from the experience. Be open about your break The worst approach to a career gap is to […]
Starting a new job
Landing the role is only the beginning. How you approach your first days and weeks in a new job will shape how your colleagues, manager and employer perceive you – often for a very long time. Before you start Once you’ve accepted an offer, resist the temptation to switch off entirely. There are a few […]
Negotiating salary and benefits
Salary negotiation makes many candidates uncomfortable, but it is a completely normal part of the recruitment process. Handled well, it demonstrates confidence and self-awareness rather than awkwardness. Know your worth before you negotiate Research is everything. Before any conversation about money, make sure you have a clear, realistic picture of what the market pays for […]
Handling a job offer
Receiving a job offer is exciting – but it’s also a moment that calls for a clear head. How you handle it can have a lasting impact on your new working relationship. Take a moment before you respond It is perfectly reasonable to ask for a short amount of time to consider an offer, particularly […]
What to do after your interview
The interview is over – and the temptation is to sit back and wait. But the actions you take in the hours and days that follow can have a genuine impact on the outcome. Call your recruitment consultant straight away If you’ve been placed into the interview by Personnel Selection, the most important thing you […]
Preparing for a virtual interview
Telephone and video interviews have become a standard part of the recruitment process for many employers. They are often used as a first-stage screen to assess candidates before inviting them to a face-to-face interview. Don’t underestimate them – they deserve as much preparation as any other stage. Telephone interviews A telephone interview feels more informal […]
Writing a covering letter
Many candidates treat the covering letter as an afterthought. That’s a mistake. A well-crafted letter is often the first thing a recruiter or employer reads, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. Why the covering letter matters Your CV presents the facts of your career. Your covering letter explains why those facts are […]
Understanding job descriptions
A job description is more than just a list of duties. Read it carefully and it will tell you a great deal about the role, the employer, and whether you’re the right fit. What a job description really tells you Most job descriptions are split into two sections: what the role involves (the duties and […]
What to expect when working with an agency
Registering with a recruitment agency is one of the most effective steps you can take in your job search. But it helps to understand how the process works and what a good agency should offer you. How recruitment agencies work Agencies like Personnel Selection act as the link between candidates looking for work and employers […]
How to search for a job effectively
Finding a new role can feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re not sure where to start. The good news is that with a clear strategy and a little patience, the process becomes far more manageable. Know what you’re looking for Before you begin, take a moment to think honestly about what you want from your next […]