One of my pet hates when helping clients in their job search is the distinct lack of transparency regarding salaries.  Job advertisements invariably invite you to click the "Apply Now" button and you're expected to upload a targeted CV, cover letter and perhaps answer detailed competency questions - all before you even know whether the job is in your salary range.

Another of my pet hates is when employers ask you to specify your salary expectations.  Why?  Is it so that they can save money if your expectation is lower than theirs?

To compound it further, candidates then expend considerable effort preparing for interviews where they are still kept in the dark on salary level.  Certainly in the UK, it's not considered de rigueur to raise the important issue of salary during the first interview; it's something you discuss at second interview or, worse, you wait until they make an offer.  So you could go to a huge amount of time and effort only to learn, ultimately, that the salary is not even in your ball park.

In my opinion, this lack of transparency contributes to pay inequality - especially since there is a general consensus that women often underestimate their value and ask for less than men. 

So, instead of the government pushing for audits to establish disparities in remuneration, why don't they push for transparency in job advertisements with salary levels being disclosed at all levels?  If they could just do this simple thing, which would take no effort at all, it would save candidates, recruiters and employers from wasting time reviewing applications and conducting interviews when they're all on different pages anyway.

Salary transparency... let's have more of it please.

Barbara Patrick, Professional CV Writer and Career Coach
Compelling CVs, Berkshire, UK
Tel: 0118 988 7628

Always happy to talk.

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I've recently had several discussions, on and offline, with clients, LinkedIn members and other CV writers about the importance of creative styling when writing CVs. There seems to be a tendency to want to use fancy fonts, boxes, tables, colours, shading, photos and even QR codes and short videos to create more visually appealing CVs.

In my experience, creativity is best reserved for creative professions such as graphic designers, web designers, video producers, photographers and the like. For almost all other professions, I believe that the best CV should be simple and clearly formatted using regular fonts, "normal" margins and clear headings.

It should be written in a logical format that flows well, is easy to navigate, is highly relevant to the target role and, most importantly, doesn't include fancy formatting that will be annihilated if it's incompatible with the recipient's software programmes.

For example, if the recruiter uses Word 2010 and you use Word 2007, some of the more creative formatting functions may be incompatible.  In that case you should save in "compatible" mode.

There are also many versions of ATS or Applicant Tracking Software. This is the robotic software that scours your uploaded CV trying to identify specific key words and skills.

Read our article about ATS here.

But sticking to regular formatting doesn't mean that your CV can't look good... far from it. By creating logical headings, indents, bullet points and plenty of white space, you can create a visually appealing and professional CV that you'll be proud to present.

But always remember that content is king and that the content of your CV should be relevant to your target role. Be sure to read each job ad carefully and incorporate appropriate key words into your CV and cover letter.  Don't just scatter them throughout... incorporate them in a sensible manner.

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If you'd like help with your CV or any other aspect of your career or job search contact us for a free consultation.  We're always happy to talk.

Telephone: 0118 988 7628

Barbara Patrick
Professional CV Writer and Career Coach
Compelling CVs, Berkshire, UK
Tel: 0118 988 7628


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Group Interviews or Assessments are increasingly being used by hiring managers as a quick and effective way to narrow down the candidate pool.  Candidates are invited to an assessment centre where, through the use of role play and problem solving tasks, hirers can identify the candidates who may best fit their requirements and select them for individual interview or more detailed assessment.

From a candidate standpoint, however, group interviews can be a little unnerving - you want to stand out from the crowd but without appearing arrogant and overbearing. You want to step up and exhibit leadership qualities, but not come across as dominant or bullying.  It can be extremely tricky to find the right balance and you need to give this careful thought before the interview.

During group interviews you will be observed to see how you communicate with others.  You should speak up and voice your opinions but also listen to others and respect their views too.  Don't be dismissive, opinionated or disrespectful of others.  If one candidate is dominating the discussions, going into overdrive and putting others down, whatever you do, don't rise to the bait - don't rise to their level.   Exercise a little assertiveness, calm things down a little, consider carefully what you want to say and then deliver your point calmly and succinctly.  Then perhaps ask another candidate to expand on their views.

It's important that candidates get along with each other, even though they are competing for the same roles.  This is especially important when you'll be working as part of a team and therefore need to establish good working relationships with your peers, clients and suppliers.

When undertaking group assignments, try to relate your solutions to the hiring organisation although, depending on the task, this is not always possible.  But if you've done plenty of research on the hiring organisation, it should be easier to make your solutions relevant at every opportunity.

As with any interview, as it concludes the group will very likely be asked whether they have any questions.  If you've prepared well, this is a great opportunity to stand out - but be careful not to show off!

The interview process starts when you arrive at the venue.  Your behaviour in reception is often observed and it is imperative that you show impeccable manners and make a good impression with everyone, including the receptionist who may be asked for feedback.  If other candidates are in the waiting area, strike up a conversation, build rapport and treat everyone with equal respect and courtesy.  Keep in mind body language, eye contact, tone of voice and the all-important smile and never try to be something you're not... try to be natural.

If you want help with interview techniques and preparation, please get in touch. 
We can help you prepare for Skype, Video, Telephone and Face-to-Face Interview Preparation.

Tel: 0118 988 7628
Email: mail @ CompellingCVs.co.uk

Reed has published their latest job stastistics based on their job board, Reed.co.uk, one of the UK's biggest job boards.

This isn't the full picture as it only analyses the vacancies on THEIR job boards but it's still a good indication of how things are moving.

In many ways it's hard to believe any of the employment figures that are being touted around, whatever the source, when on a daily basis we read of massive job losses - 1300 Asda managers being among the most recent victims (July 2014).

There's no doubt, however, that things do seem a little brighter, especially for those with decent skills and experience.