If like me you were in a classroom for the most part of the 90’s, a classroom in a fairly regular British secondary.  In front of you is the remnant of the last teacher to take a Latin class in 15 years, a fairly stern individual . He's taken the time out of his diary to school all of the Year 11’s who are about to do their GCSEs in the art of job seeking.

You have done the tests and multiple choice questionnaires that spew out a list of comical answers of what you should be aiming for in life, cruelly as someone with size 13 feet the suggestion of career in chiropody only added fuel to the fire of teasing.  However now it gets serious…

The Importance of the Covering Letter & CV

His role in this is to impart the importance of the covering letter and how critical it is to have a good CV. More directly related to our discussion here is the process he outlined – which mainly centred around building a database of companies you would like to work for, writing a cover letter and hassling each of the companies in turn until one of them gave you a job. 

The Importance of Networking when Looking for Work

The realisation of late has been the game is still the same but the rules have changed.  In modern uber competitive recruitment there now exists forums and events which encourage this interaction and ‘hassling’ under the banner of networking.  Take away applying to agency ads, or to in house talent banks if you want to beat the queue, use the back door and get networking. 

Even after 5 years of recruiting everyday is a school day at Circle Square Talent and we are not above having  a bit of an open session on what works and doesn't from previous experience of networking with the view to encourage you to do the same.

Networking Tips When Looking For Work

• Be selective about who you need to talk and the manner in which the event is being held.  Some events are set up as business card swapping exchanges others are more discrete.
• Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic and getting across who you really are rather than being just a cv.
• How many times as a recruiter we have invested that little bit more effort in a candidate that we want to help, the same applies as a jobseeker.
• It can be daunting the first time on your own, double up with a friend or support and to offer a different angle of your initial approach but don’t hunt in packs – that’s just plain scary!
• Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given.   These are the lifeblood of your search and the ultimate goal.  When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honour that and your referrals will grow.

If you are a candidate looking for work at the moment, open up your options and take the plunge and start engaging with people it makes the difference for us and trust me it will for you. 

To search our current jobs

Accountancy & Finance Jobs   Private Equity Jobs  Capital Markets Jobs

Venture Capital Jobs   Real Estate Jobs   Interim & Temporary Jobs   Corporate Finance Jobs

To contact one of our specialist consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: enquiries@circlesquare.co.uk

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.