A Personal Letter Makes All the Difference!

There are usually three key elements in the first stage of a job application: the Curriculum Vitae or CV for short, the Application Form and the CV Cover Letter. It is the last of these which usually taxes the brain cells most of all. How do you write a succinct CV Cover Letter that uses just the right tone and conveys all the best aspects of your personality?

Step One: Choose the Right paper, Font and Layout.

Writing a CV Cover Letter is a professional task. This means that any old copy paper may not make the kind of impression you are looking for. You should select a slightly heavier weight than the pages you use in your photocopier but stick to the standard A4 size. Font and layout should also be drawn from the familiar repertoire of Courier, Times Roman, Arial, or whatever font you would normally use in your daily work. If you have very elegant handwriting, then by all means go ahead and craft a hand-written work of art. On the other hand, if like most people your scrawl is barely legible even at the best of times, then just type your letter neatly and sign it with a good quality gel or fountain pen.

Step Two: Maintain a Clear Focus.

As you start to write, think carefully about the three or four most important things you want to say. Don’t repeat all the details you have included in the other parts of the application, but single out just a few highlights which will hopefully mark you out as a person worth calling for interview. Say who you are (think of an up-beat phrase that describes yourself), the job you are applying for (just to keep the reader focused on the task in hand), why you are interested in the post, and what you can offer to the company. Finish with a word of thanks for reading your letter, and add a signature. Don’t launch into your life story and don’t try to be too clever. Just aim for clarity and authenticity.

Step Three: Spell Check, Re-read, Reflect and Revise!

This is perhaps the most vital part of CV Cover Letter Writing. There is nothing worse than a glaring grammar error or random spelling mistakes scattered throughout the text. Careful checking, and some revision here and there will improve your letter immensely.

Step Four: Repeat Step Three!

Yes, that’s right. You should put your letter aside for a while, sleep on it if you have time, and then read it again to check one last time for any minor flaws. Even better: ask a sensible friend to look it over for you and give some feedback. Now you can relax and send your letter off.

Guest copy: from DJG Consulting - Recruitment Paris specialising in Investment Banking jobs and executive assistant jobs

Your Professional Contacts can Improve your Career

Improve your career - knowing the why, when and where of career development can be a difficult thing. But whether you are at the start of a career, in the middle or nearing retirement, there is one thing that should be put in place and maintained in order to improve your career success: a network of professional contacts to provide structure and offer support throughout your working life. Regardless of industry and irrespective of position, developing and sustaining a trusted set of contacts can be the key to improve your career success.

Knowing the Right People Can Improve your Career

Knowing the right people in the right places can improve job prospects but the opportunities networking provides are far more encompassing. Indeed, every person you meet or come into contact with has knowledge you can learn from and experience you can gain from. In addition to this, the potential to be headhunted is a very real opportunity. A good impression here, a successful meeting there and you never know who might be watching.

A Chance to Shine

By actively seeking and maintaining purposeful professional relationships with like-minded peers and influential seniors, you will naturally be challenging yourself. Without personal growth, professional growth is an impossibility and there is no better incentive for growth than a support network. Whether it is encouragement on a day-to-day basis or top tips when preparing for interview, your contacts are invaluable. And the very nature of building relationships based on your personality and talents will force you to reflect on your skills, strive for progress and be the best you can be. This will improve your career prospects.

A Helping Hand to Improve your Career

It is a misconception that guidance is something only sought, valued and needed at the onset of a career. Guidance, whether it's an informal word in the break room or a formally structured performance review, should always be welcomed and acted on. A positive support network can offer much in this area and even those who have reached their career pinnacle need advice to keep them on top of their game and continue to improve your career.The workplace can be challenging enough without your feeling isolated. With no one to turn to, no one to look up to and no one to mentor you, the chances are that your career could stall and you might miss out. However, making the most of every opportunity and embracing the potential of a pool of contacts can lead the way to improve your career success now and in the futur

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square - to review all our recruitment divisions:

M&A    Real Estate    Capital Markets    Private Equity & Venture Capital    Finance    Executive Search

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This Year's Busiest Private Equity Buyout Dealmaker    Battles Faced by Today's Auditors    This Year's Busiest Private Equity Buyout Dealmaker    Is the Future for the UK Economy Looking Brighter?    Might We See the Next Lehman Scandal?    Building a High Performance Team    How Big Brands See Into The Future    MBA`s what`s the real cost?    Forget 4G Mobile Network    Can London Become the Tech Hub of the Uk?    Will This Year See SMS Become the Way to Pay?

 To contact one of our specialist financial recruitment consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: jobs@circlesquare.co.uk  Connect with us on Google+ & Facebook

Can You Make Your Job More Enjoyable?

Is your job getting you down? Don't worry, you're not alone. A massive sixty per cent of US citizens have said they would choose a different career if given the opportunity.

That speaks volumes about our happiness in the workplace. So if you've not just been experiencing the occasional bad day at work, but rather your job has been making you unhappy for a while, perhaps it's time for something new. But before you make any rash decisions, first stand back and look at the big picture.

Ask yourself:

• Is it this particular job that's making you unhappy or is it the industry that you're in as a whole?
• Do you like the company you're working for and what they stand for?

Also, before you rush to hand in your notice, consider another question. Can you make your job much more enjoyable by making just a few simple changes? You may not be able to change your boss, your colleagues or the tasks you're told to complete, but you can change some things.

Be More Organised Clutter causes chaos.

If you're disorganised it may be causing you huge anxiety without you even realizing it. Are you always spending your time trying to track down emails and find important documents? If you clear away the mess, you will clear away the stress.

Less Stress

Speaking of stress, try to find some time each day to relax. If you only loosen up at the end of the week then you will be spending a lot of your life feeling anxious, which is very damaging for your health. And it is a rotten way to spend your time. So try to find ways to remain calm at work.

Look After Your Body

It may seem an easy solution to grab a chocolate bar each day from the snack machine and a coffee from the canteen, but the more junk you put in your body, the worse you will feel in the long run. Try fuelling your body with healthy alternatives. You'll feel much more energetic and ready to take on the day.

Improve Work Relationships

You have to see your colleagues every day. So try your best to get along with the other members of the team. Be empathetic if someone is dealing with personal problems   we all have a private life outside of work. Also try to notice when people need you to give them space or, alternatively, lend an ear.

Written by Chima Kanu of Circle Square Talent -Finance & Accounting Recruitment   

Competition for Accountancy & Finance Jobs Drives the Need for Personal Branding

Marketing Your Personal Brand

Personality Behind the Brand

Be Clear & Concise about Your Personal Brands Unique Selling Proposition (usp’s)

Market Research & Performance Benchmarking for Personal Growth

Analyse the Research Results to Build Your Brands Core Values

Your Brands Packaging or Appearance & First Impression

Another element of a good product is its packaging. This equates to the first visual impression a potential employer will have of you. It should make them feel confident in you and interested to find out more.

Finally, remember that if your true identity and personality is not at the heart of the brand you construct, this will show up in inconsistencies and under difficult questioning. So try not to over-claim because putting your true self in the best possible light is better than being all spin and no substance.

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square - Financial Recruitment London

If you are looking for a Finance or Accountancy Job our dedicated career advice section or more information on our finance & accountancy recruitment.

If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Finance & Accountancy Job Profiles: CFO Job Description    Finance Manager Job Description    Project Accountant Job Description    Financial Accountant Job Description    Financial Controller Job Description    Management Accountant Job Description

We have also tailored advice on finance & accounting qualifications and career options - ACCA Qualification  ACA Qualification  CIMA Qualification  CPA Qualification  CA Qualification

Career Options - ACA Careers   CIMA Careers    ACCA Careers     CA Careers    CPA Careers

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

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

How to Survive Redundancy

Despite the fact most of us can expect to be made redundant at some point in our career, it doesn't make it any easier when it's you in the firing line. These days there is no such thing as a job for life and many organisations are forced to downsize as the country remains in the grip of recession.

Use Your Redundancy to Find a Better Job or Change Career

While it's always a worrying time, it's worth reminding yourself that it's the job that is being made redundant, not you. Your skills and experience remain and many individuals use redundancy as a spring board to find a better job or change career.

Being Made Redundant Can Dent Your Self-Esteem

Knowing all this won't necessarily make it any easier. Being made redundant can put a huge dent in your self-esteem and leave you with the additional worry of how you will pay your mortgage and other living expenses.

The Right Mindset & a Job-Seeking Strategy

The good news is that the right mindset and a job-seeking strategy should bring you one step closer to getting your career back on track. Picking yourself up and moving on is never easy, but the sooner you do it the better.

Talk to Contacts

Don't be afraid to seek advice from colleagues and friends. There is nothing to feel ashamed of, as most people will have experienced redundancy themselves. More importantly, they may be able to suggest job opportunities or recommend you to their contacts.

Consider Re-training

If you've got a redundancy package, or have some savings, consider investing in re-training. You could learn new computer skills or train in something new. Think about what you really want to do and use the extra time to make that dream become a reality.

Rewrite Your CV

Now is the time to really hone that CV and make it stand out. Be honest about your redundancy and try to fill in the time in a positive way by volunteering and learning new skills. Targeted CVs are vital in the current climate, so ensure that yours is tailored for each position that you apply for. For further CV Writing Tips.

Sign Up with Recruitment Agencies

Cast your net wide by looking in the Jobcentre, signing up with agencies and searching the web. Take time to consider your options and don't rush into accepting the first job offer. For Interview Tips, Common Job Interview Questions or Career Advice.

Being made redundant needn't be the end of the world 

Many individuals find the experience can be a catalyst to help them land a better job, re-train in something new or even start their own business.

If you are facing redundancy, try to remain upbeat and remember it could be the start of an exciting new career.

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square 

If you're looking for your next job opportunity?

M& Recruitment    Real Estate Recruitment    Capital Markets Recruitment    Private Equity & Venture Capital Recruitment  Accountancy & Finance Recruitment    Executive Search

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OUTPLACEMENT SUPPORT

If you have been made redundant and are looking for outplacement support, Circle Square now provides an outplacement

We are hired by companies who wish to provide an outplacement service to soften the blow of redundancy and also by executives

Further Your Knowledge, Further Your Corporate Finance Career

Corporate finance careers are suitable to those with a head for numbers and a passion for problem solving. Specific duties can vary but those working in corporate finance are soon likely to find their niche. Whether it's acquisitions or venture capital, financial experts are often at the heart of the business, its strategies and its successes.

If you are Thinking about a Career in Finance

Looking for a new Job in Finance?

Looking for your First Finance Job & the Opportunity of a Financial Career

Prove your Passion for Corporate Finance by Demonstrating Industry Knowledge

If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Job Profiles. 

The profiles provide advice on the qualifications, skills and experience required for each career option. The job profiles also outline salary expectation, job responsibilities and career progression: 

M&A Analyst    M&A Associate    M&A Director    M&A Vice President

If you are looking for advice we have a dedicated career advice section. Our advice is not just generic recruitment advice we have tailored advice for each of the recruitment divisions we work in including: 

executive search, accountancy & finance, temporary & interim, Real Estate, private equity, capital markets & M&A. To view our M&A Jobs

To contact one of our specialist financial recruitment consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: jobs@circlesquare.co.uk Connect with us on Google+  & Facebook

Join our groups on Linkedin: London Accountancy Jobs    London Investment Banking Careers

Celebrate a Different Kind of Valentine's Day & a New Approach to Your Life & Career

Do you approach your life and work in a hungry way?

A New Way of Thinking About Your Career

Valentine's Day - The Perfect Time to adjust your Life & Career

Putting the Philosophy into Action

Valentine's Day & A New approach to Your Life & Work

Top CV Writting Tips - To Make your CV Rock

If you're keen to get ahead in your chosen career, then you need to make sure your CV is as strong as possible. Competition for the best roles is incredibly high and many employers will simply skim CVs to see which ones stand out. Others will disregard otherwise strong CVs for having basic errors in them. So don't risk being overlooked and follow our simple CV writing tips to improve the impact of your CV now.

CV Tips - Spelling and Grammar

CV writing is an art form and yet many people spend ages perfecting their prose without using their spell check. Even if the content of your CV is otherwise excellent, many recruiters will form a poor opinion of a candidate who is sloppy with presentation and grammar. It will suggest that your attention to detail is not good and that you struggle with written communication. 

Fix this simple error by ensuring that you carry out a detailed proof-read several times before submitting the finished version. Ideally, get a friend to read and check it too. And if you are still in doubt, consider using professional services such as Circle Square for the desired professional finish.

Vague Objectives in your CV

If you have clearly written your CV using a template and been vague in your personal statement and career objectives, the recruiter will think you are either scatter-gunning your CV out left, right and centre or you simply aren't sure of your skillset and ambitions. Avoid generic phrases and meaningless corporate jargon and employ descriptive language that explains your career goals.

Poor Formatting

Many recruiters will become cross-eyed with the volume of CVs they read. If the font is too small, the content cluttered or the presentation poor, they may simply give up and dismiss your hard work. Keep it as short as possible, ideally one page or two as a maximum and write concisely. There are plenty of formats available online, or you can use the services of a professional CV writing agency to ensure that your CV is presented to perfection.

Your CV Isn't Tailored to the Job

A template CV won't interest an employer. They will want to see that you are genuinely passionate about the job in question and keen to get into the company. You'll be overlooked in favour of other candidates who have tailored their CV to exactly match the job description and have shown their interest in doing so. Equally, by failing to incorporate the keywords used in the job description, you will find that automated software may reject your CV. So take the time and show your diligence in your application.

Actions and Accomplishments

Recruiters want to know what you have achieved in your role, rather than what you do each day. So don't simply list your jobs describe the achievements, results and company benefits that you have created through your efforts. This will interest the employer and illustrate your value in a graphic way.

Providing Too Much Information in your CV

Don't put details of every single position that you've ever worked in. Emphasise the outstanding accomplishments, skills and responsibilities and allow the recruiter 'space' to pick out the highlights. Show that you have the accomplishments and skills needed to do the job, but make sure that there are no gaps in your employment.

Incorrect Contact Details

This seems obvious, but it's a very common mistake. Many candidates submit old CVs to recruitment agencies and fail to put the correct contact details on it. Most recruiters don't have time to follow up and hunt you down. So check the basics carefully and provide a few routes to get in touch.

Incorrect References

Again, ensure that this information is accurate and that your listed referees are people that you would want to approach and ask for an assessment of your suitability for the role. A great reference from a former manager can be very powerful indeed. Recommendations from a former peer or colleague can be equally impressive. Make sure that their contact details are correct.

Failing to Include Interesting and Relevant Information. Don't just necessarily list your most recent roles - think about earlier jobs or responsibilities that show an interesting skillset that the hiring manager is likely to value. For example, telemarketing and sales might not be necessary for the job in question, but they can suggest that you have resilience and negotiation skills, which are ideal for the industry as a whole.

Creating the CV in an Unusual File Format

If you write your CV using Word, you run the risk that the recruiter is using a different version and this can cause difficulties. This is even more problematic if you use other word-processing programs. Always send your CV as a PDF file if you can.

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square Talent

Other relevant  articles:

Interview Tips   Writing a Covering Letter    Common Job Interview Questions       

MBA`s what`s the real cost?     Answering Interview Questions    Resignation Advice

Moving on from Redundancy to a Better Career     Working whilst you study - Part-Time Jobs

Your new Job and the Probationary Period      Improve your Career By Improving your Contacts   

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

To download the Finance & Accountancy Salary Guidelines 2015             

If you would rather view the salary guide online: Accountancy & Finance Salary Guide 2015

Tips on Choosing Your Next Employer in Accountancy or Finance

• It happens to us all at some stage. Whether we're at the start of our career, ready for a second strategic move into management, mid-way and seeking new
• challenges in a directorial or consultancy role or considering a sideways move into a specialist financial profession, it's only natural to be looking for the next career opportunity. 
• The right move will help to consolidate your existing experience and learning, offer a new step along your chosen career path and open up fresh opportunities. But to make sure
• that you really do pursue the right job openings, it's worth thinking about your personal drivers and position beforehand.

Research Finance & Accountancy Job Opportunities

• Find out what types of benefits and business opportunities are being offered at the sorts of employers you'd consider working for. It's also well worth considering what the core values of
• your next employer would be and how it ranks in terms of employee satisfaction and engagement. 

• This is because your work experience is far more than simply the monetary compensation you earn for your time, effort and skills. Your work fulfils a range of social, belonging and
• achievement needs, so you need to find an employer that will fit your own needs.

Target Firms - Are They the Right Cultural Fit for You?

• Measuring tangible benefits and salary packages is easy, but the element of corporate culture can be difficult
• to get a sense of, particularly from recruitment marketing materials. To get a sense of whether you would find a happy fit at a particular company, ask plenty of questions. 

Research Potential Finance & Accountancy Employers Work Culture

• Do online research to find news stories, case studies, awards and annual updates that will also provide you with interesting information. For example, a corporate social-responsibility
• programme can show a commitment to the more holistic side of business and offer a well-rounded employment experience. 

• International offices and a tendency to promote from within can suggest great opportunities for advancement. And a culture of innovation and empowerment suggests a lively and thriving
• working environment, where you will receive good rewards and experience the benefits of healthy employee engagement.

• If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Finance & Accountancy Job Profiles: CFO Job Description    
• Finance Manager Job Description    Project Accountant Job Description  Financial Accountant Job Description    Financial Controller Job Description    Management Accountant Job Description

We have also tailored advice on finance & accounting qualifications and career options - ACCA Qualification  ACA Qualification  CIMA Qualification  CPA Qualification  CA Qualification

Career Options - ACA Careers   CIMA Careers    ACCA Careers     CA Careers    CPA Careers

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

• 
  

  Interview Tips   Writing a Covering Letter    Common Job Interview Questions       

  MBA`s what`s the real cost?     Answering Interview Questions    Resignation Advice

  Moving on from Redundancy to a Better Career     Working whilst you study - Part-Time Jobs

Probationary Period and what it means for your employment rights 

Well done! You're on the first day in your new job and have been presented your contract of employment by your beaming manager. All is going well until you scan down and notice a reference to a probationary period.

What on earth is the Probationary Period and what does it mean for your employment rights?

Getting through your probationary period

The fact is that there is plenty of advice available about writing strong CV, targeting your job search and impressing recruiters at interviews. Whilst these are essential to getting the job you want, there is another hurdle which is just as important to overcome: getting through your probationary period in the first few weeks or months of your new job.

A probation period lasts for three – six months

The concept of a probation period isn't new, but it's becoming more widely used in organisations. Usually, a probation period will last for three months, but in some cases it will last for six months. Employers can extend their probation periods for new staff as they wish. Additionally, they are within their rights to provide different pay and benefits packages to new staff during this probationary period and afterwards too.

A typical example would relate to pension contributions or a benefit such as private health care. Notice periods might be shorter. These benefits may be reduced during probation and when an individual is dismissed before they Complete this period, they will only be entitled to the minimum legal notice usually one week's pay plus outstanding holiday. 

However, there is an upside to this. If the job doesn't work out from your Perspective, you can leave without needing to work any notice period.

When you pass the probation period

The other important thing to know is that there is no change to your legal rights, even when you pass the probation period. If you started your job on or after the 6th April, 2012, the period before your full employment rights kick in has increased to two years, from one previously.

So for the first two years of your employment, your boss can dismiss you for almost any reason they want. There is an obvious exception to this rule in the form of any kind of discrimination (but primarily racial, sexual or age-based), for which your rights accrue from your first day.

In terms of determining what your employment rights are, you need to calculate your start date as the first day of employment rather than the end of your probation period.

What is expected of you during your probation period?

Certainly a good employer will define what is expected of you during your probation period and may even provide support, such as a mentor or training. If there is no such support forthcoming, however, be proactive and take steps yourself.

Some examples of steps that you could take to survive and even thrive in your new jobs probationary period are:

- Always being on time. - Build up a good relationship with team members in case they have an influence.

- Volunteer to help with special projects and generally throw yourself into your work so you start adding value from day one.

- Accept a mentor if you are offered one and then be proactive about making the most of their time.

- Have a positive attitude and seek to learn about the company, its culture and the way things are done.

- Make sure you live up to the claims you made in your CV and during the interview.

We hope this helps you get through your new job's probationary period.