Candidates - Advice for applicants
If you're looking for a new role then we recommend you take a little time to read through our Application Advice section before you start. It doesn't matter if you're new to the Financial Markets and need specific interview advice or if you are a senior specialist that hasn’t had an interview for a while – honing up on how to produce a good CV, how to make the most of your interview techniques and how to manage the offer process will be a specific help to you here.
Useful links
www.finextra.co.uk
www.efinancialnews.com
www.bobsguide.com
www.reuters.com
www.sjdaccountancy.com
www.ft.com
www.prosperity4.com
The CV
There are 4 main factors to consider when you write your CV:
Keep it simple – A good CV should be clear, concise and simple to read. In most cases this means that it shouldn't really exceed two-three pages. But, if you have a lot of experience, you may need a longer CV – despite what other recruiters will tell you this need not be an issue. If in doubt get in touch and we can advise you.
Don't get fancy – Your CV doesn't need a fancy typeface, glitzy pictures or ClipArt. Adding too many of these elements to a CV won't enhance it – it will become unreadable. Print the document on good quality white paper and make sure that you have plenty of white space on the page.
Lying will get you nowhere – Don't ever be tempted to lie on your CV. If you get found out – and you usually will – then you'll stop your progress in its tracks.
Get in the right order – There is an accepted order in CV layout that most HR and IT recruiters will look for as they can find the information they need straightaway. In basic terms, the layout will include:
Personal Details: Name, Address, Contact Numbers/Emails, Age, Marital Status, Nationality.
Education: List your qualifications (with results) from the most advanced down to GCSEs/'O' Levels.
Technical/Professional Qualifications: Give a basic overview of your technical expertise – this is most commonly given as a list (i.e. C++, Java etc).
Current Salary: List your current salary – if you are currently on a benefits package you can also list the components here.
Career Summary: If you have had a long IT career you might want to insert a brief paragraph that broadly outlines your career to date. This is a great place to market yourself if you make sure that this is a positive, achievement orientated paragraph.
Career History: Outline your career history here. Start with your most recent job and work down. If you have had a long career that stretches back over many years concentrate on your most recent jobs. The jobs you had 10+ years ago can often be kept to just a line or two. For each job start a new paragraph with the company you worked for at the head, followed by your job title.
Interests – You can include any hobbies or interests you have if you wish but this isn't essential – keep these at the end of the CV and keep them short. Don't be tempted to make up exciting hobbies to make you look interesting – it can backfire on you.
Referees – It's always good to have a couple of referees that will vouch for you when you get to offer stage. If you don’t want to reveal their identity straightaway you can use the section with an ‘Available Upon Request’ statement.
