Salespeak News

Volunteering 'can boost your CV'

18 May 2012 10:40:58

People looking to enhance their CV may find that volunteering can help to make the document more appealing, it has been claimed.

According to David McCullough, chief executive of WRVS, potential employers will be drawn to achievements that set candidates apart form other applicants – and volunteering is something that can achieve this.

He highlighted that it is particularly beneficial to school leavers and graduates who may not have much real world experience and so can enhance their skillset while making a positive contribution to the community.

"The ability to demonstrate that you can do other things and you have got additional skills plus the fact that you have got the get-up-and-go to do some volunteering as well as contribute to your community is very important, when employers are looking for the right person to do those very rare jobs," Mr McCullough added.

WRVS recently launched the 'Diamond Champions' campaign, which will celebrate older people who volunteer in their local communities and go the extra mile to make a real difference to others' lives.

However, Mr McCullough said that volunteering is not limited to any age category and advised people aiming to enhance their CV that community work could make the difference when it comes to recruitments success.

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by John Oak

Cover letters 'should be a masterpiece of brevity'

17 May 2012 15:54:35

People writing a covering letter need to make it a "masterpiece of brevity" if they are to get their point across and make an impression on the employer, one expert has advised.

According to David Moran, founder and principal of thecvexperts.com, candidates should keep it succinct and relevant, as it is read before your CV, so people need to engage the reader early.

Applicants should also pick out key criteria from the advert or job description and try to demonstrate at least three areas within the letter, as this may result in the recruiter noticing a correlation between the candidate and the vacancy, he added.

"Keep things tight - remember this is just a taste of what's to come in your CV. You should also keep the content original - how many times do you the think recruiters have read 'enthusiastic, dedicated, hardworking individual'within other letters?" Mr Moran said.

He described these words and phrases as "hollow and exhausted" and noted that their usage could even devalue the pitch.

"Make it fresh and non-formulaic, whilst focusing on any personal traits or characteristics they may be looking for," the specialist recommended.

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

Lying during a job application 'is not worth it'

15 May 2012 16:10:33

Although it can be very tempting to embellish certain details or even outright lie during an interview or when compiling a CV, the risks of doing so far outweigh the benefits, it has been noted.

Barney Ely, director at Hays Human Resources, said that jobseekers who lie on their CV stand a greater chance than ever of being caught out thanks to stricter checks being carried out by employers, including vetting people via sites such as LinkedIn.

Not only can this cost employees their jobs, but it can also be embarrassing and damaging to employers, the expert added.

With competition for jobs intensifying, companies are facing a race to secure top talent, and as a result employers are using all the tools available to them to ensure they are hiring who they think they are.

This, in turn, is putting pressure on candidates to stand out from the crowd and can tempt them into embellishing their CV, Mr Ely elaborated.

"However, stretching the truth on your CV is not advisable, as HR departments and reputable recruitment agencies always carry out thorough employment and qualification background checks," he noted.

The expert added that, if jobseekers approach the task correctly and invest the time to sell the skills and qualifications they do have, they should have no reason to "stretch the truth".

Aaron Wallis offers one of the largest resources of interview advice and career tools available to UK jobseekers.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

'Be pragmatic' when it comes to CV length

15 May 2012 16:09:37

One aspect of a CV that is often debated is how long the document should be, with some sources suggesting a single page will do, while other experts advise cramming the resume with information.

However, according to David Moran, founder and principal of thecvexperts.com, there are no set rules as such, and instead more preferred do's and don'ts.

The key is to be pragmatic when it comes to length, he advised, giving the example of a senior manager with plenty of career history trying to cram everything on to two pages because that's what they have been told, even though it is simply not practical.

"Three pages is not only a perfectly acceptable length, but enough real estate to properly do them justice. On the other hand, graduates and college leavers can realistically have a very effective CV spanning two pages," the expert commented.

Mr Moran said that the layout should be 'simple, clean, professional and contemporary' and recommended people remain mindful that their CV may also be scanned electronically.

With this in mind, size ten font is 'safe' and typefaces such as Arial and Times New Roman are scan-compliant, he added.

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by John Oak

Cover letters 'need to be succinct'

14 May 2012 14:49:52

The perfect cover letter would be succinct enough to convey the candidate's attributes and suitability for the job without losing the interest of the recruiter, it has been advised.

Paul Thomas, senior CV consultant at Professionalcvexperts.co.uk, said that a cover letter needs to answer the questions posed by the recruiter in the same order they are asked.

Applicants need to be as concise as possible, because they will be judged not only on the content of their answer, but on how long it takes them to get to the specific detail they are looking for.

"Remember, for a cover letter, you really should not exceed one page in length. Finish the main body of letter with why you would be a good fit for the role, but keep this focused and to about four or five lines," Mr Thomas recommended.

He also advised that the sign off should be 'Yours sincerely' when the candidate knows the name of the recipient and 'Yours faithfully' when they do not know the name - a common error where applicants make mistakes, and one which could be costly.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Wayne Bly

'Key things to consider' when starting a job

14 May 2012 14:43:47

Although the first day in a new job can be an equally exciting and nerve-wracking experience, it is important to bear a few things in mind when starting off in the new workplace.

Looking good is very important to make a good first impression, so dressing smartly is must, while being polite and friendly and giving off the right signals are all essential, Adecco said.

New workers should avoid personal phone calls and emails - especially on their first day – and make a list of daily tasks and always try to complete them on time, as this will impress the employer, who may be testing their new recruit.

"Listen to what you are being told and always ask if you don't understand. You will not be expected to know everything on your first day and it is better to be sure of what you are doing rather than risk making mistakes," the organisation advised.

Also, while people will want to come across as hardworking, they need to be careful not to become a "doormat" for people to walk all over.

"You need to be shown respect as well. Say yes to jobs within your description but respectfully question those who seem to be piling work on you unnecessarily," Adecco added.

The final tip is to enjoy the experience, as it is not every day people start a new job, and it should be an exciting time.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Older jobseekers need to be positive'

11 May 2012 14:42:30

Older jobseekers need to maintain a positive mindset when on the hunt for a new role, according to one expert who has advised people to be 'young-brained' when job-hunting.

Tim Drake, co-author of You Can Be as Young as You Think, said that older jobseekers can often be anxious, old fashioned, closed and defensive, so it is key to be as 'young-brained' as possible when changing career.

This means being creative and fun-filled and looking at all the very good things in life, the expert noted.

"While older people could bring experience to a job, they also need to learn new things and create new value. So having a positive mindset is the first thing to think about," he said.

"The other crucial thing to understand - something old brains sometimes don't - is that learning is about growing."

According to Mr Drake, a danger with older jobseekers can be they perceive failure as a personal flaw, while younger people think of it as a way of learning and growing.

He said there is a "fundamental difference" between the two positions of mindset, adding that people changing career need to understand that there will be setbacks and mistakes.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Unique CVs 'help to distinguish candidates'

10 May 2012 14:48:25

Candidates can help to distinguish themselves from the competition by creating a unique CV that will grab the attention of the recruiter, one expert has pointed out.

Although this tactic seems obvious, it is surprising how many people send in generic CVs that do not do anything to help applicants to stand out from their fellow candidates, said David Moran, founder and principal of thecvexperts.com.

He noted that the most important tip for writing a CV is to focus on desired outcomes as much as possible, because although figures can look good by breaking up the reams of text, they can also look superficial and may not be the best way of showing achievement.

The expert said that applicants should try to articulate original achievements and also look to provide as much detail as possible on the circumstances surrounding the attainment of those achievements.

"Try to link your achievements with your skills, so the reader gets a broader perspective on how you could potentially deliver to them the same kind of results and add value to their organisation," Mr Moran recommended.

He added that constructing a CV ultimately comes down to candidates building up a unique case and separating themselves from competitors who may be submitting "flat, stale CVs".

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by John Oak

Detail 'is key' when constructing a CV

09 May 2012 15:40:37

People constructing their CV have been advised that the success of the document is all in the detail, particularly when it comes to documenting the candidate's work history.

That is the opinion of Paul Thomas, senior CV consultant at Professionalcvexperts.co.uk, who said that the key lies in ensuring that the resume is tailored towards the job, which means any work history should be relevant to the position applied for.

"The reader will want to know when you worked for Acme Nuts and Bolts, the start and finish date, a quick line or two about the company - including sector, number of employees, turnover, if known, - and website," he explained.

Mr Thomas added that the recruiter will also want to know about any promotions and when they were awarded, and advised bullet pointing three responsibilities and three achievements.

"Do this for your last three or four roles, but if you have had more roles, then be selective with key detail as you will not have the space to fit everything in," he recommended.

The expert suggested compiling it chronologically, starting with the most recent position on page one and working backwards, keeping a close eye on spelling and grammar.

"Finally, be positive - if you think negatively, you will write negatively," Mr Thomas concluded.

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Worker morale 'remains high'

08 May 2012 15:50:21

Morale among UK workers remains high, in spite of economic uncertainty, according to a new report into employee happiness and motivation.

Research carried out by Badenoch & Clark shows that 48 per cent of UK workers are proud to work in their organisation, while nearly nine in ten think that their role contributes towards the success of their company.

The poll of 1,000 UK staff showed that three-quarters think that their co-workers seek their opinion and listen to and respect their views, while 71.5 per cent feel that their managers empower them to do their job to the best of their ability.

Younger workers aged between 16 and 24 were found to be particularly enthused, with more than eight in ten drawing a direct link between strong management and workplace engagement.

Nicola Linkleter, managing director at Badenoch & Clark, said employee engagement can and should be seen as a measure of strong management and good internal communication.

"The UK will emerge from the economic downturn at a faster rate if workers are more engaged in their work. As such, leaders must now place engagement at the heart of their broader strategy," she explained.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Purpose 'a key incentive' for UK workers

08 May 2012 15:49:30

Whether or not a company has a sense of purpose is increasingly becoming a key determinant of a worker's loyalty to an organisation and their likelihood of remaining in employment there, a new survey has found.

The report, carried out by global brand consultancy Calling Brands, reveals that there has been a dramatic shift in employee attitudes towards work, with corporate 'purpose' emerging as a powerful new driver of attraction, retention and productivity.

Entitled 'Crunch Time: The Power of Purpose', the new study shows that, after pay, purpose is now the second most important reason people are attracted to work for, and stay loyal to, an organisation.

Having an underlying ethos that goes beyond commercial and operational goals ranks ahead of other factors such as level of responsibility in a job and even career progression, but few businesses are leveraging it.

Brook Calverley, senior consultant at Calling Brands, said the importance placed on purpose is a "significant discovery" considering how little attention business leaders have given to it until now.

It was also found to be a key driver of effort and loyalty in existing staff members, as people are willing to work harder and stick with a business longer if they see purpose in action.

"Our report demonstrates that purpose matters for organisations today and is becoming a critical factor in attracting and keeping talent. What is also clear from our study is that this is no longer an HR issue: it is a board issue," she added.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by John Oak

'Keep your CV updated', workers advised

03 May 2012 15:28:06

Everybody should ensure their CV is kept up to date, regardless of whether they are currently in job or on the hunt for a new role, one organisation has advised.

Reed explained that a CV should always be considered a "work-in-progress", as it is vital to update it regularly with new skills and qualifications.

To boost the chances of landing an interview, it is necessary to review all of the old entries within a CV and, if people have any outdated qualifications or old jobs that have no bearing on their future career path, replace them with new entries.

"Whether they are recent skills, accomplishments, job responsibilities, or positions that you have acquired, pick and add important items that will further your career goals. Even if you have occupied the same marketing, accountancy, or sales job for over a year, you will have certainly gained some new experience and insight," the organisation noted.

It added that it is also important to use updated industry keywords, which demonstrate that the candidate has the correct knowledge, understanding, and experience, and are likely to draw the attention of hiring managers.

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

Finding a role model 'helps land top jobs'

02 May 2012 14:44:09

Identifying a role model and following their example can help people to land the job of their dreams, it has been claimed.

According to Piya Khanna, success coach and founder of Change to Succeed, emulating people who have had a success in the sector you are hoping to move into can be hugely beneficial.

She advised: "Once you know what you love and want to do, seek out people who are already successful in that field. Look on the internet and ask people you know and then connect with those who are already successfully doing what you want to do."

Ms Khanna recommended that people gain advice and insight on how they made it and what they can do to follow them.

Job hopefuls also need to be tactical and strategic, as there is "absolutely nothing wrong" with getting a job for the near term to keep people going while they work on their long-term ambitions, she added.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

Further study 'keeps people competitive'

01 May 2012 16:14:57

Further study can help people to remain competitive in the job market, according to one analyst body which has backed the increasing focus being placed on the accumulation of work experience.

Reed has praised the coalition government's new £1 billion Youth Contract Scheme, which it says will not only create 250,000 work experience placements, but will also encourage employers to recruit young people with the promise of subsidised wages.

The scheme is good news for jobseekers, as businesses will receive a subsidy of £2,275 for every 18 to 24-year-old employed in a full-time position, which will in turn provide more opportunities for young people to gain and develop relevant skills that can improving their future job prospects.

Even people who are in employment can benefit from further study and the accumulation of additional experience, but it is particularly important for jobseekers, Reed states.

"Further study can help jobseekers stay competitive in the job market, as it allows you people apply for more specific and demanding roles. Statistics also indicate that those who have received further education are likely to earn more," the organisation added.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by John Oak

Conditions 'looking up' for contract workers

01 May 2012 16:13:31

Conditions within the contract market look to be improving, with more positions becoming available, the latest figures suggest.

Research carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) for its Quarterly Industrial Trends Survey April 2012 report shows that contractors working in the engineering, IT and manufacturing sectors all look set to experience renewed contract growth this year.

Survey respondents noted that the UK's industrial and technology sectors are "bouncing back" back from the slump recorded at the end of 2011, leading to orders and output increasing and confidence being high.

CBI chief economic advisor Ian McCafferty commented: "Firms have seen manufacturing demand and production picking up in the three months to April, and with expectations of a further strengthening in activity in the coming quarter, they're increasing their stock-building and investment plans."

He added that there are also signs that UK businesses' cash stockpiles may start to be released, as investment intentions are positive for the first time in a year.

The result would be cash filtering through the supply chain, creating further opportunities for contractors in all sectors.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Tailor CVs for each application, expert advises

30 April 2012 15:57:27

Job candidates can help to boost their chances of being hired by ensuring that each CV they send in is tailored towards the requirements of the job they are applying for.

According to Charlie Ryan, owner of therecruitmentqueen.com, generalised CVs are less likely to achieve the applicant's goal of recruitment success because they do not highlight how the candidate is capable of doing the finer points of the job and has the specific skills to illustrate this

"Your CV needs to be changed for every job, as otherwise it just won't marry up with the job description. Candidates need to make life very easy for recruiters - and the way to do this is if they have what they see as a perfect paper match," the expert explained.

She added that applicants should not be too creative and should instead aim to be both factual and relevant.

Sometimes, if a job requires a great deal of creativity during the application process and the candidate feels this is beyond them, then perhaps it is a job that they are not well suited to in the first place, the expert added.

Recently, Jerry Wright, managing director of CPHConsulting, said the "basic premise" of a candidate making themselves more appealing is to start with getting their CV in "the best possible shape".

This is a combination of making sure it is current and accurate, but also ensuring it focuses on achievements and tangible examples of success.

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Employee enthusiasm 'remains high' in UK

30 April 2012 15:26:20

Enthusiasm and engagement among UK employees remains at a high level, according to the latest report.

The data shows that UK workers are combating austerity blues and economic woes with a renewed sense of purpose, with 48 per cent of staff across the country saying they are proud to work for their employer.

According to the report, commitment, attachment and pride all remain strong among UK workers, despite the economic climate continuing to pose challenges to organisations.

Overall, 89 per cent of workers believe their role contributes towards the success of their organisation, while three quarters think that their colleagues seek their opinion and respect their views.

Furthermore, seven in ten staff think their managers empower them to do their job to the best of their ability, noted Nicola Linkleter, managing director of Badenoch & Clark.

She explained that employee engagement can and should be seen as a measure of strong management and good internal communication.

"There is a strong argument to be made in favour of seeing investment in engagement as a business imperative. In an immediate sense, there is a direct link between employee engagement and productivity - proud, enthused workers will strive to produce stronger and higher results, directly impacting on the bottom line," she acknowledged.

Ms Linkleter said the UK will emerge from the economic downturn at a faster rate if workers are more engaged in their work, so bosses need to place engagement at the heart of their broader strategy.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Interviewees 'must connect emotionally'

27 April 2012 15:52:22

People heading into a job interview can help to boost their chances of success by connecting with the interviewer on an emotional level, it has been claimed.

Patricia Seabright, founder and managing director of Archimedes Consulting, said the key thing is to get off to a good start and create a strong first impression, but then the trickiest part is capitalising on this.

In order to set themselves apart from other people interviewing that day, the key is to create a long-lasting impression on the interviewer by connecting with them on an emotional level.

"To stand out in the crowd you need to connect with your audience on an emotional as well as a rational level. Many in business remain absolutely clinical in and lose the human appeal," she explained.

In addition to the data, argument and facts they are delivering, people should not lose sight of what it actually means to their audience, the expert added, and quoted the famous American author and poet Maya Angelou.

"People will forget what you said, forget what you did - they will never forget how you made them feel'," Ms Seabright added.

Aaron Wallis offers one of the largest resources of interview advice and career tools available to UK jobseekers.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

UK pay awards rise

26 April 2012 14:52:37

The average pay award in the UK is currently higher than it was last year, according to the latest report.

Research carried out by Xpert HR shows that pay awards so far in 2012 stand at a median 2.6 per cent, which demonstrates that awards are "are holding up well", the analysts states.

The current 2.6 per cent median compares with a two per cent median award seen during 2011 as a whole, while half of all pay awards are currently worth between two and three per cent.

Overall, pay awards based on performance continue to offer the potential for higher totals, with the median paybill budget increase being three per cent for performance-based awards.

Xpert HR Pay and Benefits editor Sheila Attwood commented: "Private-sector pay awards are expected to retain their current level around 2.6 per cent over the next couple of months."

A survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of Croner showed that 81 per cent of workers believe an organisation which provides an attractive pay and benefits package would make them likely to apply for a new job.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

New employees 'racing to make an impact'

25 April 2012 16:14:08

New employees are trying to make an immediate impact in their new organisation as businesses demand more from staff during the tough economic climate, a new study has found.

Research carried out by Futurestep found that the good performance of a new employee at a professional or managerial level is vital, with 76 per cent of companies measuring the impact of new recruits within their first 12 months.

The results were published in the Global Talent Impact Study 2012: Understanding the Race for Impact, which surveyed 1,500 firms and found that just five per cent of respondents are willing to wait three years to see how an employee develops.

The three key trades employers look for are the ability to make accurate and good decisions, a willingness to quickly take initiative and a dedication to meeting customers' needs and expectations.

Byrne Mulrooney, chief executive officer, Futurestep said the study highlights that many employers may be overlooking the fact that if they continue to develop and measure the impact of talented individuals, they can contribute to the long-term strategic success of the business.

He advised candidates: "To maximise the impact you make on the business, you need well thought out decisions, great ideas, and the ability to build good relationships with bosses and peers - these are the golden keys to success."

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Office workers 'would trade their lunch break for a nap'

24 April 2012 15:58:53

Almost half of all office workers in the UK would gladly trade their lunchtime break for a nap, a new survey has found.

Research carried out by DealJungle.com, which questioned over 1,000 people, found that 46 per cent of staff believed that a nap at lunchtime would improve their productivity in the afternoon.

The poll showed that 63 per cent believed that office productivity dipped in the afternoon, with 2:45pm being the time most employees identified as the start of the post-lunch dip in energy levels.

In addition, 37 per cent were prepared to sacrifice all their breaks in order to reduce their working hours either in the morning or afternoon.

A spokesman for DealJungle.com said the idea of an afternoon nap may sound childish, but if it has the potential to increase productivity then it is an option which must be seriously considered.

Commenting on the report, intuitive stress specialist Helen Wingstedt added: "Busy people with a lot to do who find their schedule overly full will benefit enormously from an afternoon nap to catch up on sleep and recharge batteries."

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Wayne Bly

'Make yourself seen' to get ahead

23 April 2012 15:22:53

People looking to get ahead in the world of work have been advised that working hard is no guarantee of success.

According to Beverley Stone, a chartered business psychologist, working hard is always going to enhance a person's chances of promotion and advancement, but it is only a third of what is required.

One of the other major requirements is exposure, as people have to be seen in the right place by the right people, while the other key thing is image.

"You have to walk the talk, you have to look good, you have to have a can-do attitude, you have to be positive and you have to be a company worker," she explained.

Although people will be judged on their actions later in their career, they will also be judged on their inactions, so keeping your head down is not always the best bet for advancement, Ms Stone noted.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Older workers 'offer unparalleled experience'

20 April 2012 14:51:17

Older workers can offer a level of experience that younger people simply cannot provide, and help to add another dimension to their organisation, it has been noted.

Keith Simpson, managing director of Skilledpeople.com, said that he has seen many examples of people who are "exceptionally well qualified" and seeking new opportunities, but are under-employed for one reason only - they are aged over 50.

A report earlier this year by the Department of Work and Pensions stated that age-related discrimination and stereotyping remain "rooted in British society", despite older workers often having unique and varied skillsets and a wealth of talent.

It is therefore important that companies look to older members of the job market just as much as younger ones as they look to recruit new staff and expand, Mr Simpson pointed out.

"Over 50s require little or no training, making them productive workers from the outset. If a company hires a quality experienced person to support business growth it’s more likely that they will be hiring an additional youngster after few months than the reverse," he added.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Job applicants 'should do plenty of research'

20 April 2012 14:48:56

People applying for jobs should aim to research the company thoroughly, as this can have a number of benefits in the long run, one expert has stated.

As well as creating a good impression by showing the prospective employer that they have a keen interest in their organisation, research can also enable candidates to make up their mind about whether the job is right for them, said Charlie Ryan, owner of therecruitmentqueen.com.

When asked what they know about the organisation, the interviewee needs to answer confidently and have a broad knowledge of the company, she stated.

"This is also a win-win situation, as they will establish whether or not they want to really work there. The more they want it, the more they want to learn, and they will come across so much better," the expert added.

If candidates go into the interview with specific objectives they are also establishing whether or not the job is right for them, so the interview becomes less nerve-wracking.

"People they are more in control, as they have something to aim for and a good structure to succeed in their objective," Ms Ryan added.

Aaron Wallis offers one of the largest resources of interview advice and career tools available to UK jobseekers.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

Candidates 'need to set their CV out properly'

19 April 2012 15:56:25

People on the hunt for new roles need to perfect the layout of their CV in order to maximise their chances of recruitment success, it has been recommended.

That is the opinion of Charlie Ryan, owner of therecruitmentqueen.com, who said it can be "tricky" for candidates to set their CVs apart from other applicants, but ensuring it is beautifully presented is a step in the right direction.

She suggested it should be done in Arial font size 10 or 11, depending on what looks best on the page, with every bold or underlined heading margined correctly and never inconsistent.

"So, for example, if you have sub-headers for employment and another for education and both are in bold, but only one is underlined - that is just inconsistent and it shows you don't appreciate the finer points of detail required," the expert pointed out.

Ms Ryan noted that spelling and grammar still plays a major part and employers will delete or throw away applications because of mistakes.

Likewise, if a covering letter does not follow the guidelines then in many cases employers will not even open the CV.

Following these simple steps can often be the difference between getting an interview or the CV not even being read, the expert added.

For some of the best CV advice and tips visit the career tools section of www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Stacked with hints, tips and advice the Aaron Wallis career tools section is the right solution for you.

Posted by Wayne Bly