I am fortunate to be able to recruit some fantastic positions for companies in science, health and technology. Companies developing new drugs and devices, or companies supporting those that are.
Overall, things are picking up in the health and technology sector as far as new positions go, which is excellent. However, it’s sad and frustrating that many candidates still let themselves down regarding representing themselves appropriately or not seeking GOOD advice.
This month, I will highlight a few examples of what I heard several times recently from candidates and reflect on them so that you can think about them in your job search.
‘But I was told a CV should only be two pages. ‘
This is a biggie lately. And again, I say, why?
If the client asks for it, then yes. But if not, do you have enough room to articulate your expertise and get the right keywords to be deemed suitable in 2 pages? 3-5 pages is still acceptable.
3-5 pages are accepted for resumes, and for academics, an additional appendix with your publications and other academic successes is still fine.
A board CV would be an exception and should be only 2-3 pages. However, that differs from an executive or normal CV and needs to be articulated differently.
‘‘I was told I don’t need a cover letter anymore.’
So, the job ad asks for one, BUT I will send through my CV without one… Why did you not send the cover letter?
A cover letter can be instrumental in highlighting your key capabilities in summary for the role and allows you to differentiate yourself from others. It also shows that you have read the role through and know what it’s asking for. I know; I read a lot of them.
If they ask, please follow the request; it’s there for a reason. I can quote a client this month ‘if they don’t write a cover letter, I bin their CV. They are not showing me they can take direction; if they don’t do what I ask now, what will they be like in the job?’ Everything you do in every step of an application infers what you could be like. Follow the directions at all times.
‘But I was told this is what I should do.’
My question is, ‘By who & why do you think that is the best way to go’? Often, candidates can’t articulate who from (or don’t want to). Is this information current and up to date? Is the ‘Chinese whisper’ effect applied to their advice? i.e. has the advice been elaborated or changed to something incorrect that you follow blindly as correct?
Don’t just talk to one person about your career path, CV or job search. Talk to many, your friend’s parents, former boss, and supervisors, but not just one person. Don’t take one person’s word as gospel, and please question ‘the why’ on the advice given each time.
Unfortunately, we at mexec cannot recruit everyone into a new role directly. We do, however, have a way that we can assist you with these WHYS. We have developed the mexec jobstrategy™ program that can help you secure that new career opportunity you are looking for.
Please contact Sue so she can take a 15-minute free consultation regarding your CV and job search strategy and help you with the Whys above, plus many more aspects and practicalities of reaching your next career opportunity—no obligation to go further.
Remember also, if you connect and register to become part of the mexec network, you will be registered for free for any recruitment opportunities our clients work with us on. We often don’t advertise our roles, and by being registered, you may be the one that we call for that next role. Don’t forget to visit our vacancies page and sign up for our job alerts to receive our opportunities directly, one of the brand-new features of our new website.
