Job Hunting FAQs - Part 2

This is the second part of our FAQs to aid your job seeking, if you haven't read the first blog just click here.

1 What should I include in my CV? 

Your CV should include: 

Contact Information 

• Full name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). 

Personal Statement 

• Highlight personal experience within a previous role - which you are proud of, excelled at, were rewarded for, or went above and beyond, which highlight your skills and or personality. 

Professional Summary 

• A brief statement highlighting your skills, experiences and career goals

Work Experience 

• List your relevant job titles, companies and dates of employment, along with bullet points outlining your responsibilities and achievements

Education 

• Including your qualifications, institutions and graduation dates

Skills 

• Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to the job you are applying for

Certifications/Training 

• Note any certifications or courses which enhance your qualifications

Details of 2 referees 

• Name, job title, email address and or telephone number and how you know this person

NB Keep your CV to 2 pages. If you need to shorten the detail in older roles, to allow more space for more recent experience, this is acceptable. 

2 How do I negotiate a job offer? 

When negotiating a job offer, consider the following: 

• Do Your Research 
• Know the market rate for your role in your location and industry

Prioritise 

• Decide what is most important to you—salary, benefits, work-life balance, flexible working, professional development opportunities etc
• Be professional 

Express your appreciation for the offer and be professional when discussing your needs

• Justify and explain your reasons 

Provide reasons for your salary expectations or other requests based on your experience, skills and market data

• Be Open to Compromise 
• Negotiations are acceptable on both sides, be prepared to meet in the middle where you can both agree

3 What should I do if I am not offered the role? 

Rejection is a normal part of the job search process. But any recruitment process adds to your experience and knowledge.

• Request Feedback 
• Ask the interviewer or recruiter for feedback on your application or interview. This can provide valuable insights for future opportunities. 
• Reflect 
• Consider what you learned from the experience and how you can improve for the next role. 
• Stay Positive 
• Job application rejections are rarely personal. Continue applying, refining your approach and keep looking for other opportunities. 
• Keep Networking 
• Stay connected with the recruiter and other professionals in your industry. Sometimes, a no today could turn into a yes in a week or months down the line. 

4 How do I advance in my career? 

Furthering your career can typically involve the following: 

• Continuous Learning 
• Stay up to date with industry trends and consider further education or certifications. Research what further learning is available through your employer, which will often be paid for and supported by your employer. 
• Networking 
• Build and maintain professional relationships. Attend industry events, join professional organisations – in person and online. Join relevant LinkedIn and Facebook Groups and connect with peers. 
• Seek Feedback 
• Regularly seek feedback from supervisors and peers to identify areas for improvement. 
• Take the Initiative 
• Volunteer for new projects or responsibilities that align with your career goals. 
• Mentorship 
• Find a mentor who can offer guidance, support and advice on navigating your career path. 

5 Can I change careers later in life? 

Absolutely! It is never too late to change careers. Many people successfully transition to new industries or roles by working out which skills are transferable, gaining additional qualifications or certification and networking within their desired field. Gain work experience in the potential new industry, via volunteering or an internship. A specialised recruitment agency can also provide guidance and opportunities tailored to career changers. 

We hope the answers to both the parts of these FAQS give you confidence as you start your job hunt. Whether you are just starting in your career or changing roles to progress your career. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we are here to support you every step of the way. 

Who Are We? 

Rochester Recruitment are a specialist recruitment company supplying temporary & permanent staff to three core industries - Construction, Civil Engineering & Logistics. With many years of service as construction professionals we have direct hands-on experience in the sectors that we recruit for, setting us apart from the thousands of recruitment firms out there. Quite simply, we are the trade for the trade. 

For an informal chat about your recruiting needs, call us on 01634 735300 or 07739 139932 or contact us.