Relaunch Your Career

Question: Is the Government right to make people do enforced voluntary work in exchange for benefits?

Question: Everything I read about CVs says it’s important to say ‘I’ and not ‘we’, but I was only part of a team that achieved what we did. If I say ‘I’ all the way through, I won’t be being honest. How do I deal with this?

Question: I’ve been advised that I should include the number of people I managed in each job on my CV. This has varied wildly from job to job. Should I include this information, or leave it out?

Question: If I chase up my application, will I seem pushy?

Question: My recruitment consultant says the only thing employers are interested in is my work experience, and this should always be on the front page of my CV (resume). Is he right?

Question:I was an £80k a year professional, made redundant last summer. I’ve just had my six-month interview with the Job Centre and been told my jobseekers allowance (JSA) benefit is being ceased. That means no money unless I qualify for means-tested benefits. They also said I now have to apply for any job – I can no longer only apply only for managerial jobs. They have sent me for an interview as a cleaner. Can they do this?

A number of respected career coaches are adamant that cover letters are not necessary in the modern recruitment world. Notably, career coach Phil Rosenberg, President of US-based consultancy ReCareered, carried out extensive research with hiring managers and directors, almost all of whom say they don’t read – and often don’t receive – cover letters. So, are they a good or a bad idea?

Question: I have been chasing a relatively senior role with a major blue-chip company since November. I’ve had three interviews – two in person and one by phone – and still have not seen the hiring director. Now the recruiter has called to say they want me to complete a psychometric profile. I feel as though I’m being made to jump through hoops. How can I bring this to a conclusion in my favour?

Question: I’ve been for several interviews but I haven’t been successful yet. I always ask for feedback, but most interviewers either never respond or give feedback that’s very vague and not much use. How can I get really useful, constructive feedback?

Question: I can’t get interviews (and if I get the interview then I don’t get the job) because I don’t have any experience. How can I break this cycle and show what I am capable of?