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Call: 01242 505 400  Or  Email us

Candidates Candidate advice

Candidate advice

Looking to take the next step in your career?

We're more than somebody on the end of the phone, our goal is to support you in taking the next steps in your career and helping you succeed in your new role

Candidates Candidate advice

How we help our candidates thrive

Specialist one-to-one support…

As the UK’s largest family-run recruiter, RE has a network of specialists who help talented professionals like you find roles across the country.

We work with thousands of companies, from large corporations to SMEs, so we have an abundance of roles for you to choose from. When you choose to make your next career move with us, your dedicated specialist will work alongside you to find a role that not only meets your skill set but fits with your needs. We specialise in recruiting across 13 sectors from accountancy and finance to technology and education. Whether you’re looking to take the next step up the career ladder, or are in need of a new challenge, you will work with a dedicated expert who knows your industry and the local and national market.

Whether you are seeking a temporary, interim, or permanent, full-time, part-time, remote, or hybrid working role – we can find a job that suits you. Your consultant will be on-hand throughout the process offering CV advice, salary and benefits guidance, interview tips and ongoing support.

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Preparing for your next role
Job hunting is more than just applying for jobs online
It takes courage to apply for new jobs, so we're here to support you every step of the way

As a recruitment agency it’s our goal to partner with both clients and candidates to match the perfect pairings together. From the moment you decide to take on a new challenge there are lots of processes you can complete to ensure you are setting yourself up for the best shot at success. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, or what vacancy you are applying for, here are some of the things to get right and consider before applying for a new job.

  • Formatting and updating your CV
    Your CV is the first chance you get to introduce yourself to a potential employer and show them why you're the best candidate for the role. But recruiters often have a large number of CVs to look through, so it is vital to make sure that your's stands out and ends up on the “yes" pile. A CV is far more than a piece of paper. Depending on the job and the sector you intend to work in, potential employers may expect to see images, graphics and previous examples of your work, as part of your resume. And don’t forget links to professional websites, such as LinkedIn.
  • LinkedIn is your best friend
    LinkedIn is often the first place a recruiter or hiring manager will look after reading your CV. Ensuring your profile highlights your skills and experience and includes examples of your work to date. Employers are always impressed by candidates who show initiative, so posting on the platform is another win win!
  • Preparing to leave your existing role
    Before leaving your current employer, first consider what it is you need from your next opportunity and tailor your job search to your requirements. This will help you apply for the right vacancies and ask the right questions when it comes to the interview process.
  • Resignation letters, notice periods & more
    We all know that leaving your current role can be tricky, but when the time comes, it is always best to be professional and courteous. Resignation letters do not necessarily have to be long, but should be to the point and notice periods should be agreed and adhered to.
  • Present your best professional self online
    What comes up when someone Google's your name? We all have an online presence and it's more important than ever to ensure your online profiles are a positive reflection of yourself when applying for new jobs. Be careful what you post online and don't share anything contentious or controversial publicly. Do not upload unprofessional images of yourself. Avoid “unprofessional” social media profile names or email addresses. Following potential employers on social media can show commitment and initiative.
  • Your pre-interview checklist
    If the interview is being conducted face-to-face then plan your journey in advance and account for bad traffic on the day. Make sure you arrive around 15 minutes early, any earlier can put the interviewer under pressure and any later can add pressure to yourself. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the vacancy you are interviewing for, if in doubt contact the person hiring you beforehand and ask about their internal dress code. Do your own research about your potential employer and the person interviewing you, this can help conversation flow. Prepare some pre-prepared questions to ask the interviewer about the role and business, after all this is a two way conversation and you need to ensure this is the right opportunity for you.
  • Prepare for financial questions
    Nobody likes talking about money, but you have to be prepared to discuss remuneration packages when the time comes in the interview process. The best way to handle these conversations is to be open and honest and research similar vacancies online.
  • Do you have everything you need to work remotely?
    If you are going to be taking up a new job where you'll be working remotely ensure you have a set up that is appropriate for working from home. If you don't have a quiet space or work less effectively from home, consider whether remote working is the best option for you. Potential employers are there to support these new ways of working and should offer all the support and equipment necessary to help you work remotely.
  • How to handle a counter-offer
    If you have decided to accept a new job offer, you must prepare for your current employer to present a counter offer. Consider why it is you're leaving your current employer and why you were looking for a new role in the first place. This could be career progression, monetary motivation, relocating or simply a change of scenery. Always consider your initial reason for wanting to leave during these negotiations and be honest with yourself and your employer.
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