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job search and career guides

Make sure you have the experts in your corner when considering a job change. Start with our downloadable career guides, then explore our featured articles covering applications, interviews and navigating job offers.

Applying for a job

  • Career Development Planner

    Maximise your career growth with tips from Hays' experts: embrace continuous learning, take initiative, collaborate effectively, and leverage networking. Chart your path to success with our free career development planner

  • CV tips and structure

    Making sure your CV is tailored to the role you want for is an absolute necessity when applying for jobs, but there are general steps you can take when building the structure of your CV to make sure it always looks good and reads well.

  • How to write a cover letter

    Your cover letter is an introduction to your CV and a chance to capture the attention of your reader. Find out how to demonstrate the qualities that will set you apart from other applicants.

  • How to identify your key strengths

    So you have begun your job search and are preparing your CV and getting yourself interview ready. A key element to being successful with securing a new job is understanding what you are good at so you can effectively sell yourself.

  • Working with a recruiter

    As a professional, you should only be looking for recruitment advice from an expert consultant who understands your profession and the sector you are interested in. By partnering with a specialist recruiter you will have an advocate who will promote your strengths and expertise to potential employers.

  • How to build your personal brand

    Your brand is what sets you apart from other professionals. It should reflect your values, skills and experience. Your CV, personal appearance and personal network are all part of your brand, but your presence and actions on social media are how most recruiters and employers will come to know you.

Interviews

  • Do your employer research

    Your interview can be an intimidating prospect, but with some preparation and planning it needn’t be an overwhelming challenge.  We’ve collated our experts’ advice to help you conduct effective research on the company for your interview.

  • How to answer difficult interview questions

    There are some interview questions that many people find challenging to answer. But it’s not just about answering the questions; it’s also about understanding them.

  • Answering competency based interview questions

    Competency based interview questions are used to identify whether an individual has the skills required for a role. It is to assess how you have demonstrated your experiences in the past and how you will apply them in the future.

  • Delivering interview presentations

    Perhaps it's your first time presenting – and you feel a bit rusty around the edges? Or it's been a while since you've had to do a presentation. Learn how to approach your interview presentations with confidence.

  • Power pose your way to success

    Don’t let your nerves show through and affect your performance. To help make the best impression, we’ve collected these tips to help keep your body language under control and saying what you want it to.

Offered a job

  • Accepting a job offer

    So the interview’s done and you've been offered the job? Congratulations! However, there are still things to consider. Make sure you confirm all the details in advance and you'll start this next stage on a really positive note.

  • How to resign

    How you handle your resignation has an impact on your career. Conforming to the correct etiquette can go a long way in ensuring confidence as your career develops; whereas approaching your resignation in the wrong way could be detrimental to your immediate future. 

  • Handling counter offers

    A counter offer is an offer from your current employer, to rival the one you have received from your future employer and convince you to stay. Learn how to handle an offer from your employer when you’ve handed in your notice.

  • Negotiating your salary

    The gulf between employee and employer pay rise expectations is not uncommon. If you think you deserve a pay rise, be prepared to prove your worth and negotiate your salary.

  • Starting a new job

    Whether you’re a graduate, manager or CEO, starting a new job is intimidating for everyone. Here are a few things you can do to help settle those first day nerves and make your transition into a new job that much easier.

  • Settling into a team

    Settling into your new team is one of the many challenges you will face when starting a new job, but becoming a valued team member is key to your job satisfaction, workplace happiness and ultimately, your success – here’s how.