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Consultant to Employed – Navigating the Transition

Moving from being a Consultant or Fractional Director into employment – whether permanent or contract is a bigger step than many people realise. It’s often misunderstood as a backward move. In reality, it’s usually a strategic choice made by experienced professionals who want to focus their time, energy and expertise where it can have the greatest impact. This decision isn’t about desperation. It’s about recognising that what you do now comes naturally. Years of experience mean you can

Planning for Your Future Executive Director Role – It’s Never Too Early to Start

Whether you’re aiming to step up into a senior management or board role, already in one and eyeing your next move, or even planning for your retirement, career planning is just like investing – it doesn’t pay off immediately, but with patience and strategy, the rewards come over time. If you’ve been seriously thinking about making a move since the start of the year, now is the time to begin laying the groundwork. First and foremost – take

Job Search Tips

How to Nail Your Next Interview and Stand Out from the Crowd If you’ve been struggling with interview rejections or feel like you’re just not getting through to employers, you’re not alone. The job market is competitive, but there are ways to boost your chances and make sure you stand out. Here are some key things to keep in mind before your next interview: 1. Own Your CV Did you write your CV yourself? If you had help,

How to Tap into the Hidden Job Market – Where 80% of Jobs Are Found

Did you know that up to 80% of jobs are never advertised on job boards or company websites? These positions are filled quietly – through referrals, recommendations, and professional networks – in what’s known as the hidden job market. So, if your job search strategy revolves solely around applying online, you could be missing out on the majority of available opportunities. The good news? You can learn how to access this unseen side of the job market with

CV Review – I just need someone to believe in me…

Client Scenario: Delia (Name changed for privacy) Delia approached us feeling frustrated and overlooked. Despite having four years of experience in hospitality, she was struggling to move into front-of-house roles such as Reservations, Rooms Controller, or Admin. Employers seemed unable to see beyond her recent Housekeeping role, even though she had a strong background in admin and customer service. Her move into Housekeeping was a temporary one – a practical decision during a time when she needed flexibility

Career Coaching to Help You Focus

What if you could ditch 80% of the aimless job-search effort and still deliver 80% of the results? But here’s the real catch – when your goal isn’t crystal clear, 80% of your effort may be wasted, chasing the wrong roles without purpose. Ask Yourself: If you can’t confidently answer those, applying for roles becomes a shot in the dark and landing a fulfilling one nearly impossible. Before Firing Off Another CV: Stop. Reflect. Ask: “Do I even

Applying the 80/20 Rule to Your Job Search and CV

Applying the 80/20 Rule to Your Job Search and CV (Because doing more isn’t always the same as doing what works) Understanding the 80/20 Rule in Job Hunting 80% of job search success comes from 20% of your efforts – usually, those focused on a high-quality CV, targeted applications and building real connections. Scattergun CVs don’t cut it. Applying the 80/20 Rule to Your CV The top third of your CV gets 80% of the reader’s attention. If

Need help with CV? Feeling Stuck? It’s More Than Just a Bad Day at Work.

Let’s be real – feeling stuck in your job isn’t just about having a tough week. It’s deeper than that. It’s waking up each morning with a knot in your stomach.It’s dreading the walk through the office door.It’s feeling invisible in meetings, unheard by your boss and undervalued for the work you quietly deliver day after day. You might be: And then there’s the guilt…Feeling ungrateful because you should be happy to have a job.Telling yourself “others have

Lancashire CV Writing Support – Helping Local Talent Get Hired

Welcome to My Professional CV – Lancashire’s trusted partner in job search success. With over 25 years of recruitment experience, we’ve helped thousands of professionals across Lancashire (and beyond) boost their profiles, tell their story with confidence and secure interviews for roles they once thought out of reach. Whether you’re based in Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Blackburn, Lancaster, Blackpool, or Burnley – if you’re serious about landing a new role, you’re in the right place. What’s Included in Our Job Boost

Exec-Level Roles – Investment ‘V’ Reward

If you’re targeting £100k-£200k roles, winging it isn’t an option at this level. UK Executive & CV Rejection Stats ATS Rejection Rates in the UK Hiring Manager Insights (UK) Tailoring Matters Why This Matters for Exec-Level Roles The Bottom Line If you’re serious about executive roles in the UK, tailoring a sharp, ATS-optimised, error-free CV isn’t optional – it’s mission-critical. Each element – responsibilities, competencies, achievements must be thoughtfully highlighted. Remember – hiring systems and Recruiters are looking for

Stepping into Your Next Chapter – A Guide for Senior Leaders

You’ve built businesses, led teams, reversed losses into profits and recruited top-tier talent. Now it’s time for new pastures and it’s clear you’re exceptional at what you do. But how do you put that on paper so a Recruiter instantly recognises you as their ideal candidate? Your next step deserves the spotlight. With 30 years of combined recruitment and CV-writing expertise, we’re here to ensure your brilliance shines through tailored applications, precision targeting and undeniable impact. Make Your

Why You Must Check Your CV Before You Apply (And How The Shortlist Check Can Help)

Let’s be honest: job hunting is hard enough without sending out a weak CV that gets rejected before it’s even read properly. In today’s competitive job market, first impressions are everything and when it comes to job applications, your CV is that first impression. You may only get a few seconds to convince a Recruiter or Hiring Manager that you’re worth shortlisting. So, before you hit “submit,” ask yourself: If you’re unsure about any of those questions, that’s

I Need a More Up-to-Date CV. I Don’t Feel Like My Current CV Reflects My Experiences”

In today’s fast-paced job market, your Professional CV is often the first impression you’ll make on a potential employer. It’s your personal marketing tool, meant to showcase not just your skills and qualifications but also your growth and career progression. So, what happens when you feel like your Professional CV no longer reflects your true capabilities or experiences? If you’ve ever thought, “I need a more up-to-date CV,” or found yourself saying, “My current CV doesn’t reflect my

Boost your chances of being shortlisted in the UK and securing sponsorship

Improve Your CV Design and Content to Boost Your Chances of Being Shortlisted in the UK and Securing Sponsorship When applying for a job in the UK, it’s crucial that your Professional CV aligns with British CV standards. If your CV is formatted in a style more common in other regions, you could unintentionally miss out on key opportunities. The first step is to select a Professional UK CV Template and update your CV accordingly, or invest in

The Importance of Tailoring and Condensing Your CV – Make Every Detail Count

“I have a long CV of 8 pages which details all my work history of 20 years and a short condensed CV of 2 pages. I am looking to use both CVs to create 1 Master Standout CV which will beat the Applicant Tracking System system and at the same time doesn’t lose the essence of who I am as a professional”. Does this sound familiar? Great job on taking action and condensing/updating your CV! But here’s an

Why should you choose My Professional CV?

Whether you haven’t updated your CV in years, returning to work, stepping up to a senior role, or shifting direction entirely – we will help you take control of your career story with clarity and confidence. What Makes Us Different? With over 25 years of recruitment experience spanning every level from apprentice to boardroom, we bring real insight into what hiring managers look for and what gets candidates noticed. We don’t believe in generic templates or rushed appointments.

Should I tailor my CV so I am Shortlisted for Interview?

Tailor Your CV – Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All. If you’re sending the same CV to every job, hoping one sticks you’re not alone. But here’s the truth that generic CVs rarely make it to interview. To land more interviews, you need to tailor your CV for each role. It takes more time and effort but it will make all the difference. Why tailoring matters When employers read your CV, they’re scanning for one thing: “Does this

Sending a Speculative CV to a business you admire

Don’t wait for the “perfect” job ad to appear. If you value their mission, culture, or the work they do, send a speculative CV and get on their radar. Here’s how to do it well: 1. Research first Find out: 2. Write a short, tailored message and attach a strong tailored CV Keep it genuine and focused. Try something like – “I’ve followed your work at [name of company] for some time and I’d love to explore future

How Long before Before Employers Start Ignoring Your Application following a career break?

It’s a question many job seekers quietly worry about – “Have I been out of work too long? Will employers still take me seriously?” The short answer? It depends – but the good news is that a gap in your employment doesn’t automatically count you out. Let’s break it down. Is there a magic number? There’s no hard rule, but generally: It’s not just the length of the gap that matters – it’s how you explain it and

Resume or CV – What’s the difference?

Is there a difference and is it really important? When job searching, many people come across the terms CV and résumé and often wonder – is there a difference? Why do some employers ask for a CV, while others request a résumé? Are they just two words for the same thing? Let’s clear it up. What is a CV? CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which is Latin for “course of life.” In the UK, Europe and many Commonwealth

Are you a C-Suite Executive actively exploring new opportunities?

Is your time stretched thin, yet the pressure is on to craft a compelling application that truly stands out? That’s where we come in…we help C-Suite Executives and Directors like you nail their next opportunity by aligning your unique strengths and experience with the specific requirements of the role. Here’s how we can help: Job Requirement Analysis – we review the job description in detail to understand exactly what the employer is looking for.Skills, Expertise & Qualification Mapping

Are you Returning to work following leave?

Whether it’s been a few months or a few years, returning to work after time away can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Maybe you’ve relocated, took time out for caregiving, maternity, health, or just to breathe and maybe you’re looking around thinking, “Where do I even begin?” The job market has changed and fast – AI screening, keyword-optimised CVs, 50-tab job board scrolls, awkward LinkedIn updates. It’s a lot. And on top of that, there’s

Why Customising Your CV is Key to Beating the ATS and Landing Your Dream Job

When you’re on the job hunt, it can be tempting to create a one-size-fits-all CV and send it out to every opportunity. After all, it’s easy, right? But if you want to give yourself the best chance of landing your dream job, customising your CV for each application is a game-changer. Here’s why: 1. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) Are Watching Most companies today use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to help sift through the hundreds, sometimes thousands, of

HR Outplacement Services

Did You Know? We will offer support to your Employees with CV Writing, Job Coaching and Interview Preparation during Redundancies. As the business navigates the tough decision of who to make redundant, it’s natural to want to do the right thing by your employees. Whilst the focus often falls on the logistics of the redundancy process, providing support for those affected by job loss is just as important. After all, a well-prepared employee is more likely to transition

Standout CV – Your last role before retirement

Make It Your Best Yet with a Standout CV As you approach the final chapter of your career, it’s crucial to ensure that your last role is the one that truly aligns with your legacy. Whether you’re looking to leave your mark in a leadership position or contribute your expertise to a meaningful project, securing that ideal role requires more than just experience, it requires a CV that stands out. This is your moment to shine and having

Career Coaching

Returning to work following leave, sickness or maternity? Whether it’s new year and a new start feeling, or just time for a change, the start of a new year often brings a sense of renewal and reflection. For many, it’s a time to set goals and evaluate what’s truly important. Since returning to work you may have realised something is unsettling you and your current job no longer feels right for you. This realisation can be daunting, but

Why You Should Have an Expert Recruiter and CV Writer Perform a Pre-Job Application Sift Check

Job hunting can be overwhelming and with hundreds, sometimes thousands of applicants applying for the same role, standing out is crucial. But before you hit ‘send’ on that job application, it’s worth considering a pre-job application CV sift check with an expert Recruiter and CV Writer. Here’s why: 1. Tailored Application to the Job An expert Recruiter knows what employers are truly looking for. They can help you align your CV with the job description, ensuring that your

Why hiring a professional CV Writer can help you secure your next job…

**1. Tailored to Your Industry** – Professional CV writers have expertise in crafting resumes specific to your industry, aligning your experience and skills with industry standards and expectations. **2. Showcasing Your Unique Value** – They highlight your unique achievements, strengths, and value propositions in a way that grabs the attention of recruiters. **3. ATS Optimisation** – Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. CV writers are skilled at formatting and incorporating keywords to ensure your

Are You Ready to Land Your Dream Job? Let’s Perfect Your CV!

Are You Ready to Land Your Dream Job? Let’s Perfect Your CV! Congratulations on taking the first step toward your dream job! Your Professional CV is your ticket to getting noticed, so let’s ensure it’s polished, professional, and tailored to impress recruiters. Here are some essential tips to make your Professional CV stand out: Accurate Personal Details: Start with the basics: ensure your name, contact information, and location are clear and error-free. Mistakes in this section can send

Why you should consider using a CV Writing Service

In today’s competitive job market, standing out is crucial to securing your dream job. Your CV plays a vital role in making a lasting impression on potential employers. However, crafting a compelling resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences can be challenging. This is where professional CV writing services can make all the difference. Our team of experts specialise in creating tailored resumes that grab the attention of both automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.

What is a Competency-based Interview

A competency-based interview is a thorough method of interviewing a prospective employee to assess their skills and experience against a job and personal profile. A competency-based interview will follow the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Knowing how to structure your answers using STAR is key to delivering clear and compelling responses and more importantly they give a potential employer examples of real-life challenges which you have faced. Many employers use competency-based interviews to determine whether a potential

Don’t Let Complacency Cost You the Job

Even if you’re highly experienced, academically accomplished and recognised as a leader in your field, that alone isn’t enough to secure your next role. When applying for a new position, complacency can be your biggest obstacle. You may be fully capable of doing the job and the Hiring Manager might even agree, but if you don’t meet the required benchmark during the interview process, you won’t progress. It’s that simple. So, how do you ensure your CV makes

Stand out with a Professional CV Template

A CV Template can be a quick, efficient and cost-effective way of securing your next job. The CV Templates which have been created by My Professional CV include a strong personal profile stating what you are in terms of role and highlighting your key strengths and expertise; a specific area highlighting your key skills and detailed career history providing day-to-day duties which would be expected of someone in your role. The CV Templates: are easy to customise with

Customise CV…

How do you customise your CV when your current role is more senior than the job you wish to apply for? A common frustration with many job applicants is that you are told you are over qualified when you apply for a new role however, you know you have all the relevant skills, experience, knowledge and qualifications which are complemented with a successful employment record. For those businesses who recognise talent, you will be deemed to be a

Interview dress code

How important is it that you wear professional business attire for an interview? There are many types of interviews which you could be presented with to include a virtual interview via Teams or Zoom, an on-line interview via a one-way video platform and the more traditional interview – “in person”. Understanding what to wear for an interview is essential as it directly impacts the impression you make on potential employers. An “in person” interview dress code has not

How do I optimise my CV to increase the chances of being shortlisted?

There are many ways in which you can enhance your chances of being shortlisted during the job application: Tailor your CV to each job application: Research the company and specific role you are applying for highlighting your relevant and key skills and experience that align with their needs. Quantify your achievements: Use specific percentages and numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work. Use keywords: Identify relevant keywords from the job description and incorporate them into your CV.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a CV

Errors on CVs can be costly, resulting in your job application being rejected. Ensure your CV is reviewed by a Professional CV Writer. Typical errors to avoid: 1. **Typos and Grammatical Errors**: Failing to proofread can lead to careless mistakes that undermine professionalism. 2. **Using an Unprofessional Email Address**: Choose a simple and professional email, ideally a combination of your name. 3. **Being Too Lengthy**: Avoid unnecessary details; keep your CV concise and relevant—ideally one page for entry-level

How important is it keeping your CV to 2 pages

When crafting your CV, it’s crucial to keep it concise—ideally within 2 to 3 pages. A lengthy CV can lose the interest of Recruiters, potentially leading to your application being overlooked or rejected. Here’s why brevity matters and how to achieve it: 1. Attention Span of Recruiters: 2. Relevance is Key: 3. Showcase achievements as well as Responsibilities: 4. Tailor Your CV: 5. Use Clear and Concise Language: 6. Avoid Duplication: 7. Use a Personal Profile: 8. Digital

Returning to work after maternity leave

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a pivotal moment in your career. You might be eager to embrace new challenges and redefine your professional goals while balancing the demands of motherhood. Here are some hints to guide you through the process of seeking new opportunities and crafting a career path that aligns with your evolving aspirations and circumstances. 1. Reflect on Your Career Goals Assess Your Professional AspirationsMaternity leave often provides an opportunity for self-reflection. Take

Am I too old to apply for jobs?

Are you concerned about your age affecting your job applications? You’re never too old to apply for a job! While age may be a consideration for roles involving extreme conditions, companies value the expertise mature employees bring. On the flip side, the energy and eagerness to learn from younger employees are also unmatched. If you’re facing repeated rejections post-interview despite a high invitation rate, it might be due to concealing vital details, possibly related to age. Being untruthful

Do I need to update LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become more and more an absolute over the years where many Recruiters and potential employers will search for you on LinkedIn and check you out before they decide if they are going to select you to the next stage of the interview process. Many employees have a LinkedIn account because it is a requirement set by their Employer. It is not because they want it, nor do they use it actively. The account is likely to

What Type of CV is best?

The most recognised and successful CV is the Traditional CV which is also known as the Chronological CV. The Traditional CV is subdivided into five parts namely personal details, profile, key skills, employment history and finally education, memberships and training. It’s important to select a Traditional CV for a number of reasons, namely the Traditional CV is a highly recognised CV in the recruitment industry, it quickly enables the Recruiter to decide on your suitability for the job

How do I apply for an internal vacancy?

Applying for internal vacancies and seeking promotion within your current organisation can be a rewarding step in your career. With your deep understanding of the business, years of dedicated service, and valuable contributions to achieving business goals, navigating the application process for internal roles may appear straightforward. Yet, at times, gaining recognition as a suitable candidate for an internal job can present its challenges. Ignorance of your ability to do the job by the Hiring Manager can be

How do I write my CV

Are you ready to land your dream job? The first step is crafting a Professional CV which stands out to potential employers. But what makes an effective Professional CV? Let’s dive into some essential tips to make your Professional CV shine. DOs Making Your CV Irresistible 1. Presentation Matters First impressions count, even on paper (or a screen). Ensure your Professional CV looks professional and is well-organised. Use a clean layout with clear headings and bullet points to

I want to change career and need help with my CV

This is a popular statement where many job seekers are fed up of their current job and industry and want to move into a completely different role and often at a lower level than they are currently working at. It’s unfortunately not so easy to change career completely and the process of trying can be extremely disheartening and demoralising when you apply for jobs you are genuinely interested in, but you either do not receive a reply or

Ensuring Success with job applications

In order to ensure maximum success with your job application, you need to first and foremost have a Professional CV which stands out and is up-to-date. There are many Professional CV Writers’ who offer a Free CV Review, where you can take advantage of their expertise. The Free CV Review at My Professional CV offers you a grammar, spelling and design check and tips on how to improve your overall presentation and content. We will also give you

How long should my CV be?

Unless you are in a specialist or technical role where you have a story book type of CV, a CV of 2 or 3 pages is more than enough to engage the interest of a potential employer. The first 10 years of your employment history is the most relevant and anything beyond this would be recommended to be added to the CV in lineage. Remember it is the quality of the CV which is important and not how

Personal Statement for Job Application

What is a personal statement? Personal statements are a crucial part of any job application process. Recruiters value a personal statement as it gives them a quick insight into your key skills and relevant experience. The goal of a personal statement is to keep the Recruiter interested in your application and fit for the job. The statement ought to presented in such a way that it convinces the Recruiter you are a strong fit for the role. It

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