StackHire Ltd

Do you add a brief description about the businesses you've worked at in your CV? I spoke with somebody looking for work yesterday, and they asked if it's worth having a description of the business they work at in their CV. My answer - definitely! If you work at a very well known company, this might not be required, but if you don't this information can be invaluable to recruiters or potential employers. By providing the information about the type of company, the industry and the size you are adding context to your role. If this information is a good match for the job you are applying for, you should make this as clear as possible. It's a small detail, but can be really impactful. #CVAdvice #Jobseekers #CareerAdvice

Yesterday, I saw some of the worst career advice I've seen on LinkedIn, aimed at people starting their career. "Work smart, not hard" Now, I completely agree that working smarter, not harder is the most productive way of working. However, when you are just starting out you need to go through a journey to be able to work 'smart'. Before you can truly work smart, you need to put in the groundwork. That means rolling up your sleeves and working hard. Learn the ropes, make mistakes, and figure out the nuances of your field. You can't just skip the experience that hard work provides. Hard work builds: Resilience - You develop the stamina to keep going when things get tough Expertise - You learn the details that help you recognise the shortcuts and efficiencies. Discipline - You gain the self-control and focus needed to optimise your efforts later. Once you've honed your skills through dedication, only then can you leverage your knowledge to work smarter by identifying the right strategies, tools, and methods that make your efforts more effective. By trying to shortcut the hard work, you will be left without the depth needed to thrive long-term. So, don't rush it. Put in the hard work, and smart work will follow. #CareerDevelopment #CareerAdvice #GrowthMindset

Ignore the number of applications. If you meet the criteria, please apply. If you've seen a job you like, and that you meet the criteria for, don't be put off by the number of applications. Here's a breakdown of the response from a recent advert: Applications Shown: 124 Applications actually received: 85 Applications with eligibility to work in the UK: 47 Applications based within a commutable distance: 24 Applications with the first essential skill: 14 Candidates shortlisted for interview: 3 Don't miss out on the job because you thought too many people had already applied. #JobSeekers #JobApplications #CareerAdvice

Attracting more women to your business is more than hitting diversity quotas. It's about creating an environment where women want to work and thrive. Here's what really works if you're serious about bringing more women into your business: 1️⃣ Focus on inclusive leadership. Women want to see role models in leadership positions, not just promises of a "diverse workforce." Promote, mentor, and invest in women at all levels of your organisation. Don't just talk about gender equity - show it. 2️⃣ Offer flexible work options. Women still disproportionately handle caregiving responsibilities. Whether it's children or elderly relatives, offering flexibility like remote work and flexible hours is a game-changer. It shows that you value results over rigid office time. 3️⃣ Rethink job descriptions and adverts. The way you advertise roles can unintentionally push women away. Studies show that women are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet all the qualifications listed. Be mindful of the language you use, avoid overly aggressive or "masculine" terms, and make it clear that you value a diverse set of skills. 4️⃣ Evaluate your company culture. If your workplace culture feels like an "old boys' club," women are less likely to feel comfortable or welcome. Conduct honest assessments of your environment. Do you foster collaboration and mutual respect, or are women side-lined in meetings? 5️⃣ Transparent pay and promotion policies. Women, on average, face more barriers when negotiating salaries. Be upfront about pay ranges and promotion opportunities. Transparency builds trust, and trust attracts top talent. 6️⃣ Invest in professional development. Many women are eager to grow their careers but often face more obstacles in getting the right support and resources. Make mentorship programs, leadership training, and skill development opportunities accessible and equitable. Attracting women isn't about a one-time initiative - it's about creating a workplace where women feel valued, heard, and able to succeed. If your company is serious about diversity, then it's time to look beyond hiring numbers and focus on what actually drives women to join - and stay - at your business. #WomenInBusiness #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceEquality

So, Mental Health Day has been and gone, and a huge amount of businesses shared supportive posts. How many are embodying them today? It's easy to share slogans and videos; it's another to live and breathe them consistently throughout the year. We must move beyond awareness to actionable commitments. Whether it's implementing regular mental health check-ins, offering flexible working arrangements, or simply cultivating an open-door policy, let's make mental health a continuous priority. Real change starts with small, consistent steps. #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthDay

Interview Tip #3 Build rapport with the interviewer by asking them about themselves. Remember, an interview is a two-way process. People also love to talk about themselves. By asking them questions about their background and role, you'll help the interview become a proper two-way conversation. Good generic questions to ask them: What inspired you to join this company? (really good if they've recently joined) What's your favourite part about working here? What are your plans for the team? If you want to go one step further (and you should), try and identify a mutual interest before the interview, and ask a question about that. References to any sports, hobbies, passions or mutual connections you've found on their LinkedIn is a great starting point. #InterviewAdvice #InterviewHelp #JobSeekers

Does your CV do you justice? It's a tough market, with competition for roles particularly high at the moment. Therefore, having a compelling CV which does you justice is essential. Many of us use generic phrases to highlight our experience, but this just makes you look like everybody else. To stand out, you need to swap out the generic phrases for powerful statements which engages your potential employer. Take a look at your CV. Have you said things like "managed a team", "responsible for managing projects", or "resolved customer complaints"? If you have, then take a look at our handy guide for turning these generic phrases into statements that have an impact. Link is in the comments! For some, writing a compelling CV is not as easy feat! Please don't fall into the trap of paying for somebody to do this for you. A good Recruiter will do this with you for free. If you are in the IT or Scientific industry and need some help making your CV stand out, send it through to me and I'll help your CV do you justice. #CVWriting #CVTips #JobSeekers

This role is a career changer for somebody! This business is in the cosmetics industry, and their innovative product range is taking it by storm. It's now time for them to hire their first Formulation Chemist, and it's a seriously exciting role! You'll be at the very heart of their future. With a massive input in future product ranges, the freedom to set up the laboratory as you need, and a team around you that other businesses envy, this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed. If you've got experience as a Formulation Chemist and you want to be part of something special, then we should talk! ☎️ 01223973999 📧 michael@StackHire.co.uk #FormulationChemist #Cosmetics #PersonalCare

Does your offboarding process match your onboarding process? The way a person breaks up with you tells you more about them than whilst you were together. The same applies in business. Many companies have nailed the onboarding process, and have put a lot of time and effort into welcoming the new starter in the best way possible. However, most companies overlook the importance of having a great offboarding process. At StackHire Ltd, we've created a useful guide to making your offboarding process give a positive lasting impression that will take your employer branding to the next level. Link in the comments 📩 Got a positive onboarding experience to share? Drop a comment below! #Offboarding #Leadership #Resignations

Interview Tip #2 Refer to their values in a couple of your answers to questions. Many companies have their values on their website, or in the advert/job description. By dropping in their values in your answers in a relevant way, you'll demonstrate the following: ✅ You've done your research on them ✅ You align with their values Most businesses hire on a combination of ability to do the job, soft skills and alignment in values. This is a good way of combining the 3 to show them you are the person they need. #InterviewAdvice #InterviewHelp #JobSeekers