Owen Mckeon's Posts - RecruitingBlogs2024-03-29T12:47:39ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeonhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1526994232?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://recruitingblogs.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=07amv2gp7air8&xn_auth=noJob Tips: Four Ways To Improve Your Cover Lettertag:recruitingblogs.com,2013-04-12:502551:BlogPost:16891252013-04-12T14:02:51.000ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeon
<div id="preview-body"><p>Recruiters read hundreds, if not thousands, of CVs and cover letters during their days, so why not do them a favour and send them a concise, original and well-written cover letter? And the best bit is it's really not hard to do. Here's how:</p>
<p><strong>Keep it short</strong></p>
<p>This is key. Presuming your CV already runs to two pages (as we've mentioned before, two pages should be your maximum), then a cover letter amounting to anything more than one side of A4…</p>
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<div id="preview-body"><p>Recruiters read hundreds, if not thousands, of CVs and cover letters during their days, so why not do them a favour and send them a concise, original and well-written cover letter? And the best bit is it's really not hard to do. Here's how:</p>
<p><strong>Keep it short</strong></p>
<p>This is key. Presuming your CV already runs to two pages (as we've mentioned before, two pages should be your maximum), then a cover letter amounting to anything more than one side of A4 is just too much to expect a recruiter to trawl through.</p>
<p>Four or five paragraphs should be all you need to sell yourself - and anything more than that probably won't be read anyway.</p>
<p>Recruiters and employers want to be impressed within seconds, so don't be shy; confidently tell them why you're right for this job and why you deserve an interview.</p>
<p><strong>Keep it consistent and error-free</strong></p>
<p>Recruiters and employers are suckers for attention to detail, so stick to a font/style/tone and stick to it. Keep it professional by addressing the letter to a named person, but if you don't know their details, then check on the employer's website to see who's in charge of <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/job_search">recruitment</a> or who's the head of your particular department. If you still can't find a name to put on the top of your covering letter, then a quick phone call should do the trick.</p>
<p>Statistics are a great way to grab attention, so feel free to include them, and if you need to condense lots of information into a smaller space then consider using bullet points.</p>
<p>Also, making sure your letter's free of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors is, of course, crucial to any hopes you have of securing a job interview, so don't give the employer reason to doubt you.</p>
<p><strong>Keep it structured</strong></p>
<p>You haven't got much space to sell yourself, so it's important to use each paragraph wisely. Start off with a quick introduction - tell them how you heard about the <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/job_search">job</a> and that they can find your CV included.</p>
<p>Next up should be a few words about why you're interested in this particular role and how you think it fits in with your career plans. Take this opportunity to show you've done your research and that you know about the company and who they're looking for.</p>
<p>Now spend the next paragraph or two explaining why they'd be fools not to invite you in for an interview. What can you bring to the company? Why are you right for this role?</p>
<p>All of this should be written specifically for each individual job, so don't consider sending off that generic covering letter that didn't work on your last five applications.</p>
<p><strong>Keep it positive</strong></p>
<p>It's important to end on a positive note, so spend the last paragraph thanking them for their consideration, detailing when you'll be available for interview (if appropriate) and stating that you look forward to hearing from them.</p>
<p>Finally, ensure that your contact details are all included and up to date and then run through your covering letter to make sure it's error-free.</p>
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<div><p>For more help with your job search, contact C&M Recruitment Consultancy - the largest and most successful specialist travel recruitment company in the UK, we also specialise within hospitality, leisure, the events sector and, most recently, HR.</p>
</div>Job Tips: What To Leave Off Your CVtag:recruitingblogs.com,2013-03-28:502551:BlogPost:16813952013-03-28T12:52:25.000ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeon
<p><span>CVs need to grab the attention of employers immediately, so don't be fooled into thinking that you've got the time or space to detail non-important information. Your CV needs to be well-written and to the point - here's what to cut.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Excess pages</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Don't even consider starting on that third page. If you've not convinced an employer to give you an interview after several hundred words, then it's extremely unlikely that the third page…</span></p>
<p><span>CVs need to grab the attention of employers immediately, so don't be fooled into thinking that you've got the time or space to detail non-important information. Your CV needs to be well-written and to the point - here's what to cut.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Excess pages</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Don't even consider starting on that third page. If you've not convinced an employer to give you an interview after several hundred words, then it's extremely unlikely that the third page of your CV will be the clincher.</span></p>
<p><span>Two A4 pages of concisely written information is all you should need to gain an interview for a job. And, more importantly, it's all the time you can realistically expect an employer to give to your CV.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Old jobs</strong></span></p>
<p><span>If you were the chief executive of a multi-national company 20 years ago, then of course, include this on your CV, but if you just held mundane <a title="Jobs in Travel" href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/sectors/travel_tourism">jobs</a> that don't have a direct bearing on your current role or career, then there's really no need to list these in detail.</span></p>
<p><span>It's worth remembering that when you're trying to a secure an interview for a job, all your CV has to do is convince an employer or recruiter that you're worth 15 minutes of their time.</span></p>
<p><span>There's no need (or space) to expand upon the details of all your previous jobs - have confidence that you'll get the chance to talk about them when you're given an interview.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Failures</strong></span></p>
<p><span>In the same way that you shouldn't waste too much space on detailing old jobs, it's also not worth talking about any failures in your career or education. If that means that your CV has a few areas that leave questions, then so be it - let them call you in for an interview to explain them.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Photographs</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Photographs on your CV are very rarely a good idea. It can lead an employer to believe that you're a bit too pleased with your looks - which is rarely a trait that they look for.</span></p>
<p><span>Remember, you've only got two pages to play with; do you really think that your photo will be more likely to get you that job than detailed evidence of how your skills benefited your current employer? Anyway, including a link to your LinkedIn page will sate any employer's desires to see what you look like.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Colour and glitz</strong></span></p>
<p><span>If you're going for a creative role, then of course a unique CV could be a major plus point, but for anyone applying for a normal <a title="Job Search" href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/job_search">job</a>, too much styling could have an adverse affect.</span></p>
<p><span>By placing too much emphasis on the layout of your CV, you run the risk of making the employer believe that you're trying to hide the fact that you're not experienced enough for the particular role.</span></p>
<p><span>The best advice is to keep it simple by ensuring that the text size, font and formatting are consistent throughout the whole CV.</span></p>
<p><span>Make those changes, <a title="Register" href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/register">upload your CV to C&M Recruitment Consultancy</a> and you'll be one step closer to your ideal job.</span></p>The Five Best Ways To Get A Travel Jobtag:recruitingblogs.com,2013-03-18:502551:BlogPost:16774272013-03-18T17:01:49.000ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeon
<p><span>If your experience of the travel industry solely consists of a few family holidays, then don't worry - you've still got plenty of opportunities to secure yourself a travel job. But there are definitely a few ways that you can boost your chances...</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Work experience</strong></span></p>
<p><span>As with most industries, securing some good work experience is definitely time well spent. These can vary massively (both in terms of length and quality), but if you're…</span></p>
<p><span>If your experience of the travel industry solely consists of a few family holidays, then don't worry - you've still got plenty of opportunities to secure yourself a travel job. But there are definitely a few ways that you can boost your chances...</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Work experience</strong></span></p>
<p><span>As with most industries, securing some good work experience is definitely time well spent. These can vary massively (both in terms of length and quality), but if you're given the opportunity to do some in-depth work for a fortnight, then it will definitely make a difference to your CV.</span></p>
<p><span>If work experience isn't enough for you, then look for the chance to be an intern. The real difference here is that interns often end up being employed at the company if they perform well. No pressure now...</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Networking</strong></span></p>
<p><span>It's often been said, but the travel sector really is a small industry. Knowing someone high up at a respected company can put you one step closer to getting a travel job, and the best way to make these contacts is to network.</span></p>
<p><span>While it might initially seem daunting to introduce yourself to successful businessmen, the wonders of the internet (namely LinkedIn) have now taken away much of that fear. Be friendly and professional, but don't pester them - think about the kind of message that you would be likely to respond to if you were in their position.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Careers fairs</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Another brilliant opportunity to network is the traditional careers fair. Not only will this let you check out <a title="Jobs in Travel" href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/sectors/travel_tourism">the latest selection of travel jobs</a>, it also gives you the opportunity to speak to recruiters and employers in the industry. Take this chance. There aren't many situations where you're sure that you have an opportunity to impress employers, so don't miss this opening. You can even treat it as a mini job interview - dress smartly, ensure that you make a good first impression and take a real interest in the company.</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Research</strong></span></p>
<p><span>If you know which type of travel job you want, read up on all the specifics of it so that you know exactly what it entails. Take a look at tourism magazines, career forums, LinkedIn profiles etc, and build up an image in your head of the skills that you would need to be successful in that job and what an employer is looking for. Having a clear idea of what it takes to succeed in a particular job will help you tailor your CV and plan ahead for any potential interview.</span></p>
<p><span>Also, try talking to friends or family to see if they know of anyone in the industry. If they do, see if you can arrange a meeting or a call so that you have a better understanding of the sector. (And, obviously, a family connection is a massive tick in the "networking" box.)</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Start your own business</strong></span></p>
<p><span>Yep, it's scary. But if you really can't convince anyone to give you a travel job, then why not be your own boss? It may be risky, but many, many people have done it successfully in the past and many more will in the future. Don't jump into it, but if you have a unique idea for a business and real determination to make it work, then it is definitely worth thinking about.</span></p>
<p><span>For more help, just get in contact with the people at <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/" target="_blank">C&M Recruitment Consultancy</a>.</span></p>More Easy Ways To Improve Your Travel Job CVtag:recruitingblogs.com,2013-03-18:502551:BlogPost:16774222013-03-18T16:58:46.000ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeon
<p>Should your CV last more than two pages? How honest should you be? Should you tailor it to suit online job boards? Here’s how to create the perfect travel job CV.</p>
<p><strong>Keep it short</strong></p>
<p>Try to keep your CV relatively short - ideally keep it under two pages. For any attractive travel job, employers are likely to see many applications, so it's unlikely that the fourth page of your CV clinches it for you.</p>
<p>There are many ways to free up space on your CV, such as…</p>
<p>Should your CV last more than two pages? How honest should you be? Should you tailor it to suit online job boards? Here’s how to create the perfect travel job CV.</p>
<p><strong>Keep it short</strong></p>
<p>Try to keep your CV relatively short - ideally keep it under two pages. For any attractive travel job, employers are likely to see many applications, so it's unlikely that the fourth page of your CV clinches it for you.</p>
<p>There are many ways to free up space on your CV, such as leaving out the details of your references - simply state that they are available on request. Also, you could create a "Previous Employment" section for any travel jobs that you held more than a decade ago (just list your job title, the company name and the dates).</p>
<p>Finally, it's not necessary to create a long list of schools that you attended (just highlight the important stuff) and you don't need to write paragraphs about your hobbies either.</p>
<p><strong>Leave out the disappointments...</strong></p>
<p>It may sound obvious, but it bears repeating; your CV is not the time to own up to any failures that you've had in your career. You might be asked about these things at the interview stage, but you can worry about that later. Basically, don't weaken your successes by also mentioning the failures.</p>
<p>Don't give the employer any reason to discard you at this point, so also leave out any poor exam results or disappointing past business ventures.</p>
<p>While you should never lie on your CV, you don't have to mention anything that could possibly lead to you being discriminated against. Therefore, it is not essential to include information such as your race, date of birth, marital status or any disabilities.</p>
<p><strong>...but don't leave gaps</strong></p>
<p>Big gaps in your CV can be a warning sign to any potential employers, so don't give them a reason to presume the worst about you.</p>
<p>Also, don't be tempted to exaggerate (or flat-out lie) about previous <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/job_search" target="_self">travel job</a> titles, salary or dates of <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/job_search" title="Job Search">employment</a> because employers may check your CV's accuracy. And if it turns out that you bent the truth too far, then they may have the right to fire you.</p>
<p><strong>Think about keywords</strong></p>
<p>Although it may not initially strike you as being an important part of your CV, it's certainly worth thinking about which keywords you use. More and more recruiters now use online systems or travel job boards to search through CVs, so if you haven't got the appropriate keywords in your CV, then you won't show up. To give yourself the best chance of being detected, research the words used in similar roles to yours and work these into your CV's summary section.</p>
<p><strong>And you're done</strong></p>
<p>So that's it. And when you're happy that your travel job CV is as polished as it can be, make sure you <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/register" target="_self" title="Register">upload it</a> to the good folks at C&M Recruitment Consultancy. Best of luck!</p>Easy Ways To Improve Your Travel Job CVtag:recruitingblogs.com,2013-03-18:502551:BlogPost:16773352013-03-18T16:56:18.000ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeon
<p>Even if you're happy in a secure travel job, it's always important to refresh your CV - no-one knows what's going to happen in the future, so why not keep your options open?</p>
<p>By following a few easy steps, you can make sure your CV will not only stand out to employers, but will also reflect well on you as a candidate.</p>
<p><strong>Sell yourself</strong></p>
<p>Sum yourself up in a few words at the top of your CV stating the type of travel job that you want and what you can offer in…</p>
<p>Even if you're happy in a secure travel job, it's always important to refresh your CV - no-one knows what's going to happen in the future, so why not keep your options open?</p>
<p>By following a few easy steps, you can make sure your CV will not only stand out to employers, but will also reflect well on you as a candidate.</p>
<p><strong>Sell yourself</strong></p>
<p>Sum yourself up in a few words at the top of your CV stating the type of travel job that you want and what you can offer in that position. Sell yourself and make your summary section stand out - and don't be embarrassed about it.</p>
<p><strong>Make it clean and clear</strong></p>
<p>A CV is an employer's first impression of you, so don't blow it - make your CV neat and presentable, so that it represents you in the best possible way.</p>
<p>In terms of general layout, pick one of the common typefaces (Arial, Times New Roman, Courier or Verdana) at size 10 or 12 and stick to it. Simple steps like these will make your CV look professional and, hopefully, increase your chances of finding work.</p>
<p><strong>General CV points</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Use left-justified text - it's easiest to read</li>
<li>Only use bold for headings (employment history, education etc)</li>
<li>Use bullet points</li>
<li>Dates of employment should include the month and the year, for example: Mar 2010 - Feb 2011</li>
<li>Save your CV in a word format</li>
<li>Include personal information, such as your name, full address, telephone numbers (day/evening/mobile) and email address</li>
<li>Place the important information at the start: Put experience and education achievements in reverse chronological order</li>
<li>Use positive language when describing your achievements - say, ‘launched' or ‘achieved' rather than just, ‘had to' or ‘tried to'</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Adapt your CV to each application</strong></p>
<p>CVs don't need to contain your life story - they should be tailored to each <a href="http://candm.co.uk/cm/content/sectors/travel_tourism">travel job</a> that you apply for, so there's no need to mention part-time bar work if you're now applying to be an office manager.</p>
<p>Your main focus at this point should just be for your CV to not end up in the bin, so think about what the employer is looking for and make the appropriate changes.</p>
<p><strong>Justify your claims</strong></p>
<p>As mentioned, it really is important to sell yourself in your CV, but it's equally important to back up your claims. Examine the skills that each employer needs and explain how you have demonstrated these attributes in previous travel jobs.</p>
<p>Examples of the benefits that you have made in former travel positions are far more appealing to employers than qualifications that you gained in the old days.</p>
<p>Candidates who can show that they are efficient, proactive and profit-orientated are always likely to appeal to employers.</p>
<p><strong>Check, check and check once more</strong></p>
<p>Once you've made all these changes, proofread your CV a couple of times and try to get some fresh eyes to scan it. CVs containing spelling mistakes often get thrown straight in the bin, so make sure that yours doesn't suffer the same fate. Once you’ve made those changes, send your CV off to the relevant people or a recruitment firm, such as <a href="http://candm.co.uk/">C&M Recruitment Consultancy</a>.</p>Build Up Your CV To Land Your Dream Jobtag:recruitingblogs.com,2013-03-18:502551:BlogPost:16773292013-03-18T16:53:30.000ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeon
<p>As most people who've struggled and searched for a new job in recent years will know, the increased competition means that it's becoming harder to stand out and, frequently, it's the smaller things that make the difference. While you may not be able to add a new position to your CV, you can certainly boost your employability.</p>
<p><strong>Do some work experience<br></br></strong><br></br>Yep, it's an old classic, but work experience is always a good addition to the CV. If you can, try to gain…</p>
<p>As most people who've struggled and searched for a new job in recent years will know, the increased competition means that it's becoming harder to stand out and, frequently, it's the smaller things that make the difference. While you may not be able to add a new position to your CV, you can certainly boost your employability.</p>
<p><strong>Do some work experience<br/></strong><br/>Yep, it's an old classic, but work experience is always a good addition to the CV. If you can, try to gain experience in the same or similar profession to the one that you wish to be employed in, but don't just ignore opportunities in other sectors. After all, everyone loves a good "transferable skill".<br/><strong><br/>Take advantage of your part-time work<br/></strong><br/>If you're working part-time in a <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/job_search" title="Job Search" target="_self">job</a> unrelated to the one that you want, then why not make the most of it by asking to take on a few more responsibilities? Any organisational or financial tasks will look great on the CV, so get asking.</p>
<p>It may seem like you'll be doing more work for no more money (chances are, you will be), but it could well be worthwhile in the long run. If you have to work in a part-time job that you don't enjoy, then why not learn as much as you can while you're there?<br/><strong><br/>Become a volunteer<br/></strong><br/>Volunteering's a massive plus on any CV. It shows that candidates are active, willing to work and eager to help good causes - all great traits that employers love to see. And the opportunities are vast.</p>
<p>Typically, we may think of people volunteering on relief efforts in Africa or helping to build schools in Asia, but there are numerous chances to lend a hand closer to home. The Conservation Volunteers even offer 90-minute slots, so there's really no excuse not to add this to your CV.<br/><strong><br/>Take a gap year<br/></strong><br/>If you really want to fully experience being a volunteer, then get yourself abroad and take part in one of the previously mentioned activities. Employers love that kind of stuff. But if that doesn't sound like a fit for you, then there's loads of other ways to make a year abroad look good on your CV.</p>
<p>Spending months on the beach in Thailand probably won't excite too many employers, but travelling to new places and demonstrating that you've grown from seeing new cultures could lend a boost to your employment prospects.</p>
<p>Travelling can demonstrate that you're open to new ideas and experiences and that, after a year of moving around, you're ready to focus on your career. And obviously take advantage of any opportunities to gain experience of new working practices or environments when you're away.<br/><strong><br/>Start a blog<br/></strong><br/>Following on from the last idea, why not write your own blog while you're away? Not only is it a perfect way to keep a record of all the little details that you'll want to look back on in a few years' time, it will also be a great addition to your CV.</p>
<p>And it's also worth starting a blog even if you're not venturing much further than the kitchen. Detailed or brief, as long as you show some kind of writing/ designing/ time-keeping ability, then it's worthwhile.</p>
<p>At the very least, compiling a regularly updated blog will give you far more satisfaction than wasting the afternoon on daytime TV.<br/><strong><br/>Pass your driving test<br/></strong><br/>Finally, why not spend your spare time passing your driving test? It may not be the most obvious route to a <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/job_search" title="Job Search" target="_self">new job</a>, but you might be surprised at how many positions require candidates to have a clean driving license (so don't pass your test and promptly crash into a hedge).</p>
<p>Passing your driving test might not be the cheapest way of finding a new job, but it could be one of the most useful.</p>
<p>Once all that's been completed, <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/register" title="Register" target="_self">upload your CV</a> onto the C&M Recruitment Consultancy site and wait for the (fingers crossed) good news.</p>Job Tips: What To Leave Off Your LinkedIn Profiletag:recruitingblogs.com,2013-03-18:502551:BlogPost:16772302013-03-18T16:49:06.000ZOwen Mckeonhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/OwenMckeon
<p><span>We all know that regularly </span><span>updating your </span><span>LinkedIn profile </span><span>is a </span>massively important part of your job hunt, but that doesn't mean that you need to detail every aspect of your career. Not sure what to leave off your page? Read on...</p>
<div><div><p><span><strong><span>Personal details</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>In many respects, your LinkedIn profile should be treated in the same way as your CV, so don't include any personal details…</span></p>
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<p><span>We all know that regularly </span><span>updating your </span><span>LinkedIn profile </span><span>is a </span>massively important part of your job hunt, but that doesn't mean that you need to detail every aspect of your career. Not sure what to leave off your page? Read on...</p>
<div><div><p><span><strong><span>Personal details</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>In many respects, your LinkedIn profile should be treated in the same way as your CV, so don't include any personal details that could potentially count against you. That means that your age, marital status, religion etc are not usually needed.</span></p>
<p><span><strong><span>The distant past</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>Employers will be mainly interested in your recent past, so focus on it. Of course, you can mention old jobs that were particularly impressive, but try to keep the majority of your profile centred around the positions that you've occupied within the last ten to 15 years.</span></p>
<p><span><strong><span>A poor photo</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>Using a small / out of focus / dated image is a pretty bad first impression to make. You (hopefully) wouldn't turn up to a job interview without attempting to look presentable, so why should your LinkedIn page be any different? You don't have to be photographed in your finest suit, but make sure that you look at least vaguely respectable.</span></p>
<p><span><strong><span>Salary details</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>Revealing your salary will never end well. The chances of an employer wanting to offer the exact figure that you're looking for is slim, so giving away your salary details will either lead to you underselling yourself or pricing you out of the job. Don't give anything away - everyone loves a little mystery.</span></p>
<p><span><strong><span>Clichés / overused words</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>When <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk/cm/content/register" title="Register">recruiters</a> search through the 200 million profiles on LinkedIn, a lot of candidates will inevitably merge into one. Certain words such as ‘creative', ‘innovative' and ‘motivated' might sounds impressive, but they're so overused that they're unlikely to impress anyone.</span></p>
<p><span>The trick is to be a bit more creative - rather than just listing skills, try to display how they've benefited your previous employers.</span></p>
<p><span><strong><span>Previous job disputes</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>Don't provide details of why you left a previous job - all that's going to do is create a potentially negative section of your profile. Your LinkedIn page should be about selling yourself to employees, not pointing out your negative traits that previous bosses didn't like.</span></p>
<p><span>If the employer wants to delve a little deeper, then let them do that at the interview stage, where you've got the chance to impress them.</span></p>
<p><span><strong><span>Mistakes</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span>It may be obvious, but it's worth being reminded - check your profile through a few times for any spelling or grammatical mistakes. Your LinkedIn profile is basically a mini CV, so show that you've displayed the thought for detail that your future boss would want you to show in your new job.</span></p>
<p><span>For even more help with your job search, just contact <a href="http://www.candm.co.uk" target="_blank">C&M Recruitment Consultancy</a>.</span></p>
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