How to survive life after redundancy: Help I've been made redundant

Redundancy can be deemed as one of the most stressful experiences you may face in you working life. It may come as a complete surprise or you may have had that sinking feeling for a while. Quite often you have seen several rounds of redundancy hit the organisation before the axe falls on your role. None of this means you will feel prepared when the news gets broken to you.

Over the years my clients have tended to react in one of two ways; firstly complete shock and disbelief. The company they have worked tirelessly for over the years suddenly casts them aside. Have they done something wrong, why them and not someone else? The second response is one of relief, they've known they should have moved on long ago and this gives them just the push they needed.

These two responses are assuming that the company has carried out a fair process. The worrying thing is that employers still get it wrong, don't follow process, choose an unfair reason to select you over a colleague. These reasons are becoming more and more complicated with increasing employment legislation. There are people on your side, Solicitors and Trade Unions working hard to resolve these disputes for those who have been treated unfairly.

What should do you do if you are made redundant?

1. Keep Calm

The redundancy process does not happen overnight so keep a clear head and make a list of priorities and questions you need answering. Avoid knee jerk reactions and emotional outbursts. It is common to feel anger and a sense of panic, neither of these will help you in the long term. Redundancy has touched the lives of many people during this recession, talk to those closest to you. Remember the consultation process should not be about a decision that has already been made. There are still options.

2. Understand your rights

There are a number of people who can help you if you don't feel the process has been treated fairly. The ACAS website provides information on your rights. An Employment Solicitors often provide a free initial consultation to explore your situation or advise on a compromise agreement. Your company may also have a written policy, this alongside your contract will help you understand the exit conditions and notice periods.

3. Negotiate with your employer

If you are made redundant then be prepared to ask for more than the offer you are given. You may ask to keep the company car, funding for re-training, an enhanced lump sum and outplacement support.

4. Know it's not personal

It is an emotional time and very easy to take the decision personally. Think what you would do if you were making the decision. Was there another alternative? If you challenge the decision then keep focused on facts. How was the process carried out? Don't blame a person, personality should not come into it. How are you going to talk about redundancy in an interview situation? You must keep positive. Keep relationships positive where possible. It's not uncommon for someone who has been made redundant to be hired back on a consultancy basis. Your boss may also be able to improve your network or provide a great reference!

5. Get advice on your job search

The job market may have changed since you last looked for work. Seeking support from a professional outplacement company or career coach can help you identify what positive steps you can take to improve your chances in the job search roller coaster. Some companies will provide support for you; if not then consider investing in yourself.

6. Plan your job search strategy

You have to present yourself as the best candidate you can be. A high quality CV, a new suit, all of these things can make the process easier and improve your confidence. Plan your days as if you were still working, set objectives and targets. Do remember sitting in front of a PC does not mean you are effectively job searching.

7. Be Positive

Redundancy often turns out to be a positive thing, a chance to re-evaluate your career and perhaps go for what you really want. This might be the time to do the project you have always wanted to. Do get straight back into the job search as it can take several months to secure the right position. There are still lots of opportunities being created and people securing jobs.

Louise Lapish offers a free one to one consultation for senior individuals facing the redundancy challenge or a free CV review at www.thecvteam.co.uk .

Headingley has begun to see its annual surge of cars packed to the rafters with everything a student might need for the new term, as Leeds opens the doors once again to freshers and returning students.

These students are perhaps amongst the lucky ones with growing reports that fewer will secure University places as the Government cuts continue. Will the job situation have improved by the class of 2013?

The one thing we can be sure of is how the growing number of school leavers and Graduates are impacting on the job market in Yorkshire. Senior people with extensive experience are being pushed aside for lower cost solutions. This is certainly not a strategy for the long game but is helping some organisations with the recession roller coaster.

In truth our businesses need this new blood to continue a successful growth plan and keep the economy moving in the right direction. How do we arm our young people to ensure they are successful when getting their first step on the career ladder?

Education Leeds is currently running a project to arm our school leavers and young people with the skills to succeed at interview. I was approached by the project to advise on how people can improve their chances. I reiterated the point that a major problem with the interview process is poor quality interviewers as well as poor candidates.

I've not met a single client who has not had some trauma at the hands of an inexperienced interviewer. One imagines this is much harder to deal with if it's only your first or second interview. What is the worst interview experience you've had?

I regularly ask the question about worst interview experience as either an interviewer or candidate and I am often amazed by the responses I receive. A client mentioned to me that they were interviewing for an office junior, a very nice young lady arrived, with her mum in tow. The mum then proceeded to answer every question on the daughter's behalf. Mum then commented "My daughter is a real chatter box and never shuts up!" although she hadn't uttered a word throughout the interview.

I mentioned this story to a recruiter who confirmed candidates turn up with parents with startling regularity. What are the parent's thinking? Turning up with additions is certainly not limited to parents; candidates have arrived with significant others, children and the odd cuddly toy thrown in for luck!

On the other side interviewers need to consider their probing style and make questions clear enough for the candidate to understand. One interviewer asked a school–leaver, "What gets you up on a morning." To which he gave the literal response, "My mum with a cup of tea."

Asking ambiguous questions results in a laborious interview for both parties. A good interview should be a two way process with the candidate deciding if the job is right for them as much as the employer deciding if the candidate is right for the role. All too often as the job search drags on the job simply becomes any job and candidates can appear desperate.

This will significantly reduce the likely hood of a positive outcome. Remember most people at a senior level will go for a number of interviews before they secure the right position and the more senior the position the more stages you should expect within the process.

Q. I have not had an interview for several months and I feel my confidence levels are at an all time low, what can I do?

A. As a general rule there shouldn't be any nasty surprises at interview. You should know what they are looking for and what the key competencies of the role are. With this in mind you should think about the kinds of questions you might be asked and ensure have prepared for some clear answers. I regularly have clients who book time with me to refresh their interview skills and ensure they feel 100% confident when they go into an interview. This can be especially helpful if the gap between interviews has been significant. Whatever you do practice, practice, practice!

Q. I've had several interviews but no job offers. I always get the same feedback, the other candidate had more experience, what can I do?

A. It is widely accepted that the best candidate does not always get the job, the one who gives the perception of being the best for the job does. Therefore how are you portraying yourself? Are you giving the answers they want to hear? Practice the questions, perhaps writing down the answers you have given, Did you stick to the point? Did you actually answer the question? How could you improve your answers? I would also suggest contacting the interviewer for more constructive feedback.

Q. I went for a position as a Sales Manager and three weeks on I haven't heard from the company and have since seen the job re-advertised. Should I follow up?

A. The part of your question that stands out to me is the fact that you are a Sales Manager; demonstrate the behaviours you would expect to display in the role and you will increase your chances of securing the position. If the interviewer had been a client would you have waited three weeks to make contact? Always follow up after any interview.

Louise Lapish is offering a free one to one career consultation in Leeds through-out September to anyone who has been made redundant, at risk of redundancy, or who is currently job searching.

If you don't like the rules, change the game

The long awaited September is finally here; the lull in the recruitment market should now be over and recruiters will be coming out of hibernation. The summer months are notoriously difficult for job seekers, not made any easier by the wash out August. Then as things start to look brighter we hear the devastating news that another 1000 jobs are set to go at RBS in Yorkshire. Data from the Centre of Economics and Business Research predicts the unemployment figures in Yorkshire are set to rise by a further 10% by 2015. These figures could be enough to drive job seekers into depression especially if they are not playing the right game.

Many of my clients have stated that the more they get to know about how the job market works the more they realise the games that are being played between recruiters and candidates. The more they understand the rules of the game the easier it becomes to know which vacancies may result in interviews and those that will disappear into the ether. So if you don't like the rules change the game.

It is widely acknowledged that only 20% of all senior level jobs are found in the advertised market on job boards, traditional papers and recruiters. This is a small pond to fish in when there are many Executive fish in the job market. Recruiters have stated that they are receiving 100's of applications for each role.

This is when the game of telephone tag with the recruiter begins before you are finally told that the role was filled internally. This is not only frustrating for you the candidate, but also for the good recruiters that are out there. A good recruiter is worth their weight in gold, they will talk to you honestly about the position and keep you informed of progress. Ensure you are presenting yourself as the candidate of choice; never expect a recruiter or potential employer to read between the lines you have to sell yourself.

Increase your chances of success and change the game, access the other 80% of positions, known as the unadvertised market. The industry has created smoke and mirrors around the unadvertised market. Job seekers have asked me where they can find this elusive list.

The unadvertised market is simply common sense; when people are looking to recruit they first look within their circle of influence. Do we know anyone who can do the job? If we do that's our starting point, if not we ask those we know who they know and so on. Not only do we then employ someone from a recommendation, we save on the fees involved in the recruitment process. Everyone wins? You only win if you are exploiting you network effectively. Networking is not about asking for a position it is about getting on decision makers radars.

There is a fairly small window of opportunity between September and December to progress your job search if you want to start a new position in the New Year. September will also see the market flooded with passive job seekers who are putting a tentative toe in the water. Keep your job search strategy within the rules spend 20% of your time on the advertised market and 80% of your time creating your own opportunity through networking.

Q. I have been looking for a new position for months and I'm getting nowhere, I feel like giving up what should I do?

A. People are securing roles, starting businesses, beginning contracts so the first thing I will say is don't give up. Ask yourself what have you been doing? Have you focussed on the advertised market? Who do you know who might be able to help you? If your strategy has not been working then you know something needs to change. Take a step back and re assess what has been working and what hasn't. There is help out there if you need further support.

Q. I have run a major organisation, why would I need career advice?

A. Career Advice and coaching is like anything else, in the same way as you would not try and fix your own car, or central heating boiler, how can you fix your career if you don't know which tools to use? Our business leaders benefit from advice and coaching in areas they are not experienced in. The job search is a lonely journey and the most successful people are those who bounce ideas of those who know the job market.

Q.I think my age is against me in the market; will I ever get another job?

A. Huge steps have been taken to reduce ageism in the job market but experts doubt it will ever be eradicated completely. You have to position yourself in terms of seniority and not age. There are people securing positions well in to their 60's. These do tend to come from networking rather than the advertised market. Re-evaluate your strategy and think about who you know that will recognise the positive impact you have had on organisations through-out your career.

Q. I want a new position for the New Year when should I start looking?

A. The simple answer is that one should never stop job seeking, you always need to keep an eye on the market and talk to those who might be influential in the future. Realistically to start a position in the New Year you need to start job hunting now. The recruitment cycle can take several weeks to get through the interview stage and then you have to consider notice periods and the Christmas break. Firstly think about who might be interested in your skills and start having conversations with them, don't simply spray your CV across the market.

Louise Lapish is offering a free one to one CV in Leeds through-out September to anyone who has been made redundant, at risk of redundancy, or who is currently job searching.

The news is continuing to warn us about the next wave of redundancies and the threat of a double dip recession, are we getting the true picture of the Yorkshire Job Market? Are things as bleak as the statistics show?

In truth the statistics never provide a true picture as many senior level candidates have not crossed the thresh hold of the job centres and are living from savings and investments. These hidden job seekers do not appear on any stats and as a result we are unaware of their challenges and more importantly when they find success!

I have mentioned networking many times in my previous columns and how the most successful people are those who have created their own opportunity by implementing a strategy to their job search.

Identifying the people they should be speaking to and having quality business conversations. As senior level candidates our identity is often integrated with our job title. When the title and position are lost it is difficult to maintain our place within the corporate world. This is when we have to network to raise our profile on the corporate radar.

Social Media in the job search - is it good or a bad thing?

The most common response I receive from those who feel that they are networking is "I'm on Linkedin, one of the most popular professional networking sites. They have a profile, have connected with a few people they may have worked with and see this as networking. Is this effective networking are people securing interviews? Karen stated, "I hate to say this, using social media insofar as making a job search hasn't really helped. While sometimes it's comforting to know that I am not t alone in feeling discouraged and even lots of times despairing, at other times hearing about other people's discouragement makes me even more anxious and despairing about the jobs situation." Social media can have the same effect as the news it can paint a gloomy picture especially when the comments are from depressed jobseekers that are likely to be trawling the internet with little or no return. So can sites like these be useful?

Social Media pays out exactly what you put in, when using sites such as Linkedin adding a profile and waiting for things to happen is not going to work. With social media you have to be as proactive as you should be in the rest of your job search campaign.

Another comment that was made by Karen was "Everyone is carefully editing and "politically correcting" their input so we don't offend, we don't want to be misunderstood because we're not having a face-to-face conversation." This means we are reading what people want us to think rather than getting their true thoughts. This self- editing is no bad thing when you are a job searching. You must remember that a high percentage of employers will check you out on-line before they interview you.

Karen made a good point about losing the face to face contact; this is here social media sites make us feel like we are making progress even though the return is unquantifiable. The biggest lesson to learn is not to keep your networking on line. A Linkedin group, The Yorkshire Mafia, recently organised a face to face networking event, mixing the online activity with a chance to truly network.

Over 200 people attended the event and it received incredible feedback. If we take a lesson from this it's that we need to identify the people we need to speak to and meet them face to face. If you are targeting decision makers an email or a connection is not enough you have to have a real network meeting. Social Media can help with the job search if we don't rely on it but simply use it as a tool to raise your profile in your industry.

Q. Should I have a Social Media profile when I am job searching?

A. It's great to have an online presence when you are job searching as long as it is one you can control. Check your privacy settings so you know who can view last weekend's pictures. These might not put you in a good light with your potential employer. It is ok to have different sites you use for different things.

Q. I spend hours each day on Social Media sites with little return, what am I doing wrong?

A. The trick with using these sites is to limit the amount of time you spend on each one, in the same way we should limit the time we trawl the job boards. Identify the people you want to speak to and get out there and speak to them.

Q. Do people find jobs through facebook and Twitter?

A. How these different sites assist your job search will depend on where you are in your career. The ore senior you are the less likely that is to happen; however they can be utilised as part of an overall job search strategy if you are tweeting things of interest. Keep all status updates, tweets and so on positive at all times.

Louise Lapish is offering a free one to one CV review through-out September to anyone who has been made redundant, at risk of redundancy, or who is currently job searching.

The news on the job front is looking even gloomier as we brace ourselves for thousands of public sector job cuts. This coupled with the news the government are looking to cut public sector redundancy payments, it looks like a tough market is set to get tougher. With some experts warning we are on the brink of a double dip recession the fight for your next position is really on. With more candidates set to flood the market how can you ensure that you stand out in the candidate crowd?

Standing out from the crowd means presenting yourself, as the best candidate. The most qualified candidate does not always secure the position; the one who gives the best perception often does. Approach your job search as you would any other project. Identify the objective of the project and then plan how you are going to achieve it. Set targets and objectives to ensure that you stay on track. Preparation is key to understanding which of your skills are the most marketable. Is your CV selling those skills effectively? Have you prepared stories to discuss in interview and networking situations?

In most cases job hunters make do with a CV that does not sell them effectively, add it to job boards and await recruiter contacts. This happens successfully in less than 10% of cases; have you had the initial flurry of activity that then drifts into silence? If you were tackling a project that failed to produce results you would change direction or find an alternative way round. Many people fail to do this when it comes to their own job search strategy. If things are not working then try something different. Keep the strategy focussed on a clear objective – this reduces the amount of rejection you open yourself up to.

Q, I have been trying to find a position for many months and I am now considering a change in direction. Is this possible in the current climate?

There are two schools of thought to job searching in a recession- 1) you need to stay close to centre and in a related field as this is where you will have maximum impact in the shortest time. In these times employers want people that can reduce costs and drive profit. If this is your area of expertise then you need to highlight it. 2) Change direction- redundancy can often provide the chance to try something new but you have to be sure that you are retraining or making a transition in to a market that is sustainable in this climate.

Q, I am a senior executive who has not been able to find a position at Director level should I start applying for lower level positions?

The difficulty for people who have been at a senior level is that they are deemed too experienced for lower level positions. If you start applying for these types of roles then the employer will simply think you will leave as soon as an appropriate position comes along. I would suggest that you need to change your approach and network your way into an appropriate role. Talk to decision makers who can create an opportunity for you.

Q, I am a graduate who then completed a Masters but I am now coming up against the work experience barrier, what can I do?

There are 2 things you need to do, one is start planning how you are going to secure an income. This may not be your ideal role initially however it will allow you live whilst developing a strategy to progress your career in the longer term. You can also consider intern programmes to break into your chosen market. Career planning is important at every stage of your career, ensure you do not fall into a role and then stop thinking about your next move.

Q, How do I know if my job search strategy is working?

Consider how long you have been job searching and how many business networking meetings and interviews you have had in this time. Most people attend many interviews and meetings before they secure a position. Only a small % of people at a mid to senior level secure their position through an advertised or online vacancy. You need to proportion your time accordingly – ensure you are not spending all of your time in front of a computer – set up alerts and check these for a few minutes each day. Your online time is better spent looking at news and sourcing industry information.

Q, I really hate the job I have but I am worried that this is not the time to start job seeking, should I wait until the market is better?

People are still securing positions, people still retire, go on maternity leave, emigrate and for a host of other reasons create gaps in the job market that need filling. Effective job searching does not mean putting your CV on a job board, it is identifying companies that could utilise your skill set and networking your way in. This is a long term strategy and my advice is to always be thinking about where you want to go next. This does not always mean looking outside of your current company either, internal vacancies may occur.

How to create your next job opportunity

With the startling news that unemployment is now higher in Yorkshire than anywhere else in the country; the forecast looks gloomy. The recent statistics do not taking into account those people who have not registered as unemployed, for example those high earners ineligible for job seekers allowance and living on savings. Does this make the statistics even scarier? The answer is no. If there is a whole group of people not registered as job seeking – there is no real way of knowing how many of these people in the hidden market have created opportunities and have secured positions.

It is well publicised that between 75- 80% of the job market is hidden, which is not to say that there is a secret list of available opportunities, it just means they have not made it to the public domain. These may be filled by people known to the business, or someone within the business. It's well known that it's not what you know, it's who you know. This should not strike fear in to the hearts of those who feel "they don't know anyone", it simply means they need to meet more people.

Networking should form a key element of your job search strategy. Networking is not walking into a room full of strangers and showering them with business cards. Networking is about having useful business conversations, getting on the radar of influential people and keeping at the forefront of decision makers minds. The Career Practice run regular free seminars to inform people about job search strategy and take the fear out of networking. These are a great place to understand what else you could be doing to progress your job search. The following questions have all been asked at recent seminars.

Q) I have sent my CV to a number of recruiters and no one ever phones me back, Why?

The easiest answer is that a recruiter works for their client, the company who will ultimately pay the fee. In a tough market like this Recruiters are likely to be spending 95% of their time trying to secure new business rather than being interested in talking to candidates. You need to work harder to present yourself as a desirable candidate to ensure that recruiters recognise your talent. Only 1 in 10 jobs are filled by recruiters so they should only take up 10% of your time!

Q) I spend lots of time looking at job boards but when I apply for a position I don't hear back. How can I improve the return?

The answer is to spend less time on the job boards and more time being reactive. The job boards should really be used to research who is recruiting rather than for making applications. If you apply for a role on a job board then you are relinquishing control of your search. You always want to be in control of your job search – the more time you are talking to people rather than sitting in front of your PC the better. Set up alerts on the job boards and be proactive.

Q) I have been looking for work for 18 months and have got nowhere, what am I doing wrong?

In any work situation if something was not working we would have no choice but to find another way of doing it – treat your job search like a full time position. If your strategy is not working then change it. If you don't know how to change it then seek some guidance. If you keep repeating the same cycle it will not change and your job search will simply get more and more frustrating.

Q) My CV does not seem to be opening doors for me anymore but it has always worked in the past. What has changed?

The market has changed, there are fewer roles in the advertised market, papers and job boards and recruiters are filling less roles than they did previously. Take a look at your CV, ensure that it is selling you effectively – are you giving the right impression from your CV?

Q) My CV is getting me interviews but I just don't seem to get to the next stage. I have always been able to secure final interviews and job offers in the past so what is going wrong this time?

The market is flooded with candidates, and looking to get worse with the public sector redundancies everyone is expecting to be announced soon. The choice companies have is greater and this might be part for the problem. You will need to be better at talking about your skills. This is a sales process and being able to sell your skills is not easy. My advice is to get some help looking at how you interview and how you come across to the interviewers.

Q) I have exhausted my network. I've called all the people I have kept in contact with and none of them can help but are now not returning my calls. The only thing is to continue with the internet jobs boards and recruiters.

Effective networking is all about drilling into people's circle of influence. Asking the people you know if they know of any jobs is ineffective and unlikely to yield success. I suggest you get some networking training and plan your job search so you spend your time getting to the people who can help you.

WORLD cup fever is everywhere and there is hope and anticipation to see how England perform. The question still being asked by many, are we taking the right players? How did Fabio Capello make the decision?

Luckily for Capello he has been able to watch the players perform and evaluate the dynamics of the team. When it comes to interviewing and getting the right candidate employers are not as lucky. How can you maximise your chances of selection at interview?

Nothing strikes fear into our hearts like the word "interview"- everyone knows they have a short time to impress. The key thing to remember is that the best performer does not always secure the position – the candidate who portrays them self the best does. I asked a number of Yorkshire professionals what their worst interview experience has been.

Those who have been looking to employ staff have had some amusing and insightful experiences. Candidates have turned up with parents and girlfriends who have wanted to sit in on the interview. One common interview mistake is turning up in inappropriate clothing, unfinished suits, flip flops, shorts and less than ideal standards in personal hygiene. Give yourself the best opportunity of securing the position by dressing appropriately- this is your chance to make the right impression.

The other side of the coin is how a company can let itself down by being unprofessional or disorganised. Another issue that still raises its ugly head is people being asked inappropriate questions at interview on religion, sexuality or their likely hood to have children. One of my favourite stories is from Steve who was interviewed by a man who insisted on sitting on a raised pedestal and arranged the interview for the exact time the sun would light up his position in a transcendent glow.

A common theme seems to be Interviewers running late, forgetting candidates are attending, leaving the room without explanation and the biggest bug bear being obviously uninterested in what the candidate had to say. Andy actually had an interviewer fall asleep during his interview. How should candidates react in these types of situation? The biggest message I think anyone can take from this is if a company cannot get it right at interview stage- there is a good chance they are not the organisation for you, interviews are a two way process.

Give yourself the best opportunity to impress. The key things to remember:

Preparation – find as much information as you can on the company and the role. This will allow you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your professionalism to the employer.

Practice – think about your skills and experience and how you can best portray these to a potential employer.

Presentation – dress smartly, even if the company has a dress down day. This is your chance to make the right impression and being well presented will increase your confidence.

Your questions answered

Q: I attended an interview and have not heard back from the organisation or the recruiter, should I assume I have not secured the position?

A: Whenever you attend an interview you should follow up, it is a common complaint that recruiters do not provide feedback. I would try and chase this up and ask for feedback. It may be that this role has been filled but in future remember to chase things up.

Q: I always find it difficult to think of questions to ask at the end of the interview – would this be perceived as a negative?

A: You should always, always ask questions. The key to this is planning the questions in advance. It is fine to take a list of questions with you to refer to during the interview. As part of your research on the company you should identify areas you would like to know more about.

Q: I tend to ramble at interview and find it hard to keep to the point. How can I avoid this?

A: Prepare and practice! Identify the key elements of the job specification and think about how your skills match. Practice answering questions on each of these areas. There is only a finite number of questions you can be asked and investing time before the interview will increase your chances of success.

The election has been one of the main headlines of the news for the last few weeks. Only time will tell how the result will affect Yorkshire and its job seekers. One thing is for certain the party's campaigns have been aggressive and strategy has been paramount to success. The Career Practice always asks their clients if their job search campaign has the same sense of urgency. The answer is invariably no.

How many election campaign leaflets have hit your doormat over the last few weeks? How many have you read in detail or simply skim read? Is your CV having the same reaction from potential employers? In a candidate rich market place employers are often inundated with CV's, where would yours sit on the scale? Interesting? Skim Read? File in the bin?

Where ever you look you will find conflicting advice on what makes a CV good or bad. It needs to appeal to the reader; it has to set you apart. You have to have a clear objective and all of the content tailored towards that goal. If the CV lacks focus you may appear to be a jack of all trades and it will simply be passed over. This is your chance to sell yourself to a potential employer ensure that you are making the most of the opportunity.

What makes a good CV?

A CV should be no more than 2 pages long – on average you only have 15-20 seconds to make the right first impression. Your personal profile needs to capture the interest of the reader and your salient achievements should be easily visible. Ensure that you are not simply listing your duties and responsibilities and are highlighting your achievements. Make sure that the information is relevant and supporting your objective and career goal.

Your Questions Answered

Q. I have a long career history and I find it hard to cut out irrelevant information. How can I prioritise what should be on my CV?

A. As outlined above the relevance of your experience depends upon the objective you are trying to achieve. You do not need to include detailed information on each role nor do you have to go back to every role you have ever held. Don't allow your early career may take up valuable space if the experience was irrelevant. If the skills you want to highlight are not ones that you have gained in recent roles you can highlight them in a key skills section or use a functional style of CV to spotlight the focus areas. Identify industry buzz words and ensure they are included in your CV.

Q. I am worried that my CV is not getting the results it should and I find it difficult to find a balance between selling myself and underselling my skills.

A. Selling yourself on paper is one of the most difficult tasks. Putting together a good CV takes a lot of work. You need to identify the key achievements you have had in your career. Ensure that you are using powerful action words to best describe the impact your actions had. Each bullet point needs to be quantified so the reader can visualise the size of your achievement. Ask trusted network contacts for feedback on your CV and keep it objective.

Q. Is it ok to exaggerate the truth on my CV?

A. The simple answer is no – the CV must be factual. This does not mean that you can't use powerful language to emphasise your skills. Your CV needs to be accurate. Organisations can and do check the facts on your CV and may terminate a contract if they discover these lies at any point.

Q. I have paid for a CV and I think it is representative of my skills but I still don't seem to get interviews, what is going wrong?

A. The purpose of a CV is to help you get an interview. Quite often, even with very good CV's they miss the mark because they are 'selling' the wrong skills. Take some time to think about the needs of the company and whether your CV describes the person the company are looking for.

Q. I have been made redundant from my last job after sixteen years and the recruiters are not interested in my CV. Why, when I have so much experience?

A. Recruiters are not interested in candidates. Companies are the customer not the candidate and recruiters spend nearly all their time attracting new clients (companies). When they discover a vacancy finding a number of candidates to put forward is easy, especially today when there are so many people out of work or looking. If you have been in your last company sixteen years you are probably not as used to job searching as someone who has changed roles more often. It sounds like you are just losing out to the competition.

My final point is to remind you always to have an up to date CV –you never know when you may need one.

Previous columns

Louise Lapish runs the northern operation of The Career Practice in Leeds. She has been in the Career Management and Recruitment Industry for more than 10 years.

If you would like to ask her a question for answer in a future column, please post a comment under this article, or email [email protected].

This is the first in a series of articles looking at some of the real life challenges faced by our clients who have been job searching. There have been countless books written about how to find your next position and 1001 ways to write your CV.

Much of the advice is conflicting and the generalisations cannot take into account each individuals situation or the current economic climate. Job searching during the recession is creating many challenges to people at each stage of their career. One of the major issues faced by job seekers in Yorkshire is the time it takes from being made redundant to securing a new position.

Even in strong economic conditions it can take from several weeks to several months to find the right position at a senior level. For many people this might be one of the first times they have searched for a role at the senior and executive level.

These are a few things that job searchers need to know. You need to have a clearly defined plan of action – this needs you to take into account what you are trying to achieve and how you are going to reach that goal.

For many this is simply a case of thinking commercially and looking at themselves and their situation objectively. What product are you taking to market and what are the USP's of this product? Ensure that you have canvassed a few objective opinions to make sure your plan is viable. Once you have a clear goal you can tailor all of your marketing documentation to give yourself the best chance of competing in the current market.

The unadvertised job market is quoted to be between 70 -80% of the job market although currently this figure may be higher with companies cutting back on advertising. The unadvertised job market is not a mystery – there are clear routes and methods to help you be one of these people that have networked into or created a position.

Not everyone is a natural networker and the thought of "asking for something" takes them out of their comfort zone. This is the first mistake most people make – networking is a mutual exchange and not a "one hit" communication. Time for networking has to be built into your job search strategy – more importantly than that you must continue to network even when you have secured your next position. Treat networking like any other business conversation, do you research and think about setting an agenda to ensure you keep on track.

The Career Practice find that their networking training is one of the most popular events as people understand the importance of doing it but don't always have the knowhow. Encouraging clients to network with each other allows that valuable practice time before beginning to hit their own contacts.

Few people would complete a presentation without delivering a few trial runs yet not everyone takes the time out to practice their networking pitch. How might this person help you but more importantly how can you help them?

One of our clients, David an Architect was made redundant almost 12 months ago. He admitted that his strategy was all about scouring job boards and recruiters.

He had felt embarrassed about approaching key people in his network and assumed that these people would call him if they heard of a vacancy. Once he took control of his networking and started speaking to people he began having meaningful conversations which increased his confidence and his chances of securing a position.

The simple message has to be to keep thinking about what you want to achieve. This will ensure your strategy keeps you on the right path throughout your career.