Candidates in the actuarial profession looking for their next job are missing a real trick or two, according to Dr Geraldine Kaye, managing director of actuarial recruitment consultancy GAAPS Actuarial. “And this applies right up to experienced senior level candidates going for top jobs.
“We find many individuals who have not had to apply for a new post for several years have lost the art of looking for a new job, including writing a suitable CV and proffering good interview techniques. Never be afraid to ask questions, this is particularly important with any job application, from graduate to the most senior posts. In fact, amazingly we see many senior individuals shy away from asking as they think they should already know the answer and may look silly.
“Asking questions is a superb way of not only building up greater knowledge but showing both engagement and interest. It is also important to remember that different employers look for different things and certainly one size doesn’t fit all.”
Giving advice on CVs, Dr Kaye says, “This is probably one of the most important advertising documents as it secures the interview, if not the job itself, and I would give four basic tips to writing a good one.
“First, keep it simple, for example list dates in a margin on the left hand side of the page so they are easy to see. Second, have it in chronological order to make it easy for the reader to find things when scan reading. Third, ensure your CV is topical and in tone with the current skill sets required. Fourth, never lie on a CV as. Leaving aside any ethical issues, it may well come back to haunt later in your career.
“You will receive all sorts of advice from all sorts of people on layout and design. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it is your CV so you must be happy with it.”
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