Caversham CV Writing

01/10/2025

If you’re a grad or undergrad, or the parent of one, you might be feeling dejected about the state of the job market.

It’s not all doom and gloom!

“UK government forecasts suggest the UK workforce will need 11 million extra graduates by 2035​.“

“Recruiters feel while graduates may swamp big employers with applications, some regional companies say they face a "skills shortage" in some sectors because of a lack of applicants.“

And a great piece of advice:
"The marketplace is tough and you need to be on it early and apply as soon as possible to be in with the best chance.

Read the full article 👇

Data suggests competition for graduate jobs is at a record high as firms reduce places on schemes.

22/08/2025

Remember when you knew exactly what kind of work would make you happy? Before mortgages and responsibilities taught you to be 'realistic'?

The latest BBC Bitesize careers survey asked over 4,000 teenagers about their work priorities. 57% said they wouldn't pursue a job they didn't enjoy, even if it was well paid.

When asked what matters most about any future job, they put 'to feel good about what you do' first, 'happiness' second, and 'money' third.

These teenagers also prioritise 'opportunities for training and development' most when asked what would make them want to work somewhere. 29% chose this over the best salary offer, which came second.

85% believe they can get their desired job. That confidence, for the majority, hasn't been tested by workplace politics, economic downturns, redundancies, rising living costs, and the need to pay the rent, but it carries something we've perhaps lost.

Of course, there are so many factors to consider when applying for and accepting a job, with financial security being essential for most. But their perspective reminds us that career fulfilment isn't reserved for those without responsibilities.

Take some time this weekend to think:

❓When did you last evaluate your role based on how it makes you feel rather than just what it provides financially?

❓Are you genuinely satisfied with your current situation, or have you simply grown accustomed to it?

❓Have you found ways to balance financial necessity with genuine satisfaction?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zrfknk7

Photo by Eliott Reyna on Unsplash

19/08/2025

Do you switch off when you go away? Fully switch off?

I absolutely do, and here's why...

I know I will come back to work fully recharged and knowing I've been fully engaged in family time.

We didn't travel far, but we had sunny days on the beach (having a dip on my birthday was a top moment!), coastal walks, cultural visits, sunflower picking, cafes, BBQs, and so many games! I had some alone time, some time with my husband, and plenty of time and fun with the 5 youngsters we had with us - keeping us young! I read books, listened to music, had lots of chats, and well, just chilled.

I always put on my out-of-office, delete social media from my phone, and lock away my laptop.

To me, switching off is important, be that every evening at home or for longer whilst on holiday. I come back with renewed energy and often a different perspective on things.

Do you manage to switch off when on holiday?

04/08/2025

Landing your first job can feel overwhelming. You're scrolling through job listings that ask for 'two years' experience' for 'entry-level' roles, wondering how anyone breaks into the professional world.

To help you, members of the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) have provided practical advice in this guide. It covers everything from uncovering your hidden skills to navigating UK job boards, creating a CV with limited experience, and using the network you didn't know you had.

Starting Your Career Journey: You're More Ready Than You Think Let's be honest – landing your first job can feel overwhelming. You're scrolling through job listings that ask for 'two years' experience' for 'entry-level' roles, wondering how anyone breaks into the professional world.

30/07/2025

STOP getting filtered out by hiring managers who can spot AI-written CVs from a mile away.

Picture this: You use AI to quickly generate your CV, thinking you've found the perfect shortcut, only to have it land in the 'reject' pile within 30 seconds because it reads exactly like the other 200 AI-generated applications the hiring manager saw that day.

Here's the reality: Nearly 1 in 2 hiring managers (49%) automatically bin AI-generated CVs (Resume.io, 2024), whilst almost half of all job seekers (42%) are using AI to write them (KPMG UK, 2024).

You're fighting an uphill battle.

Here are just 4 of the many telltale signs of an AI-generated CV:

❗ Generic phrases like 'highly motivated individual'
❗ Overly polished structure lacking personality
❗ Repetitive language patterns
❗ American spelling in UK applications

But you don't have to avoid using AI! The key is learning to use it whilst keeping 'you' and your voice in your application.

That's exactly why I've created Your Personalised AI CV.

You get:

✅ Complete step-by-step guide to authentic AI CV writing
✅ 30-minute review session with me to ensure your CV has 'you' and your genuine achievements in it (no AI hallucinations!)
✅ Follow-up email review with specific improvements

Invest in your career now before the next hiring cycle leaves you behind.

hhttps://cavershamcvwriting.co.uk/product/your-personalised-ai-cv/

25/07/2025

Rounding off a great week with these lovely testimonials. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing clients feel confident about their CVs!

24/07/2025

I highly recommend watching this 15-minute video by Chris Donnelly.

"In just the next 12 months, the skills with the highest earning power are going to completely change. It’s not about coding, sales, or marketing anymore. It’s all about mastering AI, and there are 5 career-defining skills you can learn right now that will put you in the top 1%."

Enjoyed this video? Don’t forget to check out my free newsletter for more tips: https://stepbystep.kit.com/In just the next 12 months, the skills with the hi...

18/07/2025

Are CV writers at risk of losing their jobs?

See my thoughts below.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-ai-can-write-your-cv-cant-read-mind-yet-laura-harmsworth-azeie

17/07/2025

Yesterday, we watched our eldest daughter graduate with a first-class honours degree. What a moment!

The ceremony was lovely, and it was wonderful having our other daughters there to celebrate too. Seeing their pride in their sister and how it's inspiring them along their own chosen paths. There are so many more options available to young people now.

To every graduate out there: take a moment to celebrate what you've achieved.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

11/07/2025

It's Friday and hot in the UK today, so you might find it harder than usual to tackle your to-do list.

Here are some actionable things you can do right now to get unstuck, based on the article below by Happiful:

☀️Break overwhelming projects into tiny chunks. If that presentation feels impossible, start with just creating the title slide.

☀️If something takes two minutes or less, do it immediately. For bigger projects, commit to just two minutes to build momentum.

☀️Reframe your work as a draft or trial run. Remember: 'It doesn't need to be flawless, just better than it was.'

☀️Sit with a colleague or friend, even if they're working on something different. You could even do this on a Zoom call.

☀️Visualise how you'll feel once it's done. That sense of relief of clearing your inbox!

☀️Reward each completed 'chunk' to release those motivation-boosting endorphins and keep momentum going.

And if all else fails? Take a proper break and cool down with an ice lolly (my fave is bog standard lemonade lolly).

How do you motivate yourself on days like this?

https://happiful.com/5-effective-ways-to-tackle-task-paralysis?utm_source=happiful_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2025_week_28

08/07/2025

I've had a few conversations recently with people who know what they don't want, but can't quite put their finger on what would actually make them happy at work.

Personality tests can really help with this.

They can also help with a whole host of other things. Whether you're a graduate looking for direction, making a career change, or considering board positions, these tests can help you understand what actually drives you at work.

And even if you're not job hunting, they are just interesting!

Here are some free tests (with a couple offering additional paid options). Try a couple and see what you think:

🔵 UCAS Career Compass (https://www.ucas.com/explore/career-compass). Brilliant for students and early career

🔵 Prospects Job Match (https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-match). Matches you to actual careers

🔵 16 Personalities (https://www.16personalities.com/). Surprisingly accurate

🔵 Truity (https://www.truity.com/). Includes 16 Personalities and a few others, depending on what you are using the tests for

Tip: Don’t treat the results as gospel, but as conversation starters with yourself. What resonates? What makes you go "YES, that's exactly it"?

You can also use these insights for:

✅ CV writing: describing your strengths in concrete terms rather than generic buzzwords

✅ Interview prep: having authentic examples of how you work best and what motivates you

✅ Team dynamics: understanding why you clash with certain colleagues or thrive with others

✅ Negotiating flexible working: articulating exactly what environment helps you perform

✅ Working with your manager: explaining how you prefer to receive feedback or tackle projects

Have you had any surprises or revelations when taking a personality test?

This is who I share my personality type with, according to 16 Personalities! 👇

04/07/2025

Thirty years ago this month, I was completing my three years at Queen Mary University of London (QMW, as it was then).

Today I received my certificate for the 2024-25 year of QMentoring, a fantastic programme I've been involved with since 2021. It's a lovely reminder of how the tables have turned from an uncertain graduate to someone helping others work their way through the same transition to the next career stage.

I've mentored students who consistently show up with curiosity and determination. What impresses me isn't just the outcomes, it's their commitment to the process. With 3 children of similar age to the mentees, I appreciate how challenging it can be to enrol in such programmes on top of studies and part-time work.

The QMentoring programme offers undergraduates crucial opportunities to gain insight into industries and professions whilst exploring potential career paths. Through the scheme, students build their professional networks, learn to write persuasive job applications and CVs, improve their interview techniques, and discover work experience opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden.

If you're at a university that offers such a brilliant scheme, grab it with both hands!