I’ve spent 30 years in recruitment – this is how to get a job
I ve spent 30 years in recruitment – James Reed, chair and CEO of the recruitment firm Reed, has spent decades observing how hiring decisions are made. He notes that many job seekers face frustration when applications go unanswered, especially in a market where entry-level opportunities are dwindling. According to Reed, the number of graduate positions listed on Reed’s platform has dropped from approximately 180,000 to 50,000 over the past few years.
The Role of AI in Hiring
Employers increasingly rely on artificial intelligence systems to filter applications before human reviewers see them. Reed argues that “computers shouldn’t reject people” outright, but if AI is involved, it often compares your resume or cover letter to the job description. To stand out, he advises aligning your skills with what the role requires. “Try and mirror the job description with your skills and experience,” he says, adding that honesty is key. “It’s really important you don’t lie,” Reed emphasizes, though it’s acceptable to highlight relevant competencies like communication or customer service even if they’re not your strongest areas.
“Someone gave you your first opportunity, that’s all I’m looking for.”
Building Experience for Entry-Level Roles
Reed highlights the challenge of being asked for experience when applying for a starting position. He attributes this to employers tightening their hiring criteria, often seeking candidates with some prior knowledge. To overcome this, he suggests gaining experience through temporary work, volunteering, or free online courses, such as Anthropic’s AI academy. “Even if it’s casual or part-time, it counts,” he explains.
Crafting a Standout CV
Reed stresses the importance of a well-structured CV that clearly communicates your identity. “Make sure your CV says who you are,” he urges. He recommends keeping it to one page and refining the opening statement with input from others. “Get that opening top statement right,” he says, noting that a proud, personalized document is more effective than a generic one. While minor spelling errors are forgivable, “attention to detail is really important,” he adds, as grammatical accuracy reflects professionalism.
“Good communicators have an advantage. So you should learn how to express yourself and build your confidence speaking in front of people.”
Preparing for Interviews
Reed points out that the question “tell me about yourself” is a common stumbling block for candidates. “If you’re prepared, it’s the easiest question,” he says, but unprepared applicants may ramble. He calls interviews “life-changing conversations” and insists on thorough preparation. “The biggest mistake is thinking the world owes you a living,” Reed warns. Instead, he encourages applicants to approach interviews as opportunities to solve the employer’s problem. “You need to think how are you the solution to the employer or company?” he advises, shifting the focus from personal gain to value creation.
“A job is a problem to be solved so you need to think how are you the solution to the employer or company?”
Reed also highlights the lack of certain skills among job seekers, including communication, collaboration, and resilience. He argues that these traits are essential for career success. “Nothing is achieved by one person as you’re always part of a team,” he says, stressing that teamwork is vital. Resilience, he adds, helps when job hunting feels overwhelming. “If you can develop a super thick skin and be persistent,” he explains, “it will serve you well.”
Finally, Reed acknowledges the value of university but warns against viewing it as the only path. “Doing a degree thinking it’s the done thing and all my friends are doing it is not such a good idea,” he says. He advocates for diverse approaches to skill development, emphasizing that the goal is to demonstrate why you’re the right fit for a role.
