Who’s ready for a yacht show?

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

It’s September already and this means only one thing, European yacht shows! By the time you read this we’ll be concluding the Cannes Yachting Festival and be a week out from the Monaco Yacht Show. With some incredible new yachts on show across these events, we’re excited to see some of the latest vessels to launch, including Kismet and Renaissance (a yacht that SYR worked with to recruit into the build team).

With Simon and I hitting the principality, we’ll be attending a host of exclusive events at the show and on-hand to meet with you to discuss your hiring or career focussed requirements.

We also welcome our first sponsor to the SYR Newsletter. MIMO Connect and their ETO-focussed recruitment brand Robertsons ETOs are coming on board as our sponsors for a number of coming editions of the newsletter. We’re also working with them on an exciting MYS collaboration, which you’ll see in person as you walk around the yacht show in a couple of weeks time.

For those of you that don’t already know our new sponsor, we sat down with Jason, owner of the business with his wife Nicci, to find out more about the brand and why they’re considered leaders at what they do! You can read the full interview here.

Looking to the recruitment world, August was typically fairly quiet until late in the month. Since this point however, it’s safe to say that things have gone crazy, with a wide range of opportunities coming along specifically within the shipyard and yacht management spaces.

The final quarter of the year is usually our busiest both in terms of placements and in terms of new roles coming online, so head to the website and check out the latest and greatest we have available.

As always, we’re here to offer advice and practical recruitment support so if you would like to know more about our services, discuss your career or how we can help grow your business, please do get in touch.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

It’s been an enjoyable but hectic few weeks on my desk, with a couple of major new clients taking up much of my time across the shipyard sector, from skilled tradespeople through to senior project management.

The market is buoyant across Europe, which is great to see and it’s showing no sign of slowing down! I’m looking forward to really getting back into the thick of discussions with my design and engineering client base during September and October, likely showcasing some great new roles.

Sales Manager – Superyacht Refit
We’re looking for a serial networker with a strong history in working with shipyards, management companies and owners to join a leading shipyard group in a sales management role.

The post offers a lot of flexibility and huge earning opportunities for the right person. If you’re Europe based and keen on a new challenge, get in touch!

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

August is a traditionally slow month for new opportunities, but now we’re into September and show season, it’s full steam ahead for new roles. I’m working on some charter opportunities in the EU and US so do reach out if you are considering a change. I’ve also got a very nice role in Palma for a Yacht Ops Manager so drop me a line if you’d like further information. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at MYS!

Yacht Operations Manager – Palma de Mallorca 
Are you a Captain looking to come ashore? Or perhaps you’ve already made the transition and are looking for the next career move? If so, this could be a great role to consider.

The client is a boutique management company with a growing fleet along with several construction projects under management and, due to ongoing growth, they’d like to appoint a Yacht Operations Manager to oversee the fleet.

With 14 vessels currently under management in the sub 30m range and running mini ISM, you’ll have excellent compliance knowledge along with a good technical understanding, experience in crewing services and a broad understanding of general operational and logistics support across the fleet. Working alongside the MD, you’ll help guide and grow the managed service offering, delivering a 1st class experience to owners, Captains and other stakeholders.

This role would suit a Captain with a 500gt ticket or an ambitious Junior YM looking to grow into a full YM position. Onboard experience is required however.

To apply click here 

 

See you next month!

Welcome to the latest SYR View From The Desk

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

And just like that, it’s August – a time of year when either the industry is super busy or everyone is on holiday. August is a great opportunity for hiring managers and jobseekers to take stock of their current position and make key decisions as to their next steps before year end.

We always encourage discussion around recruitment in August as generally there is more time flexibility for everyone and we can really offer strong and informed advice to those who require it.

Building up to the show season, we’re preparing to launch some key industry partnerships and to really enjoy the various events that are being hosted across Europe.

As always, we’re here to offer advice and practical recruitment support so if you would like to know more about our services, discuss your career or how we can help grow your business, please do get in touch.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

Design and engineering remain steady, though moreso at the larger end of the market. Small craft builders, especially those serial building, seem to be struggling as a result of industry challenges and we’re seeing more of a desire to seek out new employment by those caught up in this instability.

Creative design is leading the charge however, with a host of interesting roles coming online and some of our larger clients planning a more concerted effort coming into autumn.

CAD Designer – London
We’re looking for a talented CAD Designer to join a leading superyacht design studio in London.

Famed for their incredible design style, this busy studio has built a strong team and produced award winning yacht designs for many years. With a busy ongoing schedule of projects, they now seek a CAD Designer to join them, tasked with the technical design of their incredible concepts.

Joining the London office in a hybrid capacity (minimum 3 days in the office) you’ll be working with an existing CAD team across a wide range of projects, showcasing a solid knowledge of Autocad and a close eye for detail and accuracy.

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

With the charter season in full swing and many people on holiday, it’s inevitable that the job market slows a little from late July across August. I’ve been focussed on meeting candidates during this period and came back from a development trip to Monaco with an array of new contacts and clients, and will be announcing some new, formal recruitment partnerships with some famous industry names.

Keep your eye on the SYR socials for further announcements shortly. We’re already preparing for the upcoming show season and will be updating everyone on our plans for MYS including some special surprises! See you at a yacht show.

Technical Administrator
Are you an engineering graduate or a Junior Marine Engineer looking to enter the superyacht industry? This could be the perfect role!

One of yachting’s most famous names is seeking a Technical Administrator to join its engineering teams in either the London or Monaco offices. Supporting the company’s Technical & Project Managers, you’ll provide a range of administrative services including document management, report prep and writing, and liaising with external suppliers, clients and stakeholders. You’ll be diligent and organised with strong IT skills and a working knowledge of CRM and QMS software.

The company offers mentorship and career development, with a basic salary bracket of £30-35,000 DOE plus a full company benefits package. This is an office based role and applicants are reminded that they must have the legal right to live/work in either the UK or France.

To apply click here 

See you next month!

Welcome to the latest SYR View From The Desk

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

We’ve reached the midpoint of 2024 and yachting really has bounced back since the relative quiet of last year. We’re seeing a strong growth among our brokerage and yacht management customer base to further bolster a busy yacht design and build sector.

The recruitment team sit close to capacity but have welcomed a number of brand new clients to the SYR network in the past weeks, showing further exciting growth and brand awareness in the international yacht market.

Looking to the coming months, July and August are historically some of our busiest months and with a strong increase in new roles in the past week, it looks like this year will be no different. With client visits and international tours ahead, we’re excited to be out in the market once again.

As always, we’re here to offer advice and practical recruitment support so if you would like to know more about our services, discuss your career or how we can help grow your business, please do get in touch.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

Design, engineering and yachtbuilding are hot markets right now. Particularly in yachtbuilding, there’s a sustained need for talent across most trades, mainly within the higher value end of the market.

Both UK and Europe-wide, we’re working closely with a number of direct clients and recruitment partners to keep shipyards well staffed and able to achieve their own targets.

Aftersales Technician
An exciting opportunity for an AEC qualified Engineer either from a shoreside or seafaring background to join a well known maritime distributor to support their superyacht brand.

A role with extensive international travel to support their growing European customer base, this is an exciting role for someone with the flexibility and desire to travel at the drop of a hat.

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

With the Med season is full swing, the job market is focussed on charter and sales, with a range of interesting opportunities that suit all levels of experience. Clients are willing to put together extremely attractive packages for experienced Brokers, so any experienced candidate considering their next career step is advised to reach out ASAP.

We’ve also been winning new clients this quarter, which continues to open up the industry even further to prospective job seekers engaged with us, so please do reach out to me if you haven’t already done so – there will be a number of exclusive opportunities available post-MYS.

Senior Maritime Compliance Assistant – South Coast
Do you have experience with the application of the ISM code? Or maybe you’re ex-crew with a strong quality and compliance background? Then the role of Maritime Compliance Assistant could be for you!

The client is a respected name in yachting with a significant fleet under management. It’s a people-first business where care, attention and development is afforded to every single member of the team so this is a fantastic opportunity if you’re looking to grow your career in maritime compliance within a supportive, structured environment.

To apply click here 

See you next month!

Welcome to the latest SYR View From The Desk

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

As we fly into the busy charter season, the industry appears to be incredibly buoyant and exciting, with a host of new opportunities hitting our desks.

A particular area of focus and growth lies around the world of yacht design and naval architecture, where we’ve seen a big increase in roles both in the UK and Europe.

Management and brokerage is also busy, with major changes at some of the biggest names prompting an appetite for new beginnings for a lot of candidates.

Event season has started, which has seen our attendance at the YPY, Boat International and Quaynote events and we are looking forward to the latest edition of our Superyacht Supper Club later this month.

Our ‘Above Deck’ feature is also deep in the planning phase, with further exciting announcements to come.

As always, we’re here to offer advice and practical recruitment support so if you would like to know more about our services, discuss your career or how we can help grow your business, please do get in touch.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

Design and Engineering are incredibly busy right now, from small studios through to some of the biggest in the market. A resurgence in design projects and client appetite for new concepts appears to be driving a desire for more creative staff.

Superyacht Design Lead/Project Manager – The Netherlands
A very exciting opportunity to join one of the top yacht design studios in a role that will see you lead some of the largest projects currently under consideration. Suited to a highly experienced Designer with 10+ years’ experience, this is a role that will see you steer creative projects of over 100m and lead a multi skilled team to design and execute groundbreaking projects. A role not to be missed!

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

A busy end to the 2nd quarter with some international clients actively looking for established Yacht Managers, Technical Managers and candidates with charter experience. There is a lack of established candidates in these roles, so if you are considering a move then please reach out as we’re in a candidate driven market currently – a good time to be growing your career!

Retail Charter Manager
The position is a central role to the company’s charter department, working directly with the company’s Director, senior charter and marketing team and wider personnel to develop the company’s marketing, systems, sales and services with the objective of achieving increased retail charter deals and the improvement of charter activities.

This role is an excellent opportunity to work and learn from experienced yachting professionals, working on elements of both retail and central agency charters, marketing and financial activities within the luxury yacht industry.

To apply click here 

See you next month!

You’re considering a move. Maybe your current role is a bit stale, the relationship with your line manager has broken down or you’re looking for a pay increase.

 You notice a role advertised through an agency so you send an application. A Recruiter calls you back to talk through the position and your experience, with a view to put you forwards to the role and hopefully secure you an interview.

As Recruiters, we work with thousands of candidates a year, hundreds of CV submissions and interviews. A lot of the time the relationship with the candidate is a positive one, but sometimes problems can arise. The following article suggests a number of things you should and shouldn’t do when working with a Recruitment Agent, to help you secure the highest level of success.

DO

Sell yourself – As with a direct application, it’s imperative you sell yourself when applying for a position. Highlight your strengths and key achievements. We write a covering letter on your behalf so giving us as much great content for it will do your application wonders.

Lay out your expectations – When applying, take into consideration the salary and terms that you’d expect from a role and tell us. We share this information directly with the employer, so any information you provide us helps all parties understand the boundaries.

Be honest – This one speaks for itself. It’ll very quickly catch you out if you’re dishonest during the process. Gaping holes in experience or capability will be noticed.

Take our advice – As Recruiters, most of the time we have extensive experience when it comes to how to propose you for a job, whether you’d be successful or whether your expectations are unrealistic.

Check out an agency’s reputation/ability – Given that recruitment is mostly unregulated, make sure you’re working with someone you can trust. Ask questions, read testimonials.

DON’T

Apply for the same role through multiple agencies – Of course, sometimes mistakes can be made and you may not know you’re applying for the same position, but we see on a daily basis an applicant thinking they have a higher chance of success by applying for a job through multiple means.

Lie – On so many levels, deceit rarely results in success. Lying on a CV, during a recruiter call or at interview, will get you found out.

Change your expectations mid-process – Again all too common, a candidate will decide mid-process that their salary demands have increased by £10,000 or the role they were told is office based they now want to work remotely. Going into the process aware of where you stand is key.

Approach the employer directly (unless agreed) – Our experts are here to help you not hinder you. Keeping a single line of communication avoids confusion. A seamless process relies on solid control and clear communication.

Shout at us – After all, we’re here to help!

Follow these simple steps and your experience with a Recruiter should be a good one!

For more tips, feel free to reach out to one of the SYR team!

Welcome to the latest SYR View From The Desk

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

SYR have enjoyed a fantastic start to 2024, with one of strongest quarters to date, giving us confidence that the luxury marine market will remain busy as we head towards the second half of the year. A number of our longer term clients have brought us on board to assist with senior level hires and SYR have delivered on a number of challenging briefs.

We look to Q2 and April as the start of a busy period within our management and brokerage client base, but also the start of our show season. Simon will be attending the Palma International Boat Show to meet with a number of our local clients and to network for new business across the regional brokerage, management and refit markets. Click here to book a meeting with him.

Our jobs board is also busy, with a number of exciting new clients online in the past weeks and further work ongoing to welcome others to the SYR client stable.

As always, we’re here to offer advice and practical recruitment support so if you would like to know more about our services, discuss your career or how we can help grow your business, please do get in touch.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

My desk has been incredibly busy the past weeks and months, with a number of exciting naval architecture and design engineering roles coming through with new customers. My focus is and will be around naval architecture and design engineering vacancies both in the UK and Europe over the coming weeks, so if you’re in this line of work, it’d be great to hear from you.

Systems Design Engineer – UK Based
Work with a brand that focuses on high performance and luxury composite yachts based in Hampshire. Bringing skills in mechanical and system design, you’ll be involved in some one-off and highly innovative projects. A passion for yachting is essential along with a working knowledge of high performance systems.

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

A strong Q1 saw the industry job market moving quickly, with a number of roles turning round in quick time. Opportunities are out there for candidates with sales, charter, operations, accounting and technical CVs, so please drop me a line if you are considering a move this season. I’ll be at the Palma Show in a couple of weeks and happy to meet any client or candidate wanting an insight into the hiring market across Q2.

Sales Manager – Hybrid
One of the UK’s most exciting adventure brands is looking for a Sales Manager to lead the launch of a new product within the fleet. Taking ownership of the CRM and sales pipeline, you’ll build a strategy to deliver vessel sales in line with company growth targets. Actively seeking new business, you’ll be a great networker, personable and have a track record of closing deals.

Ideally you’ll be based in commutable distance to the London office, and this is a hybrid role so you’ll be required to spend part of the working week onsite with the company marketing, sales and delivery teams. Travel can be expected, both local and international, including representing the company at various yacht and industry shows across the calendar.

To apply click here 

See you next month!

Welcome to the latest SYR View From The Desk

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

Here’s a great stat: in February we had a 100% success rate in converting offers into placements!

2024 is showing signs of steadiness, with the indecision of last year seemingly a thing of the past. Across the team we’re noticing that the quality of candidates coming to market and indeed the quality of new jobs coming online is really strong. It almost feels like we’re returning to pre-pandemic times (shhhh, dont tell anyone).

March sees us come to the end of Q1 and performance has been great, bringing us ahead of our targets and setting SYR up for a strong year ahead. Will you be working with us as a jobseeker or an employer this year?

As always, we’re here to offer advice and practical recruitment support so if you would like to know more about our services, discuss your career or how we can help grow your business, please do get in touch.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

Life in the world of design and engineering has remained fairly stable in 2024. We noticed a decline at the end of last year but with a number of fresher roles early in ’24 we’re in the thick of interviews for engineering positions at various levels of seniority.

Elsewhere on my desk we’re seeing an uplift in roles in procurement and also within the marinas world in a variety of locations, hopefully showing signs of a busy year continuing ahead.

Dock Hand/Tender Captain
THE perfect role for a junior candidate. Perhaps you’ve had a couple of years on board but are keen on a role that sees you work partly ashore and partly on board? This role gives you the perfect chance to work both with an UHNWI to manage and captain his 55ft tender and also to work with a superyacht marina facility to welcome yachts to a world class location.

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

Lots of new roles coming through at the moment, and many from first-time clients which is a good indication that the industry is looking to ramp up its hiring as we head towards the Med season. I’m very busy in the brokerage market still, and also interested in Sales Managers and yacht ops/management candidates. Drop me a line if you’re considering your career options this year.

Sales Operations Manager – Monaco 
A great opportunity to help lead and grow one of Monaco’s boutique brokerage houses with a developing presence in the Middle East. Working directly with the company MD, you’ll support the leadership function across sales and charter brokerage by working with the teams to develop new business, manage the existing pipeline and provide commercial assistance around deal closing.

Based in the company’s Monaco office, you’ll have experience in either sales or charter brokerage, or perhaps a commercial role at a shipyard. With a track record of managing and developing teams, you’ll motivate, guide and mentor younger Brokers and whilst assisting the MD with overall strategic planning for the company’s growth in both the Med and Middle Eastern markets.

To apply click here 

See you next month!

Welcome to the latest SYR View From The Desk

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

2024 has taken off at pace and we’re incredibly pleased to have taken on and placed a number of high level assignments already, with some exciting new positions with new clients coming in as we move into February.

The mood amongst the candidate network seems to be positive, with a wave of candidates applying for positions and a confident attitude towards moving into a new role.

We also successfully hosted our first Superyacht Supper Club at its new home in Southampton, with around 40 guests from across the industry coming out to meet new people and talk about their plans for the year ahead.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

My desk has been taken up with some exciting projects in the world of superyacht marinas and naval architecture where I’ve taken on some new clients on the other side of the Atlantic. Design and engineering are growing as the year continues, but more so in the smaller craft sector with large yachting brands and design studios a little more cautious, though I’m confident we’ll see this change as the year progresses.

Yacht Designer – South Coast
An exciting role with a budding south coast shipyard. A chance for an experienced Designer with concept and surfacing experience to join a small team and work across a host of great new projects. This is a fantastic role for someone wanting to really supercharge their career and make a name for themselves!

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

Another busy period as the industry pushes ahead with multiple hiring projects amongst most shoreside disciplines. I’m particularly interested in talking to Retail Charter Brokers with a couple of years’ experience behind them who can demonstrate a track record of consistent charter sales; some great opportunities here if that’s you.
I’m also interested in native German speakers for numerous operational roles across the DACH region.

Retail Charter Broker – Multiple Locations
A really wonderful client is looking for introductions to Retail Charter Brokers around the Med and internationally. Ideally, you’ll have a couple of years’ experience in retail charter behind you, and if able to demonstrate a track record of new client acquisition and revenue generation then we’d like to speak to you.

The role is hybrid, with several days per week expected in one of the following office locations: South of France, Palma de Mallorca, Northern Germany, South Coast UK (London commutable), Ft Lauderdale.

To apply click here 

See you next month!

Welcome to the latest SYR View From The Desk

If you would like to receive this update as a monthly email register here.

We’re back from the Christmas break and it’s all systems go at SYR. With a host of exciting roles currently in progress we find ourselves busy taking candidates through the recruitment process. New positions, and indeed new candidates reaching out to us, have increased since the end of 2023 and we’re optimistic about where Q1 will take us.

With year-ends coming for a lot of businesses in March, it’s a great time to use up your hiring budget or as a jobseeker to be making that move for pastures new.

As always, we’re here to offer advice and practical recruitment support so if you would like to know more about our services, discuss your career or how we can help grow your business, please do get in touch.

ED EWER 
CEO
ed@superyachtrecruiter.com  | +44 (0) 7920 060 965

TEAM UPDATES

ED | CEO | ed@superyachtrecruiter.com

The technical desk is thriving right now with roles across Europe in marinas, design, naval architecture and more. A continually diverse range of opportunities across the business has meant we are constantly attracting new candidates and building new talent pools across the yachting market.

Q1 2024 looks like it’s going to continue gathering pace and is a great time to be a jobseeker!

Yacht Club Manager – Caribbean
We’re working with a unique facility that is regularly frequented by the rich and famous along with travelling sailors as it looks to continue to evolve its product offering to a broad range of clients. Located in a busy part of the Caribbean, the facility consists of an accommodation portfolio, eateries and bars and is paired with a world class marina facility.

In this newly created role you will be given full operational oversight of the residential, F&B and yacht club aspects of the facility and be tasked with the growth of the site in terms of awareness, presence, occupancy and revenues.

To apply click here

SIMON | Senior Recruitment Consultant – Brokerage, Management & New Build | simon@superyachtrecruiter.com

There’s been an optimistic start to 2024 with more clients wanting to discuss hiring projects than this time last year. I’m seeing new job opportunities in various back-office functions, projects and build, surveying and technical. The majority are Monaco based or on the mainland, so candidates with backgrounds in any of these fields are invited to contact me for a chat about their career options.

I’m encouraged by several clients’ proactive approach to the lack of experienced candidates. A few notable companies are hiring for junior positions around their yacht ops and management, offering both training and mentoring to help develop junior staff into competent shore based staff.  An ideal opportunity for any ex-crew looking to remain in yachting but working ashore.

Junior Accountant – Monaco
Do you have entry level experience in bookkeeping and/or basic accounting? Looking to get into the wonderful world of yachting? Then this role could be for you! One of the industry’s leading boutique management companies is looking to grow its internal finance team and have an opening for a Junior Bookkeeper/Accountant. This is a full time, permanent role based in the central Monaco office, Monday to Friday, so please consider your location before applying.

To apply click here 

See you next month!

Collectively, the SYR team has more than 20 years of maritime industry recruitment experience allowing us to provide you with an unrivalled knowledge of the global superyacht market. So, if you are coming ashore, looking for your next progression or even for a complete change of career we can help.

Are you new to the superyacht industry? No problem! Our vision has always been to shake up the superyacht recruitment world and we are working hard to introduce talent from industries such as automotive, aerospace and other exciting sectors, a move that is helping to push innovation in shoreside yachting through projects such as electric craft, foils and new materials usage.

In fact, in just over two years we’ve made over 100 placements, 22 of them have come from outside of the marine industry. Of those 22, most have never even stepped foot on a boat, yet they’ve brought huge levels of knowledge and understanding to the design, engineering and build of craft in our sector. Our mission is to increase this percentage to be closer to 50% therefore introducing new exciting talent and ideas to a very traditional industry.

Our friendly team are here to support you through your shoreside superyacht career pathway with not only the most up-to-date job opportunities, but with practical advice that will enable you to have the best possible progression.

In this article you will find practical tips and tricks to ensure that your CV makes you stand out from the crowd.

We asked our recruitment team for their CV advice, here’s what they said.

Start Strong:

Ed, the SYR CEO, recommends that you use the first part of your CV to give the employer a reason to read on. “If you can hook them within the first few lines you’ve already stepped ahead of the next CV in the pile. Write a short and succinct opening statement with a summary of your skills and key accomplishments.” Ed adds, “Always include success stories and key achievements as this will show the reader that you are ambitious and like to exceed the goals you are set.”

Attention To Detail:

Simon, our Senior Recruitment Consultant for Brokerage, Management & New Build, hates to state the obvious but says “It still astounds me the number of CVs I see with spelling mistakes and bad grammar. A lack of attention to detail could really derail your otherwise perfect CV and make it stand out for all the wrong reasons.”

Dave, our Operations Manager, agrees, “Spend a few extra minutes reading through your CV backwards. It’s an old trick I learnt from my publishing days. Proof readers do it so that it’s easier to spot errors as your brain has to read every word rather than skipping along the sentence.”

Formatting Matters:

When it comes to your CV, the reader should be able to easily identify your skills. This can be achieved through a short company introduction with each position listed and bullet points of key achievements or responsibilities.

Curtis, Senior Recruiter for Skilled Trades, says “Something I cannot stress enough is that ‘you eat with your eyes’ and the same can be said for CVs. This relates to the entire document, the length, chosen font and font size. Avoid using colourful underlining or highlighting and try and keep it clean and easy to read.”

After your opening statement, your professional experience should always be chronological starting with the most recent and then working backwards.

Always include any relevant qualifications, additional training or voluntary work you have undertaken.

Customising Your CV:

We have collectively reviewed thousands of CVs and understand exactly what our clients are looking for.

Ed advises, “Tailor your CV to the job you are applying for to maximise your chance of success. Read through the job description and pick out the key words or phrases that they have used to describe the person they are looking for or the skills they require. Look at ways to incorporate them into your CV so that it’s obvious you are the person they need!”

Whilst we don’t advise you to literally copy and paste elements of the job description directly into your CV, it often helps if you adapt your tone of voice or the way you describe certain skills or achievements to match the way the employer has written them, almost like mirroring a person’s body language during an interview to make them feel like you have a connection.

How Much Is Too Much?

This was a point that split the team who, eventually, agreed they would aim to offer advice on each personal case.

Curtis said, “In my opinion, the CV should contain your entire employment history. If someone has retrained mid-career and now specialises in a new area, the previous positions could be just summarised. It’s always best to shorten rather than exclude information.”

Despite agreeing that nothing should be left off, Curtis concluded that “The important and, moreover, relevant jobs, experiences and skills should be the focus of the CV.”

Consistency Is Key:

Ed adds, “Little things like making sure your employment and educational dates marry up and any career gaps are explained, a one liner is usually fine. However, the most important thing is that you show consistency between your CV and your online profile.”

Employers will usually search for candidates on LinkedIn and will check to see if the online profile matches the CV on their desk so make sure they tell the same story!

LinkedIn is the number one online networking platform, so use it to your advantage. Not only does your profile need to be kept up-to-date but ensure that you are making the most out of your connections, following companies that you are interested in and ensuring you get recommendations from past colleagues.

LinkedIn allows you to show your personality in ways a CV doesn’t always permit. By creating your own posts or by commenting on industry relevant content, you are able to prove that you are knowledgeable and engaged and can showcase your soft skills.

We offer guidance on raising your online profile and can advise which companies and industry experts to connect with so that you start getting noticed.

The SYR team really are here to help so even if we’re not currently advertising a role that interests you, get in touch and we can discuss companies you’d like us to approach on your behalf.

We look forward to speaking to you soon!