This September marks ER Recruitment’s 12th anniversary, and while we’re celebrating, we’re also reflecting on the thousands of candidates we’ve supported along the way. From first job seekers to senior executives, we’ve been part of so many career milestones, and we’ve learned a thing or two about what really helps people land (and love) their next role.

What makes us different? We don’t just match CVs to job descriptions, we get to know you, your ambitions, and what will make you thrive. Our commitment to people extends beyond recruitment too. We’re proud to support local initiatives, charities, and community programmes, because we believe strong careers grow in strong communities.

So, to mark our 12th year, here are 12 career-boosting tips drawn from our lessons in recruitment:

12 Career Boosters from 12 Years in Recruitment: 

1.       Keep your CV concise and achievement-focused – Two pages is ideal. Use active verbs and back up statements with figures. 

 

2.       Tailor each application – Mirror the language used in the job description and highlight directly relevant experience. Employers notice when you’ve taken the time to show how you’re the right fit. 

 

3.       Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and active – Include a headline that’s more than just your job title. Post about projects you’ve worked on or share industry news to show you’re engaged in your field. 

 

4.       Network regularly, even when you’re not job hunting – Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups. A contact you make today could become your hiring manager next year. 

 

5.       Practise your interview answers, but keep them natural – Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples without sounding rehearsed. 

 

6.       Research the company before every interview – Go beyond their “About Us” page. Look at recent press releases, social media activity, and reviews to understand their current priorities and challenges. 

 

7.       Follow up with a thank-you note – Within 24 hours, send a short email reiterating your enthusiasm and one key point from the interview discussion. It shows you were paying attention and value the opportunity. 

 

8.       Manage expectations with your salary – Use salary benchmarking tools communicate what you’re asking for, there’s no point wasting your time & theirs if the offer is wrong. 

 

9.       Learn in-demand skills – Check job adverts in your sector and note recurring skills. Free or low-cost courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Google can close those gaps quickly. 

 

10.   Treat job searching like a project – Keep a spreadsheet tracking roles applied for, deadlines, and follow-ups. It reduces stress and ensures no opportunity slips through the cracks. 

 

11.   Stay positive and persistent – Rejections are not a reflection of your worth. Each “no” gets you closer to the right “yes,” and every interview is practice for the next one. 

 

12.   Build a relationship with a recruiter – Like us! A recruiter who truly understands you will recognise your transferrable skills & can share opportunities you’d never had applied for. 

 
We hope these 12 tips give you a boost in your career journey. If you’d like more guidance, or want to speak with a member of our team about your next move, don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’d love to help you take the next step.