Reed founder and chair James Reed
If you have submitted numerous job applications without receiving any response, the silence can be as frustrating as outright rejection.
One contributing factor is the decreasing number of entry-level positions. Reed, the recruitment company, reports that graduate vacancies on its website have dropped from approximately 180,000 three or four years ago to 50,000.
James Reed, chair and chief executive of Reed, has observed employer hiring practices for 30 years and, like many others, finds the current process challenging.
Here, the recruitment expert offers guidance on how to stand out in a competitive job market.
Getting past AI screening
Many employers utilize artificial intelligence (AI) systems to filter applications before a human reviews them.
Reed holds the view that
"computers shouldn't reject people".
However, if AI is employed, it likely compares the job description with your CV or cover letter. Therefore, Reed recommends
"try and mirror the job description with your skills and experience".
This does not imply fabricating skills you do not possess.
"It's really important you don't lie,"Reed emphasizes, but if the job requires communication, organisation, or customer service abilities, ensure your application clearly demonstrates where you have applied these skills.
How do I get experience if no one gives me a chance?
One of the most frustrating aspects of job hunting is being told you need experience for an entry-level role.
Reed notes that this issue is exacerbated currently because employers are hiring less frequently and often prefer candidates who already have some experience.
He advises gaining experience wherever possible—
"even if it's temporary, casual or part-time"—through employment, volunteering, community projects, or free online training such as Anthropic's AI academy.
If you manage to meet an employer in person and feel confident, it may be beneficial to state your case directly:
"Someone gave you your first opportunity, that's all I'm looking for."
Using AI for your CV
Reed supports using AI tools to assist with applications, describing it as a
"wonderful tool"that can enhance your submission.
However, he cautions against relying solely on AI because
"if you leave it as AI-only then it'll be identical to lots of other people's and the point is to stand out."
His primary advice is to
"make sure your CV says who you are."
"Make sure it is one page,"he adds.
"Get that opening top statement right and get advice from people to make sure it really sounds like you and it's a document you feel proud of."
Reed humorously notes that while he tolerates the occasional spelling mistake
"because it shows it was written by a human, not AI,"attention to detail remains crucial, so ensure your CV is grammatically correct.
What skills should I focus on?
Reed identifies communication, collaboration, and resilience as essential skills that some candidates lack but are vital for career success.
"Good communicators have an advantage,"he states.
"So you should learn how to express yourself and build your confidence speaking in front of people."
Collaboration is also important.
"Nothing is achieved by one person as you're always part of a team,"Reed explains.
"If it's all about 'me, me, me' at a job interview you won't proceed."
Resilience can significantly impact job hunting when the process feels relentless.
"If you can develop a super thick skin and be persistent and resilient, it will serve you well,"he says.
"You'll have some knocks in life, but don't take it personally, it's normal."
Reed also discusses the value of university education and how employers could be encouraged to hire more graduates.
Preparing for interview
One of the most common interview questions is
"tell me about yourself."
Reed advises:
"If you're prepared, it's the easiest question and you can knock it out of the park, but if you're not, then you go all over the place."
"Interviews are a life-changing conversation so it's important to really prepare."
The big mistake you might be making
Reed identifies the biggest error as believing
"the world owes you a living"or that you deserve a job simply by being present.
He recommends changing this mindset.
"A job is a problem to be solved so you need to think how are you the solution to the employer or company?"
Once you adopt this perspective,
"you stop focusing only on 'what's in it for me' and start showing the employer why they should hire you."
Is university still worth it?
Reed is clear that university is not the ideal path for everyone and warns against pursuing a degree simply because
"it's the done thing and all my friends are doing it."
He believes too many young people currently attend university and that more should consider apprenticeships, trades, or entering the workforce directly.
"We have been ridiculously snobby about trades and the idea that half of young people should go to university feels very outdated,"he states.
- Opportunities shrinking for too many young people, says major report on 'lost generation'
- Number of job vacancies hits five year-low
