News that the UK’s labour market may be stabilising, with a recent dip in the unemployment rate, has prompted Staples to launch a free CV service to help people in their quest for work.
A survey revealed the number of people placed in permanent employment grew at its fastest rate last month since July 2007, according to KPMG.
The world’s largest office products company, which introduced something similar for graduates and school leavers last summer, felt that this was one way it could provide real practical support.
Staples Head of Marketing Yetunde Ige said: “A dip in unemployment is clearly a good thing and a sign that conditions are improving. But we recognise that the jobs market is still very tough and that people looking for work need all the help they can get. A fresh, professional CV is essential and because we have a Copy & Print Centre in every store we are well placed to offer this facility.”
Staples has also teamed up with job placement experts CareerBuilder.co.uk, to offer hints and tips on how to make the most of the opportunities out there as well as ensuring that people make the most of their CV by reflecting their skills and experience in a positive and relevant way.
“There are job opportunities out there,” said Tony Roy, Managing Director of CareerBuilder.co.uk. “The key is exploring how you can transfer your skills to new professions and then repackaging your CV to appeal to a broader range of employers.”
CareerBuilder.co.uk offers advice such as:
• Include keywords from the employer's job posting in your CV and cover letter as many employers use screening tools to rank job applications
• Highlight specific accomplishments in your CV to show how you put your skills into action. Quantify results whenever possible
• Post different versions of your CV to appeal to different employers.
• Network offline and online. Join various social networking sites to promote your abilities and connect with potential referrals. Thoroughly research employers, their competitors and industry trends
• Consider adding to your skill set through taking a class or volunteering.
The Staples Free CV initiative is open to anyone who is currently looking for a new job. Staples can print from a USB or a disc. Simply go to www.staples.co.uk/copyandprint to download your 20 Free CV voucher and take it to your local store.
* Offer allows a total of 40 pages copied free of charge in Black & White on Staples paper. One transaction per customer. Offer valid until December 31, 2010.