Job Tips
Starting your career journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to begin.
At CherryTree Foundation, we work closely with individuals every day, helping them build skills, gain qualifications, and move into employment.
Here are some of our top job tips to help you stand out and take the next step with confidence…
Treat Job Hunting like a Project
Why this matters?
Employers usually get a high volume of applications, but most are poorly targeted.
Shortlisting is often done quickly, sometimes by HR before the hiring manager even sees it.
What to do?
Tailor your CV and personal statement to each role. This doesn’t mean rewriting everything.
It means aligning your wording with the job description so it’s obvious you meet the criteria. Quality signals seriousness.
Your CV Isn’t Being Read - It’s Being Scanned
Why this matters?
Recruiters often spend under 30 seconds on a first pass.
If they can’t immediately see role relevance, they move on.
What to do?
Use clear job titles, dates, and bullet points. Each bullet should show what you did and the result. Avoid dense paragraphs. The goal is instant comprehension, not personality.
Treat the Personal Statement as a Bridge
Why this matters?
Employers often expect a written explanation of fit, especially in public sector, charities, universities, and regulated industries.
What to do?
Use the statement to connect the dots between your experience and their needs. Address key criteria directly and explain motivation in practical terms (values, mission, impact), not emotion alone.
Prepare for Competency Based Interviews
Why it matters?
Many interviews are structured and scored against behavioural competencies. Strong but unstructured answers can still score poorly.
What to do?
Prepare clear examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), where you briefly explain the context, what you needed to do, what you did, and the outcome. Keep your answers concise while still giving enough detail to demonstrate your impact. Focus on your actions and the results.
Communicate Confidence Professionally
Why it matters?
Downplaying your contribution can make it difficult for interviewers to assess your capability.
What to do?
Describe your work factually and use “I” statements when appropriate. Avoid minimising language such as “just” or “only.” Let outcomes and evidence support your claims.
Manage the Process with Structure & Patience
Why it matters?
Hiring timelines can be slow and feedback is not always provided. Taking silence personally can affect motivation and performance.
What to do?
Track applications, follow up once politely when appropriate, and continue applying elsewhere. Treat job searching as a managed process rather than a daily emotional cycle.
