ABCV: The Do’s And Dont’s

Javid Pathan, Co-founder of Directory and Head of Temp Division places a lot of talent daily. He is someone who can guide a Directory candidate into full time work with his connections with leading luxury fashion retailers in London. Making a positive impression with a key decision maker at an agency is critical to candidate success. For the hundreds of random and unqualified online applications received by Javid, the ten who make the effort to follow up their online application with a personalised CV are the ones that start forging their career path with speed and success. 

Here is what Javid looks for in a successful CV submission and he does it in less than a minute. Confirming, first impressions count.

1. One size DOES NOT fit all. In the age of laptops, tablets and wifi even on the underground, Javid says tailor your CV for the job you’re applying for. An easy way of doing this is to use a template and have key portions that can be customised. Recruiters understand candidates are casting a wide net, especially when it comes to fashion retail jobs. That doesn’t excuse vague and lazy CV submissions.
    
2. Use strong affirmative statements in your cover letter and opening paragraph. The fashion business is fast moving, interactive and demands dynamic personalities with exemplary people skills. Javid says highlight your opening statement so the reader is inspired and curious and wants more information about the applicant. This isn’t about arrogance, it’s about aspiration.
    
3. As a recruiter who goes through hundreds of applications (he was wading through 400+ for one job in particular when we spoke about this post), Javid advises candidates to be succinct. Use power words and bullet points. 
    
4. Eligibility to work in the UK. If you can’t work in the UK, don’t bother applying. Recruiters are not immigration. Whereas Directory is filled with internal teams as well as a strong candidate pool that is from many different countries, every single one has the legal right to work and live in the UK. It’s understandable that fashion hopefuls look to London to make their dreams come true. However, with stricter laws on immigration and the right to live and work in London, it is up to the candidate to button up their responsibilities and apply once they receive the green light. Candidates looking for sponsorship should always contact the brand they wish to work for directly.
    
5. Spell Check. Did you know candidates can have the best CV and lose the chance of an interview with a recruiter or a brand because of poor grammar and spelling mistakes? This is something luxury e-commerce retailer Farfetch is so strict about they state in on their job descriptions for applicants when they apply. When a candidate doesn’t check for spelling mistakes they are showing the recruiter they don’t pay attention to detail and produce thorough work. These are two must have skills every fashion brand Directory works with looks for. Even when candidates apply where English is their second language, always use tools to bring your CV up to par. Grammarly is widely used, easy to instal and will act as an online editor.