Careers

State of the market

So what is the state of the UK jobs market for PQs? Hear what our virtual round table experts had to say

PROFILE: Bradley Glen
JOB TITLE: Manager at Page Personnel
YOUR FIRST JOB: Internal Recruitment Officer at IBM
FAV TV SHOW: Family Guy, Match of the Day
CLAIM TO FAME: I was once interviewed on John Craven’s Newsround
LAST CD BOUGHT: Oasis’ Time Files 1994–2009
What is the job market like for PQs right now?
There has been an increase in the number of PQ jobs that we have registered and filled this year. Granted, it is not at the level it was of a couple of years ago, but it is certainly improving. That said, it is still very competitive at the moment so candidates have to show they can bring value to a role, while also being realistic about salary demands.
With so many people chasing the same job, what one thing can candidates do to stand out?
I think there is a combination of things rather than just one that are all equally important. Make sure your CV stands out – what are your achievements? For example, where and how have you improved efficiency, what processes and procedures have you implemented? If you are not working at the moment, or want to step up, look for opportunities of practical voluntary work. It will enhance your exposure and make your CV stronger.
Finally, don’t let your exams run away from your experience. At the moment, understandably, we are seeing an increasing number of candidates who are concentrating on their exams without having the practical experience to go with it. Employers favour the relevant experience just as much they do the qualifications.

PROFILE: Louisa London
JOB TITLE: Senior Manager at Hays Accountancy & Finance
FIRST JOB: Trainee recruitment consultant
FAV TV SHOW: The Apprentice
CLAIM TO FAME: I had Gordon Ramsay creep up behind me in London last year and say “I love your hair”!
LAST CD BOUGHT: The latest Kings of Leon album
What is the job market like for PQs right now?
We are seeing positive signs of recovery as jobseeker confidence continues to rise, which is creating more movement in the market as many professionals start to consider their career options. Some PQs feel they have put their careers on hold and are now keen to take the next step on the career ladder.
Currently, active studiers who are sitting and passing exams are sought after as employers start to re-invest in and develop staff for the longer term.
With so many people chasing the same job, what one thing can candidates do to stand out?
It is important that your CV clearly highlights your experience relevant to the job you are applying for and states which qualifications you are studying.
It is crucial to employers that potential employees have a balance of qualifications and experience and can really demonstrate their added value to a company, you will need to clearly highlight this on your CV. For example, list all exam papers you have passed and when your next ones are; make sure to highlight any first-time passes.
It is also crucial to list your key achievements, not only past responsibilities, as this will help set you apart from your competition. During an interview it is important for a PQ to show their dedication and commitment to their career and its progression.

PROFILE: Hylton Gunter
JOB TITLE: Permanent Recruitment Consultant, Walker Dendle
FIRST JOB: Assistant Management Accountant, Euromoney Institutional
Investor
FAV TV SHOW: Private Life of Pigs
CLAIM TO FAME: I once had drinks with Dépêche Mode
LAST CD BOUGHT: Mumford and Sons
What is the job market like for PQ’s right now?
Since the start of 2010 we have seen more encouraging signs in the job market in the South East. However, over the past four weeks the number and variety of opportunities for PQ candidates has improved dramatically. All sectors have been improving, in particular within the FMCG and retail arenas. While large organisations have continued to hire over the past six months, new opportunities are now emerging for PQs in SME businesses.
What is also particularly encouraging is the nature of roles that are now available. The most abundant opportunities have been the ‘add value’ analytical/finance business partnering roles with core accounting positions within financial and management accounts also available.
With so many people chasing the same job, what one thing can candidates do to stand out?
Create an impact! In order to create the best impression it is crucial that the candidate goes the extra mile in every way possible. Start with your CV, heavily loading it towards achievements; this will demonstrate you are ambitious and willing to take on more and learn new skills. Not only should a CV include accomplishments, but experience relevant to the job spec should be clearly highlighted emphasising your suitability to the particular vacancy.
Go the extra mile with your research; ensure that before the interview you have thoroughly investigated the company (with a knowledge of the market issues it has faced and how their competitors have fared). Do everything you can to hone and improve your interview skills taking constructive feedback from any previous meetings. And lastly, never forget that if you want to secure the position you need to be selling yourself as the best candidate for the job from the start to finish of the process.

PROFILE: Bradley Glen
JOB TITLE: Manager at Page Personnel
YOUR FIRST JOB: Internal Recruitment Officer at IBM
FAV TV SHOW: Family Guy, Match of the Day
CLAIM TO FAME: I was once interviewed on John Craven’s Newsround
LAST CD BOUGHT: Oasis’ Time Files 1994–2009
What is the job market like for PQs right now?
There has been an increase in the number of PQ jobs that we have registered and filled this year. Granted, it is not at the level it was of a couple of years ago, but it is certainly improving. That said, it is still very competitive at the moment so candidates have to show they can bring value to a role, while also being realistic about salary demands.
With so many people chasing the same job, what one thing can candidates do to stand out?
I think there is a combination of things rather than just one that are all equally important. Make sure your CV stands out – what are your achievements? For example, where and how have you improved efficiency, what processes and procedures have you implemented? If you are not working at the moment, or want to step up, look for opportunities of practical voluntary work. It will enhance your exposure and make your CV stronger.
Finally, don’t let your exams run away from your experience. At the moment, understandably, we are seeing an increasing number of candidates who are concentrating on their exams without having the practical experience to go with it. Employers favour the relevant experience just as much they do the qualifications.

PROFILE: Louisa London
JOB TITLE: Senior Manager at Hays Accountancy & Finance
FIRST JOB: Trainee recruitment consultant
FAV TV SHOW: The Apprentice
CLAIM TO FAME: I had Gordon Ramsay creep up behind me in London last year and say “I love your hair”!
LAST CD BOUGHT: The latest Kings of Leon album
What is the job market like for PQs right now?
We are seeing positive signs of recovery as jobseeker confidence continues to rise, which is creating more movement in the market as many professionals start to consider their career options. Some PQs feel they have put their careers on hold and are now keen to take the next step on the career ladder.
Currently, active studiers who are sitting and passing exams are sought after as employers start to re-invest in and develop staff for the longer term.
With so many people chasing the same job, what one thing can candidates do to stand out?
It is important that your CV clearly highlights your experience relevant to the job you are applying for and states which qualifications you are studying.
It is crucial to employers that potential employees have a balance of qualifications and experience and can really demonstrate their added value to a company, you will need to clearly highlight this on your CV. For example, list all exam papers you have passed and when your next ones are; make sure to highlight any first-time passes.
It is also crucial to list your key achievements, not only past responsibilities, as this will help set you apart from your competition. During an interview it is important for a PQ to show their dedication and commitment to their career and its progression.

PROFILE: Hylton Gunter
JOB TITLE: Permanent Recruitment Consultant, Walker Dendle
FIRST JOB: Assistant Management Accountant, Euromoney Institutional
Investor
FAV TV SHOW: Private Life of Pigs
CLAIM TO FAME: I once had drinks with Dépêche Mode
LAST CD BOUGHT: Mumford and Sons
What is the job market like for PQ’s right now?
Since the start of 2010 we have seen more encouraging signs in the job market in the South East. However, over the past four weeks the number and variety of opportunities for PQ candidates has improved dramatically. All sectors have been improving, in particular within the FMCG and retail arenas. While large organisations have continued to hire over the past six months, new opportunities are now emerging for PQs in SME businesses.
What is also particularly encouraging is the nature of roles that are now available. The most abundant opportunities have been the ‘add value’ analytical/finance business partnering roles with core accounting positions within financial and management accounts also available.
With so many people chasing the same job, what one thing can candidates do to stand out?
Create an impact! In order to create the best impression it is crucial that the candidate goes the extra mile in every way possible. Start with your CV, heavily loading it towards achievements; this will demonstrate you are ambitious and willing to take on more and learn new skills. Not only should a CV include accomplishments, but experience relevant to the job spec should be clearly highlighted emphasising your suitability to the particular vacancy.
Go the extra mile with your research; ensure that before the interview you have thoroughly investigated the company (with a knowledge of the market issues it has faced and how their competitors have fared). Do everything you can to hone and improve your interview skills taking constructive feedback from any previous meetings. And lastly, never forget that if you want to secure the position you need to be selling yourself as the best candidate for the job from the start to finish of the process.

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