Karren Brady gives career advice from following passions to boosting your CV
APPRENTICE star and vice-chairperson of West Ham FC Karren Brady answers all your careers questions.
Today she helps out a woman who struggles to choose between following her passion or being sensible in her choices and gives her expertise on how to stand out for an interview.
Q: I graduated with a degree in business nearly two years ago. Like many people, I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I got a contract job before going travelling for a few months.
Then six months ago, I got a place on a two-year graduate scheme. My problem is I get bored easily, and I’ve realised feeling fulfilled is more important to me than earning pots of cash.
I have a creative streak and I’m at my happiest thinking up new ideas, but I always put off starting projects. Should I try to follow my passions or keep taking the sensible option?
Laura, via email
A: Why don’t you do both? While in the security of your full-time job, work out if any of your ideas are good enough to generate the income you need so you can eventually give up your current position. Figure out what your best concepts are and develop them in your free time.
Then choose one and test it out to see if there is enough of a market for it to sustain a business. The hardest part is getting started, but don’t fear failure, as you never know how good you are until you try. Plus, don’t forget that there is an element of almost all jobs that is boring!
Many tasks are monotonous – even rock stars have to sing the same songs night after night. Find ways to expand your current role to add creativity, as this might help you feel more positive. Only you can push your career in the direction you want it to go.
Also, it’s not true that you always have to compromise what you want to do to earn the money you need. A career lasts a lifetime – if you can spend that lifetime doing something you love, so much the better. Nothing is work unless you’d rather be doing something else. You have the power to find that something else.
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Q: I’m a single mum with two young kids and I’m keen to start part-time work, but I’ve only ever had two jobs – in retail and data admin in an office.
I’m worried my lack of qualifications and skills, plus the fact I can only work around school/nursery hours, will count against me.What can I do to boost my CV and stand out in order to get an interview?
Ann, via email
A: This is a good question, because you do need a great CV to stand out. Start with a strong and compelling personal statement, as this is usually the first thing potential employers will read.
A CV is your chance to spell out what you can bring to the job and what the potential employer can rely on you to deliver for their company. So tailor it to every job you apply for and refer back to the advert. Be specific and emphasise your most impressive and relevant skills with examples.
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Use phrases such as: “I’m looking to resume my professional career”, “I have excellent admin skills” and “I possess a thorough knowledge of the sector”. Check your grammar and spelling and ensure your CV has a clear layout.
If you are engaging, enthusiastic and can show you’re prepared to go above and beyond, your lack of experience won’t count against you. Best of luck!
- Got a careers question you want Karren to answer? Email [email protected].
Compiled by: Claire Frost
Karren cannot answer emails personally. Content is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.