Walk into any interview panel today and one thing is clear: the degree doesn’t carry the same weight it used to.That’s not an opinion—it’s what recruiters and hiring managers are saying behind closed doors. They’re tired of long CVs full of credentials that don’t translate to real-world performance. Instead, they’re asking a much simpler question: Can this person actually do the job?And that one question is rewriting the rules of hiring in 2025.<hr><h3 data-start="927" data-end="950">Skills, Not Schools</h3>This shift isn’t about undermining education. It’s about recognising that skills don’t always come from classrooms.A logistics coordinator who’s optimised delivery routes without a business degree. A junior developer who learned to code through side projects. A marketing assistant who’s grown a brand on social media from scratch. These are the people getting hired—not because of where they studied, but because of what they’ve done.Employers want proof of value. That means portfolios, hands-on experience, and practical know-how—not theory.<hr><h3 data-start="1511" data-end="1549">What Candidates Need to Understand</h3>If you're looking for work right now, this is your edge—if you’re ready to back yourself.You need to be able to show what you’ve built, solved, improved, delivered. Talk less about what you were taught, and more about what you’ve applied. Don’t hide gaps—use them to tell the story of how you picked up real-world skills.This also means staying sharp. Learn online. Volunteer for tough projects. Document your work. In a skills-first market, your actions speak louder than your education ever could.<hr><h3 data-start="2065" data-end="2105">Employers Are Rewriting the Playbook</h3>This change is being driven by pressure—tight timelines, competitive markets, new technologies. Businesses don’t have the luxury of onboarding someone for six months just because they passed a university exam. They need people who can contribute now.More job listings are dropping degree requirements entirely. Others are using practical tests, trial tasks, or live problem-solving instead of traditional interviews.It’s faster, fairer, and often more accurate.<hr><h3 data-start="2579" data-end="2616">Spotajob and the Skills-First Era</h3>At Spotajob, we’re seeing the shift firsthand. Employers on the platform are focusing on capabilities, not credentials. They want the doers. The fixers. The quick learners. The people who bring more than just qualifications to the table.And we’re helping them find exactly that.<hr><h3 data-start="2909" data-end="2928">The Bottom Line</h3>The hiring landscape in 2025 doesn’t reward who you used to be—it rewards what you can do now. That’s a wake-up call for anyone relying on their degree to carry them. But it’s also good news. Because if you’ve got the skills—and the guts to show them—you’ve got a real shot.The door’s open. No fancy stamp required.

large_Recruiters reviewing a candidate’s skills portfolio during a modern hiring session focused on practical ability, not educational background.

medium_Recruiters reviewing a candidate’s skills portfolio during a modern hiring session focused on practical ability, not educational background.

small_Recruiters reviewing a candidate’s skills portfolio during a modern hiring session focused on practical ability, not educational background.

thumbnail_Recruiters reviewing a candidate’s skills portfolio during a modern hiring session focused on practical ability, not educational background.

Recruiters reviewing a candidate’s skills portfolio during a modern hiring session focused on practical ability, not educational background.

Beyond the Degree: Why Skills-Based Hiring Is Reshaping Careers in 2025

You’re applying to jobs. You’re qualified. But… no callbacks. No interviews. Just silence.Chances are — it’s not you. It’s your CV.We’ve seen thousands of CVs at Spotajob, and we can tell you this: most job seekers undersell themselves without even realizing it. A great CV doesn’t just tell your story — it makes the recruiter want to read more.Let’s walk through the most common mistakes — and how to fix them today.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="758" data-end="781">1. It’s Too Generic</h3>If your CV could apply to 10 different jobs with zero edits, that’s a red flag.✅ Fix: Customize your CV for the specific role. Pull keywords from the job post. Use their language. Show them you’re already paying attention.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1024" data-end="1056">2. Your Summary Says Nothing</h3>“I’m a hard-working team player looking for new challenges.” We’ve all written it. But honestly — that’s fluff.✅ Fix: Write a 2–3 sentence snapshot of who you are, what you’ve done, and the value you bring. Think: “I’m a digital marketing specialist with 4+ years helping small brands grow fast online. Passionate about analytics, content, and brand strategy.”<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1439" data-end="1467">3. It’s Not Easy to Scan</h3>Recruiters spend 6–8 seconds scanning a CV. If it’s packed wall-to-wall with text or poorly formatted — they move on.✅ Fix: Use bullet points, clear headings, and white space. Make their job easier, and they’ll keep reading.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1710" data-end="1748">4. You’re Listing Duties, Not Wins</h3>“Responsible for managing social media.” Okay… but what did you achieve?✅ Fix: Use action verbs + results. Example: “Grew Instagram following by 250% in 6 months through organic content strategy.”<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1963" data-end="2004">5. You’re Forgetting the Cover Letter</h3>Yes, people still read them — especially when two candidates are neck-and-neck. And no, it shouldn’t repeat your CV.✅ Fix: Use the cover letter to explain why this company, why this role, and what you bring that others might not. Make it personal. Show effort.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2285" data-end="2302">Final Thought</h3>Your CV and cover letter are your first impression — make them count. You don’t have to be a designer or a copywriter. You just need to be clear, authentic, and focused on what the employer cares about.Need help crafting the perfect CV? We’ve got tips, templates, and job listings that actually match what you do.<a class="" data-start="2643" data-end="2696" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">Get started at Spotajob →</a></a>

large_A job seeker reviewing and editing their CV on a laptop, preparing for a job application with help from Spotajob’s tips.

medium_A job seeker reviewing and editing their CV on a laptop, preparing for a job application with help from Spotajob’s tips.

small_A job seeker reviewing and editing their CV on a laptop, preparing for a job application with help from Spotajob’s tips.

thumbnail_A job seeker reviewing and editing their CV on a laptop, preparing for a job application with help from Spotajob’s tips.

A job seeker reviewing and editing their CV on a laptop, preparing for a job application with help from Spotajob’s tips.

Why Your CV Isn't Getting Noticed — and How to Finally Fix It

<h3 class="" data-start="586" data-end="613">Look, we’ll be honest —</h3>We didn’t get everything right in the beginning.When Spotajob first launched, like a lot of platforms, we focused on the basics: matching jobs with people. But over time, it became clear that some people weren’t being seen — or heard — in the same way as others.And that’s when we knew: If we’re serious about being a fair hiring platform, DEI can’t be a side thing. It has to be baked into everything.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1042" data-end="1075">So, what does DEI mean to us?</h3>To us, it means real things like:<ul data-start="1112" data-end="1354"><li class="" data-start="1112" data-end="1206">Writing job ads that don’t exclude people with “innocent” phrases like “young and energetic”</li><li class="" data-start="1207" data-end="1259">Helping hiring teams spot talent — not just polish</li><li class="" data-start="1260" data-end="1354">Making sure someone’s accent, postcode, or last name doesn’t stop them from getting a chance</li></ul>It also means acknowledging the things we don’t know yet — and being open to learning from others who do.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1474" data-end="1503">What we’re actually doing</h3>This isn’t a list of shiny programs. It’s the stuff we’re working on (and still improving):<ul data-start="1598" data-end="1936"><li class="" data-start="1598" data-end="1713">✅ We’re building tools to surface candidates based on what they can do — not just where they worked or studied.</li><li class="" data-start="1714" data-end="1832">✅ We’re working with partners that support underrepresented job seekers — not just posting to the same old networks.</li><li class="" data-start="1833" data-end="1936">✅ We’re having internal conversations that aren’t always easy — and making space for honest feedback.</li></ul>It’s not about perfection. It’s about moving forward.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1998" data-end="2024">Why this matters to us</h3>We built Spotajob to help people find real opportunities. But if the system is only working for some people, we’re not doing our job.We believe great teams come from different backgrounds, different stories, different brains. And we want to help more employers see that too — not just say it in a footer.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2345" data-end="2413">If you’ve ever felt overlooked in your job search — we hear you.</h3>And if you’re a hiring manager who wants to do better — we’re here to help.This is what DEI looks like in real life. And this is what we’re trying to build — every day.<a class="" data-start="2589" data-end="2640" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">→ Join us or learn more</a></a>

large_A team of people from diverse backgrounds collaborating in an open, inclusive workspace, representing Spotajob’s DEI commitment.

medium_A team of people from diverse backgrounds collaborating in an open, inclusive workspace, representing Spotajob’s DEI commitment.

small_A team of people from diverse backgrounds collaborating in an open, inclusive workspace, representing Spotajob’s DEI commitment.

thumbnail_A team of people from diverse backgrounds collaborating in an open, inclusive workspace, representing Spotajob’s DEI commitment.

A team of people from diverse backgrounds collaborating in an open, inclusive workspace, representing Spotajob’s DEI commitment.

We’re Still Learning — But DEI Isn’t Optional Anymore at Spotajob

Think of the last time you Googled a company before applying. Chances are, you didn’t just check the job description — you looked at their website, their socials, maybe even Glassdoor.Well, candidates are doing the same to you.Your job ad might be great — but if your employer brand doesn’t match it? They’ll bounce. And you might never know why.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="695" data-end="731">So… What Is Employer Branding?</h3>Your employer brand is the reputation you have as a place to work. It’s how people — especially potential hires — feel about your company before they ever apply.It includes:<ul data-start="913" data-end="1113"><li class="" data-start="913" data-end="932">Your careers page</li><li class="" data-start="933" data-end="956">Employee testimonials</li><li class="" data-start="957" data-end="1018">What shows up when people search “[Your Company] + culture”</li><li class="" data-start="1019" data-end="1065">The vibe your team gives off on social media</li><li class="" data-start="1066" data-end="1113">Even how you respond to reviews or rejections</li></ul><hr><h3 class="" data-start="1120" data-end="1164">Signs Your Employer Brand Is Hurting You</h3>❌ You get lots of clicks, but few applications ❌ Candidates ghost you after the interview ❌ You hear “I didn’t feel like I’d fit in” way too often ❌ Your Glassdoor rating is stuck in the 2sIf any of that sounds familiar, it’s time to refresh how you show up.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1445" data-end="1512">How to Improve Your Employer Brand (Without Spending Thousands)</h3><h4 class="" data-start="1514" data-end="1580">✅ 1. Show (Don’t Just Tell) What It’s Like to Work With You</h4>Stock photos and corporate slogans aren’t convincing anyone. Post behind-the-scenes team photos. Record short staff interviews. Be real.<h4 class="" data-start="1721" data-end="1776">✅ 2. Rewrite Your Job Ads to Reflect Who You Are</h4>Job descriptions shouldn’t feel like legal disclaimers. Talk like a human. Mention your values. Show people why the work matters.<h4 class="" data-start="1910" data-end="1944">✅ 3. Get Your Team Involved</h4>Encourage employees to share company moments on LinkedIn or Instagram. Real voices = real credibility.<h4 class="" data-start="2051" data-end="2091">✅ 4. Fix the Candidate Experience</h4>Your hiring process is part of your brand. Slow replies, confusing steps, no feedback — it all reflects on you.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2214" data-end="2231">Final Thought</h3>You don’t need a fancy campaign to have a strong employer brand. You just need consistency, honesty, and a little care in how you show up — online and off.At Spotajob, we help employers connect with great talent — but more importantly, we help you build a reputation that brings them to you.<a class="" data-start="2530" data-end="2612" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">Want help improving your hiring presence? Let’s talk →</a></a>

large_A hiring manager reviewing CVs in a modern workspace, with their company’s employer brand clearly visible on the screen behind them.

medium_A hiring manager reviewing CVs in a modern workspace, with their company’s employer brand clearly visible on the screen behind them.

small_A hiring manager reviewing CVs in a modern workspace, with their company’s employer brand clearly visible on the screen behind them.

thumbnail_A hiring manager reviewing CVs in a modern workspace, with their company’s employer brand clearly visible on the screen behind them.

A hiring manager reviewing CVs in a modern workspace, with their company’s employer brand clearly visible on the screen behind them.

Why Your Employer Brand Is Costing You Great Candidates — and How to Fix It

Here’s something no one told me before my first job interview: You can do everything right and still feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. And that’s normal.At Spotajob, we’ve heard so many stories from job seekers — from the panic right before the Zoom call, to the silence afterward when you don’t know if you bombed it or nailed it.This isn’t a “10 tips” kind of guide. This is what actually matters.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="998" data-end="1069">1. “Tell me about yourself” is your chance to steer the whole thing</h3>This one tripped me up every time.What they’re really asking is:<blockquote data-start="1142" data-end="1180">"Why should we keep talking to you?"</blockquote>So give them a short, punchy version of:<ul data-start="1223" data-end="1322"><li class="" data-start="1223" data-end="1253">Who you are professionally</li><li class="" data-start="1254" data-end="1283">One thing you’re great at</li><li class="" data-start="1284" data-end="1322">Why you’re excited about this role</li></ul>You don’t have to sound polished. Just clear.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1376" data-end="1419">2. Most interviewers are winging it too</h3>Here’s a secret: not every interviewer is good at interviewing. Some haven’t read your CV. Some are awkward. Some are tired.Your job is to guide the energy. Smile. Be curious. Help them remember you’re human, not just a PDF.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1664" data-end="1699">3. It’s okay to pause and think</h3>You’re not a game show contestant. Take a breath. Ask for clarification. Say something like:<blockquote data-start="1798" data-end="1857">“Hmm — good question. Let me think about that for a sec.”</blockquote>You’ll look confident, not clueless.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1902" data-end="1954">4. Ask real questions — not the ones you Googled</h3>“Where do you see the company in 5 years?” is fine. But “What does a successful first 3 months look like in this role?” is better.And if you get the vibe that the culture’s not right? Trust it. That’s what interviews are for.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2198" data-end="2238">5. The follow-up email is underrated</h3>Don’t ghost after being interviewed — even if they ghost you. A simple thank-you note with one thing you liked about the chat can tip the scale in your favor.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2411" data-end="2428">Final Thought</h3>Interviews aren’t about being perfect. They’re about showing someone what it’d be like to work with you — on a real day, not your best day.So breathe. Be yourself, but prepared. And if you mess it up? That’s okay too. There’s always the next one.We’re rooting for you.<a class="" data-start="2708" data-end="2771" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">→ See what roles are open right now</a></a>

large_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

medium_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

small_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

thumbnail_A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

A job seeker preparing for an interview while waiting outside a modern office room, holding a printed CV.

Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before My First Interview

Let’s cut through the headlines.The job market in 2025 is a weird mix — some industries are booming, others are freezing hiring. AI is changing how people work. Remote roles are still here — but so are return-to-office pushes. And graduates? They’re stuck between “entry-level” and “must have 3 years’ experience.”At Spotajob, we’ve been tracking real data, hearing from recruiters, and talking to candidates. Here’s what’s actually going on — and how you can stay ahead of it.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="818" data-end="848">1. The Competition Is Back</h3>During the great resignation, job seekers had the upper hand. Now? Employers are being pickier.We’re seeing more applications per role — especially for remote jobs and anything “creative.” If you’re applying, your CV and cover letter need to be sharp, relevant, and real.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1138" data-end="1175">2. Skills Matter More Than Titles</h3>Companies are starting to care less about “what you were” and more about “what you can do.”✅ Translating your skills across industries is a superpower right now. If you’re pivoting careers — show the overlap. Don’t let job titles limit you.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1428" data-end="1483">3. AI Is Changing Job Descriptions — And Interviews</h3>Yes, some companies are using AI to screen CVs. Yes, some are using it to write job ads. And yes — some candidates are using it to write their answers.✅ Our advice? Use AI to prepare — not to pretend. Human hiring managers can still spot the difference.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1753" data-end="1803">4. Remote Work Isn’t Dead — But It’s Different</h3>Some companies are calling people back in. Others are fully remote. Most? Somewhere in between.✅ Be clear about what you want. Hybrid roles are rising, but definitions vary — “2 days in” can mean “actually 5.”<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2027" data-end="2071">5. Certain Sectors Are Hiring Like Crazy</h3>Growing fast in 2025:<ul data-start="2101" data-end="2207"><li class="" data-start="2101" data-end="2121">Renewable energy</li><li class="" data-start="2122" data-end="2139">Cybersecurity</li><li class="" data-start="2140" data-end="2155">Health tech</li><li class="" data-start="2156" data-end="2168">AI tools</li><li class="" data-start="2169" data-end="2190">Digital education</li><li class="" data-start="2191" data-end="2207">Skilled trades</li></ul>If you’re open to pivoting, these are great places to explore.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2278" data-end="2295">Final Thought</h3>The 2025 job market is shifting fast — and it can feel overwhelming. But with the right info, you’re not behind — you’re just early to the next move.Spotajob helps you stay ahead with real listings, smart tools, and advice that actually makes sense.<a class="" data-start="2552" data-end="2611" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">→ See what’s trending right now</a></a>

large_A job board in a public space filled with job flyers and ads, showing the variety and fast pace of today’s job market.

medium_A job board in a public space filled with job flyers and ads, showing the variety and fast pace of today’s job market.

small_A job board in a public space filled with job flyers and ads, showing the variety and fast pace of today’s job market.

thumbnail_A job board in a public space filled with job flyers and ads, showing the variety and fast pace of today’s job market.

A job board in a public space filled with job flyers and ads, showing the variety and fast pace of today’s job market.

What’s Really Happening in the 2025 Job Market — And What It Means for You

Let’s face it: job hunting in 2025 isn’t what it used to be.The days of sending one CV and waiting for a call are long gone. Now it’s job boards, LinkedIn, online tests, ghosting, “entry-level roles” needing five years’ experience… yeah, it’s a lot.But here’s the good news: with the right strategy, you don’t need to spend hours a day scrolling. You just need a smarter system — and a bit of clarity.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="724" data-end="758">1. Stop Applying to Everything</h3>We get it. Rejection hurts, and applying to 50 jobs in one night feels productive. But if you’re not tailoring your approach, most of those applications go nowhere.✅ Strategy: Apply to fewer roles, but do each one properly. Target companies you’d actually want to work at. Customize your CV. Write a human cover letter. That’s what gets responses.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1124" data-end="1164">2. Fix Your Digital First Impression</h3>You don’t need to be an influencer. But if your LinkedIn photo is from 2016 and your headline just says “Job Seeker”? You’re missing chances.✅ Strategy:<ul data-start="1323" data-end="1457"><li class="" data-start="1323" data-end="1357">Update your photo and headline</li><li class="" data-start="1358" data-end="1402">List your top 5 strengths or experiences</li><li class="" data-start="1403" data-end="1457">Share something once a week (even just a short post)</li></ul>Recruiters do look.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1487" data-end="1527">3. Talk to People (Not Just Portals)</h3>Most jobs come through people — not job ads.✅ Strategy:<ul data-start="1589" data-end="1718"><li class="" data-start="1589" data-end="1631">Message someone working at the company</li><li class="" data-start="1632" data-end="1662">Ask for insight, not a job</li><li class="" data-start="1663" data-end="1718">Reconnect with ex-classmates, mentors, past coworkers</li></ul>You’re not “bothering” people — you’re building a path.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1782" data-end="1812">4. Track What You’re Doing</h3>After a few weeks, it’s easy to forget who you applied to, what version of your CV you sent, and when to follow up.✅ Strategy: Use a simple Google Sheet or Notion board to track:<ul data-start="1997" data-end="2064"><li class="" data-start="1997" data-end="2010">Job title</li><li class="" data-start="2011" data-end="2019">Link</li><li class="" data-start="2020" data-end="2036">Date applied</li><li class="" data-start="2037" data-end="2055">Follow-up date</li><li class="" data-start="2056" data-end="2064">Status</li></ul>It keeps your mind clear — and your next steps obvious.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2128" data-end="2145">Final Thought</h3>You don’t need to be perfect to get hired. You just need to be intentional, organized, and a little bold.And if you’re tired of dead-end job boards and outdated advice? We made Spotajob for exactly this reason — to help real people find real work, faster.<a class="" data-start="2418" data-end="2478" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">→ Find smarter job matches today</a></a>

large_A visual job search tracker board with pinned reminders, job postings, and follow-up notes, showing an organized and proactive job search approach.

medium_A visual job search tracker board with pinned reminders, job postings, and follow-up notes, showing an organized and proactive job search approach.

small_A visual job search tracker board with pinned reminders, job postings, and follow-up notes, showing an organized and proactive job search approach.

thumbnail_A visual job search tracker board with pinned reminders, job postings, and follow-up notes, showing an organized and proactive job search approach.

A visual job search tracker board with pinned reminders, job postings, and follow-up notes, showing an organized and proactive job search approach.

Stop Scrolling, Start Landing: A Smarter Way to Job Hunt in 2025

Recruitment in 2025 doesn’t look like it did even two years ago. Candidates are savvier. Employers are more cautious. And recruiters? You’re caught right in the middle.Whether you’re a solo recruiter or part of an agency, staying ahead of hiring trends isn’t optional — it’s your edge.Here’s what we’re seeing at Spotajob — and what top recruiters are doing to adapt.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="704" data-end="739">1. Speed Matters More Than Ever</h3>Top candidates are getting hired fast — sometimes within days.✅ Tip: Reduce interview stages, get quick hiring manager buy-in, and keep your pipeline warm. Speed is now a strategy, not a luxury.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="946" data-end="983">2. Skills Are Trumping Job Titles</h3>More companies are open to career switchers and skill-based hiring — especially in tech, marketing, and operations.✅ Tip: Update job descriptions to reflect real skills needed, not rigid backgrounds. It widens your talent pool overnight.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1231" data-end="1266">3. Ghosting Is a Two-Way Street</h3>Candidates still ghost. But now? Companies are getting ghosted too — after interviews, even after offers.✅ Tip: Build in more human touchpoints. Call candidates. Send check-ins. The more they feel respected, the more they show up.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1507" data-end="1544">4. Data-Led Decisions Are Winning</h3>Agencies and in-house teams using metrics (like time-to-fill, source quality, and rejection reasons) are making sharper hires — and faster.✅ Tip: Track what’s working. Adapt your sourcing based on conversion, not guesswork.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1778" data-end="1814">5. DEI Isn’t Just Optics Anymore</h3>Clients are asking more about how inclusive your process is — and candidates notice.✅ Tip: Audit your language. Check your sourcing pools. Make sure you’re practicing what you promise.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2009" data-end="2026">Final Thought</h3>Recruitment has always been about people — but now, it’s also about pace, process, and positioning.If you’re staying reactive, you’ll lose top talent. If you’re staying curious, data-informed, and human — you’ll win more placements, faster.Spotajob is here to keep you ahead of what’s next.<a class="" data-start="2326" data-end="2393" rel="noopener" target="_new"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com">→ Discover how we help recruiters adapt</a></a>

large_A recruiter’s desk with active hiring dashboards, interview notes, and multitasking tools, reflecting fast-paced, data-led recruitment practices in 2025.

medium_A recruiter’s desk with active hiring dashboards, interview notes, and multitasking tools, reflecting fast-paced, data-led recruitment practices in 2025.

small_A recruiter’s desk with active hiring dashboards, interview notes, and multitasking tools, reflecting fast-paced, data-led recruitment practices in 2025.

thumbnail_A recruiter’s desk with active hiring dashboards, interview notes, and multitasking tools, reflecting fast-paced, data-led recruitment practices in 2025.

A recruiter’s desk with active hiring dashboards, interview notes, and multitasking tools, reflecting fast-paced, data-led recruitment practices in 2025.

What’s Changing in Recruitment (And What Smart Agencies Are Doing About It)

Let’s be honest — talking about money is awkward. Even when you know you’re underpaid, asking for more can feel uncomfortable. Especially if you’re early in your career, or just plain relieved to get an offer.But here’s something worth remembering: Negotiating your salary isn’t pushy. It’s professional.Done right, it shows confidence, preparation, and self-respect — not ego.Here’s how to do it without making it weird, even if it’s your first time.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="896" data-end="956">1. Know What the Role Should Pay Before You Even Apply</h3>Most people wait until after the job offer to think about pay. But the smart move? Do your research up front.Check what similar roles are paying in your area or industry. You can use sites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or even tools inside Spotajob to get a rough range.This gives you a solid base before the salary conversation even begins — and helps you spot lowball offers early.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1370" data-end="1428">2. Skip the “I Need…” and Stick to “The Market Shows…”</h3>Hiring managers don’t respond well to personal stories like:<blockquote data-start="1493" data-end="1532">“I need at least £30K to cover rent.”</blockquote>Instead, try:<blockquote data-start="1550" data-end="1632">“Based on what I’ve seen in the market, I’d be more comfortable around £30–35K.”</blockquote>It’s not emotional. It’s not demanding. It’s just factual — and way more effective.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1726" data-end="1780">3. Yes, You Can Still Negotiate Without Experience</h3>Think you can’t ask for more just because you’re new to the workforce? Wrong.Even entry-level candidates can (and should) ask questions like:<blockquote data-start="1930" data-end="2019">“I’m really excited about this role — is there any flexibility on the starting salary?”</blockquote>Simple, polite, and shows maturity. That alone might impress the person hiring you.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2111" data-end="2162">4. If the Salary’s Fixed, Ask About Other Stuff</h3>Sometimes the number won’t budge — but other parts of the offer can.You could ask for:<ul data-start="2257" data-end="2441"><li class="" data-start="2257" data-end="2277">Extra days off</li><li class="" data-start="2278" data-end="2308">Remote or hybrid options</li><li class="" data-start="2309" data-end="2348">A learning and development budget</li><li class="" data-start="2349" data-end="2389">A quicker first performance review</li><li class="" data-start="2390" data-end="2441">A better title that reflects your actual work</li></ul>Sometimes those extras matter even more than the money.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2505" data-end="2541">5. Practice Saying the Hard Part</h3>You’ll never feel totally ready — that’s normal.But practicing helps.Say it out loud to a friend, in your mirror, or even in a voice note:<blockquote data-start="2688" data-end="2771">“Is there flexibility in the offer?” “Based on market rates, is £X possible?”</blockquote>Do it a few times. By the third round, it’ll feel way less weird.<hr><h2 class="" data-start="2845" data-end="2859">Bottom Line</h2>If you’re nervous to negotiate, you’re not alone. Most people are.But here’s the thing: you’re not just allowed to ask — you’re expected to.Good employers won’t take it personally. The ones worth working for will actually respect you for bringing it up.At Spotajob, we’re here to help you do more than find a job — We want you to feel confident about what you’re earning, too.<hr>👉 Start exploring jobs now on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spotajob.com/">Spotajob</a>. Find roles that match your skills — and know what they should pay, before you even apply.

large_A candidate discussing a job offer with a hiring manager in a relaxed, professional setting, representing confident salary negotiation.

medium_A candidate discussing a job offer with a hiring manager in a relaxed, professional setting, representing confident salary negotiation.

small_A candidate discussing a job offer with a hiring manager in a relaxed, professional setting, representing confident salary negotiation.

thumbnail_A candidate discussing a job offer with a hiring manager in a relaxed, professional setting, representing confident salary negotiation.

A candidate discussing a job offer with a hiring manager in a relaxed, professional setting, representing confident salary negotiation.

How to Ask for More Money Without Sounding Awkward (and Actually Get It)

Graduation is exciting — but let’s be real, it’s also kind of terrifying.You’ve spent years studying, passed your exams, maybe completed a placement or two... and now you're suddenly expected to know how to get a job?Yeah. It’s a lot.At Spotajob, we’ve seen thousands of grads go through the same thing — and we’re here to help you figure it out, without the fluff or fancy buzzwords.Here’s how to start your graduate job search with clarity and confidence.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1197" data-end="1253">1. You’re Not “Unqualified” — You’re Just Unpackaged</h3>One of the most common things we hear from graduates is:<blockquote data-start="1314" data-end="1346">“I don’t have any experience.”</blockquote>But here’s the truth: you do — you just haven’t learned how to talk about it yet.✅ Use examples like:<ul data-start="1456" data-end="1644"><li class="" data-start="1456" data-end="1494">Coursework and university projects</li><li class="" data-start="1495" data-end="1528">Part-time jobs or retail work</li><li class="" data-start="1529" data-end="1563">Volunteering, clubs, or sports</li><li class="" data-start="1564" data-end="1603">Running a blog or social media page</li><li class="" data-start="1604" data-end="1644">Group presentations or team projects</li></ul>These show real skills — communication, time management, leadership — that matter to employers.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1748" data-end="1796">2. Don’t Apply to Everything — Apply Smarter</h3>We get it: applying to 200 jobs in one night feels productive. But that’s not how you land interviews.✅ Instead, try this:<ul data-start="1925" data-end="2069"><li class="" data-start="1925" data-end="1972">Choose 5–10 jobs that actually interest you</li><li class="" data-start="1973" data-end="2012">Tailor your CV to each one slightly</li><li class="" data-start="2013" data-end="2069">Write a short, real cover letter (yes, it helps)</li></ul>It takes a bit more time — but the results are 10x better.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2136" data-end="2187">3. LinkedIn Isn’t Cringe — It’s a Secret Weapon</h3>You don’t have to turn into a thought leader. But a strong LinkedIn profile can help recruiters find you — especially for entry-level jobs.✅ Add a headline like:<blockquote data-start="2365" data-end="2457">“Recent English grad looking for entry-level roles in publishing, marketing, or research.”</blockquote>✅ List your key skills (Excel, Canva, teamwork, public speaking). ✅ And don’t be afraid to message recruiters — many are actively looking for grads.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2620" data-end="2668">4. Your First Job Won’t Define You (Promise)</h3>It’s easy to feel pressure to land your “dream job” right away. But the truth?Most people change jobs — and even industries — in their first few years.✅ Focus on getting experience, building confidence, and learning what you don’t like. That’s just as valuable as finding what you do.<hr><h2 class="" data-start="2973" data-end="2989">Final Thought</h2>There’s no manual for how to get your first job after university. Everyone's winging it a little — and that’s okay.Start small. Keep learning. And remember: the job market wants you — you just need to show them what you’ve got.<hr>👉 Spotajob was built for grads and first-time job seekers. Browse real, relevant jobs, with no spam and no black holes.🔍 Start your job search today and find your first role — faster.

large_A young recent graduate standing on a busy city street holding a rolled-up CV or folder, looking slightly overwhelmed but hopeful. 

medium_A young recent graduate standing on a busy city street holding a rolled-up CV or folder, looking slightly overwhelmed but hopeful. 

small_A young recent graduate standing on a busy city street holding a rolled-up CV or folder, looking slightly overwhelmed but hopeful. 

thumbnail_A young recent graduate standing on a busy city street holding a rolled-up CV or folder, looking slightly overwhelmed but hopeful. 

A young recent graduate standing on a busy city street holding a rolled-up CV or folder, looking slightly overwhelmed but hopeful. 

Landing Your First Job: What Every Graduate Needs to Know (But No One Told You)

Our Blog