Searching for a job has changed dramatically over the last few years.
Gone are the days when you could upload one CV to a job site and wait for the interviews to roll in. Today’s job market is increasingly digital, competitive, and often confusing. Behind many online applications are automated systems, artificial intelligence, keyword screening, and recruitment platforms that can reject applications before a human ever sees them.
For many people, especially those returning to work after a break or changing career direction, it can feel overwhelming.
At Starting Point, we see this every week through our CDL-funded Digital Job Clubs. As well as helping people access vacancies, we’re helping them understand how modern recruitment works and how to position themselves effectively in a rapidly changing jobs market.
Recently, Sipra, came to us for support after struggling to secure interviews for administrative roles.
Together, we reviewed her CV and identified a potential issue. She had taken a career break, but this wasn’t clearly explained within her CV. In a world where many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications, missing information or unexplained gaps can sometimes mean a CV is overlooked before it reaches a recruiter.
We worked together to add information about her career break and explored ways to present her skills and experience more effectively.
As Sipra had decided to widen her search and consider retail opportunities, we then looked at several retail vacancies and used the job descriptions to adapt her CV so that it better reflected the skills employers were looking for. Rather than sending the same CV to every employer, we discussed how tailoring applications can significantly improve the chances of success.
We also explored additional job sites and recruitment platforms she had not previously used, along with vacancies available directly through major supermarket employers.
Sipra left with a clear action plan and intends to continue developing her retail-focused CV before beginning her applications.
Reflecting on her journey, she told us:
“Since working with Starting Point I have learned lots. I only started applying for jobs after learning from you. There is so much you need to know.”
What Sipra highlighted is something we hear regularly.
Many people assume that finding work is simply about having the right experience. In reality, today’s job seekers need to understand:
- How Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) work
- How to tailor CVs for different roles
- Where employers advertise vacancies
- How to create effective online profiles
- How to use AI and digital tools responsibly
- How to identify genuine opportunities and avoid scams
- How to demonstrate transferable skills when changing sectors
These are skills in their own right, and they can make the difference between receiving no responses and securing interviews.
Thanks to funding from CDL Software, Starting Point delivers two Digital Job Club sessions every week, offering practical, personalised support to local residents. Tuesdays 10-11.30am at Starting Point in Woodley and Thursdays 1-2pm at Offerton Library.
Whether someone is:
- Returning to work after a break
- Looking for their first role
- Changing career direction
- Struggling to get interviews
- Unsure how to use online recruitment platforms
We can provide guidance, confidence, and hands-on support.
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in today’s digital world, including the increasingly digital world of work.
As recruitment continues to evolve, we’ll continue helping local people build the confidence, skills, and knowledge they need to navigate it successfully.
If you’re looking for work and would like support, get in touch with Starting Point to find out more about our Digital Job Clubs. Call or text us on: 07724 217888 or email hello@startpoint.org.uk