ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.
Your current browser is not capable of using this site without JavaScript. Please use an updated browser or enable JavaScript to continue.

ICAEW guide to successful job search

ICAEW has teamed up with Simon Gray, ICAEW Chartered Accountant, former recruiter and founder of Career Codex, to create a series of nine podcasts offering expert insights in how to find and secure the job you want.

In any competitive industry, especially business and finance, knowing how to write a CV and basic interview techniques are no longer enough to succeed in securing your first job. You also need to have an understanding of the job market, appreciate how your mindset impacts on the roles you apply for, how to access jobs that are never advertised and how to showcase your skills and achievements effectively. Listen now to these podcasts to learn more. 

Getting started 

In the first podcast of the series, host Simon Gray, outlines the four crucial elements to securing your business or finance job: environment; psychology; planning and process.

 The job market environment

Simon Gray, looks at the job market and especially the importance of the ‘hidden market’ – this is the place where many job opportunities exist before ever being advertised. 

The psychology of job search success

Simon Gray, examines the impact attitudes and beliefs have on your ability to secure the job you want. Simon looks at how having the right mindset is essential to finding success in the job market and explains the critical relationship between beliefs, thoughts and actions. In this podcast, Simon is joined by Jonathan Firth, Managing Director Michael Page Finance.

The importance of planning your job search

Most people would agree that planning is an essential part of business success. However, when it comes to job hunting, most candidates don’t plan at all, let alone plan for success. In this podcast host Simon Gray and his fellow industry experts, explain the importance of planning your job search, how to develop a personal plan that is right for you, and how to stick to it to help ensure your success. Simon is joined on this podcast by Sally Adams, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Electrocomponents Plc; and Jonathan Firth, Managing Director Michael Page Finance. 

CVs that stand out and impactful cover letters

Simon Gray, believes: ‘Just as a movie trailer highlights the key elements of a film you’re considering watching, your CV shouldn’t tell your life story, but instead contain enough relevant information to grab the interest of the reader.’ In this podcast, Simon is joined by Sally Adams, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Electrocomponents Plc; Andrew Clark, Finance Director at Costa Enterprises; and Jonathan Firth, Managing Director at Michael Page Finance.

Getting in front of decision makers

In this episode, our host Simon Gray, discusses how to approach the people who can help you get the position you want and access the ‘hidden’ job market. Simon explains why pro-active job searching and contacting the right people in the right way could open doors to jobs that you didn’t even know existed. In this podcast, Simon is joined by Sally Adams, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Electrocomponents Plc; and Andrew Clark, Finance Director at Costa Enterprises.

The power of networking

In the seventh podcast our host Simon Gray, along with several industry experts, discusses the importance of networking, having a good networking strategy and how it will help you build relationships with key players in the job market. In this podcast Gray is joined by Sally Adams, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Electrocomponents Plc; and Andrew Clark, Finance Director at Costa Enterprises.

Positioning yourself online

In this episode, our host Simon Gray advises on how you can use LinkedIn to access the ‘hidden’ job market and engage with key players. LinkedIn was launched in 2003 as a professional networking platform and is increasingly used by employers as a cost-effective tool. In this podcast, Simon is joined by Sally Adams, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Electrocomponents Plc; Andrew Clark, Finance Director at Costa Enterprises; and Jonathan Firth, Managing Director Michael Page Finance.

Delivering a first-class interview

In this final podcast our host Simon Gray and his guests discuss some of the myths surrounding interviews and offer their top tips on how to make sure you perform at your best during an interview. They also discuss the importance of doing research for the interview and how to ask great questions that demonstrate your experience, knowledge and enthusiasm. Simon is joined by Sally Adams, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Electrocomponents Plc; Andrew Clark, Finance Director at Costa Enterprises; and Jonathan Firth, Managing Director Michael Page Finance.

  • "Aaron

    Completing the ACA is a massive achievement but is only the beginning. It bestows upon you a mindset that nothing is beyond your capabilities...

    Read more

    Aaron Townsend

    Habito

    London, UK
  • "Zoe

    I love working in areas which I’m passionate about – fashion and ecommerce.

    Read more

    Zoe Wong

    Chief Growth Officer, Vivobarefoot

    London, UK
  • "Gabrielle

    It is a challenging and demanding journey but you learn so much from your studies and your daily work environment.

    Read more

    Gabrielle Fayd'Herbe

    PwC Mauritius

    Mauritius