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Recruitment advice

Practical advice for hiring and job hunting

Straight answers for employers making hiring decisions and candidates preparing for a move, based on the issues our consultants handle every day.

Two sides of the same goal: the right match

Great recruitment works when both sides are well prepared. Below you'll find two libraries of advice — one to help candidates present themselves brilliantly and find roles worth staying in, and one to help employers interview well, hire smart and keep good people. It's all free, and it's all drawn from what we see work every day across the North West.

For candidates

Land the role

From writing a standout CV to acing the interview and following up well — everything you need to put your best self forward.

Candidate Advice & Jobs

For employers

Hire & keep the best

Practical guidance on interviewing, reducing bad hires, writing job ads that work, and keeping your best people once they're in.

Hiring Advice

Popular candidate guides

Get interview-ready and stand out for the right reasons.

Interview Preparation

Research, structure and confidence — how to walk into any interview ready.

Interview Questions & Answers

The classic questions, and how to answer them with structure and evidence.

Common Interview Mistakes

The slip-ups that cost good candidates offers — and how to avoid them.

How to Write a CV

Tips and examples to build a CV that gets you to interview.

Popular hiring guides

Interview better, hire smarter and keep your best people.

How to Hire Staff Quickly

Fill roles faster without dropping your standards.

Writing a Job Description

Job ads that attract the people with the required experience, not just more people.

Reduce Staff Turnover

Keep your best people and cut the cost of churn.

The Cost of Recruitment

What hiring really costs — and how to make every hire count.

Let's talk

We love to talk recruitment

Whether you're hiring, looking for your next role, thinking about a move, or just want a steer on the local market, we're always happy to talk. No hard sell, no obligation — just straight, useful advice from people who know recruitment inside out.

Contact a Consultant

Free UK Salary Guide

Benchmark pay across finance, HR, IT, sales and office roles. Essential reading whether you're setting a salary or weighing up an offer — and useful for employers planning their Flex Fee hires.

Download the Salary Guide

Recruitment advice — FAQs

Is your advice free to use?

Yes. All our guidance for candidates and employers is free to read and use, with no sign-up required.

I'm a candidate — where should I start?

Start with our Interview Preparation and CV guides, then browse current roles in the Find a Job section. You can also send us your CV any time.

I'm an employer — can you advise on a specific hire?

Absolutely. Our guides cover the essentials, but for tailored advice on a particular role or hiring challenge, just get in touch with the team.

Do you cover the whole of the UK?

Our advice applies UK-wide. We have offices across the North West and beyond, and recruit nationally through our network.

Need advice on your next step?

Hiring or job hunting, we're happy to help. Speak to the team today — no obligation, just straight advice and the right next step for you.

Submit Your CV Submit a Vacancy

Or call 0161 641 2550

Email careers@howardjames.co.uk

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Talk to us

A straightforward recruitment conversation

Whether you are hiring or considering your next move, speak to a consultant who will listen first and give you a clear view of the next step.