The quip way to win work
Comic Iain Stirling knows being unemployed is no joke – so the voice of Love Island is here to help you talk your way into a dream job
SMART-talking funnyman Iain Stirling always has a hilarious one-liner to hand – and understands the importance of making a big impression fast by saying the right thing.
So the brilliantly witty voice of ITV2’s Love Island is just the job to help you come up with the best words to impress a potential boss. Now Iain, 33, who writes his own material, has joined BT’s Stand Out Skills programme to show job hunters how to create a killer CV, covering letter and LinkedIn profile that employers can’t ignore.
“As a stand-up comedian I know it’s important to grab people’s attention right from the start, and the same goes for your job application,” Iain explains.
“Having an employer sit up and take note of your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile is the first step towards getting ahead of your competition.
GET NOTICED
“Words have the power to leave a lasting impact on an audience, so it’s important you choose the right ones. That’s why I’m delighted to be involved in the BT Stand Out Skills campaign, to help people nail those job applications and present themselves in the best way on LinkedIn so they can land their dream job.”
Standing out from the competition when looking for work is essential but it can be an intimidating challenge. And it’s not just in the interview that you need to shine – using engaging writing to create a CV, application letter or LinkedIn presence also gets you noticed.
With the UK in another national lockdown, a new study by BT has revealed that an overwhelming majority of jobseekers have been negatively affected by their employment search in the past year, with four in five attributing a downturn in their mental wellbeing to looking for work. The research also showed the average job hunter has unsuccessfully applied for 16 roles over the past 12 months.
Almost half of jobseekers said rejections and the hunt for work had knocked their self-confidence. This lack of self-belief persists through all stages of the job search. Just 22 per cent are confident their CV and covering letter will stand out, while even fewer believe in their ability to impress and leave a lasting impression in an interview.
That’s where BT and Iain can help. Iain made his first break into comedy in his last year at Edinburgh University and his quick wit took him to the finals of the Scottish Comedian of the Year.
Since becoming the voice of Love Island in 2015, Iain has added a long list of TV and radio credits to his CV, and is an Edinburgh Fringe favourite. Writing his own material has made him a master of the rewrite, a useful skill for job hunting. “Your words need to hit the spot because you need to land what makes you good in seconds, but don’t overthink. Get words down, then rewrite, trimming and sharpening.
“And do your research. When I’m writing, I always play with what’s topical at the time, and it’s the same with an employer. Do some digging about the company and write down something specific that shows an employer you really want to work with them.”
BT launched Stand Out Skills as part of its Skills for Tomorrow programme.
It has also enlisted The One Show presenter Anita Rani to help you create a positive mindset, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Divina de Campo shares tips for putting the wow factor into your application.
Each week you can access helpful hints and inspirational advice, and BT will post new information every day on its social media channels and the website BT.com/StandOutSkills. When it comes to applying for a job, don’t forget to be yourself, advises Iain: “Showing your personality in your writing is one of the most powerful assets you have.”