The HR training and qualifications specialists recently announced three new, free learning events for the spring and summer. The series will kick off with "The 7 Second CV", a 30-minute webinar featuring James Reed, who will explain how to ensure a CV makes it to the top of the YES pile, along with some nuggets of wisdom for recruiters. The session will go out live 01 May at 12.30 GMT.
Based on his recently published book of the same name, James Reed will explain exactly what employers want to see in the applications they receive, along with the "Fatal Five", the key mistakes that lead to CVs heading for the reject file. There will be valuable lessons to learn from an HR perspective, too, when he reinforces what we like and dislike about CVs and puts into words the intangible things that often get labelled as "gut feel".
"We are delighted that James Reed will be the expert speaker for our May webinar," said Watson Martin Director Melanie Martin. "As Chairman of a global recruitment company, a regular commentator on work and labour market issues, and a best-selling author, James will provide valuable insight on what employers want to see in the CVs they receive.
"The key tactic, he tells us, is to ensure your CV grabs a recruiter’s attention within just seven seconds. In our sector, for example, where many HR jobs demand a professional qualification and CIPD membership as a basic requirement for gaining an interview, it is important to put that information right at the top of the CV. Tips like this really do make the difference in a competitive job market, and we are really looking forward to hearing more from James in the webinar," Melanie added.
Watson Martin also announced two other Learning Bites webinars as part of the series providing advice on studying and apprenticeships.

How to Fit Study around a Busy Life?
Many people feel overwhelmed by the thought of juggling work, family, and life with the extra pressure of studying for a qualification. To assist them, Watson Martin has chosen How to Study around a Busy Life as the theme for its second Learning Bites session in the 2019 series, going out live, 12 June at 12.30 GMT.
The webinar will provide lots of practical advice and techniques to support learning, from managing time efficiently to devising an achievable study plan. Understand that life doesn’t need to stop just because of a course. Develop a holistic approach to studying to maintain a good work-life balance. Learn how to read for purpose to retain the information needed to pass that assessment.
Leading the discussion will be HR expert Davina Jenkins, a consultant with Watson Martin who specialises in digital online learning. As a CIPD Chartered member with a Masters qualification in Human Resources Management, Davina has extensive experience in supporting a wide range of candidates through their qualifications with Watson Martin.

Apprenticeships – Your Questions Answered
Our third Learning Bites webinar will return to the subject of apprenticeships. We know from previous apprenticeship learning events that confusion remains around some aspects of the British government’s programme. As a result, the format for this third webinar will be a 30-minute discussion forum during which everything to do with apprenticeships - from the thorny issue of the 20% off-the-job training to the levy itself - will be up for debate. In the hot seat answering all questions will be our expert, Sharon White. Apprenticeships – Your Questions Answered going out live in July.

All the webinars in the new series will be hosted by Watson Martin’s L&D specialist Joseph Grech.

• The 7 Second CV with James Reed – 01 May
• How to Study around a Busy Life – 12 June
• Apprenticeships – Your Questions Answered - July (date to be announced)