It’s Sunday, August 3, 2025, and in this week’s roundup, learn in 5 minutes or less:

Let’s talk job applications — especially for early careers roles.

I’ve been speaking to a lot of Talent Acquisition members of staff about candidates who send in job applications, and I wanted to share some recurring themes that keep coming up. If you’re applying for roles right now, especially internships or entry-level positions, this might help you stand out.

📝 1. Skipping the cover letter? Don’t.
If a role asks for a cover letter, always include one. Not sending one comes across as careless and honestly, it’s often an automatic no. It shows the employer you’re not that interested to complete one…

🤖 2. Copy-paste ChatGPT cover letters are obvious.
I love AI tools. They’re great for inspiration, structure, or overcoming blank-page anxiety. But please don’t just paste whatever it spits out. Hiring managers can tell when something’s generic, robotic, or lacks your voice. Always personalise it and make it feel like you.

🎯 3. Make it specific to the role.
If you’ve done something great, like attended an insight day, worked at McDonald’s, or volunteer as a teaching assistant, this is amazing! But connect the dots.
Tell recruiters and hiring managers why that experience matters for the role.
What did you learn? How did it shape your interest in the company or develop skills you’d use on the job?

📄 4. Keep the CV tight.
Unless you’ve had years of experience (and even then, 2-3 pages max), try to keep it to one page. Most student or grad roles don’t need more than that. Clear, focused, and relevant is better than long and overwhelming.

🔍 5. Read the job description — properly.
It’s wild how many people apply without checking basic requirements. If a role says “students only” or “based in London”, and that doesn’t apply to you, it’s probably not the right fit. Take time to tailor, not spray and pray.

If you’re applying right now: don’t let small mistakes cost you big opportunities.
Be intentional, specific, and show them why you.

You don’t need the fanciest background to land the role, you just need to show you care enough to make a great first impression. 💼

We’ve got a free webinar coming up: “From Application to Offer – Stand Out & Succeed in a Tough Job Market.”

If you want expert tips and practical advice to boost your applications, sign up here:
👉 https://thecareerguard.com/event/from-application-to-offer-stand-out-succeed-in-a-tough-job-market/

If you found this helpful, forward this to a colleague who needs the reminder. And if you’re not yet subscribed, join thousands of readers leveling up each Sunday at TheCareerguard.com

Dominic - Co-Founder of The CareerGuard

If you want to get serious about your money in 2025, automation is your best friend.

Set up automatic transfers to your savings account right after payday — not after expenses. This “pay yourself first” strategy helps you build savings without relying on willpower.

The same goes for investing. Platforms like Vanguard, Fidelity, or even apps like Freetrade or InvestEngine let you automate monthly investments into ETFs or index funds.

It’s not about timing the market — it’s about time in the market.

Automate your bills, automate your investments, and watch how much mental energy (and money) you save over time.

Small, consistent contributions > one-off financial sprints.

It’s quiet wealth-building season. Let your systems do the heavy lifting.

We are now working with Quilter, Quilter Financial Planning, and Austin Okolo from Gen Z Recruitz to help more young people step confidently into a career as a self-employed financial adviser.

Too many still don’t realise this is a career path open to them — one where you can build a flexible, fulfilling, and financially rewarding future while making a real impact in people’s lives.

We’re on a mission to close the adviser gap by opening the door to fresh, diverse talent and supporting the next generation of professionals with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to succeed.

If you're driven, entrepreneurial, and passionate about helping others achieve financial security, this could be your career breakthrough.

👉 Apply to join the journey here: https://lnkd.in/e5QGGwXK

Let’s change the face of finance — one adviser at a time.

Want to end your day on a high and start the next one with clarity? Try the Daily Debrief Method — a simple 10-minute ritual that can transform your productivity.

At the end of each workday:

This reduces decision fatigue in the morning and keeps your goals aligned, even on chaotic days.

Bonus: Pair this with a “shutdown routine” — close your tabs, clear your desk, and mentally clock out. It signals to your brain that work is done, making it easier to truly rest and reset.

You don’t need a productivity overhaul — just better transitions.
End the day intentionally, and you’ll start the next one with purpose.

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated — but powerful — skills you can build in your career: strategic thinking.

No, it’s not just for senior leaders or consultants. Strategic thinking is about being able to zoom out, connect the dots, and make decisions that align with long-term goals — not just what’s urgent today. It’s what helps you turn a task into a smart move, a job into a stepping stone, and a conversation into an opportunity.

You don’t need a strategy job title to think strategically. It could be as simple as asking yourself: “Why are we doing this?” or “How does this move the needle?” The people who can see both the big picture and the detail — and act accordingly — are often the ones who rise fastest.

Want to build it? Read case studies. Reflect on the why behind your work. Get curious about how your industry is evolving. And when you face a decision, pause and think about second-order effects — what might happen after your first move.

Strategic thinking isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about seeing beyond what’s in front of you. And in today’s competitive market, that mindset is what sets you apart.