Welcome to the StellarCVs blog.

Here you’ll find practical strategies, recruiter-backed insights, and straightforward advice to help you navigate your job search.

StellarInsights is our series unpacking what actually influences hiring decisions - based on candid responses from 50+ recruiters across Aotearoa.

We post regularly here and on LinkedIn, including myth-busting tips, practical examples, and upcoming jobseeker survey results.

👉 Follow StellarInsights on LinkedIn to stay in the loop.

Ben Shaw Ben Shaw

The AI trap.

AI-generated content is everywhere, from marketing blurbs to CVs packed with giveaway em-dashes and polished-but-empty phrasing.

But when your CV is your first real conversation with a hiring manager, authenticity isn’t optional, it’s essential.

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Ben Shaw Ben Shaw

Cover letters: Do they still matter?

Recruiters are still reading cover letters — and most say they’re essential.
This post reveals what they’re really looking for, why most fall flat, and how to write one that actually gets read.

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Ben Shaw Ben Shaw

Are 75% of CVs really rejected by an ATS?

Common questions from clients:

“Will my CV get past the ATS?”
“Do I need to keyword-stuff it?”
“Is there a secret to ‘beating the bots’?”

Today’s StellarInsight digs into what recruiters actually use ATS tools for, and how to make sure your CV gets through and gets seen.

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Ben Shaw Ben Shaw

Targeting and tailoring matter more than ever.

What really gets someone shortlisted? We asked 50+ recruiters — and the clearest theme was this: targeting and tailoring matter more than ever.
This post kicks off the StellarInsights series with practical data on why generic CVs are costing candidates the interview.

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