Get back on track

To mark the recent National Careers Week, automotive industry Ben is keen to share the support it offers to those who are job hunting or looking to progress in their career

Ben’s support services team can provide one-to-one support for people in the following ways:

• Practical support for people who are looking for work

• Information, advice and guidance for managing money and maximising benefits

• Access to Ben’s free Life Coaching service by registering online and completing a short self-referral form. Whether it’s progressing your career, improving your lifestyle, or simply boosting self-confidence, Ben’s team of Life Coaches can help make those goals a reality

• Access to Ben’s digital platform, Silvercloud, with a programme on building personal resilience.

Ben also has a range of work-related tips, advice and tools to help people get back on track in their career or make the changes they want. The online tools (available at www.ben.org.uk/work) offer guidance and self-help resources on the following areas:

• Creating or updating a CV

• Writing a cover letter

• Job seeking

• Finding the right job

• Identifying transferable skills

• Preparing for interviews.

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We’re here to help and support automotive people working in the industry, including those who are looking to the future, interested in progressing their career or improving their working lives. We can provide information, advice and guidance for job-seeking, CV building and interview skills and be there to support people through any career-related changes. Work is a very important part of our lives and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. As well as providing financial security, work provides us with social connectedness and builds confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.”

“If you need help or have any questions, call us on 08081 311 333 or chat with us online using the chat function at the top of the page - we're happy to help.

"Ben is always there for those who are struggling or in crisis too. When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them."

PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS: WHAT IS STAR?

STAR is a method you can use to prepare for interviews. It helps you think about a question and structure how you answer the question:

Situation – the situation you had to deal with

Task – the task you were given to do

Action – the action you took

Result – what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience

Many recruiters and employers use STAR to assess your competency, skills, and qualities for a role. Find out more: https://ben.org.uk/how-we-help/for-me/articles/star-method/