Career Savvy Issue Fifteen

WIN!

A TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO

A Day in the Life of...

A Professional

santa claus

• how to wrap up your work before christmas • your new year job search checklist • how to balance work & the festive period

MALAYSIA

2,000!

Worth £

S E C R E T S A N TA

Gift Ideas

‘tis the season...

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…to be jolly (as well as grab the opportunity to get yourselves lined up for an amazing career in 2015).

Seriously, put those mince pies down for a moment, there’s plenty of time for that on the big day.

2014 has been great to us; the job market is the busiest it has been in quite some time, with many employers revealing increasingly confident growth plans and recruitment drives, and everyone seeming to be knocking around with bigger smiles on their faces.

This makes us Career Savvy bunch very happy indeed, and 2015 is showing signs of being equally as awesome.

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To add to all of this good news, this, our Christmas edition, not only features all of the usual excellent regular features, but also some festive insights and pretty pictures to boot. Have a look at page 16 where we have an interview with a VERY important person, to learn just how he feels about his work at this time of the year.

Stuck for Secret Santa present ideas?

This month’s product gallery contains suggestions of some fun gifts for your colleagues to cherish. If that doesn’t wow them, maybe pull out a few of our office Christmas party game ideas.

Have fun this Christmas, eat, drink, be merry, but set aside a bit of time to plan ahead for the next year – it’s going to be a busy one.

Season’s Greetings DAVE MORGAN EDITOR

Regular features 4 sector insights

27 Rewarding Careers

6 four top christmas jobs

28 how to get into...

8 world’s most interesting jobs

30 inside the hiring process at...

Staff from the third sector tell you their likes and dislikes.

CV-Library’s rundown of some awesome festive jobs.

The amazing and creative work of a toymaker.

Helping homelessness in the rewarding role of an accommodation warden.

The booming field that is the automotive industry.

Iconic British institution Harrods. How we would love to work there at Christmas!

10 opportunities in housing

32 coolest offices

14 your stories

41 know your rights

15 games to play at the office party

44 how to...

16 a day in the life of...

46 moneymaker

Jobsgopublic share their advice on careers in housing, a growing area.

Some festive, work-related anecdotes with embarrassing twists.

Some Christmas party game suggestions that probably shouldn’t be played.

Father Christmas. He’s busy all year round you know!

news

We took a peek into the massively festive offices at gift wrap company Grand Gift.

Some infomation surrounding unpaid leave and your leave entitlement.

Balance your work around the hectic festive period.

Sharing economy site TaskRabbit and how you can benefit from it.

lifestyle

5 Industry update

11 tips to shorten your commute

7 UK living wage continues to rise

12 moving to the city

Some news and updates from the third or not-for-profit sector.

Commuting can be a real hassle - here are some tips to reduce it.

The latest on changes to the living wage and how they might affect you.

The historic Georgian delights that the city of Bath has to offer.

on the job hunt?

Developing Your Career?

20 Your new year job search checklist

34 complete a distance learning course

21 creating your personal job ad

36 your career plan checklist for 2015

22 setting up job alerts

38 how can I be more entrepreneurial?

23 using keywords on your cv

40 wrap up your work before christmas

24 all you need to know about panel interviews

42 Secret Santa Gift Ideas

Job search must-dos for 2015. Strike while the iron is hot!

Don’t wait for the jobs to come to you - put yourself out there!

Find out how job alerts can speed up your search.

What CV keywords are and how you can best utilise them.

Beat those panel interview nerves by being as prepared and clued up as you can.

26 Self-employMENT career IDEAS

Our run-down of some great self-employed career choices begins with chimney sweeps.

Discover how you can progress your career through distance learning.

Find out what must-dos should be on your 2014 career agenda.

Capture your inner entrepreneurial spirit with these useful pointers.

How to tie of all your loose ends before larging it up at Christmas.

Present ideas to make your office buddies smile.

now Available to download free from

Regular Feature

why work in the third sector?

Staff from the sector say what they like and dislike!

‘There are constant challenges in terms of supporting funds and devising new ways to source money, meaning you need to be creative.’

Adam, Fundraising Manager

‘Knowing that I’m carrying out important work motivates me every day and gives me great job satisfaction.’

Tom, Dementia Support Manager

‘It’s rewarding when you talk to people who care about the same matters that you do.’

Alex, Charity Fundraiser

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‘I enjoy working in a job where I help people and have a direct impact on their comfort and happiness.’

Jenny, Community Nurse

‘Volunteers are the backbone of our charity so supporting them is key. I enjoy working with people and ensuring they have the help they need.’

Anna, Volunteer Coordinator

news

INDUSTRY UPDATE: third sector The charity, voluntary, not-for-profit or ‘third’ sector is surprisingly a large employer in the UK. 2012 figures showed approximately 800,000 people working in this area, which makes up a large proportion of the 6.9 million public sector workers.

There are a plethora of roles within

161,266 not-for-profit organisations in the UK

800,000 third sector

The sector turned over

£39.2 billion

workers in

2012

in 2011-12

areas • Fundraising • Campaigning • Volunteer Recruitment • it • business development • marketing • operations/services • Finance

the charity sector, from fundraising, events, marketing and PR, to accounts, medicine, care and more.

Charities make up some of the largest organisations in the UK, meaning that they need lots of staff to run their operations. 11% of voluntary sector organisations report vacancies

internally, compared with 9% in the private sector, suggesting that it is well worth enquiring about positions.

Many of the larger organisations run graduate placements, internship schemes and similar recruitment drives to bring in new recruits.

Charities experience it skills gap A recent report by Nesta Impact Investments emphasised the need for charities to utilise digital technology in order to improve their operations.

Digital tools can be a massive help to charities as they can offer lowcost solutions to a range of needs, such as communications, marketing, fundraising and more. However, many currently lack the ability to implement it due to factors such as cost and lack of skills. This report suggests it should become a higher priority for charities and not-forprofit organisations to recruit individuals with specialist IT skills. It also recommends training new and current staff to be able to use new technology once implemented.

Funding Cuts Affect Small Community Groups the Most Following the introduction of the coalition government in 2010, cuts and austerity measures mean that funding for community groups has become less available. Small charities and community groups can be anything from support groups to social and developmental teams for more vulnerable members of society, and they frequently run more effectively on a localised level. Less funding has meant fewer community groups have the initial investment needed to start up, and has made it difficult for existing ones to continue to run. On a larger scale, Useful Links: not-for-profit organisations across the board are still facing adjustments to the way they operate due to jobs.thirdsector.co.uk changes and cuts to their government funding. jobsgopublic.com recruit3.org.uk

• legal

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Regular Feature

TOP 4 CHRISTMAS JOBS Deck the halls, it’s nearly Christmas time! Prepare yourself for the festive season by earning some extra pennies while helping to contribute to the magic of Christmas. Visit CV-Library here to find your next role, or view our top pick of the temp roles on offer across the UK this year.

Christmas Parcel Sorter Postal services employ thousands of temporary staff over the Christmas period, so there’s always an annual boom in this role. Picking, packing, scanning and sorting packages to ensure the right gift is received by the right person involves energy and enthusiasm. Experience is not always necessary, so if your CV’s looking bare or you’re looking for a complete change, this could be for you.

Perks of the job: • Work off those mince pies – this physical job is as good as any gym session.

• Imagine you’re an elf working in Santa’s workshop.

Christmas Bartender A temporary role in a bar/pub over Christmas and the new year can be a great way to earn good money, fast!

With bar managers having to navigate staff members taking time off and an increased customer footfall, there should be no shortage of opportunities throughout the season. And with bar work being a surprisingly physical profession, you will also feel the benefits from being on your toes all night.

Perks of the job: • Earn tips and learn new tricks.

• Enjoy nights out without touching a drop or spending money.

Christmas Sales Associate (Jewellery Retail) Jewellery retailers across the country see a massive increase in their number of sales at Christmas, and in turn look to hire additional sales associates. If you’re a social person, you can use your people skills to assist shoppers in making those important Christmas gift decisions.

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Perks of the job: • Earn more with sales-related commission.

• Bail out forgetful husbands who have left it until the last minute.

Father Christmas If you have a penchant for wearing red and wobbling your belly like a bowl full of jelly, look no further than current vacancies for Father Christmas. The role is a very important one and is perfect for those with a vibrant personality and a natural rapport with kids.

Perks of the job: • Experience unparalleled job satisfaction.

• Work alongside an experienced team of elves and reindeer.

news

UK Living Wage

continues

to rise

As of the 3rd November the UK living wage was raised by 20p to £7.85 per hour and £8.80 in London. It is a voluntary rate based on the amount needed to cover the basic costs of living. It has now been implemented by more than one thousand employers, therefore benefiting 35,000 workers. However, for those not earning the living wage this can be frustrating news as more of us struggle to afford the necessities.

T

he amount of companies paying the living wage aim to cut the number of low paid workers by one million has doubled over the past year, but 22% of the by 2020. It also suggests that the government should use working population are still earning less than it for its own workers, as should private sector companies the 2013 figure of £7.65 – that’s more than five million who can afford to. However, smaller companies should people. Rhys Moore, the director of the Living not be forced to implement it if this puts jobs at risk.

Wage Foundation, said that low pay is a Campaigners are adamant that the minimum strain on the economy as workers have to wage of £6.50 no longer reflects the real cost We need to use benefits to top up their salaries and of living. Frances O’Grady, the general create far less tax is being collected. He says that secretary of the Trades Union Congress, more living the main principle of the living wage is said: ‘We have the wrong kind of recovery wage jobs ‘rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair with the wrong kind of jobs – we need to day’s pay’. create far more living wage jobs, with decent hours and permanent contracts’.

Wages in general are not rising as fast as prices, which is putting pressure on workers to afford a basic Therefore it’s a double-edged sword, with the economy living. The average weekly earnings are rising by 0.9% in general suffering because of people who have to rely compared with inflation at 1.2%. People are having to on benefits, while companies simply cannot afford to work multiple jobs or take overtime every day of the pay these higher rates. We can only hope that more week, which means they are missing out on valuable businesses experience growth over the next year and once family time or a life outside of work. As a result, workers they do, that they are willing to treat their workers fairly are left feeling demoralised as they feel underappreciated by offering the living wage. for their efforts.

Many government figures such as David Cameron and Ed Miliband support the principle of the living wage.

However, some companies argue that paying it could lead to job losses and others claim that after being hit by the financial crisis, they cannot afford to raise staff costs.

The Living Wage Commission, an independent inquiry into the rate, believes that the UK government should

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Articles you may find useful: * Surprisingly Well-Paid Jobs * Minimum Wage Increase: Is it Enough?

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Regular Feature

TheWorld’s Most INTERESTING JOBS

TOY MAKER

T

here is nothing more magical than the smile on a child’s face on Christmas Day as they unwrap their toys from our favourite guy in red. But what is the story behind these gifts? As a toy maker you could be responsible for both designing and helping to bring these creations to life. From teddy bears, to board games to collectible toys, your hard work could be appreciated by children and collectors around the world.

Toy makers use their incredible imagination to create toys that will satisfy the educational and social needs of children. When a maker/designer thinks of an idea for a new toy, they not only decide on its appearance but also how it will operate. Once their design has been developed, their drawing skills are used to record their creation on paper or on a computer via specialised software. Toy makers also decide on the materials their product will be made of and the tools to build it, which they will also use for the toy’s prototype before presenting their creation to their employer. If a toy maker is self-

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employed, they will need to sell their prototype to a toy manufacturing company. The design will then be passed on to the manufacturing team within the company and they will work alongside the designer to create this new toy. In fact, the toy maker will oversee the majority of the process and may even be involved in the marketing of the product once it’s ready for the market.

Michelle Jewell, toy maker and creator of the toy line Finkelsteins, revealed in this interview for Etsy: ‘I sketch before every sewing project…I started making toys because it made me happy. I couldn’t have imagined this idea would take me around the country meeting people who enjoy them, too.’

If a toy maker has a passion they want to pursue then they can specialise in creating a specific sort of toy or even focus on producing them for a particular age range.

For instance, some may design specifically for board games or perhaps create collectible figures/soft toys for collectors. This will dictate the criteria a toy maker will have to follow for their designs. If creating toys for

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As a toy maker you could be responsible for designing and helping your creations come to life.

A bachelor’s degree is the most common level of qualification among toy makers, usually in the subject of graphic/industrial design due to the inventive creations required of a toy designer, or in engineering because of the production environment in which they work. The skills you’ll need to possess will partly depend on the area of toy design you want to specialise in. The role may require you to be talented in one or more of the following elements: woodwork, sewing, sculpture and of course drawing.

You will need a good eye for detail as well as the ability to work well with your hands. Written and interpersonal skills are also important in terms of explaining your ideas and presenting them to your employer/clients, as well as for marketing the toy once it’s created. You need to be aware of trends within the industry and have the ability to adapt and keep up with these in order to create the next best thing on the market.

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children, they must pass the necessary safety measures, be robust to avoid breakage and their appearance must appeal to those of a young age. However, if they create collectible items, more time will need to be spent on making sure these products are of a high quality, so they possess the necessary components that cause them to be high in value.

So if your dream is to keep the children of the world smiling with toys that will make memories and last a lifetime, then why not consider a career as a toy maker? Your innovative ideas could make such an impact, even Mr Claus himself will be worried by the competition!

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Regular Feature

Opportunities in Housing THE PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE

November 12th 2014 marks #HousingDay, an annual event aimed at raising the profile of and celebrating the work accomplished by the housing profession. We’re also raising awareness by highlighting the opportunities available and answering key questions you may have about the industry.

What is a housing association?

A housing association (HA) is a not-for-profit organisation which owns, lets and manages a number of housing properties. Its primary function is usually to make housing available and affordable for all that need it.

For a number of HAs this will involve focusing on one particular group of people or simply those in a specific area.

what jobs are there in housing?

The most common role found in HAs is that of a housing officer, which can sometimes be known as a neighbourhood officer or estate officer. The duties of a housing officer are based around the allocation of housing and the day-to-day maintenance and management of a certain number of properties. This will include assessing the needs of those applying for housing, allocating vacant accommodation, carrying out regular inspections of properties, as well as dealing with anti-social behaviour and broken tenancy agreements.

staff to gain them. The Chartered Institute of Housing is the chief professional organisation for qualifications in the field and offers flexible courses at all levels (see here).

Why work in housing?

It is a rewarding profession which provides a great deal of gratification in helping some of the most vulnerable people in society secure suitable accommodation.

Working in housing also allows for the development of a number of key skills, including: • Organisation and time management • Communication • Working under pressure • Analytical skills • Negotiation Housing is an essential industry without which, the most vulnerable members of society would be without suitable accommodation. With great career prospects, it is an industry on the rise and employers are incredibly supportive of training, developing skills and aiding career progression. For all the latest vacancies from the top housing employers, click here.

Other positions within housing include: • Housing advice officer • Property surveyor • Arrears officer • Tenant participation officer • Accommodation warden While it is not essential to have housing qualifications, it is becoming increasingly common for HAs to encourage

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For all the latest public and not-for-profit sector vacancies, head to jobsgopublic.com

lifestyle

Tips to SHORTEN YOUR

COMMUTE Commuting is most people’s worst part of the day. There’s little you can achieve in that time, and traffic can elongate what should often be quite a short journey. That’s why we’ve put together some top tips for cutting down your commute.

GET OFF EARLY Especially if you’re travelling by bus or hitching a lift, you might find that as you head into the more congested city centre, traffic moves at a pace you could crawl at. Ever been sat on a bus or in a car and been overtaken by someone walking at a leisurely pace? Brave the outdoors by getting off before you hit the worst of the traffic and walk the remainder of the way. The walk will wake you up a bit and energise you so you’re ready for the day.

tAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT You might love the comfort of your own car, but you cannot deny that ditching it may well help reduce your commute. Buses and trains have the advantage of being able to use bus lanes and tracks that you cannot. As a result, it’s worth assessing your commute to see if any of it can be reduced by using public transport instead. You’ll be helping the environment too, which is always a plus.

CYCLE More and more cities are increasing funding into their cycling lanes and facilities in a bid to reduce congestion and encourage this more efficient way of commuting.

If you are able, cycling can be a great option to reduce your commuting time, get fit and save money. Over time, the price of a bike will pay for itself compared to the costs attached to driving or using public transport. It’s worth checking with your company if they offer a cycle to work scheme, where they pay or contribute towards a new bike for employees that wish to ride their bike to work.

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lifestyle

Moving to the City: bath T

his festive period we’re looking at the many opportunities in the beautiful city of Bath, which just so happens to hold one of the best Christmas markets in Britain. The magic behind the Bath Christmas Market is not only its idyllic backdrop of Bath Abbey, but that all of the 180 stalls offer local produce, making it the only quintessentially British Christmas market in the country. So aside from the heaps of festive cheer, what else does this picturesque city have to offer?

With a value of £2.3 billion GVA and 62,000 people employed in the city, Bath’s economy is certainly a healthy one. Its abundance of attractions means the city’s tourism and retail sector is very affluent, and it also has a great reputation for success in the creative industries.

Tourism alone provides approximately 8,200 jobs thanks to the 750,000 visitors that stay in the city each year, as well as three million day visitors, who provide around £150 million into the economy. The tourism and retail sector as a whole is responsible for around 20% of employment in Bath, therefore there are plenty of opportunities to be had.

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The creative industries contribute approximately £220million GVA to Bath’s economy and provide jobs for about 6,700 people, making them a significant employer.

Self-employment opportunities are also rife with an estimated 2,500 self-employed workers in the sector.

With big names such as Future Publishing and Parragon Books having headquarters here, there are plenty of affluent opportunities.

Bath’s city centre appeals to all ages due to its amenities, beautiful scenery and vibe, but its high prices mean locations in the surrounding area are preferable to many young professionals and families looking to get more for their money.

The average rent prices in Bath (per calendar month): £374 for a room in a house or flat £976 for a flat £1,447 for a house Just south of the centre is the vibrant community of Widcombe, with its fantastic restaurants, bars and shops to keep residents entertained. The beautiful surroundings, including the Kennet and Avon canal, allow you to enjoy relaxing walks with friends and family. Its community

“ Bath city centre appeals

to all ages due to its amenities, beautiful scenery and vibe

“

feel, amenities and greenery make it a popular area for both young professionals and those with a family. Prices are reasonable too, with predominantly terraced and semi-detached properties available.

Newbridge is equally appealing, again with plenty of green spaces thanks to Victoria Park, but it has a slightly quieter vibe. However, Chelsea Road provides plenty of local shops and other amenities such as a pub, café and restaurants. Families are drawn to Newbridge due to the number of good primary schools in the area.

Attractions: The Roman Baths are a must-see as they’re the best conserved Roman ruins in the world. There is also the Jane Austen Centre where you can delve into the world of one of our greatest novelists. To check out the many festivals in Bath, click here. But the Bath Christmas market (see here) should be at the top of your list to get you in the mood for the festive period.

For more attractions, click here.

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Random Facts about bath

1 In 2007, 17,500 Roman coins were unearthed in the grounds of Gainsborough Bath Spa. 2 While living in New King Street, astronomer William Herschel first spotted Uranus through his telescope in his back garden.

3 Despite the Royal Crescent being the most recognised, there are in fact seven crescents in the city.

4 As well as being a type of biscuit, the Bath Oliver is also a coupon which acts as a currency in the city for residents, volunteers and local businesses.

5 The Circus and Stonehenge share the same diameter and both represent the sun in some way. Many believe this is because John Wood, who built the Circus, was a Druid.

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Regular Feature

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LIQUID COURAGE Dan, 26, Chester

At our office Christmas party, a lady from accounts had a few too many sherries. She decided to confess at the dinner table that she didn't like anyone she worked with and preferred her cats to us. Needless to say it caused some tension back in the office.

e store I hile decorating th w , as m st ri Ch st e new La d me to put up th ke as ss bo y m , in worked annequin, I le dismantling a m hi W y. la sp di w e do win y foot stuck in th m t ge ow eh m so managed to e with through the stor k al w to d ha I . find head foot in order to y m on ad he in manager the mannequ me pull it off. My lp he to r ke or w my cod. was not impresse

TH E LU C K O F TH E D RA W Fran, 32, Inverness

My workplace had a Chris tmas fĂŞ te to which family and friends of the staff were invited. There were various fundraisers and your norm al attractions.

My colleague was in char ge of the tombola. Little to his know ledge, someone replaced some of the tic kets for pieces of paper with profanities written on them. A lot of the guests were obviously shocked - just as much as he was. We still to this day do not know who was responsible, but my pal de finitely got the blame.

t Shopping Lis - Apples - Oranges - Pasta - Milk

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Pin the Tail on the Drunkest Person

5 6

Entire Office Dance-Off

Who Can Walk in the Straightest Line?

8

ABBA Singing Contest

(all performers must stand on a table)

2 3

Regular Feature

1

8 OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY Games to Play at the

Hide the Company Credit Card

4

7

Find the Company Credit Card

Boardroom Table Limbo

Brussel Sprout Eating Contest

Regular Feature

A Day in the Life of...

Christmas grottos will have recently sprung up all over the country to provide festive cheer for children and their families over the holiday season. But what if you could be a part of the magic of Christmas? Chloe Franchina spoke to ‘Celebrity Santa’ to discover the ins and outs of a career in impersonating the big man himself.

How did you become a professional santa claus? Did you need any specific training or education?

I always performed in pantomime in either the comic or dame roles. I had already appeared in 25 pantomimes and I was booked to play a dame one year, but it was cancelled at the last moment. To bail me out, a friend hired me for a few corporate Christmas parties; after providing me with a red suit he asked me to play Father Christmas. That was four years ago. I absolutely loved it!

I have always been a perfectionist so for Christmas the year after I turned down pantomime and bought a Santa Claus suit, a yak wig and beard from America, and researched online about the origins of Santa Claus. I haven’t looked back since.

“

What is the best advice you have ever received?

I was a contestant on the Christmas special of the quiz programme Pointless Celebrities raising money for charity.

After the show, I was chatting to Linda Lusardi and she said I was a fantastic Santa but my eyes looked too young.

I now use liquid latex to give my eyes more wrinkles so I look older – the difference is remarkable.

You need to have a great sense of humour and to be true to the spirit of Santa

You have to love Christmas and spread the excitement to both children and adults alike. You need to have a great sense of humour and be true to the spirit of Santa.

what does a typical day consist of?

It really depends on what I have planned on the day.

Today I got up at 7am to go and film a promo for an events company, then after that I headed straight to a boutique in Chelsea until 9.30pm, and I got home around 11.30pm. In truth, there is no such thing as a typical day. You could be anywhere in the UK visiting sick children, doing a photoshoot for a product, or appearing on a quiz show. There is no limit to what people will ask you to do.

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Seeing the reaction on children’s faces.

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What would be your biggest tip for someone looking to follow your career path?

First of all you need to be convincing as the character of Santa Claus. Once you have found your own version of the legend, you need to spend money on a good Santa suit and yak hair Santa beard.

If you’re just going to look like someone in fancy dress you are wasting your time.

Also, make sure you work for a reputable Santa hire agency. There are some good ones out there, for example I work for Hire Santa Ltd as they handpick all the Santas and turn down many who are not up to their high standards. In addition, if they think you are good enough they will supply you with your costume for the season and provide you with training too.

“

What personal qualities do you think are essential to be good at your job?

What is the best thing about your job?

What’s been the most challenging part of your career so far?

I went to a young child’s house last October. He was dying from cancer and the family brought Christmas forward as he had only days to live. I surprised him and brought him presents. He was such an inspirational young man, so well-mannered and polite. He had a great

@celebritysanta

celebrity santa

time and his family were incredible. When I left I just sobbed. The next day he passed away. I still think about that brave boy every day and it always puts my own life’s troubles into perspective.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Presenting my own little show for a music channel. It was my first time using autocue and I loved it. I cannot say much about it as it is a secret until December.

If you could spend one day in a different career, what would it be and why?

I think I would like to be a pre-school or nursery teacher as they have a very important job which can be very inspiring and fuels children’s imagination.

Watch Celebrity Santa in action.

Website: www.hiresanta.co.uk Email: info@hiresanta.co.uk Tel: 020 7125 0795

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WIN A M a l a ys i a n

Orangutan Experience

IN BORNEO Wo r t h ÂŁ 2 ,0 0 0 !

O

rangutans, one of the great apes, are born with an ability to reason and share nearly 97% of our DNA. The indigenous peoples of Indonesia and Malaysia call them ‘orang hutan’ which translates to ‘person of the forest’.

Orangutans are ‘critically endangered’ due to poaching and habitat loss. There are only about 40,000 orangutans remaining in Borneo and Sumatra, having decreased from an estimated 60,000 ten years ago.

Career Savvy are offering the prize of a lifetime: a free trip to Malaysia, where one lucky reader will fly to the island of Borneo courtesy of StudentUniverse. The winner will also be a part of the Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour offered

by The Great Projects.

This trip involves spending two weeks visiting orangutan centres and national parks exploring the incredible rainforests and helping to conserve the natural orangutan habitat.

The winner will help carry out vital work that protects orangutans, as well as discover the descendants of its indigenous tribes.

For the chance to really make a difference and have a life-changing experience...

C LI CK TO E N T E R Closing date: midnight Sunday 1st February 2014.

Competition open to UK residents aged 18 and over only.

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job hunting

Your New Year

Job Search Che c k li s t

If the past year has seen your job search hit a brick wall and fail to produce some good results, it’s time to look to the future. Now 2015 is around the corner you can put the unanswered applications behind you and gain a fresh start. To ensure the new year brings new opportunities with it, see our job search checklist below.

A clear-cut career path

Focused applications

Interview preparation

A follow-up strategy

If you’ve had little response to your applications, it may be due to the type of roles you’re applying for; perhaps you’re not really qualified or they don’t suit your current skill set.

Take this opportunity for a clean slate to identify what it is you’re looking for and can realistically achieve. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, transferable skills and distinctive selling point that helps you stand out from your competitors.

Do extensive research into industries/companies you’re interested in to find suitable roles and gain indepth knowledge to create an impressive application.

If you’re focused and realistic about your career goals, you’re more likely to achieve them.

Tailoring your CV and cover letter for each application is vital and this extra effort can often be overlooked when applying to lots of roles each day.

This new year, don’t let this attention to detail slip even if this means reducing your number of daily applications: better it takes longer and succeeds than rushing through loads and hearing nothing back. Clearly present your key achievements and qualifications and ensure they’re relevant to the position. Proofread both documents carefully as there’s nothing worse than sloppy mistakes in an application. By targeting your application to each employer, you’re more likely to impress and receive positive feedback.

Interviews need just as much preparation as applications. Be ready for the new year by researching different types of interview (group, panel, etc.) and how to prepare for them, so you’re ready for anything. Uncover the most commonly asked questions by the employer you’re interviewing with, as well as in general.

Preparing your answers in advance will prevent you from being thrown in the interview, boosting your chances of success. If you suffer badly with nerves, the interview may be your biggest obstacle. To combat this, introduce regular mock interviews into your job search strategy to improve your technique, so you can impress when it matters most.

A lack of response from employers is perhaps the most frustrating aspect of a job search. Previously, you may have been reluctant to discover why you haven’t reached the next stage, but now is the perfect time to start this part of your job hunt. Follow up applications and interviews with a phone call/email to the relevant recipient to ask if they would like to progress you to the next stage and, if not, what your strengths and weaknesses were. It may be tough to ask and receive, but it could be the thing that helps you secure your next job. Sending ‘thank you’ emails to your interviewers refreshes your name and interview in their mind, perhaps swaying their final decision.

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job hunting

CREATING YOUR

PERSONAL JOB ADVERT If you’re looking for a new method of discovering your dream job that avoids completing endless questionnaires and/or psychometric tests, creating a personal job ad could be the solution. Rather than scouring endless job postings with little clue as to what role you’re looking for, compose your own ad to discover opportunities that you might not have considered.

WHAT ARE THEY?

GAIN FEEDBACK.

Imagine job boards posted adverts which promoted candidates rather than jobs so employers could scour them to discover those who are best suited for their vacancies. A personal job advert is what you would post about yourself if this was the case, comprising of concise paragraphs that detail your skills, qualities and aspects of your personality relevant to the working environment.

For example: ‘A well-organised and strong-willed professional whose passions reside in public speaking and travel, is looking for a full-time role. Skills include fluency in Spanish, project management and customer service…’

Instead of posting it however, you can send this advert to a list of professionals whose opinions you value, to gain their thoughts on the career paths your skills etc. are suitable for and that you should be considering.

Your next step is to obtain feedback from your list of professionals. Send your job ad to a range of people in various industries and professions in order to gain a good range of perspectives on your skill set and qualities. In your message, ask your contacts to suggest three careers they believe would be suitable for you: make sure you ask them to be honest and specific with their answers. Their range of knowledge and expertise should help produce a good variety of suggestions for you to consider, many of which you may not be aware of or have recognised your suitability for.

PROMOTE YOUR QUALITIES. You have to imagine that you’re trying to spark an employer’s interest in you, so you need to concisely define what you’re about and your core values. This involves briefly outlining your skills (languages, numeracy, etc.), passions (travel, design, etc.) and beliefs (gender equality, etc.). Also present your individual merits such as being organised, determined and/or resilient. However, avoid listing specific job titles you’re interested in or your educational/employment history; you want your chosen recipients to be able to present you with a wide spectrum of roles rather than limit them by including specifics.

CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS. Once you receive your responses, take a long hard look at the suggestions. Make a note of all the ideas no matter how ‘out-there’ they are – it’s always worth researching ideas just in case. Look out for any recommendations that come up more than once as this is a good indication that this role is one you’re particularly suited to. The idea of this process is to prevent yourself from being blinded by one ‘dream career’ and opening your mind to routes you may not have thought of before. It’s also a good alternative to help keep your job search alive and improving your chances of success in the job market.

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job hunting

SETTING UP

OB JSearch Alerts

When looking through the vast forest that is the online job ad network, finding what you want can be a bit of a headache. But don’t go for the low-hanging fruit for sake of ease.

There are tools you can utilise to help those ideal job ads fall from the top branches.

What are they?

Job search alerts are tailored notifications about vacancies that are relevant to you. Most job boards and career sites will run them. Job boards want to find great candidates for the employer as badly as you want to find a job that suits you, so setting them up can be an ideal solution.

?

How does it work?

Why Should I Do It?

But Wait...

When uploading your CV, most job boards have the option to select whether you want to receive job alerts – usually via email. If your CV is already uploaded, you can log in and change your settings on each job board so you start to receive them. You’ll be asked more detailed questions about your job hunt, such as preferred sector, job title, salary bracket, full or part-time and so on.

The broader your criteria, the more alerts you will receive, so be aware that being vague will result in receiving more notifications for jobs that you’re not as interested in.

Firstly, it’s a great time saver. Scanning job boards and reading each ad takes up a lot of time if done thoroughly, which it always should be. Alerts will help to ensure your job search continues on a regular basis, as frequent notifications about new vacancies will keep the hunt fresh in your mind.

You can also use this method to sift out job adverts that are unsuitable for your needs. All these services are free to you as a jobseeker, so there’s no harm in giving it a go.

Don’t forget to keep checking job boards. Not all jobs will be sent to you as an alert, and you don’t want to miss out on anything. Also, remember to keep updating your criteria based on your situation to ensure you receive the most relevant jobs to you. Be aware that you could be contacted from time to time with unsuitable vacancies as recruiters may want to try and persuade you to apply – this is an inevitable part of jobseeking. You never know, your ideal role could be something you haven’t already considered, so keep an open mind.

Key WORDS

on your

CV

With more and more recruiters becoming dependent on software to search for and screen CVs, it’s extra important to use the correct keywords in your CV so your application is exactly what they’re searching for.

Use industry specific terms Hirers will search for CVs that contain terms that have a direct relevance to the role, but also in its specific industry.

For example, they might search for ‘media sales’ to generate more industry targeted results than just ‘sales’. If you have any experience related to the sector, it’s vital to include this, even if it isn’t in the exact role you’re applying for. If you can, put these terms at the beginning of the CV, to help your application appear higher on the list when being searched.

Analyse the job ad The job advert itself has been written to include keywords, as recruiters use them to try and attract the right candidates, and help their job ads appear further up in searches. Nine times out of ten, these keywords match those the employer will be searching for in the applications they receive. With this in mind, take the job advert and highlight everything that your CV will need to include. The types of things to look out for include years of experience required, the job title, the essential skills needed for the role and the level of qualifications.

“ Use dynamic phrases

”

Rather than using generic phrases, such as ‘I helped with…’, ‘I planned to…’ use dynamic language that will appeal to the reader and stand out from the crowd.

For example, ‘initiated’, ‘devised’, ‘strategised’, etc. Using vague language or long phrases just uses space on your CV that could be taken up with much more valuable information. For a more detailed insight into what you should include, click here to have a look at phrases in your CV that employers love.

job hunting

USING

job hunting

All You Need to Know About

Panel Interviews A panel interview is when you face several members of a company at once. They will likely involve three to five people, but can be more or less. A panel interview usually takes place later in the hiring process, for example the second or third interview. However, this is not always the case, as some companies can use them straight off the bat. The idea is that you meet several members of the company at once so that they can collectively discuss each candidate and come to a decision on who to hire. This style of interview is becoming increasingly common and implemented in the hiring process for a variety of roles, not just the top ones. As with any interview, it’s important you prepare as much as possible, so how can you ensure you perform well?

Know the Panel When the interview is being arranged, ensure you ask who will be on the panel. This will help you to prepare by knowing how many people there will be and what their position is. If you can, research them further using the company website and LinkedIn. During the interview, it’s a good idea to take an active interest in each person and their role within the business, as it confirms your interest and desire to work for the company.

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Be Consistent If this is not your first interview with the company, regardless of whether the first was face-to-face, over the phone or through Skype, ensure your answers and points are consistent with what you have previously said.

There may be members on the panel that you have already spoken to on previous occasions, and they will be expecting you to expand and develop on the information you have already given them. This is not the time to change tact as it will raise suspicion that you are not as genuine as they initially thought.

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Speak to Each Member Regardless of who asked the question, you should answer all of the panel members collectively. It’s important to make eye contact with everyone, even if some people are less vocal than others. Though there may be people in the room that aren’t asking many questions or interacting with you directly, they are still going to have an input into the outcome of your application, so it’s important that you engage with them too.

Prepare for Notes Some people can find it unnerving when interviewers jot down notes during the interview. Rest assured that this is a perfectly normal part of panel interviews and doesn’t give any indication of how you are doing. A lot of companies have forms they have to fill out to score your progress, so this part of the interview is totally routine. Try not to pay too much attention to what they are doing, as it will just distract you from your answers.

Keep Your Cool It can be a bit nerveinducing when being interviewed by several people – it’s not an everyday situation to be in. Recognise that your nerves are perfectly normal and that the interviewers see anxious candidates on a regular basis. Make sure you take deep breaths and have confidence in your ability to perform. A bit of small talk with the interviewers before the interview itself begins can really help ease you into it.

Take Your Time A panel interview is likely to be more indepth and rigorous. As a result, it’s important you don’t rush your answers and make sure they come out well-formed. Take your time to consider what is being asked. A good technique can be to paraphrase the question at the beginning of your answer, which buys you a few more seconds of thinking time and allows you to ensure you understand it.

For example: ‘My biggest weakness would be…’

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Regular Feature

SELF-EMPLOYMENT CAREER IDEAS:

Chimney Sweep Self-employment is now recognised as an advantageous career route, with 4.6 million people now self-employed in the UK. Whether you’re pursuing a passion or need a career that better suits your lifestyle, self-employment can provide the answer. This month we’re considering the increasingly popular role of the chimney sweep: with many of us installing wood burners to warm up our homes, this service is seeing a surge in demand.

Duties

Skills

Education and Training

The work you’ll complete on a daily basis will involve a variety of tasks including carrying out inspections of chimneys or flues, cleaning them and clearing up any debris/soot afterwards. You’ll need the ability to work with tools and equipment to complete these tasks, such as extendable brushes, smokegenerating machines and CCTV cameras. Protective clothing must be worn, including a face mask and overalls. You must also provide safety advice to your customers concerning their chimney or flue and suggest when they’ll next need your services.

Your working day will tend to be 8.30am until 5.30pm on weekdays, but you may find you need to work some Saturdays too. Shifts will be longer in the spring and autumn due to a higher demand. Your salary will depend entirely on the hours you choose to work, the clients you assist and the reputation you manage to establish. The cost per job could be anywhere between £35 and £70, or perhaps even more depending on the value you bring to the service and your clients.

Physical fitness and being comfortable with heights are both essential qualities to possess for obvious reasons; this can be a strenuous job and you’ll need to work at considerable heights on a regular basis. It will help if you’re a practical worker who is able to learn and work with equipment easily as these skills will be required daily.

Your interpersonal skills should be excellent in order to communicate efficiently with your customers and build up a positive reputation for your services. As you’ll be running your own business you’ll need good organisational skills as well as the ability to calculate fees and work out rates. Initially you will need some skill in handling paperwork and keeping accounts, but if this isn’t possible then you’ll need to set aside money to pay someone to do this for you.

Before you set up your own business you of course need to gain some experience first, which is best obtained through on-the-job training with an established chimney sweep.

Gaining membership through a reputable organisation such as the National Association of Chimney Sweeps will reassure clients that your work is of a high standard. To join the NACS you are required to complete induction training which will take around four days and comprises of an on-site assessment.

They also provide specific training in aspects such as fire safety and CCTV inspection. You can even earn a Level 2 Diploma in Chimney Engineering/Cleaning. To provide your clients with the best possible service it’s also worth completing the HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep scheme once you’re a member of a professional association. This will enable you to present your customers with a certificate assuring them that your work has been executed to the right safety measures.

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Regular Feature

Rewarding Careers:

Accommodation

Warden

Sheltered housing is offered to vulnerable people who need somewhere safe to reside. As an accommodation warden, you will be responsible for managing a specific site and ensuring the wellbeing of your residents; whether they’re homeless, of the older generation or have some form of disability. By providing support for people in need on a daily basis, you’ll always feel rewarded.

Day-to-Day

Skills Required

You’ll pop in to see how your residents are doing every morning, as well as manage the workers responsible for cleaning, cooking and the general upkeep of the accommodation. To provide sufficient care you’ll liaise with both the family of your tenants and other professionals such as social workers and doctors. You may also need to respond to emergencies concerning those living on the site. You’ll be in charge of both organising repairs and providing adequate security for the housing you’re managing. Residents will need entertaining and wardens are responsible for organising activities such as games, clubs, or outings to various locations. When anyone new arrives it’s your job to explain about your role, how social housing works and make sure they feel welcome.

You must be approachable and caring so residents feel comfortable asking for assistance. As the point of contact for those who need support or have general enquiries, being a good listener and having the ability to empathise with vulnerable people is essential. Your organisational skills should be excellent in order to run the sheltered accommodation successfully. You’ll need to be able to cope under pressure as you may need to respond to emergencies and/or handle multiple duties at once.

What Makes It So Rewarding?

As well as carrying out important duties across the site, you are someone your residents can turn to when they need someone to talk to during a difficult time in their lives. A housing officer from Brunelcare explained in this article: ‘My job role is diverse and every day is different; apart from spending time out and about on the sites I also have work in the office…I am also involved with interviews, disciplinary procedures and I am a health and safety representative and a staff representative…I thoroughly enjoy the challenges that my role brings and I am continually learning.’

Salary & Entry Requirements Most employers will place more importance on previous experience and evidence of good interpersonal skills than qualifications, although a minimum of GCSEs may be required. If you have volunteered to help vulnerable groups in the past this will certainly help your application. Studying health and social care will improve your chances of securing a role due to the knowledge this will provide you with in terms of the assistance residents will need. Otherwise, you’ll likely receive training on the job and Useful Links: this could lead to you achieving www.cih.org/ NVQ Level 3/4 in health and www.indeed.co.uk/Shelteredsocial care, leadership and Housing-Warden-jobs management for care services or property and caretaking supervision. A starting salary for an accommodation warden is £13,000-£15,000, which can increase to £22,000 with experience. Accommodation managers can earn approximately £35,000.

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Regular Feature

: o t n i t e g How to

the automotive industry The UK automotive industry is experiencing positive growth – it’s currently the strongest it has been for six years. 1.13 million cars were made in the first three quarters of 2014, which is already an increase of 0.6% on the previous year. The growth can be attributed to a rise in demand for new vehicles in the UK, as well as improvements in the general economy. With seven major car manufacturers based here, as well as seven commercial vehicle manufacturers and eight major sports car manufacturers, there are plenty of opportunities in this sector.

Working in the automotive industry combines engineering and manufacturing trades. Hands-on work experience is vital for getting into the industry, even if you’re not anticipating a hands-on or practical role.

Apprenticeships are a great route for anyone looking to gain hands-on training while earning, and they’re offered by large as well as smaller businesses.

variety Many engineering and manufacturing roles offer a combination of both office and workshop-based work.

This can be appealing to anyone who doesn’t like the idea of a purely office-based role or those who want to incorporate practical work.

Roles/Areas Engineering Engineering is a solid career choice with lots of opportunity for progression and good salary prospects.

A huge part of engineering involves problem-solving and analysing – discovering why certain things don’t work and helping others work more effectively. It can involve a range of design work, often using CAD (Computer Aided Design) and mathematical skills. It is a popular area, but one that requires more skilled workers.

Manufacturing

The automotive sector has experienced a spike in the last 12 months and this signals an increase in opportunities.

As the demand for vehicles continues to rise, so does the demand for staff to cope with this increase.

Manufacturing is the more detailed process of how things get put together. It often involves working on a specific part of the building of a new vehicle, or a broken down stage. Manufacturers will be trained to know the ins and outs of the specific vehicle parts. Depending on the level of the role, you could be working in a workshop or on a factory floor, operating and working with specialist items of machinery.

Salary

Mechanics

Pay can be lucrative: starting salaries for graduate engineers in this field average at £23,000-£30,000.

Apprentices can also earn a similar figure once they’ve completed their course and have some years of experience. More experienced engineers can expect closer to the £45,000 mark and senior roles can succeed £65,000.

Mechanics is the practice of finding practical solutions and ensuring everything functions as it should. It also involves diagnostics and repair work. Mechanics can involve roles that are theoretical, practical, or a combination of both.

Why automotive?

Growing Sector

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Transferable Skills

Problem-Solving

Teamwork

Accuracy

A lot of roles in the automotive industry involve problem-solving skills. When obstacles arise, the most effective solutions need to be found. It requires people with keen analytical skills, to be able to anticipate issues before they happen.

The automotive sector involves lots of different stages – especially in the production of a vehicle. For anyone working in engineering or manufacturing, it’s important to be able to work well with your team, as well as other groups that are working on a different aspect of the production stage than you.

With complex technical processes, it’s important that every aspect and detail is considered. Someone with a keen eye and a conscientious way of working will fit in well to an industry where accuracy is so important.

Want to Read More?

• How to get into maritime engineering • how to get into real estate

• how to get into the police • how to get into recruitment

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Regular Feature

INSIDE THE HIRING PROCESS AT...

Harrods is recognised worldwide as a luxury brand that’s extremely proud to be British, and it places great importance on the satisfaction of its customers.To provide this excellent service, Harrods relies on its employees and therefore strives to find people who have the same passion and core values that govern the business.To discover whether you have the potential to succeed in their hiring process, here is our short guide.

“

Prowess in teamwork, customer service and innovation is highly valued by Harrods, thus this is what they’ll be looking for. You’ll need to show your awareness of and ability to project Harrods’ brand ethos throughout your application: B – BRITISH L – LUXURY I – INNOVATION S – SENSATIONAL S – SERVICE

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The next stage is the invitation for a phone or video interview which will focus on the information you provided on your CV. This is your chance to explain how relevant your experience and qualifications are to the position, so take advantage by expanding on the information that’s in front of the interviewer. Remember to ask questions concerning the role so you have a better idea of your suitability and what may be expected of you at the next stage.

Teamwork, customer service and innovation are qualities Harrods values

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“

There’s an abundance of areas you can work in (see the full list here) including: • Accounting and Finance • Buying and Merchandising • Creative and Design • Customer Services and Client Care • Sales and Retail • Visual Merchandising

Once you’ve thought carefully about which role you’re most suited to and want to apply for, submit your application online with your CV attached, making sure you sell your relevant skills and experience effectively. If you’re applying for a role on the shop floor then you’ll also be required to complete a questionnaire comprising of multiple choice questions aimed at evaluating your suitability. If you’re successful you will be contacted within two weeks.

If you’re successful and are applying for a sales role (such as on the shop floor) you will move on to an assessment centre. There will be up to 15 candidates attending and you will complete a group exercise, role play and faceto-face interview. The group exercise will comprise of a fun project which will be carried out with some of the other hopefuls.Your assessors will be judging your ability to work in a team, handle social situations and use your

initiative. The role play is based on providing a specific service for a customer, therefore you’re being tested for your attentiveness, interpersonal skills and ability to bring about customer satisfaction. Finally, your second interview will be focused on your expertise concerning the role and department you’ve applied for – so make sure you’ve done your research. If you ooze confidence and have a list of genuinely good ideas, you’ll pass with flying colours.

If you’ve applied for a head office or retail manager role you will not face an assessment centre but simply head straight to an interview with a Harrods’ recruiter. It will usually last around 45 minutes and will be more focused on your ability to handle the role on offer. Those who have applied for technical roles may also have to complete a task/project after the interview as further evidence of your skills.

Examples of Harrods Interview Questions: Why do you want to work for Harrods?

What skills and experience will you bring to Harrods?

What do you consider to be exceptional customer service?

What motivates you?

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

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Interesting Facts About Harrods

1. Around 12,000 light bulbs illuminate the building in Knightsbridge and roughly 300 need changing every day.

2. Harrods sold a baby elephant called Gertie in 1967 to Ronald Reagan as the animal was the symbol of his party.

3. On its busiest days Harrods can receive around 300,000 customers.

4. The first escalator in Britain was installed here in 1898.

5. The silver replica of Harrods displayed in store was a gift from Gordon Selfridge: he lost a bet with the Harrods’ managing director over which store would make the largest profit in 1927.

How well do you work in a team?

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Regular Feature

coolest OF FIC ES If you like Christmas decorations, you’d be absolutely beside yourself to get a job at gift wrap company Grand Gift, based in Russia.

The only decorations to rival these are likely to exist in Santa’s grotto itself. They really have gone to town with the festive décor, so much so that it’s hard to move without bumping into a present or a dangling snowflake. The log pile walls give the feel of a Scandinavian ski cabin, while the large balls of yarn and knitted toy kittens make you feel as though you are in Santa’s workshop.

If all that wasn’t enough, stars hang from the ceiling to complete that magical, wintry atmosphere. We’re also sure you will not be shocked to learn that there is more than one Christmas tree in this office. The big, ornate light fittings are reminiscent of the decorations we put on our trees – but on a much larger scale.

We’re not sure whether this office is fully kitted out for Christmas all year round, but we’re guessing it probably is.

free monthly advice

click here to

subscribe!

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Grand Gift MOSCOW, russia

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career development

PROGRESS YOUR CAREER:

Complete a Distance

Learning Course To boost your prospects and set you up in line for a promotion in the near future, a distance learning course could provide you with the skills and/or qualifications you need.

This will not only open more opportunities for you in your current role, but also increase your self-confidence and strengthen your CV for when you’re ready to move on.

Target a weakness

Learn in your own time

Access online resources

There may be a particular aspect of your role you want to improve, such as IT skills, and a distance learning course can enable you to do so by expanding your knowledge. You may even gain a qualification in the subject at the end of the course, depending on the provider/type of course. This will build up your CV to not only help you feel more stable in your current role, but improve your chances of success if you choose to move on. Alternatively, you may be looking to take on a leadership role, but feel that your lack of experience will prevent you from achieving this.

A distance learning management course could give you the edge over your competition, as you’ll develop the necessary skills to be an effective leader, such as project management.

This will provide both you and your manager with the confidence you need to trust in your ability to lead.

Thus a distance learning course can enable you to take control of your career development, by targeting any weaknesses that you feel are holding you back from progressing further.

Of course there is the option to take evening classes through a college or learning centre, but this restricts you to learning at specific times which may conflict with your current schedule. The beauty of distance learning is that you can do it in your own time, when it suits you.

By choosing to study comfortably from home you will also cut out the costs and efforts associated with the travel to and from evening classes.

However, this freedom does come with the responsibility to make sure you actually take the time to work at home, even if it’s after a long, hard day at the office. Also, some courses will have a time limit for you to complete them (usually one year) so it’s important to stay focused. As long as you’re determined and can manage your own time effectively, a distance learning course will be the perfect way to develop your skills alongside a full-time role.

Nowadays distance learning courses are much more interactive, with online resources providing support for students through forums, group tutorials and a contactable tutor.

This means if issues do arise there are always people you can get in touch with straight away to discuss strategies and/or solutions. On top of helping you expand your knowledge these contacts will also help you to broaden your network as well as develop your interpersonal skills – all of which will aid your career development. Your continuous interaction with online resources such as research documents, search engines and video content will also improve your technology skills which is vital for anyone who wishes to progress in their career these days.

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Find out more about distance learning with ABCC ltd.

SPONSORED

The Importance of Qualifications: ENHANCE YOUR CAREER WITH CERTIFICATIONS FROM

and high-tech equipment in the military, to becoming a key asset in locomotive engineering at TrainFX. The troubleshooting abilities Andy developed during his training was a vital asset to him and his new company.

To expand his project management skills, he decided to book PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner Training and MSP Training® with The Knowledge Academy.

E

veryone is looking to increase their earning potential and opportunities for career progression by broadening their skills and boosting their CV. Don’t miss the rush, take a certified course run by The Knowledge Academy – they could be the perfect match for you!

Accredited qualifications are a key asset to make you stand out from the crowd in today’s highly competitive job market. In fact, 86% of hiring managers indicate certifications are a high or medium priority during the candidate evaluation process. Undertaking related courses within your industry will help you gain those invaluable skills which will not go unnoticed. Established in 2009, The Knowledge Academy has been offering a wide range of high-quality courses in a number of different industries and at affordable prices, to aid learners in their journey to develop their career since the UK’s economic downturn. The Knowledge Academy’s hard work has not gone unrecognised: they are proud winners of Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year at the Private Business Awards, while also being nominated for a number of other awards.

Ex-military engineer Andy Wakefield is an example of someone who has gained great success from a qualification achieved through The Knowledge Academy.

Andy has utilised his existing engineering expertise and successfully transitioned from working on aircraft

‘I found the PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner Training course very useful as much of my work is project-based, using a lifecycle to deal with issues and stakeholders when required – which is a regular occurrence in my job,’ explained Andy. ‘This training has given a formal process to what I’m doing already, helping me work by the book and filling a key skills gap in the company.’

Our trainers keep a complex subject simple and courses are completed in a relaxed environment, helping you to pass the exams and gain accreditation first time.

If you are looking to take the next step in your career or expand your knowledge and credentials, visit The Knowledge Academy’s website to check out their huge range of courses.

Found a course you like? Call 01344 203999 – Make sure you quote CareerSavvy1 to receive a discount on your course.

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career development

Your Career Plan Checklist FOR TH E N E W YE AR A significant percentage of new year’s resolutions are career related, as many people seize the opportunity to evaluate their current situation and discover what they can do to boost their career development. To achieve substantial progression in your career next year, here’s our career plan checklist.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

SET ACHIEVABLE GOALS

Once you’re comfortable in your role it’s easy to adopt the habit of remaining in your comfort zone. However, to ensure you’re reaching your potential, you need to push yourself by trying new things and taking risks.

This will help you to identify new strengths or areas of improvement, enabling you to expand your skill set. Such challenges can be taking on a new project or offering to lead a team. Continuously pushing yourself to reach your potential will not only ensure a healthy career development, but your efforts will also be recognised by your employer, thus improving your chances of achieving a promotion/raise.

To develop you need something to work towards, so it’s important to set goals you can achieve in various amounts of time: short, medium and long-term. Whether you aim to develop a new skill, gain a qualification or receive a promotion, make a note of your goal, time frame and how you plan to achieve it. You can be fully aware of your development by ticking off your achievements as you complete them. It’s important that you set realistic time frames to increase your chances of career progression. When your boss sees your dedication to your development and great organisation skills, they’ll likely be impressed and perhaps provide you with more responsibility or even a raise.

BUILD YOUR NETWORK A network isn’t just useful when you’re searching for a job, in fact, it’s far more important to establish and maintain one in preparation for a future job hunt. Utilise social media effectively – particularly LinkedIn – in a professional manner to reach out to people in your industry and potential clients. Attend relevant events to target people whose experience and expertise will help you to advance your own career. This will ensure you stay up to date with industry news and build good relationships with people who may be able to bring opportunities your way in the future. Therefore when/ if you decide to move on you can use this established network to your full advantage.

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MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS If you don’t already have regular appraisals then increasing their frequency should be of top priority this coming year. Receiving regular feedback on your work provides you with the information you need to sustain your strengths and improve weaknesses. Also look into setting up or becoming part of a mentoring scheme.

Asking someone successful and who you admire to be your mentor can help you gain an alternative perspective on your career and identify areas of improvement. As someone else’s mentor you can highlight aspects of development you might not have thought of. Regular outside opinions can help you reach your potential by covering all areas of your career development.

career development

How Can I Be More

ENTREPRENEURIAL? Being an entrepreneur no longer refers purely to those who have started up their own business, as more people begin to explore the qualities of an entrepreneur – innovation and extreme passion – within their organisation.

By thinking and acting like one in the right situations, you can achieve great career development. So how can you become more entrepreneurial?

SPEAK UP

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS Being entrepreneurial is not about achieving your goals on your own: to be successful you will need the support of those around you. By being aware of what your strengths are, you can identify areas you’ll need support in. For example, if you struggle with numbers, you will need to find someone with the necessary skills to handle this side of your project. It’s about knowing how to delegate as well as where to use your own skills to achieve the best result from your mission.

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It’s difficult to make a difference if you’re reluctant to get your voice heard over the crowd. You don’t necessarily have to lead or manage a project to be more entrepreneurial; what you do need to do is express fresh and innovative ideas, such as suggesting new ways to reach company targets. Furthermore, taking risks is a quality strongly associated with entrepreneurs, so don’t be afraid to do so when you’re relatively confident about the rewards to be gained.

FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION In order to succeed you need to feel strongly about your idea/mission so you will not resent spending a lot of time and effort in seeing it succeed. Find or come up with a project you can focus on, such as solving a frequent problem or developing a programme you feel will genuinely improve the business.

If you’re truly passionate about your pursuit then you’ll inspire others to believe in your mission too, thus it’s more likely to succeed. If you remain focused on your goal you’ll avoid wasting your time and effort on any distractions.

WHY ISN’T YOUR CV WORKING FOR YOU? Former professional recruiter, Career Codex founder and job market strategist Simon Gray unlocks the secrets to finding success in today’s competitive job market.

When people ask for advice on how to find success in the job market, the first question they pose is usually about their CV – how good is it and how could they improve it?

A common misconception is that there is such a thing as a perfect CV and that cracking the CV code will secure you the job of your dreams. This is a misconception for two reasons: 1) Whether your CV is fit for purpose or not has very little to do with you, it has everything to do with the employer.

2) It’s not all about what your CV says, it’s about how you proactively attack the job market with it that really counts.

As a jobseeker, thinking differently and asking the right questions is the secret to standing out from the crowd and finding the job you deserve.

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THE SUPER SECRETS OF SEEKER SUCCESSFUL JOB

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SIMON GRAY

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THE SUPER SECRETS OF

The road to success is never a smooth one, there are always going to be obstacles and new bits of information cropping up to test you. A successful entrepreneur is able to handle these challenges effectively by adapting their strategy accordingly. However, they also know when to take risks and when to be persistent in order to achieve their goal.

It is this balance between being flexible and remaining true to your goal that signals entrepreneurial skill.

SEUCCCREESSTFSUL S

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BE FLEXIBLE

To sign up for the latest information from Career Codex, including details of our new free online workshops covering all aspects of a successful job search, please visit http://careercodex.co.uk/#newsletter In return, you’ll receive our free guide ‘5 things successful jobseekers know that others don’t’.

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Career Codex is an employability, education and training company, offering a unique and innovative approach to job market success.

careercodex.co.uk

career development

How to Wrap Up Your

work before

christmas However excited we get for the festive period, there’s always a nagging worry about making sure everything is done before you have some much required time off. The end of the year often signals deadlines, extra business and loose ends that need to be securely tied up. With some preparation and top tips from Career Savvy, you can relax, put your feet up and tuck into that glass of mulled wine.

1. plan in advance

3. Don’t Take Extras On

To ensure you get everything done, it’s vital you are clear on exactly what needs doing. Begin by making a comprehensive list of everything you want to accomplish before the break. Then order your tasks based on urgency and importance. Often, getting on top of what needs to be done is half the battle. At this point, it would be wise to have a chat with your manager to make sure your plan meets their expectations of what will need to be done in preparation for the Christmas break. This will prevent any nasty surprises cropping up on Christmas Eve.

When asked by a manager or co-worker if you can take something on, it can be difficult to say no. However, if you feel at maximum capacity already, you can end up letting people down if you cannot finish everything on time. It’s better to be honest and ask if anyone else can help out. Similarly, explain you are swamped but will aim to take on the job once you’ve tackled some of your to-do list. Being eager to help all year round can turn around to bite you at times when everyone is busy and there are lots of extras to be picked up. It’s important you explain your situation honestly but politely – no one likes a moaner!

2. full steam ahead

4. Prepare For Christmas

As with any annual leave, it’s important to make sure you can get ahead of yourself, so as not to fall behind during the holidays. Starting now, begin to tick extra tasks off your list to allow you more time further down the line. Take advantage of the calm before the storm by getting everything you can signed off and out of the way.

That way, while everyone else is running around on the 23rd, you’ve got plenty of time to wrap Auntie Maureen’s Christmas present and pick up some snacks for Rudolph.

It’s not just in a work capacity in which you will have a lot to do around the festive period. There are presents to be bought, family to see, Christmas parties to go to and more. Leaving everything to the last week before Crimbo will lead to you having to rush around in your personal life as well as at work. Buying your presents early and planning your social calendar for the next month or so will help you save a lot of time and effort, meaning you can relax more in the run up to Christmas.

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£

Know Your

While everyone else is running around on the 23rd, you’ve got plenty of time to wrap Auntie Maureen’s Christmas present.

Rights unpaid leave

Full-time employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid leave a year. If working part-time, the amount of leave you’re entitled to is calculated on a pro-rata basis. However, many workplaces offer additional unpaid leave.

5. Prioritise Managing your workload is all about knowing what to prioritise. It may be that you’re working on tasks leading up to Christmas that can wait until the new year. If you feel you should be working on other things, it could be time to chat to your manager and suggest you change your focus for the next couple of weeks.

Some industries are busy in the Christmas run-up and quiet in January, and others experience the exact opposite. You need to determine what business will be like in the weeks and months to come in order to make informed decisions.

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The Law:

Advice:

You’re only entitled to be paid for your statutory leave entitlement. You can calculate this here. The employer doesn’t have to pay you for additional leave offered, but may offer more than the minimum statutory amount. Additional unpaid leave is often not compulsory, however, employers are required to offer up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave to those who have worked at the company for a year or more.

Parents are entitled to this leave before their child is five or, if their child is disabled, until they’re 18.

Any rules surrounding additional leave should be outlined in your contract or staff handbook. When extra or unpaid leave is mentioned, first ensure that you are receiving your minimum entitled leave by using the calculator. If you are unsure, you should speak to your line manager to clarify your entitlement.

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1. Don’t burn out

3. Prioritise

During the festive season there will be plenty of parties to attend. But if you do have work the next day, try not to stay too late as this could affect your effort level and no doubt you still have important deadlines to meet before the holidays. Also, take care of yourself as an increase in alcohol and sugary foods will take its toll.

Work out all of your commitments and decide what needs to be done now and what can be left until the new year. Knowing that you don’t have stacks of paperwork waiting for you will help you enjoy yourself more. Also, don’t over-commit yourself; do you really need to go to every friend’s Christmas party?

2. Recharge

4. Enjoy

How to: balance work and the festive period

Unless completely necessary, spend your evenings not thinking about work so you can relax and recharge your batteries.

If you do feel like you need a change, think about what you can do differently next year. Perhaps you take on too much and need to take a step back or maybe your motivation could be improved?

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Outside of work, make the most of the holiday season by spending time with family and friends that you don’t see often. This is the perfect time for those who work 24/7 to let their hair down, so take a few days off where you can and enjoy yourself! Looking forward to your Christmas break will also help to motivate you to meet your deadlines in the weeks beforehand.

Regular Feature

rite

ou Our fav

tweets of the month

Moneymaker be quids-in while looking for work.

Michael Spicer @MrMichaelSpicer

Job interview tip: Tell them you’re not an applicant, you’re an appliCAN. Lick your finger, hold it against buttock.

Make sizzling noise.

Terry F @daemonic3

Really want to try out a career in tracing, or something along those lines.

Pig @_sweet_ham

I never wanted to believe that my Dad was stealing from his job as a road worker. But when I got home, all the signs were there.

Jake Vig @Jake_Vig

“You see those footprints? It looks like our killer had feet.”

- If you want to know why I was fired as a writer on CSI. Amanda @Pandamoanimum

Today is #nationalpoetryday, Everyone tries to be a Bard.

With only 140 characters to write a verse that makes sense, it’s really bloody har For excellent career tips and advice

follow us on twitter @careersavvymag

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Sharing economy site TaskRabbit is a great new way to make extra money. The idea is that it matches ‘taskers’ with people that need odd jobs completing. These include duties such as cleaning, personal assistance, help with moving and/or handy jobs around the home.

Customers pay for the service provided. It can be a good way of working flexibly around other commitments. Taskers bid on a job that a customer needs doing. For example, you may offer to weed someone’s lawn for £40.

The customer will be more likely to choose a low bid, but also be aware that you can build up a good reputation from good reviews as a tasker, which also makes you more likely to be chosen.

As a tasker, you only need to bid on jobs you would like to take on, meaning you will not get lumbered with anything you would despise doing.

As the jobs are bid on, there isn’t a set wage for a tasker. The money is paid by the customer through TaskRabbit, which you can then withdraw at a later date.

To find out more, click here.

team Savvy

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• How to Last Until January Pay Day • Job Search Projection 2015 • Stand Out From the January Job Search Crowd

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