Last of the Holidays
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It’s that month, you know, the one with the final bank holiday of the year. Some may be eking out the final bits of fun in the sun, after all the recruitment market does slow a little through the summer, but the career savvy amongst us will be using it as a perfect opportunity to make plans, do research and get ready to step their careers up a notch. When employers are drifting back all tanned and happy from their breaks away, you’ll be ready to knock their souvenir socks off and kick some career butt.
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In this, our August issue, we’ll be showing you a few lifestyle pointers such as how to improve your workspace and a round-up on flexible working. We highlight what it could be like living and working in Cardiff, give an update on the medicine sector and show you a day in the life of a film producer. We’ve also included some excellent gap year opportunities, interview body language tips and CV musthaves. Watch out next month for our bumper one year anniversary issue – it’ll be absolutely loaded with even more great career advice and some not-to-be-missed special features. Enjoy! DAVE MORGAN EDITOR
Regular features 4 your stories
Cringeworthy experiences from the world of work.
6-7 world’s most interesting jobs
An insight into being a games designer in a booming industry.
8 Top 4 uk graduate jobs
CV-Library’s pointers on how to use your degree most effectively.
11 the power of transferable skills
Jobsgopublic give an insight into key skills for the public sector.
14-15 a day in the life of...
It’s lights, camera, action for Film Producer Kevin Harwood.
news 5 Industry update
Movements in the exciting field of medicine.
10 flexible working
What exactly is it, and would it suit your lifestyle?
on the job hunt?
26-27 how to get into...
The incredible field of maritime engineering.
28-29 inside the hiring process at...
Coco-Cola Enterprises, one of the world’s most iconic brands.
30-31 coolest offices
How cool would it be to work at Cartoon Network? Very.
37 know your rights 42 how to...
Help out your colleagues. Teamwork makes the dream work!
44 moneymaker
Our ultimate car boot sale tips.
lifestyle 9 Making a better workspace
Hacks that will transform your desk into productivity heaven.
12-13 moving to the city
We’re heading to green Welsh pastures for opportunities in Cardiff.
Developing Your Career? 32 being a career mentor
18-19 The great projects
33 Be employee of the month
Incredible gap year and voluntary opportunities not to be missed.
Happy in your job? Help others be too! How to get your picture framed on the wall at least once.
20 use your gap year
36-37 don’t let age hold you back
21 why can’t I find a job?
38-39 job search tips
Don’t waste an opportunity to make yourself employable. Tricks that will help give your job search some leverage.
22-23 traditional jobs for life
Classic trades that could provide you with solid, long-term employment.
24 5 points your cv needs
Some useful absolute CV must-haves.
25 rewarding careers
Help other people find that coveted job of their dreams, as an employment specialist.
Click to read
The rules surrounding employer-paid eye tests.
16-17 10 steps to a winning cover letter Get closer to the job of your dreams.
Download issue 11 and read on the go
Combating age-related career problems. For those already in employment.
40-41 look Sharp, Feel Sharp
Office wear picks that will keep you looking fresh and sleek through summer.
43 Fun Ways to Combat Interview Nerves Worry no more with some useful, but also weird ways to beat those nerves.
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WisIBt B LE W O B B LE L g Alex, 26, Middlesbrough n i p p Sho maTatekinsg inspiration from The Office, my le puand I put my co workers p p A ho le - Unf encsh in a large jelly. or gnately it was a hot day, and, in tu n a r O of fic e - th with no air conditioning, the whole BAD SKIPPY ingsme alted and covered his t a P Charlotte, 25, Surrey de sk and computList -Shopping er in a goo ey sti ck I landed my first job in London as the ildekytomecless. We M we re ma Apples an it PA to the head of a modelling agency. up ou rse lve s an d got in One of my main duties was to walk her big tr ou ble . Oranges Pomeranian, Skippy, twice a day, and make sure he did his business while he - Pasta was out. On this day however, Skippy wouldn't go to the toilet. I brought - Milk him back up to the office, where he immediately pooed on the desk. Guess who had to clear that up?
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INDUSTRY UPDATE: MEDICINE The NHS currently employs over 1.7 million people in the UK, meaning health and medicine are popular areas to go into. Medicinal jobs can see you working in hospitals, GP surgeries, medical nursing homes and many other locations, as well as being out and about as a paramedic.
To become a doctor or a GP you require a degree in medicine that is recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC), in addition to a further course of training. Graduates without a GMC recognised degree have the option of applying through an entry programme, which combines
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necessary teaching with workplace training. Postgraduates face strong competition when applying to medical school. Ensure you have checked the requirements for eligibility prior to applying as this aids your application, as well as being well-prepared for entrance exams.
Staff Shortages Affect NHS
An increase of
300,000 N H S s ta f f
Medicine had the
95%
of medicine graduates finding
employment
TOP
employment
rate of
graduates in comparison to
other subjects
Roles •General Practitioner •Specialist •Consultant •Surgeon •Midwife •Adult Nurse
The distribution of staff in the NHS has been a long-standing issue which is still affecting the service. For instance, in 2013 the Royal College of GPs estimated that by 2021, there could be 16,000 less qualified GPs than required. Where there are staff shortages in some areas – most notably nursing - there have been excesses in others, such as hospital doctors. This means that pay and conditions have been re-assessed in certain key roles that have been crying out for more staff.
Debate over NHS funding
Useful Links
Leading figures in medicine have raised www.nhscareers.nhs.uk www.medschools.ac.uk their concerns over how the service is funded, advising that a change is needed as www.medicalcareers.nhs.uk the system simply cannot continue as it is. The concerned parties include heads of the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of GPs, the Royal College of Nursing and many more. In a letter, they called for a change in the funding system, warning that some services may need to become chargeable. It also suggested a raise in taxation to help cover the increasing demand for the NHS service.
•Paediatrician •Paediatric Nurse •Aneasthetist
Did you enjoy this article? take a look at how to become a paramedic.
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W O R L D’S
MOST
Interesting Jobs
Games Developer
W
e all know how addictive games can be, with the likes of Candy Crush Saga and Grand Theft Auto keeping us glued to our various consoles. If you enjoy getting lost in fantasy worlds, imagine what it would be like to design them! If you possess a vast imagination and creative skills, this could be the ideal job for you. So if your passion for gaming is distracting you from your job search or current role, why not make your favourite procrastination your career?
Games developers skilled in animation bring the characters and scenery to life via 2D or 3D animation software in the production stage and code is then used to develop the graphics or gameplay software. The audio aspect is also very important in terms of the feel of the game and developers will be responsible for making decisions about the music, character voices and sound effects. As if creating the game itself isn’t enough, a games developer must also test their final product before it is released. Taking on the role of a quality assurance tester, they will be the first public user to play the game. Great, right?
Games developers can work on a variety of game formats, including those made for computers, consoles, arcades or mobiles/tablets. A developer is often involved Whether it’s a degree, foundation degree or Higher with a project right from the outset and the time it takes National Diploma (HND), you will need for a game to go from the inception of an idea a qualification to pursue this career. to it being released can be months if not Universities and colleges offer years. Games developers can take on computer games design and a number of different roles during I f you development courses, which this process depending on their possess a vast provide you with practical expertise. Their skills in design skills via work experience make them responsible imagination and placements. Degrees for deciding on the creative skills, in related subjects such overall look of the game this could be as graphic design, and how it plays, whether the ideal job software engineering this involves coming up and interactive media with something original for you can also lead to this career. or evolving a current idea. Alternatively, you could pursue Those with artistic skills design the quality assurance tester route. storyboards detailing the narrative As long as you have extensive knowledge behind the game, and then progress to of game platforms and experience playing them, drawing the visual characters, as well as the scenery you can secure this role and develop your skills in and objects. order to progress to the role of games developer in the future. Starting salaries are typically at £25,000 ‘One nice thing about per annum. However, experience can increase this to being a video game £30,000-£50,000 in roles such as head programmer or developer is that your producer. You may even receive bonuses when games are skills are exportable. completed.
The methods to develop a game differ around the world, but there are enough similarities to make you valuable anywhere.’
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So if you’re a games lover, delve into the depths of your imagination and create new worlds for people to explore.
Jean-Francois Lévesque, a game play programmer at Ubisoft Montreal
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HOW TO USE YOUR UNIVERSITY DEGREE:
TOP 4 UK GRADUATE JOBS FOR 2014 As the university year comes to an end and graduation ceremonies are on the horizon, thousands of newly graduated students up and down the country will be looking to secure their first job in the world of work. Whether you’re looking for a role utilising your university-honed skill set or something within a specific industry, job boards like CV-Library are a great place to begin. Here is CV-Library’s overview of the top four graduate jobs out there this summer. Graduate Trainee Recruitment Consultant
Approx. Salary: £20,000-£100,000 OTE
Recruitment is a great career choice for sales-driven jobseekers. With OTE (on target earnings) of up to £100,000 depending on performance, there are currently nearly two hundred graduate-level recruitment jobs in the capital alone. Whether ‘high street’ or industry-specific (depending on your interest) your ideal role could be in recruitment. Planning Graduate (Residential Housing) Approx. Salary: up to £16,000 Leading housing developers are currently opening their doors to freshly graduated students with an interest in residential planning. This important role would suit selfmotivated and hard-working individuals looking for their first step on the career ladder. Graduate .NET Developer Approx. Salary: up to £20,000 If you’re a computer whiz looking for work, this could be the perfect job for you. Once you’ve graduated in computer science or a strongly related discipline, this role will provide an opportunity to integrate with a talented technical team. If you know your SQL from your XML then look no further! Graduate Personal Trainer Approx. Salary: £20,000-£30,000 This one’s for sporty types looking for their first career
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step. If you are motivated, athletic, and love helping others then taking on a graduate position as a personal trainer could be the right career path for you. The leisure industry is growing year on year so it’s a great time to get involved. As you can see from our comprehensive run down, there are currently a wide range of opportunities available to jobseeking graduates. For more information or to search for graduate jobs, visit www.cv-library.co.uk.
Hacks for making
A BETTER
WORKSPACE Whether it’s an office, your bedroom or somewhere a little more unconventional, we all have a place for knuckling down and getting stuff done. So what tricks can help you transform your desk into a hive of productivity?
make more space An efficient desk or workspace has everything you are likely to need to hand. The trouble with this is that desks get cluttered and messy quite rapidly. Expand your desk space by placing things on different levels. Shelving or pigeonholes underneath your desk can be great for discreet storage, as well as a pull-out work top or tray for extra space when you need it.
stand up A great way to boost productivity and to shake up the way you work is to have a stand up desk. Allegedly used by Benjamin Franklin and Ernest Hemingway, standing is a good way to keep circulation flowing and manage your energy levels throughout the day. Prolonged sitting has negative health benefits attached too, and those who do it can have a slightly lower life expectancy than those who are more active on a daily basis. Try installing a desk that can be raised or lowered, or working at a kitchen counter for a while.
Personalise Feeling at home at your desk, wherever it may be, is important. You are most productive and focused when you are comfortable, so this should be a priority. Putting your own stamp on your workspace is a big part of this, so don’t be afraid to style it in a way that suits you - to the extent that somebody else would feel strange sitting in your spot. However, don’t go overboard: just a bit of artwork and desk furniture should be enough to make your desk truly yours!
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flexible working WOULD IT SUIT YOU? At the close of last month we saw new rules passed on the subject of flexible working: now any employee can ask their boss about the potential of working flexible hours, working from home, job sharing and shift work – a privilege previously only permitted to carers and those who look after children. So what are the facts and how could you benefit from these changes? A recent survey by Timewise has discovered that around 40% of full-time employees in the UK would prefer to work more flexibly. This could mean working part-time or different hours, job sharing or working from home. The idea is that more flexible working hours would help employees to establish a better work-life balance, as juggling work and family duties wouldn’t be so difficult. Furthermore, flexible working can also help young workers as they can use their time out of the workplace to complete further training.
So what must you consider before asking your employer for more flexible working hours? First, you need to have been working at the company for six months or more. Note, the new regulations only require employers to consider your request; they’re not forced to say yes. You don’t have to give a specific reason for requesting flexible working hours, but it could help your cause if you’re able to put forward a good case. Your employer will then have three months to make their decision (or longer if you have agreed to this) and if they agree then your contract must be changed. However, if they refuse, they must present a document with the reasons for declining your request.
40%
Unfortunately, many employees are reluctant to ask their boss about the potential to work flexible terms, as they’re afraid they’ll appear less committed to the company. If more employers showed their support for flexible working hours they would help to break down the Timewise also found that employers prefer to work more flexibly cultural barriers surrounding this topic, are actually open to the idea of as employees would feel more comfortable flexible working hours as 91% claimed they’re happy to inquiring about flexible opportunities. This would consider it. In addition, they also admitted that skilled improve the relationship between employers and staff, as flexible workers would have been suitable for 48% of the well as boost productivity thanks to the positive change vacancies they’d advertised for in the past year. However, in the working environment. It shouldn’t matter how many of these employers didn’t display the option of many hours you put in or how you reach your goals, as flexible working in their jobs ads, therefore they will long as you’re hitting your targets and achievements are have missed out on perfectly good talent. Instead of made, your hard work should be appreciated. withholding the potential to work on a more flexible basis in their job adverts, employers should be using it to attract gifted candidates. The good news for jobseekers is If you found this interesting you may also like to read that even if the vacancy is not advertised as flexible, there this article on Job Sharing. is scope for it to become so.
of employees would
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The power of transferable skills THE PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE Are you interested in working in the public sector but feel you lack the experience? You may be surprised by how your current qualifications, life and work experiences have actually provided you with essential workplace skills to get into this sector. Employers want people that bring value to their company, carry out their work effectively and fit in well in the organisation. This is where transferable skills come in: they include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, organisation and many more. Transferable skills can be developed in lots of environments whether it’s during a work experience/ voluntary placement, at school/university or whilst pursuing activities and hobbies. If you can demonstrate the transferable skills that you have acquired clearly on your CV and during interviews, then you will find that many new doors will open.
Work Experience Any form of professional experience is always incredibly valuable due to the numerous transferable skills you can develop in a work environment. Experience of writing reports, giving presentations, budgeting, dealing with clients/customers, recruiting and interviewing are amongst the many skills that can be transferred to a number of different sectors and positions. Also, being able to demonstrate previous positions of responsibility is a huge advantage when applying for a new job: it shows you were trusted which is held in high regard by employers.
environment. First, is the ability to write coherently. If you are comfortable writing at length then an employer can be confident that you’ll be able to write reports and other important documents. Secondly, it also suggests that you have strong research and analytical skills.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Hobbies Being part of a sports team shows you have great teamwork skills as well as communication skills and the ability to perform under pressure. If you had a leading role in a team (captain or coach) then this demonstrates leadership and motivational skills too. If you are/were part of a drama school, it demonstrates a confidence in public speaking and the potential to give effective presentations. Take the time to consider the skills that you have developed so far in your career, during your education or on a work experience/voluntary placement. Transferable skills are your opportunity to show that whilst you may not have directly relevant experience of a role, you have skills that would allow you to excel in the position and bring value to that organisation. Therefore you must make sure you highlight these both on your CV and during interviews.
school/university If you have written a dissertation, thesis or other extended essays at any point then this demonstrates a wide variety of skills that can be applied to a professional
For all the latest public and not-for-profit sector vacancies, head to w w w.jobsgopublic.com
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Moving to the City: cardiff T
he capital of Wales takes great pride in its heritage and is renowned for its impressive cultural and sporting venues. Once home to one of the world’s busiest ports used for the exportation of coal, Cardiff has now developed into a modern, cosmopolitan city that has something for everyone. Last year Cardiff was recognised as the best city to live in the UK for young adults thanks to its low living costs, great job opportunities and reasonable wages. So why not pledge your allegiance to the red dragon and relocate to Wales’ capital? Cardiff’s economy has transformed over the last ten years in terms of growth. Once based on heavy industry, the economy is now one of diversity which is perhaps why the number of people in employment in the city is above average. The financial and professional services sector employs nearly 50,000 people in Cardiff, which is a quarter of the city’s workforce. In comparison to the UK’s other core cities, during 1998 and 2008 Cardiff saw the highest growth rate, with net new jobs increasing by 60%. The majority of opportunities can be found in the banks and building societies that dominate the sector, as well as the many insurance and pension companies. There are more than 250 companies dedicated to the
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life sciences sector in Cardiff and this industry is continuously thriving. Job opportunities are a plenty with over 15,000 employees in the sector. In particular, the pharmaceuticals industry is experiencing impressive growth, with the employment growth per year between 2006 and 2016 estimated to be 1.5%. Biosciences are also significant in Cardiff with Cardiff University and private companies supporting this industry. Whether you’re a young professional or someone who’s more family orientated, there is an area of Cardiff to suit everyone. And what’s great is that the majority are just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. The average rent prices in Cardiff (per calendar month): £347 for a room in a house or flat £695 for a flat £1,120 for a house The village at the heart of Pontcanna helps to create a strong community spirit which appeals to families, as do the parks, tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian houses. With its own shops, bars, cafes and restaurants you don’t always have to journey into the city centre; although it is only a short walk away when you do require the centre’s amenities. Semi-detached properties on average sell for £232,810 and the average price for a detached home is £369,567. The average rent for a
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Last year Cardiff was recognised as the best city in the UK
Attractions: From the many sporting events that are held at the famous Millennium Stadium, to immersing yourself in history at Cardiff Castle, there is an attraction to suit every preference in Cardiff. St David’s Hall is a great venue for music and theatre fanatics. Are you a big Doctor Who fan? Look no further than Wales’ capital for a true experience of the series by visiting the Doctor Who Experience. See www.visitcardiff.com for more ideas.
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property in this area is £711 pcm. If you’re a young professional who wants to flash the cash and is looking for a stylish, contemporary place to live, then Cardiff Bay is the obvious choice. Many of the developments offer stunning views of the city and other bonuses can include resident-only gyms/pools as well as offroad parking. Cardiff Bay has its own retail park and the city centre itself is just a ten minute walk away from most of the developments here. The majority of properties are flats, with the average cost of a onebedroom property around £126,028 and two bedrooms around £195,354. The average rent for a property here is £904 pcm.
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Random Facts about cardiff
1. Roald Dahl grew up in Cardiff and his
birthday is celebrated on 13th September in the form of the Roald Dahl Festival.
2. It was the first city in the UK to be twinned with
China. Cardiff was twinned with Xiamen in 1983.
3. During World War Two Cardiff Castle was used as an
air raid shelter.
4. The world’s first £1 million cheque was signed in Cardiff’s coal exchange.
5. The Romans settled in Cardiff in 55AD and built a fort on the site of the castle.
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A Day in the Life of... Whether it’s a film, TV series or a commercial, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes of what we watch from the comfort of our own homes. So how does a crew reach the final product? Chloe Franchina spoke to Kevin Harwood, a freelance producer, to find out what this career really involves.
How did you become a freelance producer? Did you need any specific training or education? I worked my way up from runner: I made tea, drove people around, did photocopying – the usual! I was then given the opportunity to work on the studio floor as third, second, and then first assistant director. Whilst still accepting work as a first assistant director, I moved back into the production office as a production manager, before someone gave me a smaller project to produce. You always start with smaller projects then work your way up, learning as you go. I had no qualifications and I entered the industry when I was twenty years-old, having been in the workplace since I was 17.
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I will always plan to be out for at least 12 hours a day. In pre-production I help to schedule the shoot, working on budgets and doing deals with studios, crew and suppliers. I also work closely with the director to offer a creative opinion where needed or to keep them on brief if we are making a commercial. During the shoot those responsibilities tail off a little and client/advertising agency handling takes a fair amount of time, plus being an extra pair of eyes and ears on the shoot. Post-production will be spent in an edit then the post-production house work on polishing the project with CGI and sound. All the while I will be keeping an overarching view of the budget and of the creative side of things.
The sooner you can get into the industry the better - do some intern work for free, work hard and don’t moan!
Being a people person is vital: You need to empathise with people, identify and solve their problems, as well as use your role as team leader to motivate others. The ability to work both logistically and creatively is also important so you can get the most out of the resources available to you to make each project look stunning. Time and budget management skills are also imperative.
what does a typical day consist of? When I’m shooting I tend to work 8am–7pm, but it’s usually a little longer as you will discuss the previous day and/or next day with the director and key crew members. In pre and post-production the hours can be shorter, but
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What personal qualities do you think are essential to be good at your job?
What is the best thing about your job? Most days are different and present new challenges and problems to solve. Also, seeing an idea that you have nurtured from the back of a beer mat all the way to it being on TV is very satisfying. I really enjoy working with the crew - the banter and camaraderie are second to none.
What is the best advice you have ever received? ‘No regrets – whatever decision you make will be the right decision in the end.’ That’s a nugget from my dad. There is no shame in admitting you made a mistake, in fact it can be healthy, but when it comes to the big stuff in life have courage in your convictions and keep your head held high.
@kevmarwood
Freelance producer KEVIN
HARWOOD
What would be your biggest tip, for someone looking to follow your career path?
What’s been the most challenging part of your career so far?
The sooner you can get into the industry the better – do some intern work for free, work hard and don’t moan! It will not be like anything you have done before but that can be very exciting. Hard workers that show real interest in what themselves and those around them are doing (no matter what part of the industry) get noticed and recognised with a call for the next project.
Unfortunately I would say it’s being freelance. When the phone doesn’t ring for a while and you’ve sent two hundred CVs to every production company that Google can offer, it can be mentally very tough to stay focused on pursuing this career. Money runs low, temporary jobs have to be taken and you get what we call ‘the fear’. It’s a fear of where your next job is coming from and even after 12 years, I still get it!
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Last year I was lucky enough to be involved with the John Lewis Christmas commercial – The Bear and the Hare. I was involved very early on, helping to make big decisions creatively and logistically. I was incredibly proud of my crew and of the end result.
If you could spend one day in a different career, what would it be and why? It’s epically clichéd but I’ve got to say a racing driver. I love pushing myself to the edge, being scared and I am also exceptionally competitive!
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15
10 to
a
Winning
C OV E R LETTER C
reating a strong cover letter can enable you to stand out from the crowd which is particularly important whilst competition for vacancies remains fierce. It gives you the opportunity to connect with the recruiter/employer and highlight your relevance to the role on offer. These ten steps will help your cover letter to impress so you can sail into the interview stage.
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1.
Definitely send one Even if the job advert doesn’t specifically request a cover letter, it is common courtesy to send one. It’s a polite way of introducing yourself and informing the employer which role you’re applying for and why you’re interested.
2.
Focus your opening Although your first paragraph should include which vacancy you’re applying for and how you discovered the job advert, try not to waffle on. You need to focus on what makes you different from the off, sell yourself and explain what attracted you to this job in particular.
3.
Show your company knowledge Research is always important when it comes to the application process, and it is essential when trying to impress in your cover letter. Give examples of which of their ideals you admire and why you’re attracted to the company. However, don’t make general statements: be specific about which products appeal to you or which area’s growth has impressed you in particular.
4.
Demonstrate your qualities You need to let the employer know how your skills and qualities match the requirements of the job advert. By illustrating how your experience has developed relevant skills to the position on offer, you can highlight
your strengths. It’s best to focus on your top three qualities that make you a sure-bet, providing specific examples and details as much as possible.
5.
Let your personality shine Unlike your CV, your cover letter can reflect your personality. You need to show your enthusiasm and passion for the job role, company and industry. Remember, it’s always best to use verbs rather than nouns to explain your experiences as it gives the employer an idea of the specific actions you’ve taken, rather than just reading endless descriptions about how wonderful you are.
6.
Short and sweet Your cover letter should never be longer than one page of A4, therefore the information you include must be relatively brief. By making sure that each line/ paragraph of your cover letter is relevant and to the point, you can ensure you don’t exceed this limit.
7.
Tailor each letter Although it’s fine to use a template for your cover letters, it’s crucial that you don’t use the exact same letter for each role you apply for. It’s very easy for an employer to spot when their company/ job role has been pasted into a general cover letter. If you want to impress, get specific in order to prove your interest and show that
you’ve done your homework. Look at the terminology used in the job description and imitate this in your letter.
8.
Why you? This is undoubtedly the question the employer will have in their mind when reading your letter, therefore you should make a conscious effort to answer this question wherever possible. As well as emphasising your strengths and experience, make sure you highlight how your skills match the current needs of the employer.
9.
Perfect your presentation Taking care of the small details can go a long way, therefore you should always spellcheck and get someone to proofread your cover letter before sending it. Make sure you’ve addressed it to the right person: if you’re not sure who this is then find out by ringing the company and asking for the appropriate contact. If the job role has a reference number be sure to include this.
10.
Closing line This should be a call to action as well as detailing what your next steps will be in terms of your follow up plan; whether you will call at a later date or wait for the employer to contact you. Let them know that you are looking forward to hearing back from them.
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Volunteering: How can it benefit your career? So the million dollar question – why volunteer? Career Savvy spoke to The Great Projects, who offer award-winning volunteering projects worldwide for those who want a truly enriching and rewarding experience. They gave us a rundown of why they feel volunteering is so important, as well as a brief explanation of what you can really gain from it. School/university is out and you’re wondering what on earth to do. As the inevitable scramble to apply to universities or graduate jobs begins, it can be wise to consider all of your options. If you want to take a break from the stress caused by your A-levels or
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Being able to be near, feed, and help look after such magnificent animals – including cheetahs, lions and baboons – was something I will never forget. What’s more, you really feel as if you are benefiting the local people as well as supporting vital wildlife conservation of endangered species. For anyone questioning going – just do it!
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You certainly won’t regret it! Catherine, 2014.
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Image © Melody Sky
degree, then a gap year could be just what you need. Aside from the excitement of travel opportunities and having extensive ‘time off’, gap years offer students and graduates the opportunity to learn new beneficial skills for your CV and have incredible life experiences – all whilst having a lot of fun of course! Help make a difference and give back All of our projects offer volunteers the opportunity to really help in integral wildlife conservation for some of the globe’s most endangered animals – including orangutans, whale sharks, tigers and cheetahs – as well as help many local communities. What’s more, you will be able to work under the guidance of renowned wildlife charities on many of the projects, including International Animal Rescue, Born Free and Wildlife SOS. You will see how they are run and how they tackle head on the ever current issues of poaching, deforestation and hunting.
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Learn valuable life and leadership skills As Karren Brady, Vice-Chairman of West Ham United says: ‘Not only does volunteering give you invaluable experience that you wouldn’t otherwise get, but it also makes you eminently more employable. I would seriously consider a candidate for interview if they had committed to volunteering’. Sound advice there Karren! With projects offering volunteers the chance to tackle a range of issues, including human-animal conflict, coral reef conservation and animal rehabilitation, the life skills you’ll learn will help you to impress employers by displaying them in your CV and during interviews.
Gain a real sense of adventure and fun With 37 projects in 16 countries, including Bolivia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, joining The Great Projects provides you with the chance to explore parts of the world you otherwise may not have the opportunity to see. You’ll make new friends (both with humans and wildlife!), have enormous fun and spend quality time away from the norm in the process.
I was part of a fantastic team
and we worked hard – you name it, we did it. Though it was hard, the reward was seeing projects progressing and, in some cases, completed. Watching the animals benefit from our work and witnessing the dedication of the full-time project staff made me feel very privileged to be a part of the team – even for a short time. I have already booked to go back! Sinead, 2013.
If you want to give back to wildlife conservation, get off the beaten track and do and see things that you never would as a regular tourist, then these are the people to book your experience with. Kirsty, 2013.
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This summer I spent four weeks volunteering in Sarawak, Borneo.
Truly a once in a lifetime experience
Become independent Immersing yourself into a completely new and unknown culture can be intimidating to begin with. But adapting to your often rustic surroundings, gaining confidence through your experiences and coming out on top is something that really says something about you as a person – particularly to potential employers. If you would like to join ‘The Great Projects’ on one of their once in a lifetime adventures, please don’t hesitate to get in contact via their website; www.thegreatprojects.com. Alternatively, you can contact them via email (info@thegreatprojects.com), phone (+44(0)208 885 4987) or Facebook.
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Use your Gap Year to
make yourself
employable
Gap years are becoming increasingly popular and it’s easy to see why. The opportunities to travel, experience new things and live a little are endless. When the gap year comes to an end, however, it can take some time to come back to reality and establish the next steps you should be taking. To avoid this, here are some top tips to ensure taking a gap year aids your employability, rather than hinders it.
Take on a project
Blog your travels
Travelling is great fun, but it looks far better on your CV if you can show a potential employer that you did so for a reason. Taking on a volunteering role is a great way of doing this. It reflects well on you for obvious reasons, but also helps you pick up a few workplace skills along the way. These include teamwork, communication, leadership and many more, depending on the activity to hand. Whether it’s something you take on individually or through an organised trip, being a volunteer turns your gap year into a worthwhile and rewarding adventure. Check out opportunities with The Great Projects here.
Whether you’re home or abroad for your gap year, creating a blog of your experience is a great idea. It’ll be an excellent product to show employers, but it also demonstrates your solid organisation skills if you’ve kept it up to date. It also indicates being digitally savvy and can help improve your written skills. On a personal level, it will be great to look back on your gap year experience by having a record of it, too.
A great way to spend your year out is to take the time to chase a dream of yours. This may be something relevant to what you want to study at university or pursue as a career, for example if you’re keen to work in the art and design industry, take up photography. This way, you have a portfolio of work when you return which you can use to impress employers. Creating something also shows that you haven’t taken a year out to be lazy – a preconception that some traditional hirers can sometimes hold.
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being a volunteer turns your gap year into a worthwhile & rewarding adventure
It’s harder applying for jobs and doing well in interviews if you’re out of practice and haven’t gained any work experience. It’s a good idea to keep yourself in the employment game by either getting a job while you’re travelling or finding yourself some kind of employment at home. This way, you can still gather work experience while you pursue whatever else you wish to. It looks a lot better on your CV if you have had at least some work on the go.
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Pursue your passion
Keep Seeking Employment
Why Can’t
I FIND A
JOB? It now takes on average three to nine months for a young person to find employment. There are many reasons people may struggle to find a job, including less opportunities in certain sectors and a lack of skills needed for the role. If it’s taking you a while to find employment, or you’ve had little joy from various applications, here’s where you may have been going wrong.
Applying for inappropriate roles One of the reasons your job search may have been unsuccessful so far is because you don’t have the necessary qualifications or experience suitable for the position. Most people don’t do this intentionally and just need to do a little more research into the vacancy prior to applying. If the entry requirements for a position are unclear, there’s no harm in contacting the hirer or company to find out a bit more. Other than that, there are a whole host of places online where you can find the job description for a particular role, which should give you at least a rough idea of what requirements will be expected.
Too few applications
Mistakes in your CV
You have to keep in mind that your application is one of many that are sent off by a whole host of people. Unfortunately, this inevitably slims down the chances of you securing each position you apply for. To combat this, jobseekers nowadays need to apply for many more positions than they did say ten years ago in order to secure a job. Set yourself a realistic target of how many roles to apply for each day/ week/month, ensuring you have enough time to write a good cover letter and tailor your application for each one.
It’s surprising how many applicants continue to submit CVs that contain errors. These can be in your spelling and grammar, but also in the formatting of your CV. Make sure you check and check again, asking somebody else to proofread it for you too. Remember that not all mistakes will appear in spellcheck: you may have written the wrong dates for your previous employment and spellcheck will be none the wiser. Beware, any type of mistake or inconsistency will mark your CV as poor and push you towards the ‘no’ pile!
Want to Read More? • Phrases in your cv employers love • stand out in a group interview
• how to plug gaps in your cv • 5 apps for being career savvy
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In the current professional world, the idea of holding the same profession for life is something mostly associated with the older generation. The new workforce tends to be more mobile. A recent survey by job board Elance found that 87% of the graduates asked considered freelancing to be a lucrative or worthwhile career, showing that attitudes towards career development are changing. But what about all the traditional trades and industries that are still going strong? Could a more traditional, old-school career option be just as fruitful? Let’s take a look at some of the options available.
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Roof Thatching
childcare
A skilled trade that is still going strong, roof thatchers are still very much in demand up and down the country. As an important part of our heritage, thatched-roof buildings need a lot of repairing and maintenance which forms up the majority of a roof thatcher’s work, as well as building new roofs. Most roof thatchers will begin as an apprentice, learning the specialist skills needed for the trade. Finding a thatcher that will train you is your first step, ideally one that will sponsor you to become a member of the National Society of Master Thatchers. In the long-term, there is the potential to start your own business.
While less popular now than in days gone by, nannying is still a profession that has a demand, whether it’s as a live-in nanny or one that visits a family part-time. While nannying itself isn’t always a job for life – it suits a younger person with plenty of energy and no children of their own – it is a good starting block for various childcare career paths that can become lifelong professions. For those looking for a truly traditional job as a nanny, Norland Nanny College is one of the most prestigious training establishments in the UK. Down to the distinct Victorian uniform and traditional childcare tuition, Norland Nannies are as British as a nanny gets.
Famous YouTuber and apprentice thatcher Joe Sugg created a video with an insight into his typical day, as well as some handy tips on how he got into thatching. Check it out!
If that doesn’t seem like your bag, there are plenty of other options, including working for yourself. To do this, it’s a good idea to get a recognised qualification first to improve your chances of getting work. An approved governing body for this is the Council for Awards in Care Health and Education (CACHE).
Construction
Manufacturing
Certain building and construction trades have been around for years, and were hugely popular choices for school-leavers a few decades ago. These days, some school or college leavers might feel pushed down the academic route, but more traditional skilled trades shouldn’t be disregarded. Why? The industry is calling out for skilled individuals, of which there is currently a lack. As the economy and general job market begins to pick up, the construction industry is seeing a shift from short-term contracts to more long-term and permanent positions.
During and following World War Two, Britain saw a surge in its manufacturing trade. Many factories that made consumer products were transformed into munitions and war supplies factories. Today, the manufacturing industry is no longer viewed as one of the nation’s most prominent, but thanks to increased government funding it is seeing a surge. Particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors, the big manufacturers such as Rolls Royce or Jaguar Land Rover often employ apprentices and graduates who work their way up through the company. As a result, many employees spend the vast majority of their career in the industry.
Welders, carpenters, plasterers, bricklayers and more are all skilled trades that can experience a wealth of positive work benefits. As well as high salaries, the opportunity to work for yourself is again very achievable; which means flexible working hours, as well as being able to take holiday when you like. For information on courses, have a look at City & Guilds.
Most big manufacturers will take on school-leavers and/ or graduates through entrance schemes. Ones without schemes would require entry-level candidates to hold a degree, BTEC certificate or some formal qualification. For more information, take a look at www.makeit.org.uk.
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5 1
POINTS YOUR CV
NEEDS TO EXPRESS If you provide examples of times when you have led or coached a team then this is evidence of your self-confidence and general management skills. If you have taken a leadership role in your previous position, this highlights your ability to motivate others and inspire them to succeed for the benefit of the team and company as a whole. Leadership and management roles also require employees to be organised, so it will also signal to the employer that you possess the ability to multitask and handle deadlines effectively.
Many jobs will require you to build relationships, whether this is with clients or your fellow colleagues. Thus, if your CV includes examples of you developing this skill in various scenarios and during previous work experience, employers will feel reassured that you will both get on well with the team and provide clients with efficient customer service. Teamwork relies on good communication between staff therefore it will also indicate your ability to work well within a group.
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In this modern world, IT skills have become increasingly important in the workplace, with many roles requiring at least basic computer literacy. Make sure you evidence any technical skills on your CV such as your ability to use the internet, spreadsheets and word processor effectively.
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COMPUTER & TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY
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nervous candidate. So write coherently and confidently about your achievements and let your communication skills speak for themselves.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
An attractive candidate has the ability to communicate clearly through both speech and writing, as well as listen to others. Describe instances where you have instructed others or given presentations which have had a significant impact. Grammatical errors and lengthy justifications of why you left your previous role signals a
No matter what company you work for, problems will inevitably arise. Thus employers are keen to find candidates who are able to help them solve any current issues or those they’re likely to face in the future. If your CV shows you can work through problems and come to a practical resolution, employers will want to know how you can do this for them; hence a call to interview may be on the cards.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
2
PROBLEM SOLVING
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
It’s surprising just how much an employer can gauge from a candidate’s CV. Essentially, a CV is your chance to epitomise who you are in a professional context therefore it’s important to make a good first impression, even if it is on paper. To make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best light, here are our top five qualities to express in your CV.
Rewarding Careers:
employment specialist The job market is tough for everyone out there, but it can particularly difficult for those with disabilities to secure work. By working as an employment specialist in supported employment you can help those with disabilities to prepare, find and succeed in employment. Providing them with this support and guidance is incredibly rewarding as you help people to gain independence and achieve their potential as they succeed and progress in their careers.
Day-to-Day You will discuss with your clients what job opportunities are available to them and which are best suited to their interests and personality. This can involve organising and accompanying your client to visit a workplace or even complete some work experience in community job settings. You will then need to match the right job to the right person, which involves considering the employer’s needs too. You will work with employers to educate and advise them about hiring those who have a disability or health condition. The workplace must be examined in order to determine the kind of support your client will need before their first day and whether any changes to the office or contract will need to be made to improve this role for the candidate. Once your client is installed in their job, your work doesn’t stop there: you’ll attend the workplace alongside your client, helping them to feel comfortable and get to grips with the job. If there is an incident at work or a change that causes some difficulty for the client, it is your job to go back and help them to solve/deal with this issue.
What Makes It So Rewarding? You can restore confidence and independence to people who have previously felt restricted in the world of work, helping them to pursue their career aspirations. Patti Delbuono, an employment associate at Career Path Services, explained: ‘My greatest joy working at Career Path Services is watching our participants learn to like themselves once again. When they begin to excel in areas of their lives,
they not only elevate themselves, but also make a positive impact on their children and those around them.’
Skills Required Your communication skills (verbal and written) have to be top notch so you can build a rapport with your clients in order to truly understand their needs and aspirations. Furthermore, you’ll need to communicate with employers effectively to ensure your client receives the support they require. Multitasking and problem-solving are also essential qualities as you’ll often have to determine how best to help your client succeed in their role and overcome any obstacles they may face.
Salary & Entry Requirements You will need at a least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a relevant field such as business or counselling. In addition, some relevant work experience will always go in your favour. Consider completing a course that will help you to develop the necessary skills to become a successful employment Useful Links: specialist in supported www.pluss.org.uk employment, such as this www.bootstrap.org.uk one. Salaries are similar to www.viscardicenter.org those of a job coach, with the average salary at £20,388, starting salaries around £16,000 and those with more experience reaching £34,000 a year.
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How to get into: marit With over 90% of the UK’s goods and 50% of its energy sources arriving here by sea, maritime and shipping are services are essential to the country’s economy. In order to have an infrastructure that continues to support overseas trade, maritime engineering is still a large and diverse field that requires a highly skilled workforce. The maritime industry is closely related to the oil and gas sector, due to the amount of work that is done offshore. As well as energy systems, maritime or marine engineering involves working with ships; whether they’re commercial, merchant or naval, submarines, submersibles and sometimes even fishing structures/apparatus. The field attracts what are known as STEM entrants – candidates with a background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a solid option for graduates, specialist degrees in this engineering field are available at a number of UK universities. However, beginning with a more general STEM degree and choosing this field as a specialism afterwards is a great entry route too.
Why Maritime Engineering? Salary Maritime engineering can be rewarding financially, mostly due to the nature of the business which it serves. The imported UK trade is pivotal to the economy, and the oil and gas industry is one of the highest-grossing in the world. The average salary for maritime engineers sits at around £40K, with potential to earn more.
Travel As to be expected, working in this sector can take you all over the world. Whether it’s working as an engineer
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on a cruise liner or navy vessel, or perhaps working on an offshore oil rig in a far flung destination, it’s unlikely your work will see you staying in one place all the time. This field can be perfect for those who enjoy a frequent change of scenery.
Opportunity In engineering, the chances and opportunities for progression can be solid. Work-based learning and training is becoming increasingly supported by the UK government, in an attempt to lessen the skills gap and help young professionals develop sufficient experience. Fields such as these often grow organic talent, and employees often remain in the industry for a number of years.
AREAS Ships and Vessels A large part of maritime engineering is supporting the actual method of transport itself. Most large vessels also require on-board engineers to maintain the running of the ship and its equipment. The chance to work with a variety of ships is available, including submarines and various defence or naval vessels. Employers include huge engineering firms such as Babcock International and Serco Marine Services, the Armed Forces, cruise ship companies and ferry liners.
Energy Britain is currently self-sufficient in oil and gas, and has been for the last 17 years. As a result, it has become one of the country’s biggest employers. Maritime engineers often work on large floating production units that operate like ships, but are intended to stay in the same place for several years. Employers include large renewable energy providers as well as oil and gas providers.
time engineering Transferable Skills
Problem Solving
Teamwork
A lot of engineering work involves trouble-shooting; checking if things work, identifying why they don’t work and aiming to help everything run more efficiently. As a result, good analytical abilities will mean you are suited to a maritime engineering role.
Maritime engineering will most likely see you working on large platforms where there are lots of personnel working on separate parts of a project. This means that you’ll be working alongside plenty of other employees – many of whom you may never have worked with before. If you enjoy working with others, maritime engineering could be for you.
Communication A large part of engineering work is consulting. This means addressing a problem, performing the relevant calculations and then offering advice or a solution. Therefore, a useful skill to have is the ability to communicate clearly with others.
Want to Read More? • How to get into sales • how to get into real estate
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Inside the Hiring Process at...
enterprises
®
As well as being the third-largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the world, CocaCola Enterprises Ltd employs around 4,000 people across the UK. The company is renowned for its great environmental awareness, with its certification for environmental management at the highest international standard. To help you through the graduate hiring process for the UK’s number one seller of soft drinks, and one of the
most innovative brands in the world, here’s our short
guide. There are a number of opportunities within each
area of Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE):
Supply Chain Work involves sourcing ingredients, materials and services to ease the manufacturing process. To ensure products are manufactured and delivered safely to the uppermost standards, those working in engineering, health and safety, quality control and logistics work together to achieve this goal. There are also teams who focus on maintaining low waste levels, working in specialist recycling, operational excellence and equipment teams.
Commercial Those working in this sector form the link with The Coca-Cola Company as they work with their brand teams to determine the best ways to advertise their products. You may work in National and Key Account Management, Category Management or Shopper Marketing, in which case you will be involved in big projects, working on special plans for larger clients. The Field Sales team is also extensive and concentrates on local account management and merchandising.
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Corporate Functions To support the work of both the supply chain and commercial teams, there are five areas you could explore for more opportunities: human resources, information technology, finance, legal, public affairs and communications. Before you apply for a position, it’s vital that you know as much about Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd as possible in order to make sure it is the right company and working environment for you. Research their values and who they are as an organisation in general. The term they use to describe the passion of their employees is ‘THIRST’, in relation to making a successful career with CCE. To ensure you possess this, they suggest asking yourself the following questions before you begin your search for opportunities: • • •
Do you have a personality with the power to influence and connect? Can you sustain the pace to keep growing? Will you make an impact with your desire to win?
If your answer to these questions is a resounding ‘yes’ then it’s time to discover which opportunities are best suited to your knowledge, skills and interests. Before filling out an application be sure to check whether you meet all the requirements. The application form is completed online and it will involve uploading your
Images © Coca Cola
CV. In some cases, before you’re permitted to submit your application, you will need to answer specific questions about the role you’re applying for and perhaps prepare a cover letter too.
Examples of Coca Cola Enterprises Ltd Questions What are you looking for in terms of career development? If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for? Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job? How do you evaluate your ability to handle conflict? What type of work environment do you prefer?
Your application will then be screened by a special team called Talent Acquisition, where each member is responsible for managing a specific vacancy. Once it has been reviewed by the appropriate member, you will then be informed by email if your application was unsuccessful. However, if you’re successful, Do you Three Facts About Coca Cola you will be contacted by a recruiter to have a Enterprises Ltd: discuss your current circumstances, your personality 1. They sell four billion bottles and cans motivations and the contributions you’d be with the every year in the UK and 97% of the able to make at Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd. power to products are made here too. If you have any questions (and we suggest influence 2. The company was born in 1986 when you do) this is your chance to ask them to and The Coca-Cola Company combined a few clarify whether this is the right opportunity connect? of its company owned operations with two for you. large ownership groups that were for sale. 3. Coca-Cola Enterprises expanded If you pass the screening process you will overseas to Europe in 1993 when they be invited to meet the team at one of their bought bottling rights in the Netherlands. many locations. Whether you attend an Further growth occurred in 1996-7 with assessment centre day or multiple meetings, the rights being purchased in Belgium, you will face at least one of the following: France, and Great Britain. interview, psychometric tests, role play, presentation, group exercise, commercial task and site/field visit. Your assessors will be looking for your skills and potential free monthly advice in terms of developing a successful career with CCE. However, you should also use this day to gain a better understanding of the company by asking appropriate questions.
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coolest OF FIC ES This is the stuff childhood dreams are made of! If you’re a fan of the Power Puff Girls (who isn’t?) and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, the Cartoon Network HQ in Atlanta, Georgia would be your dream office. In order to get their creative juices flowing and create the kids TV that we all know and love, employees at Cartoon Network are encouraged to decorate their own cubicles with loads of weird and wacky stuff. As a result, no corner of the office looks the same as the other. Décor includes posters, models and toys from TV shows past and present. Our favourites include the mini Dexter from Dexter’s Lab and the real-life model of Plank - perhaps the best character from Ed, Edd and Eddy. All in all – we wouldn’t turn down a job here!
More cool offices • astarta • instagram • pinterest
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georgia, usa
Images by Lindsey Bradshaw.
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Why should you become a
Career Mentor? The benefits of having a career mentor are a lot easier to fathom than those associated with being someone’s mentor. The truth is, you can learn just as much from the relationship as your mentee(s). To discover how it can enhance your career and just how rewarding it can be, see below for our top reasons for becoming a career mentor and how to do so.
Boost productivity
Feel great
Whether you’re a whiz at filing or a master of to-do lists, imparting your skills on your mentee(s) can boost the productivity of your fellow colleagues. As those around you develop the necessary skills to help them achieve more at work, you will find your whole team benefits from the increased efficiency. Thus becoming a mentor for someone in your company will see your expertise not only benefiting your mentee, but you and the rest of your team in terms of productivity.
In truth, it feels great to help others. Often people aren’t aware of their own talents or perhaps how they can use them effectively at work. By mentoring someone you can help them to discover where their skills lie and nurture them so they can reach their potential. Your support and guidance could be genuinely life-changing and no doubt your mentee will be eternally grateful, filling you with a great sense of pride.
Test yourself
As a mentor you will learn something new every day. Mentoring creates a two-way relationship: your mentee is there to learn from your knowledge and experiences, but you may also gain something from their experiences. At the very least it can broaden your outlook in terms of your career as you are exposed to new ideas and perspectives.
In order to advise others, your knowledge has to be top notch. This involves making sure you’re up to date with industry news, that you’re aware of your own actions and experiences, including learning from and sharing them. As you’re forced to consider all of these aspects of your own career, you will constantly be challenging yourself and developing your own skills, as well as assisting others through their career progression.
Recall past lessons No matter what stage of your career you’re currently at, revisiting the obstacles you have overcome will always benefit your career. As a mentor you will have to discuss and consider the lessons you’ve learnt over the course of your career and this can help you to better understand your own career development, as well as provide useful advice for your mentee.
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Learn something new
How can you become a mentor? Think about exactly who you would like to offer your help to: a junior member at your company? Or perhaps someone from a different organisation? If the first, ask your boss if there’s currently a mentoring scheme and if not propose creating one. Alternatively, inform your colleagues that you’re happy to mentor anyone who’s interested. If you’d rather mentor someone outside of your workplace, sites such as www.mentormatchme.com are a great source for discovering mentees.
: h t n o m e h t f o e e Employ t a h W
s e i t i l Qua
? d e e N u o Y Do
Whether this award is created as a serious competition or just for a bit of fun, earning the title of employee of the month can significantly boost both your motivation and your prospects. It serves as recognition for your efforts to impress and encourages your boss to acknowledge your talents and perhaps even consider you for a promotion. So what characteristics can help you to become employee of the month?
1 Loyal
Ambitious
Reliable
Team player
Be a good representative for the company by providing an excellent service to your clients/customers and promote it tactfully whenever you can in social situations. Never make negative comments about the business, whether this is to fellow colleagues or online, as badmouthing never stays unnoticed for long. Know your company’s key values as well as their overall mission and make sure your actions conform.
Go above and beyond what is expected of you in order to show your dedication. This can involve starting early or leaving late, taking on more projects and ensuring you’re completing all aspects of your role to the best of your ability. However, be careful not to get in over your head, only taking on extra work that you can both handle and is worth putting the extra effort in for.
Small efforts can have a significant impact on your chances of winning this coveted award. This includes always turning up to work on time, no sick days (if you can help it!) and meeting all of your deadlines. By proving you’re reliable, you will be recognised for your dependable nature and your boss will entrust you with important tasks as they can be sure of you doing a good job of it.
Make an effort to get on with your colleagues and be sure to offer your services if they need help with anything. Communicate with your co-workers and if there is a problem make sure you handle it professionally by talking it through with those concerned. Be supportive by congratulating winners of the award as jealousy is an unattractive quality. Extend your courtesies to everyone, from the porter to your MD.
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become a TACT Foster Carer W
hen people are thinking of changing careers, there is a good chance they might not have thought of becoming a foster carer. We believe they might be missing the chance of a lifetime. At TACT, the UK’s largest charity provider of fostering and adoption services, we see our foster carers as an integral part of our professional team. As a TACT carer you will be responsible for giving children in care a loving and secure home and family. In return, you’ll receive a generous salary along with payment to cover expenses. You’ll also receive holiday and festival allowances. Becoming a foster carer can be a life-changing decision: it’s certainly not an easy one. Our foster carers consistently tell us that their job challenges them every day, but that it is also the best and most rewarding thing they have ever done. Our foster carers are also ambassadors for the organisation, with 96% saying they would recommend becoming a TACT carer to friends and families. There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. Whether you’re single or a couple; whether you have your own children or not; whatever your ethnicity, sexuality or gender, fostering could be for you. We have carers in
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their twenties and carers in their sixties. As long as you’ve got a spare room, some experience with children, as well as the time and energy to devote to a child, you could be who we’re looking for. We know that for a child in care to succeed, it is essential that their foster carers are given all the help and support they need. Before you start, you will be given extensive training covering all aspects of being a carer. You’ll have a TACT social worker who will visit you regularly and you will be able to contact us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for help and support. We have offices across England, Wales and Scotland so you’ll have a personal relationship with your local office, with support tailored to your needs. As a TACT foster carer you can experience many opportunities for career development. Some of our foster carers receive training to become specialist carers. For example, you can become a remand carer, who provides a home for young people who are, or are in danger of, becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Child and parent carers offer placements to a young parent and their child. Meanwhile, some of our carers specialise in offering homes to children with disabilities.
“
You can also vary the length of care you offer. Some of our carers prefer to specialise in short-term emergency placements, usually for when a child has had to be taken into care for their safety and a long-term placement is being sought. Many carers like to look after children for as long as possible, to help give them the best start in life. In England, when young people leave care at 18, carers can become ‘Staying Put’ carers, allowing the young person to stay with them until they turn 21. Similar schemes are coming into operation in Scotland and Wales. At TACT you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to get involved in our work. You might want to join a carer support group, or become a foster carer representative for your local area. We put on events and activities for our carers and young people, so there are plenty of opportunities to get to meet and share experiences with other carers.
“
If you become a specialist carer, you will receive additional payment to reflect this.
We have fostered with TACT for over 12 years now and, through thick and thin, they have People become foster carers for all listened to us and sorts of reasons. Some carers come to supported us because their own children have left us home. We also have carers who started
with us after becoming redundant in a previous career, while others have left their old job to find something more fulfilling. Many carer families are even able to mix foster care and other employment. Whatever the reason, as a TACT carer you will have the opportunity to provide a new loving family for a young person in care. TACT foster carers may come to us for many reasons, but they stay with us because we help them do the most rewarding job in the world. While we welcome all enquiries, we are particularly interested in hearing from people who might be able to offer a home to a teenager or to siblings, or who have worked with children previously. If you have a spare bedroom and think you might be able to transform the lives of these, or other young people, we cannot wait to hear from you!
For more information, call 0808 2719421 or email foster@tactcare.org.uk. Subscribe for free at www.careersavvy.co.uk
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How NOT to let your age hold you back Omit it from your CV Whether you’re a spring chicken or of a more mature vintage, age can often be a challenge in the professional world. Particularly in the UK. Even though age discrimination is illegal in the workplace, it can still play a part in HR and employment decisions more than it should. Key issues can include being too young to be considered for a role or promotion, despite having the necessary qualifications or experience. Moreover, older staff can experience a lack of recognition for their progress or development, as people often assume their career has come to a plateau or needs to start slowing down. In order to avoid your age becoming a barrier, have a look at some of Career Savvy’s top tips.
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You are not obligated to include your date of birth on your CV. It’s not illegal for an employer to ask you this at the interview stage or similar, but it is a breach of the law if they use this as criteria to discriminate between applications.
Too young? Recruiters may make assumptions on your approximate age based on CV clues such as the year you finished school or university, but they will not know your exact age, nor do they need to. At this stage, your CV is probably a little sparse. Therefore, anything that you can do to embellish it will make your age much less of an issue. For example, take on some work experience or voluntary roles. This will prove to the recruiter that you are serious about your career and willing to work hard to achieve your goals.
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Too old? The recruiter will see that you have a wealth of experience, which will only work in your favour. It’s important that you express in your CV that you are suited to a more senior role (assuming this is what you want). Whilst you may feel that slightly younger professionals are more sought-after, there is a call for more experienced and skilled professionals in a whole host of industries. So build a CV that will highlight your specialist skills so your record and achievements do the talking for you.
Know Your
Rights eye tests Use it to your advantage
In the modern workplace, employers are
Being at either end of the age spectrum has its advantages. When you’re young you have plenty of energy, a thirst for knowledge and new ideas. When you’re older, you have experience, knowledge and existing professional relationships to build on.
expected to provide a working environment
Too young? Too old? It’s easy for employers The main concern of the to misconstrue age for employer or your manager inexperience when this isn’t could be that you will soon always the case. It’s be either leaving, important that decreasing your Age is a ‘protected when applying hours or characteristic’ in The for a new generally Equality Act of 2010, which job or a taking a means it cannot prevent you from promotion, step back in applying for training courses, you present some form. vacancies or promotion evidence You have to opportunities. of your make it clear achievements and that this isn’t on eligibility to do the the horizon for you job. This can include projects yet, otherwise you wouldn’t you’ve worked on successfully, be aiming to develop your targets you’ve hit, ideas you career. Addressing these initiated and more. If you concerns with the employer present yourself as more than before they have time to capable of taking on the role, dwell on them will help. the factor of age becomes a lot less relevant.
that has the least risks to health. An important part of this is eyesight, especially if you are using a screen all day or for an extended period of time.
The Law:
Advice
If you use a display screen, laptop, touch screen or other electronic device daily for a considerable amount of time, you can request an eye test from your employer. Note, employers don’t have to offer this to you, but have to provide it if it’s requested. The eye test will be paid for by the employer regardless of whether you require treatment or not. If you need spectacles, they will only be paid for if you require them specifically for using a screen at work.
Make sure you check if your employer has a specific procedure for eye tests, and an optician they send all their staff to or if you need to locate your own. Employers could avoid paying for your test if you do not consult them initially or use an optician they approve of. For more information, have a look at the HSE regulations.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Conducting a job search is tough at the best of times, but when you’re already in employment there are many obstacles which, if you fail to overcome, can leave you in a very sticky situation. The essential goal is to keep your search under wraps until you have secured a new position, but this is easier said than done. Here are some tips on how to handle this predicament in the best way possible.
Make sure you’re aware of the exact reasons why you want to leave before you start searching for a new opportunity, so you know what you’re looking for. If you like the company/manager you work for and it’s simply the job itself you’re unhappy with, call a meeting with your boss and ask about other potential opportunities within the company. Employers want to retain talented staff so you may be surprised by what you’re offered to stay.
JOB SEARCH TIPS FOR THOSE ALREADY IN PLAN INTERVIEWS DISCREETLY
EMPLOYMENT
Attending interviews will probably be the most difficult aspect of your job search whilst you’re still in employment. If possible, arrange interviews for before or after work or even during your lunch break. If this is too difficult, you may have to use some annual leave. If you are attending the office on the same day, then be careful with your attire. If you usually wear casual clothes to work and you suddenly turn up in your Sunday best, then your co-workers are going to know something is awry. Instead, have your interview outfit with you to change into once you’ve left the office so you can remain discreet.
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TACTFULLY HAND IN YOUR NOTICE Before you announce the fantastic news that you’ve been offered the job, ensure it is a formal offer from the potential employer. Once you’re confident that your new job is secured, give your current employer a generous amount of notice (often at least two weeks) and be careful not to burn any bridges in the process. It’s worth preparing yourself for being asked to leave sooner once you’ve informed your employer, particularly if you’re moving to a competing business.
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IN YOUR OWN TIME It’s common sense to refrain from using office contact details during your job search. This includes not displaying your work phone number or email address on your CV, as well as not using your work computer to search for jobs. If you receive a call from a potential employer whilst at work, ask them to call back at a more convenient time. Also, resist telling any of your co-workers no matter how well you get on: rumours spread fast.
BE SAVVY ONLINE Even if you’ve made sure that the privacy settings on your social media accounts are protecting your information from prying eyes, you can never be too careful online. Resist any status updates about how bored you are at work or how well your job search is going. Instead, talk to your family and friends directly about your job hunt rather than informing every man and his dog. Furthermore, to avoid your current company stumbling upon your CV, upload it directly to company websites rather than posting it on online job boards.
CHOOSE SUITABLE REFERENCES
CONTINUE TO WORK HARD Even though you’re searching for a new opportunity, this is no excuse not to keep up the same standard in your current role; this in itself can be a signal to your employer that you’re planning to leave. Slacking with your workload and turning up late will only serve to anger your employer before handing in your notice, which will make the process unnecessarily harder. When attending interviews, be sure not to criticise your current employer as this will only serve to deter the potential employer from hiring you.
It’s always best to ask someone first before using their contact details on your CV. It’s polite and it gives you a chance to clarify your reasons for wanting to leave, allowing you to realise how you truly feel about the situation. If a potential employer asks to speak with your current one and you’re not ready for them to know about your desire to move, then by all means say no and explain that you would rather keep your plans confidential.
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1. Check in To ensure your team is performing well, all of its members need to be achieving their potential. But this isn’t always easy to detect. At times, people can be reluctant to admit defeat or that their workload is becoming too much. A positive way of combatting this is to check in at regular intervals to see how everyone is progressing.
4. Offer Encouragement Regardless of whether you’re a team member or leader, everyone likes to be celebrated for their achievements. In fact, research has shown that recognition is one of the key factors for job satisfaction. If you appreciate or admire the work of a colleague, why not let them know? The positive atmosphere you create will come full-circle, too.
How to: Help Your
Similarly, being able to help those around you begins with having the ability to effectively understand the issues they are facing. In order to do this, good communication skills are important. The most useful of these is being a good listener: it helps to create an atmosphere where you all feel supported.
3. Scratch backs There will be times when your colleagues need favours. You may be unsure about taking on a bit of their workload at first, however, it’s more than likely that you’ll
5. Offer Solutions Listening to a colleague’s problems is great, but if you can help to resolve them then even better. Sometimes an outsider’s opinion on a matter is valuable, and your fresh eyes could see the issue in a different light. Suggesting solutions allows your co-workers to see that you genuinely care about the issue at hand.
“ Failure is only the
opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely - Henry Ford
“
2. Communicate
need them to return the favour at some point. A bit of give and take is vital for successful working relationships.
Fun and Unusual Ways to 1
Combat Interview Nerves Eat Chocolate
Research has shown that eating rich, dark chocolate can cause the brain to produce natural opiates, which help to reduce anxiety! Fifty Wispas then, please.
2
Clench While tensing your muscles might not sound like the best way to relax, it can prevent other nervous symptoms, such as trembling hands. Try clenching your bum muscles, as this will go unseen by the interviewer. (Hopefully).
3 Imagine the interviewer in their pants
Imagining the interviewer naked is too cliché and to be honest, a bit weird. Imagining them in their pants however, can be pretty funny. Especially if you envisage them in a novelty pair of fuzzy Y-fronts.
4
5 Dance
Physically exerting yourself is a great way to use up nervous energy, and dancing is a fun way of doing this. Before you leave the house, put on your favourite tunes and bust a move, throw some shapes, etc.
6
Play a Game
When you’ve finished interview preparation, a good way to unwind is to immerse yourself in a game that requires lots of concentration. It will also make your brain more alert.
7
Laugh
Best Case Scenario
There’s a reason nervous laughter exists – it helps people feel better. Ahead of the interview, watch some fail videos or something funny on YouTube. Our current recommendation would be Cat vs Vacuum.
Imagine the interview in your head – it’s going really well. You and the interviewer are laughing and joking and sharing pictures of your dogs. This will make the entire prospect seem less daunting in your mind.
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rite
ou Our fav
tweets of the month
Money maker be quids-in while looking for work.
Car boot Sales John @sarcasticapple
Consider the effect on wildlife before printing this email. What if a mole wants to read it? Use a big font, they can’t see very well. Jamie Woodham @jwoodham
Where do I see myself in 5 years? July 2019. Next question. Tommy Tough Stuff @tommytoughstuff
Some people say I hang out with the wrong crowd. They’re always like “Hey man we’re over here you don’t even know those people.” Simon Sinek @simonsinek
Pushing ourselves to be the best is an impossible standard. But we can push ourselves, everyday, to be better than the day before Michael Spicer @MrMichaelSpicer
Job interview tip: When asked if you found the place OK, say “I was driven here by cab. Normally of course I’m driven by results!” 4 winks.
For excellent career tips and advice
follow us on twitter @careersavvymag
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For some, there is no better way of spending a Sunday morning than rifling through other people’s treasures and buying them for a pittance. All you need is a car (preferably one with a boot), a table and some items to flog. Car boot selling can be hit and miss: sometimes you will make considerably more than other days. As a result of this it’s a good idea to do several. On a sunny day, there will probably be a lot more people traffic and potential customers than when the weather is less perky. Also consider what items to sell. Labelled clothing will sell well as many people go to car boots specifically to pick up bargain designer pieces. Books and DVDs are also popular sellers, especially if you sell them cheap. Consider running special offers, such as three DVDs for £5. When deciding on prices, go to a few local sales and scout out the going rates of items. People that sell badly at car boots often have their prices set too high so remember the cheaper your goods, the more you will sell!
team Savvy
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