spring
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h a s sprung! It’s been a soggy old start to the year so far - we hope that hasn’t put a dampener on your job hunting endeavours or career plans for the most exciting part of 2014. We’ve been beavering away (not making dams, yet) preparing our March issue for you, including a heap of interview advice, a fantastic article called ‘Help – what career is right for me?’ for those of you that are a little stuck for ideas, and for the brave-hearted we have a gallery of bicycles if the Cycle to Work scheme takes your fancy. Maybe when it’s a little drier out there. If it’s still too cold and wet for you, read our feature on becoming a safari guide or, at the other extreme, you could stay safe in the dry after reading about a day in the life of a make-up artist. March also holds LifeSkills National Careers Week, so if you haven’t already seen our mini issue devoted to that, just click here to see it – the week runs from 3rd to 7th March, and our guide will help you to make the very most of it. DAVE MORGAN EDITOR
Regular features 4 your stories
Embarrassing anecdotes from the world of work.
5 Ask the expert
Julia Days answers some career dilemmas.
6-7 world’s most interesting jobs Swap the office for the Savannah as a safari guide.
24-25 inside the hiring process at...
Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer.
28-29 coolest workplace
Pinterest addicts: here’s a sneak peek into the US-based HQ.
31 know your rights
Restrictive covenants - what are they and what should you know?
38 how to...
39 enhance your career
22-23 how to get into...
40 money maker
Real estate. Those houses won’t sell themselves!
news 8 Industry update
The latest in the art and design industry.
9 what You’re entitled to
A complete guide to benefits and how to find out your eligibility.
10 national careers week
How to make the most of team building. Obscure yet easy ways to make and save cash.
lifestyle 11 First Job?
How to manage your finances now you’ve started earning.
12-13 moving to the city
Known as the UK’s ‘second city’ find out what opportunities lie in Birmingham.
LifeSkills National Careers Week 2014 - what’s on?
features
26-27 Jobs in tv shows
Fictional TV jobs you definitely don’t want to do.
16 help! what career is right for me?
30 building positive relatIONSHIPS
17 interning abroad
32-33 encouraging continued education
18 how to investigate before your interview
34-35 coping with redundancy
19 What to ask in an interview
36-37 on your bike
Choosing your career path. Opportunities overseas and how you can secure them. What you should look for to turn up well prepared. Questions to ask that will leave a great impression.
20 surviving your first day
Tips for starting a new job, what to do and what to avoid doing!
21 Rewarding Careers
Working as an elderly care assistant.
Click to read
Network: tips for meeting, greeting and collaborating successfully.
14-15 A day in the life of...
Grace Kingsley, a make-up artist to the stars.
Download issue 6 and read on the go
How to build a great rapport with your colleagues. Ideas to help you expand your knowledge base.
What you need to know, plus our top tips to deal with it. Cycling to work? Check out our top picks for commuting.
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ASK THE EXPERT julia days Head of resourcing
In a mission to solve all your career related questions and dilemmas, Career Savvy put together a team of experts that know hiring, jobs and the recruitment process inside and out. Every issue someone will read and answer your queries, so for Issue Six we’ve brought in Julia Days, Head of Resourcing for The UNITE Group Plc.
Q? If you need a question answered, pose it to one of our experts online and you’re guaranteed a reply.
Hello Julia, I think one of the toughest challenges during a job search is dealing with multiple rejections. Do you have any tips on how to stay motivated and perhaps some different approaches to try when job hunting begins to feel like an impossible task? Many Thanks, Chloe
Hi Chloe, Absolutely – the process of job hunting can make it quite difficult to maintain motivation, even for the most positive of individuals! Motivation is a very personal driver and overcoming disappointment and setbacks can be hard. Remaining positive and reminding yourself that you will find that perfect job will always help, seeking support from friends and family will help as well. I would highly recommend scrutinising the job adverts and specifications for the roles for which you plan to apply, paying particular attention to what experience the role requires you to have. Often adverts and specifications will talk about ‘essential’ experience as well as ‘advantageous’ or ‘desirable’ skills. As a minimum do ensure that you meet the essential criteria as closely as possible as it is against these that applications will be screened (and ultimately rejected or progressed). Also try using direct speculative approaches – researching companies that you really would like to work for and making contact with them directly. The professional networking site LinkedIn is a great source for speculative approaches, you will normally be able make direct contact with key managers within specific companies. Ask your friends! Most large organisations will operate internal ‘refer a friend’ schemes which will reward current employees if they refer a friend for a job that they go on to successfully secure. If you know of friends that enjoy their jobs or work in organisations you’d like to join then don’t be scared to ask them to look for vacancies on your behalf and refer your CV for them. Often a personal recommendation will assist you in avoiding the generic auto-rejection emails! I wish you all the best in your search for work.
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World’s M
Interesting Jobs
Safari Guide
How does trekking through the jungle, getting up close to some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife sound? If the answer is ‘incredible’ then Career Savvy may have found the perfect career path for you! Safari guides have the privilege of working in some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and their extensive knowledge and experience helps to give tourists the holiday of a lifetime. If office walls and a strict 9-5 workday is not for you, then why not swap the stress of city life for exciting expeditions in Africa? This really is living the dream for animal lovers: safari guides not only encounter a variety of species on a daily basis, but the extensive and continuous research on the creatures and plants in their location makes them true wildlife experts. Such knowledge is essential for providing tourists with not only an educational, but an interesting tour whilst on their holiday. Safari guides are responsible for providing entertainment for their clients which includes organising hikes or nature expeditions, on top of their main duty of spotting wildlife whilst driving safari vehicles. Their high level tracking, navigation and orientation skills enable safari guides to have the best chance of seeking the creatures their clients are so desperate to see. A good safari guide can really change someone’s safari experience, therefore it’s a rewarding career to embark upon.
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demand for safari guides is set to increase - so it’s truly a dream worth chasing!
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Lloyd Wilmot, a safari guide in Botswana, reveals on expertafrica.com: ‘I am a people person - I enjoy meeting and dealing with new people. The bush is far removed from what they
[tourists] are used to, so it takes patience and empathy to give them the best we can. It is a joy to me to see how much some travellers enjoy their adventure. It is even more rewarding when the experience touches their souls.’ Hours are long with early starts and late finishes and seven-day weeks for long periods of time are frequent. However, when your office is the African jungle somehow the schedule doesn’t seem quite so gruelling. Safety is an important aspect to the job as tours can include interactions with potentially dangerous species. Therefore guides are trained to use firearms and to respond to such situations in the best manner. Understanding how to protect the surrounding environment is also important for safari guides, so conservation is combined with the job role. Specific skills are developed onsite with training provided by companies such as EcoTraining – now acknowledged as the best provider of safari guides in Africa. A passion for nature, good people skills and the ability to cope in unpredictable situations will all help you to succeed in this career. Salaries are not high, especially in Africa, but a considerable amount can be added to your monthly income through tips. If you are pleasant, fun and full of endless knowledge then you’re more likely to impress your clients and encourage them to tip you a significant sum. With more countries in Africa beginning to set up the infrastructure to create more parks, demand for safari guides is set to increase – so it’s truly a dream worth chasing! If you’re passionate about wildlife and enjoy educating others, why not become a safari guide? You could help your clients to experience memorable moments that make their holiday a journey of a lifetime.
Turning a passion into a career is something almost everyone dreams of. For many, this becomes a reality in the art and design industry. With more art and design graduates spilling out of UK universities than ever, roles are competitive. However, the UK is and always has been a cultural breeding ground. Creative arts are pivotal to our economy, and bring in approximately £2.5 billion a year. The majority of this is produced in fashion and media. The majority of roles are London-based. As a general rule, the bigger the city, the higher chance there is of creative employment. Design is actually a field that can span across several sectors. Art and design roles can involve desktop publishing, illustration, web design, print design and packaging or product design. A degree relevant to your desired role is a good way to begin your career, as most of the competition will have one, and it will give you time to build up a good portfolio.
Creative industry employees
61%
(2012-13)
male
39% female
of design industry employment is in
& 50% iproduct ndustrial d e s i g n
Roles/areas: • • • • • • • •
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Illustration Graphic Design Product Design Curating and Exhibiting Animation Web Design Ceramics Pagination
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Optimism in Design Industry: Survey Reveals According to the annual Design Industry Voices survey, agencies are feeling more optimistic for increased demand in 2014. 49% of those asked said they were pitching to more clients than this time last year. As a result of this, there was a strong response that agencies expect to receive more work this year than the previous one. The majority of agencies asked had expressed that clients expected them to do more work without increased fees. However, an increase across the board in the amount of clients and projects taken on has meant that 63% have received a pay rise in the last 12 months. Overall, figures and opinions point towards optimism for the rest of the year.
Industry Experiences Steady Growth Between 2012 and 2013, the design industry experienced 10% growth as a whole. While these statistics don’t sound ground-breaking, growth is expected to continue at a steady pace. Following this, the last 12 months saw the industry’s employment rise 16%. With rapid growth in IT sectors, demand is likely to increase for web design roles, particularly in areas such as desktop publishing, as industry developments in software use require new, talented individuals.
Monthly Economy Report
Benefits: What you’re entitled to
As undoubtedly fortunate as we are to have it, the welfare system can sometimes be a tad confusing. Whether you’re trying to find out if you’re entitled to anything, how much you’re entitled to or how you can claim, it’s not the most straightforward process. Fortunately, Career Savvy is here to help with a summary of the main benefits that you may be able to claim.
Unemployed/Low Income
Carers and Disability Benefits
If you’re currently unemployed or on a low income, you could be entitled to various benefits. A Job Seekers’ Allowance ( JSA) of £56.80 is available for those who are actively seeking employment. You are still entitled to claim income-based JSA if you work less than 16 hours per week and your earnings are less than £56.80 a week. In addition, if you are renting property then you may be able to claim Housing Benefits or a Council Tax Reduction on top. Check gov.uk for full details of all the possible benefits for jobseekers.
In what is seemingly an attempt to confuse you into a slow and painful submission, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which used to cover benefits for people of all ages suffering from a disability, has changed as from June 2013. It is gradually splitting up into DLA for children under 16 and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those aged over 16. Then, the rates of benefits are split up into care components and mobility components. Check out gov.uk to find out what you may be eligible for.
Child Benefits
Try as we might to simplify it, the welfare system remains a confusing labyrinth of benefits, tax credits, additional childcare support and fourth dog income allowances. That last one is a joke, just before you start filing your claim. Hopefully this article has made you aware of the wide-ranging benefits that you may not have known even existed. But if you’re still unsure about what exactly it is that you’re entitled to, don’t fret, because even more help is at hand. Over at entitledto.com there’s a benefits calculator where you can fill in your details in order to work out if you’re entitled to benefits, what you’re entitled to, and how much you’re entitled to. Perfect!
There are a wealth of childcare benefits that you might be able to claim. However, the basic amount that one person can receive is the Child Benefit of £20.30 per week for a child under 16 that they are responsible for. For additional children, you are eligible to receive £13.40 per child. Further details can be found here.
Tax Credits Tax credits are deductions from the total amount of tax that you may have to pay to the state. The two main types are Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits. You may be eligible for Working Tax Credits if you’re over 25 and work more than 30 hours a week, but earn less than £13,252 a year. In order to be eligible for Child Tax Credits your household income must be less than £26,000 and, as you might expect, you must have at least one child. Visit which.co.uk for more information.
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LIFESKILLS
National Careers Week From the 3rd to 7th of March, institutions and organisations up and down the country will celebrate LifeSkills National Careers Week. The week of events are concentrated around providing the right advice for young people who will soon need to take the next step in their lives. This involves the release of several resources, as well as encouragement to make decisions and research preferred career paths. Plenty of top employers have jumped on the bandwagon to publicise the recruitment of their next generation of talented employees: these include Barclays and the NHS. Events and goings on throughout the week include guest talks from employers, workplace visits and more. LifeSkills National Careers Week has five main themes which schools, colleges and universities are encouraged to offer advice on. These are:
Future jobs: Roles that have only been established recently or are set to emerge in the future. This mostly includes anything tech related, as the last decade has seen rapid transformation in engineering, IT, construction, as well as the creative industries.
Digital Literacy: The importance of IT skills and their use in job hunting today. From uploading CVs to online libraries to searching the web for vacancies, it is important that knowledge of the best ways to complete these tasks is accessible to every jobseeker.
Pathways: How to go down certain routes. Whether it’s an apprenticeship, a degree or going straight into the workplace, the necessary pathway can be the most vital career decision.
Life Skills: All the paperwork and admin bits. CVs, cover letters and applications are key to successful job searching as they’re what employers judge you on. You must keep these up to date, make them look professional and ensure they promote you as a candidate.
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Resources: Before you get started, it’s important to make sure you have researched every opportunity available to you. Luckily, there are more careers resources available now than ever before. So if you’re researching job descriptions or looking at university prospectuses, deciding which route to take will become easier. With extra career advice being dished out in institutions across the country, it’s an ideal opportunity to get access to the information you need. Help on offer will be particularly useful to anybody leaving school, college or university. Opportunities other than continued education can also be explored, as information and advice regarding employment and vocational qualifications will also be on offer. If you are interested in finding out more, check out the LifeSkills National Careers Week website. Also, Career Savvy has come up with a Career Action Plan that you can print out, fill in and keep to help organise what you need to do next and when.
First Job?
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR FINANCES
So you got the job – congratulations! After surviving the fierce competition of job hunting you may feel like throwing caution to the wind and blowing that first paycheque on something fancy. But many of us can get overwhelmed by the task of handling our finances when we enter the world of work. To help you manage yours, Career Savvy is here with some simple tips and good old jargon busting.
Budget Not keeping an eye on what you’re spending every month is a sure-fire way to get yourself into a sticky situation. Firstly, you must separate your wants from your needs and prioritise them accordingly. The best way to assess your budget is to write it down: your net pay should be at the top and then everything that makes up your expenditure underneath - being aware of what you’re left with.
178374
Emergency Savings
£
Disaster always strikes when you’re least expecting it. Therefore to ensure you’re prepared when your laptop breaks or you rack up large bills, make sure you have a savings account. The best way to save is to transfer regular amounts into your account each month as soon as your paycheque comes in. Furthermore, if you set up an automatic payment into your savings account you’re less likely to spend it and more likely to keep up regular amounts, thus creating a healthy emergency fund.
Deal with Debt
Graduates everywhere are coming out of university with debts hanging over their heads, so the best way to deal with them is to get yourself in a position to pay them off as soon as possible. More importantly, if you have any credit card debt this needs to be paid off ASAP as interest rates can be high. Just think, the quicker you pay it off, the more free money you’ll have to spend on all the nice things you want to buy yourself.
Understanding Your Benefits and Taxes Taxes - we’ve all heard of them - but as a new employee it can be difficult to get your head around what exactly you have to pay and why. Take the time to research what’s required of you and avoid any scary letters from the tax man. On the flip side are your benefits, this is the extras that your employer provides for you from holiday and sick pay to contributions to your pension. These should be outlined in your contract by your employer.
Jargon Buster:
budget apps:
www.businessballs.com/finance.htm www.wellsfargo.com/financial-education www.moneyfor20s.about.com
vouchercloud: finds deals and offers near you WhatsApp: Free text messaging and file sending service Account Tracker: Allows you to monitor all your accounts at once
Moving to the City: Birmingham O
nce known as the ‘city of all trades’ when it was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham is now often referred to as the ‘second city’ of the UK. It is Birmingham’s impressive economy and its dedication to cultural variety that makes it such a vibrant and exciting place to live. This is another city experiencing great industrial growth, which offers cheaper living costs than the country’s capital. So if you want the excitement of the city, but without the hefty price tag, then why not become a Brummy? Birmingham has previously been recognised as a centre of engineering and manufacturing, but the city is now becoming renowned for its retail and services sectors. According to the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (2013 Provisional Results), the average salary in the UK is £27,000 and the average in Birmingham sits not far below this at £26,265. Fortunately, both the cost of living and business costs are around 60% lower than areas of the south east. Engineering and manufacturing in Birmingham still contribute billions to the national economy every year. Sectors of prowess within this industry include more traditional forms of manufacturing such as the production of jewellery – over 40% of the UK’s jewellery is produced in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
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Advanced manufacturing is experiencing great economic growth, contributing £600 million to the city’s economy; one of the largest employers in the area is Jaguar Land Rover. The retail and service sectors have become dominant industries in Birmingham in recent years. The Bullring is one of the most popular shopping centres outside of London with an average of 38 million customers visiting the centre every year. Birmingham is also home to the largest local authority council, which employs around 50,000 people in the area. The financial services in the city are also recognised as influential in terms of Birmingham’s economy, with companies such as HSBC and Lloyds having their headquarters here. Accommodation in and around the city of Birmingham ranges from more cosmopolitan style living in new developments around the canals and Jewellery Quarter, to more family orientated properties in the suburbs. The average rent prices in Birmingham (per calendar month): £385 for a room in a house or flat £577 for a flat £769 for a house
Library of Birmingham images by Christian Richters
Moseley is known for its diverse lifestyle with its abundance of bars, restaurants and boutiques which suit young professionals with money to spend. Flats are more popular here selling for an average of £115,087. Detached properties are rare, but terraced properties sell for an average price of £186,572 and semi-detached at around £298,421. Harborne has the perfect mix of traditional and modern housing and is within easy reach to the city centre thanks to its great transport links. This is a better area for families with its local schools and shopping facilities, plus its prices are more attractive than nearby Edgbaston. The past year has seen terraced properties selling on average for £182,172 and semi-detached for an average of £189,290. Click here for more information on relocating to Birmingham. Attractions in Birmingham range from the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, to the fantastic retail therapy at the Bullring and the charm of Cadbury World. There is an abundance of festivals and events throughout the year in Birmingham including Crufts and Birmingham Comedy Festival. There is so much to see, so check out visitbirmingham.com for more information.
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Random Facts about Birmingham:
1. JRR Tolkien grew up in Edgbaston and wrote The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy whilst living in the city. The Edgbaston Waterworks are said to be his inspiration for the twin towers in the book. 2. Frederick Lanchester built the first ever four wheel petrol driven car here in 1895. 3. The first X-Ray was taken in Birmingham in 1896. 4. Whilst living in Birmingham, Reverend Wilbert Awdry wrote the Thomas the Tank Engine books. 5. Birmingham has 22 more miles of canals than Venice and the highest proportion of parks than any other European city.
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A Day in the Life of... What would it be like to be responsible for making celebrities look flawless for the cameras? Make-up artists have the power to transform clients through the talent of applying various makeup techniques that go beyond what most of us are capable of. Chloe Franchina spoke to Grace Kingsley, make-up artist and owner of GK Nails, to uncover the ins and outs of this dazzling career.
I started off in beauty therapy after training at college to get my NVQ certificates. I offered make-up as part of my beauty services but soon realised that was my main passion. So I decided to follow this route and it has been my career path for the past 12 years. Along the way I have added Hairdressing and Theatrical and Special Effects Make-up to my qualifications list.
What personal qualities do you think are essential to be good at your job? Essentially you need to be fairly organised, you could be working on several projects at any one time so being on top of everything is key! You also need to be approachable as you are often working with someone new on each job, so being able to gel with people quickly is incredibly handy.
What does a typical day consist of? It entails prep work for shoots and replying to emails on a daily basis. On a photoshoot, I work with the models doing their make-up, hair and nails. Afterwards, I stay on set to ensure the make-up and hair stays perfect for each shot. Working hours vary so much, it really depends on the type of project you are working on. If it’s for TV or film you are definitely looking at 12 hour days as a minimum - with early starts too. I worked on the ITV production of Broadchurch and our call times were around 6am, finishing around 8pm. If it’s a photoshoot however, the hours are normally a bit more sociable.
What is the best thing about your job? The varied nature is what I love the most, no two days are the same. I enjoy being challenged so working on different types of projects is great. I can be on a
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photoshoot or working with a bride one day, then working in the theatre the next. I absolutely love being able to be creative and do something I am passionate about every day!
What is the best advice you have ever received? I think the best advice I have ever had is from my mum: she has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and not give up until I get there. She told me to just be who I am and believe in myself. That goes a long way in the creative industry with so much competition - you just have to know you are good at what you do.
What would be your biggest tip, for someone looking to follow your career path?
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I love being able to be creative and do something I am passionate about every day!
Network, network, network! There is a certain element of who you know rather than what you know in the industry, so the more you get your name and work out there the better. Also be proactive: the more you put in the more you will get out. For instance, assisting other make-up artists will give you the chance to pick up tips and also help you build your portfolio.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? There are so many it is hard to choose! I think it has to be a continual highlight every time I have work published in a magazine. I launched GK Nails, a range of bespoke press on nails, in December last year and that was amazing. So much hard work went into it and when I saw everyone at my launch party it really made it all worth it!
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How did you become a make-up artist? Did you need any specific training or education?
@graceyk_mua gracekingsley.co.uk
What’s been the most challenging part of your career so far?
If you could spend one day in a different career, what would it be and why?
I had a car accident three years ago which halted everything for a year. It meant that the business I had worked so hard to build was pretty much gone, so I had to decide what I was going to do. I felt like this was a fresh start so I just grabbed it and ran with it. It was hard but also a way to take everything I had learnt over the years and make the new business amazing!
I have racked my brains to answer this question but actually I don’t have any other career I want to try. I absolutely love my job and genuinely don’t see myself doing anything else!
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HELP! What career is
right for me?
A common problem amongst young people is the panic that sets in when you’re unsure about the career that you want to enter. Does that sound like you? Don’t worry - you’re far from alone! If you would rather hear some honest, well-informed advice about the next step to take in your career, instead of taking an automated test to decide, then read on.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled Whenever you notice a hobby or a profession that you think you would enjoy or already enjoy, note it down! Ideas for this list could come from anywhere, so it would be wise to constantly stay on the lookout for inspiration. Once you have a list of jobs, it’s time to start figuring out the skills, experience and qualifications required to pursue them further. So, for example, if you enjoy doing a spot of photography in your spare time, then research the courses that you can do in photography and its career prospects. That way, you’ll get a better idea of how to turn a parttime hobby into a full-time career.
JOIN THE DOTS Remember that to pursue the careers you’ve outlined as possibilities, you’re still going to need the skills required for them. Unfortunately, colossal performances in defence when you’re having a kick-about with your mates will not necessarily translate to a long and glorious career as England Captain. And although here at Career Savvy we’re certainly advocates of chasing your dream, we still have to advise you responsibly. By assessing your skills and matching them up with some of the possible careers that you’ve discovered, you can really start to narrow down your options and find out the sort of jobs that you could potentially enjoy and excel in.
USEFUL LINKS: www.do-it.org.uk – Volunteering Opportunities. www.reachskills.org.uk – Skilled Volunteering Opportunities. www.prospects.ac.uk/sectors – Information about the skill set for almost any job you can think of.
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GET A TASTER Now you’ve outlined some potential careers and matched your skill set to them, it’s time to find out even more and perhaps even get closer to answering the million dollar question: which career is best for me? No amount of pen-pushing, brainstorming and question-asking can replace the experience of actually doing the job itself and gaining a valuable insight into the profession. You could get involved in a range of professions by either volunteering or doing some work experience. Whilst work experience placements can generally be a full-time commitment for weeks, volunteering is easier to work around other commitments by giving up a few days a week. Not only will it look great on your CV, you can get closer to finding out whether it’s something you would want to do as a full-time profession.
Interning
Abroad
Here we will look to guide you through the benefits of securing paid work abroad; as well as any possible hurdles to overcome. Whilst you might immediately think that getting paid to work abroad is much better than volunteering, there are both upsides and downsides to it. We will look to enlighten you about working abroad to see if it’s a possible option for you.
The Upsides Even though the pay offered for most internships is relatively modest, they can offer a great insight into the country and industry of your choice. What’s more, going abroad to get a taster of a field of work that interests you will show employers just how determined you are to kickstart your career within that industry. Similarly to volunteering, there is a wealth of personal benefits to be had from working abroad. Experiencing the culture of another country is brilliant for your personal development and it shows that you’re not afraid to broaden your horizons. You are likely to be thrown into challenging and varied situations on a day-to-day basis in many jobs; if you have already displayed your adeptness in dealing with a new country, then it will stand you in great stead for any future roles.
The Downsides When applying for a job in a non-English speaking country, chances are you will need to have some prior knowledge of the native language; this is generally the case for internships abroad. However, positions teaching English abroad usually just require you to speak English, which may be of greater interest to some readers. Beware of the competition! Unlike volunteer roles, you’re likely to have competitors applying for the same internship as you - the cheek! This means you’re far from guaranteed to secure the role you’re applying for. But don’t forget - putting all that extra work into your application will make it all the more rewarding if you do manage to land the job.
The Verdict Securing an internship abroad could really invigorate your career, giving you the grounding and experience early on to be a real success in the future. Whether you’re a current student looking to have a summer out of the ordinary, or a graduate who is finding the job search in a competitive market to be tricky, interning is always a great option.
Get a
Mentor A mentor will offer perspective, advice, and most importantly, encouragement. If they already work in the industry or field you’re aiming at, so much the better. Ask them to help you stay positive, and to let you know when you’re projecting negativity. Talk to this mentor regularly at each stage of the job hunt, and take note of their feedback and ideas.
Alison Clements
www.simplysalesjobs.co.uk
USEFUL LINKS: www.howtointernabroad.com www.gooverseas.com www.e4s.co.uk
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HOW TO INVESTIGATE
before your
Interview
Researching a company before you go for an interview is a significant part of the modernday job hunt. With so much competition for every job opening, it’s now more important than ever to be as prepared as possible.
Arriving at an interview full of knowledge about the company will, first and foremost, impress the employer. In addition, doing some in-depth research about the company culture will help you to decide if you would be a good fit there. After completing your research you should fully understand what your prospective employers are all about and what they do - which is key information if you’re going to be working there. So we know why you should look into companies, but what are the best ways of completing the research? Going into it blindly could mean that you get insufficient or even irrelevant information about the firm that you’re looking into, potentially harming your chances of a successful interview. Here are the best places to look to make sure you’re armed with the knowledge to ace the interview and secure that dream job.
Company Website
User Reviews
The most obvious place to begin your voyage of discovery is at the website of the firm that you’re applying to. For larger companies in particular their website should detail their values, aims and culture, as well as some more information about what they actually do and how they do it. With this in mind, you should have a wealth of knowledge to go into the interview with.
Arguably the best place to find out more about businesses is from the lifeblood of them - the employees! If you don’t know anybody personally who works for the firm you’ve applied to then don’t fear – the wonder that is the internet can be used to source feedback from workers past and present at loads of different companies. For work placements and internships, the appropriately titled Rate My Placement has a huge database of user reviews, whilst Glassdoor’s reach stretches further still.
Social Media Nowadays you can use social media in almost endless ways to help you in your job hunt; one such way is by using it to research prospective employers. By checking their Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn accounts, you can find out information that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. If the company is constantly engaging with their followers and posting pictures of the latest office night out, then you’ve already got a good idea of what their culture is like. Saying that you have a great company culture is easy, but seeing actual evidence of it is another matter entirely.
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Ask Directly! Naturally however, not every place you apply to is going to have a useful website, strong social media presence and a plethora of user reviews to get your teeth into. For smaller companies where information about them is scarce, it’s not going to harm your chances to go into the interview and ask to find out more about the employer: it shows that you’re enthusiastic and keen to know more about them.
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Questions to Ask in?an Interview
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In the vast majority of interviews you will get a chance to turn the tables (not literally) and ask the interviewer some questions of your own. And whilst it doesn't exactly have to be Frost-Nixon, a lot of young jobseekers don't tend to be prepared for this important part of the interview. Last year, job board Adecco conducted a survey of hiring managers, which discovered that 60% of young people were said to have tripped up because their inadequate questions showed a lack of interest in the job being offered. So here's your chance to really impress your potential employer with some great questions that will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
What does a typical day in this job involve? This is a question which will probably give you the biggest insight into the job out of any. It’s all well and good hearing that the role requires organisation and that you will be completing administrative tasks, but what exactly are those tasks? By asking about what you will be doing on a daily basis, not only will you get a clearer idea of whether the job is right for you, but you're bound to impress the interviewer with your keen interest in what the role involves.
What would my targets be for the next six months? A sure-fire way to get your interviewer rubbing their hands with glee. They're bound to have some long-term targets in mind for the person starting the job, and anyone who takes a genuine interest in that has to be a keeper. And you never know, if they give you a detailed breakdown of the targets, then they might just have you in mind for the job already.
Where did the previous employee go? A great question to pose, as long as the position you're applying for hasn't been newly created. Whilst hearing that they had lost their job for failing to hit targets may be a little intimidating at the time, it could also be the motivation for you to better that person. If the previous employee was promoted then it suggests there are serious opportunities for career progression in this position - and that's never a bad thing!
What's the best thing about working at the company? If the interviewer breaks into a huge grin and delivers a sermon on why it's so great to work there, then you might be onto a winner with this place! On the other hand, just as they will be able to detect a lack of enthusiasm in your answers within seconds, you should be able to do likewise here. An answer that lacks detail or passion probably isn't the best sign.
What are the characteristics of the best people you've worked with here? An ideal way of knowing what sort of qualities they're looking for in the new employee. If they reel off some general attributes such as attention to detail, leadership and communication, and you feel you've displayed those skills, then you might just have nailed the interview!
For more interview advice,
take a look at the Career Savvy blog
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?
SURVIVE YOUR
First Day at Work You did it! You’ve beaten all the competition and been offered the job – congratulations! You can stop worrying about paying the bills and celebrate your first step on the career ladder. However, the pressure of the first day soon looms and you find yourself worrying about anything and everything. Have no fear – Career Savvy is here to help your first day go as smooth as possible.
Preparation
After you’ve arrived…
There are a multitude of things you can do to relieve the pressure of the first day in a new job:
The important thing to remember is that it’s completely natural to feel nervous and people will expect you to be, so there’s really no reason to panic. The more confident you act, the more confident you will eventually feel. show your employer that you don’t have to be watched over and that you’re proactive. Initiative is also useful in terms of meeting your colleagues, so make an effort to introduce yourself. There’s no need to have a particularly long conversation - they are busy after all - but your first week will be the easiest time to introduce yourself. Make notes on anything from the names of your co-workers to how to work the photocopier. This will save you from asking people the same questions repeatedly and you can refer to them throughout the day. However, if you are unsure about something, ask; you’re not going to be expected to know or remember how to do everything.
Travel Do a test run of your journey, preferably at the same time as you will be making it on your first day. This will give you an idea of how much time it will take you to get there, taking into account the rush-hour traffic. Aim to get there at least ten minutes early to allow for any unexpected delays. The last thing you want to be on your first day is late, so make this as unlikely as possible.
Outfit Plan what you’re going to wear and lay it all out the night before. You will most likely know what the dress code is already, but if you don’t, it’s always best to be overdressed than underdressed. Unfortunately people judge books by their covers, so try to choose something that represents your personality in some way. Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable in whatever you’re wearing as this will help to boost your confidence.
Research Having another read of the company’s website and your job role can help you to feel more prepared for the day ahead. It’s also a good idea to search for advice on business etiquette to avoid any embarrassing situations.
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What not to do: 1. Complain – you’ve only just got there, it will not give a good impression if you are already moaning about the job. Furthermore you will appear extremely ungrateful. 2. Be unprepared – turning up late, with a hangover and in inappropriate clothing will be a sure-fire way of losing this great opportunity. 3. Be unsociable – if your colleagues ask if you want a coffee or to go to lunch, don’t refuse them. The sooner you start building relationships in the workplace the sooner you will start to settle in.
Rewarding Careers:
Care Assistant, Elderly People You could make a considerable difference to the later stages of somebody’s life by becoming a care assistant for the elderly, helping them to achieve as much independence as possible. Your efforts are the difference between an elderly person feeling isolated and afraid to injecting happiness and self-confidence back into their lives.
Day-to-Day
Skills Required
Tasks can vary depending on where care assistants are placed: day centres, hospitals or residential homes. Typical tasks include aiding elderly people to wash, dress, take medication, use the toilet and get around generally. Basic medical assistance can be made with a qualified nurse present. Sometimes it is simply listening to the stories and memories of the patients and being there to help them make friends. Organising trips and activities is another aspect of this career as this encourages social interaction with other residents.
The most important skill is communication as care assistants need to build strong and trusting relationships with the elderly people being cared for. You need to be able to notice changes in patients, whether these manifest as physical or relating mental health issues, and report these changes to wardens or the care officer in charge. A sense of humour is an important quality, as well as patience and compassion as elderly people may not always think they require your help or they may feel anxious and confused about their situation. Furthermore, with protection for elderly people on the increase, frequent training is needed for care assistants to keep up to date with the latest government legislation. Finally, working as part of a team is also important as you will need to liaise with doctors, nurses, social workers and therapists to provide the best care for your patients.
What Makes It So Rewarding?
Helping someone to improve their quality of life by aiding them to complete personal and social tasks themselves.
Sami Rolfe, a carer who is now training to be a nurse, said:
‘I love the rewarding feeling of caring for people. It doesn’t feel like a job really. It’s great chatting to the elderly residents and listening to them whilst they share their life stories. I enjoy carrying out activities with them, and joining in playing bingo or completing puzzles. Helping them with their hygiene, making sure they are cleaned properly, as well as treating the residents with dignity and respect is an essential part of the job. I ensure that the residents receive the best care that I would expect my family member to receive and treat them as such.’
Salary & Entry Requirements Starting salaries are around £12K-£16K a year, but with extra responsibilities gained after more experience and qualifications you can expect this to rise to £18,000£21,000. You will most likely be paid more when working nights or weekends. Benefits can include lowcost or even free accommodation when working in residential homes.
Useful Links:
indeed.co.uk fote.org.uk helpinghandshomecare.co.uk Subscribe for free at www.careersavvy.co.uk
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How to get into… A
s the housing market heads in a primarily vertical direction, property has become an increasingly popular field for people from various backgrounds. The benefits of working in property is that there will always be constant demand – people will always need somewhere to live. As a nation with a heavily dense population, housing is a priority for most local councils. Your local estate agency is unlikely to be running low on properties to buy and sell on, so a career in this field is often a solid investment in the future.
Real estate will suit anyone with a flair for, or experience in sales. Properties can be on the market for months, in which time several viewings will take place. You may be showing the same property many times over, each time trying to tailor your presentation in order to pick out features that will appeal most to your clients. The role involves being very clued up on the property market. In order to value properties, it is important to keep up to date on what the current market is like. This involves research and remaining ahead of the competition.
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“
Real estate is a field relevant to many degree subjects and it welcomes people from a variety of higher education backgrounds. Degrees in business studies or similar subjects may lend themselves particularly well, while scientific, geographic or environmental degrees may lend themselves better to a surveying and assessing role. In general, most graduates will possess solid written and IT skills that can be adapted to a real estate role. School leavers will generally need to possess more than just GCSEs, preferably some A-levels and/or a college certificate such as a BTEC. A good entry route can be to look for trainee roles – these are advertised by a lot of the major estate agency chains. It can also be beneficial to approach independent companies and see if they are hiring. They may receive less applicants than the major chains, therefore ruling out a fraction of the competition.
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a career in this field is often a solid investment in the future Why Real Estate? Hustle and Bustle
As you will be involved in multiple aspects of the buying and selling process, there will always be something to do. As we touched on earlier, the market is buzzing, especially in the management of rented properties.
Money On each property sold there is commission to be earned for the agent responsible. The bonus of this is the more work you take on, the more there is to be gained financially. You will still receive a basic salary, which means that, in a rapidly changing market, a slump or bad month will not necessarily leave you out of pocket.
Diversity Your work will be a mixture of office-based duties, in which case you can be getting your head down working or helping buyers, or out-of-office tasks such as holding viewings and attending meetings. This can be a nice mix if you resent the idea of a monotonous working pattern.
Property/Real Estate
Negotiation:
Organisation:
Fast learning:
Negotiation is a pivotal part of an estate agent’s role, as you will be the mediator between the buyer and seller. Buyers will often want to pay less than the asking price, while sellers will want to get as much as they can. It’s your job to try and reach an agreed price. You will be required to present properties in such a way that they seem well worth their suggested price.
Strong organisational skills will certainly put you in good stead for a role as an estate agent. You will often have several appointments a day in different locations. It’s important that you can plan your day to be able to get from one place to the next punctually. Dealing with multiple properties and clients at once requires an organised approach and the ability to juggle tasks.
Particularly if you are new to the real estate world, you need to become a human sponge. Your duties will vary massively. You may be dealing with solicitors and legal documents one minute, the next surveying and valuing properties, then carrying out viewings while using sales techniques. You will also be required to learn about each property you are selling – the features of the house, the location and what the ‘chain’ is. If you have a good mind for absorbing and remembering information, you could make a great estate agent.
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INSIDE THE HIRING PROCESS AT
jaguar
land rover
Jaguar Land Rover is not only the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, but it’s also one of the most widely recognised in the world with its presence in over 170 countries. The company places great importance on expansion and innovation, which is made clear by its plans to create 1,400 jobs this year with their £500 million investment into a new plant near Wolverhampton. With awards from both The Guardian and The Times for ranking high in their top graduate employers list, this inspiring company where two revered brands come together is an exciting place to work. Interested? Well Career Savvy has the know-how so you can discover all there is to know about the Jaguar Land Rover application process.
Check out their dedicated careers website for more information. First you will face the online application form which is assessed by Jaguar Land Rover via their ‘High Performance Behaviours’ ( more information in their Application Tips section), so it’s important to be aware of these when completing your application. No matter what position you’re applying for, the more of these you can make relevant by including detailed examples, the more successful your application is likely to be. You will also be
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able to upload your CV to accompany the form. If your application form is successful then you’ll have to take part in some online psychometric tests. There are three different types of test that Jaguar Land Rover use: numerical, verbal reasoning and diagrammatic. It’s essential to practise these tests because they can be extremely challenging if you haven’t faced them before. Jaguar Land Rover use Saville Consulting Group’s tests but as these cost money, they suggest taking a look at the following practise tests.
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this inspiring company where two revered brands come together is an exciting place to work
“
It’s important to be aware that there are many areas you can go into: •Engineering and Programmes •Manufacturing Engineering •Design •Finance •Human Resources •Information Technology •Supply Chain and Logistics •Marketing, Sales & Service •Purchasing •Real Estate
Your ability to score highly on the psychometric tests will see you receiving an email inviting you to the assessment centre, the final stage of the process. You’re likely to spend an entire day here, with many lasting eight hours - so make sure you’re prepared! The tasks will vary according
to the role you have applied for, but the basic structure of the day remains the same: interviews, presentation, psychometric tests, group exercise and role play exercise. In each task you must show how you possess the High Performance Behaviours those assessing you will undoubtedly be looking for. You will encounter two interviews, one competency based and the other more technical concentrating on the skills required for the position you’ve applied for. The presentation will last about ten minutes and you will have the same amount of time to prepare for it. Don’t panic – the presentation will be on a subject you have good knowledge of already. The psychometric tests at this stage will be the same three forms as those online, but they’ll be handwritten and a lot harder, so make sure you practice! The group exercise will vary according to your subject field, but usually you will have to solve a problem, choosing between several answers and explaining your choice at the end. It’s not about reaching the correct answer, but showing that you can work well in a team to achieve an outcome. For the role play exercise you will have to present how you would cope with a scenario in your department to a member of the HR team. This will be along the lines of dealing with a problem when the manager is out of office. Check out Glassdoor for responses from real candidates applying for jobs at Jaguar Land Rover.
Examples of Jaguar Land Rover Interview Questions: • Tell me about a time when you have helped someone or corrected someone who was doing the wrong thing. • Describe a situation where you have been particularly persistent. • Do you think risks are important? • Describe a time when you took a risk to achieve a goal.
Five Facts About Jaguar Land Rover 1. Jaguar was originally called Swallow Sidecar when it was launched in 1922. 2. The company ranked at 30 in The Guardian 2012-13 UK 300 top graduate employers. 3. An all-electric version of the Defender has been developed for South African safari parks in order to reduce noise and pollution in the bush. 4. Nowadays, Jaguar exports almost 70% of its cars to countries all over the world. 5. It’s one of few brands to possess a Royal Warrant which is rewarded to those companies that have achieved longterm supplier status for the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales.
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Jobs in TV Shows Not All That They’re Cracked Up to Be
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Breaking Bad: An Inadequate Replacement Teacher In Breaking Bad, the story of the chemistry teacher turned drug baron Walter White, finding a replacement high-school chemistry teacher is unlikely to prove a straightforward task. After all, how can you follow an act like that? Not all chemistry teachers are likely to abuse their knowledge by producing the valuable commodity of crystal meth, after all. Mind you, Walt’s replacement probably wouldn’t go through a mid-life crisis of colossal proportions by deciding to enter the crystal meth market in the first place. But they still might feel somewhat inferior and a lot less cool than their predecessor.
The Simpsons: A Nightmare for the Tax Man Did you know that in the first 400 episodes of The Simpsons, Homer Simpson went through a total of 188 different jobs? Whilst the old-fashioned notion of having one job for life doesn’t necessarily apply in the modern day, we would be hard-pressed to recommend having precisely 187 career changes throughout a small portion of your life. Which brings us on to the obvious question: how on earth did Homer’s tax man cope with all the paperwork?! With each job change there would be a P45, P46, Z79 or R2D2 form to fill out, then training, settling in, meeting the new boss - it’s a logistical nightmare!
Mad Men: Don Draper’s Non-Smoking Secretary Following the fictional lives of men working in advertising in 1960s New York, one thing is abundantly clear from the start of this drama: everybody smokes. A lot. In fact, this video gives you an idea of just how many cigarettes are smoked across all the series and it probably doesn’t even scratch the surface as to how many are actually consumed. So who has the rubbish job here? Spare a thought for any poor nonsmoker having to work in this office. Whilst at the time mixing it with the rich city slickers of New York would have seemed an appealing prospect, they were probably regretting it as they coughed and spluttered in the corner - out of shot, naturally.
Scrubs: The Janitor Many people may resent the idea of cleaning a hospital – mostly because of the questionable substances and spillages that you might see yourself mopping away at. It doesn’t help then, that the janitor is about the only member of cleaning staff that we actually see in the show. Presumably he is not left to clean Sacred Heart single-handed – so where are his team of cleaners and porters? The matter is made worse by the fact that the janitor spends most of his working day plotting against J.D, making the amount of actual maintenance work he completes questionable. So just how filthy was the hospital of Sacred Heart? How often were the bed pans changed? Why are we dwelling on this fictitious breach of hygiene? If you’re slightly bonkers and adamant that you want to secure a job on TV even after reading this, you could check out some of these websites for a little bit of information on TV roles - ranging from extras, to dancers, to film crew. www.starnow.co.uk www.total-talent.com/uk www.universalextras.co.uk
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coo les t OFF ICE S pinterest It’s far too easy to whittle away hours of your time by scrolling through pictures of gloriously decorated cupcakes, upcycled antiques or fancy infographics. You couldn’t expect much more from one of the fastest growing social media platforms then, to have a cool, Californian-based office full of fun and quirky gadgets. As with most tech companies, the Pinterest office is open plan, with a stupendously high ceiling and the feel of an old warehouse that’s been renovated – in a cool, hipster way. The mostly hoodie wearing staff get to spend their days in an odd yet effective mash of industrial and kitsch – with handmade paper lanterns hanging from the steel beams above.
Blue Monday: A Decorative Sculptu Employees to Admire.
Whether it’s dressing up as characters from Breaking Bad or creating a lampshade out of old spoons – the Pinterest team seem like they’re up for a laugh. Their Californian HQ is the venue for many a party. Let’s hope the embarrassing photos from the night before don’t get pinned to the wall in giant, real life Pinterest style. All Rights Reserved by Pinterest ©
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Welcome: A reception desk with a difference
Bright Lights: Handmade lanterns hang from the rafters.
e quirky items th of e On : gn Si a 's It 's HQ littering Pinterest
ure for
Caption Kicking back: A Pinterest employee relaxes in the chill-out area.
e. Warehouse turned high-te ch HQ in the Californian dusk.
o t w
Ho
BUILD POSITIVE
Relationships
at Work
Of course you don’t have to get on with everyone or be best friends with your colleagues, but by making the effort to get to know them better you can improve your career prospects, as well as your work environment. Ever happy to help when it comes to improving your career, Career Savvy has compiled a list of helpful tips to remember when building those all-important relationships at work.
1. Communicate Whether you are new to the office and feel intimidated, or you have woken up on the wrong side of the bed, sometimes it’s difficult to motivate yourself to make conversation with your co-workers. However it’s important for you to try and make as much effort as possible to get to know your colleagues because by doing so, you’ll feel much more comfortable approaching them whenever you have a problem or need their help. Plus this is how true friendships are made. Just be careful to remember that you’re at work, therefore make sure your efforts to make friends at work are not impacting on your productivity.
2. Be Considerate If you’re sharing an office then it’s important to ensure you’re not distracting or irritating your co-workers with your bad habits. Although you might work better with some background music, playing it too loudly could be distracting those trying to work around you. If you notice a colleague cannot cope with their current workload, or perhaps a new colleague is struggling to use the office computers, then offer a helping hand. If you make a conscious effort to help others then people will appreciate your kind nature. In return, your colleagues will be much more willing to help you whenever you have a problem. Furthermore, if someone receives a promotion or credit for their work, don’t let your jealousy get in the way of congratulating them. It’s polite to acknowledge their achievement and again this works both ways – when you achieve something, they will be keen to congratulate you too.
3. Be Responsible If you have committed to a project or task then make sure you complete it. You don’t want to get a reputation for letting people down; this will make you look unprofessional. If you do have an issue and you can no longer fulfil a promise, ensure you make everybody involved aware of this and help to find a solution. If you happen to make a mistake, own up to it. Nobody is perfect and people will not look on you favourably if you attempt to shift the blame onto others. Your boss will be far more impressed if you admit and then learn from your mistake, than if you get
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defensive and avoid taking responsibility. In addition, try not to become involved with office gossip as this can earn you a bad reputation and it’s unprofessional. To build good relationships at work it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to find a best friend in the office. Simply by being polite and making an effort to get to know the people you work with, you can considerably improve your working environment as well as your career prospects. The friendlier you are, the more respect you will receive, thus the more likely you will be offered that promotion or at least be recognised for your efforts.
Know Your Rights:
Restrictive Covenants
These are clauses in most employee’s contracts that restrict the use of/contact with a company’s information, clients, other employees or products after the employment ceases. Employees have access to inside information about how a company operates, so it is in the interest of a business to protect this when employees move elsewhere.
The Law:
Advice:
It’s important that you review your contract to ensure you’re aware of agreeing to any restrictive covenants. Most restrictions only cover certain criteria for example, you may be restricted from the company’s customers within a geographical boundary. Furthermore, some restrictions are only valid for a certain amount of time after the employment ceases. Any conditions such as these are required to be outlined in the employment contract, of which you will have agreed to.
Businesses can and do have the ability to use legal action against you if you have broken any of these restrictions. Evidence can easily be collected to prove your correspondence and involvement with previous business by the affected employer. It is therefore important that you’ve checked your contract carefully, and you abide by the restrictions when you cease employment with the company. Remember you can always request a copy of your contract to review if you signed it a while ago.
For more information visit the HM Revenue & Customs website.
Got a job? Don’t stop there!
So, you’ve done it. You’ve finally secured the job you were looking for after what felt like years of interviews - initial interviews, phone interviews and every other type of interview under the sun. Now you have the income, security and peace of mind, it’s tempting to sit back and relax. But this is the perfect time to really expand your palette by seeking out part-time courses and extra training to build on your skills and experience. Here are some of the options that are available to further your education outside of work.
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1. The Open University.
2. College Courses.
With over 240,000 students enrolled, the Open University is the largest university in the UK and makes up 10% of the total number of undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in this country. They offer a wide variety of distance learning courses to those who are unable to commit to full or part-time study elsewhere. What’s more, most courses that are offered don’t require previous qualifications, whilst introductory courses can offer, well, an introduction to universitylevel qualifications and beyond. This option is ideal for anyone who would prefer their learning hours to be highly flexible and done at the learner’s pace. And you wouldn’t be alone - 70% of students enrolled at The Open University also work whilst studying.
If you generally have weekends or evenings free and don’t mind committing to a weekly class, enquire at your local college about the part-time courses that they offer. Whether you fancy learning a new language, getting to grips with photography or mastering cookery; colleges and adult education centres offer affordable courses to suit a variety of learners. You can also check out the School of Everything, Floodlight and Hot Courses websites to search for available courses in your area. From vocational qualifications to A-levels, there are plenty of opportunities to do something that will help to enhance your career.
www.open.ac.uk
www.schoolofeverything.com www.floodlight.co.uk www.hotcourses.com
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3. Volunteering.
4. Still unsure what to do?
This is a rewarding way to gain some more practical work experience and/or apply the skills you’ve already gained to a different working environment. There are so many opportunities out there for volunteers to make a difference in a variety of sectors. Volunteering is bound to impress employers examining your CV and it could give you the edge when you’re applying for that dream job or simply looking to progress in your current company or career. Do-It offer a multitude of volunteering opportunities across the country, whilst Reach offer volunteer work for skilled individuals by searching through a large database.
If you want to do some extra learning but just cannot decide what, then the National Careers Service offer free career advice as well as a database of courses to consider. It’s ideal if you feel a bit overawed by all of the options available to you and just want to have a chat with an expert who can advise you on the best route to take. Even if you decide that you don’t want to continue learning outside of work, it’s best to firstly discover the opportunities that are out there before making any decisions.
www.do-it.org.uk www.reachskills.org.uk
www.nationalcareersservice.co.uk
If you choose to follow one of the opportunities outlined here, it can only continue to benefit you and your career. Whether you want to go for a few extra qualifications or gain some work experience to try and break into a competitive industry, there are loads of options out there. So try to resist getting complacent once you've settled into your career - get competitive by gaining as many skills/qualifications as you possibly can. Who knows, this could open doors to opportunities you never thought you would have the chance to experience.
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Coping With Redundancy Unfortunately, redundancy is a common aspect of work life that many of us will have to face during our career. Between April and June 2013, 1,348 people a day reported that they had been made redundant. Blaming yourself and looking at your situation negatively can lead to a serious career rut. To avoid this it is important to embrace this change. Here are some steps you can take to combat the redundancy blues.
Create a Routine: One aspect that can be particularly difficult when you lose your job is the sudden lack of structure to your day. To combat this, set yourself a routine for each day, ensuring your tasks are focused on finding work. For example, allocate specific hours in the day to researching possible career paths, searching for job vacancies and updating your CV or writing applications. Maintaining a routine is easier if you have a dedicated workspace at home and if you remember to factor in breaks. By remaining in a routine you will avoid a shock to the system when you return to the 9-5 working day.
Renovate Your CV: Despite perhaps making a conscious effort to update the skills on your CV whilst in employment, it’s most likely still out of date. This is because the favourable formats and styles of CVs change frequently. The most common mistake many make is not tailoring their skills to each specific role. Check out the National Careers Service before updating your CV, and for each job application, highlight the experiences that are particularly relevant to the job on offer. Oh, and remember to run it through spell-check to avoid any embarrassing mistakes.
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Utilise Your Network: Have a think about who you know, what industries they work in and the advice they could potentially give you. LinkedIn is a great resource for networking online because you can display your skills and experience to people all over the world. Furthermore, you can reach out to employers you have an interest in working for by asking to connect with them through the site. Although an ex-colleague, friend or a member of staff from a company of interest may not be able to directly help you find a specific job, their advice or the advice from a contact of theirs might be vital to your job search.
Consider Alternatives: Redundancy allows you to consider different career paths therefore think about your transferable skills and research some jobs you had not previously considered. This could be your chance to follow a suppressed dream or embark on a new adventure – so embrace it. Another alternative is to complete some voluntary work – especially if there are currently no suitable jobs available or you are unsure about what direction to take. Volunteering for a charity or an employer can significantly boost your CV, and employers will appreciate your efforts to enhance your skills and experience. This could open new doors that you had never considered before and help you to discover something you really enjoy, as well as something you’re good at.
“
This could be your chance to follow a suppressed dream or embark on a new adventure - so embrace it
1. ‘If you have mortgage insurance which covers loss of
earnings, find all the paperwork and ensure you know the process for making a claim. Usually you need to provide a copy of a redundancy letter from the company and also confirmation from the Job Centre that you are unemployed.’
2. ‘Keep all correspondence from the company regarding
the redundancy process – all letters, emails, and notes of all conversations. This is just in case something goes awry and you need to make any form of challenge as to your rights in the whole process.’
3. ‘Check your contract – it may have restrictions on it
regarding who you can work for after you have left for a certain period (e.g. competitor companies)’
4. ‘Make sure you have an exit interview, and prepare
fully beforehand so you don’t walk out of it wishing you had said something you may have forgotten. My exit interview was undertaken by the independent HR consultant, which made it much easier to be free-talking and honest. Make sure if you can that an independent person undertakes the interview for this reason.’
“
Vicky, a 43 year-old Office Departmental Manager from Berkshire who has recently gone through the redundancy process, has also offered some important aspects for you to remember if you find yourself in a similar situation:
What is Vicky doing now? ‘I have taken a voluntary position with a charity in a similar field to my former company, to work on a particular project for them that will use my skills and knowledge while I’m looking for a job. This might provide an opening into the charity itself as a paid employee, but if not at least my CV will have something on it to show I didn’t sit about doing nothing.’ So remember, you’re not alone and you’re not to blame. The best way to deal with losing your job is to throw yourself into the challenge of finding a new one; embrace this opportunity to follow your dreams and discover something new. It’s possible to turn what currently feels like a negative situation, into a positive change: ‘the world is your oyster’ as they say.
Useful Links: www.citizensadvice.co.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/action_plans/ manage-your-budget-after-redundancy www.gov.uk/calculate-your-redundancy-pay www.gov.uk/redundant-your-rights www.acas.org.uk
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ON YOUR BIKE Cycle to Work schemes are now offered by several employers up and down the UK as more people are swapping four wheels for two. If your employer registers, you can get a brand new cycle with a generous amount of discount - sometimes even for free. If your employer hasn’t signed up, ask them to do so and you can both reap the benefits! Here are some of Career Savvy’s top picks of some great models for your daily commute.
Boardman Road Team Carbon This popular model’s light frame and rigid suspension make it super suitable for the road. A good choice for short to medium commutes, great for speed and for steering through traffic.
£999
Pendleton Brooke Hybrid This urban hybrid frame is great for a speedy ride with fairly easy gear changes. It’s hybrid features make it suitable for medium to long commutes. It’s a more affordable option for someone looking to reduce their travel time.
£249 36
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Boardman Hybrid Comp
One of the most popular male hybrid models, this is a good choice if you’re looking for a good balance of performance and speed. As a hyrbid, it provides more comfort for longer rides.
£499
Pendleton Ashwell
This vintage style city bike makes for quite a comfy ride. Its good riding position makes it ideal to enjoy a less rushed or longer commute with.
£349
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1. be Specific
4. Exchange Details
An unsurprisingly successful networking technique is to only attend industry specific events. Being in a room full of people with similar interests or goals means you are bound to gain something from almost everyone you talk to. Similarly, it means that the people you meet will be more interested in you and your line of work.
Networking is a waste of time if you cannot follow it up afterwards. Come well equipped with some professional business cards. In this digital age, you may feel that business cards are a waste of time, but they make a great impression on the people you meet. It’s easy for you to be forgotten about when entering your details into someone’s phone, so handing over a business card is like handing over a reminder for them to contact you. Anticipate that not everyone is as organised as you and come equipped with methods of jotting down other’s details.
2. Make the First Move
How To:
For some people, introducing themselves to a random stranger is quite terrifying. In this instance, it’s best to be bold and just go for it. At networking events, people will be expecting to meet and talk to strangers, meaning that your approach will be welcomed. Waiting for things to come to you is not a good motto to have!
Network 5. get Online
3. Introduce People Introducing somebody to other people you know, or have just met, is a fantastic way to break the ice. It also gives a great impression of you: it suggests that you have a lot of contacts and that you are a great person to work with.
Thanks to a great thing called the internet, you can network without leaving your house. Your best pals for this are LinkedIn and Twitter. Connecting and following people you would like to work with is a good way of instigating further contact and another great ice breaker if you wind up meeting these people in the flesh. Online networking also widens your scope, meaning you can speak to people from up and down the country, as well as overseas. Consider instigating Skype calls with your new connections to exchange business tips.
inspirational Quote of the month
“
NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR PAST, YOU ARE NOT YOUR PAST, YOU ARE THE RESOURCES AND THE CAPABILITIES YOU GLEAN FROM IT. AND THAT IS THE BASIS FOR ALL CHANGE.
“
- JORDAN BELFORT (THE WOLF OF WALL STREET)
ENHANCE YOUR CAREER:
Start Team Building Many of us dread the announcement of a team building day, where awkward silences and motivational speeches are a-plenty. According to a survey carried out by Vodafone and YouGov in 2012, many of us think team building exercises are a waste of time: 54% of the 66% that had experienced these activities believed taking part in more of them wouldn’t be beneficial. But teamwork is an important asset in the workplace and team building can be truly beneficial in terms of enhancing your career.
Motivation
Relationships
The aim of the employer is to set up a task that none of their employees is an expert in, thus it’s an opportunity to test yourself at something new. As you and your team succeed in the task you will uncover skills you never realised you possessed, improving your self-confidence as well as your faith in your colleagues. Once you return to the office you will realise the potential both you and your team possess after proving yourselves at the event. Therefore your motivation to complete tasks will have increased as a result of team building exercises.
The office is a busy place and you probably haven’t had the chance to get to know everyone properly. Therefore spending some time with your colleagues outside the confines of the office can be the perfect opportunity for you to spend time with those you are less familiar with. It’s not about competing during team building exercises, it’s about cooperation – working together to solve a problem. Who knows, you could meet a lifelong friend along the way.
Productivity After such a boost in motivation, you’re undoubtedly going to see a surge in your productivity. This is thanks to the realisation of your ability and the confidence you now hold in yourself and other members of your team. For example, now you may be more likely to complete a task you usually pass onto others. Or perhaps a co-worker stood out to you as being better at taking the lead than you first thought, thus next time you will entrust them with more responsibility.
Development You will have the opportunity to develop key skills such as creativity and problem solving when taking part in team building activities. No doubt you will feel out of your comfort zone and you may begrudge your boss for encouraging this. But it’s time to change that attitude and realise that such challenges are necessary for your career development. Embrace the activities and use them to improve your skill set.
For some great ideas on what team building activities your company can organise, check out www.teambuilding.co.uk to discover outdoor, indoor and evening events.
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rite
ou Our fav
tweets of the month
John @sarcasticapple
If you went back in time to the 1950s and told people your job title was “webmaster” their immediate thought would be insect overlords.
Alyssa Milano @Alyssa_Milano
You have to at least try. Accept effort as its own success.
be quids-in while looking for work.
plant sitting You don’t need to be Alan Titchmarsh to maintain people’s precious gardens whilst they are away. A watering can, reliable nature and bit of free time are the only essential qualities you need. There are plenty of folk out there that spend lots of time and money, building and growing their perfect garden and they will be willing to pay for someone to take care of it when they cannot. Duties can include watering, weeding and pest control.
Always have a vivid imagination, for you never know when you might need it.
Advertising your services in more well-off areas might enable you to charge higher rates, and your business will increase in less urban areas too. Once you start to receive business, you can get some testimonials from clients to boost your credibility.
Tim Siedell @badbanana
Flexibility is essential, but this could be the perfect option if you need something to fit in around your studies.
J.K. Rowling @jk_rowling
Having way too good a hair day for Twitter. Heading over to Skype.
You’re effectively setting up a home business, so make sure you consider all the necessary requirements regarding tax and insurance. Follow the link below for more information.
Anna Kendrick @AnnaKendrick47
www.gov.uk/run-business-from-home
It’s cool if I wear my bathrobe to work right? (I have shoes on; I’m a professional)
For excellent career tips and advice
follow us on twitter @careersavvymag
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