kapow! Well, we thought about an Easterthemed front cover and more egg puns than you could shake your CV at, but Superheroes are far more fun, so here we are. Career Savvy’s April Issue is here to save the day, help you battle through your jobseeking adventures, conquer your career ambitions and fly home after a hard day of being super with a big cheesy smile on your face.
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This action-packed issue covers what’s happening in the architecture and construction industries, shows you what marine biologists get up to on a daily basis and gives a guide to living and working in the stunning city of Edinburgh.
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It’s full of tips to help you enjoy your job, give and receive work-related gratitude and even shows you how to deal with becoming the boss! This month we’ve also bent the ear of Bev James, one of the UK’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and coaches, to share her fantastic motivational tips with you. The past month has also seen our blog be promoted by Guardian Careers, so be sure to visit www. careersavvy.co.uk/blog/ after reading this issue for even more regular career help. It’s eggsellent. DAVE MORGAN EDITOR
Regular features 4 your stories
Some awkward moments from your career path.
5 Ask the expert
Jan Murray answers your burning career questions.
6-7 world’s most interesting jobs Launch your dream career become an astronaut.
26-27 inside the hiring process at...
British Airways: how to soar through their application process.
28-29 coolest offices
Attention steampunk lovers - Three Rings takes quirky to another level.
33 know your rights
Illegal interview questions - what the employer shouldn’t be asking you.
38 how to...
39 enhance your career
24-25 how to get into...
40 money maker
Architecture. Have you got the vision?
news 8 Industry update
Discover routes into the construction industry.
9 minimum wage: is it enough?
A look into whether a rise of 19 pence is sufficient.
Personal branding: project yourself in a positive light. Obscure yet easy ways to make and save cash.
11 mindset for success
Coaching expert Bev James offers great tips to improve your attitude.
12-13 moving to the city
Edinburgh: the cultural hub of Scotland.
Is poor careers guidance responsible for the skills shortage?
23 rewarding careers
Save lives as a Coastguard watch officer.
16 great outdoor jobs
30 7 ways to enjoy your job
17 skills gained from your degree
31 freelancing
18 conquer careers fairs
32 the power of gratitude
Escape the confines of the office for the great outdoors.
What has your degree really done for you? Ensure you make a memorable impression.
19 graduate schemes
The lowdown: what you should know before applying.
20-21 interview & cv blunders
Stories to reassure you that you’re not the only one!
22 surprisingly well-paid jobs
Careers with unexpected salaries.
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lifestyle
10 careers advice in schools
features
Click to read
Organise your time. Ensure you’re never late for a very important date!
14-15 A day in the life of...
JJ Harvey, marine biologist and conservationist.
Download issue 7 and read on the go
Steps you can take to keep a smile on your face at work. The know-how behind this fulfilling and flexible career path. How a simple ‘thank you’ can help your career development.
34-35 becoming the boss
Survive the transition from employee to employer.
36-37 budget spring workwear
Look fresh and fabulous whilst saving the pennies.
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ASK THE EXPERT
Hi Jan, To tell you the truth, the idea of having a career mentor is quite new to me! I was just wondering what sort of benefits you would get from working with one? Nick
jan murray Career Mentor
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 Seven we’ve brought in Jan Murray, the creator of Mentormatchme.com - which matches career mentors with mentees.
Q? If you need a question answered, pose it to one of our experts online and you’re guaranteed a reply.
Hi Nick, There are lots of benefits that you can get from working with a career mentor. Career mentors are generally someone who are ahead of you on the career ladder who can use their experience to help you make decisions and to help you avoid mistakes. The types of things a career mentor can help with includes how to enter industries and professions, how to progress within an industry or profession, how to overcome specific job or industry challenges, or how to move job roles and industries. Working with a mentor from your chosen career or industry they can give you the insider track on what it takes to succeed. One of the benefits of working with a career mentor is that they can act as a sounding board and give you an objective, outside view that work colleagues, family and friends can’t always do. By working on a regular basis with a career mentor, even just for say and hour a month, they can keep you on track towards setting and achieving your goals as well as give you the feedback and motivation to succeed. I hope this is useful, but if you need any more specific information just let me know. Jan
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World’s Most
•INTERESTING JOBS •
Astronaut T
here is always one child that when asked what they want to be when they grow up, shouts ‘an astronaut!’ at the top of their lungs. Unfortunately, many shrug off this dream as they grow up, believing it to be nothing more than a fantasy. However, Career Savvy is here to prove that hurtling through space, exploring the solar system and walking on the moon can truly become your career. So get your space suit ready and prepare for the journey of a lifetime!
Mission specialists aid pilots with the maintenance of the spacecraft and equipment, as well as the launching of satellites. They are the privileged astronauts that perform spacewalks and conduct specific experiments whilst in space.
Space missions must be thoroughly planned, ensuring both spacecraft and everyone involved is ready for the mission, before astronauts are lucky enough to journey into space. Once they have successfully launched, astronauts will carry out extensive research concerning the Earth’s weather, land forms and atmosphere. Furthermore, cutting edge scientific research takes place whilst in space as the unique microgravity environment offers different results. Pilot astronauts command space crafts and have responsibility over the crew, success of the mission and the vehicle. Sometimes they are also involved in the distribution and recovery of satellites.
‘Viewing the details on the surface of the Earth and the different lighting conditions, the different places on the planet…watching the seasons go by, you never get tired of that.’
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Col. Jeffrey Williams, astronaut and author, told Concordia Publishing House in an interview that one of the highlights of going into space is:
Whilst exploring Mars and experiencing zero gravity is all very exciting, astronauts must face challenging conditions. For instance tasks that are simple on Earth, such as eating, sleeping and going to the toilet, are far more difficult. It is the daily tasks such as these, as well as those involved in experiments, which require astronauts to undergo extensive physical training before they can
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Viewing the details on the surface of the Earth...you never get tired of that
attend a mission in space. The basic training takes around two years and is the equivalent of military survival training. A mentor, who will be an experienced astronaut, guides trainees through the second phase which includes mastering exercises involved in pre-launch, launch, orbit, entry and landing. The ten months before a mission are spent swatting up on everything involved with the mission in hand. Of course, all this extensive training is well worth the experience you receive once out on a mission.
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Because astronauts are not hired on a regular basis, competition is extremely high: on average more than 4,000 applicants compete for about twenty roles roughly
every two years. For both pilots and mission specialists, a bachelor’s degree in biological or physical science, maths or engineering is required from an accredited institution. An advanced degree is desirable and will help you against your competition. Both also require impeccable physical fitness and the ability to cope with extreme amounts of responsibility whilst in orbit. Pilots will need a minimum of 1,000 hours of experience in a jet aircraft and incredibly good vision. For mission specialists, they must have completed at least three years of related experience before they can apply to become an astronaut. Salaries range from £40,000-£86,000 per annum and grow alongside your experience. So if you’re a Trekkie or a huge fan of Howard Wolowitz, why not follow your childhood dream and become an astronaut? As long as your passion is for science and not just walking on the moon, this career could be literally out of this world.
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7
Construction is a diverse field that offers opportunities at
Group all offer graduate recruitment, among many others.
different levels, from the physical to the theoretical and
From a school-leaving level, an apprenticeship is a
office-based tasks. As well as this, construction is seeing
great way to learn a trade in construction which you can
its largest rate of growth since 2007. Boosts in the housing
progress through. Most local colleges offer courses in
market as well as more confidence in the UK economy
construction trades such as bricklaying, plastering and
means now is a good time to get involved in the industry.
carpentry – many of these have ties with local employers
Popular graduate construction routes include architecture,
that take on trainees. 36% of the construction workforce
civil engineering, planning and surveying. Most large firms
is self-employed. This means that once you’re qualified in
will offer graduate schemes, giving their new recruits a
your trade there is plenty of scope to work independently,
combination of theoretical and on-site training. Companies
which is an appealing prospect to many.
such as Skanska, McGee Group and Babcock International
call for graduates in construction:
Construction
industry 34,000 is growing
2%
NEW ROLES CREATED
last year
every month on aver age
Roles • Architect • Civil Engineer • Building Surveyor • Quantity Surveyor • Carpenter • Joiner • Plasterer • Bricklayer • Plumber • Electrician
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The construction industry is a major UK employer, however it’s currently experiencing a difficulty in supplying enough graduates to take on management and project management roles. This is made worse by an aging senior workforce. Causes of this shortage include firms that lack their own training schemes and a lack of investment in future talent. However, according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 44% of firms are expected to run apprenticeship schemes by 2019. The provision of grants for small businesses is significant to this increase as the construction industry is mostly comprised of small businesses.
Residential Construction Sees Biggest Rise: With an improved housing market and the government’s Help to Buy scheme enabling more buyers to get mortgages, the property market is currently a hot area for contractors. Brickwork, blockwork and finishing are some trades that are particularly affected as their trades lend themselves greatly to the construction of property. There is a possibility that services will be stretched and whether some firms will have the capacity to take on some of the larger projects. However, hopefully this will heighten potential for more small businesses to start-up, as well as increasing business for existing companies.
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Monthly Economy Report National Minimum Wage Increase:
Is It Enough? For the first time since the economic crisis in 2008 the national minimum wage is rising above inflation, as Business Secretary Vince Cable approves the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) proposition of an increase of 3%. With this increase anticipated to be the first of many above-inflation rises, things appear to be looking up. These changes are expected to affect one million workers therefore it’s important to be aware of the details behind this increase; is it sufficient and what are the goals for the future?
The Facts:
What can we hope for?
• The increase of the minimum wage is one of 19 pence, from £6.31 to £6.50 per hour. • For those of you aged between 18 and 20, a rise of 2% is expected therefore your hourly wage will increase from £5.03 to £5.13. • 16 and 17 year olds will also experience an increase of 2% with their wage rising seven pence to £3.79 per hour. • Apprentices will also be affected as their hourly wage rises by five pence to £2.73. • These changes will be put into action in October 2014.
Now that we are finally able to see an increase in the minimum wage that is above inflation, it’s time to close the gap between this and the living wage. This is the only way we can make steps towards a more equal economy and ensure that people across the country truly have enough money to live. The Chancellor George Osborne has stated that he agrees that the national minimum wage should reach £7.00 by October 2015, therefore we can only hope that this 19 pence increase is the start of many more above-inflation rises to come. The sooner these increases take place, the closer we can get the minimum wage up to the living wage to improve the standard of living for low-paid workers.
Is it enough? Although such increases are welcomed by us all, it is debatable whether the rise is enough to deal with what Labour terms as the ‘cost of living crisis’. Even founding chairman of the LPC, Professor Sir George Bain believes many sectors could certainly afford to pay more than the minimum wage. The reality is that a huge percentage of the population are struggling to get by with rent and bills taking up the majority of their wages. This is thanks to the minimum wage sitting significantly lower than the living wage: the wage which enables you to sustain a normal standard of living. Currently the living wage is £7.65 for the majority of the UK and in London it’s £8.80. Despite the rise of the minimum wage, especially without knowing what the living wage might rise to by this autumn, it’s clear that the gap is still too large to help many people out of poverty.
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CALL FOR BETTER
Careers Advice Y
oung people are becoming increasingly ill-prepared for the job market as careers advice in schools has taken a back seat. After discovering that an incredible three out of four schools inspected were providing an inadequate careers service, Ofsted have announced plans to discover new ways for them to inspect and judge schools on the quality this service. The idea is to encourage schools to improve their career guidance so students are fully aware of all the opportunities available to them as they approach the end of their compulsory education. The problem of insufficient career advice stems from the removal of Connexions from schools which was able to provide free, face-to-face careers guidance for students as it was publicly funded. Although the National Careers Service effectively replaced this service, the advice provided is all online or over the phone therefore students no longer have the opportunity to make appointments with someone on-site to seek advice whilst they finish their studies. The main issue with current careers advice in schools, as Ofsted has pointed out, is that it concentrates on encouraging students into further education rather than providing equal information on vocational options. For instance, although guidance is provided when it comes to university courses and personal statement writing, alternatives such as apprenticeships and the support needed for those who want to enter the world of work is often lacking. The charity Edge discovered in their report that one in four students had been encouraged not to pursue a vocational route by teachers telling them they were ‘too clever’. It’s this emphasis on the academic route that is leaving students who are unsure about university confused as they begin to feel as if they have no choice.
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No wonder many students are emerging from university lacking keys skills employers demand despite achieving their degree. Ofsted have announced their mission to focus more of their inspections on the provision of careers advice by focusing on where pupils end up once they have left school. Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief schools inspector of Ofsted, termed this ‘destination data’. This information would clearly show whether the school was making enough effort to provide guidance concerning vocational courses, apprenticeships and the world of work in general, not just further education. Therefore schools are going to have to accept their significant role in providing independent careers advice in order to ensure they not only score well with Ofsted, but truly benefit the lives of their students. Taking steps to improve the careers advice young people receive before they leave school will enable them to make better informed decisions about their career paths. This will lead to less students being pressurised into taking university courses without an end goal and more of them having the confidence to enter the world of work or take on vocational courses instead. This could then help to reduce the skills shortage crisis currently present in the job market, resulting in fewer unfilled vacancies and more people in employment.
MINDSET FOR SUCCESS By Bev James Business Coach and Mentor
Everyone can have a mindset for success, but the fine line between success and failure is dependent on the decisions we make and those we choose not to make. Here are some top tips for creating your mindset for success and developing the confidence to make things happen.
DEVELOP THE HABIT OF SELF-DISCIPLINE Self-discipline is a power trait that makes a huge difference. If you know you can rely on yourself to be disciplined in your career development approach, you know that there is the possibility of success. Without it, it is easy to feel defeated before you start. A self-disciplined approach will keep you on track and will deliver improved performance and successful results. Build your self-discipline muscle daily. Try asking yourself: ‘What changes in my own approach will make the most difference to my success?’ Consider the following: • What do you need to START doing? Taking action? Setting achievable goals? Monitoring your progress? Seeking advice? • What do you need to STOP doing? Procrastinating? Living in the past? Having regrets? Blaming others? Putting yourself down?
MASTER YOUR MOTIVATION The decisions you make will always depend on what drives you to succeed in the first place. For some it will be the heady draw of material success and a big pay rise, for others the desire for recognition in their future role and belonging. Some will be motivated by stability and some will act because they know they will succeed. Your motivation is always connected to your main goal. When you lose focus and direction, it probably means you have lost sight of why you are looking to move your career on.
When the going gets tough, it is the why that keeps you on track. The important aspects for staying motivated are personal to you but relate to: • Your vision for long-term success. • The level of excitement you feel about setting it in motion. • The commitment you are willing to give to make it work. • The depth of understanding you have about the benefits of taking the decision.
BE BRAVE The successes that mean the most in life tend to be the ones that are hardest won. When things come easily you may undervalue the prize. At the root of every successful endeavour lies the courage to face fears and take action. To fulfil our true potential we need to step outside the realm of our ‘normal’ behaviour and do something that stretches our boundaries, broadens our knowledge, raises adrenaline and challenges us to explore new frontiers. Being brave helps us to face up to anxiety and recognise it as a normal stage in learning something new. When selfdoubt strikes and asks: ‘What if I fail?’, ‘Is it worth the risk?’, ‘Am I good enough?’ and ‘Will I make it?’ there is only one form of defence that will combat all known doubts – that is to ‘adopt an attitude’ of bravery and step outside your comfort zone.
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Moving to the City: edinburgh O
ften described as one of the best places to live in the UK, Edinburgh is a beautiful city with its impressive architecture offering the perfect balance between old and new. So do its attractions with monuments and castles representing the city’s history and the abundance of modern restaurants, bars and shops providing a vibrant lifestyle. So if you’re searching for a picturesque city, steeped in history but also boasting a buzzing nightlife, then why not make a move to Edinburgh? As well as the city being recognised as the hub of Scottish culture, thanks to the significance of the creative industries, Edinburgh is also at the forefront of Scotland’s extremely progressive stance on renewable energy. The average full-time employee in the UK earns £27,000 per annum, but in Edinburgh the average sits higher at £28,441. The creative industries are clearly dominant in Edinburgh with approximately 22,500 employees. Digital media is a particular strength, employing 9,000 people in the city. Edinburgh is known for its prowess concerning video games: Grand Theft Auto was created by Rockstar North which is based here. Architecture and literature
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are also prominent areas with many famous names associated with the city, such as author Sir Walter Scott and architect William Henry Playfair. Top companies in terms of turnover include RMJM Group, Johnston Press and Feather Brooksbank. With the Scottish Government’s ambitious target of 50% of electricity in Scotland coming from renewable energy by 2020, the Edinburgh City Region is offering its expertise in engineering and developing renewable technologies to achieve this. Businesses in Edinburgh have had a significant impact on the development of new technologies in this sector, for instance the world’s largest operational hydro-electric wave energy converter (Aquamarine Power) was created here. Edinburgh’s universities lead these revolutionary developments and they offer a range of courses relating to renewable energy. Check out the key business sectors for more industry information. Edinburgh has a variety of districts for you to choose from and the average price for a property in the city is £256,753.
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Whatever you want to see, Edinburgh has it!
Young professionals in particular should consider Leith as its recent redevelopment means it now offers stylish housing, chic shops and elegant bars. The Ocean Terminal offers endless entertainment and the Royal Yacht Britannia is docked at the port of Leith. The average rent for a flat here is £774 per calendar month and properties cost £190,478 on average. If you’re looking for a quieter scene but with close proximity to the city, then consider the suburb of Colinton. Only 15 minutes from the city centre, this area is known for its attractive scenery, with its original architecture and independent shops. Families will find the best of both worlds here. The Colinton Dell enables you to escape into nature and enjoy some quality time. Average rental price for a flat is £642 per calendar month and the average property price is £310,707. For more information click here.
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The average rental prices in Edinburgh are (per calendar month): • £431 for a room in a house or flat • £880 for a flat • £1,259 for a house
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Random Facts Attractions: about Edinburgh: Whatever you want to see, Edinburgh has it! From historical attractions such 1. JK Rowling wrote her as Edinburgh Castle first novel Harry Potter and and the Palace of the Philosopher Stone here at the Holyroadhouse, to Elephant House café. Edinburgh Zoo 2. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor and the Royal of the telephone, was born in Edinburgh. Botanic Garden 3. Edinburgh City Region has one of the for animal most highly-qualified workforces in the lovers and fans UK as 43.6% of the population hold a of the great degree level or professional qualification. outdoors. It 4. The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir hosts the biggest Arthur Conon Doyle, was born here arts festival in and based the famous detective on the the world – the President of the Royal College of Edinburgh Festival Surgeons of Edinburgh. – in August each year. 5. Real Mary King’s Close is a series To discover more click of underground streets that were here. built over as Edinburgh’s population grew.
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A Day in the Life of... We’ve been fortunate enough to see for ourselves the beautiful scenery beneath the surface of the seven seas thanks to many documentaries on marine wildlife. But imagine diving into our oceans, discovering new creatures and researching how to protect sea life being your job. Chloe Franchina spoke to JJ Harvey, a marine biologist and conservationist, who revealed the details behind this enviable career.
After my A-levels I studied a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology at Newcastle University for three years. This was after my year out working and gaining overseas diving and tropical marine ecology experience. I have diver training to Divemaster level with Nitrox training and over 500 dives. I have been involved in lots of research in the past and am currently involved in further data collection. However, my role has shifted from a researching marine biologist role to one working in the conservation sector: I’m now the Operations Manager of UK charity The Reef-World Foundation.
What personal qualities do you think are essential to be good at your job? Patience, determination and the ability to build relationships with people from different backgrounds. To a certain extent sales and negotiation skills are very useful. But a hard work ethic with an ambitious attitude, combined with the ability to look on the bright side of life (Monty Python style), goes a long way.
What does a typical day consist of? I would wake at 7.00am as it’s cool and quiet in the tropics at this time, allowing me to get on with reading emails and catching up with world news. I usually end the day in the office around 6.00pm if I’m not doing any training or other fieldwork. When in the UK, most of my time is spent at my laptop answering emails and planning the other nine months of the year abroad. This involves dealing with banking and money access, buying kit, getting my teeth and body checked out, compiling various reports and documents and networking on the phone. In our field office, my home from home in the Philippines, I meet with stakeholders or project partners,
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attend government meetings, support the implementation of new laws and help train others who are in a position to enact change. I also do some small scale marine data collection, such as coral or seagrass cover, but mostly I am training or teaching others to do the data collection. There are also admin tasks associated with our various projects such as accounting and budgeting, as well as reporting or project promotion.
What is the best thing about your job? When I receive positive feedback. The job often feels like an uphill struggle and sometimes appears like there is always more and more to do. But occasionally a stakeholder such as a business owner, an international organisation, NGO or someone in the government gives us great feedback. When they say thank you for the work we’re doing, that it has made a visible difference to the environment and also to their quality of life, then all the hard work is worthwhile and it gives me the momentum to do it all over again.
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The trick in life is to try and get paid for something that you love to do
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How did you become a marine biologist? Did you need any specific training or education?
What would be your biggest tip for someone looking to follow your career path? You must put the time in to meet as many experts in the field as possible and learn from them, including not following their mistakes. I cannot underestimate the knowledge and help gained from others who are at the top of their field.
Marine Biologist
jj
@reef_world www.reef-world.org
harvey
What is the best advice you have ever received? My father said: ‘The trick in life is to try and get paid for something that you love to do’.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Being asked by the UN, a major partner of ours, to help draft a new global coral reef partnership with world experts who respected my views and opinions. That and finally being paid for what I love to do.
What’s been the most challenging part of your career so far? Trying to get governments to listen, as well as members of the public to change a habit that has been engrained in society for many years, in order to reduce pressures on
the marine environment. It can sometimes feel like it is impossible, but then if it was I wouldn’t still be doing it.
If you could spend one day in a different career, what would it be and why? I always wanted to be a helicopter pilot as a kid. The ability to conquer the skies as freely as you can in a helicopter can be akin to the ability of SCUBA equipment allowing me to breathe underwater; it’s a similar feeling to flying. It would be an awesome experience to have that freedom.
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Great Outdoor Jobs Ah, the great outdoors! Don’t you miss it sometimes when you’re stuck in the office gazing out of the window? If the yearning to get outside is becoming a little too much and you’re keen to start a career based outdoors, then there are plenty of potential jobs which can offer great opportunities for your career development. Furthermore, many are just as well-paid as a lot of office jobs. Here are a few suggestions to give you an idea of the areas you could go into.
National Trust Apprenticeships Due to a severe shortage of skills in the heritage building sector, in 2010 the National Trust launched the Building Skills Apprenticeship scheme to try and remedy the problem. Aimed at 16-19 year olds but available to people of all ages, the apprenticeship has 16 places a year and offers a £12,000 salary; this includes tuition and college fees towards NVQ qualifications. The apprenticeship involves maintaining listed and heritage structures all over the country, offering training in skills such as stone masonry, joinery, lead work, plumbing and painting/ decorating.
Youth Hostel Association With over 200 youth hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns across the country, the Youth Hostel Association is one of Britain’s top fifty charities and it employs over 1,200 staff, including 600 seasonal staff. The good news is that they’re often seeking assistants to help out in the hostels on a seasonal basis. You could benefit from free accommodation and the flexibility to move to different hostels within the network each season, so you can explore the length and breadth of the country. Assistants generally work a five-day week, leaving your weekends free to enjoy the idyllic surroundings of places such as the Lake District.
Outdoor Activities Instructor Although the pay offered is fairly modest, with salaries starting at £12,000, this would still be a perfect opportunity for any fans of the outdoors. This profession would involve leading large groups of people in exciting outdoor activities such as climbing, canoeing and skiing. While you would need to have proven expertise in at
least one outdoor activity, a knowledge of several would be a distinct advantage. However, other skills such as leadership, communication and patience would all be very important in order to succeed in this field.
PE Teacher With an increased emphasis on the physical well-being of younger generations, there is likely to be ongoing demand for PE teachers to ensure school kids keep fit and healthy. With that in mind, a PE teacher is a perfect role for somebody who is active, sporty and passionate about teaching. The starting salary is around £21,000 and in terms of qualifications a career in this profession requires an undergraduate degree, coupled with a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).
Nature Conservation Officer If you love the outdoors, but aren’t so keen on sport, a nature conservation officer could be the career for you. The role would involve maintaining and protecting areas such as woodland, mountains and rivers, whilst also being responsible for promoting awareness of the natural environment. Starting salaries are from £16,000-£18,000 with the potential to reach £20,000-£30,000 once you have gained a significant amount of experience. A degree in a variety of related subjects, such as geography, biology and ecology would increase your chances of entering this profession.
USEFUL LINKS: www.leisurejobs.com www.pgl.co.uk www.yhacareers.co.uk www.ntjobs.org.uk
What has your degree really done for you?
Are you one of the 38% of working-age adults in this country with a degree? Almost half of graduates currently hold non-graduate jobs which don’t require their degree. If this sounds like you, it’s important to look beyond that and consider what you did gain from your degree; skills that will come in handy throughout your working and personal life.
People Skills Self-Confidence : Moving away from home
- probably for the first time and often to a brand new city – is bound to have done wonders for your self-confidence. Plunging yourself into a situation outside of your comfort zone, meeting loads of new people and fending for yourself are all contributory factors that would bring even a tortoise out of its shell.
Communication: The experience of living with
people you’ve never met before and meeting countless others is almost guaranteed to improve your communication skills. But that’s not all - the degree course itself will have also helped you to speak out. By having discussions in seminars, performing presentations and completing written assignments, you will now be able to express your ideas clearly and effectively to anybody: a valuable skill for employers.
Teamwork: This is another commodity that
interests employers from almost all backgrounds and industries. Working together with your course mates in group tasks is a common activity in most degrees, and it’s something which will help your career development no end.
Interpersonal Skills: Having the ability to get
on with people is another extremely valuable asset in the workplace and university will have allowed you to expand upon your interpersonal skills. It’s just another example of how your experiences at university have helped your personal development, which in turn will help you to advance your career.
Practical Skills IT: In the modern workplace, employees who are
proficient on computers are always going to appeal to employers. Although the vast majority of young people are likely to be comfortable with using a computer, university graduates have had the opportunity to develop their skills in specific programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Researching : You do an awful lot of independent
research at university, with the library fast becoming a second home for many graduates in their final year. Fortunately, this is yet another great skill to have. Independently gathering and processing heaps of information is something which can be transferred straight into the world of work.
Presenting: You’re also likely to have, on at least
one occasion, presented something in front of a group of people – whether it was on your own or in a team. Having the ability to do research and then present the information in a manageable form to others, is a common responsibility of many jobs.
Organising: With so many coursework deadlines
often falling at the same time, you’ve got no option but to be organised to be a success at university. Being organised in the workplace is half the battle so – you guessed it – it’s yet another skill that’s invaluable to employers. Maybe that degree was worth it after all! Now you’re aware of just how much you actually got from your degree, it’s important to emphasise these skills to employers; even if you seemingly lack the skills or experience for a particular job.
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17
Conquer those careers fairs! Careers fairs offer the perfect opportunity for you to practise your networking skills with recruiters and their representatives. Instead of going just to grab some freebies, take some steps towards making sure you get as much out of this experience as possible. If you take the time to do so, you could make an impression which leads to expanding your network, filling out applications or even being offered an interview. To make sure you make a memorable impression and reap the benefits from your next careers fair, Career Savvy has compiled a list of top tips to remember.
The Basics Your first port of call should be to read the fair guide in order to find out which companies will be attending. Afterwards, find out the basics of each company that you’re interested in; therefore you can use the limited time at the fair to discover information that you cannot find on their websites. You should know what the company does, what schemes they offer and the latest industry news before you approach them at the careers fair.
Plan of Action To make the day run as smoothly as possible, it’s a good idea to have a strategy. Check details such as where it is, the time it opens, whether there are any talks you can attend and, if possible, find out where the companies you want to visit will be situated at the fair and plan your route. To help settle your nerves and ensure your performance is the best it can be, visit a couple of employers that you are less interested in first. Thus by the time you reach your favoured company, you’ll have relaxed and be into the swing of things.
Investigate Now that you know the basics behind the companies you want to visit, think of some more specific questions that you can ask the recruiters and representatives. These
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should be aimed at helping your application to stand out. Good examples are: ‘How would you describe the company culture?’, ‘What experience do you prefer candidates to have?’ and ‘What one thing would you say helps an application stand out?’ Avoid any questions that ask how the company would benefit you (salary/benefits/ working hours/etc.) or that you could have found the answers to online if you had made the effort.
Take Notes There will be plenty of information to soak up at the careers fair - bringing a notepad will help you to record all of the answers you receive from your companies of interest. Furthermore, make a note of any contact details in order to improve your network – these may be very useful for your application. Before you move on to the next employer, take a moment to finish your notes and have a think about how you feel about the company. Do you think you would fit in there? Is there anything that made them stand out?
Useful Links: www.thejobfairs.co.uk/job-fairs ww2.prospects.ac.uk
Graduate Schemes:
The LowDown
A whole host of companies now run graduate schemes to introduce new talent into their business. The real benefit for employers is being able to train fresh-faced and mouldable people specifically for positions in their company. The idea is to have a long-term career within that company and progress through different roles. Many businesses’ long term vision is to recruit graduates as future business leaders, which is great for graduates as getting onto a scheme quite often means fast progression into a well-paid, secure role. If you’re considering a graduate scheme, here are some things you should be aware of.
Competition Perhaps even more so than regular job applications, competition is fierce and application volume is high. Luckily, most of the companies running these schemes give a good picture of what they are expecting from candidates on their recruitment websites. Entry requirements can vary and some will expect more than others, so make sure you have checked these carefully. Despite the tough competition, it’s still worth applying if you are close to meeting the specifications and have other things to boost your application, like lots of work experience.
Training Graduate schemes usually involve a combination of working and training. You should be aware that they are a big step-up from apprenticeships, and the combined work and learning hours can total up quite significantly. For instance, some trainees can be expected to do up to fifty hours a week. The types of training will differ depending on what type of scheme you are interested in. Popular areas are business management, PR and marketing, finance, consulting and training (becoming a trainer or coach).
Salary Another reason graduate schemes are rife with applications is they generally offer good pay. Salaries
will also increase once you become fully qualified. On average, graduate programmes offer around the £20–30K mark. Investment banks will be the highest paying and salaries will be closer to the £30K mark as you move closer to London.
The Bigger Picture Recruiters look for people who show a real desire to get into their specific company and rise through the ranks. Prior to the recruitment process, it’s favourable if you have had some previous interaction with the company. This can involve visiting one of their open days or events, completing some work experience there or having contact with an existing employee to find out more information. Follow the company across all their social media outlets and keep up to date with their news. Look out for products they have released, schemes they’re running, organisations or charities they’re supporting and business expansion plans. This knowledge will be invaluable in your applications, assessments and interviews. If you get onto a scheme, the company will spend money training you over a few years and so will be super keen to keep you on. Entering a company this way is a good route to a management role, perhaps in a localised branch, or a junior role in a firm’s main HQ. Once qualified, there is also lots of scope to change areas and sectors.
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BATTLE INTERVIEW & CV
PO
BLUNDERS
If you've ever come out of a job interview thinking it was a total disaster then just remember: it could have been worse. Here are a few examples of job interviews that have gone utterly wrong to prove you're not the only one who makes mistakes and to help you avoid any embarrassing situations.
T
he moral of the first interview story would be to never ask personal questions. One unfortunate interviewee decided to enquire about when the interviewer’s baby was due - yes you guessed it, she wasn’t pregnant! Although it’s OK to ask questions in an interview they should be about the job and anything related to the job. After all it could save potential embarrassment such as this example if you refrain from digging too deep into the personal affairs of the interviewer. Remember our guide on how to deal with interview curveballs? Well inspired by that topic, it’s always best to try and answer any seemingly ridiculous questions. When asked ‘If you were an animal, what animal would you be?’ never say ‘What a stupid question!’ like one interviewee did. Try to answer all of the interviewer’s questions respectfully: even if you think they’re silly, there could be a valid, cryptic reason behind it. In a similar vein, one candidate was asked by Network Rail why they were late
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for their job interview - they informed the company that it was actually their fault. Even if you’ve had a bad day, you cannot take your frustrations into the interview and especially not out on the firm you’re applying for - even if it technically was their fault! So you’ve just aced an interview with a female interviewer. She reaches out to shake your hand, you get a little ahead of yourself and decide to kiss her on the cheek instead. There are several stories of this happening - unfortunately being a little over-confident and misreading the situation can lead to an embarrassing outcome and more importantly you not getting the job. Make sure that you remain professional at all times and don’t chance something as awkward as this happening to you. But at least these guys got an interview in the first place! You could be an excellent candidate for the role, but all too often prospective employees omit key information
BAM
! W O
! P ZA and commit various other CV sins. In these real-life examples, candidates have been known to…
Use an inappropriate email address Did you know that in a recent survey, 16% of UK employers said that an inappropriate email address is a turn-off for them? Failing to land an interview because you haven’t changed your email since you were 15 would be a real shame - make sure you’re not caught out by this.
Over-elaborate to ridiculous measures. One candidate when applying for a job in Antarctica claimed to be able to speak the little-known language ‘Antarctican’; famously spoken by as many as one person worldwide. You could look silly if you try too hard to impress on your CV.
Misspell words. ‘I have had sex jobs in my career’- ‘I spent many years ruining a small business’- ‘I’ve demonstrated my ability in multi-tasting’. Although a tiny percentage of employers may be excited at the prospect of an experienced multitaster, nobody is likely to be impressed by your ability to ruin a small business or your, ahem, chequered work experience. Proofread, check and proofread your CV again!
Remember that most of these situations are pretty extreme examples, and with a bit of care you shouldn't be getting yourself into such messy situations. As long as you take away the lessons from these unfortunate tales, then you will be well on your way to landing the job of your dreams.
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21
Surprisingly
Well-Paid Jobs There are loads of jobs out there which pay far more attractive salaries than you might imagine. Here are some that grabbed our attention.
Train Driver
Refuse Collector
As someone wise once said: ‘with great power comes great responsibility’. Ferrying around hundreds, even thousands of passengers around a day certainly qualifies as a great responsibility in our eyes. That’s not even withstanding the strict punctuality targets that they’re set, whilst also having to comply with several health and safety regulations at the same time. Qualified train drivers are rewarded with a salary of just under £40,000, which could potentially rise to £50,000 for experienced drivers. Interested? Try applying directly to one of the 28 train operators in the UK.
It might not have been the job you dreamt of when you were growing up, but refuse collectors (bin-men) are cleaning up with an average salary of up to £26,000. This is another profession which is well supported by strong trade unions. Their important role in society, as well as recent strikes in Brighton and Liverpool, have led to pay rises in both cases. More information on the career can be found right here.
Tube Driver
The North Sea is quite literally an oil mine - making it a gold mine for people working there. Full-time professionals working in the confines of an oil rig can expect to earn around £55,000 a year: more than double the average salary in this country. This impressive wage is in exchange for long hours and isolation, but after working 12 hours on and 12 hours off for two weeks continuously, you’re rewarded with two to three weeks rest. You can find out about some of the advertised opportunities in the North Sea by heading here.
You may think that the responsibilities and salary of a tube driver are similar to those of a train driver. However union-backed strikes over the years coupled with high living costs in London means that an average tube drivers’ income is a whopping £45,000, with the highestpaid driver pocketing north of £60,000 a year. Not bad, right? As you might expect, opportunities in the field are limited, with your best chance probably coming from applying for other roles within TFL and working your way up - or down, in this case!
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Oil Rig Worker
Rewarding Careers: Coastguard Watch Officer Saving people’s lives is rewarding enough, but as a Coastguard watch officer you would also be responsible for investigating pollution incidents and illegal shipping. The responsibility and pressure that’s involved in safety and rescue services will help you to feel genuine pride in your job, knowing that you are there to protect those around you.
Day-to-Day
Skills Required
Tasks include handling 999 calls, providing sea safety information to the general public and offering recommendations concerning safety procedures to captains of small vessels. Other duties include providing meteorological and local weather reports, as well as checking for and reacting to illegal activities such as smuggling. More administrational tasks involve updating logs and monitoring equipment. As a watch officer you would be the port of call when any emergencies occur, you would be in charge of a rescue team and be required to assess the situation in order to decide what action your team should take.
Obviously an interest in the issues found at sea is important and the want to protect those around you. An essential quality watch officers must possess is the ability to handle high-pressured instances by quickly assessing emergency situations and making logical decisions. You would also need a good understanding of all of the communications equipment and information management systems. Being able to work as part of a team is crucial and as a watch officer you will need the ability to lead this team during an emergency. Keeping calm and having a clear speaking voice will enable you to do this effectively.
What Makes It So Rewarding?
Salary & Entry Requirements
You are ensuring that people around your base remain safe as if they find themselves in danger, you are there to rescue them.
To join the Coastguard you will need to start as a watch assistant which requires adequate skills in literacy, typing and IT. Watch assistant salaries range between £16,000 and £19,000 per annum. To progress to a watch officer your eyesight and hearing must be excellent and you will need considerable seagoing experience. This can be gained through volunteering at the Coastguard, from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Merchant Navy, or even from other activities that have required boat work and navigation. The average salary for a watch officer is £19,000 to £24,000 a year.
Tim Bowman, a watch officer for Her Majesty’s Coastguard, explains on tips4jobs.co.uk what he loves about the job: ‘The sheer variety of the work is a big plus. But also, once in a while, I know that I really can be responsible for saving someone’s life.’
Useful Links: http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/
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How to get into... Architecture is a highly sought-after career, mostly because of the interesting nature of the tasks, the prestigious job title and the salaries on offer. For those who are interested, the entry route involves obtaining a degree and completing lots of practical training. Steven Holl, principle US Architect, said: ‘While artists work from the real to the abstract, Architects must work from the abstract to the real.’ Architecture is the process of designing new buildings, or extensions/alterations to existing buildings and structures. In new construction, the Architect is involved from the very beginning, helping their clients to create a plan that fulfils their vision. Becoming an Architect involves a lengthy qualifying process, including at least five years at university and two in a practical workplace environment. Initially you would be required to complete an undergraduate degree, either a BA or BSc. You will also have to undertake one year’s practical experience on top of this, either after your degree or during (via a sandwich year). This vocational work placement can last longer than a year if you wish it to – using that time for more experience and to earn some more money. After this, you need to complete a postgraduate course. These come in the form of a BArch, MArch or Diploma - the name of which will depend on the institution you study with. These normally take two years to complete, after which a further two year’s workplace training is needed. The work of an Architect involves seeing projects through from start to finish. Tasks include: • Discussing the aesthetic and practical requirements of a project.
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• Producing technical designs, usually using CAD (Computer Aided Design). • Deciding on the materials needed that are most appropriate for a particular project. • Amending and developing existing plans in order to solve problems that may arise.
Transferable Skills: Problem-Solving It is important that Architects have a good understanding of why something will not work. This also helps with coming up with effective alternatives that will work. A good critical eye is needed to asses and spot potential problems before they arise.
Eye for Detail An accurate eye and analytical mind is essential for a career in Architecture. The smallest detail becomes a crucial part of a design, as is every aspect of the structure. This means that no stone can be left unturned when checking through a design.
Creativity The ability to imagine and envisage structures that are original is incredibly advantageous. In the process of coming up with new ideas, having a creative mind allows Architects to come up with unique ideas, which will help them win the best clients.
Architecture Dave Madden’s Top Tips for Potential Architects
1. You must/should be creative and have a real passion for quality solutions.
2. As the process to become a Registered Architect is a
“
You must be creative and have a real passion for quality solutions
“
Dave is Co-Founder and Director of Mustard Jobs, Architecture and Design Recruitment specialists with offices in Bristol, London and Hong Kong. He suggests:
long one, you should be relatively sure this is the route you want to take in your career.
3. It is a career of passion, not money, and it’s not a
typical 9-5 job so expect to work long hours.
4. The rewards are huge in terms of benefit to the
community and changing the landscape. You can really see the results: from a house to a football stadium, a small extension to a new city in the desert.
UCL, The Architectural Association and the following universities: Oxford Brooks, Bath, Edinburgh, Sheffield and Newcastle.
8. Some good places to look for information are
www.architecture.com, www.arb.org.uk, www. architectsjournal.co.uk and www.bdonline.co.uk
5. Try to secure a work experience placement in a local
Architectural Practice whilst at school or college. This will give you a feel for what the career is really like.
6. You may think it is all about art, but there is a lot
of technicality to creating buildings. Having a good understanding of maths and physics would be very advantageous.
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7. There are many Architecture schools across the UK.
Some of the better known ones are The Bartlett at
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25
Inside the Hiring
Process at… As well as being one of the world’s most recognisable airlines, British Airways is also a significant graduate employer, ranking 36th in The Guardian’s UK 300. Honesty and integrity are two values that the company prides itself on and expects all employees to possess. With specific development programmes in place and a commitment to achieving a High Performance Leadership culture, you can continuously develop your career within this company.
Possible Positions: • Aircraft Mechanic • Airline Administrative Support • Air Traffic Controller • Baggage Handler • Cabin Crew Member • Customer Service Representative • Facilities Technician • Flight Attendant • Maintenance Technician • Pilot • Ramp Agent • Representatives Clerk • Sales Representative • Security Officer • Ticket Agent
For current vacancies check out Indeed and more information about opportunities is available here. The online application form varies in format according to the role. As well as attaching your CV you will also need to answer questions, either multiple choice or even in short essay form. Multiple choice questions need less thought as they’re timed, so quick but truthful answers must be provided. However you should spend more time on the short essay-style questions; read them carefully to ensure you understand what it’s asking and check for any mistakes. If your application form is successful you will receive an invitational email including a range of assessments used to judge your suitability for the
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role. Three forms of psychometric tests are used by BA: ability tests, personality questionnaires and situational judgement tests. Practice questions are available so you can be fully prepared.
Ability tests: logical, numerical and verbal reasoning tasks in the form of multiple choice questions. BA suggest checking out www.shldirect.com for similar examples.
Personality questionnaire: be honest and remember
there is no right or wrong answer. The information you provide will be used to judge whether you’re suitable for the role and if you will fit in with the company culture.
Situational judgement test: mainly for those applying
for customer facing roles. Focuses on testing your ability to decide on the right action to take. It’s about trusting gut feeling and being honest about your decisions. There are two types of interview you could face before you reach the next stage of the application process. Either a phone interview aimed at gathering more information about you, your suitability and giving you a chance to ask questions. Be aware of your clarity, speed and tone of voice as the interviewer cannot see you. Or you may face a video interview which is completed online as you answer questions that appear on the screen. Both will last about half an hour. Next is the assessment centre where you will complete various tasks to prove your ability to handle the position on offer. Here’s a tip for each task:
• Group exercise – Join in! Your assessors will be looking out for teamwork and problem-solving skills so make sure you display them when working with the other candidates. • Presentation – Remember this is about how you present your conclusions back to the assessors NOT about the answer you have reached. • Role-play – Don’t panic. The idea of this exercise is to see how you would perform in the role, so show your passion and skills by really getting into character. Finally the face-to-face interview will be with two interviewers and will last an hour. The focus will be on your demonstration of the key skills required for the role i.e. what is asked for in the job description. Your interviewers will focus on your motivation and cultural fit.
Five Facts about British Airways
Examples of British Airways Interview Questions:
2. There are more than 300,000 BA flights operated each year.
• Do you have an interest in flying? • How long do you plan to work for BA if you get this job? • How long did you stay in your previous job? • Describe how you handle stress at work. • Is providing good customer service important to you? • Tell us about a time when you coped with a poor relationship with another colleague.
1. The airline was once one of the world’s largest buyers of champagne with BA passengers drinking a minimum of 90,000 cases every year.
3. There are 400 uniforms from the 1930s onwards, as well as many aircraft models, preserved in the British Airways Heritage Collection. 4. Approximately 40,000 people are employed by the airline mainly in the UK, but also based in over 75 countries around the world. 5. British Airways stock and serve alcohol on all of their flights, however bars are closed when they are in the airspace above Saudi Arabia.
Coolest Offices
three rings
Past in the Future: Brass and m
solid appearance throughout th Three Rings office.
When it comes to workplaces, Career Savvy is a big fan of the odd and slightly quirky. It seems that working at Three Rings Design would be right up our street then, with its heavily kitted out steampunk theme. Three Rings are based in San Fransisco and create online games within the SEGA brand. And they’re not the first games company to have such a playful office, as we saw with Mind Candy in issue two. This time, however, things have got a little bit more sci-fi, with a detailed and thought-out steampunk design. Think brass, wood, cogs, bolts, archways and antique inspired furniture. For those less aware, steampunk is a sci-fi sub-fiction that basically involves a mixture of the archaic and futuristic – similar to how Victorian’s might have envisaged the technology we use today. While it might be more fitting for the staff to sit around using typewriters, they are in fact equipped with the latest iMacs. These sit on decadently carved wooden desks, which staff beaver away at, writing code and occasionally gazing out the window, which is framed with red velvet curtains. Our favourite bits include the ornate dining room table, green felt chaise longue, and obviously sweet mini bar. Let’s not forget the octopus shaped cushions, too, complete with buttons for eyes. Cute!
mahogany make a
he
You’re Barred: The Mini-bar with a steampunk twist.
7
WAYS TO Enjoy Your
Job
Maybe you love your job, maybe you hate it, maybe you’re somewhere in between whichever category you fall into, you should always be looking to get as much out of your job as possible. There are loads of different actions you can take to make sure you’re enjoying your job as much as you can. Here’s Career Savvy’s chosen cream of the crop.
Get Enough Sleep
Make the Most of Your Annual Leave
There are often different figures quoted for exactly how many hours of sleep you really need. To be safe, it’s advisable to get around six to eight hours to make sure you’re fit and functional for the next working day. Nobody likes a tired, grumpy bore at work every morning.
With no days booked off or holidays planned, work has the tendency to drag on a little. Having something on the horizon to look forward to can make every day at work that bit easier and gives you something to work towards; even if it’s just a short break away somewhere local.
Dress Well It might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re thinking of how to enjoy your job more, but it certainly helps. By being well-dressed and presentable every day, you’ll feel better about yourself and go to work feeling more positive as a result.
Even if you love your job, it’s not healthy to become consumed by your work. When you get home it’s best to switch off, relax and recharge ready for the next day. Sometimes you’re not just physically tired from work - thinking about your job all the time can be mentally draining too.
Personalise Your Workspace
Have a Long-Term Plan
Having a faceless, dull workspace isn’t going to help you hit maximum productivity, and after all, many of you will spend most of your day at your desk. By dressing it up with personal touches and making it a clean, comfortable place to work, you might not begrudge being there for so many hours of the day.
It’s easy to see why some jobs, despite not being all that bad, can soon start to seem dead-end. By making longterm plans for the future - pushing for a promotion at your current workplace, moving on to a different company or maybe even travelling abroad - you can avoid getting bogged down in your current job.
Don’t Waste Your Lunch Break Your lunch isn’t all about devouring those distinctly mediocre sandwiches you so lovingly prepared last night. It’s also a time to relax, take a mental break and maybe get some fresh air. Use the time wisely!
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Switch Off After You Leave Work
Freelancing Prime Minister David Cameron called freelancers ‘the engine of our economy and economic revival’, whilst London Mayor Boris Johnson added that ‘freelancing is a choice that’s brave and ambitious, fulfilling and rewarding’. Around 1.72 million people in the UK have taken the leap of faith and pursued freedom through freelancing. So if the 9-5 just isn’t for you and building a fulfilling and flexible career interests you, then read on. Here’s our comprehensive guide to freelancing, including what it is, why you should do it and how to do it.
What is freelancing?
Why go freelance?
Freelancing is all about becoming your own boss and working independently. It’s popular in creative industries such as writing and designing. To take the example of a writer, instead of having a permanent job at a newspaper or a magazine, publications approach you instead and ask for articles in exchange for a fee. It’s a great arrangement especially once you become an established freelancer because you can handpick the work you wish to take on.
• Freedom: The majority of people choose to go freelance for the freedom that it offers. With no set working hours, no boss looking over your shoulder and no office politics, you can easily see the attraction for many. • Money: Although it can be a tough slog initially, you could actually end up earning more money than in a full-time job. By slowly securing more clients and opportunities, over time you could also secure a fairly sizeable income. • Lack of full-time opportunities: The route of full-time to freelance work doesn’t have to apply to everyone. If you’re a budding web designer, straight out of college or university, you could launch your freelance career right away - perhaps working it around a part-time job. And who knows, what started out as little more than a hobby could end up being your full-time or part-time career.
What attributes do you need? • Confidence: Both in your work and in yourself. Going from a secure, full-time job to freelance work will force you to tighten the purse strings initially, so you’ve got to believe in yourself and have faith that things will come good in the end. Short-term pain for long-term gain. • Experience: Some experience in the industry will appeal to clients. By showing off your previous work on your website, CV and/or portfolio, you can persuade potential customers to use your services. Remember, they’re not going to pay good money to take a punt on somebody without a proven track record. • Hard Work: Be under no illusions - freelance work can be tough. To be a success, you’ve got to put the hours in and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
How to get started It’s now easier than ever to get out there and kickstart your career as a freelancer. For a start, you can sign up to People Per Hour and add your services to the huge database of writers, designers, IT guys and everything beyond. But if you want to go the whole hog, there are a few handy guides online which pick apart the nitty-gritty of setting up a business. Check them out here.
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Career Development: The Power ‘Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it’ said William Arthur Ward, and wise words they are, too. Have you ever completed a task at work and received zero thanks or praise for it? No doubt it affected your motivation next time you were asked to do it or even at work in general. Unfortunately, many of us are quick to give thanks to our friends and family in our home life, but we seem to forget our manners in the workplace. Career Savvy is here to enlighten you on how simply showing appreciation at work can actually boost your productivity.
Showing appreciation for each other’s work creates a friendlier working environment. Even a thank you for making a cup of coffee or fetching photocopies can make a big difference to somebody’s workday. It’s important to make a significant effort when thanking somebody for help with an assignment, such as delivering a presentation or completing a project. Help them with their next project or bring them a treat such as a coffee and their favourite Krispy Kreme doughnut. As everyone begins to feel more appreciated, the overall morale of the office will improve and not only will more tasks be completed, but they will be of a higher quality.
Build Better Relationships Everyone taking the time to show their appreciation for one another can build stronger working relationships. By getting to know each other better you can learn to understand the preferred work style of your colleagues and respond accordingly. For example, one of your co-workers may hate dealing with queries via email, therefore you can make sure you always seek them in person. Furthermore, understanding your co-workers better will undoubtedly mean that teamwork will become smoother and more effective. As a result, productivity
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will increase as tasks are completed faster and to a higher standard.
“
Even a thank you for making a cup of coffee can make a big difference to somebody’s workday
Also endeavour to show gratitude towards your clients. If you are grateful for their trust and use of your services, then they will feel more appreciated and are more likely to sustain the relationship, as well as provide you with a good testimonial. Therefore gratitude can help you to build stronger relationships with clients and attract more business.
“
Create a Happier Working Environment
Boost Your Confidence When your efforts are recognised as being important, by either management or fellow co-workers, it helps you to realise your own potential and feel proud of your work. What’s more, it can reassure you that you’re making a positive difference both to colleagues and the company as a whole. You will also realise what you excel at, so you can offer your skills to anyone in need in the office, improving the overall productivity of the department.
of Gratitude Increase Loyalty If you feel unappreciated at work then you’re more likely to take sick days, do the bare minimum or even quit to seek a job where you will be appreciated. However, if you’re already receiving the recognition you deserve then you’re more likely to put in your best efforts, stay in your current position and even progress within the company. This is why it’s so important, if you’re in a management role, to ensure you’re showing gratitude towards your employees.
Know Your Rights: illegal interview
questions
Become a Better Leader It’s crucial that the culture of gratitude is advocated by those in management to set an example and encourage the same behaviour throughout the company. If you’re the manager make sure that your gifts of gratitude are genuine and specific to your employees. For instance, rather than sending a thank you email to everyone involved in a project, take the time to approach your employees in person and individually. If you don’t or you only offer praise in front of your superiors to make yourself look good, your so-called gratitude will appear false and your employees will soon lose respect for you, likely resulting in a lack of productivity. In order to make the hiring process as fair as possible, there are several things recruiters are not allowed to ask you during an interview. This is to avoid you being discounted on any grounds other than your suitability to perform tasks related to the job. It’s important to be aware of what questions you cannot be asked so that you know what information you don’t have to disclose.
The Law:
Advice:
The interviewer is not allowed to ask you about: - Your religious views. - Your marital status. - Your maiden name/s. - Your native language. - Your parental ancestry or place of birth. - The number of children you have or the ages of your children.
You may feel that you were asked an illegal interview question by accident. In this case you can just politely state that you would prefer not to say. If you feel you are being probed or judged for not answering, the best way to answer is in a legal way. For example, if asked about your place of birth, you could reply by saying; ‘I am eligible to work in the UK.’ This way, you have provided the employer with all the information that they should need without going into personal details. If you are concerned about unfair practice, visit www.discriminationhelp.org.uk
Becoming the Boss: HOW TO SURVIVE THE TRANSITION
You got that promotion – congratulations! You definitely deserve to celebrate this progression in your career, but just be aware that this will change more than just your workload. Colleagues that were once close friends may struggle to handle this news: whether they were competing against you or not. Some co-workers will take it better than others and this may cause you problems now that you’re responsible for the productivity of your department. So to ensure your transition is a smooth one, Career Savvy has some top tips for you.
Great Expectations
Game Plan
The co-workers that now make up your team are going to have assumptions and expectations of what you will be like as a manager and they may not necessarily be supportive. To combat this, organise a meeting with each member of your team to discuss how your promotion is going to affect the department. Find out what they expect of you and if they have any concerns as this is the best time to address them. Be sure to also let them know what you will be expecting from them because this will help them to see you as the boss, rather than just their peer.
It’ll be beneficial for you to think about how you’re going to approach your new responsibilities and encourage your team to reach the aims of the department. It’s probably best to make a note of this approach so you can refer back to it whenever you’re feeling at a bit of a loss. If you are able to talk about the strategy for the department coherently, then you have more of a chance of getting your team to understand your requests.
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A Helping Hand Moving to a leadership role can be daunting therefore you will undoubtedly require some support. You can either seek a mentor for some advice or take on some training on coaching and handling a leadership role. Speak to your HR department to discover the guidance you can receive from your company.
Nil by Mouth Gone are the days when you would gather with the rest of your colleagues at lunchtime to gossip about the latest demands of your boss. Unfortunately, you have now become the person that will inevitably receive such comments. It’s important to realise that your relationships can no longer be too informal and you will now have to be the one dropping deadlines and providing performance reviews to your once close work friends.
Get Stuck In! Everyone respects the manager that doesn’t forget their roots and is still prepared to offer some hard graft whenever it’s needed. If you see your promotion as a
ticket to getting out of any difficult or menial tasks, then you will quickly see yourself being resented by your team. Instead, be that person everyone can turn to when they have an issue and make sure you’re still an integral part of the team.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T Although you cannot join in on their gossip, this doesn’t mean you should completely cut any friendships with your colleagues. To ensure you’re a fair boss, whether you know those in your team well or not, treat everybody the same: both when they have achieved something or done something wrong. Also, be attentive and make it known that your door is always open for them to share new ideas or request/provide feedback. Even small efforts such as greeting your team in the morning and saying goodbye in the evenings can make a huge difference. By following our advice you can improve your chances of transitioning from employee to boss successfully. Making an extra effort results in heightened productivity and a better atmosphere in the office all round.
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1. Prioritise No one is a super hero and can do everything at once. When life gets a little hectic, it’s important to be able to effectively prioritise your workload and do the most important tasks first. The best way to do this is to arrange your deadlines retrospectively and put the sooner ones at the top of your list. It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing less complicated or more fun jobs first – but in reality, the more challenging tasks require more of your attention and effort.
how to get where you are going and how long it will take you. Assuming you can wing it can lead to you being delayed. Your company will not want to rely on you when sending you out to meetings and such if you cannot get yourself there!
How To: Organise Your time
If you struggle to make it to places on time, the best advice Career Savvy can give is to be more pessimistic. This goes against almost all other advice we dish out, however, in this instance, always assume traffic will be at its worst, that your bus will be late, etc. Sometimes being too laid back works against you. Even if your boss doesn’t mind you being late, it’s still impolite to make little effort to get in on time.
3. Plan Ahead Thanks to this great new internet thing, it’s now super simple to find out all your travel plans before you need to be anywhere. Make sure you always find out in advance
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But make sure they’re realistic. A to-do list is a great place to start, but we are all guilty of filling it up with too much stuff so that just looking at it gives you a headache. Jot down all you have to do, then half it. Do this first before you look at the rest and you’ll work more effectively.
5. Consider the Consequences If punctuality isn’t your strong suit, it’s time to ask yourself whether being on time is important to you. If it isn’t, it’s time to put it further up on your list of priorities. Many employers find being late the first sign of a lack of effort – it’s an easy thing for them to notice about your working pattern. Don’t let yourself be written up or disciplined on something that’s easy to avoid. Plus, if you’re consistently on time, people will not assume it’s your fault if you do run late, and the chances are you’ll be forgiven much quicker.
SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL FAILURE IS NOT FATAL IT
IS
THE
courage to continue that counts
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2. Worst Case Scenario
4. Set Goals
WINSTON CHURCHILL
Enhance your career
Create Your Personal Brand The immense growth of social media and technology over the past few years has led to workers having to adapt to great changes in order to make a significant impact in their field. Establishing your personal brand ensures you’re sending a positive message about yourself to employers and other contacts. Furthermore, your personal brand will make sure you’re known for what you excel at and what sets you apart from everyone else. So how do you build one and how will it enhance your career?
Discover your brand You may not realise it but you already have a personal brand. If you don’t believe us, just Google yourself. Frightening, right? Your personal brand should promote your best qualities to improve your prospects both within your current job and to attract future employers. Therefore if the top of your Google search is filled with endless photos of you from Facebook (especially unflattering ones!) and links to your Twitter or any other profiles displaying plenty of non-career related information, then this needs to change.
Make it professional Your brand being personal doesn’t mean you need to share everything; it must be professional as well. So make sure all of your more personal social networking sites are set to private and that your contributions to both your own blog and those of others are appropriate. Utilise LinkedIn: your profile essentially works as an online CV advocating all of your skills, but you can also follow relevant people and companies within your industry. Another option is creating a blog. If you can focus your blog entries on industry-relevant topics and/ or demonstrate your expertise in a particular field, then it will become a power tool in presenting your personal
brand. You could also consider setting up a website. This can include a portfolio with examples of your greatest achievements, including your blog. As well as creating an online presence through sites like LinkedIn and contributing to blogs, attend industry events such as meetings or conventions and reach out to people in order to make good contacts within your sector. Make sure to swap your contact details in order to promote your personal brand.
Benefits • Define career goals: your personal brand requires you to set your goals and be clear about how you’re going to achieve them. • Become self-aware: you will come to understand what makes you a valuable employee and to understand your strengths and how to utilise them effectively. • Improve your visibility: networking both online and in person will help to get your brand out there and encourage people to view you in a favourable way.
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rite
ou Our fav
tweets of the month
Marc and Angel @marcandangel
It doesn’t really matter if your glass is half empty or half full. Be thankful that you have a glass and that there’s something in it.
Bill Murray @BilMurray
I’ve never been skydiving, But I have zoomed-in on Google Earth really fast.
Wayne Gretzky @waynegretzky
You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.
Sarah Silverman @SarahKSilverman
In a zombie apocalypse the trees win
John @sarcasticapple
The tea bag. That thin line between us and a disturbing parallel universe where people pour milk into boiling water and then drink it.
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Money maker be quids-in while looking for work.
dog walking Are you a lover of man’s four-legged best friend and in need of a bit of extra cash? Dog walking could be a simple way to make an extra buck on the side. All you need is a flexible schedule, a relatively good level of fitness and a fondness of dogs! To make the most of dog walking cashwise, look for clients who need your services on a regular basis. Those who have a busy schedule may require your services daily, or at least weekly. This is a way of generating a relatively steady income. You can also walk for more than one client at once, increasing your monetising opportunity further. The benefits of dog walking is its flexibility, but it will only suit those with an empty schedule. Other benefits include needing no equipment or training before you start. Be aware that you are essentially looking after someone else’s property, so be extra vigilant if you’re letting pooches off leads in the park. Also be wary of the behaviour of the dog that needs walking – if they are particularly badly behaved, it may be more trouble than what it’s worth! To get started, you need to register as an independent business.
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