Top Soft Skills for Career Success: Why They Matter & How to Improve Them

In today’s job market, we all know how crucial technical skills are. Whether it’s knowing how to code, mastering specific tools, or understanding key industry knowledge, those hard skills often get the spotlight. But here’s the thing: what really helps you stand out to employers is something you can’t always see on a resume your soft skills. These are the personal attributes that influence how well you interact with others, solve problems, and adapt to change.

Why Soft Skills Are Your Secret Weapon

Employers are starting to realise that, while technical skills are important, it’s the soft skills that truly make a difference. These are the qualities that help you thrive in the workplace and set you up for long-term success. It’s how you handle challenges, work with your team, and communicate with clients that really make an impact.

Here’s why soft skills are worth investing in:

The Top Soft Skills Employers Are Looking For

There are a lot of soft skills that make a difference, but these are some of the key ones employers really value:

How to Develop and Showcase Your Soft Skills

The cool thing about soft skills is they can be developed over time. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away! Here’s how you can build them:

When it’s time to apply for a job, don’t forget to highlight these skills. Share examples of times when you’ve used them to succeed, whether it’s solving a problem at work or helping your team hit a big goal.

Wrapping It Up

Soft skills may not always be as easy to quantify as technical skills, but they can make all the difference in helping you land that job and thrive in your career. By developing your communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, you’ll show employers that you have the full package.

Looking for your next opportunity? At First Base Employment, we focus on connecting great candidates with businesses that value not just technical know-how, but also the people skills that create lasting success. Ready to take your career to the next level? Check out our latest openings and apply today!

Hiring for Soft Skills: Why They Matter & How to Find the Best Talent

As a business owner or hiring manager, you know that finding the right person for the job isn’t just about looking at a resume full of qualifications. Sure, hard skills whether it’s expertise in accounting, coding, or sales, are important. But it’s the soft skills that often make the biggest impact in the workplace. These are the traits that help employees collaborate, adapt, and thrive, and they’re increasingly what separate the best candidates from the rest.

Why Soft Skills Should Be a Top Priority When Hiring

Soft skills are the personal attributes that influence how someone works and interacts with others. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, employees with strong soft skills are the ones who not only succeed but also drive positive outcomes for your business.

Here’s why soft skills matter so much:

Top Soft Skills to Look for in Candidates

When it comes to hiring, it’s important to look beyond the technical qualifications and assess the soft skills that will help your employees thrive in the role. Here are some key traits to focus on:

How to Assess Soft Skills in Candidates

It’s not always easy to assess soft skills, but there are a few ways to get a good sense of a candidate’s abilities:

Wrapping It Up

While technical expertise is important, it’s the soft skills that help employees thrive, lead teams, adapt to change, and build lasting relationships with clients. When hiring, don’t just look for the right qualifications, look for the right soft skills that will help your employees succeed.

At First Base Employment, we get that finding the perfect candidate isn’t just about technical know-how. That’s why we focus on connecting businesses with candidates who bring a strong blend of both hard and soft skills. Need help finding your next great hire? Reach out to us and let’s work together to build the perfect team for your business.

Why Company Culture is Key to Retaining Top Talent

In today’s competitive job market, finding top talent is only half the battle—keeping them is where the real challenge lies. While salary and benefits play a role, company culture is often the deciding factor in whether employees stay long-term or start looking for opportunities elsewhere.

So, why is company culture so important for employee retention, and how can businesses build an environment that keeps their best people engaged and motivated?

1. Employees Want More Than Just a Salary

Job seekers today—especially Millennials and Gen Z—value workplace culture just as much as salary. They want to work in an environment that aligns with their values, fosters collaboration, and promotes growth. A toxic or disengaged workplace will quickly drive them to seek other opportunities.

2. A Strong Culture Creates a Sense of Belonging

People thrive when they feel connected to their workplace. A company culture that encourages teamwork, open communication, and recognition, helps employees feel valued and included. This sense of belonging boosts morale and reduces turnover. If you’re looking to build a stronger team, explore our business support services.

3. Culture Impacts Employee Engagement

Engaged employees are productive employees. A positive workplace culture encourages enthusiasm, innovation, and a willingness to go the extra mile. On the other hand, a disengaged workforce can lead to low productivity and increased absenteeism. Find out how we can help you attract and retain top talent.

4. It Influences Work-Life Balance

A culture that respects work-life balance will naturally retain employees longer. Companies that offer flexible working arrangements, mental health support, and a positive work environment are more likely to keep their talent happy and committed.

5. Happy Employees Attract More Talent

Your company culture directly impacts your reputation as an employer. When employees enjoy their work environment, they become brand ambassadors, helping to attract other high-quality candidates through word of mouth and positive online reviews. If you’re looking to hire, we can connect you with the right talent—learn more here.

6. How to Build a Strong Company Culture

Retaining top talent isn’t just about offering a competitive salary—it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to do their best work. A strong company culture not only helps you keep your best employees but also turns them into advocates for your business, making it easier to attract even more top-tier talent in the future.

Looking for talent that fits your company culture? Get in touch with our recruitment specialists today!

How to Identify a Company’s Culture at Interview

When job hunting, it’s easy to focus on salary, benefits, and job responsibilities – but company culture is just as important. A great work environment can boost job satisfaction, career growth, and work-life balance, while a toxic culture can leave you feeling drained and looking for another job sooner than you’d like.

So, how can you assess a company’s culture before you accept a job offer? The interview process is your best opportunity to find out. Here’s what to look for and the questions to ask.

1. Observe the Atmosphere

From the moment you walk in (or join a virtual interview), take note of the environment.

First impressions matter, and the way employees interact with each other can give you a strong indication of the company’s culture. Looking for a workplace where you’ll feel comfortable? Browse our latest job opportunities.

2. Pay Attention to the Interviewer’s Tone and Approach

How you’re treated in the interview can reflect how the company treats its employees. Are the interviewers engaged, respectful, and enthusiastic about their work? Or do they seem rushed, uninterested, or overly formal?

If an interviewer struggles to describe what makes the company a great place to work, it could be a red flag. Need help preparing for interviews? Check out our career advice.

3. Ask About Values and Work Environment

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about company culture. Here are a few to consider:

A strong company culture isn’t just about words – it’s backed up by actions. Pay attention to how confidently and specifically the interviewer answers these questions. Looking for a company that values its employees? We connect candidates with great employers.

4. Research Employee Reviews and Social Media

Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and the company’s own social media pages can provide valuable insight. Look at employee reviews for patterns – do people mention positive leadership, career growth, and a supportive environment? Or are there repeated complaints about management, long hours, and high turnover?

While every company will have some negative reviews, consistent themes (good or bad) can reveal a lot. Want insights into employer reputations? Speak to our recruitment specialists.

5. Consider Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

If work-life balance is important to you, ask about:

A company that prioritises a healthy balance between work and personal life is more likely to have a positive and supportive culture. Interested in roles with flexibility? Check out our job listings.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes, the best indicator is your gut feeling. Did the interview leave you feeling excited and confident about the role, or hesitant and unsure? If something doesn’t sit right, don’t ignore it—explore further before making a decision.

Finding the right job isn’t just about responsibilities and salary – it’s about working in a culture where you can thrive. By asking the right questions, doing your research, and paying attention to subtle cues in the interview process, you can make an informed decision and choose a company that aligns with your values and career goals.

Looking for opportunities with companies that prioritise great culture? Get in touch with our recruitment team today!

New Year, New Career: Tips for Kickstarting Your Job Search in 2025!

The start of a new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or explore an entirely new path, now is the moment to set your intentions and take action. To help you succeed, we’ve compiled our top tips for kickstarting your job search in 2025.

Looking for opportunities right now? Check out the latest openings in commercial roles, engineering positions, and industrial jobs.

1. Refresh Your CV

Your resume is your first impression, so make it count. Here’s how:

2. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers. Use it to showcase your professional brand and connect with opportunities:

3. Set Clear Career Goals

Before diving into your job search, take some time to reflect and plan:

4. Network, Network, Network

Building connections can open doors to opportunities you might not find online:

5. Stay Positive and Persistent

Job searching can be challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset is key:

Ready to Take the Leap?

At First Base Employment, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for expert advice, resume tips, or connections to top employers, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals in 2025.

Get in touch with us today and let’s turn your New Year’s resolutions into reality. Here’s to your success in the year ahead!

Is Your Team Ready for the New Year? Here’s How We Can Help You Build It 

As the New Year approaches, it’s a perfect time to reflect, strategise, and prepare for the opportunities ahead. One key question to ask yourself is: Is my team ready to hit the ground running in January? If your answer is anything less than a confident “yes,” we’re here to help. 

Why Now Is the Time to Act 

The start of the year often brings fresh challenges and ambitious goals, making it essential to have the right people in the right roles. Whether you’re looking to fill skill gaps, expand your team, or enhance performance, starting early ensures you’re fully prepared when business ramps up. 

Recruitment can be a time-consuming process, but with the right partner, you can navigate it efficiently and effectively. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid the scramble of last-minute hires and set your business up for a successful year. 

How We Can Support You 

At First Base Employment we specialise in connecting businesses with exceptional talent. Here’s how we can help you: 

  1. Strategic Workforce Planning 
    Our team works closely with you to understand your business goals and identify your workforce needs. Whether it’s temporary staff to cover a seasonal peak or permanent hires to support long-term growth, we’ve got you covered. 
  1. Access to Top Talent 
    With an extensive network of skilled professionals across various industries, we can quickly find candidates who are not only qualified but also a great fit for your company culture. 
  1. Streamlined Recruitment Process 
    From drafting job descriptions to screening candidates and arranging interviews, we handle the heavy lifting. This allows you to focus on running your business while we find the talent you need. 
  1. Tailored Solutions 
    No two businesses are the same, which is why we offer bespoke recruitment strategies. Whether you need a single hire or an entire team, we’ll craft a solution that aligns with your unique needs. 
  1. Post-Hire Support 
    Our support doesn’t end once the candidate starts. We offer onboarding assistance and check-ins to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success. 

Start the Year Strong 

Imagine starting the New Year with a team that’s motivated, skilled, and ready to achieve your business goals. By partnering with us, you’ll gain a recruitment ally dedicated to your success. 

Don’t let staffing challenges hold you back in 2025. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs and discover how we can help you build a stronger, more resilient team. 

Building a Strong LinkedIn Profile to Attract Recruiters: Your Ultimate Guide

In today’s job market, a polished LinkedIn profile is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. With over 900 million members worldwide, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for recruiters seeking potential candidates. If your profile is set up correctly, it can be a powerful tool that puts you on the radar of recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s how to build a LinkedIn profile that attracts attention and maximizes your visibility and engagement.


1. Start with a Professional Profile Photo

Your profile photo is the first thing people see, so make it count. A professional, high-quality photo helps create a positive first impression and makes your profile more approachable.

Tips for Your Photo:
Use a clear, high-resolution image where you are dressed appropriately for your industry.
Choose a background that isn’t distracting.
Smile and look directly at the camera to project confidence and friendliness.
Pro Tip: Profiles with a professional photo receive up to 14 times more profile views than those without.

2. Create a Compelling Headline

Your LinkedIn headline is more than just a job title—it’s an opportunity to market yourself. Think of it as your personal tagline that sums up what you do and what you’re passionate about.

Tips for Your Headline:

Go beyond just listing your job title. Include a brief mention of your key skills or achievements.
Use keywords that are relevant to your industry to help recruiters find you.
Make it clear and concise (e.g., “Experienced Digital Marketer | SEO & PPC Expert | Content Strategy Specialist”).

3. Write an Engaging ‘About’ Section

The ‘About’ section is your chance to tell your professional story. This is where recruiters get to know your background, strengths, and what sets you apart.

Tips for Writing Your Summary:

Start with a strong hook to capture interest.
Highlight your key skills, achievements, and career goals.
Keep it conversational but professional, and avoid jargon.
Use bullet points or short paragraphs to enhance readability.

Example: “With over 5 years of experience in digital marketing, I specialise in driving successful SEO and PPC campaigns. My passion for analytics and creative content strategy has helped brands increase web traffic by up to 50%. I’m now looking to bring my skills to a forward-thinking agency or in-house team.”

4. Showcase Your Experience and Achievements

When listing your work experience, go beyond job duties and emphasize what you accomplished in each role. Recruiters are interested in the impact you made, not just what you were responsible for.

Tips for Listing Experience:

Use bullet points to describe key achievements in each role.
Quantify your accomplishments (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in six months”).
Include relevant keywords to boost your profile’s visibility.


5. Highlight Your Skills and Endorsements

LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills, so make the most of this feature. The skills section is crucial as it’s often used in search filters by recruiters.

Tips for Optimizing Skills:

List your core skills and ensure they match the keywords that recruiters in your field would search for.
Regularly update your skills to keep them relevant.
Ask colleagues, former managers, or clients to endorse your skills.
Pro Tip: The more endorsements a skill has, the more credible it appears to recruiters.

6. Request Recommendations

Recommendations from former colleagues or managers can strengthen your profile by providing social proof of your capabilities.

Tips for Getting Recommendations:

Reach out to previous managers, team members, or clients with a polite request.
Offer to write a recommendation for them in return—it’s a two-way street.
Aim for recommendations that highlight different strengths or experiences to give recruiters a fuller picture of your skills.

7. Leverage LinkedIn’s Job Search Features

LinkedIn has built-in tools that can make job searching more efficient. Set your profile to show recruiters that you’re open to opportunities and use job alerts to stay updated.

Tips for Using LinkedIn’s Job Features:

Turn on the “Open to Work” setting to let recruiters know you’re available.
Use job filters to customize your search by location, company size, or remote opportunities.
Follow companies you’re interested in to stay informed about job postings and company news.

8. Network and Engage Regularly

LinkedIn is more than just a digital CV—it’s a networking platform. Building a strong network can enhance your visibility and attract more opportunities.

Tips for Networking:

Connect with colleagues, industry peers, and recruiters in your field.
Personalise your connection requests by including a brief message about why you want to connect.
Engage with your network by liking, sharing, and commenting on relevant posts.
Pro Tip: Sharing your own insights, articles, or experiences can boost your visibility and position you as a thought leader in your industry.

A strong LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool that can open doors to new career opportunities and help you stand out in a competitive job market. By following these tips, you’ll not only attract the attention of recruiters but also build a professional brand that showcases your unique strengths and value. Remember, maintaining your profile and staying active on the platform is key—consistency pays off.

Why Recruitment Agencies Are the Key to Unlocking Hard-to-Fill Roles and Building High-Performing Teams

Recruiting top talent can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially when it comes to specialised, senior, or niche positions. Add the challenge of assembling an entirely new team to meet peaks in production, and the task becomes even more daunting. Finding candidates who meet your specific requirements while aligning with your company culture requires more than a job posting—it demands expertise, resources, and a deep understanding of the talent market.

This is where recruitment agencies come in as your strategic partner. Here’s how they can transform your hiring process, not just for individual hard-to-fill roles but also for scaling up quickly with a new team.

1. Access to Hidden Talent Pools
Recruitment agencies leverage their extensive networks, built over years, to connect you with a wide range of candidates—including passive talent who aren’t actively job hunting but are open to the right opportunity. These hidden talent pools often remain out of reach through traditional hiring methods like job boards.

Example: Need an entire team of experienced production specialists to meet a surge in demand? A recruitment agency can quickly identify and connect you with skilled professionals, ensuring you’re ready to hit production targets.

2. Industry Expertise and Market Insights
Agencies specialise in understanding industry trends and market dynamics. They know which skills are in demand, what competitors are offering, and how to position your roles to attract the best talent. Their insights are invaluable for crafting competitive job descriptions and hiring strategies.

Pro Tip: An agency can help refine your hiring criteria, balancing market realities with your needs, to expand the candidate pool without sacrificing quality.

3. Efficient Screening and Selection
Sorting through resumes and conducting preliminary interviews can drain internal resources. Recruitment agencies handle this for you, applying predefined screening processes to evaluate qualifications, soft skills, and cultural fit. Only the most qualified candidates make it to your shortlist.

Benefit: This saves your HR team valuable time, allowing them to focus on high-impact activities like interviewing top candidates.

4. Speed and Scalability
When time is of the essence—whether for an urgent hire or a sudden need to scale up a team—agencies deliver. Their expertise and established networks enable them to move quickly, presenting qualified candidates in a fraction of the time it might take an in-house team.

Fact: According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), filling specialised roles can take up to 50% longer without external support. Recruitment agencies can cut this timeline significantly.

5. Minimising Hiring Risks
Every hire carries inherent risks, from mismatched expectations to early resignations. Many agencies offer guarantees, such as replacing a candidate if they leave within a specified period, reducing your exposure to hiring risks.

Tip: Look for agencies that provide post-placement support to ensure a seamless onboarding experience and long-term success for both parties.

6. Streamlined Team Building for Peak Production
When your business faces a production surge, recruiting multiple skilled professionals quickly is critical. Agencies excel at assembling cohesive teams, sourcing individuals whose skills and personalities complement each other and align with your company culture.

Example: From engineers to supervisors, a recruitment agency can help you staff an entire production line or project team, enabling you to meet demand spikes with confidence.

7. Expert Negotiation and Offer Management
Navigating salary expectations and benefits negotiations can be tricky. Recruitment professionals bridge the gap between your organization and the candidate, facilitating transparent, productive discussions and minimizing the chances of rejected offers.

Benefit: Their experience ensures a smooth process, helping you secure the talent you need without delays or miscommunication.

Recruitment agencies are more than just hiring partners—they are enablers of growth and efficiency. Whether you’re filling a hard-to-recruit position or building an entire team to tackle a new project, their expertise, industry connections, and streamlined processes make them indispensable.

Ready to find the right candidates—or your next high-performing team? Partner with First Base Employment today and gain access to the hidden talent pool that can propel your business forward.

How to Win Back a Candidate Who Chooses a Higher Salary Elsewhere

It’s frustrating when a great candidate turns you down for more money from another company, but it’s not always the end of the road. With the right approach, you can still bring them on board. Here’s how to navigate the situation when a candidate rejects your offer for a higher salary.

1. Get to the Root of Their Decision
Money might not be the only thing driving their choice. Have an honest chat to understand their full reasoning. Are they after career growth, more flexibility, or a better work-life balance? Once you know what really matters to them, you can tailor your pitch to better meet their priorities.

2. Focus on Non-Salary Perks
If you can’t match their salary expectations, shine a light on other perks your company offers. Talk about things like professional development, company culture, remote work options, or clear paths for promotion. Sometimes, these benefits can outweigh a bigger paycheck.

3. Sweeten the Deal with a Counter-Offer
If they’re a perfect fit, it might be worth revisiting your offer. This doesn’t necessarily mean offering more money—you could throw in a signing bonus, more holidays, or flexible hours to make the role more attractive without breaking your budget.

4. Emphasise Long-Term Value
Help them see the bigger picture. Talk about the long-term career growth they can expect, the exciting projects they’d be a part of, or how the role can lead to even better opportunities within the company. Frame the position as more than just a job—it’s a stepping stone to something greater.

5. Keep the Door Open
If they decide to go with the other offer, don’t burn bridges. Let them know you’d love to stay in touch for future opportunities. Circumstances can change, and they might be open to reconsidering your company down the road.

In a Nutshell
While a higher salary offer can be tough to compete with, you don’t have to lose the candidate. By understanding their needs, highlighting what makes your company unique, and being flexible with your offer, you might just win them over in the end.

Top 5 In-Demand Skills Employers Want in 2024

As the job market shifts, so do the skills that top employers are hunting for. It’s no longer just about having the right qualifications—it’s about being adaptable, versatile, and ready for anything. To help you get ahead in 2024, here are the top five skills you should focus on developing.
1. Data Interpretation
Data is everywhere and companies need people who can actually make sense of it. If you can analyse and interpret data to uncover insights that drive smart business decisions, you’re golden. It’s not just about crunching numbers, but understanding the bigger picture and helping shape strategy.
2. Digital Literacy
Tech is moving fast, and being digitally literate is a must. Employers want people who are comfortable with all kinds of software, collaboration tools, and who have a basic grasp of cybersecurity to help protect company data. In short: the more tech-savvy you are, the better.
3. Adaptability and Resilience
The ability to roll with the punches and thrive through change is more valuable than ever. Companies want people who can stay positive and productive when things get tough, and who are quick to pick up new skills as the workplace evolves.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EI)
Understanding and managing emotions—both your own and others’—is key in any workplace. Strong emotional intelligence helps you communicate better, collaborate effectively, and build strong relationships with colleagues. In today’s team-focused environments, that’s a big win.
5. Creativity and Innovation
In a fast-moving, competitive market, thinking outside the box is crucial. Employers need creative problem-solvers who can bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table, whether it’s improving processes or developing new products. If you’re known for your out-of-the-box thinking, you’ll definitely stand out.
A bonus 6. We know we’ll get a backlash on this but companies want candidates who want to be in the office. Especially if you’re new in, if you’re not working alongside your peers to build relationships and learn, your prospects will be limited. Obviously, this excludes candidates who cannot physically from the office or those consulting for example. Give yourself every opportunity to thrive and be visible.
Wrapping It Up
Want to stay ahead of the game in 2024? Make sure you’re boosting your data skills, staying digitally savvy, and sharpening your adaptability. And don’t forget the power of emotional intelligence and creativity—they’ll help you stand out in any role. These are the skills that’ll keep you in demand no matter where you go.