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Mid-Year Career Check-In: How to Adjust Your Job Search Strategy

Let’s be honest – job searching can feel like a rollercoaster.

You might have started the year full of momentum, sending out applications, polishing your CV, and picturing your next big move. But now it’s July, and things might not have gone quite to plan – or maybe your priorities have shifted altogether.

That’s why a mid-year check-in can be so valuable. Not to beat yourself up or start from scratch, but to pause, reflect, and adjust your approach for the second half of the year.

Because it’s not too late – not even close.

What Can Help?

Here are a few things to think about as you refocus your job search:

• Revisit your goals – What were you aiming for in January? Are those goals still the same? If not, that’s okay. Career priorities can change – sometimes the role, industry, or even location you thought you wanted might not feel quite right now.
• Audit your CV and LinkedIn – If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your documents, now’s the time. Make sure your experience, skills, and achievements reflect your most recent work – and tailor them to the kinds of roles you’re aiming for now.
• Check your progress – How many roles have you applied for? How many interviews have you had? Are there patterns in the responses you’re (or aren’t) getting? Sometimes the issue isn’t your experience – it’s the way it’s being presented.
• Reconsider your strategy – Are you relying solely on job boards? Try networking or speaking to a recruiter who specialises in your field. Sometimes a small shift in approach can lead to big results.
• Stay flexible – The job market can change quickly. Being open to contract roles, hybrid working, or a slightly different job title can help you get your foot in the door – and potentially lead to something even better down the line.

Mindset Matters

It’s easy to lose confidence when the search takes longer than expected. But remember: you’re not alone, and this isn’t a race. Taking time to reflect and re-strategise isn’t a step back – it’s a smart move forward.

And yes, it’s easier said than done. But giving yourself permission to reset, rather than push through frustration, can make a big difference.

Small Tweaks, Big Impact

Sometimes, a few simple updates can reignite your momentum:

• A clearer summary on your CV.
• A refreshed LinkedIn profile photo.
• A more tailored cover letter.
• Reaching out to old colleagues or connections for a coffee chat.

It doesn’t have to be a full overhaul – just thoughtful tweaks that help you show up more confidently and clearly.

Let’s Make the Second Half Count

You’ve still got time. Whether you’re actively applying, passively exploring, or somewhere in between, a mid-year check-in is your chance to get back on track – with more focus, clarity, and intention.

Need help with your CV, interview prep, or figuring out where to aim next?

We’re here. Let’s make sure the second half of 2025 brings you closer to the career move you’ve been working toward.

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!

What do I do now my exams are finished?

Congratulations on completing your exams! 

What a relief to finally finish and be able to look forward to some free time over the summer months. 

You may be starting Uni or a college course come September, but in the meantime, take some time to breathe and put some thought into what you want to gain from your time off. 

Having just had the same conversation with my son who finished his A levels today, I thought it may be useful to get some ideas down for those of you who are thinking now what?

There are so many opportunities available to you, the World really is your oyster – have a read through the following list and see if there’s anything that you’d like to consider:

  1. Explore new places, both in the UK and overseas. You could visit countries or cities you’ve always wanted to see, or embark on an adventure with friends or family. Travelling can broaden your horizons and create lasting memories, as well as give you valuable life experience. 
  2. Consider some work experience or volunteering in a field related to your future studies or career interests. It can provide valuable insights and enhance your CV ready for your next move. It’ll also show future employers that you can commit to working hours and be reliable, as well as develop your communication skills.
  3. Engage in community volunteer work. It’s a fulfilling way to give back, make a positive impact, and develop new skills. Explore opportunities in areas like education, environmental conservation, healthcare, or social services. You’ll meet like-minded people and start forming networks that could open up opportunities later in life.
  4. Use the summer to learn a new skill or pursue a hobby. It could be anything from painting, playing a musical instrument, coding, cooking, photography, or writing. Find information online or on local Facebook pages: workshops and classes are often low cost and you’ll be surprised at the range of events happening on your doorstep.
  5. Catch up on books you have been meaning to read or delve into subjects that interest you. Self-study materials, online courses, or educational platforms can help you explore a wide range of topics. Get involved in relevant discussions and develop your communication skills at the same time.
  6. A university or college course can be demanding, so take some time to relax and recharge before September; spend quality time with family and friends, enjoy leisure activities, practice self-care, and prioritise your well-being.
  7. Use this time to get organised and ready for the upcoming academic year. Familiarise yourself with course content and start any required readings. You can also reach out to future classmates or join online groups to connect with others.
  8. Don’t forget the life admin stuff. Consider your finances and familiarise yourself with logins for banks and student loans etc. Use this time to learn how to cook some simple meals if you’ll be living away from home and be sure to look into the process for registering with a doctor for example. All important stuff if you’re relocating for either work or study.
  9. If you have any personal projects or ideas you’ve been meaning to pursue, now is the time. Whether it’s writing a book, starting a blog, launching a small business, or creating art, summer can provide the freedom and focus to bring your ideas to life.

Remember, your summer break is a valuable opportunity to explore, grow, and recharge before the next chapter of your life. 

If you’re looking for work over the summer months to fund any of the above, register with a local agency that will be able to help you find employment. They will know which temp jobs are more suitable for you as some employers will want recent experience which you may not have.

Although experience is not always necessary, remember, you’ll still need bags of enthusiasm, good timekeeping and communication skills. If you turn up on time and work hard, there will always be more opportunity to return for holiday work and you’ll be considered more favourably if permanent jobs come up when you’ve finished your studies.

Above all, enjoy! You have worked so hard and studied for so long. Enjoy the break and take advantage of every opportunity available to you.

 

What is Integrity?

A recent national news item outlined the story of a senior manager who received a suspended jail sentence because he lied on his CV.  He falsely claimed to have a University Degree (which as it happened was not even required for the post) and the Judge in summing up said that this action brought into question the individuals integrity.  The managers actions certainly brought into question his honesty, but did he really lack integrity?

Integrity is a word that frequently crops up on LinkedIn profiles and on company websites.  In an effort to stand out from the crowd, brands and individuals sometimes feel it necessary to highlight their ‘integrity’.  However it is a word often misunderstood – and sometimes overused by those who lack it.  It is usually associated with being of good character, being honest and being ethical – but it is really more about being consistent.

I experienced a perfect example of integrity at a supermarket checkout.

A young man came back to the store in order to return a small over payment of change from a transaction that had taken place a few minutes earlier.  A customer services manager was called over and she thanked the young man for his ‘unusual’ honesty.  ‘Normally’ she said ‘as a big company our business is seen as fair game and if we make a mistake in the customer’s favour we tend to lose out’.

As he left the store, I managed to speak with the young man and asked him why he returned such a small amount of change – ‘after all’ I said ‘no one would have known if you’d just driven off’.  There was a short pause then he looked me in the eyes and said ‘I would have known’.  He went on to tell me it was about doing the right thing – one of the values he learned as an officer in the Royal Marines. Having spent time studying leadership at the Royal Marine Commando Training Centre at Lympstone in Devon – I knew instantly what he meant.

Not always positive 

The young Royal Marine wasn’t demonstrating integrity because he was being honest.  ‘Integrity’ doesn’t necessarily mean positive characteristics like honesty and trust.  That definition is only relevant in the context of what we might think of as ethical or moral behaviour.

The Latin root of the word integrity is ‘integer’ – to be whole or complete.

Having integrity is about consistency – consistency of values, principles – and more importantly acting in accordance with those values and principles.  The young Royal Marine acted in accordance with his values and principles – even when only he knew he was doing it.

Even street gangs and criminals can have integrity. In terms of ethics it’s just that their values and principles are different from most people in business.  Have no doubt that they do have a ‘code’ – principles and values that they adhere to – and the penalty for lacking integrity can be severe!

“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy.  If they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren Buffet, CEO Berkshire Hathaway

If any relationship is to thrive, whether internal or external (or personal for that matter) there has to be congruence between the words that set the expectation of certain values and the actions someone demonstrates.  When you actions match you intentions, when others EXPERIENCE that you live your values and stick to your principles, whatever the circumstance, it builds trust and relationships blossom.  Customers, clients, colleagues, suppliers, people who you report to and people who report to you want to know that they can trust you.  People leave an organisation when they don’t trust their manager, employees are fired when trust is lost and customers stop buying from suppliers that fail to deliver on promises.

Integrity in business, based on sound values and principles; trust, honesty, ethics, doing the right thing – builds loyalty, engagement and high performance from individuals and teams. It builds long term profitable relationships with clients and customers that buy and re-buy.

Integrity = Influence

If you want real influence, if you want to lead others or win business; integrity has to be a key characteristic of who you are. You can’t fake integrity (well not for long) and we all know people who don’t live up to the expectations they set – particularly those who push their apparent integrity as a marketing tool.  Successful individuals base the decisions they make on principles. They consistently do the right thing rather than the convenient, easy or popular thing to do. Because they base their actions on values and principles they are trusted to consistently deliver as promised.

“There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity”. Tom Peters

Human beings excel when allowed to act in accordance with their personal values. Ultimately people leave organisations where their own values and the values of the organisation differ (or worse – they stay and disengage).  Whilst having integrity doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is a ‘good’ person, it does mean they can be depended on to act in accordance with the values they claim to live by.

Organisations need more people that can be depended on to act in accordance with the values they claim to live by.

David Tovey

Writing a personal profile for your CV

A candidate recently asked whether she should write an introductory paragraph or personal profile at the beginning of her CV. Great question we thought, so here’s our view.

Whilst a cover letter tailored to the specific job you are applying for will do a lot of the talking for you, a short well written personal profile really helps your chances of standing out. A personal profile is a short paragraph that sits at the top of your CV. Its aim is to effectively and concisely sum up who you are and your skills and strengths relevant to the job role and career aims.  It is similar to a cover letter; the main difference is you will be selling yourself (the main purpose of your CV) in four or five sentences rather than a full page. A good personal profile added to your CV will grab the recruiter’s attention.

And grabbing the recruiter’s attention is vital. Many roles are in competitive fields and can attract dozens if not hundreds of CV’s – and that means you need to provide a short sharp reason for them to read on beyond the first few lines. You risk a recruiter flicking past your CV unless they spot reasons to put you forward pretty quickly. Help your recruiter to help you!

Your profile provides an ideal way to grab the recruiter’s attention and continue reading your CV because you are telling them in the first few sentences why they should consider hiring you. A personal profile can be useful if you are uploading your CV to a job board such as CV-Library. It provides you with an opportunity to outline your career objectives and can help put your CV into context. It also helps recruiters to match you with the right job for you and gives them some direction as to what sort of working culture would be the right fit for you.

A profile is best included when you are fairly sure what type of job you want or where your skills suit specific sectors. If you aren’t sure then consider leaving it out. A profile that is too broad risks giving the impression you haven’t done your research or that any type of employment will do. Not the best impression to give

Structuring a personal profile

The most important thing to remember is that your statements should around four or five sentences – between 50 and 200 words. Some people like to write in the first person (I am, my skills include…) or the third person (Sales professional seeking, skills include…). It really doesn’t matter as long as you are consistent with your grammatical style.

We suggest dividing your personal profile paragraph into three sections.

If you’re writing a more general personal profile, be sure you include key achievements that make you stand out. For example, if you’re looking for a position within graphic design and you’ve got extensive Photoshop experience working on a major campaign, not only can you claim you have these skills in your personal statement, but you can back them up as well.

Leave out the buzz words

You may well be a highly motivated team player with excellent communications skills and extensive administration experience but these buzz words don’t really provide any evidence (and a recruiters will have read the same words a thousand times).

Try to highlight real, relevant skills and back them up with evidence to make your personal profile strong.

Do

Don’t

Employers and candidates tell us that First Base is their first choice for help with their recruitment requirements and their personal career progression. If you would like to know more about how the First Base team could help you, contact us on 01453 755330 or email tricia.hay@first-base.co.uk

To upload your CV follow this link!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

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One of the most frequent questions candidates tell us they have difficulty answering is “Where do you see yourself in five years?” No interviewer really expects candidates to be able to describe EXACTLY what they will be doing 260 weeks from now. So why do interviewers seem to insist on asking this question?

Why do interviewers ask the question?

The interviewer wants to understand more about your career goals and how the role you have applied for would fit into your longer term plans. They care about your career aspirations because they want to recruit someone who is motivated, proactive and who is likely to stick around if they are offered the job. Recruiting people is expensive for any organisation, getting it right is really important. If the interviewer feels that this role is important to you as part of your long term career aspiration’s, you are more likely to do well.

Where do you want to be in 5 years is a bit clichéd these days so you might hear it put differently:

How would you define success at this stage in your career?
What are your long term goals?
What is your ideal job right now?
What are you looking for?
What is most important to you in your career?

So what should you say?

Let’s be clear. You should never lie during a job interview. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to be 100% candid about all of the directions that you are investigating. Do make sure you know something about the organisation and the role you are applying for – research is key.

Keep your answer fairly general,especially if you don’t yet know a lot about the potential career path at the company. Make your answer honest, but broad enough that it doesn’t raise doubts about whether you would be a good fit for this position. For most interview questions, we recommend being specific, this is the exception.

Stress your interest in a long-term career at the company. Your interviewer wants to know that you’re ready to settle in and grow with the firm. Remember that the organization is going to be investing considerable time, effort, and money in recruiting and training someone for the job. You must at least show an honest intention to stay long enough to be a good investment. If you are taken on and you leave after a short time, the interviewer is not going to look great to their boss.

Demonstrate enthusiasm for the job as an exciting opportunity for you. Most importantly, make it clear that you are motivated to take on this new challenge right now.

Your response to “Where do you see yourself in five years?” is your chance to sell the interviewer on your commitment to the career path and the position being offered. Take the time to think about the question and prepare a response in advance. Practice how you will describe your long-term career plans in a way that will be relevant to the interviewer and help you tell your story about why you’re the best person for the job.

Employers and candidates tell us that First Base is their first choice for help with their recruitment requirements and their personal career progression. If you would like to know more about how the First Base team could help you, contact us on 01453 755330.

 

 

 

 

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