Top 5 In-Demand Skills Employers Want in 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top Interview Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)
Top Interview Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, and even the most experienced candidates can make mistakes. But don’t worry—small slip-ups happen, and the good news is they’re avoidable! Here’s a look at some of the most common interview mistakes and how you can avoid them to make a great impression.
1. Not Prepping Enough
One big mistake is walking into an interview without doing your homework. Interviewers can tell when you’re unprepared, and it doesn’t leave the best impression. To avoid this, spend some time learning about the company—check out their mission, values, and recent news. Go over the job description and think about how your skills match up. Being prepared not only shows you’re serious but also makes it easier to answer questions confidently.
☑ At First Base we recommend you do a trial run of the route prior to the interview if face-to-face. It gives us great comfort that someone has found the location and planned their route (to avoid heavy traffic) beforehand and means they will likely arrive on time and be less flustered.
2. Dressing Inappropriately
First impressions matter, and how you dress plays a big part in that. Whether you’re overdressed or too casual, it can send the wrong signal. If you’re unsure about the dress code, it’s safer to be slightly more formal. Looking polished shows that you respect both the interview and the opportunity.
3. Negative Body Language
It’s not just about what you say—how you carry yourself speaks volumes. Slouching, crossed arms, or avoiding eye contact can come off as disinterested. Instead, sit up straight, make eye contact, and give a firm handshake. A smile and good posture can help you appear more confident and engaged.
4. Not Clearly Communicating Your Value
Sometimes it’s tough to explain exactly why you’re the best fit for the job. Instead of giving vague answers, prepare examples that highlight your skills and achievements. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure your responses so they’re clear and to the point. This makes it easier for interviewers to see your value. If you need support on this speak to one of our friendly team.
5. Skipping the Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. If you don’t ask questions, it might seem like you’re not that interested. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company culture, team, or growth opportunities. This shows you’re genuinely engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the company.
6. Speaking Negatively About Past Jobs
Talking badly about previous employers or co-workers is a big no-no. It can make you seem negative or difficult to work with. Even if your last job wasn’t great, focus on what you learned from the experience. Staying positive shows professionalism and maturity.
7. Oversharing or Going Off-Topic
It’s easy to start rambling when you’re nervous but try to stay focused. Oversharing or going off on unrelated tangents can hurt your chances. Practice answering common interview questions ahead of time to help you stay on track and keep your answers relevant.
8. Being Unclear
Be upfront – whether it’s around your availability for a start date, holidays you have booked, salary expectations, or work hours. Vague or inconsistent answers can cause confusion. Being clear and honest helps avoid misunderstandings and shows you’re professional.
9. Not Following Up
After the interview, don’t forget to follow up! Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours shows your appreciation and keeps you top of mind. It shows the interviewer that you remain interested in the role and allows you to ask anything you may have missed.
Avoiding these common interview mistakes can make a huge difference in landing the job. The key is to prepare—know the company, practice your answers, and be mindful of your body language and communication. With a little confidence and professionalism, you’ll leave a lasting impression. Good luck!
Keep Calm and Ace That Interview: Top Tips
Are you feeling nervous about your next interview? Feeling those butterflies fluttering in your stomach? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. But don’t worry we got you! With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can tame those nerves and show up to your interview like a new person. Here are some top tips to help you calm those nerves and nail that interview:
- Prepare, Prepare, Prepare: The best way to ease those nerves is to be as prepared as possible. Research the company, practice common interview questions, and know your resume inside and out. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel walking into that interview room.
- Practice Deep Breathing: When those nerves start to kick in, take a moment to focus on your breath. Deep breathing can help calm your mind and relax your body. Try taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s amazing how much a few deep breaths can help.
- Visualise Success: Picture yourself acing the interview and landing the job of your dreams. Visualising success can help boost your confidence and calm your nerves. Imagine yourself answering questions with ease, making a great impression, and walking out of that interview feeling like a winner.
- Focus on the Positive: Instead of worrying on what could go wrong, focus on the positive aspects of the interview. Remind yourself of your qualifications, skills, and accomplishments. Think about all the reasons why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Positive thinking can go a long way in calming those nerves.
- Practice Power Poses: Strike a power pose before your interview to boost your confidence and reduce stress. Stand tall, shoulders back, and arms outstretched like a superhero for a couple of minutes. It may sound silly, but research shows that power posing can increase confidence and decrease anxiety.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location, so you’re not rushed or stressed out. Arriving early will give you a chance to relax, gather your thoughts, and mentally prepare for the interview ahead.
- Remember, It’s Just a Conversation: Instead of thinking of the interview as a test, think of it as a conversation between two people. Remember that the interviewer wants to get to know you and see if you’re a good fit for the company. Relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through.
So, there you have it! With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to tackle that interview with confidence and ease. Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous, but don’t let those nerves hold you back. You’ve got this!
🔑 Unlock Your Career Potential: The Power of Interview Preparation! 🔑
In the ever-evolving UK job market, competition is fierce, and landing your dream job requires more than just a great CV. 📄 Your ticket to success? It’s all about interview preparation! 🚀
🌟 Why is interview preparation the KEY to success? :
1️⃣ First Impressions Matter: Your interview is your first chance to make a lasting impression. Prepare to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm to the fullest. Work on your energy levels if they’re lacking on the big day. We suggest bouncing on the spot or the power pose… (anything that works right)
2️⃣ Confidence Boost: Preparation breeds confidence. Research the company, its culture, and the role you’re applying for. This knowledge will help you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest.
3️⃣ Answering the Tough Questions: Interviews often include challenging questions. Anticipate them and rehearse your responses. Show how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.
4️⃣ Highlight Achievements: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers. It helps you concisely explain your accomplishments and contributions without waffling
5️⃣ Nail the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’: Craft a compelling personal narrative that showcases your journey and why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Make it memorable and as concise as possible.
6️⃣ Behavioural Interviewing: Be ready for competency-based questions. Share real-life examples of your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. If your examples are true you won’t falter.
7️⃣ Prepare Questions: Don’t forget to ask questions. Engage with the interviewer by seeking insights into the company’s future, growth prospects, and how you can contribute.
8️⃣ Mock Interviews: Practice with a friend or use online resources for mock interviews. Constructive feedback is invaluable for improvement.
Remember, success in interviews is not just about what you say but how you say it. Non-verbal cues like body language and eye contact play a crucial role. 💼
Invest time and effort in interview preparation up front and it’s your secret weapon to stand out in a competitive market.
If you’ve experienced the power of interview preparation, please share your success stories below.
Talk to us today on any of the points above, we’ll be delighted to help.
#InterviewPreparation #CareerSuccess #UK #JobMarket #LinkedInAdvice #JobInterviewTips #CareerDevelopment 🌟
How do I use the STAR method to prepare for my competency based interview?
Many forward-thinking clients now utilise competency-based questions at interview. This allows the interviewer to glean real-life examples of relevant situations that are important to them when looking to recruit, as well as allowing the candidate to think freely about their experiences (work-related or not) and showcase their thought process and decision-making skills.
We took a deep dive into the STAR method of preparing for a competency-based interview which can be helpful when thinking through a comprehensive response.
The STAR format is one method for answering interview questions that assesses your experience in a given scenario. Thinking through the Situation, Task, Action, and Result will give the interviewer a clear specific, concrete example of how you’ve handled similar situations in the past (and gives you a great basis for talking about the experience).
Situation: Describe a specific situation or task you were involved in.
Task: Explain what you had to accomplish or achieve in that situation.
Action: Describe the specific steps you took to complete the task or resolve the situation.
Result: Explain the outcome of your actions and the impact it had on the situation or task.
When using the STAR format to answer interview questions, it’s important to be honest (as always). If you’ve actually experienced the situation you’re being asked about (in work, education, your personal life) you will find it easy to answer as you’ve lived the experience. Be honest and take a moment to think through when you have encountered the experience before answering and cover each of the points below.
- Be specific: Provide specific examples and details when describing your situation, task, actions, and results. This will help the interviewer better understand your experience and how it relates to the position you are applying for.
- Keep it relevant: Make sure the examples you use are relevant to the job you are applying for. Use examples that demonstrate the skills the interviewer is looking for.
- Use active language: Use active verbs and descriptive language to describe your actions and the results of your actions.
- Practice: Practice answering interview questions using the STAR format before your interview. This will help you become more comfortable with the format and give you a chance to refine your responses.
Here’s a quick example of how you might answer the question “Can you give me an example of a project you’ve been responsible for in your previous employment”.
Situation: During my last job as a project manager, I was tasked with leading the development of a new website for the company.
Task: The task was to develop a new website that was user-friendly, responsive and met the company’s brand guidelines and also make sure it is completed within the budget and timeline
Action: To accomplish this task, I gathered requirements from all stakeholders, put together a project plan, and assembled a team of developers, designers, and QA testers. I also established clear milestones, timelines, and budgets for the project. Throughout the project, I regularly communicated with the team, stakeholders, and my manager to ensure that everything was on track.
Result: The website was launched on time and within budget, and received positive feedback from users, stakeholders and the management. The website also helped the company to increase its online sales by 15% in the first quarter after the launch.
By breaking down your answer into these four distinct areas you can ensure that the question is covered comprehensively and maximise your chances of being shortlisted (or offered) the job role.
If you’d like more tips and advice on ensuring your next interview goes well, check out our regular blog posts at www.first-base.co.uk
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
How to Write a Standout CV
YOUR CV IS YOUR PERSONAL ‘SALES PITCH’
Your CV is your opportunity to sell yourself so make sure it really works for you. It’s important you keep it clear, concise and easy to read to ensure that the recipient can easily digest the key points (bullet points can help with this). Employers won’t generally have long to look at each CV they’re sent, so aim for no more than two pages in length if at all possible.
- Detail your full name, address and contact details (mobile phone and landline if you have one, plus your email address)
- Personal Profile (a paragraph about you and what you’re looking for in your next job role): Crafting your CV to align with the job you’re applying for is crucial to making it standout. Achieve this by adjusting your personal profile to the job’s specifications. Examine the job description and extract frequently mentioned buzzwords, key skills, or required software systems. It’s crucial, however, that you only include these if you are genuinely proficient in them.
- Experience: List your experience in chronological order with the most recent first. Show the dates you were employed in each role, for example, Feb 2014 to present, the company you worked for and the job role you undertook. Use the buzzwords, key skills and software systems as identified above in your work history (again, only if you have genuine experience in these areas).
- If there are any gaps in your employment history be sure to clarify what you were doing in these times periods.
- Qualifications: Include all relevant qualifications in this section. For example degrees, exam results, external courses you’ve attended or in house training you’ve undertaken.
- A bit about you and your personality. Is there anything you’d like to add to give a flavour of you as an individual? Remember that if you include “I’m an avid reader and enjoy learning new skills” you may well be asked what you are currently reading. Be absolutely honest here in order that you can answer truthfully.
It’s good practice to provide a covering letter/email telling the employer why you feel you are the right fit for the role. This can also help the interviewer when it comes to shortlisting candidates for interview.
Above all, proofread! Make sure there are no spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or ‘text speak’ in either your covering letter or CV.
As an aside, we see a lot of inappropriate / unprofessional email addresses that were set up in years gone past. Have a think about whether you’d like to set up an alternative account purely for job applications.
ATTITUDE MATTERS AS MUCH AS EXPERIENCE
While your experience of course counts, a willing and ‘can do’ attitude can give someone a distinct advantage over another applicant. Make sure your cv stands out by using positive and optimistic language. In your cover letter, for example, you could explain how you arrived at the decision to get into this field of work and highlight how you went about gaining the skills necessary.
The CIPD encourages HR (Human Resource) professionals to ‘recruit for willingness, train for skill’. This is something a lot of recruiters will have in mind during the interview process. A prospective applicant, who shows a willingness to learn and develop can often be trained in the skills required for the role
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE
If you get an interview and it comes down to a choice between you and another candidate, there are a number of factors employers will consider when deciding who to offer the job to. You can gain a competitive edge by making sure you present yourself well, both in terms of looking smart, ensuring you display positive body language and the right attitude.
Always, always do your research about the employer in order that you feel prepared. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t check even the basics prior to attending interview. The company website is a great place to start but if you can find up to date company news to get a two-way conversation going, you’ll have set yourself apart.
You’ll usually be asked at the end of an interview if you have any questions. It’s so important to show interest in the job role and the company you’re applying to – be prepared with a few ideas of questions that you can ask about the business in order to show that you’re fully engaged.
If you need further advice, get in touch with us today! You can contact us via email, phone, or using the chat feature on our website.
Office management and support
Did you know that we place candidates into HR, Sales, IT, Finance, Marketing and Financial Services roles?
Our commercial team have continued to source, engage, shortlist and propose only the best candidates for any and all office-based roles during lockdown (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0).
Roles recruited to date this year include: Software Developers, HR Managers, Customer Service Administrators, Finance Managers, Mortgage Advisors, Service Desk Technicians, Events and Training Administrators and Marketing Executives, to name a few.
The team have built up a solid reputation in the market place and have a fantastic retention rate, whereby 90% of the candidates placed remain in post at their first years anniversary. Their mission? To offer an exemplary experience to both candidates and employers, an experience that they enjoy from start to finish.
Don’t take our word for it – head on over to google and see what our clients have to say.
Lilly and her team are available on 01453 755330 or by emailing commercial@first-base.co.uk or by utilising our chat box at www.first-base.co.uk
6 Ways to Stay Motivated During Your Job Search
Staying motivated in a frustrating job hunt can be extremely difficult for anyone. How is it though, when faced with a challenge or adversity, that some people seem to get stuck and unable to move on, whilst others seem to bounce back from difficult events much more quickly than others?
Psychologists have long studied the ability to ‘bounce back’ even when the odds seem stacked against us and have come up with a label you may be familiar with: resilience.
Resilience is about knowing how to cope in spite of setbacks, barriers or limited resources. Resilience is a measure of how much you want something and how much you are willing and able, to overcome obstacles to get it. We are all equipped to be resilient, but it is a personal skill that needs to be worked on and developed.
So, what can you do to stay motivated while searching for job?
Develop resilience
There is a tendency to view a job search solely as a means to an end. Conduct a job search, go through an application process and get a job. Landing a job is of course the primary purpose of a job search, but there are a host of benefits that we can gain from facing the challenges of difficult times.
Immersing yourself fully in a job search allows you to develop a range of skills that have the potential to expose you to opportunities you never imagined. Resilience is a skill that comes in handy during a job search as you are pretty much guaranteed to face multiple setbacks. It is also a skill in high demand by employers.
Luckily, the job search process itself can help you develop resilience. Success in a job search, and in day to day life, comes from our ability to pick ourselves up and move quickly past disappointments. This may sound daunting, but there are some simple strategies that you can implement to build on your resilience levels.
Be proactive in your job search
- Often it can seem that the much of the job search process is out of your control but being an active participant builds confidence.
- Don’t just spend your day hidden behind a keyboard sending out generic CVs. Research employers and the roles they are offering. Tailor your applications.
- Get involved in online networking opportunities, webinars and forums where you can build your profile, develop new skills and keep yourself informed.
- Stay in touch with the industries, professions and contacts that you know. Research sectors that are still doing well during the pandemic and look for opportunities where your skill set is transferable.
- Make sure you keep in touch with your recruitment consultant, build a relationship, comment on their social media posts and blogs. Demonstrate your ability to get past disappointments.
- Have a routine
- Most jobs have a routine and a job search is no different. Plan your day, dress for work, have a start time, break times and a finish time. If you don’t have a routine you can soon find that days have passed without any real progress.
- Whatever you schedule, try to stick to your plan. It is one of the things you can control, it is more productive and helps you move closer to your goal.
Re-energise
Looking for work can be emotionally and physically draining. Find something you enjoy doing and make time every day to do it. Don’t become a ‘couch potato’ or allow you routine to be built around day time TV. Eat well and exercise. Allow your brain some time to switch off, revive itself and get back to the task with more energy.
Watch your language
Our brains are hard-wired to think the worst and to notice the bad. It’s why bad news sells newspapers. Resilient people recognise that the words they use can have a huge impact on their mood, their job hunting productivity and their ability to make the best impression.
It’s too easy to tell yourself that there are no jobs or that ‘I’m not going to get the job” when you make an application or get an interview. The problem is that the words we use are followed by actions, or in the case of negative words, inaction. “I can’t” leads to not trying and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Changing the words we use can have an immediate and positive effect. Just a simple “I can do this” will have an impact on your actions and performance.
Learn to handle rejection
A job search in normal times can mean you will receive more rejections than offers. Be realistic. If you send out 100 speculative CVs you are likely to receive a very high level of rejection and rejection on that scale can feel demoralising.
Try to apply for roles where you feel you would be a good match with your skills and experience and that you would actually accept if offered.
Remember that job offers are sometimes made on the smallest of details. Failing to get a second interview or a job offered is never a personal attack or a suggestion that you have some fatal flaw. You just didn’t win this time, so dust yourself off and look for the next opportunity.
Ask for feedback
Resilient people are always learning. They want to do better next time so actively seek feedback from interviewers and their recruitment consultants. Rebounding from setbacks isn’t easy even for the most positive of people. Fortunately, resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.
Although job searching can seem tough, you can take comfort in the fact that at the end of it, you will not only end up with a job, but you will have developed life skills and skill set that employers value. Overcoming setbacks gives you the confidence needed to pursue alternate avenues, and to open those doors that were temporarily closed to you. We all have something to offer that someone else wants.
The team here at First Base is always here to help. If you want advice or support to help you find the job you are looking or just someone to talk to about finding work, please contact us on 01453 755 330 via enquiries@first-base.co.uk or via our chat function at www.first-base.co.uk.
Beware the job scammers
Every day there are more media reports about the increase in organised crime and fraudsters exploiting our increased dependency on using internet based services during the Covid crisis.
With an increase in people looking to change career or find a new job following redundancy, job seekers are not immune from fraudsters and are being increasingly targeted by unscrupulous scammers with the lure of fake jobs.
Fraudsters use fake jobs for many reasons; to gain financial reward by tricking job seekers into parting with cash upfront, to steal personal information such as bank or identity details or even to use malware to steal money straight from people’s bank accounts. In the last few months there have been a number of high profile cases in the news including Shell issuing a global warning after fraudsters used their brand logo in an attempt to scam job seekers desperate to find work.
Some recent scammers have even been undertaking virtual interviews over Zoom. People have been finding that the ‘interview’ is only cursory, a job offer is made and the subject quickly turns to requests for some sort of advance payment to secure the role. Subsequent contacts from the company or individuals apply more pressure to send money. Some companies that have been closed down by the authorities often continue their scam under another name.
What to look for:
Fake job offers tend to have things in common. They:
- Promise you a job with only a minimal application process
- Guarantee a generous salary
- Often say you can work at home
- Require advance payment for training
Scammers advertise fake jobs:
- On line
- In newspapers
- On signs, posters, and flyers
What to do:
Firstly be aware that there are job scams out there and make sure you properly research any individual or company who seem to be making the recruitment process too easy. Be suspicious of job adverts with generalised job descriptions and little detail about the company, job or qualifications required.
Don’t make advance payments to secure a job or training; no genuine employer or recruitment agency will ever ask for money up front.
Work with an established and trusted recruitment agency that can demonstrate a proven track record and history.
If you suspect that a job you have been asked to apply for is fake or you would like to know more about how to protect yourself during your job search contact First Base on 01453 755330