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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.

 

How to Write a Standout CV

Lady googling "job"
If you’re looking for a new role, read these tips first.

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.

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

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:

Scammers advertise fake jobs:

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

Adapting to the recruitment processes of 2020

The world has changed in 2020 and there has been a big impact on when, how and if employers recruit.  On the upside, many employers are recruiting and some sectors and businesses are thriving, on the downside, some industries have been hit so hard they may take years to recover.  The world of work is changing and there is no going back to the old normal.

Employers are having to adapt and change, to innovate and find new markets just to survive. They need good candidates who understand that they too need to respond to today’s reality.

Our recent experience of recruiting for clients and for a new role here at First Base has highlighted the simple truth that many people who say they are looking for work are not demonstrating to potential employers that they are the best people for the job.  Just like employers are having to learn fast how to adapt, job seekers are going to have to learn fast too. We are way past the time when you can simply send out dozens of CVs and expect a reply, let alone an interview, face to face or Zoom.

Over the coming weeks, the First Base team will be sharing a series of blogs to help you to prepare for your job search, how to stand out, what you can do when between jobs, how to interview and how to stay positive.

If you have any questions or need help to find a job now or in the near future, contact us on 01453 755330 or get in touch through our FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram accounts. The First Base team is ready and eager to help.

Video Interview Tips: Tips for a Successful Interview

The use of video interviews has soared during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite being around for many years, the reliance on video platforms is a fairly new phenomenon for many businesses and candidates. While interviewing from home can create an element of uncertainty, it’s important to remember the basics of any in person or telephone interview. These resources can help, should you get stuck:

Telephone Interview Tips

22 Tips for Making a Great Impression At Your Next Interview

What do Employers Want?

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

How to Answer The Tell Me About Yourself Question

If you haven’t taken part in a video interview before, you can expect it to become a normal step in the recruitment process for more and more job roles in the future. Whether it’s new to you, or it’s been while since you last took part in one, this First Base video interview guide will familiarise you with what to expect from a video interview, what to wear, body language, eye contact and some technical tips.

5 Video Interview Tips to Remember

Preparation is key

While you don’t need to worry about getting caught in traffic, it’s important you find a quiet location with a good internet connection. Ensure your computer, tablet or laptop has a webcam that works and the audio input/output mic is correct. If you have children or family at home, you will find interviewers are more understanding than usual – they may be in exactly the same situation!

What you will need:

•  An internet connection with a speed of at least 1 megabits per second
•  A laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, a tablet or smartphone.
•  Headphones with a built-in microphone or headphones and a separate microphone (there may be one on your device – check)
•  Ideally a quiet, private and well-lit place where you won’t be interrupted by other people, pets or noises.

Note:  When we have our ‘normal’ lives back – try to avoid coffee shops and other communal spaces.

Position your webcam so that you have a neutral background that’s free from distractions and is angled level with your face.  That ‘up nose’ look we are seeing a great deal of on the TV news interviews, isn’t a great one! Remember to close unnecessary apps that might slow down your connection or interrupt you.

If the employer is using their own video software provider you will be sent a link to join the interview at a pre-arranged time.  As for any interview – don’t be late!  If you will be using a personal Skype or Google account, make sure that you have a professional username and check your privacy settings.  If you have any concern about whether your username is professional enough, you may want to set up a new account for your video interviews just in case.

Be prepared for pre-recorded questions

Sometimes an employer might use pre-recorded questions that you will have to answer during your video interview.  In this format, position your webcam so that you have a neutral background that’s free from distractions.

Instead of being connected with a person, you’ll be prompted to answer interview questions that have been pre-recorded or appear in writing on the screen.  You record your answer to each question and the employer will review the recording later.  There is often a time limit for your answers, and you may be given more than one chance to record each answer.

The pre-recorded format can feel unnatural.  Try to imagine that you are speaking directly to a real person.  Preparation for this type of interview will be especially useful and make sure you anticipate what questions you will be asked and have your answers ready.

Dress for the occasion

For your video interview, you should dress professionally, as you would for a face to face interview.  Research the company culture before your interview so you have a good idea of what’s appropriate.
To look your best on camera, avoid bright colours and patterns, opt for softer colours instead.  If you are wearing a tie or scarf, wear a solid colour rather than a patterned one.  If you wear glasses, adjust the lighting in the room to reduce glare from the lenses and be aware of any reflections.

Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centred on the screen.

Have positive body language

Eye contact is very important during an in-person interview and you want to convey that same level of connection during a video interview.  Avoid the temptation to look directly at your interviewer on the screen while you’re answering a question.  Instead, when you speak, direct your gaze towards the webcam.  When you do this, your eyes are more likely to align with the interviewer’s eyes on the other end.  When you are listening, look back at the screen.

Throughout the interview, it is important to keep your mood upbeat and convey enthusiasm with your body language.  Good posture will help.  Sit in your chair with your back straight and your shoulders open. Feet should both be planted on the floor, resting your hands in your lap or on the desk.

When you’re listening, nod and smile when appropriate to communicate that you’re giving them your full attention.  Use hand gestures when it feels appropriate, keeping your movements close to your body.  Avoid fidgeting or letting your gaze drift away from your device.

Practice makes perfect

To get used to the technology and body language of a video interview, do some practice video calls with your recruitment consultant, a friend or a family member.  Ask them to give you feedback about your appearance and eye contact.  Rehearse a few times until it all starts to feel natural.

Ask any professional interviewer, presenter or speaker and they will tell you that practice makes all the difference.  Set aside time in your schedule in the days leading up to your interview and you’ll find that your confidence will grow as you become more comfortable in front of a camera.

On the day of the interview, review this video interview checklist:

•  Ensure that you won’t be interrupted, either by locking the door or by alerting others that you can’t be disturbed.
•  Clear your desk space; except for a notepad and pen/pencil for you to take notes.
•  Have a copy of your CV and any other notes ready for you to refer to.
•  Have a glass of water ready.
•  Check that your webcam is working.
•  Check that your audio is working.
•  Close any windows, tabs or apps on your computer that you’re not using.
•  Check your internet connection and make sure you’re not downloading anything in the background.
•  Set your phone to silent mode.
•  Check that the background behind you is neutral and free from clutter.
•  Adjust the lights in the room. If things appear dark or dim, think about bringing in an extra table or desk lamp to brighten the area.

All you need to do next is make a great impression!

The First Base team can help you with video interview preparation and many other aspects of your job search. Call us, email or contact us on social media.

Free online courses!

Furloughed, working part time, between jobs, working at home?  There is no better time than NOW to up skill.

South Gloucester and Stroud College have a range of free on line courses that can lead to a new qualification.

Online learning allows you to gain recognised qualifications at a pace and location that suits you. The flexibility of online study means it has never been easier to gain a qualification whilst having accessible study resources and a qualified teacher on hand to support you every step of the way.

Enrol online today and receive:

Find out more about the SGS free on line courses here.

Keep in touch with the team at First Base if you want help with your future career plans. Call, email or social media! 

UK unemployment remains low – flexibility needed

The UK’s unemployment rate has remained at 3.8% – its joint lowest level since early 1975, according to official figures.  New figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, reveal UK unemployment fell by 16,000 to 1.29m in the three months to December and the number of people in work rose from 180,000 to 32.93m over the quarter.

Total vacancies rose to 810,000, the highest since the quarter to September 2019, with total earnings growth including rising by 2.9%.

The new figures suggest that we have a UK job market that is growing in confidence, that remains buoyant and is placing record numbers of people in work.   Those organisations that took a more cautious approach during the recent years of political and economic uncertainty, are now putting into action ambitious recruiting plans.

A candidate’s market?

Whilst the employment figures tell a good story, 41% of business leaders remain concerned about their ability to attract and retain the best people.  Talented candidates are often juggling multiple job offers at a time.

Employers really do need to think differently about how they attract the right people.  The best organisations are reviewing remuneration packages, benefits and working environment in order to make sure they attract good candidates.  Flexible working, regular high quality training, good working conditions and employee wellbeing benefits are actively being sought by candidate’s keen to bring a more balanced approach to their working lives.

They say there is nothing as constant as change and UK businesses are certainly operating in a new dynamic environment where there is not much certainty around.  A more flexible approach around the working environment and employment conditions is fast becoming a vital strategy for UK business.

Speak to the team at First Base if you would like to know more how we can support your recruitment plans and help you attract the right people. Contact Tricia Hay on 01453 755330 or tricia.hay@first-base.co.uk

 

 

Dealing with a bad manager

It is often said that people don’t leave their jobs; they leave bad managers.  That is certainly our experience based on feedback from many job seekers.

Depending on which piece of research you read, between 50% and 75% of employees quit their jobs not because of the job itself or because of lack of opportunities, but because of their boss.  Maybe you work for someone who never seems satisfied, shows no appreciation for the work you do or is never around – the list of bad boss behaviours is seemingly endless.  Working with a bad boss is frustrating at best and emotionally draining at worst.  It can impact on work performance, home life, relationships, self- confidence, health and well-being.  A bad boss can make being at work the last place you want to be.  Many do quit a bad boss – but before taking the nuclear option, there are tactics you can adopt to help you and your boss.

An employee’s relationship with their boss is just like any other relationship.  It needs to be nurtured and worked on.  The relationship doesn’t just depend on doing a good job.  Being fully appreciated and treated well can be affected by a miss-match in communication style, personal values or expectations – all things that a boss might not recognise no matter how good you are at your job.
Even if today your boss is a “good” one, you should acknowledge that the future of your work relationship is more about connection, communication and cultural fit than it is about the work itself.  This doesn’t mean you can do a bad job and get away with it – it means doing a good job AND working on the relationship.

Seek first to understand

Try walking in your bosses’ shoes. What targets have they been given? What pressures are they under? What are their goals and objectives?  The more you understand things from their perspective the more you can take these things into account and support them.

What about their communication style? Do they prefer regular updates and let you get on with it or are they sticklers for deadlines? How do they like updates to be delivered, by email, phone or face to face?

Look out for trends in their behaviour.  What seems to upset them and what keeps them off your back or generates a thank you? If you identify themes you begin to understand what is most important to them. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with their aims, just seek to understand them and adapt your behaviour in a way that will give you some influence with them.

Seeking to understand your boss and then adapting your style to meet theirs, could change the workplace dynamic for you.  Maybe you don’t want to use these tactics, and you think it’s up to the boss to change for you – that’s not a wrong perspective; it just might mean that you do need to start looking for that next job.

Before you take that final step, consider the power that you might have to move the entire relationship with your boss to a more positive one.

If you would like to know more about how the First Base team could help you if you decide to make a career change, call Tricia Hay on 01453 755330 or email tricia.hay@first-base.co.uk.