Jobs and Career Planning

Contemplating a Career Change? - when thinking about a career change, having a clear idea about the type of job you want, will make the job hunting process a lot simpler. Whether you are a jobseeker, or you are already gainfully employed, having a clear idea of your own career plan is a vital first step in achieving your long-term aspirations.   This should include producing a written career plan, outlining your main skills and interests, career objectives, and action plan.  This could also include defining your ideal job package, the type of company you want to work, the ideal remuneration package and the type of support and training you might need from your potential employer. It is always sensible to ask for career advice from an impartial third party to validate your career plan. Careers advisors are useful in providing objective information and prompting you to think about any career changes you may be contemplating.  There are many fee careers advice centres set up to assist job seekers or candidates starting a new job.

Searching for Vacancies - with many small business employers laying off workers and struggling to afford to recruit, job hunting is becoming increasingly difficult.  Most job listings are advertised in newspapers on job websites. As unemployment rises the number of available jobs falls, creating intense competition for vacancies.  Many job listings web sites have comprehensive search capabilities to identify specific types of work, salary and location.  Posting your CV and registering for e-mail alerts is a sensible means of attracting employers to contact you instead. 

Using Recruitment Agencies - for more local jobs, the traditional recruitment agent is usually the best source of information.  They provide recruitment business services including a personal knowledge of local businesses and employment opportunities, as well as the emotional face-to-face support jobseekers crave.  The first step when signing up with a recruitment agency, usually involves completing their online registration website form, or submitting your resume or CV.  Most recruitment agents are normally happy to accept speculative registrations.  Alternatively, candidates can submit customised responses to a specific job advertisement on their website.

Writing a CV or Resume - in order to get that all-important job interview, producing high-quality résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) is absolutely essential. A curriculum vitae is a door opener into the interview process. It is a document which summarises your professional employment history, educational background, professional skills, personal aspirations and contact details.  To stand out from other competing candidates, your CV must be compelling, concise, clear and presentable.  Producing a CV is also useful in case of unexpected redundancy may force a rapid response to apply for alternative positions.  For school leavers and postgraduates alike, producing a first CV is a necessary first step to get onto the job ladder.

Job Interview Planning - for candidates whose letter and CV has earned a job interview, preparation is all-important before the big day. The more you know that your potential future employer, the more confident you will be it is the right position for you. The interviewer will want you to expand upon some of the information you have submitted already in your curriculum vitae or job application form. When answering job interview questions, always answer truthfully and do not embellish the truth, as interviewers will usually sense something is not quite right.  Be prepared to answer inevitable interviewer questions such as; why do you want this job? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Do you have any questions for me? where do you see yourself in three years time?  Similarly, as potential small business employer, always brush up on UK employment law with regards to fairness in the context of your interview plan.

Training for New Recruits - once new staff have been successfully recruited, it is essential they receive adequate training to help them succeed in their job. Yet many small businesses do not allocate enough time or money towards business training for new recruits or existing employees.  Small businesses generally can only afford on the job training of new members of staff, by allocating a coach or a 'mentor', to each new employee. New staff can ask questions, receive feedback, and learn the practical skills on a day-to-day basis.  Other more supplementary approaches include public training courses, business management training, on-site classroom training or for home workers and some form of PC or online distance learning. 

Treating Employees Lawfully - small business owners must be extremely mindful of new employees employees rights.  By providing attractive uk employment conditions and a transparent set of company policies, potential employees will be more attracted to working for your company in the first place. UK employment laws to consider relate to the national minimum wage, the maximum hours employees should work per week (via the Working Time Regulations), equality and equal pay, discrimination laws, health and safety laws, statutory maternity and paternity pay, the written statement of employment particulars, redundancy pay and paid holiday.  These laws cover many business processes such as recruitment policies, job advertising, interviewing and reward programs.