Blogs by tag - Job Search Support

Are you currently looking for a job? With hundreds of job adverts out there, it can be hard to know how to stand out from the crowd. But don't worry! With the right strategy and knowledge, you can optimise your applications and get the job of your dreams. In this blog, we'll share our best tips on how to ace your job search during peak season. Understanding the Job Market During Peak SeasonDuring peak season, there tends to be a surge in the number of job adverts as businesses seek to hire temporary workers to cope with increased demand. However, it is important to understand that the competition for these jobs is fierce as many people are on the job hunt during this period. As a result, candidates must put their best foot forward and stand out from the crowd.​Additionally, businesses may also be seeking to fill permanent positions during peak season, but the number of available staff vacancies may not be as high as during other times of the year. Therefore, it is crucial for candidates to carefully consider their career goals and determine if a career change is necessary.It is also important to note that updating your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience is critical during peak season. You must demonstrate to potential employers that you are the right fit for the job.​Finally, it is essential to prepare for interviews and follow up afterward to ensure that you remain top of mind with potential employers. Stay positive and persistent, and you may find yourself successfully navigating the job market during peak season.​​ Think About Your Career GoalsWhen it comes to the job hunt, it's important to have a clear idea of your career goals. This involves thinking about the type of work you enjoy doing, the skills you have to offer, and what you want to achieve in the long term. Whether you're a seasoned worker looking for a change or a recent graduate just starting out, taking the time to reflect on your goals can help you narrow down your search and find the right position.One approach to consider is to identify the ideal working environment for you. Are you looking for a role where you can work collaboratively with others, or would you rather work independently? Do you prefer a fast-paced work environment or one that's more relaxed? These questions can help you determine what kind of job would be the best fit for you.​Another key factor to consider is your career path. Do you see yourself progressing in a specific field, or are you open to exploring new industries and roles? Taking the time to research different career paths can help you identify the ones that align with your interests and skills, and that offer opportunities for growth and development.​Overall, a successful job hunt requires a combination of research, self-reflection, and persistence. By thinking about your career goals and identifying the types of positions that align with them, you can set yourself up for success in the long term. Updating Your CV When searching for a new job, it’s essential to make a great first impression. Your CV is often the first thing an employer sees, so it’s important to ensure it is up-to-date and presents you in the best light. Here are some tips on updating your CV:​Profile: Keep this section brief, but make sure to highlight your skills and personality traits that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Avoid generic statements and focus on what makes you stand out from other candidates.Skills/Expertise: Expand on the skills listed in your profile section, but keep it relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use bullet points to make it easy for the employer to read.Education/Qualifications: List your education and qualifications chronologically and keep it simple. Include only the relevant information and avoid listing all of your GCSEs/O Levels.Experience: Highlight your major achievements and focus on your most recent work experience. Use bullet points and a consistent format to make it easy to read.References: Show that you’re confident by including the names and job titles of people who can provide references for you.Remember to tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for and make sure it’s easy to read and understand. A well-crafted CV can help you stand out from the crowd and secure your dream job.​​ Prepare for Interviews and Follow-upOnce you have submitted your CV and applications, you may start to receive interview requests. This can be exciting, but it's important to prepare properly to make the most of the opportunity.​Research the companies you're interviewing with, as this will help you understand their values, mission, and culture. This information will also help you tailor your answers during the interview to demonstrate how you can contribute to the company. Consider any concerns you have about a career change, such as different working hours or location, and ask questions to clarify these during the interview process.​Prepare for common interview questions by practicing your responses. You can also prepare questions to ask the interviewer, which can help you understand the role better and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.​After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank you email or message. This is an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time. It also demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. ​Remember, it's not just about landing a job during peak season but finding a role that aligns with your career goals and values. Take the time to prepare and follow up properly, and stay persistent in your search. Stay Positive and PersistentThe job search process can be draining and exhausting. You might feel like you've applied for countless roles and attended multiple interviews without any success. However, it's important to stay positive and persistent throughout your job search journey.​Staying positive will not only help you keep a healthy mindset, but it will also help you to present yourself better during interviews. Employers are looking for someone who is optimistic and enthusiastic about the role and the company.​Persistence is key to finding your dream job. Don't give up after the first few rejections. Remember, it's not a reflection of your skills or abilities. Keep applying, and keep your options open. Apply for different roles and industries if necessary. Take each rejection as a learning experience and an opportunity to improve your application and interview skills.​Keep networking and reaching out to contacts in your industry, attend job fairs, and keep an eye out for job openings on company websites.​Update: Survey ResultsWe're delighted to share with you the results of the survey that we sent as a follow-up to our blog. It's important that we get your feedback and it also gives us a great insight into what is happening in the job market from a candidate perspective. ​We sent the survey out to over 40,000 people - thank you to everyone who took part we really appreciated your input.​We have run similar surveys to both our clients and candidates previously and it's always interesting to compare the results. For example whilst 100% of employers said that they run an induction for new starters 64% of candidates stated they didn't think they'd had one. Now we're not comparing people who necessarily work directly together but with the difference in the numbers, it would be fair to say that communication could be an issue during on-boarding.​You can see a full summary of the results in the video below.​​​For our final question we asked what advice our candidates would give to fellow job seekers and the feedback was solid. Many were a joy to read to be honest, a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to reply to this question with som solid and sage advice. Below are just a sample of what we recieved, please be assured the rest have been shared internally and we will be using on our socials in future.​​

Applying for a job can be overwhelming at times – especially if you’re facing redundancy, feeling pressed for time or you haven’t been in the job market for a while. In this blog, we’d like to share with you three quick tips to help you check your application and make sure that you’re successful in your job search. 1. Spelling & Grammar: check, check, and checkSpelling and grammar are so important. Double-check your application, CV, and cover letter for errors can help you make the best first impression possible. Take your time and read carefully through what you’ve written. One way to do this set it aside and then come back to it with fresh eyes – you could even try reading it out aloud.​Of course, you can’t rely on spell check to be completely accurate, and everyone struggles to proofread their work. It’s a good idea to have someone else read through it before you send it off – often another set of eyes will pick up things you’ve missed.​Alternatively, software like Grammarly can make light work of checking your documents. 2. Attachments: What’s in a name..?Please find attached my CV.Essentially there’s nothing wrong with that sentence if, in fact, your CV is attached.​As recruiters, our teams receive a lot of applications every week so we can tell you that CVs aren’t always attached. Save yourself from having to send an immediate follow-up email and take your time before pressing send.Another thing to consider is how you have named your files. You can label your CV simply CV.doc but how professional would it look if you named it as your full name, and even the title of the job you’re applying for and the area?For example:Jade Blogg_CV_Order Picker_Chesterfield.doc 3. Final checks: Just before you press sendDouble-check that a) you’ve included your contact information, and b) it’s up to date.It might seem obvious but this is an easy one to assume that you’ve updated already (and you know what they say about assuming…). Make sure it’s easy for the employer or recruiter to call you back – check that your contact details are correct and easy to find.A top tip would be to add them in a couple of different places, for example on your CV, cover letter, and maybe even within your email as a signature.It’s really easy to rush through the process and forget to apply some small tips to help you stand out from the crowd. Before you press send take a few minutes to look back through what you have written. Have you checked your spelling and grammar? Have you named your documents? Have you attached everything required to apply? All looking great? Press send! ​We wish you the best of luck.

The country's labour shortage is one of the hot topics right now. No doubt as a worker you are being bombarded with new job offers with increasingly enticing benefits every day. How could you as a worker make the most of what is most definitely a candidate-driven market?​We’ve all seen the impact from the severe shortage of HGV drivers on everything from our local supermarket shelves to our pharmacies to possibly not having turkey this Christmas. This is not a Talent or a Skills Shortage (although, that has long been the bane of the construction and technical markets) – this is a Nationwide Labour Shortage.TwinFMreported recently that In 2018, 19.5 per cent of engineers working in the UK were due to retire by 2026. Additionally, there’s been a lack of engineering graduates over the past 10 to 15 years, with approximately 182,000 additional engineer graduates needed per year until 2022.​There are simply not enough people looking for work in this country to fill all the jobs available.​Jobs in the UK: What are the numbers saying?The ONS’s vacancies and jobs in the UK October report said that in July-September:​Job vacancies were at a record high of 1,102,00012 out of 18 job sectors saw an increaseAll sectors are above or equal to their pre-pandemic levels, food and accommodation services seeing the biggest rise of 59%All industries had a record number of vacanciesUnemployment is currently at 4.6%Employment is at 75.2%Nett Migration is at minus 10% (more leaving than arriving), with an estimated 1.3 million EU nationals have left the UK in the last 12 monthsAverage pay has increased by 7.4% (excluding bonus payments)​​​However, the rate of vacancy growth is beginning to decrease, with a rise of 27.7% it is down from the previous quarter (38.9%).​As recruitment specialists this is a trend we can confirm, the difficulties of Summer do indeed seem to be easing.​As a Group we work across a broad range of industries and the conversation with the offices has been that although it is still tough market conditions are getting better. Applications are increasing, advertising spending has eased (a little) and candidates are once again asking what work we have available.​And the announcement this week the UK’s “national living wage” is to go up to £9.50 an hour from next April, meaning a pay rise for millions of low-paid workers. This is a 6.6% increase from £8.91, which applies to workers aged 23 and over. For those aged 21 to 22, the minimum will increase from £8.36 to £9.18.​So, if things are looking brighter why do we still seem to have an issue?​Is migration the easy answer?This could be seen as a yes and a no answer. On the surface, it would be simple to blame Brexit and the difficulties around worker visas. However, according to Alan Manning, economist and professor of economics at the LSE we need to look at it from a different view – are there not enough people to do the job or do people not want to do the job (because of poor pay and/or conditions)?​In his blog, Alan Manning discusses these issues more in-depth and it’s a great read, you can see it here.​A summary for you is:​The Pandemic:At the end of June 2021 there were still 1.9 million workers on furlough from 580k employers, some of them in the same sectors that are also reporting shortages.Brexit:Some European workers have returned home, or perhaps they believe they now have better options elsewhere.‘One horticultural company quoted a loss of 25% of staff since Jan 2021 due to those returning to Europe as pay is now much better in Norway’.IR35:It has forced many drivers to swap their status resulting in falls in income of up to 25%​​​What ‘real life’ top tips could benefit you right now?There’s no denying it’s tough out there at the minute, but there are things you can do to help your job search.​Think about your career goals. What kind of career do you want? Which job/s appeal to you in the long term? If you’re just about to enter the job market this is a key moment to figure exactly what you are looking for. In the current market, you will have a whole host of options in front of you, it could be as simple as indoors vs. outdoors or maybe you like to be active and the thought of being at a desk is just not appealing. These steps can help you narrow your job search to positions you are passionate about and will help you advance professionally.Be bold in your applications.Maybe you really like the sound of a particular job but you only fulfil some of the requirements. Now is the time to take that risk, employers are definitely thinking outside the box in terms of transferable skills.Been thinking about upskilling?This is a great time to look at taking a course to help develop your career. Maybe this is something you could talk to your Manager about if you’re currently in a job, it’s worth asking the question. An employer or a local job centre could have access to training funds that you could benefit from.Research businesses.Right now you will more than likely have every person and their dog throwing jobs at you, it can be overwhelming. Especially when they have enticing joining bonuses etc. But does that mean you’ll be happy there? Does the company reflect your values and can they offer more in terms of investing in your future than just additional £’s?Be confident.As the job seeker, you have a monopoly on the market. Make the most of it. But remember that these markets can and do change, keep in mind if you are working with recruitment agencies who helped you, who understood your needs? Hopefully, you won’t need to get in touch again but it’s always best to shake hands on a good note.At Thorn Baker Estates, Facilities & Maintenance we’re absolutely committed to improving our recruitment process and helping our candidates find the very best jobs for them during this labour shortage.Contact the team today to find how they can help you today, or if you know someone looking for work fill out our form here and you'll be entered into a draw to win a £250 Gift Card.

The country's labour shortage is one of the hot topics right now. No doubt as a worker you are being bombarded with new job offers with increasingly enticing benefits every day. How could you as a worker make the most of what is most definitely a candidate-driven market?​We’ve all seen the impact from the severe shortage of HGV drivers on everything from our local supermarket shelves to our pharmacies to possibly not having turkey this Christmas. ​This is not a Talent or a Skills Shortage (although, that has long been the bane of the construction and technical markets) – this is a Nationwide Labour Shortage.​CITBhas reported that Construction has bounced back quicker than expected from the Covid-19 pandemic and the industry will reach 2019 levels of output in 2022. By 2025, the industry will need to recruit an additional 217,000 new workers just to meet demand.​There are simply not enough people looking for work in this country to fill all the jobs available.​​Jobs in the UK: What are the numbers saying?The ONS’s vacancies and jobs in the UK October report said that in July-September:​Job vacancies were at a record high of 1,102,00012 out of 18 job sectors saw an increaseAll sectors are above or equal to their pre-pandemic levels, food and accommodation services seeing the biggest rise of 59%All industries had a record number of vacanciesUnemployment is currently at 4.6%Employment is at 75.2%Nett Migration is at minus 10% (more leaving than arriving), with an estimated 1.3 million EU nationals have left the UK in the last 12 monthsAverage pay has increased by 7.4% (excluding bonus payments)​​However, the rate of vacancy growth is beginning to decrease, with a rise of 27.7% it is down from the previous quarter (38.9%).​As recruitment specialists this is a trend we can confirm, the difficulties of Summer do indeed seem to be easing.​As a Group we work across a broad range of industries and the conversation with the offices has been that although it is still tough market conditions are getting better. Applications are increasing, advertising spending has eased (a little) and candidates are once again asking what work we have available.​And the announcement this week the UK’s “national living wage” is to go up to £9.50 an hour from next April, meaning a pay rise for millions of low-paid workers. This is a 6.6% increase from £8.91, which applies to workers aged 23 and over. For those aged 21 to 22, the minimum will increase from £8.36 to £9.18.​So, if things are looking brighter why do we still seem to have an issue?​​Is migration the easy answer?This could be seen as a yes and a no answer. On the surface, it would be simple to blame Brexit and the difficulties around worker visas. However, according to Alan Manning, economist and professor of economics at the LSE we need to look at it from a different view – are there not enough people to do the job or do people not want to do the job (because of poor pay and/ or conditions)?​In his blog, Alan Manning discusses these issues more in-depth and it’s a great read, you can see it here.​A summary for you is:​The Pandemic:At the end of June 2021 there were still 1.9 million workers on furlough from 580k employers, some of them in the same sectors that are also reporting shortages.Brexit:Some European workers have returned home, or perhaps they believe they now have better options elsewhere.‘One horticultural company quoted a loss of 25% of staff since Jan 2021 due to those returning to Europe as pay is now much better in Norway’.IR35:It has forced many drivers to swap their status resulting in falls in income of up to 25%​​​What ‘real life’ top tips could benefit you right now?There’s no denying it’s tough out there at the minute, but there are things you can do to help your job search.Think about your career goals. What kind of career do you want? Which job/s appeal to you in the long term? If you’re just about to enter the job market this is a key moment to figure exactly what you are looking for. In the current market, you will have a whole host of options in front of you, it could be as simple as indoors vs. outdoors or maybe you like to be active and the thought of being at a desk is just not appealing. These steps can help you narrow your job search to positions you are passionate about and will help you advance professionally.Be bold in your applications.Maybe you really like the sound of a particular job but you only fulfil some of the requirements. Now is the time to take that risk, employers are definitely thinking outside the box in terms of transferable skills.Been thinking about upskilling?This is a great time to look at taking a course to help develop your career. Maybe this is something you could talk to your Manager about if you’re currently in a job, it’s worth asking the question. An employer or a local job centre could have access to training funds that you could benefit from.Research businesses.Right now you will more than likely have every person and their dog throwing jobs at you, it can be overwhelming. Especially when they have enticing joining bonuses etc. But does that mean you’ll be happy there? Does the company reflect your values and can they offer more in terms of investing in your future than just additional £’s?Be confident.As the job seeker, you have a monopoly on the market. Make the most of it. But remember that these markets can and do change, keep in mind if you are working with recruitment agencies who helped you, who understood your needs? Hopefully, you won’t need to get in touch again but it’s always best to shake hands on a good note.At Thorn Baker Construction we’re absolutely committed to improving our recruitment process and helping our candidates find the very best jobs for them during this labour shortage.Contact the team today to find out how they can help you today, or if you know someone looking for work fill out our form here and you'll be entered into a draw to win a £250 Gift Card.