Career Savvy Two

Issue 2 - November 2013

JOB SEEKING A DVIC E | NE WS | E NHA NC E YOUR CA REER www.careersavvy.co.uk

@

• Careers as a single parent• VOLUNTEERING ABROAD • dON’T SUFFER WITH STRESS

JOB

social media job hunting Will it help or hinder your job hunt?

MOVING TO DUBAI Relocating to The Pearl of the Gulf

A super tasty hamper from hampergifts.co.uk could be on its way to you shortly. All you have to do is register with the Career Savvy website. We will randomly select a winner from our readers on the 15th of December. Signing up will take you a jiffy, so entering couldn’t be simpler. We promise not to send you any rubbish, just good careers advice.

If your job search could be helped along with tasty treats, register with Career Savvy now!

Terms and conditions In order to receive a prize the winner must have a UK address. Failure to provide one will result in another winner being chosen. Readers registered after December 15th will not be entered into the draw. The winner will be selected randomly on December 15th. In the event of a prize being unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact the winner. If the winner cannot be contacted, or is unable to comply with these terms and conditions, Career Savvy reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random. Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time. Confirmation of the prize will be made in writing to the winner.

Fancy a job’s worth of CHOCOLATE?

Career Savvy are sending a luxury chocolate hamper to one lucky reader.

WIN!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

welcome backAnd a very warm welcome to the second issue of Career Savvy’s monthly magazine. The launch of issue one has seen our readership multiply beyond our wildest expectations, with excellent feedback from you all - so thank you!

In this issue we show what’s what in the working world of Dubai, a guide to a career in journalism, and some advice on how to stay positive whilst job searching, all aimed at helping you to achieve your career goals.

Also featuring are some hilarious readers’ stories, another of the World’s coolest jobs, one of the most colourful offices you’ll ever clap your eyes on, and so much more to keep you entertained as well as educated.

We have also launched a discussion forum where you can share the experiences you’ve had during your job-seeking quests and career progression adventures, as well as ask anything you wish. It’s already generating a large amount of interest, so we would love you to chip in your two cents worth.

Enjoy the read (we really enjoyed the write!)

DAVE MORGAN EDITOR

Regular features4 embarrassing bosses Annoying bosses you hope you never have.

5 success story One successful journey to employment in ecology.

6-7 world’s most interesting jobs Professional chocolate taster = our dream job.

14-15 a day in the life of... England rugby player Freddie Burns.

22-23 getting into... Journalism: everything you need to know.

24-25 coolest offices Inside the playful office of online gaming company Mind Candy.

29 know your rights Maternity and paternity leave.

30 enhance your career How learning a language could help you climb the ladder.

31 how to... Realise when to quit your job.

34 moneymaker & Thrifty Travel Save money on bus travel and pick up cash through secret shopping.

news8 Industry update The lowdown on the engineering sector.

9 winter job opportunities A guide to the December job market.

10 Zero-hour contracts Career Savvy weigh up the pros and cons.

features16-17 social media job hunting Using your online presence to your advantage.

18 common job hunting mistakes And how to avoid them.

19 Volunteering Abroad Paths to consider if studying isn’t for you.

20 interview curveballs Some tough and just plain weird interview questions and how you might answer them.

21 Careers, the company and you Ask the right questions to target the companies that are right for you.

26-27 Be inspired: discover TED TALKS Inspirational and interesting speeches that could help shape your future.

28-29 maintaining a career as a single parent Tips on balancing your work and home life as a parent.

32-33 careers talk: a 2touch success story A first-hand tale of a successful application to a UK-leading contact centre. lifestyle11 don’t suffer with stress Keep your cool with essential advice.

12-13 moving to the city Relocating to The Pearl of the Gulf - Dubai.

14 2621

COVER IMAGE BY FRANK KEHREN

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WHAT'S IN A NAME?Tom, 24, Leeds

About two years ago, my manager began

calling me Tim instead of Tom. It’s gone on

for far too long, and I’m too embarrassed to

correct him. My friends at work have joined

in, just because they find it hilarious.

When I was fifteen I had a part-time waitressing job. One Saturday, I came in to work as usual and my boss came up to me and asked me what I was doing there. Confused, I told her I had come to work my shift as usual. Without telling me, she’d decided I was temporary staff and only wanted me to come in occasionally. I went

home and never went back!

MIGHTY BORINGJohn, 29, Farnborough

I had to make a ton of photocopies while my

boss stood with me and recounted the entire

plot to The Mighty Ducks movie, starring

Emilio Estevez.

SICK DAYSammi, 21, BristolIn my first retail job, my boss was working

behind the till while I stocked the shelves. In the middle of serving an elderly lady, he

ran out the shop and vomited all over the pavement. He’d suddenly felt ill and couldn’t

make it to the toilet in time. The worst part was that I had to clean it up.

SEE YOU AROUNDBecky, 23, Exeter

EMBARRASSING BOSSES

GOT A STORY TOSHARE?EMAIL YOUR STORIES TO:

[email protected]

BLOODY NIGHTMARESarah, 23, Plymouth

I came into work on Halloween to find my

boss dressed up as a giant sanitary towel.

Complete with fake blood. Some of my

colleagues looked truly horrified. At the end

of the day, he asked me if I thought he should

change before getting the train home.

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UK protected species such as dormice. All of these courses helped me to gain the necessary skills to begin making my CV attractive to consultancies. In March 2013, I gained my first experience of professional ecology, as a casual field surveyor for a large national consultancy. I worked on a few projects, fitting them in around my part-time job.

After a few interviews for more permanent positions with other companies, in May I was lucky enough to be offered a position in ecological consultancy for a multinational engineering company. The hours can be long and sometimes unsociable, and there’s a lot of travelling and staying away involved, but I really enjoy my job.

My tips for getting a job in ecology would be to gain as much practical field experience and wildlife knowledge as possible, and be as enthusiastic, eager and determined as you can. Determination shows, and it’s an important thing to have when you’re getting up at 3am for a bat survey!

Success Story

I won’t beat around the bush; getting a job in ecological consultancy wasn’t the easiest of tasks. I’d say my path towards it started at Sixth Form, when I chose environmental science as one of my A-Levels. I went on to study environmental science at the University of Manchester for my BSc, which equipped me with a wide variety of environmental skills and introduced me to ecological consultancy as a potential career option. I’d always thought I’d love a career helping wildlife, and this seemed like a career path I could really distinguish myself in.

I graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) degree, but not a huge amount of essential ecological field experience. I started volunteering with Avon Wildlife Trust on a weekly basis, which fitted in well with my part-time job at my local cinema. I’d taken the job in order to save up money to go on ecology training courses, to boost my practical field survey skills.

I attended several courses including: Phase 1 Habitat Survey, Site Assessment, Report Writing and courses focusing on

ANDY, 23GRADUATE ECOLOGIST STUDIED: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCERANDOM FACT: I’VE NEVER BROKEN A BONE

“I always thought I’d love a career helping

wildlife.

“

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subscribe today!


Chocolate Taster

Interesting Jobs

The World’s Most

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Do you dream in chocolate? Lindt asks as we sit there drooling over their advert, when we

immediately think - of course we do! Many of us enjoy the indulgence of chocolate and find it difficult to cut this out when trying to improve our diet. However, for some lucky people

in this world, eating chocolate has actually become their career. Imagine

being able to justify every chocolate bar with: ‘But it’s my job.’ Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

We are lucky enough to have a variety of chocolate to choose from no matter what our cravings are. This is thanks to the chocolate tasters. Their heightened palate, which is able to

distinguish between taste and flavours, is what we have to thank for the perfect

combination of flavours in our favourite bars. Tasters are also responsible for the raw

materials that we find in our chocolate: nuts, raisins, honeycomb pieces, etc. All these ingredients must be sourced and tested too; to ensure the chocolate bar is of the highest quality. Although

the taste is the focal point, a chocolate

taster must also consider the aroma, texture and appearance of the chocolate. So a passion for chocolate is essential (check!), but a genuine obsession with food in general is also important.

Unfortunately, eating considerable amounts of chocolate every day will inevitably have an impact on your health - unless you make a conscious effort to combat this. Regular trips to the gym and the dentist are a must if you plan to stay in this industry for a significant period of time. If this sounds dramatic it’s worth checking out the story of Angus Kennedy; doctors warned him that his dream job as a chocolate taster was having a negative effect on his health. Therefore it’s important that you tick both boxes: you must enjoy eating lots of chocolate, but you also need to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Such a delicious job description tempts a lot of candidates, so if you manage to find an application, either with a brand or a supermarket, then prepare for a tough fight. For example, when Green & Black’s launched a campaign to discover a new Deputy Head of Taste in 2010, the successful candidate William Leigh beat over 3,000 applicants to the position. The job can even offer a decent salary depending on the company, with Green & Black’s offering £35,000 a year and supermarkets providing about the same for managers in this department – as if eating chocolate every day wasn’t enough to tempt us! Qualifications or skills that will benefit you in the application process include a degree in food science, experience as a chef or any proof of culinary expertise.

So instead of dreaming in chocolate, make it your reality! Just make sure you’re not blinded by the eating side of things and have a genuine passion for creating taste sensations. Who knows? You could become the envy of all your friends!

William Leigh, former chocolate taster for Green & Black’s, wrote in his article on MSN Food:

I enjoy my work hugely because I love the taste of the products we make.

People probably think we’re mad - we’ll spend days tasting hazelnuts,

working on roast levels and on piece sizes to find the most perfect pairings

of chocolate we can. (MSN Food)

‘

’


Industry update: engineering

Government behind apprenticeship boost A donation of £10m has been put behind an initiative to create new engineering apprenticeships and support existing ones. With government support, the aim is to get Britain back to its manufacturing roots by building a quality workforce that can be sustained. The scheme encourages new talent to emerge – proving that taking a different route to university can still lead to a successful and high-earning career. Inspiration for the scheme comes from Germany, where a greater importance is placed on training and teaching, providing a pool of talent for industry employers.

Skills shortage Manufacturing is one industry set to go through dramatic change nationwide by 2015. In a world becoming increasingly reliant on the virtual rather than physical items, many companies are challenged by this change. So called Smart objects, with online connectibility embedded, are predicted to fill our homes over the next few years. This means changes in the design and engineering of most household objects and appliances; bad news for companies that fail to adapt to meet consumer needs. Many companies such as Rolls-Royce have drawn their focus towards service and repair schemes to generate further income from previous sales.

useful links:bconstructive.co.uk

thecareerengineer.com theiet.org

DESG Network

Volkswagen Group

Rolls-Royce

BMW

Mercedes-Benz

How to get IN

Engineering is an extensive field, so before you start off, it’s a good idea to know what area you’d like to go into. Whether it’s mechanical, chemical, industrial or electrical engineering you’d like to study, training in one of these areas will help focus your career and increase your prospects. Do some research, contact some companies, request work shadowing or work

experience - anything that will help you decide.

If you’re a graduate, employers will be looking for you to demonstrate skills in project management, problem solving and teamwork as well as technical skills. The average engineering graduate scheme salary is £25,000. Being competent or qualified in languages can also give you

an edge, as most companies require communication with overseas clients.

For non-graduates, lots of industry leaders take on yearly apprentices, including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, British Gas and British Airways. Most will have either GCSE or A-Level entry requirements and will follow a programme offering both class-based and practical training.

The Guardian UK’s top engineering, design and manufacturing employers:Jaguar Land Rover

Siemens

The Royal Air Force

Dyson

The Army

Mars

Airbus

GE Aviation

Honda

The Royal Navy

Toyota

Schlumberger

Thales

Ford

Tata Steel

Jacobs Engineering

Lloyd’s Register

ABB

British

Sugar

NissanPercentage of Mechanical Engineering graduates working as engineering professionals six months after graduating:

Electronic – developing circuits and systems in a range of appliances and machinery.

Chemical – Specialising in a range of substances and chemicals for various uses, from fuels to beauty products.

Mechanical – developing and analysing a range of products and machines.

Manufacturing – Applying technical knowledge to the production of a range of items.

Structural – working with the safety and sustainability of buildings and structures.

Energy – working with a range of energy solutions, including renewable and non-renewable sources.

Civil - Designing, planning and putting into construction various buildings and structures.

65.8% Source: Higher Education Careers Services Unit – What Do Graduates Do? Report 2012.

Types of engineering:


Industry update: engineering

useful links:bconstructive.co.uk

thecareerengineer.com theiet.org

Monthly Economy:

Winter Job Market OpportunitiesCareer Savvy takes a look at what the job market will be like over the festive period, and how you can make the most of it.

Figures released in September revealed that UK unemployment fell by 0.1% to 7.7%, with that figure likely to fall further as the job market feels the benefits of the Christmas rush, when companies take on thousands of temporary staff to handle the holiday season. Whilst industries such as health & social work, real estate and construction have all reported promising growth in recent months, the retail and catering sectors should also reap the rewards of another busy Christmas period.

Although these vacancies are often advertised as ‘Temporary Christmas Staff ’, they usually extend beyond that. In actual fact the positions can start from as early as October running through to January; with a real possibility of successful employees being kept on permanently. These roles can provide an invaluable route into employment for thousands of job seekers every year, as companies regularly look to recruit the best-performing temporary workers.

Retail is generally the industry which takes on the largest amount of new staff, with supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys all looking to recruit thousands up and down the country. But it’s not just the supermarkets that will be looking to expand their Christmas workforces. In fashion retail, Next, Topshop and Primark are just a few of the stores who will also look to take on new staff. The Christmas rush also extends to several other areas within customer service as hotels, bars and restaurants all over the country feel the benefits of the extra spending in the cold winter months.

The likes of Amazon and Royal Mail, perhaps unsurprisingly, also require additional staff. With an average of 35 parcels posted every second by Amazon over the busiest Christmas period, the demand for online shopping has never been higher.

Recruitment for these roles could start from as early as September with companies seeking workers all the way up until November in some cases. Although it can never hurt to pop into your local supermarket with a CV, the larger companies now tend to recruit through their websites. You can either go directly onto their websites or use a job site such as Indeed, where you could search for ‘Christmas Jobs’ in order to locate all your local vacancies over the holiday period.

Failing that, there are several industry-specific and general agencies who will be looking to take on extra staff. Compass are seeking casual catering staff to work at large events across the country, whilst websites such as Employment 4 Students, Student-Jobs and Hot Recruit advertise a variety of vacancies all year round.

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ZERO-HOUR CONTRACTS: What you need to know.

One of the hot topics in the world of work today is the growing number of zero-hour contracts. This

is a flexible agreement, whereby the employee is called in to work only when they are required; with no guaranteed hours each week. They’re especially popular amongst students and young people, where the individual can fit their studies or other commitments around employment. However, nowadays older, skilled workers in professions such as education or healthcare are increasingly faced with zero-hour contracts; with little job security and no guaranteed income to support families or pay the bills.

So what are the upsides? For students, it can be the ideal solution to help fund growing tuition fees, living

costs and, naturally, beer tokens. Catering agencies are a popular route to go down: young people are generally offered weekend work on a weekly basis, with the employer usually awarding hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are able to fit their working hours around their studies, only working when they are required and need the extra income. This means they might even be able to squeeze in a few nights out amongst their heavy workload.

Similarly, it’s a popular option for the under 25s, with recent research indicating that one third of people

on zero-hours contracts fall into this age bracket. With less pressure to pay rent, bills and support a family, these

contracts can provide an invaluable route into

employment. The Office of National Statistics estimates that 76,000 16-25 year olds are employed on zero-hour contracts, but in reality that figure is thought to be two or even three times higher.

For skilled workers over 25 this form of casual employment is seen unfavourably by many,

including shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna. She described the practice as ‘insecure work’ and criticised employers who abuse the contracts. There’s a possibility that the lack of job security in professions such as healthcare and education, where these contracts are growing in popularity, could lead to decreased productivity in the workplace. This could be especially problematic for a company such as the NHS, where a lack of consistent working hours may, for example, prevent the carer from forming a bond with a patient. There is also the issue of the lack of rights that workers on these contracts have: they’re not entitled to benefits such as maternity leave and sick pay.

Employers argue that a more efficient use of their resources is to only pay employees for the

hours that they are required to work. However, it remains a bone of contention for employees working for companies who are cutting costs. Although it has been a hot topic in the news recently, it’s worth remembering that the number of individuals employed on these contracts only make up 1-3% of the total workforce in this country.

There are certainly benefits and downsides to zero-hour contracts, so it’s a case of

deciding what information is most relevant to your circumstances and researching these contracts fully

before you make a final decision. With the correct restrictions in place, they could greatly benefit

the workforce in this country; by providing an avenue into more permanent employment.



DON’T SUFFER WITH STRESSStress in the workplace is not uncommon. According to the Health and Safety Executive UK, it accounted for 40% of work-related illnesses in 2012. Even the pressures of job hunting and the disappointment of rejection can leave you feeling down.

Stressful situations are often unavoidable, which is why it is better to learn how to deal with them. The key to doing this is to use positive psychology to practice behaviours that will improve your mood, productivity and hopefully your career prospects.

RECORD YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS Harvard educator Shawn Achor has researched into the impact of positive psychology on people’s lives - particularly how it increases brain activity by 30%. You can train your brain to be happier by recording three things a day that you are grateful for in a journal. Keeping a diary about positive things that have happened to you causes your mind to relive that moment and recreate some of that positivity.

MEDITATION Neurological studies by UCLA showed that practising meditation on a daily basis can actually cause changes in the brain, strengthening parts associated with processing and dealing with information. Do not be put off by meditation through preconceived ideas. A basic meditation session can last only five to ten minutes. You can do it anywhere: on the bus, in bed at night or even while out for a walk.

EXERCISE The importance of exercise should not be overlooked. The release of endorphins in the brain can help relieve the symptoms of stress and depression. Stress causes an excess of adrenalin in the blood – a hormone released to give you a burst of energy. Too much adrenalin in your blood can cause you harm over a long period of time. Thirty minutes exercise each day will get your hormone levels back under control. Neurological benefits aside, exercise is addictive and makes you feel good about yourself once you’ve completed it; which is ideal for a self-esteem boost.

KINDNESS Acts of kindness towards others make you feel happier, healthier and an all round better person. Start small by sending a complimentary email or letter to a colleague/friend, acknowledging something they’ve done which you are grateful for. Even donating some clothes to charity or helping an elderly neighbour go shopping, can remind you that there is a lot more to life than daily stresses.


Dubai, perfectly situated between East and West, is known for its wealth and extravagance. It’s

impressive buildings and transformation into a city of fantastic hospitality cause it to attract many expats every year. With over 80% of the population made up of expats, it’s easy to understand why the city is so welcoming to newcomers, no matter what their nationality or religion. Dubai’s diverse lifestyle and exceptionally low crime rates mean the quality of life is undoubtedly high. So if the British weather is getting you down, why not trade the dreary rain of the UK for desert sunshine?

Originally built on the success of the oil industry, Dubai’s economy is now reliant on the prowess of tourism and construction. The average annual salary is enough to tempt many. The average in the UK sits at around £26,500, while in Dubai it’s roughly £36,450.

As home to the tallest building, as well as the tallest hotel in the world, Dubai is famous for its construction

industry. The immense expansion of the city can be represented by the fact that only one skyscraper existed in Dubai in 1991 and now there are over 400. Jobs within this industry that often require expats include quality surveyors, engineers and project managers. The population of the city has increased rapidly in recent years, which also expanded employment opportunities in the real estate sector.

It’s the impressive buildings constructed in Dubai that are partly responsible for the great number of tourists attracted to the city. Last year this figure hit an incredible 10 million. It’s easy to understand why senior level jobs in hotels are so sought after. With an incredible range of attractions, the city’s tourism industry is able to keep a steady flow of income. There are plans of doubling the number of visitors by 2020.

When considering which area to live in, it really depends on your circumstances. Things to consider are: the commute to work, your family status and your budget. If you are moving with a family or planning on having

Moving to the City: DUBAI


one in the near future, then Jumeriah is perhaps the most suitable area. Its abundance of amenities and international schools make it popular with families. Rents are high in comparison with other areas, with a two-bed flat costing around 120,000+ Arab Emirate Dollars (AED), which is nearly £21,000 per annum. A villa can cost 200,000+ AED (closer to £40,000). Villas in any area are more expensive due to their privacy, but apartments often have the added bonus of shared facilities such as a pool or gym.

If you are single or a young couple then the Bur Dubai area may be more up your street. The diversity of the area and nightlife make this a popular place for like-minded people to settle down. However, if you would prefer something more modern – with a price tag to match – then it’s worth checking out the new Dubai Marina. For more information on recommended areas, visit: gateway-dubai.com.

ATTRACTIONS: Dubai contains plenty to do and see. Highlights include the indulgent, so-called 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab, the extravagant Dubai Mall and the amazing attractions situated on Palm Island. Take a look at www.topdubaiattractions.com for even more information on the top attractions in the city.

1. The tallest building in the world can be found here - the Burj Khalifa stands at over 828 metres and has

more than 160 floors. 2. There are penguins in Dubai – the huge indoor skiing

centre Ski Dubai is kept at a chilly -1 degrees and offers penguin encounters. 3. The average annual rainfall is only around 13cm. 4. Dubai is the 5th safest city in the world.

5. There are no street addresses.

5 Random Facts about Dubai:

PHOTO BY EUGENE KAPERKY


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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF: FREDDIE BURNS professional rugby player

HOW DID YOU BECOME A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER? DID YOU NEED ANY SPECIFIC TRAINING? Not really, I played locally at Avon RFC as a young lad and from there I was picked up by Bath’s Rugby Academy. I was then spotted by Gloucester at the age of 19. It can be a slow process, involving working your way up from local clubs to county, with the end goal of playing in the premiership and ultimately, for your country.

WHAT PERSONAL QUALITIES DO YOU THINK ARE ESSENTIAL TO BE GOOD AT YOUR JOB?You have to be dedicated - it’s a very physically challenging job. It’s important to remember that being a professional in any sport means that it’s not all about the sport itself; it’s a lifestyle. It involves controlling your diet and looking after yourself in

general. You are also a role model for the young

kids in the local area. They look up to

you therefore you have to make sure your behaviour is appropriate.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY CONSIST OF?

Breakfast is at 7/7:30am, which is followed by the

gym at around 8:30/9:00am. I’ll have to do some

analysis on my own, the team’s or the opposition’s game. We’ll have a game session around 11:00am, after which I’ll have some time to chill and then move on to some more analysis. There will be a second game session between 1:00-2:00pm and afterwards there will be recovery - ice baths, massages, etc.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?There’s so much! But it has to be the feeling after winning a match - especially when you have a good crowd. I’m lucky playing for Gloucester as the crowd can be up to 16,000. It’s great to be able to share this experience with your mates on the team. This incredible feeling is why we do what we do! WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? I was 15 and playing for Somerset, but just missed out on playing for the South West. I was so disappointed and started to think I would never make it. My old man said I should just go back to my team, enjoy playing with my mates and not let it get me down. This helped me to stop putting so much pressure on myself and enjoy it. This led to greater things, so it was definitely the right attitude to have.

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR CAREER?Missing out on the Six Nations because of an injury I acquired the week before they were due to start was awful. All of a sudden I was on my own in the gym, going through rehab. I found it very difficult to get my head around. It was a painful but important challenge.

Watching our team play usually consists of screaming a mixture of encouragement and profanities at the players, beer in hand, entirely convinced that all would be well if we were on the pitch. But could we actually handle it? Chloe Franchina spoke to Freddie Burns, professional rugby player for Gloucester and England, who revealed what it’s really like to play for your team and country.

I’D HAVE

TO SAY MY HIGHLIGHT WAS

DEFINITELY MY DEBUT FOR ENGLAND.

“ “


A DAY IN THE LIFE OF: FREDDIE BURNS professional rugby player

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST TIP FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO FOLLOW YOUR CAREER PATH?The same tip my dad gave to me: play somewhere that you enjoy. Also don’t let anyone pressure you into anything - people take things too seriously both in sport and life in general. I especially see it with young players; you can see their parents pushing them into a team or academy and it’s just not fair on the child. If you’re put under a lot of pressure to achieve something you don’t truly want, then you cannot do well because you’re not enjoying yourself.

WOULD YOU SAY YOUR ENGLAND DEBUT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? My first Gloucester cap will always be a memorable moment for me, but yes I’d have to say my highlight was definitely my debut for England. Especially because we beat the All Blacks which some people haven’t achieved after fifty caps, nevermind one!

@FreddieBurns

PHOTO BY MARTIN BENNETT


Technology has propelled us into a fast-paced world where convenience is key. We are a generation obsessed with networking and social media. Websites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter allow us to do just that on an incredible level. Rather than using these sites merely to connect with friends old and new, more and more people are exploring how they can utilise them when it comes to job hunting. It’s not only the job seekers; employers are also using social networking sites to search for the right candidates for their vacancies. Now does that excite you or scare you? You might puzzle over whether it’s wise to use these sites. By focusing on three popular social media sites, Career Savvy is here to help you answer that question.

Facebook poll results: ‘Is it a good idea to use social media sites (LinkedIn,

Facebook, Twitter, etc)

to improve your chances of

getting a job?’

NO 64%

YES

36%

know your

stuffDon’t even think about targeting a company for a job unless you fully understand what they do and how they work. That means being pitch-perfect and making sure you read up on the company as extensively as you can. What does the corporate website say? Are there any customer testimonials to give you an insight into what they do? How financially successful do they appear in industry news? What is their business strategy? Other areas of research not to skimp on are: the product or services being sold, the competition in the market, their international reach and their top personnel.

ALISON CLEMENTSWWW.SIMPLYSALESJOBS.CO.UK

SOCIAL MEDIA: WILL IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR JOB HUNT?


can be acknowledged by people around the world. You can also engage in conversation with companies you may hope to work for.

‘It’s a really good way of hearing about opportunities that you may not otherwise be aware of. Publishers and TV channels in particular, use Twitter to inform people of their job vacancies and recruitment for internships; often before job sites are informed’ (Laura, 22).

FacebookDue to its personal focus, Facebook is an unpopular choice when using social media to enhance your career prospects. It only takes one friend to post photos of you with traffic cone headgear to put employers off. When it comes to inviting employers and colleagues to become friends on Facebook, many believe it’s not worth the risk of their personal life affecting their job prospects. One voter in our poll went as far as saying she will delete her account once she is seeking full-time employment:

‘I am not ashamed of my private life, but I’m not even going to give it a chance to hinder a potential job prospect’ (Sophie, 21).

LinkedInThis is the most popular social media site for career-related use because it has a more professional focus; it’s essentially an online CV. LinkedIn is a great vehicle to get yourself out there; if you don’t have any previous jobs to list, make sure you display your skills, achievements and goals. Employers and recruitment companies are known to use the site to headhunt candidates for their latest vacancies. Thus the more qualifications and skills you list, the more likely employers will find your profile for the right reasons.

‘The company I work for have completely replaced expensive, outsourced recruitment with headhunting via LinkedIn. I have also found it surprising how often I have received requests to connect from recruitment consultants who are looking to fill roles.’ (Elliot, 21). TwitterYou can use the tools of the ultimate networking site to your advantage; build relationships with companies you are keen to work with and alert people to your job hunt. For example, the hash-tag feature is used to set up trends and if you make these work-related, your efforts

DO DON’T• Follow and connect with businesses to discover

their latest news, job vacancies and the big names behind the company.

• Alert people to the progress of your job search (interviews, work experience, etc) through your status updates. Potential employers will be able to read these and be notified of your hard work.

• Post offensive comments about your current employment.

• Show poor communication by using incorrect grammar in posts and statuses.

• Be ashamed if you are unemployed, it is often about who you know these days so spread the word!


COMMON BUT FIXABLE

Have you ever spent hours attempting to fix something, only to make the smallest change and have everything fall perfectly into place? It’s amazing how small changes can make a huge difference. We find ourselves asking: ‘How did we overlook that?!’ Here are some of the most common mistakes made throughout the job hunting process and their easy solutions.

MISTAKES OF A JOB SEEKER

APPLYING TO TOO MANY JOBS, TOO QUICKLYEven at the start of a job hunt, there are pitfalls awaiting any job seeker. It may seem counterintuitive, but a common mistake made by job seekers is over-doing it. If you fire out 20 hastily scribbled applications in the space of an hour, you are going to lose interest and burn out. You’ll never keep up that pace and why should you? Instead take your time and that way you can ensure you devote enough time and care to the process. It is also advisable to consider your online presence. If it is nonexistent, then you should seriously consider using social media to enhance your job search; we recommend joining LinkedIn.

COVERING LETTERNow you’ve found the perfect job, it’s time to apply for it without error. But before you begin typing that first word, do your research; build a basic understanding of the company’s practices, achievements and ethics. Avoid using ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ - always attempt to find out exactly who your letter will end up with and address it accordingly. Another common mistake job seekers make is parroting back the job description. You can utilise it to ensure you address the key points, but remember to provide examples for each one.

CVMany job seekers mistakenly think that once they have updated their CV, it can remain unchanged until their next career development arises. However, a CV should be tailored to each job you apply for. Even if the changes are very small, they can still add to your chances of being deemed a suitable candidate for an interview. Another common mistake is neglecting the aesthetical side of a CV. Take time to consider how it looks at first glance and seek advice on what a well formatted, visually appealing CV should look like.

POST INTERVIEW Mistakes can still be made after the interview, so don’t relax just yet, in fact relaxing is a mistake in itself at this stage! A growing grievance among job seekers is a lack of feedback. But with application numbers often pushing into triple figures, it’s quickly becoming the responsibility of the applicant to make contact after an interview. Feedback provides you with an insight into your strengths and weaknesses. Chase up any companies that haven’t got back to you.

INTERVIEW One of the most common interview mistakes is a lack of research. ‘What do you know about the company?’ is often the first question in an interview and if not, it will definitely come up. Thus it’s important to have knowledge beyond what’s given in the job description. An interview isn’t a one way conversation, and this is regularly forgotten. You’ll almost always get a chance to ask some questions at the end of the interview. Therefore have some questions prepared to emphasise your interest in the job role and the company.

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VOLUNTEERING ABROADHOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOU?

Working? In Southern Botswana? FOR FREE? Admittedly, the idea of volunteering abroad

might not seem immediately appealing to many individuals eager to embark on their career path. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see that there are potentially some real benefits to you and your career. Career Savvy is here to give you the lowdown on the benefits of volunteering abroad.

You might think you’re too young or too old to volunteer abroad; but it’s an option for school

leavers, to recent graduates and beyond. Projects Abroad recently reported that 78% of the people signing up to do projects overseas are between the ages of 16 and 24. So you’re going to be in like-minded

company: you may be surprised by how many people agree that cleaning turtles in Costa Rica is the best place for them right now.

But seriously, volunteering really does have a lot of benefits. Firstly, it’s an immensely rewarding experience:

it would be difficult not to feel proud of yourself after travelling halfway across the world, helping to build schools for disadvantaged kids in India for example. It’ll also teach you some important life skills and make you more streetwise, which could be especially useful for those of you planning to go to university. Such an experience will ensure you’re able to hit the ground running when you do move away from home.


CONQUERING CURVEBALL QUESTIONS

Picture this. You’re halfway through the interview for your dream job, you’re acing it and the interviewer seems dead impressed. Then, suddenly, you’re thrown the dreaded curveball: ‘How would you explain the process of making a cup of tea to an alien?’ There’s a good chance it could catch you off-balance and knock your confidence for the rest of the interview; especially if you cannot fathom why it has been asked. Surprisingly these curveball questions do often have an underlying meaning!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ALBUM AND WHY? Although on the face of it this seems a relatively straightforward question, something like this could be designed to find out all sorts of things about you. If you shy away and don’t give a real answer, it could suggest that you lack confidence, have little conviction and importantly, this wouldn’t tell them anything about you! On the other hand, launching into an analysis of why Revolver by The Beatles is the greatest album of all time, other than being absolutely correct, will show them that you’re confident in what you’re saying; especially if you can back it up well. Such a response gives a glimpse into you as a person, which is important to any interviewer.

HOW MANY WINDOWS WOULD YOU ESTIMATE THERE ARE IN LONDON? Now obviously you wouldn’t be expected to get this accurate after a year-long investigation that, fortunately, you had conducted prior to the interview. However, arriving at a not-completely-ridiculous estimate shows that you can use your logic and solve problems in a pressurised situation; which is an invaluable skill for almost any job. Go through your thought process with the interviewer rather than sitting in silence counting your fingers. This will show your train of thought and how you came to your conclusion.

TELL ME A JOKE! Once again, we have to be realistic and realise that the interviewer isn’t expecting to discover the next best stand-up comedian; it’s not a secret audition for Live at the Apollo. Put simply, telling them a half-decent joke will show that you can think on the spot and that you have a sense of humour. These are two important skills in any profession because they show that you can make people laugh and get along with them.

DESCRIBE A TIME YOU FAILED AT SOMETHING Firstly think about why you have been asked this question. Don’t inadvertently reveal your God complex by saying you’ve never failed at anything. Instead try to acknowledge a failure and describe how you recovered from it. Perhaps you think you failed by not quite getting the grades for your first choice university, but the key here is to say what you did next and how you overcame the initial stumbling block.

The selection here just aims to cover the areas that interviewers often look to test you on. Instead of asking how many windows there are in London, the question may well be how many cows there are in Wales. Just remember that the aim of the question remains the same, and here you would still be expected to display your problem-solving skills on the spot.


CONQUERING CURVEBALL QUESTIONS CAREER PATHS,

THE COMPANY AND YOUJulia Days, Head of Resourcing for the UNITE Group Plc, talks to us about how important it is to choose a company that can offer you the right career path.

Companies realise the need for flexibility when looking for the right candidate. It is vital to establish what is important to you; match your skills to a company’s requirements and use these as the key to finding the right career path in the right company for you. Careful research of your chosen company and their interview process can quickly establish whether the company will be able to offer you the opportunity to progress and achieve the career goals you seek.Personal priorities will ultimately define what career path you search for:

• What do you excel at?• How and why can these strengths benefit

your career progression? • Why would a company benefit from having

your skill set?

Defined Goals:

• Where do you want to be in 5 years-time? • What drives you to achieve – money, pride,

promotion...?• Do you work best independently or in a

team environment? Companies no longer want corporate robots; they’ve realised the need to embrace the individual for their different skills and ambitions. The phrase ‘invest in you and your future’ is very often used

by employers when enticing a job hunter. Companies are not only looking for potential employees who will fit the skills in the job description. Employers look for candidates who demonstrate their potential and desire for further progression to advanced roles within the company; this makes their investment more worthwhile. A way of gaining further knowledge of a company’s development structure is by asking relevant questions at the interview stage:

• Why has this job become available? Is it due to someone being promoted?

• What percentage of available jobs are filled internally?

• Tell me about your career within the company.

Not only do questions during an interview expand your knowledge of the company, but they also demonstrate personal ambition and interest to the employer. The perfect job is very rarely out there so compromises have to be made. However, by identifying your strengths, defining your goals, researching company development structures and asking relevant questions, you can find a suitable company with a career that suits you.

UNITE provide great value student accommodation and they pride themselves on supporting their employees through their career development. If you’re interested in working for a caring and supportive company, then check out their website: recruitment.unite-group.co.uk.


HOW TO GET INTO

JOURNALISMAlthough journalism is a notoriously competitive industry to break into, it also offers some of the most varied, rewarding and enjoyable roles out there. And with the recent boom of online blogging and social media, a career as a journalist is becoming more and more achievable for wannabe writers hoping to turn an enjoyable hobby into a paid profession.

GET EXPERIENCE

Even though a degree in a related field will always be advantageous, having previous writing experience in the industry is very important. However, you shouldn’t be intimidated by this, as there are a variety of ways you can build up some great experience in this field. Thomas Kerr, a 26 year-old reporter for the Racing Post, believes that writing for university student newspapers can give budding writers invaluable experience: ‘Any student considering journalism as a career should get involved with their paper as soon as possible - it’s a great opportunity to pick up lots of experience, build a portfolio, make connections and socialise with other future journalists’.

But journalism isn’t exclusively for graduates who have had the opportunity to get involved with their student newspaper. Work experience at a local newspaper or magazine could also provide you with the skills and experience to really kick-start a career in the industry. You can easily find your nearest local newspaper by visiting a website such as Newspaper Soc and enquiring about work experience placements. Nowadays, publishing your work on an online blog can help you develop your writing skills

and online presence; as well as being an ideal platform for prospective employers to get an idea of your abilities and expertise. Blogging about a certain subject can prove that you have in-depth knowledge of that area and are passionate about writing. Even if you originally only started your blog to tell the world what you thought about last night’s episode of Eastenders, it’s still a good opportunity to show employers first-hand what you can do. Similarly, Twitter is also a helpful tool to try and increase the readership of your work. Having experience in using social media is an increasingly useful attribute for writers, and so having some prior knowledge of the likes of Twitter and Facebook can stand you in good stead for your future career. Applying for a position in journalism boasting thousands of followers can only be a good thing.

IT’S A REALLY

VARIED JOB...YOU’VE GOT TO BE

FLEXIBLE.

‘ ‘


DO YOU NEED ANY QUALIFICATIONS?

Although the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) offers several qualifications that can offer a route into journalism, Thomas (who doesn’t hold any formal journalism qualifications) doesn’t believe they are essential for prospective writers.

‘There’s a school of thought that argues NCTJ accreditation is less relevant now the traditional local newspaper entry route into journalism is becoming less common. But having shorthand and a solid all-round journalism education is never going to do anyone any harm’.

WHAT’S A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A JOURNALIST LIKE?

In terms of the daily workload, Thomas reckons you’ll be kept busy:

‘It’s a really varied job, so as well as traditional journalism - writing, researching, interviewing - I also work on our website, run social media accounts, make TV appearances and countless other little things. You’ve got to be flexible’.

THINK YOU’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Here are a few handy websites to check out:• prospects.ac.uk/newspaper_journalist_job_description – The job specifications of a

newspaper journalist.• journalism.co.uk – General information and guidance about pursuing a career in

journalism.• newspapersoc.org.uk – Contains a large database of local newspapers with contact

details.• nctj.com – National Council for the Training of Journalists: offers information about the

qualifications they offer, as well as general information about becoming a journalist.• jobs.holdthefrontpage.co.uk - Provides details about job vacancies at local and regional

newspapers.

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Your jealousy levels could go through the roof after you get a load of this particular office located in trendy Shoreditch, London. The brains behind the office are Mind Candy, who in turn are the brains behind Moshi Monster; the hugely successful online kids’ game with over 75 million members which has since branched out into music, toys, cartoons and much more.

coolest OFFICESMIND CANDYLondon

Where to start? Well, I suppose the natural place would be at reception. Rather than a non-descript desk, here it has been converted into a tree trunk complete with accompanying trees and wildlife. Instead of having a few mints on offer at reception, or a broken vending machine, Mind Candy again go above and beyond by having a free, unlimited, old-school bubble gum machine by the desk. Long gone are the days of the tiring flight of stairs or the unreliable lift - employees here can navigate from floor to floor on a huge slide. We think it would be a worthy addition to any office, but if you’re thinking of suggesting it to your boss, then please don’t mention that we gave you the idea.

If all of the relaxing, eating bubble gum and going down slides is too stressful, then it’s time to unwind with a game of ping-pong on the astro-turf floor which covers most of the office space. Modern, comfortable booths line the walls of the office and offer a creative space for Mind Candy employees to get together and discuss their latest ideas for the Moshi Monsters craze. Walk on the wild side: nature takes over the Mind Candy reception.


Crayon Happy: Employees can colour in an entire Moshi Monster wall.

Walk on the wild side: nature takes over the Mind Candy reception.

Playtime: the ping-pong tables amongst other toys that keep staff amused


BE INSPIRED:

DISCOVER TED TALKSOrganisers of a one-off Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) conference in 1984, had no idea that their initiative would take off on such a global scale. Originally held in California, architect Richard Saul Wurman conceived the idea of an event to bring together the three merging industries, from which it gets its name. TED is now a globally recognised initiative, with spin-off organisations including TEDyouth, TEDwomen and TEDglobal.

As technology has grown, so have the viewers of TED talks. The material curated from various talks worldwide, creates one of the biggest online libraries of insightful and inspirational talks from a myriad of key figures. Iconic speakers such as Stephen Hawking, Bill Clinton, Peter Gabriel and Melinda Gates have all graced the stage at a TED conference. We have gathered some of the best talks - all available online - aimed to motivate, inspire and educate career-related decisions.

TALIA LUNA: ‘HOW A PENNY MADE ME FEEL LIKE A MILLIONAIRE’, 2012.

Founder of Surprise Industries, Talia Luna tells a truly heartwarming story of her family’s move to the US, after her home village in Ukraine was destroyed by the Chernobyl disaster. Her humble beginnings from a poor existence make you realise how little wealth is needed to live an enriched life.

DAN ARIELY: ‘WHAT MAKES US FEEL GOOD ABOUT OUR WORK?’ 2012.

Behavioural Economist Dan Ariely presents his fascinating findings on which incentives are most important in order to reach job satisfaction. His logical approach to why recognition and acknowledgement drive people more so than money, will make you question your work ethic and reasons for motivation.

ANGELA LEE DUCKWORTH: ‘THE KEY TO SUCCESS? GRIT’, 2013.

‘Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint’ claims public school teacher turned psychology professor Angela Lee Duckworth. She dedicated years to studying the success of children and students stateside. Her findings? IQ and talent were not something that successful people had in common. In fact, their most shared trait was the amount of drive, dedication and grit to work at their goals and stick to them. Content provided by © TED Conferences, LLC


SIR KEN ROBINSON: ‘HOW SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY’, 2006.

The former UK Government education leader preaches the importance of embracing creativity, especially when children reach that pinnacle stage where they are unafraid of their true colours. With good humor and wit, Robinson makes an excellent argument in favour of the creative arts and their importance in our society.

CAMERON HEROLD: ‘LET’S RAISE KIDS TO BE ENTREPRENEURS’, 2010.

Entrepreneurial coach and businessman Cameron Herold stresses the importance of teaching entrepreneurship to kids and encouraging it. Through his series of interesting childhood anecdotes, including hiring another child to deliver papers instead of him and pocketing the tips, Herold proves that academic or employable skills are not the only route to success.

STEVE JOBS: ‘HOW TO LIVE BEFORE YOU DIE’, 2005. With over 11 million views, Jobs’ talk at Stanford University has become one of the most iconic speeches of all time. Jobs tells three valuable life lessons through tales of his own past. Watching will make you realise how failure can be the best thing that ever happens to you, and how not having the courage to chase your dreams could be the worst mistake you ever make.

ANDREW MCAFEE: ‘WHAT WILL FUTURE JOBS LOOK LIKE?’ 2013.

Economist Andrew McAfee shares his forecast for how technology will change workforces in years to come. McAfee uses past examples of how digital and mechanical advances have brought prosperity for white collar workers, but the opposite for blue collar workers. Deswpite being a US based study, his research still offers a valuable insight into how industries may be headed in years to come.

RICHARD ST. JOHN: ‘SUCCESS IS A CONTINUOUS JOURNEY’, 2009.

A businessman who describes himself as an average guy, St. John’s message is to not cease the hard work that made you successful once you have achieved your goals. Resting on your laurels, it doesn’t take long to regress back to where you started from - and he speaks from personal experience. After building back up his business, St. John spent extensive time dedicated to finding what successful people have in common.

GENERAL STANLEY MCCHRYSTAL: ‘LISTEN, LEARN… THEN LEAD’, 2011.

A top US Army General shares his experiences of leadership from a military perspective. He offers an eye-opening and emotional insight into comradeship, and the imperative need for good leaders in the most crucial context: when lives are at risk. ‘A good leader can let you fail, and yet not let you be a failure.’


MAINTAINING A CAREER AS A SINGLE PARENTJuggling the responsibilities of being a single parent and a career can be stressful and occasionally worrying times for mums and dads. But it’s still possible to maintain a successful career with a child in tow, and now there are all sorts of options out there for you to benefit from. These five useful tips should help you ensure that your working life is not affected by the added responsibility of parenthood.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE The amount of maternity or paternity leave that you’re entitled to depends on a few factors

including: the length of time you have spent with the employer, your average earnings and the terms and conditions of your working contract. While maternity leave is only useful to you in the early stages of your child’s life, it will help you to find your feet, especially as a first time parent.

FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS Although you’re likely to be aware of the option of maternity leave, you may be unaware

that parents have a special right to ask their employers to look at changing their working hours, so that they are better suited to you. This request must be considered by the employer and could involve you compressing your hours into fewer days, starting earlier and finishing earlier or working from home: whatever suits you.


Know Your Rights maternity/ Paternity Leave

Maternity leave in the UK is statutory, but it took until 1975 for the government to make it so. The amount of working women with young children in the UK increased from 20% to 60% over the last 50 years. 2011 saw paternity leave become a legal entitlement

for working men, allowing them up to six months

off. Although not compulsory, job rights

are fully protected for all who choose to take it.

WORKING FROM HOMEThere are a variety of professions that could offer the option of working from home; again you are legally

entitled to request this of your employer if it’s possible. Writers, computer programers, IT support, website designers and many more jobs could easily be done from home. If you’re a teacher you could even start offering evening classes in your home, there really are plenty of options out there to help maintain your career.

SEEK TAILORED ADVICEIf you’re still unsure about how best to ensure your career is unaffected by the rigours of being a parent, there are some really useful online resources to help you. Gingerbread offer expert tailored

advice to your specific situation, whilst Onespace offer free discussion forums to pose your questions to helpful users.

CAREER RETRAININGAn alternative option for single parents might even be to retrain yourself, with

the prospect of earning additional income to support your children. Many parents may be forced to work unskilled, low wage jobs in order to remain flexible with working hours. Therefore it may be worth considering enrolling in evening classes and new courses with the aim of learning new skills to retrain in a different field. The commitment may be difficult initially, but the long-term effects could prove to be invaluable.

The Law:

Women can take up to 52 weeks leave - 26 of which are known as ‘ordinary leave’ and anything more known as ‘additional leave’. In the initial six weeks, women can expect to receive 90% of their average weekly earnings. Maternity leave can begin before the birth of the child, details of which should be outlined by your employer. Paternity leave entails one or two weeks ordinary leave, with up to 26 weeks allowed if the mother returns to work.

Advice:

Some companies will offer more than the statutory amounts, so make sure you discuss with your manager the options available to you as soon as you can. In the event of a premature birth, leave starts the day after the birth of the child regardless of previous arrangements. You can calculate leave at www.gov.uk.


ENHANCE YOUR CAREER:

LEARN A LANGUAGEUNFORTUNATELY WE BRITISH ARE NOTORIOUS FOR OUR LACK OF MOTIVATION WHEN IT COMES TO LEARNING LANGUAGES. BUT WE NEED TO SHAKE OFF THIS STEREOTYPE, AND FAST, AS LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE COULD ACTUALLY ENHANCE OUR CAREERS IN A BIG WAY.

HOW WILL IT BENEFIT YOUR CAREER? LOST IN TRANSLATION? When using a translator messages can get misconstrued and worse still, the translator is able to make a better connection with the potential client than you are - this doesn’t reflect well on you or the company. Furthermore, if you are exchanging documents with foreign companies, learning the language can save time as the client you’re exchanging with no longer has to translate documents before sending them. So cut out the middle man and become your own translator.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS If you can make the client feel at ease and show your efforts to learn their language, it will put you in good stead to make that perfect partnership. Everyone feels more comfortable making deals when speaking their native language, so give the potential client this luxury. But don’t stop at the language itself. By learning the cultural rituals that come hand in hand with a language, you will help to build a better relationship with your potential client.

OPEN DOORS You will be amazed by the many doors that will open if you take the time to learn a second language. You can take on new opportunities and responsibilities in your career that you never thought you would have the chance to do. Whether this is a translator for important meetings or

Useful Links: howto.cnet.com

itunes.apple.com/us/app/rosetta-stone duolingo.com

even moving to your company’s offices abroad. It may even lead to a different full-time position within the company, that you never knew existed, and never realised how much you would enjoy.

LEARN A LANGUAGE WHILST YOU WORK

If you have the money to invest in this new venture and would rather learn in the comfort of your own home, then Rosetta Stone is the best option for you. They offer a great service which involves teaching the ‘new language directly, not translating’. However, you might prefer to go to evening classes where you can meet like-minded people and practice with new friends. Visit languagecoursesuk.co.uk to help you find the right course in your area, or you could try asking at your local college.

A free option is to download language apps or use online sources so you can learn on the go. Rosetta Stone’s new and free Travel App is available in French, German, Italian and Spanish. It’s great for holidaymakers as it teaches the basics which are invaluable when travelling abroad. The app includes three free lessons and it even provides pronunciation training. Duolingo is another great website and also has its own free app for you to download on your tablet or Smartphone.


inspirational Quote of the month

‘SUCCESS IS ONLY MEANINGFUL AND ENJOYABLE IF IT FEELS LIKE YOUR OWN.’ - MICHELLE OBAMA

After all of the completed endless job applications, cover letters, interviews and fine-tuning of your CV, securing that dream job is going to feel all the more rewarding after such a long process. It’s always worth bearing this in mind when you’re going through another seemingly endless application form.

“

“

How to: realise you should quit1: the well is dry It’s normal to receive a basic salary in the early stages of your career, but you could be in a company that will offer pay rises with experience in the role, or opportunities to train and increase your wage slip. Many companies will offer annual or bi-annual pay increases for entry-level employees in order to encourage progression.

2: you hate it Seemingly an obvious point, but one that raises the question: why do so many people stay in jobs that they find tedious and unstimulating? A common perception is that this is the norm for adult working life. It isn’t! Doing a job you enjoy is the key to a successful,

happy life. Don’t settle for less – find the thing you love.

3: you’re in over your head Struggling to adjust in a new job is normal, but if you’re well into a role and still struggling, alarm bells should be ringing. A continued inability to do well can hamper your self-esteem. Just because you aren’t a good sales person doesn’t mean you wouldn’t make an excellent customer service representative. Find your field and then become outstanding in it; you’ll feel great about yourself.

4: you’re in hostile territory You shouldn’t base your choice of career on the accompanying social life. But if

your working environment is unfriendly, you could be much happier elsewhere. In full-time work you’ll be spending more time with your colleagues than most of your family members. Working with a bunch of Squidwards when you’re more of a Spongebob is bound to bring you down.

5: you’re dreaming bigger Career paths don’t always go the way people planned and most people probably aren’t in their dream job. Having said that, if you’re constantly dreaming of bigger and better things, then it might be time to aim for those goals. Be confident in your abilities and remember that you’ve got nothing to lose.

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There

is no better

feeling than a plan

coming together

Stage One: CV• Laura Jobson• 25• Recent Graduate• Worked part-time in retail for 3 years

These days it is important to grab the attention of your employer, therefore the best advice I can give anyone who is updating their CV is to keep it short and sweet. There is no need to pad out your CV with part-time jobs or work experience that is irrelevant to the vacancy you’re applying for. Unless you can display how you learnt relevant skills during the experience, leave it out. I made sure to include any skills and achievements I have gained both during university and in my current job.

Stage Two: ApplicationI actually spotted the job posting for 2Touch on Facebook, which proves how important our social media skills are these days when it comes to job hunting. Often these sites are the first place job vacancies are displayed - so get networking! The role looked really interesting, but very different from the retail outlet I had been working in for the past three years and I had no call centre experience. But I was ready for a change and the only way to achieve it was to challenge myself, so I thought ‘what have I got to lose?’ and submitted my CV.

Stage Three: Tele-screenA few days later I was contacted by Sue, one of 2Touch’s Recruitment Team, and she explained how my CV and covering letter had impressed the team. I was so relieved and proud of myself as everyone knows how difficult it is nowadays to stand out on paper. Sue asked me questions about my current career, my ambitions and my skills. It had been a while since I had to sell myself, but

A JOB SEEKER’S 2TOUCH JOURNEY2Touch is one of the UK’s leading outsourcing providers specialising in fully integrated contact centre, response handling and fulfilment services. Laura, a candidate for a vacancy at 2Touch, shares her journey through the application process - in the hope that job seekers can learn from her experience.

I made sure to emphasise my resilience and my enthusiasm for the role 2Touch was offering. My efforts paid off, as Sue was happy to book me into the Assessment Centre and she offered me plenty of advice, detailing what would be expected of me.

It is so tempting to sit back and relax once you have passed the first stage of an application process. But I cannot emphasise the importance of organisation enough: preparation, preparation, preparation! I researched the company and the role to make sure I was as prepared as possible. To progress to the interview stage I needed to try and put myself above the competition. In addition to my research, the night before I gathered my ID documents, planned my travel arrangements to ensure I would arrive in plenty of time, and laid out my clothes which I made sure fitted with the company’s dress code.

Stage Four: Assessment CentreThere is no better feeling than a plan coming together, so when I arrived at the assessment centre ten minutes early, I had a little smile to myself. Steph, the Assistant Recruitment Manager, came to meet me and guide me to the assessment centre and my smile began to fade as my nerves crept up on me. The important thing to remember in situations such as assessment centres and interviews is that everyone else is feeling the same way! It is not a bad thing to be nervous; in fact it shows how much something means to you. Once the other candidates and I had been formally introduced to Steph, we had to introduce ourselves and

“ “


After the interview I reflected on my performance. I was surprised at how well I had tackled Steph’s questions and prayed that Steph had been impressed too. But there was no point dwelling on what I had and hadn’t said; it was out of my hands and all I could do was wait. Stage Six: Offer Fantastic news! I got offered the job, securing a full time position at 2Touch with a start date the following week. I could not have been happier - all my hard work had paid off. It just proves how important it is to challenge yourself. My experience has taught me so much about myself that I would never have known if I hadn’t put myself out there. The best piece of advice I can give any job seeker is don’t restrict yourself. Even if a job is not exactly what you think you want to do, if the description intrigues you then go for it! You never know where it might lead.

‘Laura impressed throughout and clearly prepared for the assessment centre as well as the interview. It is important that candidates fully understand the role they are applying for and it also helps to know about the company; it puts the role requirements into perspective and helps candidates to see themselves in the ‘bigger picture’. 2Touch are looking forward to having Laura on-board!’ - Steph, Assistant Recruitment Manager.

looking for a new job? If so, why not apply now by visiting www.2touchcareers.co.uk

Even if a job is not exactly what you think you want to do, if the description intrigues

you then go for it! You never know where it

might lead.

There

is no better

feeling than a plan

coming together

explain a little about our background. At first my nerves got the better of me and I found I was speaking far too quietly. But rather than panicking, I cleared my throat and started again. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable everyone made me feel and by the time I sat back down, my smile had returned.

We were given a number of tasks to complete, both individually and as a team. Whilst we were completing these tasks Steph and her colleagues were watching us closely. It was a little intimidating, but they were only doing their job by looking out for our skill sets, attitude and determination. I was ensuring I was displaying my talent as much as possible. The main group task was every candidate’s worse nightmare: a presentation! I was particularly nervous as this would be the first sales presentation I had ever made. However, once we all relaxed and got on with the task it was actually a lot of fun; I even found myself leading the team! That is what is so interesting about assessment centres, they test you to your limits and uncover skills you never realised you possessed.

After the presentations Steph gave us a more detailed description about the role on offer and I began to feel like I could really do a good job of it. This realisation made me even more determined to make a good impression before I left the assessment centre. Later that day, Steph rang me to say how impressed she was with my performance at the assessment centre; especially since I had no sales experience. She invited me to attend an interview the following day and I made sure to tell her just how grateful I was for the opportunity. I was so proud of myself for getting through to the next stage of the application, but I tried to stay focused as I still had one final test - the most important one of all.

Stage Five: InterviewI found that I wasn’t as nervous when the day of the interview arrived; I had already met Steph and she had told me she was impressed by my efforts at the assessment centre, so I had reasons to be more confident. Once again I did some research; I checked out the do’s and don’ts of an interview and also thought about the questions I would like to ask Steph to prove my interest.

“

“


Thrifty Travelget to work on the cheap.

bus

With a 4.7% increase in bus fares in England (4.3% in Scotland and 6.9% in Wales), we are hardly optimistic about finding cheap ways to commute by bus. Unfortunately, if you cannot make a stand by cycling or lift-sharing to work, then little can be done about the rising ticket prices. However there are two methods to help you cut costs.

Bus companies understand that commuters deserve a better deal than those who use buses sparingly, this is why they offer season tickets. Most bus operators have a range of season tickets for different time periods, for example, First Bus: FirstMonth, First3Month, FirstYear.

If you swap your car for the bus when commuting to the rail station, PLUSBUS can save you significant amounts of money. By buying a PLUSBUS ticket alongside your rail ticket, you can cut the costs of your commute by saving on petrol as well as parking at the rail station. You can buy seven day, one month, three months and annual tickets, but remember that season tickets (both PLUSBUS and rail) must expire on the same day. A PLUSBUS ticket is valid around the surrounding urban area in which your station is situated in.

Money makerTop tips to be quids-in while

looking for work.

be a secret shopper Being paid to shop seems like an ideal arrangement - you’re employed to review services and experiences in a range of commercial businesses.

It generally involves going into stores, buying goods and reviewing the quality of customer service. Be aware that there is more to a secret shopper position than it first seems. The assignments can include weekends away, travel and even airline flights; so you would need to have a flexible lifestyle. When you’re sent on an assignment, don’t assume you can sit back and relax all the time. Agencies will expect you to be making notes, and you will be asked to investigate specific details about a company.

It can however, be plenty of fun and a great opportunity to go places and try new things. Hand out a few CVs while you’re out and about and, who knows? You could find a full-time job while you’re at it!

Useful links: www.consumerintel.com www.grassrootsmysteryshopping.com

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team SavvyDave Morgan Editor

Jon Druitt Director

sean curtis Director

Greg Pendleton Head of Sales

Jessica AUGARDE Designer

Chloe Franchina Writer & Editorial

Samantha hacker Production & Editorial

Nick Harland Writer

Sam blomfield Writer

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GRADUATE REQUIRED FOR AN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY WITH THE UK PENSIONS HEAD OFFICE IN MILTON KEYNES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

The organisation is an independent specialist pension administration and trustee firm providing a range of pension solutions for both individuals and corporate companies. The organisation administers Pension Schemes for over 16,000 members and across the group has close to a billion assets under administration. The UK office is looking for a Graduate to join their Systems Team. Title: Systems Support AsstLocation: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Salary Ranges: up to £20,000 per annum depending on experienceBenefits: Pension scheme, Bonus scheme, Healthcare scheme, Death in Service and Childcare voucher scheme The successful candidate will be expected to: • Provide support to the Systems Manager• Take responsibility for individual tasks and projects• Work to agreed service levels The ideal candidate should possess: • Extensive skills in Microsoft Office packages, specialising in Excel• A broad knowledge in IT basics.• A good understanding of CSS styling• Knowledge of Networks (LAN) admin• The ability to prioritise workloads• A professional and friendly attitude• Demonstrate good customer service skills Be prepared to: • Undertake Research, Solutionising and Development of IT• Testing of Applications Start date ASAP

TO APPLY SEND A CV TO [email protected] Or for more information contact Carol Butler on 01908336012

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