How to Find Your First Job After University or College

Landing that first job after university or college can be a daunting experience. Eager to find work, many graduates settle for jobs that don’t require a degree, which puts them in an adverse position and can be detrimental for their future careers.

However, you can take control of this process early on and give your career chances for a positive start by implementing the following strategies.

Start Well Ahead

To raise the odds of landing a job that suits your skills and knowledge soon after you’ve graduated, you should mobilize yourself during your senior year.

There are several things you can do during this phase of your life:

Create a LinkedIn profile. Having a profile on LinkedIn is a good way to network and form meaningful connections in your industry of choice. Include your education details, extra-curricular activities, accolades and awards, skills and any working experience you have. Join industry-specific groups to follow the latest trends, and engage in discussions.

Have a personal blog. Present yourself to your potential employers by writing about the topics you’re most interested in professionally and your personal interest as well. WordPress, Wix and Squarespace are quick and easy solutions to start building your own personal brand.

Find a mentor. Most of the students rely on their parents, relatives, friends or professors for mentorship, but unless they are in the career you want to pursue, look further. Use your own or your parents’ connections to reach someone working in a niche you’re interested in.

Get an internship early on. Finish as many internships as you can, and try to have at least one in a company with wide brand recognition, as it will look good in your resume. It will also help you brush up on your skills and make connections, and it might also lead to a job offer.

Be Active

As you’ve probably identified some of the companies you would like to start your career at, begin with browsing their websites for an employment section, and check whether they have any options for graduates or students.

Broaden your search to the industry-specific job boards to find any new job listings, and generate more job leads.

You can also check whether your college has alumni working in those companies, and connect with them in order to get advice on your approach. Such connections can be crucial for landing a job, so don’t be shy about reaching out.

Tailor Your Resume and Your Cover Letter

Once you start applying for the positions you’re interested in, make sure your resume is highly professional and up-to-date.

Both your resume and cover letter should be tailored to fit the description of every position you apply for and should reflect that you understand both what the company and the position are about.

Many employers nowadays use software that scans applications for keywords, and if your resume doesn’t contain them, you can end up disqualified even if you have all the skills required.

You will raise your odds significantly if you tweak each one of your applications to mirror the language used in the description of the job posting.

As your recruiters are going to check you out on social media too, make sure that by now you have established your professional online presence. If you think there is a chance your potential employers could find something embarrassing on your accounts, consider changing your settings to private.

Still, sending your resume and your cover letter is often not enough to get you a job interview, let alone a job offer.

Identify whether you can find any connections to people working at the company, no matter how distant, to raise your chances.

Prepare for the Interview

Once you’ve got your interview scheduled, do your best to prepare well.

You’ve done some research before applying, but now it’s time to dig deeper into it. Get as many details as you can on the company, its history, background, values, products and services.

Also, broaden your research to competitors, and understand the position the company holds at the market.

In addition to grasping the relevant information that you can use during the interview, consider the following:

Prepare responses to the most common interview questions. Have your answers ready on your skills, strengths and weaknesses, as well as about your motivation for working in the industry and the company. As your main goal is to shine, working with a career coach can help you determine what you should emphasize during the interview and effectively prepare for it.

Choose your outfit. For a great first impression make an effort to determine the dress code in the company and dress appropriately.

Watch your body language. Apart from your clothing, your body language plays a significant role too. Make sure you stand up straight, give firm handshakes and smile.

Check the location and directions beforehand. You don’t want to decrease your chances of success by being late for your job interview.

Show your interest. You’ll make a better first impression if you show interest in the company, so prepare your own questions beforehand too. Make your questions specific and don’t ask things you can find out on your own, browsing the net.

Don’t be disappointed if the interview doesn’t land you a job. Think of it as an experience you can learn from. It’s a good idea to get in touch with the interviewers and ask them about your performance so that you can get a clear idea about the areas you should polish.

It might take some time to find a perfect first job, so try to keep your positive state of mind and your energy up during the job hunt.

by Michael Deane

Michael has been working in marketing for almost a decade and has worked with a huge range of clients, which has made him knowledgeable on many different subjects. He has recently rediscovered a passion for writing and hopes to make it a daily habit. You can read more of Michael’s work at Qeedle.

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November 28, 2019November 28, 2019

Why Women Should Consider Pursuing a Career in a Trade

The manual trades industries have been around for years and years, however, some of the most highly sought after tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and building workers are in shortage in the UK. Part of the reason for this is the lack of women going into this field, with women currently representing only 6% of skilled trade workers in the UK. Manual trades provide a career with many benefits such as rewarding work, a good salary and work-life balance so it’s a huge shame that such few women choose to pursue a career in a skilled trade.

The team at KindWater have looked at the many benefits that different trade roles provide workers and why more women should consider pursuing a role in manual trades.

What Trade Roles Are Available to Me?

Electrician (Average salary: £30,784)
Plumber (Average salary: £29,799)
Roofer (Average salary: £24,439)
Bricklayer (Average salary: £25,201)
Carpenter (Average salary: £26,416)
Painter (Average salary: £24,039)

Photo by Ascel Kadhem on Unsplash

The Perks of Working in a Trade

You gain immediate industry experience

In a lot of industries, getting your foot in the door and gaining valuable experience is often one of the biggest challenges you’ll face, especially at the start. Luckily in most trade industries, it’s pretty easy to gain experience once you’ve had your training or received the qualifications you need. And because most skilled trades are in such high demand, it’s easy enough to get your foot in the door and start building experience right away.

You’ll earn a good salary

Earning a stable salary at the start of your career is rare, especially for university graduates. Many graduates even end up working for free whilst trying to gain experience in a new industry. This is one of the main benefits of working in a trade role, as from your starting salary is above the average and remains stable throughout your career. In the UK, tradespeople are earning, on average, £10,000 more than most graduate workers and since most skilled trades don’t require a degree, you won’t have all the student debt to pay off either.

Skilled trades workers are in high demand

Today’s job market is more competitive than ever and being able to get stable work is a challenge for many. Training in a skilled trade, however, pretty much guarantees you stable work throughout your career. There is currently a huge demand for trades workers and lots of employment opportunities for those trained in these skills.

Trade work requires practical skills that can’t be done by technology, so there will always be a demand for these roles in the future. Innovation company Nesta published a report revealing what the job market will look like in 2030, and trade careers, such as engineers, are amongst those most highly in demand – especially considering the rise of automation.

You can become your own boss

If you think you might one day want to own your own business, learning a trade could be a great way to do so. Over time and with experience, you’ll slowly become an expert in your industry and be well-equipped to manage a team of your own. Not only does being a business owner means that you get to manage your own schedule, but it’s also a great way to progress on the job ladder and make a higher than average salary. Owning your own business is also a great way to do things differently and make a positive change in your industry.

It doesn’t require a degree

Going to university is incredibly popular; 350,000 young people enrolled in university courses last year. However, university certainly isn’t the only option for school leavers and with the huge amount of debt it produces, it’s often not the best option for many people.

Pursuing a trade doesn’t require a degree and the skills required can often be gained through studying for a qualification or through an apprenticeship. Often, apprenticeships are paid too, which means you’ll be getting on the job ladder earlier than most and building up your savings.

Every day at work is different

When you’re practising a trade, no two days at work are the same. You get to work with a range of different clients and work on a range of new projects. You’ll meet lots of different people and learn new things all the time. It’s also a social environment to be in where you’ll be around lots of like-minded people and make friends for life.

Advice to Women Starting Out in a Trade

Stand your ground

Unfortunately, the disparity in the number of male to female workers in this industry has led to some reports of negative discrimination within the workplace. Don’t let this put you off however since this isn’t everyone’s experience and just something to be aware of. Stand your ground and remember the reasons why you chose to work in this industry. Remembering your goals will help you to stay focused if you ever face negativity from other people in your work.

Negotiating your starting salary

Women have a tendency to underestimate their professional value but remember that you deserve the same pay as everyone else at your level. When negotiating your starting salary, do some research beforehand so you know that what you’re asking for is reasonable. Also, remember to have a definite figure in your head that you want to ask for. Also, remember to enquire about benefits such as pension and bonuses as these are an important factor to consider within a salary.

Use it to your advantage

Being a woman in this male-dominated industry makes you stand out and sets you apart from the competition, so try to use this to your advantage. Your differences are what will make clients remember you and choose you over others.

Making connections

A big part of working in a trade is getting your name out there and establishing good connections. Keep this in mind early on in your career and never miss an opportunity to exchange numbers with a client and make a connection that could be used for future business.

Sources:

https://www.electriciancourses4u.co.uk/

https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/

https://www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/

https://gothinkbig.co.uk/

Author bio:

Katie Myers is an online content writer who creates online content on a range of topics including the environment, careers and home design to name a few. One of her clients KindWater, are water softener experts based in East Anglia. On their blog you will find a range of information all about water quality and the benefits of soft water.

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November 1, 2019November 1, 2019

Tips for Starting a Successful Home Business in Retirement

Retirement can be tough after spending the majority of your life working, especially when a reduced income threatens the lifestyle you’ve become accustomed to. This may be why more and more seniors are starting their own businesses. Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling way to fill your days or produce a little extra cash, starting a home-based business is an excellent idea. The following tips can help you get started on the entrepreneurial path.

Choose a Business Idea That Excites You

Coming up with an idea can be the hardest part of starting a business. Fortunately, you have a whole lifetime of experience developing skills and discovering your passions. Use this to generate your business idea. If you have a background in advertising or sales, consider selling items online. If you enjoy a hands-on hobby like landscaping or photography, monetize it by selling your services to locals. You can also write a book, sell courses online, or start a podcast to share your knowledge with others. Your options are endless!

If you want to sell things online but don’t have the room or capital to hold inventory, consider dropshipping. Dropshipping allows you to buy individual products from a manufacturer or supplier and ship them directly to your customer. It costs very little to get started because you only pay for products when you make a sale. According to The Next Scoop, dropshipping can be a particularly desirable business model for people who want flexibility—you can work on your dropshipping business while you travel the world! Not only that, but you can automate many parts of your dropshipping business to save time and money. Research products on Oberlo to see what kinds of items you can sell on your dropshipping store.

Do Some Research

Before starting any business, it’s important to research your target market and your competitors. Market research involves assessing the demand for your business in your industry. This will ensure that making money with your business is viable and can help you develop the best path to success. Whether or not you’re familiar with doing research online, your local Chamber of Commerce may be the best place to go for in-depth information on your industry. You can also check out specific online forums to learn from like-minded entrepreneurs in your niche.

Decide What Sets You Apart

Once you’ve done your homework, you’ll have a better idea of what makes your business unique and valuable compared to your competitors. Can you offer better customer service? Are your goods hand-made? Do you source eco-friendly materials? Think about what sets your business apart.

If you’re running an ecommerce store, you may not be able to compete against major retailers on price or shipping speeds. You can, however, beat them when it comes to customer satisfaction. Set up social media pages for your business, reply to comments, and do everything you can to keep those customers happy. Home-based businesses are in the perfect position to engage with their customers on a personal level. According to Zendesk, customer satisfaction is essential to business success.

Learn About Business Laws and Taxes

Before you move forward with your business idea, learn about the licenses and permits you need to acquire. First, all home-based businesses must have a business license. You can learn more about this at your local licensing department or tax office. If you’re providing professional services, like haircutting, financial advising, or daycare, you may also need certification or professional licensing. Likewise, you will need a health department permit if you’re selling food or beverages from your home.

Self-employed seniors also need to know how their home-based business may interfere with their taxes and benefits. For example, you will have to pay social security and Medicare tax on your earnings, even if you’re receiving social security benefits. Remember that you will have to calculate the tax you owe and pay this amount yourself.

Starting a home-based business is both affordable and accessible, so it’s a great option for seniors limited by a tight budget or mobility problems. With just a small investment, you can turn your passion into a profitable venture. To increase your chances of enjoying small-business success, take your time and do plenty of research before jumping in.

Author: “Carla Lopez kept her entrepreneurial spirit even after retiring a couple of years ago. She created Boomerbig.org for retirees who still desire to work and achieve – a site that offers business resources for people in their golden years.”

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July 22, 2019July 22, 2019

The Best 10 Salary Negotiations Tips for Women

When it comes to salary, even the most skilled of women can find themselves receiving less than their male colleagues. The tendency for women to earn less merges many generations of gender perceptions with modern business habits. Knowing what these perceptions and habits are can help women take control.

The campaign for equal pay will continue to march on. In the meantime, here are 10 of the best tips from London negotiation training workshop for women to take their own steps towards securing the salary or raise they deserve.

Stop Falling for Outdated Conventions

Women are simply less likely to negotiate their salary or raise than men. Historically, men have been taught to view women as gentle, unassertive creatures. Equally, women have been taught to view women—including themselves—that way, too.

Women’s reluctance to assert themselves in the workplace is grounded in social perceptions. The view that women are nurturers who rely on men for their ambition and assertiveness is an outdated concept.

Knowing the sociology behind female subservience means women can be empowered to turn these conventions on their head. Women can then begin the process of training out centuries-old misconceptions in themselves and others.

… Or Use Those Conventions to Your Advantage

As much as the perception of women has improved since the Industrial era, the idea of women as gentle nurturers rather than competitive entrepreneurs is still prevalent. However, smart women can use this perception to their advantage at the negotiating table.

Rather than going in with a negotiating style that’s more typically viewed as a masculine approach, it can sometimes be advisable for women to approach salary talks with a more community-oriented mindset. This means grounding your reasons for wanting a raise or higher salary to be not just based on your skills, but how your skills can positively affect the company.

Know Your Skills

One thing that can make salary negotiations more effective is a strong résumé to use as a foundation. You could be negotiating a starting salary or seeking a raise. Either way, preparing a list of what you bring to the company is important when entering salary talks.

Remember that talking about your pay from other employers is a topic best avoided. A suitable response if asked about previous salaries is, “it’s confidential.”

Know Your Worth

Another bargaining chip with a lot of leverage is knowing what the going rate for your work is. It pays to research how much people with your skills and experience locally are being paid for your job role. Be sure to consider any employee perks you receive that represent a cost saving elsewhere. These could include health insurance and gym memberships. Research the likelihood that others in your role receive these perks, too.

Entering talks with a strong understanding of how much your skills are worth is an important way to justify your position.

Aim High

Once you know what your skills are worth, the next step is establishing your request. Work out the minimum salary you would accept. Base this figure on what others in your profession generally earn. Be careful not to undervalue yourself.

Consider making your opening position based on the highest figure you come up with. It’s important to be the first suggest a figure to anchor negotiations in your favor. Opening with this higher amount means counteroffers by the employer should revolve around the figure you have in mind.

Don’t be afraid to push beyond your expectations (while being careful not to be unreasonable). You might be surprised.

Train to Negotiate

Brushing up on your negotiation skills is an excellent way to find out what your best moves are for negotiating your salary. Knowing you’re trained in the most up-to-date theory and techniques is a great confidence booster. Taking a workshop in negotiations, or taking the time to do some self-training online, is a solid approach that complements your research and enables you to plan well.

Plan and Practice

Once you’ve planned your approach to your salary negotiation, it’s advisable to think about how you want to present this information. It’s also important to practice with friends or family until you are confident in your message.

Know every aspect of your plan so you can present your points naturally and confidently.

Don’t Take a Low Offer as a Final Offer

Don’t be deterred if the employer first offers you too low a figure. Too often, women accept the first offer as the final offer. Many women will turn down the job without negotiating salary further.

Sometimes the employer will insist that they are offering the starting salary. Don’t take a low offer as a reflection of your skills, and don’t allow an opportunity for negotiation to pass. Use low offers as jumping-off points for your negotiations.

Don’t Assume a Higher Offer Is Final, Either

Often, women feel obligated to just take what is being offered. The female trait of a tendency toward humbleness can cause confusion between what is self-compassion and what is self-indulgence. This confusion can lead to women undervaluing themselves, especially in the workplace.

Accepting a higher offer because it’s higher than what you were expecting can be a mistake. Negotiation trainers often teach that knowing the signs for when a final offer really is final is crucial when assessing your salary negotiation position. Make sure to read the room. If you sense the “final offer” is more of a bargaining point, don’t be afraid to continue negotiating for an even better offer.

Know When to Be Quiet

Sometimes silence really is golden, even when it’s awkward. Don’t feel obligated to fill a silence imposed by employers. Give the employer their turn to talk, allowing them plenty of time.

Knowing when to be quiet can make or break a negotiation. Often, the employer is considering their next move in the negotiation. Talking could be seen as an interruption.

Conclusion

Women in the workplace still have many hurdles to jump when it comes to gender equality. As we continue to make headway socially and professionally, these once seemingly insurmountable obstacles are gradually becoming less so. We may eventually find ourselves on a much leveler playing field.

For now, employing the above skills from negotiation training can help women negotiate better salaries. Understanding how women are viewed by themselves and by men can help turn salary negotiations in your favor. You can also help pave the way for a future where women won’t need to think twice about negotiating their pay.

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May 1, 2019May 1, 2019

Career Advice From an Actor

Edward Darling a full-time actor is currently starring in Adam – the history of man, a Manchester Fringe production.

In today’s interview, I ask Ed’s his advice on becoming an actor

Ed Darling Interview

Chris: Hi Ed, thank you for joining me today. Let me start by asking you what made you choose the acting profession?

Ed: I went to an audition one day – almost on a whim – as a kind of personal challenge to myself. I was dealing with a lot of anxiety at the time and wanted to push my comfort-zone. Then I unexpectedly got the part and realised I’d be pushing my comfort zone FAR more than intended… that’s a whole other story, but from there I just kept going, and here we are!

Chris: Wow, great story. I was expecting that this was a childhood dream. It’s interesting really, this ‘doing something on a whim’ is a common way people accidentally fall into a career. So new actors want to know one thing – how do you find new acting roles?

Ed: You can find new acting roles via casting databases such as Mandy.com & Spotlight, as well as through an agent once you have representation. Social media is also a good place to look for auditions happening locally.

Chris: And what is the average salary for a new actor per job?

Ed: Average salary? For an actor? Wouldn’t that be nice! There really is no average in the way most careers would have a set salary, each job pays differently & a lot of work – especially when you’re starting out – is going to be un-paid/low-paid. Until you “make it” as a regular in professional theatre, film or TV, every actor has to supplement their income through other means.

Chris: ha-ha I don’t know why I asked you for an average salary. But it’s good for new actors to realise that starting out as an actor you are likely to do a number of free gigs. I wanted to ask has technology changed how you audition?

Ed: The big tech-change at the minute is “Self Tapes”, which means filming your own audition at home and emailing the video. It does mean less money spent traveling to auditions, but also runs the risk that you’ll spend five hours recording yourself over and over and over to get it just right… then, exhausted, decide the first take was probably the best.

Chris: Most new actors worry about confidence, do you have techniques to control your nerves?

Ed: It all comes down to preparation: Firstly in terms of the rehearsal process in the weeks beforehand, where you’ll hopefully have put in the work to learn your lines & stage-movements from heart (otherwise, you deserve to be nervous!). Then secondly your preparation on the day – warming up the voice and body and getting in “the zone” – which means something different for everyone. Personally, I like to enjoy being sociable and feeling the excitement build, then maybe 10-20 minutes before curtains up, I’ll find somewhere quiet to be with my own thoughts, focus on breathing techniques and get into character.

Chris: In what way has your confidence increased over the years?

Ed: I went from socially-anxious to performing in front of audiences all over the UK and abroad… so something’s done the trick! Performing under pressure, learning to trust yourself, developing your expressiveness and communication skills, all of these things make acting a unique way to gain confidence.

Chris: That’s great. Its a kind of like exposure therapy. How can a new actor find an agent

Ed: Generally, you’d either attend a drama school or course, which results in a final “showcase” where agents are invited to attend. Or get involved with local theatre, fringe, acting classes, short films, etc etc, building up your experience and credits, then approach agents directly – ideally with professional headshots and some credits, or a show you can invite them to.

Chris: What play are you rehearsing at the moment

Ed: I’m currently rehearsing “Adam: The History Of Man”, a newly wrote comedy showing at this summers GM Fringe. It’s immersive-theatre with lots of laughs and some deeper, thoughtful moments.

It’s also got a big ‘Historical’ angle, which is ideal for me as a huge History geek. The age-old problem with History, is that we can only learn so much from archeology and what evidence remains. There are so many unanswered questions! What if we could bring back ancient man and learn the truth about our past from ‘the horses mouth’?

Chris: How will you prepare for this role?

Ed: Ideally, I’d be “going method”, which for this would mean wearing a loincloth and living hand-to-mouth in the wilderness for the next few weeks. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, this isn’t possible. But I’ll be researching my characters background(s), working on accents, physical movements, and also what they’re like as people – their personalities – are they shy, energetic, aggressive, obedient? Maybe all of the above!

Chris: ha-ha, I would love to see you living in the wild for a couple of months. Where did you train as an actor?

Ed: I currently train at the Manchester School Of Acting under Mark Hudson.

Chris: Thank you for joining me today.

Facebook: Edward Darling

Instagram @edwardodarling

Spotlight: https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/4850-0167-9912

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April 26, 2019January 12, 2023

Common Asked Housing Officer Questions

A housing officer will often be employed for housing associations or the local authority, supporting clients with the assessment of needs in terms of housing applications.

The housing officer may also specialise in working with homeless people and/or service users with additional needs.

How competitive is a Housing Officer job Interview?

Interview Specifics

This article will list the commonly asked job interview questions for a housing officer.

By understanding the job interview structure and by knowing the commonly asked housing officer interview questions, applicants can prepare answers that highlight their level of competencies within this industry.

Common Asked Housing Officer Interview Questions

Can you tell me about your housing officer experience?

This housing officer interview question is asked for two reasons; 1 it is an open question to get you talking/feeling relax at the job interview start. 2, to gain a general overview of your experience (generic because the follow-up questions will go into more detail)

To answer this job interview question, start by summarising your experience as a housing officer, your relevant qualifications and a key unique skill relevant to the industry – something that makes you stand out, this could be a specialism you have IE working to house homeless service users.

How do you assess the needs of a client?

This interview question is key because this is the crux of the job role.

Split this answer into two sections. Section one is your people skills; explain how you build rapport, how you use effective listening skills, how open and closed questions have a powerful impact, and how you remain calm in stressful situations. Give a short example to highlight your level of expertise and competencies.

Section two should explain the interview structure; the questions you should ask, the information you need to collate, and how you follow GDPR, data protection and confidentiality legislation.

What does customer service mean to you?

You may be asked several customer services-related interview questions.

In the housing association sector often the service users can be stressed or angry. Some service users may have alcohol or drug addiction. In some cases, you will be speaking to clients who are struggling with finances and have been turned down for financial support.

When answering interview questions relating to customer service and communication, explain how you can handle these situations;

What was the situation – why was the service user angry or upset?

How did you handle the situation – what did you say or do to help calm down the client?

What was the positive outcome – how did the client respond to you?

What do you look for during a housing inspection?

Competency-based job interview questions require you to fall back on your experience.

Give an example of when you have carried out an inspection that had issues (you need to pick an inspection with issues to show that you can deal with this in a professional way)

In the example explain what you look for during a general inspection, the inspection process you follow and quote safeguarding regulations, and how you, when required, challenge a service user.

Follow this up with the example “one time during an inspection I saw…” Give details of what you found, the potential safeguarding issue, and what you did to address this

How would you have a positive effect on your colleagues and team?

A big part of the housing officers’ job criteria is to have the ability to work as part of a close-knit team. You will be asked one way or another about your ability to work within a team.

Open the teamwork answer by simply explaining how you enjoy working as part of a team and how in all previous housing roles teamwork has been an important aspect of the role. This opening confirmation statement shows how you have this required skill.

Now you have ticked the ‘teamwork’ box, you need to give a real-life example. A good frame for this job interview answer is to give a ‘helper’ perspective.

Describe how a colleague was having a problem with a housing issue and how this problem affected the output of the whole team.

Go on to describe how you took action and explain the action you took. Follow this up with the positive outcome focusing on how the whole team benefited from your quick actions.

You can also talk about the larger team – in this role, you will need to work with a range of agencies and stakeholders, including social services, jobcentre plus, citizens’ advice service.

Which other agencies would you refer a service user to?

Part of a housing officer’s job role is to work with the tenants to help them to be successful.

To be effective in this job duty you will need to work with, signpost or refer to a large number of partner agencies from social services to the local job center, from doctor surgeries to career advice officers.

In your answer list the relevant agencies you would partner with and give an example of when you would make a referral compared to signposting.

The example has to be specific. First, explain the service users situation and the key block that was holding them back. Explain the limitations of your roles and how the service user required expert advice.

Go on to explain how the service user had attempted to get support but had failed. End the interview answer by stating what you did to ensure the client got the support and advice they required.

Do you have any questions for me?

A guaranteed question is the “do you have any questions for me?” question. And your answer should be YES! Always ask a question.

Good questions to ask in a housing officer job interview are;

What is your approach to supporting service users with their many barriers?
What development opportunities do you have to help upskill a housing officer?
How many hostels/houses do the organisations look after?
What is the best part of your day?

April 26, 2019March 11, 2022

Do You Want to Be a Public Speaker?

Today I met with Danny Riley – a Ted X Speaker Coach, Motivational Speaker and Trainer, to find out more about becoming a paid public speaker.

I asked to interview Danny because he has the ability to take on new challenges. Currently, Danny is rehearsing for his debut acting role as Professor Peter Potty Potts in Adam – the history of man, a Manchester Fringe production.

Danny Riley Interview

Chris: Danny let me start by asking you what made you choose a career in public speaking?

Danny: I faced a long-standing fear head on and decided I was deeply passionate about it.

Chris: That is something I admire about you, that you take action and face all challenges head-on. The big question that wanna be public speakers want to know is how do you get paid speaking gigs

Danny: Personally I get paid as a trainer to deliver workshops and talks. Outside of this, I have spoken in schools, colleges, and universities.

Chris: As a speaker what is the average salary, let’s say a new speaker could earn?

Danny: There’s no one answer for this. A teacher is a essentially a public speaker and so is a politician. You can earn as much or as little as people think you’re worth. For keynotes, you can earn £15k or more with the right contacts, content, and competence.

Chris: Has technology changed your audiences?

Danny: I would like to say that public speaking is one of the few remaining forms of entertainment that still hasn’t been effectively digitised. There are very few talks or speeches that have the same gravity online as they do in person.

However, I like the way that technology is headed towards creating virtual environments to learn to deliver to AI audiences that can respond your talk.

Chris: Ted Talks are really popular at the moment and I believe that you are currently coaching a group of TedX speakers? Can you explain what you do as a ted talk coach?

Danny: I help to break down what a speaker has created and show them new angles of presenting their talks.

Chris: That’s really interesting and I totally know what you mean. Many of the courses I create start off as something completely different.

Danny: It’s like photography. Sometimes you see something beautiful and try to take a snap of it. When you look back later it just doesn’t look the same. I help the speakers to get the snapshot they see in their mind onto paper and them help them deliver it to an audience in a polished and effective way.

Chris: What qualifications do you have and how have they helped you with your career?

Danny: I now have a degree, im a chartered manager and CIPD member and I’m studying towards a qualification in training and coaching.

Qualifications help me feel more confident but so far I have to say they haven’t been the thing that’s gotten me any further. A university degree is amazing though. Learning about research and how to cite the work of others is so important.

Chris: Before we wrap up can you tell me a little more about your new venture as a first-time actor?

Danny: I’m working on a play called Adam – the history of man. This will be my acting debut and will be yet another ambition and fear I will have conquered. I wouldn’t have imagined myself doing this seven years ago.

I play a genius professor who has just created a breakthrough invention that can bring a caveman into the modern era.

It has some good laughs, twists, and turns and most importantly it has some serious conflict!

Chris: Thanks for coming in today, its been really interesting to hear about your journey. Where will can people get in contact with you?

Danny: Find me on social media: Danny Riley

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January 27, 2019January 27, 2019

How to Ensure a Successful Career in the Hospitality Industry

Are you thinking of jumping into the hospitality industry? There is a broad spectrum of opportunities, and some statistics indicate the industry is seeing steady growth with no signs of slowing down. What’s more, there is a shortage of staff throughout the industry, meaning the time is ripe for those interested in developing a career in hospitality.

Deciding on an Avenue

Oftentimes, people think of hotels and restaurants when they think of hospitality, when, in fact, the hospitality industry is a service-oriented arena with a wide variety of career choices. Basically, all careers supporting tourism fall into the selection pool, from theme parks to transportation and event planning. If you are uncertain of your particular direction, spend some time in locations you might like to work and pay attention to the duties taken on by those in your desired position.

Building Blocks

They say there is no greater teacher than experience, and when it comes to working in the hospitality industry, the expression holds true. There is no substitute for hands-on learning in an entry-level position. It allows you to understand the ins and outs of whatever avenue you intend to pursue. Whether you opt to make beds in a hotel or pour coffee in a cafe, it’s a chance to learn what it’s like interacting with your customers, as well as what management practices feel like on the receiving end. You can absorb the mechanics of business directly, seeing how efficiency and customer service come into play from the ground up. With the current climate, a degree is often unnecessary for becoming established in hospitality, but hard work and on-the-job experience will matter in whatever direction you pursue.

Making a Go

Are you considering an entrepreneurial venture? If you already have experience in the industry, were raised in the environment, or have a degree in hospitality, jumping in with both feet could be your next step. Take a self-inventory, considering these three questions to decide if becoming an entrepreneur is fitting for you:

How much time can you dedicate to your career? Becoming a business owner is time-consuming, with some experts suggesting a schedule including 13-hour days and working through weekends not unusual.

How big will your venture be? Weigh whether you will be satisfied with a small, local venture or if you want to enjoy national or international outreach.

What sort of investment are you considering? Finances for small businesses can be complicated and significant, and unless you have substantial savings in place you will most likely need to borrow funds.

Relationships and Reputations

No section of the hospitality industry can survive without a solid customer base. With that in mind, providing outstanding customer service and remaining in touch are keys to your success in whatever direction you go. Most industry experts assert that the primary secret to excellent customer service is to empower those who are on your frontline so they can properly satisfy clientele. Ensure those employees are people-oriented and understand how to sincerely satiate customers, even when a complaint arises. If you are that frontline person, your skills should include listening to your customers, staying positive, and solving problems creatively.

Complaints vs. Accolades

When you serve someone in the hospitality industry, bear in mind they generally come to you with an expectation and are looking forward to you meeting it. As a result, they will either feel good about the experience, or they will feel you fell short. Some statistics indicate those who are dissatisfied are more inclined to talk about your business than those who are happy. With that in mind, it’s vital to remain informed of the chatter about your business. Seek methods for effective reputation management, ensuring your customers are responded to in a manner that provides a personal touch. There are a number of tools available, so weigh your options and decide what method will be efficient in your circumstances.

The hospitality industry offers many opportunities and rewarding experiences. Do some self-introspection and consider your best fit. With hard work, success can be yours.

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January 27, 2019January 27, 2019

5 Job interview Tips That Will Get You Hired Faster

With the increasing competition in the job market, job interviews never seem to get any easier. With every next job interview you need to sell yourself and your skills, and often have to hear some embarrassing remarks.

That said, there are a few ways that can make the entire job process interview a less painful one. Only a little planning can go a long way. In fact, the more time you prepare yourself for an interview in advance, the higher you feel more comfortable during the actual interview.

Getting done with job interviews is not as difficult as you may think. Rather, you simply need to do your homework in inquiring about the organization, see precisely what they are searching for in a new hire, and make sure you’re ready to discuss your experience and what makes you a perfect fit for the vacancy.

Essentially, a well-designed game plan is crucial to get hired!

Here are five job interview tips you need that will hopefully get you hired faster.

Prepare well in advance

The first and the foremost thing you need to make sure you is that you are completely prepared for the big day. The easiest way to start is by reviewing all the typical job interview questions the employer asks, and prepare your responses. Good responses are those that are precise and completely specific to the question asked.

Go through the job description; check out all the requirements and find relevancies to your experience. Make sure that your experience and education are directly relevant to the vacant job position so that you can prepare yourself in the best way. Also, don’t forget to have at least one or two questions to ask the interviewer, as you will most probably be asked if you have any questions. And when you don’t have any, it’s a turnoff for hiring managers.

Research about the company

It’s all important to research about the company you have an interview scheduled. Make sure you do your homework and know whatever you can before you are being asked the all-important and repetitive question, “What do you know about our company?

It’s recommended never to go to a job interview without having the information about the company’s history, mission, and its values. Therefore, check out all the available information online and gather information precisely what you need to know.

Be ready and be on time

You can make or break on the interview so make sure you are completely ready and leave nothing for the interview day. Get everything ready from your outfit to copies of your resume a night before.

In addition, make sure you reach the interview location on time. For that, plan your route ahead of time and leave some margin for any sort of unexpected delays. Don’t forget to give yourself some extra minutes so you can calm your nerves and check your outfit.

Create a first Strong Impression and be calm

Unquestionably, the first impression you give to your interviewer counts a lot. A confident handshake, good eye contact, and a confident smile can create a strong impression. Moreover, matching your dress style to that of the company is a really good idea. In most cases, a formal dress code works pretty well on most job interviews. Also, it projects your personality and charisma.

On the other hand, you may be asked tough questions in your interview sessions so make sure to stay calm and relax as possible. A cool and calm body language will allow you to exude confidence. While a less confident one will make you look jittery.

If you need a moment to think and answer a question, it’s totally fine rather sounding nervous answering the question.

Keep It Simple

Job interviews are a good way to express your abilities and experiences relating to a job. Therefore, don’t make things completed in any way. Answer to the point and keep things simple. And make sure you don’t confuse or mislead the interviewer as it will do more harm than good.

Author Bio:

Kirsten Pike is recruitment specialists who also carry great writing skills. She is currently associated with 6 Pound Essay – a well-known online academic writing company operating from the UK. Over the year of her professional career, she has assisted hundreds of students to do exceptionally well at a number of academic papers.

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January 10, 2019January 10, 2019

Hypnotic Language Patterns in Job Interviews, Do They Work?

Influencing with Language

If you were a hypnotist could you simply hypnotize the job interviewer into offering you a job?

Hypnosis is all about suggestion. In hypnosis, you use various language patterns to embed suggestions ensuring your subject think in a certain way.

In this article, you will learn several easy to use hypnotic language patterns that can be tailored in a job interview environment.

Hypnotic Language Patterns for Job Interviews

If I asked you to repeat “Black, White, Orange” several times, then asked you to name a vegetable – the first vegetable that popped into your head, around 80% would say “carrot” as the colour exercise linked the colour orange with an orange vegetable (there aren’t many black or white vegetables)

This is ‘priming’ Your thoughts are influenced by what we see and hear around us. And what you think about effects what you notice. In the job interview, we want the interviewer to notice, well search for your best qualities – we want them to associate positiveness to you.

If you use a variety of positive strength words when describing yourself (when answering the interview questions) the interviewer will naturally start to look for your qualities, strengths and positive characteristics.

Create Sentence That Are Accepted Without Question

I know you’re excited to learn this compliance technique, but before I go on, there are two things I need to share with you first. This is an example of an acceptance sentence. Let me ask you, did you question the opening statement? “I know you’re excited to learn this compliance technique…” Most people didn’t, they accepted it and wondered what the “two things” are.

You can embed this type of compliance sentence in your job interview answer. Heres an example that you can tailor for your industry

“You may be thinking about how I will increase your profits within the first 3 months of being employed. If I explain what I did in my last organisation you will have a better idea of how I will tailor this strategy to increase your profits…..go on to give a real example”

The employer wasn’t, in all likelihood, thinking about how you will increase their profits, but this statement will be taken as red. They will now think about you and what you can achieve and believe that this was on their own accord.

It’s the same psychology as when I say, “Don’t think about a pink elephant.” To make sense of my words, you have to visually think of a pink elephant.

When given a positive statement “I can do X” the interviewer can easily have doubt in the intention. In the job interview environment, you need to ensure that doubt is left outside the interview room.

To ensure there is no doubt you need to always give an explanation to any statement. In hypnosis, we call this “linking” link one statement to another using a linking word such as “because”

You can see the power of this simple linkage here

“I always achieve my targets.”

“I always achieve my targets because I have three years’ experience in the sales industry.”

With a reason for the statement, the interviewer doesn’t need to think, they simply believe what you are suggesting

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