The issue of gender equality (or inequality) in the workplace has grown in momentum over recent years, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting a narrowing of the gender pay gap from 10% in 2013 to 9.4% in 2014.
Although these results show a notable progress in occupational gender politics, more still needs to be done to speed up the process and completely eliminate gender inequality in everyday employment.
According to the Chartered Management Institute, female executives on average earn £10,060 less than their male counterparts and will receive half of the bonuses.
Pay is not the only issue with gender equality. In the UK the percentage of women on boards of Read more…
Avoid Zero Hour Contracts and Make Yourself Indispensable
Latest figures have shown that unemployment in Northern Ireland has fallen yet again and by over 400,000 since 2012, which is good news for the local economy. However, in the same period underemployment has increased sharply.
The increase in the number of people taking on zero hour contracts, temporary and part time positions has led to many people in Northern Ireland feeling completely dissatisfied with the number of working hours available to them.
In a bid to rectify the situation, it is crucial that employees market themselves as a vital part of any workforce as a means to secure more permanent, full time posts in the future.
Here’s my advice on making yourself indispensable to employers:
- “Have I gone the extra mile today?” Do at least one thing each day that you haven’t Read more…
A recent CIPD report revealed that businesses can benefit greatly from an age diverse workforce, with 66% of SMEs now focusing their attention on recruiting employees from a mix of age groups and with various levels of experience.
A workforce made up of varying ages ensures an extensive amount of knowledge sharing, with employees contributing a good balance of experience and a fresh look at the business or industry.
We are all aware that customer service standards can make or break the image of a brand. However, an age diverse workforce can enhance customer service skills. With a balance of experience and enthusiasm, employees of various ages can relate to the customers on different levels.
Here are some statements to consider before your next recruitment round:
- Ability is more important than age. It is always important to look at who is most Read more…
?Why is a manhole round?? is an interview question made famous by Microsoft. 
It was designed with the intention of gaining insight into how a candidate structures their thoughts in order to answer the questions. By doing so, an interviewer can quickly decipher if you are a logical, creative or an emotional thinker. As the economy continues its recovery, there are a growing number of opportunities on the job market, and as a result, recruiters are becoming more creative with their interview techniques as a way to test a candidate?s character, ability and suitability for the desired role. Here are three examples of some increasingly common interview techniques:
- Group Interviews. Group interviews are often implemented to directly compare the Read more…
Whether it’s Bruce Forsyth announcing his resignation from Strictly Come Dancing, or Steve Ballmer relinquishing his title as Microsoft CEO leaving a very mixed legacy, deciding to move to another position elsewhere can be a daunting prospect and requires careful consideration.
However, answering the following questions truthfully can make the task much easier.
- Have you reached your full potential? If you believe you have met all the goals you Read more…
With the clocking going forward there’s certainly a feeling of Spring in the air. It’s a time we as company see much activity as candidates look for new opportunities.
If you’re thinking of a move, here’s a few of our top tips for job hunting.
- Get Organised! In a competitive market you need a solid plan for how you plan to pursue employment opportunities. A shotgun approach probably won’t work. Target specific companies / industries, do your homework and then aggressively go after leads you uncover.
- Distinguish yourself! Look for ways to make yourself stand out in a crowd of applicants. Turn perceived disadvantages into strengths. Concerned that you’re “too old” to compete? Emphasise your professional maturity, years of experience, ability to handle a variety of situations, etc.
- Listen to the needs the interviewer very carefully. Interviewers will hire the candidate they think truly best meets their needs. Listen carefully to the needs of the interviewer, ask thoughtful questions and then address how you can meet the needs of a particular job opening.
- Focus on the positive. Don’t buy into “doom and gloom.” And don’t spend valuable interview time talking about how tough it is “out there.” Optimism is very attractive and it says a lot about what kind of employee you’ll be.
- Go back to basics. A perfect CV and constant networking are more important than ever! Make sure that your CV and cover letter is flawless.
- Maintain your momentum. Don’t allow yourself to drag. Be true to your emotions, but don’t succumb to feelings of depression.
For more information, please contact us on: +44 (0) 28 9076 9900
Walt Disney was a former newspaper editor; Elvis Costello was a computer programmer 
and Harrison Ford was a carpenter. Career changes can and do work out but there are a number of considerations when contemplating a career change.? 1. Plan for a longer job search. Changing industries requires research and time.? Assess your financial situation and make realistic decisions.? This could even mean that you may have to consider an interim position or part-time work to bridge to your new career. But don?t be side tracked by short-term issues. 2. Stay grounded in reality.?? Successful career change is based on setting realistic goals and making an honest assessment of your skills, then matching those against the current market situation and conditions. 3. Network, network, network.? Networking is the key to any successful job search, Read more…
You spent years getting an Undergraduate degree, Masters Degree, PhD and a host of Professional Qualifications.
So, why apply to be the intern?
Ok, it’s an extreme example, but research released by the CIPD last week tells us that 30% of people are, in fact, overqualified for their job.
That’s nearly one third of all UK workers.
The CIPD concluded that too many people’s skills are being under-utilised in the economy which is a “major factor in the UK’s poor productivity levels.”
So, why do people continue to apply for positions for which they have too many qualifications, experience and skills?
Is it a sign of “I’ll do anything” in this economy?
You might think that employers like to have someone with lots of titles after their names, but there a number of reasons why they could often see being overqualified as a bad thing.
- Will they be bored? Bosses believe there is a chance that the employee might not Read more…
You may not have heard about Whatsapp until recently.
But now you can’t escape hearing about it.
Brian Acton
Certainly, to be wanted by Facebook is a pretty glowing endorsement.
So what if I was to tell you that the creator was, in fact, previously rejected by Facebook.
(And Twitter for that matter!)
That’s right, Brian Acton is essentially having the last laugh after he went for a job at both of the social media giants back in 2009, only to be turned down!
On 23 May 2009 he tweeted, “Got denied by Twitter HQ. That’s ok. Would have been a long commute” and that August he wrote, “Facebook turned me down. It was a great opportunity to connect with some fantastic people. Looking Read more…
“Unemployment falls for the 12th month” screamed the headlines last week.
“Less people in the dole queue”; “the recovery is gaining momentum”, we heard.
It certainly was welcomed by the media, politicians and of course, recruiters, alike.
A few setbacks such as Mivan and KPL aside, the fact that over 6 thousand fewer people are claiming unemployment benefit than one year ago is nothing to be sniffed at.
For many of them, the last year re-adjusting to work after long term unemployment would have been difficult.
The feelings of relief and joy of getting a job are certainly understandable, but what about Read more…
Although these results show a notable progress in occupational gender politics, more still needs to be done to speed up the process and completely eliminate gender inequality in everyday employment.
