what work derbyshire 2015
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Information and guidance for job seekers and adults planning a career changeTRANSCRIPT
Information and guidance for job seekers and adults
planning a career change
2015What WorkDerbyshire
TM
1
Working in Derbyshire 2014
Useful websitesJob or training vacanciesUniversal Jobmatch www.gov.uk/jobsearch
Derby Telegraphwww.derbytelegraph.co.uk
The Guardianhttp://jobs.guardian.co.uk
The Independenthttp://ijobs.independent.co.uk
Indeedwww.indeed.co.uk
Totaljobswww.totaljobs.com
National Apprenticeship Servicewww.apprenticeships.org.uk
Searching for employers or recruitment agencies
REC (The Recruitment and Employment Federation)
www.rec.co.uk
Yellwww.yell.co.uk
Advice on starting work and job hunting Gov.UKwww.gov.uk National Careers Servicehttps://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk (or search online for National Careers Service)
Icouldwww.icould.com
Derbyshire County Councilwww.derbyshire.gov.uk
Derby City Councilwww.derby.gov.uk
Your rights in work and trainingGov.UKwww.gov.uk
Jobs and careers informationCareersboxwww.careersbox.co.uk
National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk (or search online for National Careers Service)
All About Careerswww.allaboutcareers.com
Prospectswww.prospects.ac.uk
Researching the job market and coursesNational Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk (or search online for National Careers Service)
Unistats http://unistats.direct.gov.uk
What Do Graduates Do? http://bit.ly/1m0xHc8
Sector Skills Councils http://bit.ly/1xL8Wti
Hot Courses www.hotcourses.com
Understanding your skillsThe Skills Show www.theskillsshow.com
Careersbox www.careersbox.co.uk
National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk(or search online for National Careers Service)
Volunteering and work experienceDo-it www.do-it.org
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Information for Adults
ContentsIntroduction .........................................................................................................................1
Jobs for today, jobs for the future................................................................................... 2
Spotlight on job sectors in Derbyshire ..........................................................................6Health and social care ...........................................................................................................6
Creative ....................................................................................................................................7
Hi-tech and advanced engineering .................................................................................... 8
Food and drink ........................................................................................................................9
Renewable energy and the environment ........................................................................10
Business, finance and customer services ........................................................................ 11
Tourism and hospitality ......................................................................................................12
Retail .......................................................................................................................................13
Construction .........................................................................................................................18
Transport and logistics ........................................................................................................19
Education .............................................................................................................................. 20
Pathways into work ......................................................................................................... 14
Focus on skills ................................................................................................................... 21
Looking for work ..............................................................................................................22
CVs and applications: getting it right ..........................................................................24
Time for a change .............................................................................................................28
IntroductionWelcome to our publication for adult job seekers in Derby City and Derbyshire. This magazine is packed full of information and advice on how to take your working career forward and find a job you really enjoy! From information on current trends in the job market to specific sector details you’ll gain a better picture of what working life in Derbyshire is like now and what it could be like in the future. You’ll also find lots of practical advice on how to sharpen those job-hunting skills and find the best places to look for jobs and support. So whether you’re looking for your first job, want to get back into the labour market after a break, fancy a change of career or are looking to land that dream job – there’s something here for you!
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What is changing? How can it affect jobs?
Think about it!
Which job areas will be important?
New technology is being developed all the time.
New technology is the main reason for old jobs disappearing.
Self-service machines in supermarkets. Robots on production lines.
Electronics Design engineering Creative and media ICTAerospace
People are living longer. People will need more health care and social care.
More care, health and social workers needed look after them.Demand for more drugs research.
Health care Social care Bioscience PharmacologyLeisure
The skills of people around the world are improving.
There is more competition from the rest of the world.
China and Japan both have more than twice as many graduates as the UK1.
ScienceEngineeringCreative and mediaManufacturing ICTFinanceEducation
We must take more care of the environment.
More research into saving energy and developing greener technologies. More technicians and installation jobs.
If we all start driving electric cars we’ll need skilled mechanics to maintain them.
Engineering including motor vehicle Chemical processing Recycling Agriculture Energy and utilities
Despite the recession, people want to spend money on services that help them to be fit, healthy and happy.
Demand for services such as catering, fitness, health spas and gaming.
Some farms are turning to tourism.More overseas visitors.More hotels offering spa facilities.
Health and beautySport and leisureHospitality and tourismCreative and mediaSales and marketing
How is the world of work changing?
Jobs for today, jobs for the futureIf we could gaze into a crystal ball and see the job market of the future it would be so much easier to plan our future careers. But we live in a global economy where lots of different factors can affect jobs and skills and it’s often hard to say where and when certain jobs are going to be needed. Where we’ll be in five or 10 years time in our careers is important to us as individuals for many reasons but actually, the jobs we’ll hold in the near future are important to the whole of the UK economy. You may have a good picture of today’s labour market situation but looking at how the world is changing can be helpful when planning where you want to go next....
Working in Derbyshire 2014
1 DCSF The World is Changing
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Information for Adults
1 & 2 DCSF The World is Changing * See chart on centre spread
What is the labour market?
The ‘labour market’ is a term used to describe types of employment (those requiring workers or ‘demand’) and the people available to fill those vacancies (potential employees or ‘supply’). If the people available for work don’t meet the needs of the employers then there can be a mismatch resulting in unemployment and unfilled vacancies.
Ideal scenario? Simply put, if there are enough people with the right skills and qualifications available to do the work needed and employers are offering the right levels of pay and conditions then everyone is happy!
Labour market information can tell you the number of people in certain types of jobs, whether they work full-time or part-time, how many people are unemployed and what is likely to happen locally, nationally and even internationally over the next few years. This information can help you to make your future career decisions.
Work facts for the 21st centuryLots of new jobs are going to be created over the next ten years. Some of these jobs will be brand new with job titles we won’t have heard of.
Do you know what these jobs are?energy analyst nanotechnologist innovation consultant
social media analyst app designer
reputation manageruser experience architect
See page 17 for the answers
The types of job available to us now and in the future will mainly be for people with at least level 2 and level 3* qualifications but over 40% of UK jobs in 2020 will be for graduates.1 Why? Because the world is changing fast and the UK needs to compete with the rest of world in areas such as engineering, research, creativity, science, technology and innovation.
Did you know...?Over 40% of all jobs in 2020 will require graduate level qualifications (level 6 and above).2
Sources of labour market information (LMI)If you’re interested in researching the current or future job market for yourself there are a few resources which turn the statistics and data into ‘intelligence’ making them easier to understand. The National Careers Service website has some labour (or ‘job’) market information within its job profiles and job market information for your area. Search online for National Careers Service. Prospects is a website for graduates which has some good sector information www.prospects.ac.uk Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) produce detailed information on specific work areas within different sectors. This information could tell you, for example, which jobs there are shortages for and which skills are in demand. To find the SSC website for the work area you’re interested in search online for ‘Sector Skills Council contact directory’.
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Working in Derbyshire 2014
Some jobs that were once very popular in our county have all but disappeared. Many of these industries have made way for jobs which we would now say belong to the service sector such as health, finance and hospitality. Other jobs have gone due to advances in technology.
* Figures don’t include self-employed. Source: Business Register and Employment Survey 2013.
Derby and Derbyshire have seen a growth in service and knowledge-based industries over recent years including information and communication technologies, finance, life sciences, hi tech engineering and the creative industries. However, there still remains a thriving engineering manufacture base for which the Derby area is a world renowned centre. Big names in planes, trains and automobiles such as Bombardier, Toyota and Rolls Royce are seeking enthusiastic people to join their workforces at all levels and there is a buoyant supply chain throughout the county. Thanks to the M1 and East Midlands Airport our distribution and logistics industries are thriving and growing and we can also expect to see a breadth of exciting opportunities for the future in business, construction, hi-tech production, food and drink, tourism and health care.
Most jobs involved manual work and there weren’t as many jobs to choose from as there are today.Major job sectors included:
» Farming
» Textiles
» Food and drink
» Engineering
» Manufacturing
» Mining and quarrying
» Transport
150 Years Ago in Derbyshire
Derbyshire Today*
Why do jobs change?
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Amber Valley
Bolsover
Chesterfield
Derby
Derbyshire Dales
Erewash
High Peak
North East Derbyshire
South Derbyshire
Manufacturing Health Financial and business Education Retail Professional, scientific & technical Catering and accommodation Arts, leisure and recreation Public administration & defence Information & communication Transport & logistics Construction Wholesale Motor trades Other
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Information for Adults
Different ways of workingThe days of a ‘job for life’ are pretty much gone and we’re more likely to hear the phrase ‘portfolio career’ when people talk about their working lives. This means that more of us can expect to change jobs every few years using the skills we have built up and transferring them to slightly different jobs. The ways in which we work are changing too and it’s not uncommon for some people to have two part-time jobs to make up the hours of a full working week. Childcare may also play a part. Here are some of the different ways we might choose or be asked to work in the future:
♦ Flexi-time working – not working to set hours every day such as 9-5.
♦ Temporary or fixed-term contracts – employers take more people on in agriculture, retail, hospitality or manufacturing at busier times.
♦ Freelance and consultancy work –specialists are brought in to a business only when they’re needed.
♦ Shift work – people who work in factories, hospitals or hotels often work shifts as they’re needed through the night or early in the morning.
♦ Part-time work – some people choose to only work part of a week, for example, if they're also studying, but some jobs aren't available as full-time posts.
♦ Teleworking – new technologies mean you don’t have to go to your workplace to do your work – you can work from practically anywhere these days!
♦ Career jumping – Fancy a change? Use the skills you’ve learnt in one job to change your career.
♦ Running your own business – working for yourself can give you freedom and can help you turn a passion into a career but it requires real commitment.
Did you know...?New technology is the main reason for jobs disappearing.
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HEALTH AND SOCIAL CAREA job in the health and social care sector can be extremely rewarding and despite some recent job losses in the public sector, there are many skill shortages. Many roles focus on care, others are based in labs but there are also support roles in admin, security and maintenance which are essential to day-to-day running of the service. Some services come under the private sector as well as the public with the voluntary sector also playing a large role.
What is happening?• Health and social care is the second largest
employment sector in all of Derbyshire apart from Chesterfield where it is the largest. New technologies are changing work.
• In the East Midlands there are slightly more people working in private health than the NHS1.
• The future? New technologies will have a huge impact on healthcare including patient monitoring diagnostics, robotics and bioscience. These are creating new job areas, for example in telehealth.
• More work in and around the community.
• Skill shortages in many areas including midwives, care assistants, social workers, orthoptists and radiographers. Leicestershire especially needs skilled care workers.
• Demand for people with Level 3 qualifications and above.
• An ageing population means a shortage of people to help care for older people.
• Adult social care workforce must grow by 80% by 20252.
• Lifesciences is a growth area with many new opportunities.
• NHS including Royal Derby Hospital and many health centres
• Derby City / Derbyshire County Councils
• Four Seasons Health Care
• Peakdale Molecular
• Healthcare
Diagnostics
• Weleda UK
• Care homes
Local employers
Skills & qualities
1 UKCES 2 Skills for Care* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
In demand...
On the webwww.nmas.ac.ukwww.stepintothenhs.nhs.ukwww.nhscareers.nhs.ukwww.skillsforcare.org.uk
What could you earn?*
Pharmacist £41,746
Midwife £35,517
Dental nurse £16,858
Social worker £30,931
Care home assistant £16,093
Residential home manager £28,657
Doctor £71,279
Medical secretary £20,474
Working in Derbyshire 2014
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CREATIVE INDUSTRYThe creative industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK and exciting times are ahead! Many jobs in the creative industry involve working with the latest technologies and are helping to drive the sector forwards and not every role requires imagination – there are many technical roles. Job areas include film and TV, social media, advertising, fashion, computer games and animation.
What is happening?• Creative sector is a priority area for Derby City
and Derbyshire meaning support for local jobs.
• Globally, creative jobs are expected to grow rapidly over the next few years.
• Cluster of computer games design companies in Derby and some of the best computer games courses at the University of Derby.
• Competition for jobs is fierce. Number of people working in the creative industries with a degree is very high (90% for new entrants to computer games industry). Experience is valuable.
• Over 50% of creative jobs are in London and the South-East.
• Many people work freelance which means less job security.
• Shortage of graphic designers, storyboard artists, games designers, programmers, broadcast engineers, social media specialists, illustrators and pattern cutters.
• Skills in demand include marketing and sales, business, engineering, technical, management and leadership.
• Sadler Bridge Studios in Derby is home to many new businesses and will encourage more creative jobs to be created.
• Mair Perkins Ltd
• Strawdog Studios
• pH9
• John Smedley
• Imagesound
• Datapath
• Fig Creative
• Peak FM
• Briefyourmarket.com
Local employers
On the webwww.skillset.org/careerswww.creative-choices.co.ukwww.thecreativeindustries.co.uk
What could you earn?*
Photographer £25,678
Journalist £31,994
Graphic designer £25,000
Clothing designer £29,093
Creative director (advertising) £35,207
Skills & qualities
* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
The creative sector is...
Information for Adults
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HI-TECH / ADVANCED ENGINEERINGTechnology is the main reason for old jobs disappearing. With nine out of 10 new jobs today needing some level of IT skills1 it’s hard to escape it. The engineering and manufacturing sectors are extremely important to the UK economy and we desperately need more skilled workers in these areas to keep the industries thriving.
What is happening?• Around 11,500 people work in the IT and telecoms
sector in Derby City and Derbyshire1, more will be doing the same jobs for other organisations.
• Nearly 18% of people in Derby City and Derbyshire work in manufacturing (it’s around 24% in South Derbyshire and Amber Valley districts).
• IT industry needs more women – only 17% of the IT workforce are female2.
• Automotive (vehicles) electronics, consumer electronics (for example tablets, smart phones) are growing areas and need skilled people to research and design new products and parts.
• Derby is the UK’s number one hi-tech city and is home to many advanced engineering companies.
• Transport equipment manufacturing is a priority sector for the local area and there will be many jobs for the future including apprenticeship and graduate openings.
• BT recruitment drive for jobs installing broadband.
• According to Engineering UK there could be 2.74m job openings between 2010 and 2020 across a range of engineering jobs.
• New Infinity Park Derby will accommodate 8,000 hi-tech and knowledge intensive jobs.
• Nearby Donington Park is the new home for the HQ and team facilities of Formula E global electronic racing services. • Bombardier
• Rolls Royce
• Toyota
• DeltaRail
• DSP Design
• Proact
• AES Group
• Minerva Scientific
• Donington Park
• Peakdale Molecular
Local employers
On the webwww.hitechderby.comwww.semta.org.ukwww.e-skills.com/careers
What could you earn?*
Lab technician £21,503
Biological scientist £37,636
Electronics engineer £38,424
IT strategy designer £44,314
Web designer £30,000
Motor mechanic £24,214
Telecoms engineer £31,694
Software developer £39,037
Skills & qualities
1 Business Register and Employment Survey 2013 2 e-skills* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
In demand...
Working in Derbyshire 2014
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FOOD AND DRINKThe food and drink sector is a large and growing industry with plenty of opportunities – especially if you have an entrepreneurial streak! From nature to plate someone needs to grow it, invent the recipe, make it, test it for quality, package and distribute it. There are some large food producers and manufacturers in the East Midlands as well as small ‘artisan’ (craftsperson) companies.
What is happening?• Food and drink sector has over 30 different industries
including bakery, dairy, confectionery, chilled and frozen products.
• Derbyshire is home to some large employers in this exciting industry with hotspots in Amber Valley and the Peak District.
• Nearly 9,000 people are employed in food and drink manufacture in Derby city and Derbyshire1 which has risen since last year. Most opportunities are in meat, bakery and chocolate confectionery.
• Around 170,000 people in the food and drink industry across the UK are due to retire by 2020. That means lots of skilled jobs to choose from.
• Agri-food industry growing – skilled workers in demand.
• Job titles include quality technician, food technologist, production planner, chocolatier, pastry chef, cake decorator, brewer. There are new roles for social responsibility and sustainability.
• Shortage of bakers, flour confectioners, cheese makers, food technologists (especially in confectionery), machine operatives, managers and those skilled in quality assurance.
• High demand for people with food science degrees and production engineers. Skilled people are crucial for development of the industry as UK aims to become global leader in delivering more sustainable, healthy and affordable food.
On the webwww.tastesuccess.co.ukwww.improveltd.co.ukwww.foodengineer.comwww.lantra.co.uk
What could you earn?*
Farmer £25,986
Biological scientist £37,636
Production engineer £36,873
Quality assurance technician £26,650
Packer £16,924
Butcher £18,552
Warehouse manager £28,839
Skills & qualities
Stages in food production 1. The brief 2. Market research3. Design specification4. Shortlisting and testing5. Manufacturing6. Quality control7. Packaging and labelling8. Marketing and launch
There’s a job attached to each of these stages!
Local employers• Thorntons
• Swizzels Matlow
• Kerry Foods
• Buxton Water
• Bradwells
• Loscoe Chilled Foods
• Amber Ales
• S&A Foods
• Nestle
• The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
• Hazlewood Convenience Group
1 Business Register and Employment Survey 2013* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
Information for Adults
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RENEWABLE ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENTThe focus is very much on the future when it comes to low carbon or ‘green’ technology. If the government is to meet its targets for reducing climate change around the world then as well as supporting new jobs, it needs to encourage skilled workers to learn the new skills needed. All sectors, in one way or another, are involved in protecting the environment and reducing the UK’s carbon footprint but the construction industry, engineering, manufacturing, transport, agriculture, energy and waste industries all play an important role.
What is happening?• Huge growth area driving economy forwards: wind
and wave power; energy and waste management; sustainable construction; carbon capture; digital cleantech; bio energy and plug-in electric vehicles.
• Green economy is a priority sector for Derby City and Derbyshire and the UK meaning extra support for ‘green collar’ jobs especially wind and agriculture.
• Skilled people in high demand especially qualification level 4 and above.
• Shortage of mechanical, structural, aeronautical, electrical engineers; wind turbine technicians; geologists.
• Demand for skilled workers in renewable and environmental technologies.
• We’ll also need landscape, forestry and fisheries managers, energy managers and analytical chemists.
• Demand for more ‘eco-friendly’ goods means more people to certify products – especially around technology.
• Isys
• Green Build Energy
• EBS Energy
• The Renewable Shop
• Aspire Eco Energy
Local employersOn the webwww.citb.co.ukwww.euskills.co.uk/careerswww.cogent-careers.com
What could you earn?*
Conservation manager £31,288
Design engineer £38,736
Engineering technician £32,608
Electronics engineer £38,424
Lab technician £21,503
Energy plant operative £27,119
Environmental services manager £37,294
Skills & qualities
* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
In demand...
Working in Derbyshire 2014
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BUSINESS, FINANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICESDerby is home to some big companies in this sector and the city is hoping to attract even more. Some companies have offices in other parts of the world and there are sometimes opportunities to travel or even relocate. Many jobs within finance and business demand commitment, long hours and hard work so people with high motivation and enthusiasm are in demand.
What is happening?• Around 36,000 people work in finance and business
in Derby City and Derbyshire.1
• Despite the recession, the future looks positive for professional services such as finance and accountancy. Environmental accounting is a growth area.
• Fewer jobs for administrative staff as technology takes over some roles and cuts to services happens.
• Can also expect demand to grow for sales and customer service roles and high level jobs such as actuaries, IT and legal staff.
• Areas with demand for skills include sales and customer service, HR, legal, ecommerce, logistics admin, actuarial work, IT and business intelligence.
• Employers are seeking people who are motivated, enthusiastic and have a sound understanding of how business works.
• Opportunities in all businesses for IT systems and support - especially IT professionals with business skills.
• Modern language skills in demand especially for companies who operate or trade internationally.
• Many graduate opportunities in this sector and the number of women is growing too.
• EE
• Bvocal
• Mortgage Arena
• Ark Capital
• Auto Windscreens
• HSE
• Webhelp UK
• Markerstudy Insurance
• Motorpoint
• High street banks such as Barclays, Santander
Local employers
On the webwww.cipd.co.ukwww.e-skills.com
What could you earn?*
Financial director £58,735
Human resources officer £27,308
Chartered accountant £37,535
Business researcher £33,467
Finance officer £23,334
Office manager £28,204
Contact centre worker £17,051
Skills & qualities
1 Business Register and Employment Survey 2013* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
Information for Adults
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TOURISM AND HOSPITALITYTourism and hospitality is a growing area and very important to the UK economy. Often referred to as the ‘visitor economy’ the sector is always looking for people who are enthusiastic, can problem solve and work well with others. It’s a great sector for taking a lifelong passion and turning it into a career: if you’re creative in the kitchen then there are plenty of opportunities for chefs; if you love fine detail and organising others then how about becoming a wedding or conference organiser? Committed workers can progress quickly up the career ladder to a position of greater responsibility.
What is happening?• After Derby city, the Derbyshire Dales has the largest
share of employment opportunities in tourism and hospitality.1
• Over 7,000 people are employed in restaurants or cafes and 8,000 in pubs and bars2, a rise since last year.
• Shortage of chefs and managers.3
• Holiday parks, hostels and restaurants are growing. Fast food chains such as Subway and Greggs are expanding.
• Demand for people with business and management, social media and online digital marketing skills. Also foreign languages, customer service.
• Gender balance shifting as more men join travel sector – moving closer to half and half. Nearly two thirds of workforce are full time.4
• Number of travel agencies reporting hard-to-fill vacancies has tripled over last two years despite a drop in the number of employers. Sought after skills include job specific, customer handling, organisation, planning and problem solving. New apprenticeships will help bring new skilled staff to sector.5
• Variety of opportunities at East Midlands Airport.
• Chatsworth House
• Losehill House Hotel & Spa
• Buxton Opera House
• Gulliver’s Kingdom
• National Trust
• Major sporting venues
• Travel agents
• Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site
Local employers
On the webwww.uksp.co.ukwww.springboarduk.netwww.skillsactive.com
What could you earn?*
Bar manager £19,743
Bar staff £13,180
Chef £18,314
Travel agent £19,621
Conference manager £26,001
Waiting staff £13,052
Skills & qualities
1 & 2 Business Register and Employment Survey 2013 3 Hidden Talents Centre for Social and Economic Inclusion 4 & 5 People1st * Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average median salary.
In demand...
Working in Derbyshire 2014
13
RETAILRetail is the largest private sector employer in the UK – that’s big business! The retail sector is often used to measure how well the economy is doing and during the recent economic crisis, some areas of the industry have suffered, especially on the high street. Technology has changed the way in which we shop – from self-service checkouts to online retailing, the latter making it even easier to set up your own retail business. Some jobs in retail demand a creative streak, others need IT skills – see the job roles box below for the variety of jobs within the sector. In some roles, motivated staff can move quickly up the career ladder to a management position.
• Pentagon Motor Holdings
• Motorpoint
• Bennetts
• Denby Pottery
• Chesterfield Market
• Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop
• De Bradelei Stores
• Antiques shops
• East Midlands Airport
• Supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Co-op
Local employers
On the webwww.nsaforretail.comwww.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk
Skills & qualities
1 & 2 Skillsmart* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
Retail jobs include...
What is happening?• Derbyshire is home to a wide variety of retailers from the
high street store to the market stall.
• Almost a third of retail employees are under 25 years old; more people work part time than full time1.
• Online retail is increasing with some high street stores and independent shops struggling as a result. Major food retailers such as supermarkets still opening stores.
• Increase in online shopping leading to new job titles such as e-commerce merchandiser, customer relationship manager and social media strategist.
• Skills shortages are high in the East Midlands with customer service and verbal communication skills the biggest gaps2.
• Online, fast food and ‘niche’ shops popular with those wanting to set up own retail business.
• Many high street retailers have their own careers Twitter feed posting vacancies daily.
What could you earn?*
Check-out operator £14,150
Sales assistant £14,830
Retail manager £25,410
Buyer £29,889
Window dresser £21,625
Information for Adults
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Working in Derbyshire 2014
Pathways into workIf you’ve not worked for a while or have found yourself out of work having been employed in the same job for a long time then getting a new job can seem very daunting.
Starting pointsThere is usually more than one pathway to a job. A good starting point is to create a realistic action plan which helps you to create goals specific to you. These might include small steps such as making a list of your current skills or larger ones such as going for a qualification. You can get help with writing an action plan on the National Careers Service website (see inside front cover).
Getting more qualificationsIf you have a career in mind, use the job profiles on the National Careers Service website to find out the types of qualifications that will help you get in. Some jobs require a degree level qualification, with others, it’s possible to work your way up the ladder quite quickly by starting at a lower level. There’s no guarantee that gaining a specific qualification will lead to a job but you can get an idea about how many jobs might be out there by researching the labour market (see page 3).
It’s possible that the qualifications you already hold can demonstrate to an employer that you have a set of skills that can be used in a variety of jobs.
If you don’t have a clear path in mind then all colleges offer part-time and evening courses. These can be a great way of getting an idea of what you’re good at and what you enjoy while adding to your skills. Many short courses are free to those on Jobseeker’s Allowance. Search for part-time courses direct with a local college.
Vocational Quali�cations
A LevelGCSE
Apprenticeship
Foundation
Traineeships
Higher EducationD-G
Higher
HigherAdvancedIntermediate
A*-C Framework for Higher Education Quali�cations
Certi�cates of higher education
& HNCs
Diplomas of higher education,
Foundation degrees & HNDs
Bachelor degrees, PGCE, graduate
diplomas & certi�cates
Entry Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Which Quali�cations?Use the chart below to �nd which level you are at and where you can go next.
15
Information for Adults
ApprenticeshipsNot all qualifications are about exams. It’s possible to learn a new skill while you work. An apprenticeship trains you in a specific work area, sometimes leading to a job with that employer – and there are 200 different work areas to choose from. However, before applying, be aware that competition for apprenticeships is fierce.
♦ Intermediate Apprenticeship - training at NVQ Level 2
♦ Advanced Apprenticeship - training at NVQ Level 3
♦ Higher Apprenticeship – NVQ Level 4 (the same as a foundation degree).
Each level can lead to further qualifications or work.
Travelling to workCould commuting to work be more easy than you thought? Don’t instantly dismiss a job just because it seems too far away from your home. Check out the travel links first (try www.travelineeastmidlands.co.uk) – you might find that you could do the commute more easily than you realised. Some areas of work have very few opportunities outside of the major cities.
If you’re keen on a job but don’t know how you’re going to get there, could the Wheels to Work moped scheme help you? Find out if you qualify at www.wheelstowork.org.
Want to know more? Check out the Apprenticeships website www.apprenticeships.org.uk
People with an Advanced Level Apprenticeship earn on average over £100,000 more over the course of their career, than those
without.1
Vocational Quali�cations
A LevelGCSE
Apprenticeship
Foundation
Traineeships
Higher EducationD-G
Higher
HigherAdvancedIntermediate
A*-C Framework for Higher Education Quali�cations
Certi�cates of higher education
& HNCs
Diplomas of higher education,
Foundation degrees & HNDs
Bachelor degrees, PGCE, graduate
diplomas & certi�cates
Entry Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Which Quali�cations?Use the chart below to �nd which level you are at and where you can go next.
Careers Advice Contact the National Careers Service for free help. Tel 0800 100 900 or search online.
1 Source: London Economics Vocational Qualifications Research Sept 2011
16 17
Working in Derbyshire 2014
Financial helpSometimes the cost of learning can stop you from improving your skills and qualifications. There are a variety of sources of help depending on your individual situation. To find out more visit the Gov.uk website.
Work clubsAnyone who’s unemployed can join a work club which are usually run by local organisations. They can help you to fill in application forms or write your CV and provide other support. Ask at your local job centre or council for details.
Derbyshire Skills FestivalsLook out for local skills shows which take place in three locations across the county. They aim to give 15-24 year olds the chance to get a taste of a wide variety of work skills and to chat to employers and training providers.
Prince’s Trust There are a number of programmes run by the Prince’s Trust across Derbyshire. These include helping people to build confidence and skills for work.
Work schemes and programmesThere may be a local scheme that could help increase your chances of finding work. These might be jobs which are supported by your local council, programmes designed to give you work experience or clubs to increase your skills and confidence. Get in touch with your local council to see if they are running anything that you might be eligible for.
Access to workIf you have a disability, health or mental health condition you may be eligible for a grant which can help with practical support at work. You can find out more at www.gov.uk
17
Information for Adults
Answers to page 3energy analyst – someone who helps an organisation to reduce their energy consumption. You might need to understand how a building works and work out where savings can be made.
app designer – apps for mobile technology are popular and growing in number so there is a demand for people who have the skills to create them.
nanotechnologist – nanotechnology is any type of technology that takes place on a very small scale. As a nanotechnologist you might be doing research for job sectors such as electrical, chemical or mechanical engineering, ICT, microbiology, bioscience. innovation consultant – someone who works in innovation can help a company make their product stand out from the crowd. This might be using design, technology or engineering skills.social media analyst – most companies have an online presence and use social media to
communicate with people they think are interested in their product. A social media analyst will look at how well this is working and where improvements can be made.
reputation manager – everyone wants people to be saying good things about them and it’s no different for companies. Employing someone to monitor what people are saying about a company or brand – especially online – and helping then to respond to their customers is getting more important.
user experience architect – another job role relating to the Internet. A user experience architect or designer, makes sure that when someone visits a website (perhaps an online shop) it is designed and written with them in mind so that they can get the most out of it.
Getting experience while lookingMany employers ask for experience alongside qualifications which can sometimes make it difficult for people to get a foot on the ladder. However, there’s no doubt that a combination of the two will help you to reduce the competition. Securing a part-time job or volunteering placement in a relevant area while you’re learning is definitely worth considering. Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time to a worthy cause, it’s a good way to get work experience and develop work skills:
3 Learn new skills
3 Explore career options
3 Develop your employability skills such as team working
3 Build your confidence
3 Add to your CV
3 Get a work-related reference
3 Pick up new contacts for future jobs
3 Meet new people
A scheme called Work Together gives you the opportunity to volunteer with a local voluntary organisation while still claiming benefits. Ask at your local job centre. The inside front cover lists some volunteering websites.
18 19
CONSTRUCTIONThe construction industry has had its ups and downs over recent years but compared to other regions, the sector in the East Midlands is predicted to grow more favourably. The number of jobs within some roles is expected to grow, however there are also jobs such as electrician where the number of jobs isn’t expected to rise but skilled people will be needed to replace those who leave. Environmental targets mean there are some exciting new areas to work in such as intelligent buildings.
What is happening?• The sector is expected to grow over the next six
years, with 17,000 replacement demand roles needed up to 20201.
• Roles most needing new workers in the region include floorers, plant operatives, wood trade and interior fit out, bricklayers and labourers. There will also be demand for logistics roles, civil engineers, managers, surveyors and architects2.
• In Derby and Derbyshire, electrical installation, plumbing and joinery offer the most opportunities for employment3 with slightly more workers employed in civil engineering projects than house building.
• More employee opportunities in Amber Valley than any other district after Derby city.
• Growth in demand is predicted for those working within a civil engineering role such as road building (civil engineering operatives).
• Over 38% of people working in construction are self-employed and the figure is rising4.
• 13% of the workforce is female5.
• Designing and building with the environment in mind is a growing area and there are new skills needed such as installation of solar equipment.
• Opportunities for skilled craft work on old buildings in the built heritage sector.
• Eve Trakway
• Morgan Sindall
• Wildgoose Construction
• Bowmer & Kirkland
• Henry Boot
• Ben Bailey Homes
• Balfour Beatty
• GF Tomlinson Group
Local employers
On the webwww.architecture.comwww.bconstructive.co.ukwww.the-nhtg.org.uk
What could you earn?*
Bricklayer £23,001
Architect £37,410
Wood joiner £23,447
Painter and decorator £22,719
Electrician £29,538
Civil engineer £36,285
Skills & qualities
1, 2, 4 & 5 Construction Skills 3 Business Register and Employment Survey 2013* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
In demand...
Working in Derbyshire 2014
19
TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICSThe East Midlands is well-placed for the distribution sector thanks to the M1, good rail links and to East Midlands airport. We can expect to see more growth especially with improvements to freight rail services. Some former colliery sites are becoming business parks and distribution centres and the districts of South Derbyshire, Amber Valley and Bolsover districts in particular are home to many distribution and warehousing companies.
What is happening?• 1 in 12 people in the UK work in the logistics sector,
that’s around 2.2 million people.1
• 588,000 additional workers will be needed in the UK between now and 2020.
• Many large employers are based around East Midlands Airport and along the M1 and A50.
• Road haulage - moving goods by road – and warehousing are growth areas. Job roles include LGV drivers, warehouse and road transport managers.
• Royal Mail a huge employer but many other delivery companies employing couriers and admin staff – a growing area.
• Growth for air transport, including freight services, and shortage of pilots.
• Huge shortage of drivers – 21% of UK employers looking to hire permanent drivers and distribution workers.
• East Midlands Airport
• Alliance Healthcare
• Co-operative Group
• UDG
• Boots
• NYK Logistics
• Royal Mail
• Marks and Spencer
Local employers
On the webwww.skillsforlogistics.orgwww.goskills.orgwww.deliveringyourfuture.co.uk
What could you earn?*
Large goods vehicle driver £26,151
Fork lift truck driver £20,497
Storage and warehouse manager £28,839
Warehouse operative £18,861
Train or tram driver £46,795
Bus driver £23,505
Transport and logistics manager £31,437
Postal worker £26,748
Aircraft pilot £78,659
Skills & qualities
1 Skills for Logistics 2 Business Register and Employment Survey 2013* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time salary.
The impact of technology » Real-time information for public transport users means fewer
information advisers.
» Automated ‘picking’ at distribution centres means fewer warehouse staff.
» Global tracking of goods and vehicles – better customer service.
» IT solutions can drive down fuel costs.
» Online shopping creating greater need for deliveries.
» Video conferencing means less business travel.
» Reducing traffic congestion and accidents – more IT specialists needed.
Information for Adults
20 21
EDUCATIONTeaching and education is a growing sector, not only in the UK but around the world, and universities in particular are competing in a global market. There are frequent changes to teacher training so it’s worth keeping abreast of entry requirements which include fast-track routes for some. The way in which teachers are employed in the future may change if private or voluntary organisations take a bigger share of provision – not all teaching jobs are in schools or colleges. For many jobs you need a degree but some roles can be entered at a lower qualifications level and there are support roles too, for example admissions officer or school lunchtime supervisor.
What is happening?• Just under 48,000 people in Derby and
Derbyshire are involved in education activities1 and it’s the second largest employment area in most districts.
• Number of primary-school aged children increasing.
• Raising of participation age - all young people to be in education or training until they are 18.
• Shortage of teachers for specific subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry and modern languages. Extra funding available for training.
• Shortage of men in early years education.
• Development of online courses and e-learning (learning through technology) means demand for developers of online programmes – that’s educators and IT experts.
• University of Derby
• Local FE colleges
• Derby City and Derbyshire County Council
• Language schools
• Day nurseries
• Sure Start Children’s Centres
Local employers
On the webwww.tefl.comwww.aquestionofcare.org.ukwww.education.gov.uk/schools/careers
What could you earn?*
Further education teacher £34,472
Secondary school teacher £36,756
Special needs teacher £35,226
Education adviser £33,710
Teaching assistant £15,884
Nursery nurse £14,336
School mid-day assistant £2,207#
School secretary £19,210
Skills & qualities
1 Business Register and Employment Survey 2013 # Part-time figure* Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2013. Average full-time (median) salary. Doesn’t include self employed.
Shortage of subject teachers in...
Working in Derbyshire 2014
21
Information for Adults
Employability skills are top of the agenda for many employers when recruiting. Also known as ‘soft’ or ‘transferable’ skills, these are the skills that you can apply to a wide variety of jobs rather than relating to a specific role.
You probably have more skills than you realise whether they are things you’ve learnt at work or in learning or in your personal life. The trick is being able to recognise those skills and demonstrate to an employer that you’ve got them!
Here are some of the skills that employers say they are looking for most – if you can highlight them to an employer and relate them to the job you’re applying for then you’re ahead of the game.
Focus on skills
IT skillsMost employers expect job applicants to have IT skills these days as well as basic English and maths – nine out of 10 new jobs today require some level of IT skills. Advanced IT skills are also sought after!______________________________________________
STEM skillsAround 43% of employers say they have difficulty recruiting staff with the right STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and the need for these skills will grow rapidly over the next three years1.______________________________________________
Modern foreign languagesMore businesses today are dealing with companies or customers from other countries. Did you know that three quarters of businesses are looking for people with a foreign language?
Key skills
Skill looked for... Includes...
Team working listening to and respecting others and making a contribution
Leadership and management
leading a team or project
Self management using your own initiative, time management, taking on responsibility
Problem solving analysing facts and using creative thinking to reach a solution
Business and customer awareness
having a basic understanding of how to succeed in business and providing customer satisfaction
How can I show that I’ve got these skills?Try the Skills Health Check report on the National Careers Service website.
1 Building for Growth CBI
22 23
Looking for workLooking for a job is a more complicated process today compared to ten years ago because there are more ways in which employers look for candidates. Here are some tips for job seeking in a digital age!
Vacancies online and social media The Internet is a great source of job vacancies and it can make searching for a job less time-consuming if you know where and how to look.
Job search sites such as Universal Jobmatch or Monster allow you to search for a particular type of work or location and some allow you to upload your CV so that you can be matched to vacancies you might be interested in (see inside front cover).
Many companies now have a careers section on their website and some even give advice on applying and what it’s like working for them. To find employers for the type of work you’re interested in use the links on the National Careers Service Job Profiles. But the real channel to watch is social media which is growing fast amongst recruiters.
Lots of employers are recruiting through social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter because it’s inexpensive, quick and has a far reach. LinkedIn, the social networking site for professionals, is the most popular site with many employers hunting for candidates rather than simply advertising.
How much you interact with social media is your call. Some people find it a very useful research tool which can help them prepare for interviews but barely dip their toe in. However some employers are now only using these methods to advertise and this is where becoming familiar with social networking sites could really boost your chances. To use it effectively is to learn how to self-market and develop an online profile which may help you in your search for a job.
Recruitment agenciesRecruitment agencies can be useful because they usually recruit within a specific sector or two thereby eliminating the ‘scattergun’ approach. They will look at your skills and experience and then match you to a suitable job. Sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time – keeping good communication with a recruitment agency shows them that you mean business and you’ll be more successful than just sitting back and waiting for them to contact you. Use the websites on the inside front cover to search for local and approved agencies.
Working in Derbyshire 2014
National Careers Service For FREE careers advice about looking for work, telephone 0800 100 900 or search online for National Careeers Service
23
Job centresJobcentre Plus centres have many local job opportunities and if you pop into one you can also get advice. If you’re unemployed, you may find that there is more support for you for getting back into work if you are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. Universal Jobmatch (p29) is the Jobcentre Plus online tool for vacancies.
Newspapers and magazinesFewer posts are now advertised in newspapers – many have developed online recruitment sections but they can still be worth checking. Specialist or trade magazines cover specific work areas – you might find some of these in your library.
Friends and networkingAround 60-70% of jobs aren’t advertised publicly for a variety of reasons and many companies rely on speculative enquiries and leads from within their organisation. This means that family, friends and ex-colleagues can be worth tapping for their knowledge. Plenty of people have also found jobs to apply for because a friend spotted an opening – let people know you’re looking!
The National Careers Service website has a beginners’ guide to networking.
2%
2%
2%
2%
3%
3%
5%
7%
7%
10%
11%
16%
16%
24%
27%
30%
Government programmes
National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)
National newspapers
Social media
Professional / trade press
Speculative enquiries
Recruitment websites (paid for)
School, college, university job fairs
Other free websites
Notice boards / shop windows
Internal notices
Recruitment agencies
Own website
Local newspapers
Word of mouth / personal recommendation
Job centre / Universal Jobmatch
Recruitment channels used by employers in the East Midlands
Source: Employer Prospectives Survey 2012, UKCES
Information for Adults
24 25
CVs and applications ~ getting it rightThere’s no doubt about it – competition for jobs these days is fierce. A CV, application form or covering letter is your first chance to show an employer what you’ve got to offer. Get it right and you might get a second chance to showcase your skills at an interview.
Your CVA CV is a way of demonstrating your skills, experience and personality to an employer and each time you send it off it should be ‘tweaked’ to suit the job or company you’re applying to. The National Careers Service has a CV builder and section by section advice to help you decide what should be included but here are some pitfalls to avoid...
Classic CV mistakesEmployers can often have a hundred or more CVs or applications to go through for just one vacancy and have been known to apply strict ‘straight in the bin’ rules to reduce the number to a shortlist. To avoid yours ending up on the ‘no’ pile make sure you avoid these common mistakes.
Grammar and spelling mistakesPutting your text through a spell checker is not enough to avoid mistakes. Read it through carefully and better still, get someone else to read it for you. Have you spelt all company names correctly?
Wrong dates Make sure your dates are correct and that you’ve accounted for any gaps.
UntidyNice, neat bullet points, clear headings, no underlining, justified text. Make it attractive but not over the top!
Too longYou need to maximise the amount of space you have and sometimes it’s hard to fit it all in but don’t go over two sides of A4 for a CV.
Not tailor-madeA classic mistake is to use the same CV for different jobs. An employer can quickly spot this shortcut, especially if some of the information isn’t relevant to that job. Make every CV you send suitable for the job you’re applying for.
Along with your CV, you will usually send a covering letter which should say, in as few words as possible, why they should choose you for that job...
Working in Derbyshire 2014
Oh no the typo!Did you know that spelling
mistakes are listed by recruiters as being one of the top reasons for a CV or application
going straight in the bin? Don’t rely on the spellchecker - proofread it, give it to someone
else to proofread, proofread it again to within an inch of its life!
For more help and advice on CVs go to the National Careers Service website
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The covering letterThe covering letter can baffle some people. What should you put in it? How long should it be? What is it for?
Getting it rightDon’t think of your covering letter as a mere formality to introduce your CV or application - it’s just as important and you need to write it to impress!
Research Before you start writing, if you know a bit about the organisation it will help you to understand the type of people you’re hoping to work for. Have they grown from being a small family-run business to a large, successful operation? Have they got more than one office in the UK? Do they operate
internationally? Draw their work values and employment needs into your letter if possible.
ContentThe covering letter is an opportunity
to sell yourself to an employer – craft it carefully and you’ll grab their attention
from the outset and tell them why you are the only person for that job.
Make it obvious which job you’re applying for in the opening paragraph and use the rest of the letter to bring in the skills and experience you have to offer that relates to that specific job. Have a nice clear structure.
It’s not easy but if you can find a good way of saying that you’re highly motivated and enthusiastic without saying “I’m highly motivated and enthusiastic” you could impress – employers like originality.
Oh, and address it to the right person.
StyleIs the organisation you’re applying to very corporate or more laid back in its approach? Again, research is the key - write your letter in a style you think best suits them. Don’t let your writing style make you appear too ‘over the top’ even if they say that they are looking for someone with a fun or creative character – show your personality but keep it professional. Think carefully before you use jargon – would it be understood?Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Thoroughly. It goes without saying.
LengthMost employers will say the shorter the better. It can be a challenge to keep it concise but definitely no longer than a page, preferably shorter.
Information for Adults
Oh no the typo!Did you know that spelling
mistakes are listed by recruiters as being one of the top reasons for a CV or application
going straight in the bin? Don’t rely on the spellchecker - proofread it, give it to someone
else to proofread, proofread it again to within an inch of its life!
For more help and advice on covering letters go to the National Careers Service website
Top tip Write down the skills and qualities employers are looking for and find at least one example from your own experience (work-related or your personal life if you have no relevant work experience) to match each one.
26 27
Application formsThe key to a good application is to read the job description very carefully and to match what the employer is asking for to what you have to offer them. Take your time and start at least a week before the closing date if you can for those little tweaks to be made. Here are our top tips...
Getting it rightLeave no gapsAlways answer every question on the application form and if it’s not relevant to you make sure you put n/a (not applicable) in the box so the employer knows you haven’t just left it. This is probably the biggest complaint employers have about submitted applications.
Make it relevantMake each answer relevant to the job description. You don’t need to bring up shorter stints of work from your early years if the jobs have no bearing on the one they are applying for. Try to draw on your most recent experience where possible but do look further back if it’s your only example of a particular skill. You still need to account for all your dates.
Keep it tidyIf you’re handwriting the form, keep it neat and clear with no crossing out. Use a black or blue ballpoint pen unless it states black ink only. Smoking while filling it in is a no-no and an employer won’t be impressed with a coffee stain either.
Say it in styleTry to get some of your personality over in the form. Don’t be too chatty, keep it professional but also try not to make it sound too dull. Try to shine!
Check for spelling and grammarA sloppy application form might say to an employer that you can be careless. Check and double check what you’ve written. It’s a good idea to write your answers in draft format on the computer so that you can use a spellchecker but do check it through carefully as a spellchecker won’t pick up all mistakes.
A word on online applicationsMany employers will ask you to fill in an application form online these days. Usually you need to create a login and you can keep going back to your draft version before you submit. It’s good practice to note down the questions and draft out your answers in Word before you complete the form properly just in case technology lets you down and you can’t get back into your profile. Put as much effort into an online application as you would a paper version but don’t write too much because you have more space. Someone will still be reading it at the other end of the line and you’ll want to present yourself in the best light possible.Consider getting your application form in early – some employers close their online applications before the posted closing date if they’ve already received enough.
Working in Derbyshire 2014
Did you know...?A scruffy application form gives a bad impression to an employer and may cost you the job.
For more help and advice on applications go to the National Careers Service website
27
Speculative applicationsA surprising number of job opportunities aren’t advertised. Some employers prefer to recruit either by word of mouth or from speculative applications. So how can you make a speculative application work for you?
Taking the first stepsWhere to start?Targeting your speculative letters in the right places will mean a better chance of success - the scattergun approach is not recommended! There are many careers websites which showcase large employers when you search within specific sectors (see some of the careers websites at the back of this booklet) but you might be more successful targeting small to medium-sized companies (SMEs). An SME is less likely to advertise for positions regularly for financial or time reasons. Most local authorities and district councils have a business directory or you could try Yell.co.uk.
PreparationOnce you’ve decided who you’re going to target, give the company a call and find out who you should address your CV and covering letter to – it’s more likely to be read and by the right person! You can also ask at the time if they welcome speculative letters.
Research and writingResearch the company you’re applying to if you can (most businesses have a website) and tailor your CV and covering letter to them – don’t send out a general CV. Yes it’s more effort but they will be able to see more easily how you could fit into their company and consider you for any future openings. Don’t be overly gushing but do say why you are keen to work for them specifically. If
you’re able to, give them an idea of which department you see yourself fitting into – don’t say “I’ll work anywhere”. Above all else you need to say what you could offer them other than just ‘enthusiasm’.
Follow upFollow up your speculative application with a phone call to ask if they received it and what they thought. Who knows....?
Information for Adults
Your imageYour email address should be respectable and
simple. Imagine what an employer might think of
you as they’re typing your witty email address
into their contact list.
Your voicemail message needs to sound
professional too. You may be a party animal at
home but an employer won’t want that behaviour
in the workplace.
You might like your online profile to be closed to
those other than family and friends.
Beware the employer who will take a
sneaky peak at what you’ve
been up to!
Job adverts: what do they mean?
Sometimes employers use words in their adverts that we’re not really sure about. They might do this to attract a certain type of person or because they use a particular type of language in the workplace. To cut through some of the jargon, visit the National Careers Service website (How to find a job pages).
28 29
Time for a changeThe recent economic climate has forced some people to take a step back and reassess their career. The way in which we work is changing and this has brought about the opportunity for people to try to achieve a better work-life balance or to finally fufill a lifelong dream.
In taking a step back we can ask ourselves some difficult questions such as “Am I really satisfied in what I’m doing or am I trying to please others and sacrificing my own needs?” or “Am I staying where I am because I feel secure in what I do and I’m afraid to move out of my comfort zone?”. Try to answer such questions honestly, if it helps, you could draw up a list of the positive and negatives of your current role to see where the balance lies.
It is much easier today to change careers. The employability or ‘soft’ skills that we have learnt in our work and our personal lives are valued by the employer and can usually be transferred to a wide variety of jobs. You can use these skills to create a ‘portfolio’ career where you move from one job to another, to set up business on your own or to move towards two part-time jobs.
Retraining – higher educationYou may decide you want to retrain for a completely different career. Understandably, many people feel nervous about this because there are no guarantees of getting a job at the end of your studies. However, if you do your research, you can get a good idea about the likelihood of you finding employment when studying for a specific degree... You can learn more about the costs of studying a specific degree course and get data on employment once graduated on the Unistats website (see inside front cover); the What Do Graduates Do website has detailed statistics too. You might also want to consider a higher apprenticeship which sometimes incorporates foundation degree study.
Returning to work after having childrenReturning to work after having a break from work to bring up your children can be an extremely daunting prospect. You may be worried about finding a job that you feel confident in doing, not being ‘up-to-date’ with your profession, the interview process or fitting work around your family life.
Working in Derbyshire 2014
Your skills
Employability or ‘soft’ skills include:
» working in a team
» dealing with customers
» leadership
» presentation skills
» project management
» good organisation
You can get advice on planning or changing your career and what to do when faced with redundancy on the National Careers Service
website.
29
Information for Adults
Stay informed!Local information is now availble on the National Careers Service website. To stay up to date with what's happening in your area around the local jobs market, news and events visit your local pages.
» Search online for National Careers Service
» Select Careers advice and go to In your local area
We're delivering careers advice in your area too, call us to find out where.
0800 100 900
NationalCareersService
What can Futures do for you?We are a leading employment and skills organisation. Our key aim is to ensure that the people we support realise their career aspirations. We provide a range of services. These include:
• careers advice and guidance to young people
• the National Careers Service in the East Midlands and Central Eastern area
• an employment brokerage service and an apprenticeship training agency
• tracking the outcome of customers within education sectors
• assessing careers programmes through our quality award
• having a team of specialists who provide up to date information about the jobs market
• work experience and employability skills training for young people and adults
• accredited qualifications, CPD courses and bespoke training
Find out more: Telephone: 0115 960 1597 Email: [email protected] Web: www.futuresadvice.co.uk twitter.com/futures_advice
Where you can find help in DerbyshireFutures Advice, Skills and EmploymentAlfreton Jobcentre PlusBelper Jobcentre PlusBolsover Jobcentre PlusChesterfield Jobcentre PlusClay Cross Jobcentre Plus
Derby Normanton Jobcentre PlusDerby St Peters Jobcentre Derby Wardwick Street Jobcentre Plus
Heanor Jobcentre PlusIlkeston Jobcentre PlusLong Eaton Jobcentre PlusShirebrook Jobcentre PlusStaveley Jobcentre Plus
Derbyshire County CouncilBuxton Job Centre PlusGlossop Jobcentre Plus
Matlock Job CentreSwadlincote Jobcentre Plus
NationalCareersService
Time for a change?If you’re looking for a new job, or a change in career and don’t know where to start, we can help. The National Careers Service is availableFREE to all adults and is delivered bya network of professional, qualifiedcareers advisers across the East Midlands.
If you would like to make an appointment please call
0800 100 900You can also search online for
National Careers Service
For more details call the number below