If you were fired from your previous job, you might be worried about how to approach this during an impending interview. It might make you feel uncomfortable, as it does with most people, but you can approach this in a positive way - no matter the reasons for the termination. This blog will discuss how to deal with awkward interview questions when you have been fired from a previous role.

Reasons for Being Fired

Many different reasons can result in the termination of your contract, including:

• Unable to meet the requirements of the role
• Poor attendance/sickness
• Not fitting with the culture
• Negative attitude
• Gross misconduct

Honesty is the Best Policy

Regardless of why you were let go from your job, it will help if you are upfront and honest with the interviewer. These things can get out anyway, so it is better to be upfront. They will appreciate honesty and may see this as a sign of integrity and strength. Explain the situation and what led to you being let go. You don’t need to go into detail, but stating the essential facts is important.

Positive Spin

It can be easy to let negativity get the better of you when explaining why you were let go, but this won’t make a good impression on the interviewer. Instead, keep the conversation positive and resist the temptation to berate your previous employer. 

Explain Progress

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” as they say - which is vital when discussing your termination during an interview. The termination might have been challenging, but you can explain what you learned from the experience and accept your own mistakes. People who take responsibility for mistakes are thought of much more highly than those who never take responsibility.

Example Responses during Interview

“After some time, we realised that my skill set was not right for the role, and they could not offer sufficient training. However, I liked the company and have since undertaken my own training to update my skillset.”

“We mutually decided that the culture wasn’t the best fit for me to be the best I could be in my role. Although I liked the people and the job, the company was very formal, and I prefer a more relaxed working environment.”

“Unfortunately, circumstances in my family resulted in many absences, which I understood was not sustainable. These circumstances are no longer an issue and will not affect future employment.”

If you are looking for a new job or career change, the first stage is to ensure you have a professional CV. At Inspired CVs, we provide high-quality CV writing services. You can buy your CV here or contact us to find out more.

Transferable skills are skills that can be transferred to another career or even multiple careers. As opposed to technical abilities that may be job-specific, your transferable skills can be carried around with you to a range of different roles. This blog will discuss transferable skills and how they can be used on your CV when looking for a career change.

Examples of Transferable Skills

If you want to change your career, you should focus on how you can use the skills you have accumulated throughout your career, especially if you need training on the technical side of things. These are some examples of transferable skills and how you might use them in your CV.

Customer Service

You may want to move from a call centre role to a role within retail. You may have no experience within the retail sector or dealing with customers face-to-face, so this is where your transferable skills come into play. For example, you have dealt with customer queries and complaints and may have been responsible for upselling products. These are all skills you can mention on your CV as transferable skills for a role within retail.

Teamwork

There are many roles where working as part of a team is integral to the role. If you decide to move from a freelancer to a permanent role, for example, you might be concerned that an employer will disregard you as they feel you won’t be able to work as part of a team. However, you can highlight transferable skills on your CV by discussing working with different departments remotely, juggling a number of clients, being part of team calls, etc.

Management

Regardless of the industry, the skills required in management are fundamentally the same. As a manager, you manage a range of personalities, manage a workload, and delegate responsibilities. Your key responsibilities are generally the same and should be highlighted on your CV.

Initiative 

Suppose you are changing careers to a role where you fundamentally manage your workload and schedule—from working as a school teacher to counselling adults. The role will be different, but you can highlight your ability to work on your initiative and manage your workload.

What to do next

It is a good idea to write down and list the essential skills you have developed throughout your career and the skills you will need in your next job. You can then understand the transferable skills you have and identify the skills you don’t have. You may be able to undertake a training course to help you gain those skills while you are applying for new jobs. Doing this will show employers you have transferable skills and undertake training to help you achieve the necessary skills.

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Feeling anxious and apprehensive on your first day at a new job is perfectly natural. After all, you are going into the completely unknown. The first day sets the tone for how you will get on for the rest of your work tenure, and therefore, it is important to make a great first impression. Here are some ways to ensure you make a good impression at work.

Dress Professionally

You should dress professionally on your first day and wear an outfit that is in accordance with the company's rules. If you are going into a construction job, you wouldn't be expected to wear a suit on your first day, for instance. However, you should still ensure you are well turned out. The way you dress and project yourself says a lot about the respect you have for yourself, and this can help you make a strong impression on your first day at work.

Be Punctual

Aim to turn up 10 minutes before you are due to start on your first day. Good punctuation will set you on the right foot. If you are late on your first day, your manager may be concerned that this is a sign of things to come during your employment. If you are unsure of the exact location of where you are going on your first day, run a test before your start date to avoid mishaps.

Smile 

If nerves get the better of you on your first day, you may end up coming across as a little rude. When we are nervous, we tend not to smile and can be easily distracted. Try to be mindful of how you are coming across to people, smile, be friendly, and try to remember names. Sometimes, a first impression can be difficult to change. If someone initiates a conversation with you, converse back and show interest in them.

Socialise

If you suffer from anxiety, the thought of going for lunch with a bunch of strangers probably feels crippling. However, if you start off by rejecting offers to go for lunch with your colleagues, it will set you on the wrong foot at work. Once you are settled, you can do your own thing, but at least for the first day, show that you are willing to get to know your team.

Listen

The first day is more about listening and taking in information than doing work. It is unlikely that you will do any work on your first day. Try to absorb as much as possible, and show that you are actively listening. When nerves take over, it can be easy to get side tracked and forget to listen, especially with the volume of information you are given on your first day.

Observe Culture

Every workplace has its culture, and observing that on your first day at work is essential. You will get a good understanding of your colleagues' behaviours so you can replicate them to fit in with the culture. Of course, this can take a while to fully understand, but showing your interest in fitting in with the culture will help make your first day successful and enable you to make a good first impression.

If you are looking for a job and need a professional CV, we can help with our CV writing services in Glasgow. You can order your CV here or contact us to arrange a consultation.

Managing your workload effectively is critical to performing effectively at work. It can also help you manage your stress levels, and according to Statista, approximately 875,000 people in the UK suffer from work-related stress. If you have a heavy workload, it may feel impossible to manage it effectively, but there are steps you can take to do so. These are some tips to help.

Prioritise Tasks

The first step is to understand your workload and categorise your tasks into urgent and non-urgent. Start with your most urgent tasks and make them a priority. You can then label them in order of urgency. A large workload can seem more daunting if you have people chasing you all the time. Prioritising tasks can make your workload more manageable.

Delegate Where Possible

If you have a high workload, be realistic about what you can and can’t do. There is no point in burning yourself out if you can get some help—delegate, where possible, to your team members who can take on more work. 

Break Tasks into Steps

The next step is to break your tasks into steps. For instance, if your task is to create a social media campaign, your steps include setting up social media accounts, creating content, and compiling a schedule. You can also have deadlines to keep you on track and it will make even the most daunting tasks manageable.

Create a Routine

It is also essential to have a routine in place to keep you on track and motivated, especially if you are working remotely. There is nothing productive about working eight hours straight, as you’re more likely to end up in burnout. Your routine will include breaks, personal activities, etc. It is crucial to take regular breaks to manage your workload effectively.

Reach Out for Help

Reaching out for help is better than feeling overloaded with your workload. If you need assistance, don’t feel you can’t reach out.

If you are looking for a new job or a career change and need a new professional CV, we have experienced UK writers who will help enhance your experience and skills through our CV writing services. You can order your new CV today or contact us, and we will contact you to discuss your options.

Commission-only jobs are common within the sales industry, including recruitment, which means you are paid for what you sell rather than receiving a guaranteed income. For instance, in recruitment, you would be paid a commission based on the candidates you recruit for jobs, and for other sales roles, it may be based on products or services you sell. There are pros and cons of working on commission, and in this blog, we will delve into these so you know if a commission-only job is right for you.

Pros of Commission Work

If you have been offered a commission-only job, your first instinct may be to reject it. After all, you are not guaranteed an income. However, it is worth a few considerations. For example, are you experienced and have an excellent sales track record within the sector? Are the commission levels high enough to match your lifestyle? Before you even consider it, understand if it is feasible for you. Here are some of the pros of working on commission.

Motivational

If you thrive on working towards big goals, a commission-only role may be the right choice for you. The ability to work harder and earn more is an appealing prospect for many workers.

Higher Income

When you receive a standard pay package each month, there may be only one option to earn more unless you receive bonuses. Commission-only roles are usually much higher paid than other roles where a commission may be part of the overall package. If you are incentivised by money, a commission-only role can be a good option.

Flexibility

A commission-only role will offer you much greater flexibility. You will be able to work the hours you want and that you find to be most successful. For instance, you may prefer to get started early and finish early, or you may prefer to work in the evenings. The 9-5 schedule is only suited to some, so this can be a good alternative.

Cons of Commission Work

Although there are many advantages to working commission-only, there are also downsides to working on this kind of contract. These are some of the potential disadvantages.

Lack of Security

Working on commission can be risky, both in terms of job security and money security. Although there is a good earning potential, it is not guaranteed, which can make people feel uneasy about working in this manner.

Longer Hours

To earn a decent commission, you are likely to work much longer hours than you would with a regular 9-5 role. Longer hours suit some but not others, depending on how much time you will put into your working day. However, there is the bonus of working more and earning more.

No Holidays or Sick Pay

With commission-only roles, you will not receive holiday pay or sick pay. Quite simply, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. It is one of the most significant constraints associated with working only on commission.

Whether you apply for a commission-only job or an alternative, you need a professional CV. Our professional CV services in Glasgow will help ensure you have the best chance of success when applying for a new job. You can order a CV directly here or contact us to learn more.

The HR industry has grown over the years, with a 42% increase between 2011 and 2021, which compares to only 10% for the general workforce. As a career, there are lot of options for progression. For example, you would usually start your career as an HR administrator, you can then move to an HR generalist role. You can then progress to an HR advisor and HR business partner. You may also decide to move into a more recruitment centered role. If you want to start a career in HR without experience, there are many options.

HR Qualification

If you have no experience in HR, one of the best options is to obtain an HR qualification. You can either do this at University, college or even find a course you can complete at home, such as those available from ICS Learn. An HR qualification will not only give you a good base of knowledge to kick start your HR career, but it will also show potential employers that you are serious about a career in HR.

Foot in the Door

Another approach to finding a job in HR without experience is to target companies that have a large HR function and get your foot in the door, even if it’s not in an HR role. Once you are hired into a company, it can be much easier to progress into different roles. For instance, a general admin role, receptionist, customer service or similar. You can then keep your eye out for HR roles or make it known that you are interested in eventually progressing into such a role.

Tailor CV

There is a high chance that you already have skills that are relevant to a role within HR. The key is to ensure you have a CV that is tailored to HR roles. You can use professional CV writing services to ensure your CV passes through an Applicant Tracking System for those roles you wish to apply for. The recruiter should be able to pull out some key information that makes you relevant to the role, even if you have no direct HR experience.

Increase HR Network

It is also worth linking up with people that might be able to help you find a role within HR. For instance, you could connect with relevant HR Managers/Directors on LinkedIn or join HR networking groups. If you reach out and let them know you are available for HR work, you never know what could happen!

If you need a CV that highlights your transferable HR skills, we can help at Inspired CVs, with our professional CV writing services in Glasgow.. You can order your professional CV here or contact us to learn more about our CV writing services.

Some people are happy to do their work and leave at 5 pm, while others want to climb the career ladder. There is nothing wrong with either approach, as we all have different goals in life. However, if you're going to climb the ladder, you will need to get noticed at work—for the right reasons. Here are some tips for getting noticed at work.

Avoid Gossip

There are toxic people in every workplace who like gossiping and putting others down. If you want to stand out for the right reasons, avoid toxic people and conversations. They will reflect poorly on you and likely damage your mental well-being. Conversations should be light-hearted or work-oriented. The workplace is not a place for drama or for sharing personal information.

Improve Value

You can continue to improve your value through professional and personal growth. Spending time on yourself and learning new professional skills will help you grow as a person and professionally, and subsequently, you will be able to offer more to your employer.

Reliability

Your employer wants to be able to rely on you to undertake the duties of your role. If you show up on time for meetings, for instance, and communicate with your employer, they will likely hold you in strong regard.

Understand Expectations

When you start a job, your manager should sit with you and give you an extensive structure to follow. This should include their expectations of you. You can only deliver results in any job if you understand the expectations. If your manager still needs to set these, make sure you speak to them about it and ensure they provide this.

Support Colleagues

If you are prepared to get your hands dirty and help out your colleagues, even if it's not your job, you will get noticed at work. Some people do their work and will happily sit without anything to do rather than ask if their colleagues need help. These are not the types of employees who are likely to get ahead at work. Offer support to your colleagues, and you will stand out.

Set Goals

Like anything in life, it is difficult to achieve anything if you don't set goals. If you have a career goal, write it down and describe the steps you need to take to reach it. Doing this will motivate you in the workplace, and it will not go unnoticed.

If you are looking for a new job and want to ensure your CV shines, we can provide professional CV writing services in Glasgow. We have helped candidates worldwide achieve their career goals. You can order your professional CV here or contact us to learn more about our CV writing services.

Your CV is the first thing an employer knows about you, so it must make a great first impression. Create your CV or use professional CV writing services to ensure it hits the spot. Whatever option you choose, your CV can make or break your job prospects. It is crucial that your CV is professional and shows that you have invested time and effort into it. Here are some tips for structuring your CV.

Contact details

It may seem obvious, but some candidates must include their contact details, or they may leave off their contact number or email address. You can't expect a recruiter to try to find you via other means, so ensure you have your email address and contact telephone number on the top of your CV. You may also wish to include your LinkedIn profile and portfolio.

Summary

A summary should also be at the top of your CV, including crucial information about your current profession and desire. It must only be a few sentences long and highlight your main career achievements. You want the summary to capture who you are so that the recruiter will instantly take notice.

Experience

The following section under your summary should include your experience. However, if you are a recent graduate with little work experience, education should be given before experience. In this section, you should include dates of employment, job title, and company name, together with the main duties of the role. There is no need to go further than ten years with your experience section and try to avoid copying from the job specs. Where possible, highlight and summarise any main achievements with facts and figures.

Education

If you are an experienced person, your education would usually be listed under your experience. However, if you prefer to highlight your education more, you can switch them around. Your education section should contain the subject, dates of course, and the education institution. If you completed courses at University or college, you can mention the other key details.

Achievements

It is always worth highlighting any main achievements in a separate section if they are relevant to the role you are applying for. Doing this will draw the recruiter's attention and, hopefully, impress them.

Inspired CVs can provide you with a high-quality, professional CV through our CV writing services in Glasgow. You can order your CV directly here or contact us to learn more about our services.