If you are a victim of bullying in the workplace, you are not alone. Research conducted by CIPD revealed that almost 50% of employees have let instances of bullying go, while only 29% discussed the situation with their manager. 

Bullying in the workplace does not only harm the individual experiencing it — it can also have serious consequences for an organisation, including reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and poor employee morale. It is crucial for employers to take a zero-tolerance approach to workplace bullying, and it is the responsibility of management to address allegations promptly and effectively.

What Is Workplace Bullying?

Workplace bullying isn’t always obvious. In many cases, bullying at work can be subtle, persistent, and difficult to prove. Understanding the different forms it can take is the first step in preventing it.

Examples of Workplace Bullying

Some common examples of bullying in the workplace include:

• Constant criticism or unfair scrutiny
  
  
• Spreading rumours or gossip
  
  
• Exclusion, such as deliberately not inviting someone to meetings or workplace events
  
  
• Humiliating actions designed to undermine an individual
  
  
• Violence or physical intimidation – any form of violence in the workplace is considered bullying and is treated as a serious offence

The Effects of Workplace Bullying on Employees and Businesses

Workplace bullying can have a lasting impact on both employees and organisations. Leaders should be aware of the warning signs, which may include:

• Reduced productivity and performance
  
  
• Lower engagement and motivation
  
  
• Signs of stress, anxiety, or burnout
  
  
• Increased absenteeism and sick leave
  

A particularly strong indicator of bullying at work is when a previously engaged and high-performing employee suddenly becomes withdrawn, less productive, or frequently absent.

How Leaders Should Deal With Workplace Bullying

It is important for managers to take steps to deal with workplace bullying as soon as it becomes an issue. Workplace bullying which is not dealt with can lead to many other issues, both for the individual and the company. As a leader, these are some steps you can take to deal with workplace bullying.

Create a Clear Anti-Bullying Policy

Every organisation should have a formal anti-bullying policy in place. This policy should clearly outline:

• What constitutes workplace bullying
  
  
• The standards of acceptable behaviour
  
  
• How employees can report bullying
  
  
• The consequences of bullying at work
  

A strong policy reinforces that bullying will not be tolerated and provides a clear framework for handling complaints.

Be Perceptive

Your employees won’t always let you know about bullying in the workplace, as they may feel embarrassed or intimidated. It is important for a leader in the workplace to pay attention to the behaviour of their employees, and notice any changes. In this way, they can identify potential bullying in the workplace, and take action before it becomes a major issue.

Conduct a Fair and Thorough Investigation

If an allegation of workplace bullying is raised, it is essential to investigate the grievance promptly and impartially. Managers should:

• Gather evidence from all parties involved
  
  
• Speak with witnesses where appropriate
  
  
• Document findings carefully
  
  
• Avoid making assumptions or taking sides
  
  

A fair investigation helps protect both the employee raising the concern and the organisation.

At Inspired CVs, we support both employers and employees with a wide range of workplace issues, including bullying at work. If you would like guidance or support, contact us today to find out more. We also provide professional CVs, both traditional and graphically designed. You can order your CV here.

As businesses adapt to changing demands and the need to communicate with a global client base, nightshift work is becoming increasingly common. Night shifts are particularly prevalent in the care sector, as well as in warehouse, logistics, and production environments.

For many people, the idea of working night shifts can seem unappealing. Nightshift hours are often considered unsociable—you sleep while others are working and work while most people are asleep, which can make maintaining relationships more challenging. However, despite these concerns, there are several advantages of working night shifts that may make this shift pattern more appealing than expected.

Fewer Distractions During Night Shifts

One of the biggest benefits of working night shifts is the reduced level of distraction. During daytime hours, colleagues, meetings, and phone calls can become an unwelcome interruption. Nightshift is a lot more peaceful and can make you more productive.

Quieter Commute and Less Stress

The roads are quieter at night time, so you can enjoy a more peaceful and quieter commute when you work in the hours of darkness. You don’t get caught up in the rat race in the same way as you would when working 9-5pm, so less stress as you avoid having to fight the crowds to get to work on time.

Greater Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Working during the day means you don’t have as much time to run errands, such as going to the doctors, shopping or spending time with family. When you work nightshift, you have greater flexibility during the day, so you can take care of other tasks during the day, after you have enjoyed your 7 or 8 hours of sleep. There is more flexibility when you work nightshift hours, which can support a better work-life balance.

Avoid Office Politics

Office politics are less prevalent during the night than they would be during the day when most staff are present. If office politics are not your thing, you might enjoy working nightshift.

Higher Job Success and Less Competition

Nightshift hours are not as popular as day shift hours, so there is less competition when you are applying for jobs. Due to family commitments or lifestyle preferences, many people are unable to work night shifts. If you are having trouble getting an interview, it may be easier if you widen your search to different shift patterns such as nightshift as there is generally less competition.

Opportunities to Improve Skills and Progress

With fewer staff working nightshift, you may be able to take on additional responsibilities and improve your skillset. This can help you develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and even progress into supervisory or management roles more quickly.

Enhanced Pay for Nightshift Workers

Many employers offer higher pay rates for night shifts to compensate for unsociable hours. This nightshift pay enhancement means you can often earn more than you would working standard daytime hours, making nightshift work financially attractive.

While nightshift work may not suit everyone, it offers clear benefits including higher pay, increased flexibility, quieter working conditions, and better job prospects. For those willing to adapt their routine, working night shifts can offer a range of rewards.

If you are looking for a new nightshift role, your first step should be to ensure you have a professionally written and expertly designed CV. A strong CV tailored to nightshift jobs can significantly improve your chances of securing interviews in competitive industries such as care, warehouse, and production.

Order your professional CV today or contact us to find out more about how we can help you stand out to employers and secure your next nightshift opportunity.

Job descriptions play a critical role in the recruitment and hiring process. A well-written job description helps attract qualified candidates, improves applicant quality, and reduces time-to-hire. The clearer and more compelling your job description is, the more likely you are to attract top US talent that is genuinely suited to the role.

On the other hand, vague or poorly written job postings often result in a flood of unqualified applicants, costing hiring managers and recruiters valuable time. Below are practical tips for writing effective job descriptions that resonate with candidates in the US job market and perform well in search results.

Understand the Ideal Candidate

Before writing a job description, clearly define your ideal candidate profile. Ask yourself:

• What key skills, qualifications, and experience are required?
  
  
• What technical or soft skills are essential for success?
  
  
• What type of personality and work style will fit your company culture?
  
  
• What experience is necessary for the candidate to “hit the ground running”?
  

For example, does the role require strong communication skills, advanced Excel proficiency, or experience working in a fast-paced environment? Is prior industry experience a must-have? Writing these requirements down before drafting your job description will help ensure clarity and consistency, making your job posting more effective and targeted.

Make the Job Description Appealing

Understanding the ideal candidate is only half the equation—you also need to make the role attractive. Top US candidates want to know why they should apply and what sets your company apart.

In addition to salary and benefits, highlight:

• Company culture and values
  
  
• Team size and collaboration style
  
  
• Work environment (remote, hybrid, or on-site)
  
  
• Growth opportunities and career development
  
  
• Flexibility, autonomy, or innovation within the role
  

Whether you offer a flexible startup culture or a structured, process-driven environment, being clear about this helps attract candidates who are more likely to be a strong cultural fit.

Clearly Define Essential Criteria

A strong job description clearly distinguishes between required qualifications and nice-to-have skills. This helps candidates self-screen before applying and improves the quality of applicants.

For example:

• If the role requires travel to client sites, specify that a valid US driver’s license is required.
  
  
• If the position is customer-facing, emphasize strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
  
• If certifications, licenses, or specific tools are mandatory, list them clearly.
  

Being upfront about essential criteria reduces misunderstandings and sets clear expectations from the start.

Include Salary Information

In the US market, salary transparency is increasingly important—and in some states, it’s legally required. To avoid wasting time for both employers and candidates, always include a salary or salary range.

Providing compensation details:

• Attracts candidates aligned with your budget
  
  
• Improves trust and employer brand
  
  
• Reduces drop-off later in the hiring process
  

If there is a significant mismatch between candidate expectations and your budget, the role is unlikely to be a successful match, so clarity upfront benefits everyone involved.

Be Honest and Transparent

While it’s important to market the role positively, honesty is essential for long-term retention. Clearly outline both the appealing and challenging aspects of the job.

For example, if the role involves cold calling, sales targets, shift work, or high-pressure deadlines, make that explicit. A transparent, “warts-and-all” approach helps candidates understand what to expect and ensures they accept the role with realistic expectations—reducing early turnover and improving job satisfaction.

By writing clear, engaging, and honest job descriptions tailored to the US market, you’ll attract better-qualified candidates, improve hiring outcomes, and strengthen your employer brand.

At Inspired CVs, we specialize in creating professional resumes for the US job market that help job seekers stand out and achieve their career goals. Our expert resume writers understand what US employers and hiring managers are looking for, ensuring your resume is optimized for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and tailored to your industry.

In addition to professional resume writing services, we also support employers and recruiters with job description writing services designed to attract qualified candidates and top talent across the United States. Our clear, engaging, and SEO-friendly job descriptions help you reach the right applicants faster.

Contact Inspired CVs today to learn more about our resume writing and job description services, and discover how we can support your hiring and career success in the US market.

A return to work interview is a formal meeting that takes place after an employee has been absent from work. The purpose of a return to work meeting is to understand the reason for the employee’s absence, identify whether it is an ongoing issue, and determine if there is any support the employer can provide.

Return to work interviews also allow employers to identify patterns of employee absence and determine whether the employee has triggered the company’s absence management policy. These meetings are usually conducted by HR professionals or, in the absence of an HR consultant, by a line manager. There are many benefits to conducting effective return to work interviews.

Reduce Absenteeism

When employees know they will need to answer to someone after an absence, they are less likely to be absent.  Return to work interviews can act as a deterrent for being absent from work, as well as reducing absenteeism through discussions to help improve the employee’s sickness record.

Duty of Care and Employee Wellbeing

A return to work interview provides an opportunity to discuss an employee’s health and wellbeing, including both physical and mental health. Employers can demonstrate their duty of care by identifying reasonable adjustments or support measures that help employees return to work safely and productively.

Enhance Employee Relationships

Conducting return to work interviews on a one-to-one basis shows employees that they are valued. Taking the time to ask about wellbeing and listen to concerns helps build trust, strengthen working relationships, and create a supportive and open working environment. They will feel like there is a safe place for them to open up.

Questions to Ask During a Return to Work Interview

A return to work interview should be a supportive and professional discussion—not an interrogation. The goal is to understand the absence and support the employee’s successful return to work. Common return to work interview questions include:

• What was the reason for your absence?
  
  
• Are you fit and ready to return to work?
  
  
• Have you spoken to a doctor or medical professional?
  
  
• Do you require any workplace adjustments or support?
  
  

If an employee has triggered the absence policy or there is a clear pattern of absence (for example, frequent absences on Mondays), the return to work interview provides an opportunity to explore this sensitively. For example:

• You have triggered the absence policy, and further absence may lead to formal action. Is there anything we should be aware of or support you with?
  
  
• We’ve noticed a pattern of absence on Mondays—can you help us understand if there’s an underlying issue?

At Inspired CVs, we support employers with return to work interviews, absence management, and ongoing HR advice and support. Contact us today to find out more or book time with an HR consultant to ensure your return to work processes are fair, compliant, and effective.

Whether you are making the transition from employee to manager or becoming a manager in a new company, stepping into a first-time manager role can be extremely challenging. With over 67% of UK workers considering quitting their job due to poor management, it is more important than ever for managers to engage with their teams and build strong working relationships.

One of the main challenges in management is the lack of manager training. Many new managers are promoted without receiving the leadership skills needed to manage people effectively, or they may be accustomed to a workplace culture that differs from their new role. Developing the right management and leadership skills is essential for long-term success. Below are some key tips to help you succeed as a first-time manager.

Understand Your Team

Successful management is built on strong relationships, trust, and effective communication. Taking the time to understand your team’s skills, strengths, and development areas will help you become a better leader. Rather than asking personal questions, focus on learning about each team member’s skillset, career goals, and professional needs. This approach supports employee engagement and helps build a productive, motivated team.

Define the Role and Expectations

One of the most common mistakes new managers make is failing to clearly define roles and expectations. For effective team management, employees need structured onboarding, training, and clarity around performance expectations. Allow a 4–6 week training and induction period, and remember that individuals learn at different rates. Clear communication and tailored training help improve productivity and confidence.

Provide Autonomy

Micromanagement can quickly damage morale and trust. Effective managers provide guidance and support while allowing employees the autonomy to do their jobs. Granting autonomy demonstrates trust, encourages accountability, and helps create a positive workplace culture. Employees who feel trusted are more engaged and perform better.

Respond Quickly and Communicate Clearly

Strong leadership requires timely communication. Whether handling holiday requests, workplace concerns, or conflict resolution, responding quickly shows you genuinely care. Delayed responses can cause unrest and frustration.

Delegate Tasks Effectively

Managers are not usually responsible for day to day tasks, the role is more strategic.

Managers are generally responsible for ensuring that deadlines are achieved, managing productivity and making improvements to the team. Some managers find it very difficult to delegate tasks as they may find it difficult to let go, particularly if they have been promoted to a management role within the same company. Delegation is key for a successful manager.

Offer Flexibility in the Workplace

You get what you give in every walk of life, and the same applies to being a manager. If you want employees to be flexible with you, you need to be prepared to offer the same back. Flexibility makes the workplace feel more relaxed, and a relaxed environment can bring out the best in employees. Employee satisfaction and retention can be improved by offering flexibility.

If you are applying for a management role or seeking a promotion, having a professional CV is essential. At Inspired CVs, we provide expert CV writing services to help you stand out in competitive job markets. Order your professional CV today or contact us to find out more about our CV writing and career support services.

Starting a new role can feel daunting. You might not know anyone, and there’s always a settling-in period as you adjust to your responsibilities. While it’s not essential to become best friends with all your colleagues, building good relationships in the workplace is crucial. Positive workplace relationships can help you succeed in your role, maintain a strong company culture, and increase overall productivity. Here are some practical tips for building good relationships at work.

Fit into the Workplace Culture

When starting a new job, it’s important to observe and adapt to the existing company culture. For example, if you join a laid-back company where casual banter is common, trying to impose a formal culture can create tension. While workplace improvements are possible, your initial focus should be on fitting into the culture rather than changing it—unless your role specifically involves organisational change.

Build Trust and Reliability

Being reliable and trustworthy is key to forming strong workplace relationships. Attend work consistently, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments. Colleagues value dependable team members, and trust forms the foundation of professional relationships.

Be Personable and Engaging

Work conversations don’t always have to revolve around tasks and deadlines. Sharing light topics, like hobbies, TV shows, or other interests, can help you connect with colleagues. Avoid potentially divisive topics like politics, religion, or sports rivalries until you get to know your coworkers better. Don’t engage in office politics. Being personable helps foster rapport and a positive work environment.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

A friendly and positive attitude goes a long way in building good workplace relationships. Everyone has challenging days, but consistently displaying optimism and professionalism will make you approachable and well-liked by your team.

Offer Support to Colleagues

Simple acts of support can make a big difference. Offering to help with tasks, taking extra calls during busy periods, or staying a little later when deadlines loom demonstrates teamwork. Supporting colleagues not only helps the business but also strengthens your professional relationships.

At Inspired CVs, we provide professional HR support to help you thrive in your role. Whether you need advice on workplace relationships or assistance with HR tasks, our team is here to help. We also offer professional CV writing services, including traditional and graphic CVs tailored to your career goals. Contact us today to learn more or order your CV online.

The interview question “tell me about yourself” is common in job interviews. As an interviewee, you would reasonably expect this question to relate to your professional background, work experience, and suitability for the role. However, when employers use this question to uncover personal information, it can be inappropriate and problematic.

While it may seem like a friendly way to get to know a candidate, a job interview is not the right time or place to explore someone’s personal life. Below are key reasons why employers should avoid asking personal questions during job interviews.

1. Personal Interview Questions Can Create Discomfort

Candidates attend interviews to secure employment—not to discuss their personal lives. Many people value their privacy, and unexpected personal questions can cause discomfort or confusion. Even when asked with good intentions, such questions may lead candidates to wonder why the information is being requested, potentially creating distrust and anxiety during the interview process.

2. Personal Questions Increase the Risk of Bias in Hiring

Asking personal questions can introduce conscious or unconscious bias into recruitment decisions. Interviewers may feel more positively toward candidates who share similar interests, values, or lifestyles.

For example, discovering that a candidate supports a rival sports team or holds different personal beliefs could unfairly influence hiring decisions—despite having no relevance to job performance.

3. Sensitivity Around Personal Topics in Interviews

There are many sensitive reasons why candidates may not wish to discuss their personal circumstances. Questions about marital status, children, or family plans can be emotionally charged and intrusive.

For instance, asking if someone has children when they are unable to, or asking about relationship status when they are unhappy with their situation, can leave a negative impression and discourage talented candidates from wanting to work for your organisation.

4. Personal Life Is Irrelevant to Job Performance

A candidate’s personal life has no bearing on their ability to perform a job. Job interviews should focus solely on:

• Skills and qualifications
  
  
• Relevant experience
  
  
• Competency and cultural fit (in a professional sense)
  
  

What someone does outside of work is irrelevant and should not factor into hiring decisions.

5. Risk of Discrimination Claims in Job Interviews

Employers can expose themselves to legal and discrimination risks by asking personal questions during interviews. Topics such as:

• Marital status
  
  
• Children or pregnancy
  
  
• Religion
  
  
• Age or family background
  
  

may be protected under employment and equality laws. If a candidate feels these questions influenced a hiring decision, employers could face serious legal consequences.

A key question would be: Why was this personal information needed in the first place?

6. Maintaining Professionalism in the Interview Process

A job interview should remain a professional conversation. Crossing the boundary into personal matters can appear unprofessional and inappropriate. Employers will have opportunities to get to know employees once they are hired—not during the interview stage.

Final Thoughts: Best Interview Practices for Employers

To ensure fair, inclusive, and effective hiring:

• Focus on job-related questions
  
  
• Avoid personal or intrusive topics
  
  
• Create a comfortable, professional interview environment
  
  

By doing so, employers not only protect themselves legally but also improve the candidate experience and attract top talent.

At Inspired CVs, we offer professional interview workshops designed to help managers conduct effective, structured interviews while ensuring candidates feel comfortable and engaged throughout the interview process. Our interview training helps organisations get the most value from every interview. Contact Inspired CVs today to learn more about our interview workshops.

Do you ever find yourself looking around at other successful people, feeling like you are putting in all the hard graft without achieving the same? It is common to feel that you are the only one stuck in a rut, but these feelings are not unusual. However, if you want to strive for real success, career growth, and long-term personal development, there are some actions you can take to boost your productivity and mindset.

Get up Early

You’ll hear many stories from successful people about how they get up at 5am, have a smoothie, go to the gym and journal—all before they start their day. Although this high-performance morning routine might work for some people, for most it is far from reality. It is, however, important to get up early, as sleeping in can leave you feeling sluggish and demotivated. Establishing a productive morning routine is a proven strategy for increasing motivation, success, and overall career progression.

There are, of course, exceptions to this—such as people working overtime or those who naturally work better at night. You need to find the most productive way to work for your lifestyle. For many people, rising with the sunshine and getting the most out of the day helps support both mental well-being and career success.

Spend Wisely

Most highly successful people watch what they spend. They won’t go beyond their means, which allows them to stay financially secure. They are careful with money and know the best ways to maximise every penny—such as investing their money wisely and planning for long-term financial stability. Smart money management is a crucial habit for success and career development.

Consistency

True success comes from staying consistent, whether in your work, habits, or personal goals. Think about it: if you exercise once a week, you will get some benefits, but these will be minimal. If you train your body three or four times a week and do it consistently, you will eventually notice a big difference.

The same applies to your career. When you commit to your job, skill development, or your business and put in the effort daily, it will eventually add up. Consistency in work ethic, productivity, and goal setting is one of the most powerful success strategies.

Reading and Learning

Successful people always strive to learn. They read often, take courses, and absorb as much information as possible. They ask questions, seek feedback, and stay open to personal and professional development. Continuous learning and upskilling are key components of long-term career advancement and personal success.

Positive Attitude

It is easy to fall into a negative mindset, especially when you are trying to achieve something and your efforts don’t seem to be working. However, to be successful, you need to remain positive even when facing setbacks. A positive mindset helps you find solutions when challenges arise, rather than getting stuck in frustration or self-doubt. Maintaining a resilient, success-focused attitude can significantly improve your productivity, confidence, and career opportunities.

If you are looking to grow your career, we can help by providing you with a professional CV designed to help you land your next interview. Order your CV directly and we will give you a call, or contact us to learn more about our CV writing services, career support, and job search guidance.