For most employees, the fear of redundancy sends anxiety surging through the body. When you are made redundant, it means that you are no longer required, and it can happen for various reasons. The company may be experiencing financial difficulties, so it needs to cut its headcount. It may be that they are relocating the business or that the role is no longer required as part of their structure. Redundancy doesn’t need to be a negative, though; it can give you a chance to find new opportunities. If you are being made redundant, you should be aware that you are entitled to statutory redundancy pay of one and a half week for every full year you have worked if you are 41 or older, one week for 22 and older but under 41, and half a week if under 22. We look at how to manage your way through a redundancy so it can be as stress-free as possible.

It’s Not Personal

When you hear, ‘We need to make you redundant,’ it can be almost impossible not to take it personally, especially if you are only one of a handful being made redundant. It is important to remember that redundancy is not personal to you; it is a decision based on business matters. For example, a company facing financial difficulties may eliminate some roles seen as overheads rather than roles that generate revenue. The redundancy process can feel overwhelming, but it is about making a role redundant, rather than an individual.

Fresh Chance

Redundancy can be viewed in two ways-negatively or positively. While it's natural to feel concerned initially during the redundancy consultation, as the future may seem uncertain, it's also an ideal time to embrace new opportunities and potentially make a career shift.

Time to Process

If it is financially possible, you should take time to process the redundancy. If you have been in the same job for a long time, this will significantly change your life. It is essential to have time in between to get your head around your new situation before you start to look for another job. If you are offered another job in the same company during the redundancy process, determine if this is the right choice or if a complete change might be the best course of action.

Update Your CV

Prior to embarking on a job search, it's essential to ensure your CV is up to date and presents you in the best light possible. A professionally crafted CV can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview, opening doors to a variety of new opportunities. You can start to look for a new role during your redundancy notice.

At Inspired CVs, we provide online CV writing services to our customers. We have helped hundreds of candidates secure new roles. If you want to learn more about our CV and resume writing services, you can contact us or order your CV online today!

If you have taken a career break, you are not alone. Around 90,000 of UK employees take a career break every year and there are many reasons why you might decide to take a break. You may need to take care of a loved one, decide to take time out to travel, have a child, or just want a break to determine your future. It can be difficult to return to the workplace after a break. You might be worried that everything has changed, and this could cause extreme anxiety. Our blog will look at how to prepare to return to the workplace.

Understand Feelings

Understanding your feelings before returning to the workplace is crucial. If you're experiencing anxieties, it's important to acknowledge them. Is the anxiety stemming from the unknown territory of the workplace, or is it a sign that you might want to consider a career change? Taking the time to understand your feelings and their underlying causes can help you make informed decisions about your return to work. 

Communicate with Manager

Feeling anxiety about returning to the workplace after a break is perfectly natural. You should communicate your feelings with your line manager and let them know if they can do anything to support your return. For instance, you may benefit from a staggered return to work or flexibility with working hours. You may also have forgotten how to do your job, so you might be keen to get some additional training. If it's an entirely new job, you will likely undergo an onboarding process to help you find your feet. Being open and honest with your manager is essential to ensure your return to work is as seamless as possible.

Take Your Time

It's important to remember that no one expects you to jump right back into work after a break. Give yourself the time you need to readjust to the working environment and find your place within it. Things may have changed since you were last in the workplace, and if you're returning to a previous role, some of your colleagues have moved on. Take your time. Your well-being is the top priority.

Engage with Colleagues

Spend time getting to know your colleagues, especially when starting a new job. The more comfortable you feel with your colleagues, the more enjoyable the job will be and it will also help ensure you make a positive first impression.

At Inspired CVs we offer professional CV writing services and can help you prepare to return to the workplace with advice and support. You can contact us today to discover our wide range of services.

Assessment centres are most common among the graduate market but can feature in any role. Employers can analyse technical abilities during an assessment centre, as well as the ability to present and work together as part of a team. Interviews often need to be more detailed to determine whether candidates are the right fit, and assessment centres are ubiquitous among organisations hiring several candidates. 

What is an assessment centre?

An assessment centre is usually held in an employer's office or another venue. You will usually work on different tasks individually and as part of a group. The exercises undertaken during an assessment centre can provide employers with crucial information to determine whether you are the right for the role. The exercises typically undertaken during an assessment center include group discussions, psychometric tests, presentations, and role-play. These vary depending on the skills the employer is looking to determine.

How to prepare for an assessment centre

You should never go into an assessment centre without any preparation. You must prepare as much as possible to give yourself the best chance of success. These are some tips for preparing for an assessment centre.

Analyse Instructions

The first stage is to analyse the instructions sent by the recruitment team, and make sure you ask about anything needs to be clarified. You must have as much information as possible before attending the assessment centre. Ensure you know what you need to bring along with you, such as ID, proof of address, etc.

Research Company

Just as you would with an interview, you should research the company before attending the assessment centre. Some key research information includes the company's size, revenue, culture, and values. You may be asked questions about the company during the assessment centre, so the key is to be prepared.

Ask Connections

If you have connections from the company or know someone who has already undertaken the assessment centre, it may be worth reaching out to find out what you should expect.

Tips for a Successful Assessment Centre

There is never any guarantee with an assessment centre, but as long as you are prepared, you will give yourself the best possible chance of success. These are some tips for a successful assessment centre.

Get Involved

There will likely be group exercises, so ensure you get involved in the discussion without being overbearing or not listening to other opinions.

Be Authentic

It is easy to tell when someone is genuine, so show your authentic self during the assessment centre. Speak to people, be relaxed, and show your personality.

Focus on Yourself

Don't get caught up in what other candidates are doing or how they come across; focus on your performance.

You should also ensure you have a professional CV to take to the assessment centre. At Inspired CVs, we can design a traditional or graphic CV tailored to your needs. Contact us or order your CV here today!

If you have been sacked from your job, you will probably feel shocked and upset. It can be challenging to know whether you have been unfairly dismissed or if there was a legitimate reason for losing your job. Employers can dismiss their staff, but they must do so fairly. To take any claim for unfair dismissal further, you must be an employee of the company, and in most cases, you should have been employed for two or more years. Although possible, it is much more difficult to claim against your employer if you have been employed for less than two years. These are some things to consider when referring to unfair dismissal.

What is the situation surrounding the unfair dismissal?

It is important to decipher between unfair dismissal and an end of contract or failing to complete probation. Employers have the right to dismiss employees when a contract finishes, or if you are on a temporary contract, they may end it without notice. There is also a notable difference between dismissal and redundancy. It is essential to be aware of this. If the company decides to make your role redundant, there's unfortunately not much you can do as they may not need the role anymore, or it might be for financial reasons. However, if they make you redundant based on this and then replace it with someone else within six months, you could have the right to claim against them.

Types of unfair dismissal

Understanding the types of unfair dismissal is essential. If you have high absenteeism, or you have behaved in a way which would be described as gross misconduct, for example, your employer would have the right to dismiss you. Similarly, if you are just incapable of doing the role, then they would have the right to dismiss you. However, where it becomes unfair dismissal is whether the employer has handled the situation in an appropriate way. For example, if you are underperforming, there should be evidence that they have offered you training to assist you in making improvements. If you are absent every couple of weeks, your employer should have discussed this with you through performance meetings. If you have been affected by a disability that prevents you from undertaking your role adequately, your employer should have put measures in place to assist you.

How to deal with unfair dismissal

If you suspect that you have been unfairly dismissed, it is highly recommended to seek professional advice. An employment lawyer can help you determine if your case qualifies as unfair dismissal. If you are represented by a trade union, it's also advisable to consult with them. You can initiate a claim for unfair dismissal via ACAS.

Losing your job can be highly distressing, and the next stage is to start looking for a new job. At Inspired CVs, we will provide you with our professional CV writing service to suit your needs. You can order here or contact us to find out more.

The summer months are between the end of June and September in the UK, when many students start looking for employment. With a few months to spare, the summer can allow you to earn some extra cash and meet new people. You can also gain essential skills and experience to add to your CV. This blog will discuss the types of summer jobs you can acquire and how to find them.

Types of Summer Jobs

There are many different types of summer jobs to choose from, and the best option will depend on what suits your needs best. Here are some possibilities.

Internship

If you are studying at university, you may be able to secure a summer internship with an employer in your field. Summer internships are the best options as they give you essential skills that will help you secure a job when you graduate. It can also provide insight into whether you study within the right field.

Retail

Shops tend to be busier in the summer, as children are off school and students are finished up, so more people are out and about spending money. As such, many shops cry out for staff during the summer.

Events

Summer brings more events, including festivals and gigs, which require staff. Whether serving customers or providing security, you will find many more employment options during the summer.

Hospitality

The hospitality sector is also busier during the summer, as more people enjoy holidays. Some typical job roles in hospitality include waiting staff, porters, housekeepers, and general managers. 

How to Find a Summer Job

It is a good idea to start your job search immediately as there are only a few months in the summer. The sooner you start, the more likely you will have a job safely secured for the summer. Here are some steps you can take to find a new summer job.

Prepare CV

The most important step you can take before applying for jobs is to prepare your CV. A professional CV will help you stand out from other candidates and make you more likely to progress to the interview stage. A professional CV will help ensure you make a great first impression, but it can also be challenging to sell yourself properly when you write it yourself.

Use Job Sites

Many job sites help you search for summer jobs, including Glassdoor, Total Jobs, and Indeed. It is also worth tracking your applications so you can follow up on them after applying for a job.

Check Socials

Many companies don’t use job sites; instead, they post vacancies on their socials. It is worth checking the socials for different companies/events etc. For example, if you search for ‘trnsmt 2024 jobs’, you will find opportunities for bar staff. Similarly, if you search ‘Glastonbury 2024 jobs’, you will find information for summer staff, including clear-up crew and stewarding. You can do this for other companies and events and you might also find that they are attending local careers fair.

LinkedIn

It is a good idea to set your LinkedIn up and optimise it for summer jobs, as most recruiters use LinkedIn daily to source for staff. You can also contact recruiters to learn about any summer jobs they may have on their books.

At Inspired CVs, we can provide you with a professional CV optimised with relevant keywords to help you reach the all-important interview stage. You can order your CV here or contact us to find out more.

A successful marketing manager will generate customer interest in products or services to increase sales for the company for which they are working. They may also respond to customer comments and queries. A marketing manager may be employed directly for a company, where they would be responsible for generating business solely for that company. However, a Marketing Manager may sometimes be self-employed, so they are likely to work for multiple companies. If you are thinking about a career as a Marketing Manager, this blog will help you decide if it is the right choice for you.

What you do as a Marketing Manager

There are many aspects involved in the role of a Marketing Manager. You would design marketing campaigns, often with the support of a Graphic Designer to help you create content. You may also develop paid marketing ads and manage associated budgets. There may also be an element of competitor analysis involved. A successful Marketing Manager will bring new business or leads to a company, so they must work out the best way to do this.

Types of Marketing Managers

You may be a Marketing Manager overseeing the entire marketing function, from digital and social media to content marketing. In some cases, you would only focus on one area of marketing. For instance, if you are employed solely for content marketing, you would be responsible for creating content, such as blogs, and ensuring the content is optimised to gain the highest traffic. On the other hand, a social media marketing manager focuses on creating content for social platforms and managing social media strategies.

Knowledge for Marketing Manager

It would be helpful to undertake a degree in Marketing if you wish to proceed in this career. However, you could also take training courses on platforms such as Udemy. There are a wide range of courses which would be helpful for a career in marketing, including:

• Launching your social media strategy
• Individual courses for different platforms, including Instagram and TikTok
• SEO

It would be extremely difficult to work as a successful Marketing Manager without the knowledge you would get from a qualification or training course. It is also important to keep up with your knowledge, as marketing strategies are constantly evolving.

Soft Skills for Marketing Manager

In addition to the training you need to become a marketing manager, several soft skills will support you with this career choice. A marketing manager's primary goal is to drive traffic and sales through communication, so excellent writing skills are necessary. The ability to collaborate with others is also essential, as this job will involve working with other departments. You should also have strong creative skills and the ability to present your ideas clearly. You may also need to manage others within the team, so leadership skills could be an aspect of this role.

As well as undertaking relevant training for a Marketing Manager role, it is also crucial that you have a strong CV that showcases your marketing experience or transferable skills. At Inspired CVs, we provide professional CV writing services and can help ensure your CV attracts employers. You can order your CV here or contact us to find out more.

You might decide on a temporary job instead of a permanent one for many reasons. You may want to work temporarily while seeking permanent work, or it may suit you better to work in this way. Some people prefer temporary work as it means you can always work in new places and you don’t need to get too involved with any workplace. You can avoid office politics, which often occur when you are in the same place daily. If you are a temporary worker or considering it, it is essential to understand your rights. These are some of the rights you have as a temporary worker, whether through an agency or directly with the company.

Pay Rights

As with other workers, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. The National Living Wage currently stands at £11.44 for adults over 21. It varies for other age groups. It would help if you had no unlawful deductions taken from your pay. For instance, unless previously discussed with you, you should not have payments taken for uniforms, etc. You should always be paid on time and receive payslips. It does not matter if the agency has not received payment from their client; they are still required to pay you on time.

Discrimination

You should receive the same respect as a permanent worker regarding your protected characteristics, which include age, gender, sexual orientation, race, and religion.

Holidays

As a temporary worker, you also have the right to receive at least 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per leave year. You start to accrue holiday entitlement when your assignment begins. If the role finishes and you haven’t taken your full holiday entitlement, you should be paid this in your final pay. When requesting a holiday, you should ask both your manager and your agency (if using one) so they can process this correctly.

Working Hours

You must only work over 48 hours if you opt out of this. You are entitled to 20-minute breaks for over 6 hours of work; anything over this may be unpaid unless the company has a different policy in place. You should have at least one day off each week and 11 hours rest within 24 hours.

Sick Pay

If you are employed as a temporary worker via an agency, you will not receive sick pay via the company, although you may be eligible for statutory sick pay.

Temporary to Permanent

As a temporary worker, the company may take you on as a permanent employee. If you decide to become permanent, the agency must allow this. However, depending on the employment terms, the company may need to pay a fee to the agency.

Notice Period

You don’t have the same rights when it comes to notice period as you do as a permanent worker. For instance, if the company decides they no longer wish to employ you, they could terminate your contract on the same day. The same applies to your rights if you want to leave the company. However, in most cases, either side would give at least one week’s notice.

If you have any concerns about your terms or issues in your temporary assignment, you should contact your agency or line manager.

At Inspired CVs, we provide high-quality professional CVs for candidates seeking temporary and permanent employment. To find out more, contact us or order your CV here.

There are around 900,000 job vacancies in the UK. The number of job vacancies has continuously fallen since 2022, peaking at 1.2 million. If you are applying for many jobs, keeping track of your applications can take time and effort. However, it is highly off-putting to recruiters if they call you about a job and you are unsure which one they are referring to. You may not hear back about a job for weeks or months, so you are unlikely to remember the details offhand. When you are unaware of the job, recruiters may think you are disinterested or just applying for anything without much thought. It can even cause them to discount you from the recruitment process - especially if they have notified you in advance about the call. These are some tips for keeping track of your job applications.

Keep a Spreadsheet

It is worth keeping a spreadsheet with crucial information for your job applications—for instance, the job title, company, and salary. When a recruiter calls you unexpectedly, you can quickly search your spreadsheet for the relevant role.

Save Files

You can also save any files relating to the job you are applying for, such as the job description, job application, and other key information. You could then save your files under the company so you can quickly find the details when you receive a call from the recruiter.

Add to Calendar 

Another approach you can use when tracking your job applications is to add them to your calendar. Do this by the date applied or closing date. If it’s based on the closing date, you can always use this to follow up on your application.

Develop Project

Job searching is like a full-time job, so it is best to have everything in order when looking for a new job. Think of job hunting as your mini project; it will help you keep everything on track and make remembering what jobs you’ve applied for easier, saving any confusion.

Create Email Address

You can set up a new email for your job applications. This will make everything readily available in the same place, making it easier to find information when you need it.

How to Follow Up on Applications

If you have applied for a role and have yet to receive a response after the closing date, there are various things you can do to follow up. If there are contact details on the job ad, call them or email them. If there are no contact details, you could connect with someone on LinkedIn from the recruitment team and ask for some feedback. 

If you are looking for a professional CV to support your job applications, we can help at Inspired CVs. You can order your CV or contact us to learn more about our professional CV writing services.