There are various reasons why you might be looking for a career change, although you should distinguish between being unhappy with your career and your current job. If you feel that you generally need more satisfaction from the fundamental duties of the role, then it might be time to look at other options. The average British person will spend 3,507 days in the workplace, so you must spend the time doing something you enjoy. These are some tips to make the transition into a new career.

Understanding Your Needs

The first step before changing careers is to understand what you want to do. It can seem daunting to change careers, especially if you are doing it later in life, but it is well worth it for job satisfaction. Whether you are looking for a career change at 30, or older, there is always an opportunity to make the switch. Firstly, list the aspects you currently enjoy in your job and what you dislike. Consider the activities you enjoy and relevant careers that allow for this. Search for jobs to understand what options are out there for you.

Consider Volunteering

Before embarking on a career change, it might be worth volunteering in a similar field or even testing out several options. Not only will this benefit your CV, but it can also help you better understand whether it is the right fit for you.

Undertake Training

There are many training courses you can find online or in person that will enable you to obtain the skills you need for your desired career. You may even want to try several of these if you have more than one career interest. A career change without experience can be difficult, so make sure you undertake as much training as possible when you find your ideal career.

Reach out to Network

Use your network when looking for a career change, as you never know what opportunities will arise. We benefit from professional networking tools, such as LinkedIn, where you can let your network know you are looking for work. You can also let friends and family know your intentions to change careers, as they may know of other opportunities.

Change Your CV

Your CV must be tailored to suit the role you are looking for rather than being focused on the career you want to leave. A quick glance through your CV should help any potential recruiter understand your career change,

At Inspired CVs, we pride ourselves on our professional CV writing services in Glasgow. We offer a quick turnaround on CV creation. Order today and get your new CV within just a few days!

We often consider bullies to be confined to the school playground but workplace bullying is also a huge issue within the UK. It is thought that around 9.1 million people have suffered workplace bullying in the UK. Workplace bullying does not necessarily mean that someone is name calling or being overly aggressive, it can be a lot more subtle than this. Unlike school bullies, most workplace bullies act alone and it is rare for a workplace bully to do it to individuals who sit above them in the food chain. In the majority of cases a line manager is the one bullying staff and it doesn’t even need to be for any particular reason. In this blog, we will look at the signs of workplace bullying.

Criticism

There is a big difference between constructive criticism and undermining someone’s ability to do their job. A workplace bully will criticise, without providing support. Consequently, the employee will feel ashamed and unworthy of the role. If someone states that they thought you were better than you’ve turned out to be (or something similar), when they haven’t provided any training or steps for progression - they are most likely a workplace bully.

Hostile Environment

If you feel that you walk into a room and there’s a hostile environment, when you haven’t done anything to merit it - it is mostly likely that someone has been speaking ill of you. This is a common sign of workplace bullying. Bullies within the workplace will usually go around speaking about others in a negative way. A workplace bully may focus on just one individual, or they may bully several people. Worryingly, they may not even realise their actions are a form of bullying.

Belittling

A workplace bully will make others feel that they are lower than them and not good enough for the job. Embarrassing and belittling others is a common act for workplace bullies. They tend to look down on others, especially those at a lower level than them.

Taking Credit

Workplace bullies often fail to offer any praise when the individual does a good job. Instead, they may take credit for the work themselves.

Dismiss Concerns

It is common for a workplace bully to be unable to take criticism onboard themselves. Genuine concerns are often not taken seriously and the workplace bully may even turn the concern back onto the other person. Workplace bullies usually have a way of making everything someone else’s fault.

If you have concerns about workplace bullying, you should speak to a manager or HR department. You mean even decide to find another job elsewhere. In this case, you can contact us at Inspired CVs to provide you with a professional CV. Our CV writing services in Glasgow will help you take the next step in your career. You can order your CV here or contact us to find out more.

We hear much about what to say and what not to say during an interview, but there is less focus on body language. You may not even think about your body language during an interview; understandably, you are thinking about what to say next. How you show yourself in your actions is as important as what you say during the interview. This blog discusses body language examples and what you need to know to reflect your best self in the interview.

Types of Body Language 

Your body language can be pretty complex and often happens naturally without much consideration. However, body language shows many things, such as how relaxed you are, how confident you are, and how open and receptive you are to others during the interview process. These are some types of body language and what to be aware of during your interview.

Shaking Hands

It is good etiquette to wait until the interviewer offers their hand, as some people don't like to shake hands. If offered a hand, ensure your handshake is strong but not so firm that the interviewer feels you are trying to break their hand off. A happy medium is always the sensible option when it comes to handshakes and body language.

Eye Contact

An interview should be a two-way conversation; no one wants to feel awkward and uncomfortable. If you constantly look down at the desk, you will be unable to build rapport with the interviewer as this is negative body language. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of your eye contact during the interview, especially if there are several people on the panel. Don't just focus on one interviewer when you answer a question; make eye contact with everyone on the panel, as ultimately, they will all be involved in the decision-making.

Smiling

Always bring a positive attitude to the interview. Smile at the interviewer and make them feel that you are happy and excited to be there. A smile can be contagious and will help you build rapport with the interviewer. It can also help you feel at ease if you are nervous.

Uncrossed Arms

Crossing your arms during an interview is negative body language, as it can suggest that you are on guard or defensive. Keep your arms relaxed and open so you don't look nervous. Instead, focus entirely on a relaxed and enjoyable conversation between yourself and the interviewer. 

Responsiveness

Show interest in what the interviewer is saying by nodding and smiling when relevant. Avoid looking around the room while the interviewer speaks, as this could make them feel you need to be more interested in what they are saying.

It would help to have a professional CV to get you to the interview stage. At Inspired CVs, we can provide you with a high-quality CV through our professional CV writing services.

You can order a new CV today or contact us to learn more about our services.

When you apply for a job, and the recruiter is initially interested in your CV, they will usually conduct a pre-screening call before they proceed to interview. The pre-screening call may be over the phone or via video, and it is usually a brief discussion to determine whether they feel you are a suitable applicant to take forward to the next stage.

How to Prepare for a Pre-Screening Call

Even though a pre-screening call is brief, you should still prepare for the interview questions and answers. Ensure you are in a comfortable, quiet area to take the call and have your CV in front of you. It would help if you also kept the job spec handy so you can answer any questions relating to it. The last thing the recruiter wants to hear is that you don’t remember what job you applied for. You should be confident and excited about the role, and your communication should be clear.

Examples of Pre-Screening Questions

There are many different types of pre-screening interview questions, and these are some of the most common.

Where are you currently working, and why are you looking to leave?

The recruiter will want to know why you are looking to move on. It is essential to be honest with this question. For example, if you are going through a disciplinary process, it is best to get this out in the open immediately, as it will come out at some point.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

If you are applying for a permanent role, the recruiter will want to hear that you’re there for the long term and wish to grow and develop. In contrast, if it’s a temporary role, they will want to hear that you’re happy with a short term role, and enjoy the flexibility of a temporary job.

What culture do you thrive in?

Every organisation is different in terms of culture, and it is essential to get the match right. Otherwise, no one will be happy. Be honest with this question, as there’s no point in starting a job you won’t enjoy. For instance, if you like to be left alone to get on with your job, you won’t be happy in a job where the manager is micromanaging you.

When can you start?

The recruiter may ask when you are available to start. If they ask this, it is usually an urgent requirement. If you have a three-month notice period, let the recruiter know and advise that you would happily negotiate this with your employer.

Do you have any questions about the role or company?

Asking questions will show that you have a genuine interest in the role and have not just applied for everything. Have some questions up your sleeve for the interview questions and answers, and make sure they are relevant to the company. Some interview questions to ask may include those relating to the size of the team or the future plans of the company.

Your CV is the gateway to the pre-screening stage, so it is vital that it is of the highest quality. At Inspired CVs, we pride ourselves on the quality of our professional CV writing services. You can order a new CV today or contact us to learn more about our services.

The prospect of attending an interview is enough to make anyone nervous. It is a perfectly understandable feeling, as you don’t know what to expect. It is crucial that you don’t get too caught up in your nervous feelings, but instead, understand that these are a normal part of the process. You can make sure you manage your interview nerves in order to keep them under control. These are some ways to manage your interview nerves.

Preparation is Key

Making sure you are prepared for your interview is key to managing your interview nerves. Preparation for an interview includes researching the company so you have a clear understanding of what they do, their culture etc. You should also read through the job description and ensure you have examples of how you fit with the duties of the role. When you are prepared for the job interview, you will feel less interview nervous anxiety.

Research the Interviewers

Sometimes the fear of the unknown, rather than the reality, is what makes us nervous. One way to help reduce your interview nerves anxiety is to search the names of the interviewers on LinkedIn or on Google so you know what they look like. Having a clear image of who is interviewing you, may help to put your nerves at ease.

Good Night’s Sleep

There is no underestimating the importance of a good night's sleep. Not sleeping properly can have an impact on your health and statistics reveal that 66% of adults believe that a poor sleep has impacted their mental health. Therefore, you can significantly reduce your interview nerves by ensuring you get a good night’s sleep before the interview. The less tired you feel, the more alert you will be, and this will help to ease the pressure of the looming interview.

Get Organised

Making sure you are organised for the interview will help to ease the pressure. If you have never been to the location of the interview, for instance, you may want to visit it the day before so you know how long it takes. The last thing you want is to turn up late for an interview, as this is seriously frowned upon.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice your interview with a friend in the first instance so you feel more confident about your answers. They will be able to give you feedback, which will help prepare you for the interview and reduce those interview jitters.

Consider Your Responses

During the interview, you should take time to consider your responses before you respond. There is no rush to answer questions and having a think before you answer is better than failing to get your key points across. If you need to move on from a question to have a more considered approach, do it!

Positive Attitude

Above all, go into the interview with a positive attitude. Believe that you can succeed in the interview and you’ll be more likely to feel relaxed. A positive attitude is half the battle to achieving success in an interview. 

To get to the interview stage, you will need to have a high quality CV. At Inspired CVs, we can provide you with professional CV writing services in Glasgow. We offer our CV services globally, and can help you reach the interview stage.  You can order a new CV or contact us, and we will get back to you.

Preparing for work can seem daunting whether you are already employed and looking for a better opportunity or unemployed. You might need to figure out where to start, especially if you have been out of work for some time. Developing a job search strategy and breaking it down into steps will make it far easier and more fruitful. Our guide will help you prepare for your job search.

Career Goals

Before you start looking for work, the first step is to ensure you know your career goals. Think about what you want to achieve in the next year/five years and after that. If you are still determining what type of job you are suitable for, consider your skills and what career these would fit with. Your career goals may change over time, but it's a good idea to have a vision before you start your job search.

Professional CV

Once you have a clear image of what you'd like to do in your career, the next step is to ensure you have a high-quality, professional CV. Your CV is the first thing a recruiter will see, and it must be perfect before you start your job search. Employers expect applicants to have a strong CV. Otherwise, they are not likely to invite you for an interview. You could miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime – just because you haven't spent time on your CV. If you want to ensure your CV gives you the best chance of success, you may opt for professional CV writing services.

Update LinkedIn Profile

There are 1 billion people registered with LinkedIn, so it is well worth getting your profile in shape before you start your job search. LinkedIn is a professional social networking tool and a vital resource when searching for a job. Recruiters use LinkedIn to search for relevant candidates, so ensuring you are maximising your profile will help get you on their radar. You can also reach out to potential recruiters and employers within your industry.

Use Your Contacts

Make sure you let your contacts know that you are looking for work, as they may know about opportunities or might put the word out for you. Let your friends know that you are looking for work. Your network can be crucial as you prepare for your job search. You could even prepare for job searching by posting about your intentions to look for a new job on your social platforms (just keep your current employer from seeing it!) You can also use resources like Indeed jobs to help you source a new role.

Get Interview Ready

Make sure you are ready for last-minute interviews. Some actions include ensuring you have a clear space for a video interview and suitable attire for an interview. You might get little notice, so preparing for all eventualities is vital.

At Inspired CVs, we can provide you with the experience of our CV writers through our expert CV writing services. We will ensure that you get the best possible chance of success when looking for a new job. You can order a new CV directly here, and we will be in touch to discuss your needs in more detail. Alternatively, contact us, and we will get back to you.

Virtual interviews, or video interviews as they are often known, are still relatively common within the workplace. Platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, and Zoom meetings are among the most popular for video interviews in the workplace. They are most often used for remote working roles or as a first interview if there are various stages in the interview process. You should treat a video interview as you would with any other interview. Some candidates treat a video interview like a casual chat, but you should never forget that it’s a formal interview. These are some tips for ensuring you have a successful video interview.

Clear Background

Your interviewer should focus entirely on you during the interview, so your background must be clear from clutter and distractions. Choose a part of the home where you will get complete peace to undertake your video interview without interruption. If you have pets, ensure they are only in the room if you are sure they will stay quiet. You may even decide using another location, like a quiet coffee shop, would be more appropriate.

Test in Advance

Make sure everything is working before you go on the virtual interview. For example, the video interview platform works, and you have a strong internet connection. Set everything up well in advance to prevent any unfortunate situations.

Turn up Early

There is usually a ‘waiting room’ that you sit in before the video interview starts while you wait for the organiser to give you access. It is good etiquette to wait before the interviewer turns up, as this will show that you have good timekeeping skills. The last thing you want is to have disgruntled interviewers on the other end because you turned up ten minutes late.

Dress Appropriately

You should always wear smart clothes while undertaking the video interview at home. Interviews are formal and should always be treated as such. You don’t need to go as far as a suit, but something smart casual will be appropriate. Virtual interviewing may not seem as formal as a face-to-face interview, but you should treat it as such.

Engage with the Interviewer

It’s not as easy to gauge body language during a video interview, but it is crucial that you listen and don’t talk over the interviewer. You have the benefit of using notes during the video interview, but try not to do this as it distracts you from the interview. Listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking you and take time to answer the questions as fully as possible.

To reach the video interview stage, you must first ensure that you have a high-quality, professional CV to grab the attention of recruiters. You can order your new CV today or contact us, and we will arrange a free consultation.

Since the Covid pandemic, remote and hybrid working have become increasingly prevalent in the workplace. According to the Office of National Statistics, self-employed workers are more likely to work from home, with 32%, compared to 14% of those in employment. Employees working in London have the highest instances of hybrid working, with 4 in 10 adopting this approach. There are more working from home jobs in the UK than before the pandemic hit. Working from home offers many benefits, including the ability to have a better work and life balance and the opportunity to spend more time with family. However, it can be challenging to work from home. These are some tips for working successfully at home.

Carve out a Schedule

When you work from home and have a family, you will have the inevitable distractions that come with people coming and going. Working out a schedule with your family is essential so you don’t get diverted from your work. For instance, organising childcare while you work or entering another room where you can lock yourself away from noise. You may find working a bit earlier before the school run starts or later in the evening is more effective. If you live alone and don’t have such distractions, it is still important to carve out your own schedule when working from home. You will have a more successful day if you determine the hours you plan to work, including breaks and a task list.

Create a Comfortable Space

It can be easy to get into the habit of working from your couch or bed while you work, but there are more productive and professional ways to work. You are more likely to maximize your day if you create a comfortable space with a desk, chair, excellent lighting, and all the necessary practical items. The last thing you want is to spend the entire day and night in your bed. It’s not good for your posture when working from home, apart from anything else!

Step Away from Digital Distractions

We all know the issue of spending too much time on our phones. It is a distraction from work and not a very useful one at that! A glance at Facebook or TikTok, and before you know it, you have wasted a few hours. An excellent way to manage your digital distractions is to set specific times for checking your phone during the day, for instance, in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Save your social media browsing for the evening when you are finished working from home for the day.

Regular Breaks

One of the main benefits of working from home is that you can take more regular breaks and get out in the fresh air. Make sure you take breaks every hour or so and get out for a quick walk when you can. Fresh air will make you feel more refreshed and is good for your mental and physical well-being. Make sure you have a network around you so that you do not go the entire working day without speaking to anyone.

Assign Times for Emails

New emails can be a distraction. You might find yourself amid a task, and before you know it, you’ll reply to a new email as it arrives. For some roles, responding to emails is the central part of the role, but if not, assign specific times when you plan to catch up on emails.

If you are looking for a flexible role, the first step is to ensure you have a professional, high-quality CV. At Inspired CVs, we can provide you with a CV that helps you reach the interview stage. You can order your new CV today or contact us, and we will arrange a free consultation.