A little bit of light relief

It may not feel like anything for those of you still working hard to land your dream graduate job, or just a job in some cases! But the news today of the fall in unemployment figures is really significant. Ever the optimists at Right Management, with this news comes a sense of hope. Are things really on the up?

Well, the FT reported that the [surprise] increase in full-time employment was the largest since May 2007. We'd say that is pretty positive news. This is of course contradicts all previous predictions that youth unemployment (16-24 year olds) would hit an all time low.

Whilst it is still important to be mindful not to sit back and relax (just yet) expecting a job to land in your lap, it is encouraging. So, please keep looking, keep adapting your CV, keep sending your speculative letters and outshine the competition! If you get a job next, then these figures could just keep on growing...


For practical hints and tips on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Budget 2011

So, today was the day. Mr. Osborne officially announced the latest changes, cuts and rises in the 2011 Budget.

We have been following the activity, mostly via BBC News, as they have a comprehensive section dedicated to all things Budget.

In terms of work we think the best news comes of the announces "extra 40,000 apprenticeships for young people out of work" and "funding for 100,000 new work experience placements".  This is really positive for young people as the current unemployment rate is over 20%. We hope that with the support from Government, more companies will be offering more opportunities - a great way to get a foot in the door or train for something completely new.

When it comes to money matters we are seeing no immediate income tax rises and a further increase on personal allowance (the amount you can earn, before tax) of up to £8,015, which will come into effect as of April 2012. This will mostly benefit people on a lower income.

There is plenty more to digest, of course, for example inflation rate is set to stay between 4% and 5% this year (good news for savers). So, you may want to take the time to calculate how all the changes will impact you. 

Have you been following the budget today? What have been your thoughts?

In the meantime, if you would like some extra support in your job search, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Talent Mis-Match: where will you fit?

It will be no surprise (and disappointing to hear) that the latest graduate unemployment figures have risen, and quite dramatically. But how can you turn this news on its head, and create positive results for yourself?

Firstly, let us look at the evidence... Last year Manpower reported that 23% of Europe's employers are having difficulty in filling positions due to the lack of suitable talent available. And in the UK, only 9% of employers seem to have a talent mis-match... This somewhat increases the competition for you guys out there job searching.

What this leads us to examine is where you fit, and how you can stand out from your competitors. Take a step back and review your own skills and create your USP (Unique Selling Point). What do you offer, that is different? When you have established this, you can start your personal marketing campaign!

And to help identify where you might be most successful; some earlier research conducted by Right Management in 2010 highlights the best sources for new opportunities...

• 40% of candidates find new positions through networking
• 16% find jobs through internet job boards
• 12% find new positions through search firms
• Other job sources included responding to advertisements (10%), direct approach (10%) and other means not disclosed (12%)

Avoid a talent mis-match and do you research, promote your skills and land that job!

For more practical information on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.