2020 was a strange year for many obvious reasons. The Covid-19 pandemic put many people out of work, many onto furlough, but there were some areas that kept hiring, notably logistics, retail, warehousing and the games industry. In this post we try to offer a helping hand to people who may be just picking themselves up again after a period out of work.
The first and obvious thing to note is that some of you may still be looking, applying and feeling like you are not getting anywhere. If this is you, then remember that you are not on your own: seek support from us, or organisations such as the National Careers Service. It might feel daunting, but even a short 30 minute conversation can give you confidence and make you feel like you are on the right track.
If you are having interviews, even if you are not yet successful: congratulations, you are impressing employers, and showing them that you have the skills to do the job. Being shortlisted when there are many applicants is no mean feat, and although it doesn’t feel like it, you are making progress. Again, we can support you with interview coaching and preparation.
What if you have been offered the job? Starting a new job is daunting at the best of times, never mind when you have been away from the workplace for months. The first thing to remember is that nerves are ok – from the human body’s viewpoint, the physical reactions to being nervous are just the same as being excited (higher heart rate, butterflies in the stomach, raised temperature). You’re not nervous, you’re excited!
If you are in a professional job, there are loads of great tips out there, such as in this piece on LinkedIn Learning. In this instance, I am going to try and keep it simple; before your first day, think of the following:
- What do I need to wear? If you have a job requiring uniform, they should give this to you on the first day. Some workplaces have a dress code, otherwise just think about what everyone else will be wearing at work and try to match that – there is no point turning up wearing a suit if everyone else is in jeans and trainers (although it doesn’t hurt to be smarter on your first day).
- Do I need any documents with me? You may have to show some ID documents to prove your right to work and to be added to the payroll. Check your job offer letter and that should tell you what you need?
- How are you getting there? This can be especially important if you did your interview on Zoom or Teams! Make sure you know where you are going, and which buses or trains you need to catch. If you are driving, what will the traffic be like and where can you park?
- Smile! No-one will expect you to know it all on your first day, so just focus on getting to know people and making a good impression. Also remember that there is no such thing as a slly question: most workplaces would prefer you to ask, rather than make any mistakes.
Don’t forget that our new podcast “What exactly do you do?” explores lots of different types of jobs and working styles, so that you can learn more and decide what will suit you. Links to listen and subscribe are available via our podcast page.
[Cover photo by Canva Studio from Pexels]
Karuna CV 