Latest Stories from Dan
Question – How long should I stick to a job I don’t like?
Our career coach gives some top advice for those who find they’re not loving their new job. Question - If I am immediately unhappy in a role and do not see myself staying at the company long term, how long should I stick it out so that my next potential employer doesn’t see the length of my previous employment as a red flag? I know of one person who left...
Question – How long does the hiring process really take?
Question: How long does the interviewing, task and trial process typically take before securing a full-time role? Is it worth taking up a job in retail/hospitality to support me during the process after leaving university? Chloe, France This question is a good opportunity to think about the process from the hiring organisations’ point of view, which is not always well understood by students. For an ‘immediate hire’ vacancy (the vacancies you...
Transitioning from education into the workforce
Our career coach gives some insight into the tricky shift from university or school into the world of adult work. I’m a recent graduate and I’m one month into a 12 month internship in the health and fitness sector, but it’s really not working for me. I’m not enjoying the unsociable hours or lack of structure. I enjoy business and I’m looking to get into the real estate industry in...
Question – Should I broaden my career focus?
Our career coach gives advice to those who are questioning their career aspirations as they enter the workforce. Question: I am currently completing a master’s degree (in enterprise and entrepreneurship) at the university of Leeds, and I’m looking to get a job in September 2022. Since I was about 14 I have always aspired to work in the finance industry and have work experience in the sector as well...
Question – Should I be upfront about my location when networking?
Getting contacts for potential work can be a tricky enough business on its own, but what happens when you’ve a preferred place to work? Our career coach gives the run down. Question: I’m taking an MBA, and I want to go into consulting afterwards, which means a change of industry, function and location. My preference would be working in the Middle East. When networking and interviewing, is it better to...
Question – What’s the best strategy for Zoom interviews?
Not being able to visit a company office for an interview doesn’t mean you can’t have a strategy. Here’s our advice for securing a successful first-time chat with a potential employer. Question: Given most hiring is now done on-line versus in person, what should I change about the way I interview, speak, look etc…? Avalon 18, UK So, you’ve managed to make it to the interview stage of a job...
Three ideas for more effective job hunting
Looking for a good approach to finding your next job? Here are my top three ideas for getting you that dream career. Finding a job can be hard even at the best of times, but throw a pandemic into the mix and you’ve really got a tough task on your hands. Although it may be hard, there are things you can do to increase your chances of bagging a job and...
Where to get hired post Covid-19
The pandemic has changed the way businesses around the world operate and run - so where should you be looking to get hired once things return to normal? I’ve been thinking about this in terms of relevance and resilience. I’m not 100% sure which sectors or organisations go in which boxes; you can take your own view on that. But big tech, home delivery services, healthcare, town planning and operations are...
How to make a productive connection with professionals
Wondering how to make your professional friendships and relationships the best they can possibly be? Here’s a rundown of the most effective approach - and what you’ll want to avoid. One of my biggest frustrations as a careers advisor is when a student I’ve never met asks me to connect them to a vague category of person they think will be useful to them, for example... “Hi, I’d liek you to...
5 questions to ask yourself about career transitions
Wondering whether to make a job switch? Make sure you know what you’re getting into and ask yourself these vital questions before you do so. I work with lots of people of all ages who want to make a career transition. I think transitions are REALLY positive - I hate the thought of people being stuck in jobs they hate. However, people often base their desire to make a transition on...
