Recruitment agencies, such as Connect Appointments, can be an important tool in your employment search, but, how can a recruitment agency help you?

From scrolling through job websites to filling out endless applications, the job hunt can start to feel like full-time work. It might be time to call in the assistance of a dedicated recruitment agency.

At Connect Appointments, we are one of the UK’s leading recruitment agencies, working across the country to pair job applicants with the companies that need them.

As an agency we strive on taking the stress out for your employment search, with our dedicated recruitment consultants working to get you into paid work as quickly as possible.

PROCESS

Recruitment agencies work closely with companies who are looking to source or expand their workforce. Rather than interviewing with a company directly, you will be interviewed by a recruitment consultant from Connect Appointments.

The interview process will take place either in-branch or over the phone with one of our consultants. Here we can learn more about your previous work placements to find the best role for you. With an extensive bank of clients, we will do our best to find a role that meets your skillset.

SECTOR

At Connect, we’re a multi-sector agency, meaning there are plenty of opportunities, depending on your skills and experience. While many of our clients work in production and manufacturing, the food and drinks industry, logistics and distribution: we have roles available across a wide range of sectors.

Companies we’re currently working with are leaders in their respective industry, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the UK’s top employers. If you’re reliable, punctual and have a positive attitude, we’re certain we can find your next role – especially as many of our roles require zero previous experience.

We continually have a variety of temporary, permanent, full-time and part-time positions available and are on hand to answer any questions, assist with any concerns and provide the information you need to progress to your next job.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Find our latest job listings on our website and apply for any role online. Simply enter your personal details and attach your CV to the job advert; or upload your CV to our database and we’ll be in touch with any suitable opportunities.

If you’d prefer, you can make an appointment to visit your nearest branch and meet with one of our consultants, who’ll be able to go through the process with you and answer any questions.

Your consultant will look at our current database of available roles and pair you with the one that best matches your skills and experience: that means no more trawling through endless job listings. We’ll do that for you.

Once you’ve been successful in securing an offer from one of our clients, our support doesn’t end there. We’ll provide you with all the information you need, including start dates, contract information, hours, shift patterns and how you should prepare for your first day.

Our expert consultants have helped thousands of people across the UK find their next role, and we’re certain they can find yours, too.

Upload your CV, check out our latest opportunities, or get in touch with your nearest branch today to start your journey and #GetConnected.

At Connect Appointments, we understand that the temp recruitment process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. That’s why we’ve pulled together some FAQ’s by our candidates to help you navigate the process with ease.

General FAQ’s

What is temp work?

Temp work is short-term or contract work, typically lasting from a few days to several months. It’s an excellent way to gain experience, develop skills, and earn money while searching for a permanent role.

Why work with a recruitment agency?

Working with a recruitment agency like Connect Appointments has several advantages. We have access to a vast network of clients, including many who don’t advertise their vacancies publicly. We can also provide you with support and advice throughout the recruitment process, from CV writing to interview preparation.

Is there a fee for using your services?

No, there’s no fee for using our services as a temp candidate. Our fees are paid by our clients.

What kind of roles do you recruit for?

We recruit for a wide range of temp roles across various industries, including: production and manufacturing, logistics and distribution, office support and admin, driving and transportation, technical and engineering and more.

 

Applying for a Temp Role FAQ’s

How do I apply for a temp role?

You can apply for a temp role through our website or by sending us your CV via email. Once we receive your application, one of our consultants will contact you to discuss your requirements and match you with any suitable temp roles that we have.

What do I need to include in my CV?

Your CV should include your contact details, work experience, education and qualifications, and any relevant skills or achievements. Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you’re applying for and highlights your relevant experience and skills.

How long does the recruitment process take?

The recruitment process varies depending on the role and the client’s requirements. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and let you know as soon as possible if you’ve been successful.#

 

Temp Work FAQ’s

How long will a temp role last?

The length of a temp role can vary from a few days to several months, depending on the client’s needs.

How much will I get paid?

Your pay rate will depend on the role and the client’s requirements. We’ll discuss the pay rate with you before you start the assignment.

What if I’m not happy in the role?

If you’re not happy in the role, please let us know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to find a solution and ensure you’re placed in a role that’s a better fit.

 

GET CONNECTED

We hope this FAQ’s guide has answered your questions about temp work and the recruitment process. If you have any other questions or would like to apply for a temp role, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help!

Temporary employment is a great way to get your foot in the door with one of our clients and occasional shift work is an ever-expanding business. We tell you how to get the most out of a short-term contract.

Flexibility

One of the biggest perks to temporary work is the flexibility it gives you to take complete control of your working life. You won’t have to worry about taking your responsibilities from work home with temporary employment, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Short-term employment gives you the option to build your work life around other commitments.

Building skills

You already have a plethora of skills that you may not even know about, and with each role you work, you will improve certain aptitudes. From communication to project management, everyone in the workforce can learn on the job. It may only be temporary work, but going into a job with an open mind and being proactive in learning all you can will go on to benefit you in the long run.

Upgrade your CV

Each time you start a new role include this on your CV, regardless of the length of time spent with a business. We pride ourselves on working with some of the leading organisations in the UK, having these names on your CV is always going to look good. Keeping your CV updated will also give you the chance to reflect on the skills you have learned within each role.

Networking

Short-term work within organisations at the top of their industries means you can build your contacts. Connecting with colleagues during temporary employment is key: the people you meet may be able to act as a reference, managers who are looking to hire permanent staff, or it could simply be an opportunity to make new friends.

In the money

When you start working, it is important to know that this may impact the amount of benefits you can claim. As you start to earn more, the Universal Credit you are eligible for will gradually reduce. Unlike Jobseeker’s Allowance, your payment won’t stop just because you work more than 16 hours a week. In some cases, you may be eligible for a work allowance. A work allowance is the amount that you can earn before your Universal Credit payment is affected. Turn2Us have a free benefit calculator to help you calculate not only what benefits you are entitled to, but how much you can expect your monthly income to be.

Positive attitude

You may only be working in your short-term or temporary contract for several days or weeks, it might only be a couple of shifts, but if you go in with the right attitude then the potential is limitless. If you are regularly doing shifts with a company and a similar role arises, they might consider you first for the position. When you are known, reliable and understand the business, the potential for permanent work is always there during temp roles.

Understand your rights

From the day you start work, you’ve got a worker’s employment rights, and the same rights as your permanent colleagues to use shared facilities provided by th employer. After 12-weeks in the job, you’ll qualify for the same rights as someone employed directly, also known as ‘equal treatment’, which includes the same pay as a permanent colleague doing the same job, automatic pension enrollment and paid annual leave.

A tailored workforce

If you are an employer, temporary workers supplied by an agency could be the answer to any demanding or busy periods within your company. Making an immediate difference to any role they are placed in; temporary workers are also fast to hire. In the past we have had clients call us on the day requiring staff to start at 9am – we are committed to making sure this happens.

Whether you have had an unexpected job come through, or you have absences to cover, temporary workers can make a real difference. Sourcing temporary workers during busy periods can be extremely efficient and offers flexibility to ensure tasks are completed. Bringing skills, experience and knowledge to your workforce, temporary workers can even provide new industry information to current, permanent members of staff.

When a permanent position is required to be filled temporary workers can slot into this role during the set recruitment period. If you want to find out more about how temporary workers can boost your business, call your nearest Connect Appointments office now.

Connect Appointments is the only choice when it comes to supplying permanent and temporary staff for the drinks industry, offering a specialist, tailored recruitment service.

Our teams are experienced in sourcing the right candidates for all levels, from Production Line and Bottling Hall Operators to Senior Management. With a database of thousands of candidates, we can help you fill permanent positions and have expertise in finding temporary and contract staff at short notice.

Connect Appointments’ specialist consultants supply staff to a variety of clients in the drinks industry, from small companies to well-known brands in:

We can help you with your selection process, ensuring the candidates we put forward for interview are suitable for your business and culture. Our team can also offer advice and guidance on pay rates, contract terms and employment legislation thanks to our wealth of recruitment knowledge.

Our specialist consultants are experienced in finding the ideal recruits for a variety of roles including:

Why choose Connect Appointments?

Connect Appointments is the only choice when it comes to supplying permanent and temporary staff for the drinks industry. With our dedicated service and in-depth experience, you will benefit from a flexible and tailored recruitment solution specific to your requirements that is both professional and personal.

FAST – Our expert knowledge of the drinks industry and our established recruitment network means we can recruit quickly.

RELIABLE – Our clients know that they can rely on our dedicated consultants to listen and provide them with what they need.

RESPONSIVE – With our huge database of candidates, we can provide temporary staff at very short notice.

VETTED – All of our candidates are referenced and checked before they start work.

Supplying staff to the drinks industry for over 30 years, we have a unique insight into this area of recruitment. Whether you are looking for a permanent Supply Chain Manager or temporary Production Line Operators, Connect Appointments is the company to call.

Inquire now: info@connectappointments.co.uk

 

At Connect Appointments we understand it has been a difficult period for our candidates, clients and staff. More than ever, it is important to be aware of your own mental health and how to support the people around you.

SIMPLE STEPS

The challenging last few years, and the current period of uncertainty, have saw the awareness of mental health grow and with it, the stigma around discussing mental health decreased. Despite this, we know it can still be hard to start a conversation on mental health.

If you are feeling more stressed or upset than usual, there are different ways you can find support. Small steps like keeping a daily routine, getting a full night’s sleep or making time to go for a walk outdoors can help you to feel better during uncertain times.

If you have noticed changes in a loved one or colleague, you don’t have to ask them about their mental health directly. Asking someone how they have been feeling, if there is anything on their mind or just saying hello at the start of your shift will show that there is someone there.

SUPPORT

No problem or worry is too small to reach out for support, and there are organisations on hand to provide information, a quick chat or long-term help.

You can speak to the Samaritans on their 24-hour helpline for judgement-free support and advice on 116 123, but if you would feel more comfortable, you can use the Shout text service by texting SHOUT to 85258.

Speaking to a volunteer directly does not have to be the first step you take. Organisations like Men’s Minds Matter provide information, run Facebook groups, get involved with podcasts and write helpful guides for people who are experiencing mental health problems.

If you are struggling with your mental health, remember you are not alone: reaching out for support can be daunting but it is a great step to improve how you feel.

 

Recruitment is a fast-paced, dynamic industry that offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, working in recruitment can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll cover the key reasons why you should consider a career in recruitment.

Help People Find Jobs

One of the most satisfying aspects of working in recruitment is helping people find a job. By connecting talented candidates with top employers, you can make a real difference in people’s lives. This sense of fulfillment is a major reason why many recruiters stay in the industry for years.

Build Strong Relationships

Recruitment is a relationship-driven industry, and building strong connections with both clients and candidates is essential. As a recruiter, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with people from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. This can help you develop strong interpersonal skills and build a valuable professional network.

Opportunities for Advancement

Recruitment is a highly competitive industry, and recruiters who perform well are often rewarded with opportunities for advancement. This can include promotions to team leader or management roles, as well as the chance to work with high-profile clients and candidates.

Training and Development

To succeed in recruitment, you need to be constantly learning and developing your skills. Many recruitment firms offer comprehensive training programs and professional development opportunities to help their employees stay ahead of the curve. This can include workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs.

Flexibility and Autonomy

Recruitment is a results-driven industry, and as long as you’re meeting your targets, you’ll have a great deal of flexibility and autonomy in your work. This can include setting your own schedule, working from home, and the ability to manage your own workload.

Competitive Salaries and Benefits

Recruitment can be a highly lucrative industry, with many recruiters earning six-figure salaries. In addition to competitive base salaries, many recruitment firms offer generous commission structures and bonuses. Many firms also offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Working in recruitment can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, offering opportunities for growth, development, and financial success. Whether you’re passionate about helping people find their dream jobs, building strong relationships, or developing your skills, the recruitment industry offers a wide range of opportunities to suit your interests and goals.

Confidence for an interview comes with being prepared. Our top tips will see you leaving a positive, lasting impression in no time.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Look at the company’s website, their competitors – even look at their news page – to learn more about the company. Researching will show an employer you know about the company: their ethos, history, products and market sector. A few sentences will demonstrate the work you’ve put in, and it could go a long way during the interview.

TIME TO CONNECT

Take the time to learn how certain employees got to their current position. Did they work their way up the ladder? LinkedIn is a perfect tool to get a deeper understanding of a person’s career path, and of the opportunities available in a company.

SO, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU…

This is your chance to shine. In  a 30-second summary of your educational career, your interests, extracurricular achievements – and finally, what job it is you want – you will take your skillset to new heights. During an interview, we call this the elevator pitch.

EXPLAIN

During the interview you may be asked to explain, or expand, certain points on your CV, so prepare concise explanations to detail what you did or learned in each experience listed. Illustrate what you achieved and the skills you used – and how you plan on expanding them further. When explaining your skillset, highlight how you are best placed within a position, it will help the interviewee to understand what you’re looking for and what you can bring to the table. Don’t forget: the interview is a twoway process.

DRESS (AND ACT) THE PART

Unless stated otherwise, it is important to attend your interview  in appropriate, smart clothing (so, leave the baseball cap at home). Remember, you’re going into an office environment for your interview and turning your phone off to providing a firm handshake – whilst maintaining eye contact – will impress.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Life can throw a curveball. Transport links failing or waking up with a serious case of flu: it happens to the best of us. Maintain a professional stance in this case. If you are running late take the time to let the interviewer know over the phone, you might not be the only interview booked in. Similarly, don’t turn up 30 minutes early, the earliest you should be for an appointment is five minutes.

For personalised interview advice from one of our consultants, get in touch with your nearest branch today.

Get connected with all the latest recruitment news by following us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

At Connect Appointments the initial information we get about you is from your CV. Use our top CV tips to ensure that you impress your consultant first, then the employer.

KEEP IT CONCISE

Use your editing skills to ensure your CV only includes the relevant information. Try to keep your CV to two A4 pages at most, and make use of bullet points.

POWER OF THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

There’s no denying that your cover letter is crucial, but keep in mind that recruiters may lose track of your letter and focus entirely on your CV. For this reason, a small blurb – or personal statement – at the top of your CV detailing your career objectives and what you’re looking for in your next career venture allows you to reintroduce yourself to a recruiter. It’s a fantastic method of summarising your entire CV into a couple of sentences, and gives you the opportunity to really sell yourself. Make sure to tailor your personal statement for each job role you apply for, this shows attention to detail without taking up valuable word count.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR SKILLS

Regardless if you’re proud of your grades from school or you wish you had done better, it’s important to include each qualification on your CV. It lets a recruiter get to understand your base knowledge of a subject and see how you’ve taken it forward into your working life and progressed on those skills. However, if there is a particular grade you would rather not shout about you could list the topics you studied and highlight the ones where you achieved good grades.

When you progress further in your career, and have a wealth of experience and roles to reference back to, the onus on your grades from secondary school or college aren’t as integral. Briefly mention them, but give more focus to the skills and experience you’ve gained through various jobs and work placements you’ve held.

KEEP IT STRUCTURED

Every employer studies a CV differently. Even so, each CV should be chronological and showcase your skills and personal attributes. Always include your name and contact details at the top followed by your personal statement. Then go onto include your work experience and qualifications. When it comes to work positions, only include roles you think are relevant for the industry you are apply for. The education section should include all your qualifications from school, degree or apprenticeship, to industry qualifications.

REFLECTION IS KEY

Always include roles that are pertinent to your chosen career to highlight your former experience. But, make sure to go beyond the job role – many positions will have similar responsibilities. What did those roles teach you? Reflect on what you’ve learned, any awards or qualifications you achieved and how you went above and beyond the call of duty to excel in the workforce. From being nominated as employee of the month, training new team members, or even holding a clean, full drivers’ licence will instantly appeal to our recruitment consultants and any potential employers.

IN THE PICTURE

Fun fact: recruiters spend on average just six seconds looking at a CV. Grabbing their attention is vital, and images are a great way to do just that. Use the logos of your past employers to make your CV more visual. In a glance a recruitment consultant will recognise what companies you’ve worked for. Bear in mind this works far better if you’ve had a role with an instantly recognisable brand – a grainy photo of a small business logo won’t make the cut.

CHECK IT TWICE

Mistakes happen, but try to avoid errors on your CV. The best way to do this is to check it over for any spelling or grammatical errors, or ask someone you trust to proof read it for you. A typo could land your CV at the bottom of the pile, even if you have all the relevant skills – so get checking.

Get connected and discover how Connect Appointments can help you achieve your next permanent, temporary or contract role. Get in touch with your closest branch today!

 

The UK’s drinks industry is thriving, and working within it can be very rewarding. As existing distilleries and bottling halls grow and new ones open their doors, enthusiastic and reliable people are being welcomed into the sector. The industry offers fantastic scope for career progression, and great opportunities for networking. However, roles within the drinks industry, just like all other sectors, do come with their challenges.

It’s important to have support in place for emergency situations that may affect your working life. We’d like to share information on how to access aid for those working within the drinks industry.

Connect Appointments is proud to work with the BEN – the Scottish drinks industry charity.

Who is the BEN?

Under various names, the BEN has been in operation since 1964. The charity is led by 10 directors from different areas of the sector who work throughout Scotland. They volunteer to help raise funds, manage the charity, and support the delivery of services for their beneficiaries.

It’s their goal to assist people of all ages who have worked within the licensed trade for at least three years on a full-time basis. It offers financial, social, and emotional support to those who need it.

Connect Appointments have subscribed to the Society’s funds, and as a result, hold a Bronze Membership with the BEN.

How do they help?

Workers within the drinks industry like Bottling Hall Operatives, Forklift Drivers, and Production/Warehouse Operators can apply to the BEN for help in times of need. The charity provides its beneficiaries with discretionary financial support or one-off grants for emergency situations, for example:

HIT Scotland

The BEN also provides scholarships through HIT Scotland. HIT (Hospitality Industry Trust) Scotland is a charity that was first established in 1994 that aims to support those working and studying in the hospitality industry in Scotland. They offer a tailored learning experience for those within the industry to broaden their skills and experience.

Scholarships provided by the BEN and HIT Scotland have aided workers within the drinks industry to learn new skills and gain experience within the sector, enabling them to develop their skills and careers.

The BEN asks those who have taken advantage of the scholarships in turn show support back to the drinks industry; this can be achieved by speaking at events, helping provide staff or food and drink to events, mentoring potential scholars, or providing prizes for auctions and raffles.

Pop and Prosecco!

In May of this year, the BEN hosted a fabulous Pop and Prosecco night, and the Connect team attended along with some of our clients to celebrate the women working within the drinks industry.

We enjoyed dinner, drinks, and some dancing together at Oran Mor in Glasgow’s West End, but most importantly, we helped raise funds to continue supporting workers within the sector.

It was a brilliant night, and we were excited to be contributing to the BEN’s mission, as well as getting the chance to network with women within the industry.

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We are delighted to announce that Connect Appointments has secured the contract to supply temporary staff at Russell Contract Packing, Hillington. As the primary supplier, Connect Appointments is committed to delivering an efficient, high-volume staffing solution to meet the increasing demand for Russell’s Contract Packing services.

Founded in 1969, Russell Logistics has evolved from humble beginnings into an industry leader in logistics, offering an extensive range of services to some of the largest companies in the UK and beyond. Their contract packing solutions encompass services such as carton assembly, luxury gift packaging, and spirit decanting.

Craig Gibb, Operations Manager at Russell Contract Packing said:

“We are delighted to partner with Connect Appointments. Their vision and dedication aligns perfectly with our own, supporting our values of trust, reliability and service excellence.”

This partnership is built on a shared commitment to exceptional customer service. Russell Contract Packing’s dedication to meeting client needs aligns perfectly with Connect Appointments’ mission to deliver tailored recruitment solutions. With roots stretching back to the 1960s, Connect Appointments has firmly established itself as a major player in the UK recruitment industry, supplying thousands of temporary, permanent, and contract workers from its eight strategically located branches.

“We are thrilled to be working with Russell Contract Packing,” said William Sim, Managing Director of Connect Appointments. “We pride ourselves on delivering bespoke staffing solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. Our focus on providing quality, reliable high-volume staffing supports Russell Contract Packing in continuing to thrive in their industry. This relationship highlights our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.”

To find out how Connect Appointments can support you, get in touch or inquire now!