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.
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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:
- Mental health issues
- Support in covering utility and household bills
- The provision of home furnishings
- Funding for injury rehabilitation equipment
- The supply of mobility and transport solutions
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!
At Connect Appointments we work with a global leader in the branded packaging industry. As an international company they require a reliable recruitment partner to support their extensive operations. Here we highlight how we successfully provide tailored recruitment solutions to the packaging industry, while showcasing our commitment to excellence and flexibility.
The Challenge
Our client operates multiple facilities in Scotland, employing hundreds of workers across the country. As such, they needed a recruitment partner that could supply high-quality temporary staff. Given the nature of the industry, the roles often required a quick turnaround, skilled labour, and the ability to work under strict deadlines. Moreover, the dynamic environment of the packaging industry demanded a recruitment partner capable of scaling the workforce according to seasonal demands and production peaks.
Solution Provided by Connect Appointments
Connect Appointments, known for its extensive experience in providing recruitment solutions, has been instrumental in addressing these challenges. Our approach focused on understanding the specific requirements and delivering a tailored service.
Comprehensive Candidate Vetting: We leveraged our database of vetted candidates, ensuring that each individual met the high standards expected.
Flexible Staffing Solutions: Understanding the fluctuating nature of production demands, we provided a flexible staffing model that allowed for rapid scaling.
Focus on Training and Development: We worked closely to understand their operational processes and cultural environment. This collaboration enabled us to provide staff who were not only technically proficient but also aligned with our clients values and work ethic.
Results and Impact
This partnership has proven to be highly successful. By consistently providing reliable and skilled staff, we’ve helped maintain their production process and meet critical deadlines. Our ability to adapt to changing needs and provide high-quality staff has cemented our position as their favoured recruitment partner.
Whether you need an on-site consultant to manage high volume projects, one-off specialist recruitment campaigns, or a managed contract service – we always ensure the highest standards.
For more information on how we can best support you submit an inquiry HERE!
In the scenic setting of the Scottish landscape, a five-star venue known for its exclusivity and luxurious offerings, requires a reliable and discreet staffing solution. This case study explores how Connect Appointments has become the ideal provider of temporary Ad hoc staff for this distinguished location, ensuring seamless operations during their exclusive events.
The Challenge
The five-star venue faced the challenge of quickly sourcing high-quality Ad hoc staff who could maintain the venue’s reputation. The events held at this location demanded staff who were not only skilled and professional, but also capable of operating under strict confidentiality, given the attendance of prominent figures. Additionally, the need for Ad hoc staffing meant the venue required a flexible and responsive recruitment partner capable of meeting their varying demands at short notice.
Solution Provided by Connect Appointments
Connect Appointments, with its extensive experience in providing tailored recruitment solutions across the UK, stepped in to meet the venue’s unique requirements. Our Glasgow branch, led by Branch Manager Lynda McLaughlin, ensured that the venue received first-class service.
Our approach focused on two key aspects: expertise and discretion. Connect Appointments has a proven track record of supplying skilled temporary staff for a wide range of industries, including hospitality and event management. We leveraged our comprehensive database of vetted candidates to provide skilled staff who could seamlessly integrate into the venue’s high standards.
To address the need for discretion, Lynda personally spoke to every worker regarding the significance of confidentiality, and provided training to staff on the importance of privacy and professional conduct. This ensured our workers could handle the exclusive nature of the events with the utmost respect and privacy to guests.
Understanding the dynamic nature of the venue’s staffing needs, Connect Appointments offered a flexible and responsive service. Lynda worked closely with the venue’s event coordinators to understand their specific requirements and deliver staff tailored to each event.
Lynda, Glasgow Branch Manager at Connect Appointments:
“The opportunity to work with such a prestigious venue has been immensely rewarding for our team. It demonstrates the versatility and reliability of our recruitment services. We’re proud to be a staffing partner for a venue that demands the highest standards.”
Conclusion
Connect Appointments has proven to be a valued partner for the venue, providing temporary Ad hoc staff who uphold the venue’s reputation for excellence and discretion. Our commitment to understanding and meeting the specific needs of our clients, combined with our extensive experience and tailored approach, makes us the ideal recruitment partner for any organisation looking to enhance their event operations.
For more information visit our Employers page to discover what we can do for you.
Connect Driver Solutions (CDS) has established itself as a specialist recruitment agency within the driving and transport industry. In a field traditionally dominated by men, we had the opportunity to speak to Shannon Murray, Operations Manager for CDS England, who’s carved a niche for herself in the industry.
Early Beginnings
Shannon’s passion for the industry was ignited early on, as she “enjoyed the process of learning a new industry, and just how important it was to everyday life”. Despite the male-dominated nature of the field, she was undeterred.
Climbing the Ranks at CDS
Joining Connect in 2017, Shannon quickly rose through the ranks, from Recruitment Consultant to Ops Manager. Her typical day involves a variety of tasks, from client and driver contact to payroll and new business acquisition. “No one day is the same in this office,” she remarks, reflecting her love for the dynamic nature of her role.
Gender Diversity
The driving and transport industry has seen positive changes in gender diversity, a trend Shannon supports. “There are some fantastic women in the industry …. with a lot more women coming into driving, and working within a variety of roles,” she observes. Her advice to women entering the field? “It’s a great industry to get in to, and with a growing number of opportunities available, the driving sector can take you in direction.”
What Sets CDS Apart
“CDS’s edge lies in its honest and transparent approach, both with clients and candidates”, Shannon states. We’re a national company, but with the attentiveness of a local supplier, committed to going the extra mile. From payroll services and response management, to on-boarding, pre-employment screening, skills testing and more: Connect Driver Solutions will be at the heart of your recruitment process, meaning you have time to focus on other aspects of your business.
Shannon’s story is an example of how dedication and expertise drive the success of Connect Driver Solutions. As she continues to lead CDS England with passion. Her journey highlights the commitment and resilience that define CDS as specialist recruiters for the driving and transport industry.
Interested in learning more about Connect Driver Solutions or exploring current opportunities? Shannon and her team are here to help you navigate the industry with confidence and success.
info@connectdriversolutions.co.uk
The Importance of CPC Training for Professional Drivers
CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career as a professional driver. This training ensures that drivers are not only qualified to operate large vehicles, but also knowledgeable about safety regulations and best practices.
Why CPC Training Matters
CPC training is a mandatory requirement for professional drivers in the United Kingdom and Europe. It consists of periodic training that keeps drivers up-to-date with industry standards and legal requirements. For drivers and employers alike, understanding the importance of CPC training can make a significant difference in maintaining safety and efficiency on the road.
Improving Road Safety
One of the primary reasons for CPC training is to improve road safety. By equipping drivers with the latest information on safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques, and vehicle maintenance, CPC training helps reduce the risk of accidents and enhances overall road safety.
Enhancing Driver Skills
CPC training covers a wide range of topics, including fuel-efficient driving, load security, and emergency procedures. This comprehensive approach ensures that drivers are well-prepared for various situations they may encounter on the road, making them more competent and confident in their roles.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
Failure to comply with CPC training requirements can result in hefty fines and legal issues for both drivers and employers. Staying compliant with these regulations not only avoids penalties but also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and safety.
For more detailed information on Certificate of Professional Competence training requirements, visit the UK Government’s official page.
Check out our specialist driving division Connect Driver Solutions to learn how we can help you find your next driver, or check out our latest driver job opportunities.
Unlocking the Advantages of External Recruitment for Your Team
When a new position opens up in your organisation, you face a crucial decision: promote from within or bring in fresh talent? While both strategies have their merits, external recruitment offers unique advantages, especially in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
As a top recruitment agency, Connect Appointments understands the intricacies of both internal and external hiring. We collaborate with clients daily to determine the best approach for their staffing needs. This guide will explore the benefits of both internal and external recruitment, helping you make informed decisions that support your company’s growth and culture.
Growing Your Company with Diverse Talent
Much like a thriving garden, a successful company relies on a mix of seasoned employees and new hires. Each individual contributes to the ecosystem, and effective workforce management requires various strategies:
- Internal Recruitment: Develops talent from within, leveraging training and development programs.
- External Recruitment: Attracts and integrates new candidates, infusing fresh ideas and skills into your team.
Balancing internal and external recruitment ensures a dynamic workforce ready for growth and success. Your recruitment journey starts with a clear, engaging job description to attract the right talent, whether from within or outside your organisation.
Why Choose External Recruitment?
External recruitment can significantly enhance your business by bringing in new talent, diversifying your workforce, and filling skills gaps. Here are key reasons to consider external hiring:
Fresh Perspectives
External hires bring fresh ideas and experiences that can invigorate your business. New team members often possess skills and insights that can propel your company forward, complementing and enhancing your existing team’s capabilities.
Enhancing Diversity
A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives that can improve your products or services and create a more inclusive work environment. Diverse hiring helps your company better serve a broader audience and fosters innovation. Learn more about the benefits of diversity here.
Scaling Efficiently
As your business grows, you’ll need additional personnel to support that expansion. External recruitment allows you to scale your team efficiently, ensuring you have the right people with the right skills at the right time. Recruitment agencies can help you manage both permanent and temporary staffing needs.
Breaking Routine
In our fast-paced world, new ideas are essential. External hires bring different perspectives and approaches that can help your business break out of old routines and innovate. This fresh input can drive your company forward and keep you competitive in the market.
Leveraging Internal Talent Development
While external recruitment is vital, internal recruitment also offers significant benefits. Here’s how to make the most of your internal talent:
Ready to Go
Promoting from within is great for morale and can be quicker since internal candidates are already familiar with your company. However, it can create other vacancies that need filling. Balancing internal promotions with external hires ensures all roles are adequately covered.
Boosting Morale and Growth
Internal recruitment shows your commitment to employee growth, enhancing job satisfaction and loyalty. This positive environment attracts new talent and highlights the opportunities within your company. Explore strategies for employee engagement here.
Retaining and Attracting Talent
Career progression is crucial for retaining and attracting talent. Employees who see growth opportunities within the company are more likely to stay, reducing turnover. External hires can fill knowledge gaps and mentor existing employees, paving the way for future internal promotions.
The Synergy of Internal and External Recruitment
For your organisation to thrive, a balanced approach to recruitment is essential. Partnering with a recruitment agency can enhance your talent strategy, providing insights into the job market and fostering a motivated, innovative workforce.
Expanding the Talent Pool
External recruitment broadens your talent pool, introducing new skills and perspectives. This approach helps prevent biases in your hiring process and brings in fresh ideas.
Maintaining Workplace Harmony
Balancing internal promotions with external hires ensures fairness and mitigates perceptions of favouritism. This balance is crucial for maintaining a positive work environment and selecting the best leaders.
Filling Skills Gaps
External hires can fill essential skills gaps and bring new ideas needed to stay competitive. Assessing whether internal talent can meet specific role demands is crucial for long-term success.
Fostering Innovation
New hires introduce unique perspectives that challenge existing processes, fostering creativity and innovation. External recruitment helps prevent stagnation and ensures a dynamic, forward-thinking workforce.
Cultivating Growth with Combined Recruitment Strategies
Just like a thriving garden needs both mature plants and new seedlings, your workforce benefits from a mix of experienced employees and fresh talent. Combining internal and external recruitment fosters a dynamic environment where employees are engaged and loyal, driving your company’s success.
By thoughtfully integrating internal and external recruitment, companies can build a workforce deeply connected to their mission and open to new challenges. Embracing diverse talent sources allows companies to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and achieve sustained growth.
Contact Connect Appointments today to discover how our expert consultancy can empower your recruitment strategy and drive success through informed, strategic talent acquisition.
In the world of driving and transportation, understanding the different types of driver classifications can be crucial for both employers and jobseekers. At Connect Appointments, we take pride in our specialised driving division, Connect Driver Solutions, where we focus on matching skilled drivers with top employers. But what’s the difference between Class 1 and 2 drivers, and how do terms like HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) and LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) fit into the mix? Let’s break it down.
What Are Class 1 and Class 2 Drivers?
Class 1 Drivers:
Class 1 drivers are licensed to drive Category C+E vehicles. These are the largest and heaviest trucks on the road, often referred to as articulated lorries. They consist of a tractor unit and a trailer, which can be detached. Class 1 drivers are essential for long-haul journeys and transporting large quantities of goods across significant distances.
Class 2 Drivers:
Class 2 drivers hold a Category C license, allowing them to drive rigid vehicles, which are single-unit trucks with the cab and trailer permanently attached. These vehicles are smaller compared to those driven by Class 1 drivers and are typically used for shorter distances and urban deliveries.
HGV and LGV: Clearing Up the Confusion
Many people use the terms HGV and LGV interchangeably, but it’s important to understand their distinctions, especially in the UK context.
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle):
Historically, HGV has been the term used in the UK to refer to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. This includes both Category C (Class 2) and Category C+E (Class 1) vehicles.
LGV (Large Goods Vehicle):
LGV is technically the European Union’s term for what the UK refers to as HGV. In practice, though, LGV is sometimes confused with Light Goods Vehicle, which refers to smaller vehicles like vans under 3.5 tonnes. Therefore, it’s crucial to clarify the context in which LGV is used.
For clarity, in the UK, HGV is the preferred term for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, encompassing both Class 1 and Class 2 licenses.
Why Knowing the Differences Matters
Understanding these classifications is vital for both employers and drivers. For employers, it ensures they hire the right drivers with the appropriate licenses for their specific needs. For drivers, knowing these differences can help them pursue the right qualifications and job opportunities.
Connect Driver Solutions: Your Recruitment Partner
At Connect Driver Solutions, we specialise in connecting experienced Class 1 and Class 2 drivers with reputable employers across various industries. Whether you’re an employer seeking reliable drivers or a driver looking for the next step in your career, our team is here to support you.
For more information on driver licensing and qualifications, you can visit the UK Government’s official page.
Learn more about our specialised driving division on our Connect Driver Solutions page.
Explore our latest driver job opportunities.
Connect Driver Solutions is your go-to partner for all your driving recruitment needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you find the perfect match for your requirements.
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