Blog

Preparing for an interview can be a challenge for any job seeker. Success is all in the preparation, and one way you can make the most of your time with a hiring manager, is by taking the STAR approach.

We are seeing positive signs in the employment market with available roles in the region up by 3% on January, which was up 67% on December. However this is down 19% on February last year, a sure sign that upcoming changes to the minimum wage and national insurance are having an impact.

You’ve done the hard work. You’ve drafted your CV, done your research, prepared for your interviews and now you’ve secured the job offer you wanted. All you need to do now is resign from your current position. This should be the easy part, but for many people, it’s one of the most stressful aspects of making a career move.

Those who hold a CIPD qualification can also earn up to 12% more than those without, according to Lightcast. HR roles requesting CIPD Qualifications pay on average £4,400 more than without. The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualifications in 2025 will remain highly respected in the HR and people management field, with each level corresponding to specific career stages and responsibilities.

As we expected, this month we have seen a rebound from the tighter December market with a 67% increase on regional role availability, a sign the employment market is heading for a better start to the year.

Lots of people become frozen with fear when it comes to writing a CV. The task feels too big and scary: as if your next job - maybe even an entire career - is riding on it. Relax. The goal of your CV is to secure an interview. No more, no less. Take one step at a time and you’re less likely to become overwhelmed by the recruitment process.

December can always prove a tighter employment market, with many celebrating the season with family and friends, and the search for a new role and new team members taking a back seat.

As we approach 2025, the hiring landscape is poised for significant changes. From the increasing use of AI to shifts in economic conditions, the Employment Rights Bill and workplace dynamics, it will be interesting to see what the year ahead brings.

November was an interesting month in the employment market, following the announcement of the budget last month.

You spend so much of your time finding great talent; taking them through the interview process, supporting with offer negotiation and ensuring they are prepared for their first day. But what plans do you have in place to ensure you keep them?

Conducting effective interviews is a skill, one that you can hone throughout your career. And there is more to an interview than simply sitting across from your prospective candidate, either in person or on screen.

It's clear that uncertainty around the budget and the longer half term break has had an impact on hiring across the region.