You’ve landed yourself a new job, plucked up the courage and handed in your resignation, and you’re busy planning out your career at your new company. Then your employer takes you aside, expresses their reluctance to see you go and offers you more salary and additional benefits. In an environment of skills shortages, counter offers are commonplace, but should you accept it if offered?

Why did you resign in the first place?

While the thought of your company really wanting you to stay with them might appear flattering, take a moment to consider why you are in this position in the first place.  You made the decision to apply for new job and it stands to reason that there was a sound reason to do so. Perhaps it was because you felt your achievements weren’t being recognised or that there wasn’t the career progression opportunities available to you. So while it might initially seem fantastic that you have received a counter offer, you decided to leave and regardless of what you have been offered, your reasons for doing so still stand.

A question of loyalty

Another important point to consider is what your resignation tells your employer about your commitment to the company. While you might have been the perfect employee, the moment you hand your resignation in your loyalty will always be in question.  So if you’re considering accepting a counter offer think carefully about how you will be perceived at the company afterwards. While you might think that, by enticing you to stay, your boss obviously deems you too valuable to lose, the fact remains that they will look at you in a different way – it’s purely human nature to do so.  And this can have negative connotations for your future at the business if you do decide to stay put.

Is it just a stop gap?

Another complex issue surrounding counter offers is that you don’t know what it going on behind the scenes and the real reason your employer is asking you to stay.  If your company is experiencing heavy workloads, for example, and doesn’t have ample people waiting in the wings to fill your role, it could very well be that they are viewing the counter offer as a way to plug the gap until a replacement can be found.  And this feeling can be incredibly negative for you and the company – a situation soon arises where your employer is questioning your loyalty to the business and you are consumed with the fear that you might soon be replaced.

Think long and hard before you make the decision

While being offered more money or benefits can initially seem very appealing, our experience shows us that it can lead to a feeling of unease for both employer and employee alike. It’s really important to weigh up the pros and cons before you make a move.  If you decide to proceed with your new job, ensure you thank your boss for the offer and reassure them that you will be committed to your role during your notice period. And if you decide to take up the counter offer, bear in mind that you will probably have to work hard to win back your employer’s trust.

Call the team today for information about how Clayton Recruitment can assist your firm with recruitment and retention strategies. And for more insights from the team take a look at our other blogs and resources.

The first three months in a new job are largely viewed as a proving period. A time to get to know the team, the culture and – crucially – demonstrate that you are the right person for the job. However, starting a new role can be a daunting prospect for nurses. You’ll likely have lots of questions and concerns running through your mind: will I be able to manage the workload? Will I fit into the team?  Am I going to be able to learn the ropes quickly and effectively?  So how can you ensure this important period is a success? Here are our top five tips:

Understand expectations

Ensure you are in receipt of all the information you need about what your Manager expects of you.  Take the time to sit down with your boss to discuss what their expectations are in your first week. While you may have a job role on paper – talking it through will not only demonstrate that you are eager to understand what is required of you, but it might also bring to light anything else that your employer expects from you.  Crucially, don’t make the mistake of over exaggerating your expertise if asked – be honest and open about where you might need extra training or support. This will show your superior that you are keen to develop your skill sets.

Get to know the culture

A big part of your first few weeks and months will be getting to know the company, its people and demonstrating to your peers that you a good cultural fit.  Take the time to get to know people, the values and ethos of the company, so you can ensure you are a perfect match. While it stands to reason that you got the job, in part, because the hiring Manager saw something in you that matched their culture, be sure to prove them right.

Avoid politics

While it pays to be sociable at work and make efforts to get on with your colleagues don’t make the mistake of getting involved in office gossip and politics. Your first three months is a time to demonstrate your expertise – not to become known, or associated with gossip.

Ask for feedback

It always pays to be proactive in getting feedback and constructive criticism from your superiors. Be one step ahead of your manager by asking for feedback before they offer it. Not only will this help your professional development, but it will demonstrate that you are keen to make a success of your role. Don’t however, go too far by asking if you are doing things right on a near constant basis. Diarise a meeting weekly, or bi-weekly, where you can get feedback without alienating your Manager.

Show enthusiasm

Perhaps an obvious one, but ensure your show enthusiasm, positivity and a desire to learn new things during your proving period. Despite how busy you are, or if your day hasn’t gone to plan, projecting a positive image is crucial. The first 90 days in a job aren’t all going to be easy – it’s a big transition – but by showing positivity, they will be that much easier and your peers will warm to you far better.

Three months may seem like a long time, but in reality, they will fly past. And this is particularly the case in a fast-paced environment like the care arena. Make them count by following our top tips and you’ll be well on your way to passing your proving period with flying colours.  Good luck!

If you would like additional advice about your new job or are seeking a new role, get in touch with the team today. And for more insights from the team check out our other blogs and resources.

Have you been over performing in your current position, exceeding expectations, and being given glowing reviews by your employer? If the answer is yes, then you may very well be ready for that all important promotion. Clearly, though, the opportunity isn’t going to simply fall into your lap. So how do you get noticed and get that well deserved promotion?

Here are our five top tips.

Set goals:

Setting goals should always be your first step, if you aren’t clear about where you want to go or what you want to achieve you’ll find yourself stuck in the same role. Only once you’ve set yourself goals can you start to work out how to achieve them. Work out the specific position you want and then imagine yourself attending an interview and the kind of questions they might ask. What makes you the right fit for the position? Do you have the appropriate experience? How would you manage the responsibilities? If you aren’t already able to answer these questions then they should provide you with a good indication of what you need to work on.

Why do you deserve the promotion?

Consider exactly why you’re suitable for the new role. If you’ve developed skills beyond the ones required for your current position see how well they align with those required for a more senior role. If they overlap significantly then it’s likely your manager may already be considering you for a step up. Conversely, if your skillsets aren’t yet up to the level required, then make sure to demonstrate that you are proactively taking steps to improve key skills and are committed to continued professional development. The same principle applies for your relevant experience, do you have enough already, or are there new responsibilities you could potentially take on?

Shout about your achievements:

Make sure your manager is aware of your achievements. If you work in a fast paced environment you’ll likely find that smaller successes are brushed to one side fairly quickly, or that your input into team achievements isn’t fully recognised. However, being able to demonstrate your successes and contributions will be key when discussing a potential promotion with your boss, so make sure to document all of them, however minor they may seem.

Get a meeting in the diary:

Schedule a meeting with your boss. While it’s important to formally schedule a consultation with your manager to ensure they understand the importance of the meeting, it’s also vital that you approach the conversation with enquires rather than demands. Let them know that you are keen to receive feedback on your performance and ask about potential opportunities for you to move up. Explain why you want to take on a new role, and demonstrate why you are ready if given the opportunity. However refrain from being pushy – if you come across as demanding you’ll hurt your chances of promotion rather then come any closer to gaining one.

Be realistic:

Be patient and realistic. If there is a role already available it may be that your meeting highlights you as an obvious candidate, however you may find that the reason you haven’t been promoted yet is because there simply isn’t a position open. In which case it’s key that you continue to demonstrate your relevant skillset, enthusiasm and commitment to professional development. You may find that your promotion is just around the corner.

Take a look at some our other blogs to gain some more valuable career advice.

Or take a look at our current roles to find your next game-changing role.

As an organisation with our finger on the pulse of all things recruitment in the North West, we have an understanding of the skills that firms in the region seek.

But what are the five most in-demand roles in the North West at the moment?

Fork lift drivers – reach and counter balance

These are the two main types of fork lift truck and an increase in demand is generally noted around this time every year as organisations begin to prepare their operations for the busy Christmas period. A rise in orders and products moving through factories and warehouses obviously facilitates a need for this type of professional. In addition, the rise of e-commerce has also contributed to the rising demand, as more staff are required to manage the ever-growing numbers of orders conducted online.

Customer service with sales and order processing

Along similar lines, customer service specialists are being sought after by the more organised retailers looking to get their workforces into shape in the run up to Christmas. This time of year always drives an increase in the number of products bought and with the aforementioned growth of e-commerce, along with the minor resurgence of in-store shopping, retailers are recruiting accordingly.

Commercial financial analysts

The growth of e-commerce has also driven an increased need for data specialists who can analyse huge information stacks and identify trends for their employers to base marketing and promotion campaigns around. Retailers and other organisations are much more reactive now than ever before and seek real-time updates that allow them to refresh their product displays and pricing in line with demand and popularity. These skills are highly transferrable and firms seem open to hiring from other industries, as long as the requisite skills are in place. Professionals in the likes of the financial services industry, are particularly highly sought after for their experience in working with large and often highly complex data sets.

Marketing and brand managers

Having a strong brand has perhaps never been as important as it is today. Commercial sectors across the board are crowded with companies competing over the same narrow vertical market share and are seeking ways to stand out from the crowd. This has driven a major rise in demand for marketing and brand managers who, as with commercial financial analysts, often possess transferrable skill sets and are being hired from other industries.

Production workers

Finally, the run up to the busy Christmas period has also driven a need for manufacturing and production staff across the board. This one is easy to attribute – consumers buy more products at this time of year than any other and rather obviously, professionals are sought after to actually create these products, both physical and digital.

If you’re looking for your next position in one of these highly sought after roles then you’re likely to be in luck, as organisations across the board are on the hunt for professionals to fill their teams – get in contact with the experts if you’re looking for your next game-changing position in the North West.

Take a look at some our other blogs to gain some more valuable career advice

Or take a look at our current roles to find your next game-changing role.

While social media can be an excellent way of promoting your individual brand and add a personal context to your CV, it also has the potential to significantly damage your online reputation and may hinder you in your search for your next role. There is no way of knowing what the long term implications of posting content online will be, a status or photo that may seem harmless at the time may discourage a future employer from taking you seriously, or considering you for the position at all.

Protect your online reputation

According to research conducted by cyber security experts Norton, millennials need to be more conscious about their digital footprint. More than a quarter of 18-34 year olds have no idea what appears when their name is searched online, and perhaps more worryingly 48% of hiring managers indicated that they chose not to take on an applicant after discovering something on their social platforms. Moreover social media is a standard used by recruiters to help them select appropriate candidates for interview. So how can you manage your online reputation, and ensure that it bolsters your CV, rather than hinders your job prospects?

Start by googling yourself. This is the first step that any recruiter or potential employer will take, so it’s important that you know what they’re likely to find. As the number of social media profiles we have steadily increases, so too does the amount of information potential employers are able to find out. So it’s important to check your privacy settings. While you may want to have more professional platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter open to the public, it’s unlikely that you’ll want employers to be able to trawl through your personal photos on Facebook or Instagram.

What would a potential employer think?

It’s also worth considering the type of content you are posting on your profiles and the impression this might give to a future employer. It’s definitely not advisable to post potentially embarrassing photos on any of your public profiles, or to ignore unprofessional ones you might have been tagged in. In addition it’s worth bearing in mind how a rant about how awful your day at work has been might look to someone thinking about hiring you. Impulsive updates are also not a good idea – take Donald Trump for example, who has launched countless Twitter rants and now faces a serious backlash which is likely to hurt his campaign for the most powerful job in the world.

Social media can be great at demonstrating your personality, however in terms of advancing your career it’s important that you find the right balance between personal and professional updates. You might want to tweet pictures of the salad you had for lunch, but you might want to counter that with a link to a recent blog you have written, or write about a professional development course you went on recently. For every five updates you post, it’s recommended that at least one is directly related to your career or personal development, that way an employer only has to scroll through your most recent updates to know you are hardworking and committed to your role.

Finally, make a note of who you are regularly engaging with on Twitter, if you are retweeting or sharing friends’ updates it’s vital that you consider how these might reflect on you. Try to engage with industry professionals or get involved with live chats to show that you are actively engaging with relevant sector conversations.

Don’t let your reputation be tarnished through social media

Social media can be great for interacting with friends, however it can also be a professional minefield so ensure you always remain conscious about how a potential employer may view your online profile, and make sure your profiles and privacy settings are all in order before beginning to search for a new role.

For more tips from the Clayton Recruitment team click here. And if you’re looking for your next role we should be talking. Get in touch today or take a look at our vacancies here.

©depositphotos.com/godlove

There was once a time when onboarding was somewhat of an afterthought, or indeed, a non-thought, for many organisations, however most companies will now have comprehensive programmes to ensure that successful candidates are swiftly integrated into their culture. Even so, as a new starter you should make the most of your first few weeks at a new organisation, and take steps to ensure you onboard yourself to the best of your own ability.

Before you begin

Make sure to utilise the break between roles. Don’t let the grass grow beneath your feet on the gap between finishing an old position and starting a new one. While it is important to make sure you’re well rested and mentally prepared to start in a new job one of the most effective ways to make use of any time off in-between is to create the foundations for strong professional relationships. Write a personal thank you to your interviewer, or hiring manager, thanking them once again, and take time to find out what you can about your new line manager and colleagues.

Review your induction schedule and handbook. It’s likely that you’ll receive both before your start date, so make sure you set aside plenty of time to read them both through thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the dress code, and give yourself enough time to find appropriate outfits if the formality differs from your prior place of work. If you aren’t provided with a schedule or policy handbook, requesting them will certainly set a good impression.

In your first week

Regardless of seniority, as a new starter, it’s crucial that you take the time to speak with each of your new colleagues. Establishing the foundations for strong professional relationships creates a more enjoyable work environment and can help you grasp the office structure and culture more quickly. If it helps, prepare some small-talk topics to draw on when introduced to new colleagues – this can be particularly useful if you’re joining a large team.

At the end of your first week, schedule some time to sit down and speak with your line manager to discuss how you are finding your new role. This conversation will give you a chance to get some initial feedback, discuss anything you are finding challenging, and ask about how your progress will be reviewed in the coming weeks and months.

Looking forwards

Professional development should be an ongoing effort. Make sure to set yourself a 90 day goal at the end of your first week, and regularly review your progress towards achieving this. It is also important to regularly review your skillset and discuss opportunities to develop any skills which would benefit your new work, or team.

Find more career advice and insight here.