Further details can be seen at http://careersspringboardbracknell.org.uk/about-us/
The first Autumn session will be at the Open Learning Centre on Friday September 6th.
Looking for a new job? Finding it tough?
- Could you tell a prospective employer about yourself and why they should employ you in just one minute?
- Could you handle an asynchronous video interview or an array of psychometric testing now used by many recruiters?
- How do you respond to being asked what your greatest weakness is?
Difficult isn’t it? With low levels of unemployment and employers crying out for staff, you would have thought that finding a job would be a doddle. But finding and applying for the right job in the 21st century can be tough. If you are middle-aged, and having to look for a new position, in the wake of an employer closing, relocating or reorganising, it can be even worse. Redundancy can be as traumatic as coping with bereavement or divorce. Job hunting can be challenging and confusing
Since 2006, funded by local authorities, Parish Councils and a charity foundation, Careers Springboard Bracknell has succeeded in helping executives, managers and professionals back into work. Practically-focused presentations by volunteers with a wide range of experience at senior levels, and as consultants, cover many topics relevant to finding a new role with confidence.
Free guidance includes where to look for new roles, creating powerful CV’s, excelling at interviews and coping with the emotional ups and downs of job hunting. Complementing workshops, personal coaching and counselling are held on Friday afternoons at the Bracknell Open Learning Centre. These can also help those undecided about the direction in which to take their career and to practice interview skills:
The supportive camaraderie of Springboard can also help relieve what can be an isolating experience. It can offer networking opportunities and potential new contacts. Also on hand, is informal advice on overcoming difficult issues and answering potentially embarrassing interview questions.
Advice and recommended approaches are frequently reviewed to reflect the constantly-changing recruitment scene - where computers read CV’s, interviews may be by telephone or skype, and private investigators may check an applicant’s credibility.
The guidance certainly seems to work. By the end of 2018, Springboard had helped more than1,000 participants through over 5,500 presentations and workshops. There are too many variable factors involved in finding a good job to credit total success to these activities. Nonetheless, between 35-43% of participants, typically attending nine meetings, find the right job
Throughout the programme, emphasis is given to quantifying achievements.
Throughout the programme, emphasis is given to quantifying achievements. When participants find a new role, they are asked to return with feedback and a ‘donation’ of biscuits to accompany the free tea and coffee provided in break out periods. The consistent supply of biscuits and the many compliments received, seems to ‘quantify’ the faith job seekers can have in Springboard.
Their first Autumn session will be at the Open Learning Centre on Friday September 6th.
Further details can be seen at http://careersspringboardbracknell.org.uk/about-us/
Meetings are on Fridays from 1.15pm for 1.30pm to 4pm