Bluestones Staffing

Category: Blog

  • Vehicle route optimisation

    Vehicle route optimisation

    Transport managers know all too well that wasted miles equals wasted money. Fuel prices have soared this past year and don’t show signs of significantly decreasing any time soon. Therefore, ensuring your transport operations are as efficient as possible has never been more essential. Throw in the headache of unexpected delays and detours and it’s a recipe for disaster, with lost income and disappointed customers.

    Routing and scheduling software can significantly cut costs by automatically managing the full range of transport constrictions that logistic operations face daily. Still, you can implement several additional practices to optimise your vehicle route.

    Route planning

    The weight of a vehicle can significantly impact fuel consumption; the heavier your load, the more rapidly your fuel levels will deplete. Optimising your routes to deliver the heaviest items is a simple step to reduce fuel consumption. Equivalently, collecting the heaviest items last will cut down your fuel expenditure, as they’ll only increase the weight of your vehicle for the remainder of the route rather than the entire journey.

    Most modern route-planning software can produce a series of planned drop-offs following this money saving strategy.

    Combining deliveries and collections

     Allocating collections and deliveries to the same vehicle, by coupling supplier backhauls and delivery schedules, for example, can improve efficiency and increase production times. In addition, combining deliveries and collections enables your driver and vehicle to carry out both operations without unnecessary trips back to the depot, reducing time and fuel costs.

    Implementing this system may be time-consuming, but route planning software can make managing deliveries and collections a straightforward coordination process.

    Depending on your business, this could be a fundamental process that assists with output production. If you supplied oil, for example, collecting empty containers for replenishment would reduce the number of containers needed at the production site.

    Utilising vehicle load

    Utilising vehicle space ensures you efficiently use every cubic meter of cargo space. You can use metric data on the size of your freight to make sufficient use of vehicle space while considering other complexities involved when developing improved routes and schedules.

    Whether you’re transporting groceries or furniture, maximising the volume of your shipment will reduce the number of vans or HGVs on the road, in turn reducing associated operational costs.

    Eliminating obstacles

    You can integrate vehicle tracking information with route planning software, which will allow you to analyse the performance of your route planning strategies. For example, this information enables you to establish if the miles driven during each journey are higher than approximated or if a driver hasn’t reached their destination at the scheduled time. Furthermore, this data allows the transport manager and the driver to identify any obstructions and determine what can be evaded moving forward. Additionally, examining operational information enables you to keep transport costs to a minimum, whilst also reducing your carbon footprint.

    Supply chain solutions

    Bluestones Staffing is a dedicated recruitment partner specialising in logistics and industrial sectors. We provide bespoke solutions to organisations throughout the supply chain, including temporary, contract, and permanent staff built around the needs of your business.

    So, if you want to find out more about how we can support your recruitment needs, head over to our Client Services page, where you can explore our client services and make an enquiry using our short and simple form.

     

  • Why autumn is a good time to change jobs

    Why autumn is a good time to change jobs

    Fall is upon us. Days are conspicuously shorter. With summer over, before the madness of Christmas begins, autumn is an excellent time to consider your next career move.

    Accounting for variables like the economy and your specific industry niche, the best time to look for a job is during the magical time between the end of summer and the beginning of winter, also known as autumn.

    That’s because every year when autumn rolls around we see an increase in job opportunities and candidate applications, so if you’re considering making a move, now is the perfect time to commence your search. Here’s why…

    Holidays are over 

    It’s no secret that more people are out of the office over the summer holidays, getting some much-needed respite. As a result, across the board, business tends to be slower. But, come September, things begin to pick up speed again as the key decision makers return to work, ready to get back into the swing of things.

    Once normality returns in autumn, most companies begin planning their goals for the new calendar year. New goals can entail structural changes, including internal moves and promotions, creating a wealth of new opportunities for job seekers.

    Seasonal jobs become available

    Many businesses become increasingly busy during the countdown to Christmas, requiring them to expand their workforce to keep things running smoothly. This produces an abundance of temporary vacancies.

    Temporary work might not suit your long-term career goals, but most employees will try to find permanent positions for good employees, so you could get a permanent job in the long run.

    More positions are available

    As mentioned above, autumn is the time of year that many businesses begin to set goals and make plans for the upcoming year. Often, this will require expanding their teams or creating new roles. Autumn typically sees a significant rise in vacancies compared to the summer months. Having more available jobs means you have a higher chance securing one you really want!

    The hiring process is faster 

    Recruitment is often a priority during autumn, so the hiring process is much more efficient. Businesses are often in the middle of the quiet summer months and the hectic Christmas period, so they can focus on interviewing candidates. As such, the hiring process is smoother overall, and candidates find it much easier as they don’t have to wait too long to hear back from employers and get started in their new role.

    Getting settled before Christmas

    Why wait if you’re considering making a move in the New Year? January is a great time to look for a new role as it typically sees the most vacancies throughout the year, but the number of people applying for new roles tends to increase too. In addition, if you consider the notice period you’re required to give, looking for a position during autumn will provide you with enough time to settle into a new role before Christmas.

    Are you looking for a new role?

    If you’re looking for a new job, you can check out our current vacancies here. Alternatively, you can contact our team by calling us on 028 95 219 313 or emailing us at [email protected], and a team member will be happy to help you find a new position.

     

  • Tips for a winning LinkedIn profile

    Tips for a winning LinkedIn profile

    LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social network, with over 800 million members and almost 100 job applications submitted every second. Your LinkedIn profile page is the foundation of your personal branding, and the potential impact of utilising the platform could bring you an abundance of professional opportunities.

    That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you make the most of the platform, whether you’re creating a profile for the first time or want to polish off your current profile.

    Choosing a profile picture

    Your profile picture is a crucial element of your LinkedIn page. Simply having a profile picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others.

    If you have a recent professional headshot taken by a photographer or have the opportunity to get one, this is typically a safe bet. Today’s smartphones will do the trick if this isn’t an option.

    It may sound obvious, but you’ll want to select a photo that looks like you. So, if you’ve dyed your hair or started wearing glasses, you’ll want to update your profile picture to represent your current look.

    Use a high-resolution image; 400 x 400 pixels is the ideal size for a LinkedIn profile picture. Using larger files is fine, although 8MB is the maximum size you can upload.

    You should steer clear of selfies and ask a friend or co-worker to take the picture for you. You should be the only person in the photo and your face should take up 60% of the frame when you upload the image.

    A simple background will make you the focal point of the image, and soft, natural lighting will be much more flattering. Finally, don’t forget to smile! Smiling will make you look more approachable, likeable and competent.

    Add a banner

    LinkedIn profiles with banners that include graphics are 11 times more likely to be viewed than those without. LinkedIn is a professional networking site, so it’s best to opt for a branded banner. Your LinkedIn profile banner is a great place to let people know how they can contact you. Include your email, phone number and your website (if you have one).

    Make more of your headline

    Your LinkedIn profile headline is a personal advertisement about what you do. Many people stick to the basics and list their job title and company, but you can stand out by tailoring your headline and making it pop. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for a great headline, but you should aim to summarise what you do and why people should connect with you.

    Turn your profile summary into your professional journey

    Your LinkedIn profile summary is labelled as the “About” section. This section lets you give an overview of your professional life in your own words, free from start dates and job titles. You can use this section to provide context to your career choices and professional journey, highlight your most significant achievements and add some personality. In addition, it allows you to strengthen your profile uniquely.

    You can bring your skills to life, demonstrating why they’re important and how they can make a difference to the people you work with. Dedicating time and effort to this profile section can have a real impact. It’s worth writing up a few drafts and asking others to read through them to give you some feedback.

    List your skills

    Identifying the skills that are relevant to you will support the information you include in your Headline and Summary and provides a platform for others to endorse you. You should list around ten skills but keep them relevant and at the core of your work. A long list of skills that don’t relate to what you currently do can look unfavourable.

    Take a skills assessment

    LinkedIn offers you the chance to take an online skills test to demonstrate the level of your skills and then display a Verified Skills badge on your profile. Communicating proof of your abilities strengthens your personal brand, and data shows that candidates with verified skills are around 30% more likely to be hired for the role they apply for. Displaying the results of your skills assessment is optional, and you can retake the tests before showing that you’ve passed.

    Request recommendations

    Recommendations are personal testimonials that exemplify what it’s like to work with you and what you’re valued for. They’re a vital contribution to personal branding, so take the time to consider whom you’d most appreciate a recommendation from and send them a tailored recommendation request.

    Follow influencers and hashtags relevant to your industry

    Following relevant influencers, hashtags and brands will provide you with a range of exciting content in your feed. This will provide you with relevant content to share with your network, giving you an active role in your network. Sharing content that you find genuinely interesting will give your profile more context and add value to your network.

    Don’t forget to comment

    Sharing is a great starting point, but comments will give you greater prominence and allow you to express why you think certain content matters. Articulate comments will enable you to express your informed opinions and open conversations with your network, which will raise your profile across LinkedIn. Make sure you’re happy with people associating you with what you’re saying when you’re writing a comment.

    If you’re looking for more career insights, check out some of our previous blogs, where we covered what to include in your CV,  tips for improving your interview performance, and the impact of social media and getting hired.

     

     

  • Careers advice for school leavers

    Careers advice for school leavers

    When you leave school, whether you’re 16 or 18, you’re faced with various options regarding your next step. Making decisions about your future can cause you to experience a range of emotions, from feeling excited about gaining more independence to feeling overwhelmed by too many options.

    Making decisions

    You don’t have to make career decisions alone. You can speak to various people, including your parents/carers, teachers, and career advisors.

    When you’re deciding what career you’d like to pursue, you should consider three things:

    • What do you enjoy doing?
    • What are you good at doing?
    • What options are available to you?

    Once you’ve determined which career you’d like to aim towards, it’s a good idea to research it thoroughly to determine what the role involves. You could even reach out to businesses and enquire about getting some work experience in the position you’re interested in.

    Attending career events can be exceptionally beneficial. You’ll get to meet people who work in specific roles and industries and ask them questions about what their job entails and what their own experience has been. You’ll also find advice and information about which educational routes are available across each sector.

    Transport 

    When you’re making decisions about your future, whether going to college, starting an apprenticeship, or going straight into work, you’ll need to think practically about how you’ll get there.

    Will you need to use public transport? If so, you’ll need to work out which bus or train you need to catch and how long the commute will take, including the walk to and from the station or bus stop.

    Money

    Will you have a part-time job if you’re at college or university? If so, you need to figure out how many hours you’ll be able to work around your timetable and how much money you’ll need to earn to maintain your lifestyle and keep up with any financial commitments you have.

    If you decide to stay at school or attend a further education college in Northern Ireland, you may be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).  

    EMA is a weekly award of £30 paid fortnightly to eligible students. You may also receive two bonus payments of £100 if you achieve the goals and objectives your school or college set out as part of the Learning Agreement Part 2.

    EMA is awarded for vocational and academic further education courses, up to and including Level 3. To be eligible, you must:

    • Be aged between 16-19
    • Have a household income of £20,500 or less if there is one dependent child
    • Have a household income of £22,500 or less if there is more than one dependent child
    • Attend full-time school or attend a minimum of 15 hours per week at college, studying an eligible course
    • You meet the nationality and residency rules set out in the EMA scheme
    • You have not already received the maximum allowance for EMA

    You can find further information about EMA here.

    So, what are your options?

    If you’re 16 years old, you have three main options:

    • Stay in full-time education – at school, a sixth form college, a further education college or a University Technical College (UTC)
    • Start an apprenticeship or traineeship
    • Work or volunteer for 20 hours or more per week while completing part-time education or training.

    If you’re 18 years old, you can:

    • Combine work and study – with a traineeship, apprenticeship, supported internship or School Leavers Scheme
    • Continue studying – completing a higher technical skills course or university degree
    • Get straight into work

    Getting a job

    Regardless of which career path you take, you will ultimately be seeking a job at some point. Applying for a new job can be daunting even for adults with great work history, experience, and qualifications.

    You may be looking for your first job even if you’re planning on staying in full-time education. Earning your own money will offer further independence, and you’ll gain valuable experience that may give you new skills.

    Writing your first CV

    Firstly, you need to include your name, address, and contact details, such as your mobile phone number and email address.

    You may not have a job history, but you will have skills and experiences you’ve gained throughout life. Extracurricular activities are a great way to demonstrate the valuable skills you have, and you can link them back to the role you’re applying for and demonstrate how they’re relevant. 

    For example, if you play a particular sport or are part of a team or club, you can establish the skills you’ve gained since joining. Sports can display teamwork, dedication, competitiveness, and reliability. Music, drama, and theatre can indicate having confidence, creativity, commitment, and self-discipline.

    Can you speak any additional languages? Speaking a foreign language will open up new opportunities across various sectors, including education, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality. Learning a different language also displays lateral thinking, inquisitive learner, analytical thinking, and perseverance.

    You may have hobbies or certain classes in school that you enjoy and flourish in that teach you practical skills and experience that relate to specific sectors. If you excel in IT, write for the school newspaper, are a keen photographer, or thrived in food technology classes, add it to your CV as it could be just the thing that lands you a job.

    At the end of your CV, you can include your references; individuals an employer can contact to find out more about you. You should include someone that knows you well and has a good grasp of your skills and qualities.

    This can include:

    • A teacher or tutor
    • An employer (where you’ve volunteered or had work experience)
    • Social worker
    • Youth club leader
    • Coach or teacher from an extracurricular class/club

    If you need help with the layout of your CV, you can use our free CV Builder. All you need to do is input your details and information, including an email address, and once you click submit, you will receive a professional CV emailed to you in PDF format.

    Looking for a job

    Whether you’re looking for a part-time job that works around your education or you’re ready to secure your first full-time job, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Additionally, our consultants can advise you on career routes, help you with your CV, or prepare for any interviews your secure.  

    So, if you’d like support or advice, contact our team via email at [email protected] or call our office on 028 95 219 313.

     

  • Top tips for warehouse workers

    Top tips for warehouse workers

    Warehouses are great places to work; they offer flexibility, career progression opportunities and job stability. However, roles in this sector can be a little overwhelming if you’re new to the warehouse environment. So we’ve put together some top tips that will come in handy if you’re starting a new warehouse role.

    Clothing and PPE

    Your clothing will make a significant difference while you’re working. First and foremost, it’s important to consider the temperature of your working environment. Opting for shorts and lighter materials will be much more comfortable if it’s warm, whereas if you’re in a cold warehouse you’ll want to choose insulated, heavier clothing. You’ll also need to consider if the clothes you wear will allow you to move easily and if your footwear will be suitable for a whole shift of being up and moving around on your feet.

    It’s also vital to ensure you’re wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your role. For example, you may need head protection, safety shoes or a hi-vis jacket. Always ask your recruitment consultant or line manager if you’re unsure of what you need.

    Food and diet

    Warehouse roles can be physically demanding – you may be on your feet for long periods and your role might involve heavy lifting. Therefore, eating foods that sustain energy levels throughout the day (or night) is beneficial. Low glycaemic index (GI) complex carbohydrates and proteins are packed with vitamins and fibre, providing an excellent source of slow-release energy that will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Foods such as rolled oats, sweet potatoes, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, butternut squash, and whole-wheat pasta are great examples of low GI complex carbs. In addition, fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, yoghurt, and nuts are excellent protein sources.

    Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Warm work environments and strenuous jobs can increase perspiration, so your body will need more water to stay hydrated. In addition, staying hydrated improves mental and physical performance; dehydration causes fatigue and reduces concentration, which can be hazardous if you’re operating machinery.

    Look after your body

    Many new warehouse workers push themselves to exceed expectations, which can often lead to burning themselves out quickly. It’s best to maintain a steady flow so your performance remains consistent and you don’t overstrain your body.

    If your role involves lifting and carrying, you must follow the proper handling techniques. You will likely be provided with manual handling training and will have to follow a set handling procedure designed to maintain a safe working environment.

    Look after your mental wellbeing

    No matter what industry or role you work in, everyone experiences stress at work from time to time. When this happens, taking care of your mental wellbeing is essential to ensure you don’t take the stressors of work home with you.

    A great way to leave work-related stress in the workplace is to put together a to-do list before you go home in preparation for the next day. Preparing a list allows you to leave work feeling more organised and settled. You know that you’ve done all you can for today, and when you return, you have a clear list to of actions to focus on.  

    When you get home, do something relaxing such as going for a walk, reading a book, or having a bath. When you’re not working, spend time with your loved ones and do things you enjoy. Maintaining a good work-life balance is vital for your mental wellbeing.

    If you’re looking for a new warehouse role or career support, get in touch with us by calling 028 95 219 313 or via email at [email protected], and a member of our team will be happy to help you.

  • Roles in retail

    Roles in retail

    If you’re considering taking up a new career within the retail industry, there are a variety of job roles that might be of interest to you. Retail businesses vary from small independent companies to international or global corporations, so the positions available within each business will vary depending on the size and scale of their operation. However, generally speaking, the retail industry offers a wide range of diverse career opportunities including roles based in an office, storefront, or behind the scenes within their production or distribution function.

    To help any prospective retail workers find the right role for them, we’ve outlined some of the most prominent jobs you might see out there when looking for work within the sector.

    Merchandiser

    Retail Merchandisers are responsible for the placement of goods in a store. They ensure products are displayed in the right place, and at the right time, to maximise sales.

    Retail Merchandisers often work with the buying team to forecast trends, plan stock levels, and monitor store performance. To maximise profits, merchandisers will set prices, manage product performance, design promotions, and make markdowns when necessary. In addition, Merchandisers will oversee the delivery and distribution of stock, handle any delays or setbacks, and deal with suppliers.

    Refit Operative

    Refit Operatives work as part of a team to deliver store conversions and updates. They are also responsible for moving stock and reprofiling, racking and shelving. Refit Operatives can often work on branches throughout the UK; therefore, overnight stays might also be part of the role, in which case overnight accommodation, travel expenses, and meal allowances are typically included.

    Sales Assistant

    Sales Assistants are responsible for assisting customers in-store. They help customers find the products or departments they are looking for, answer any customer’s questions about a product or a service, process sales, and replenish stock on the shop floor when necessary. Sales assistants may also be responsible for processing returns, issuing refunds, updating customer records, and reporting issues to the appropriate Store Manager.

    Sales Assistants may also be expected to promote particular products, keep an inventory of products, maintain displays, and keep the store tidy.

    Store Support

    Store Support workers are typically responsible for various non-sales tasks, including customer order fulfilment and assisting customers in-store and administrative jobs. In addition, they must communicate with customers and vendors directly when necessary, including helping customers find a department or a particular product and answering questions related to order status or product compliance. Store Support workers work with their team to keep the store operating efficiently, so communication is vital.

    Customer Service Assistant

    Customer Service Assistants are a valuable asset to any business and play a key role in ensuring customers are satisfied. Customer Service Assistants typically handle customer complaints and queries, referring any disputes they cannot resolve to the appropriate management. In addition, they issue refunds, respond to phone calls and emails, and maintain customer service records. Customer Service Assistants can work in various settings, including a shop floor, an office, a help desk, or a call centre.

    If you’re looking for a job in retail, get in touch with us by calling 028 95 219 313 or emailing us at [email protected], and a member of our team will be happy to help you.

  • Social media and getting hired

    Social media and getting hired

    Love it or loathe it, social media has become an intrinsic part of our daily lives and transformed how we communicate with each other, and it has also changed the world of recruitment and talent acquisition.

    Social media searches can provide employers with a deeper insight into a candidate they may not get from a CV or interview. Employers want candidates with a good attitude and values aligned to those of their business. If your online social presence is inappropriate or offensive, you could risk your chance of landing a role or even being shortlisted for an interview.

    To help avoid the common pitfalls of social media, we’ve put together some advice to help you organise your accounts to avoid missing out on opportunities.

    A good place to start is carrying out a self-screening process. Google yourself in Incognito mode so your browsing history doesn’t affect your search results. Then review the posts you get for your own social media profiles, and if any inappropriate posts or photos pop up, you should remove them or go to your privacy settings on that platform and amend them accordingly.

    Next, we suggest utilising social media platforms such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a unique professional network that can help you find new job opportunities, attain professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. Your LinkedIn profile is like an online CV; you can list your skills, experience, and qualifications.

    In addition, you can connect with people in your industry, receive recommendations from colleagues, and find job opportunities on job boards or through networking. Like other social networking sites, you can create and share posts, share content and instant message other users.

    Other social media platforms are usually more personal or casual than LinkedIn. You’re more likely to post personal news, jokes, photos, and musings on current events on these sites. Private content can give potential employers a more well-rounded view of you, where you display qualities you might not mention on a CV. Employers want to get to know the person they’re considering hiring. They want people they will enjoy working with; you don’t need to be a hyper-professional robot. If you have hobbies, passions or achievements, don’t be afraid to share them. Connecting and engaging with other people is what social media was original intended for!

    No matter the platform, it would be best to avoid bad-mouthing current or former colleagues or employers online. Potential employers would be wary of someone who publicly vents their frustrations online. Foul language, vulgar remarks and insults on public domains are also massive red flags for employers. You shouldn’t be fearful of posting online but be aware of who has access to the content you’re posting and your online presence. If you have to think twice about whether to post something, you probably shouldn’t post it.

    If you’re looking for a new role, need help with your CV or want any other support regarding employment, get in touch with our team by calling 028 95 219 313 or emailing us at [email protected].

     

  • Five different warehouse roles and what they do

    Five different warehouse roles and what they do

    Warehouses are a vital part of the supply chain, and running a warehouse requires a strong, multifaceted workforce to keep everything operating smoothly. Each role has its own unique duties and responsibilities. So, if you’re thinking about a career in a warehouse, we’ve outlined a few roles which you’d typically find in this setting.

     

    Warehouse Operatives

    Warehouse Operatives can have a variety of job titles, including a Warehouse Worker or Warehouse Assistant. They often have several responsibilities within the warehouse, which can differ slightly depending on the company they work for. Typically, Warehouse Operatives will ensure that all goods loaded or unloaded match the relevant paperwork and report any damaged or missing goods to their Supervisor or Manager. Warehouse Operatives will assist with any warehouse inventory controls which usually involves using a hand-held scanner, and they will transport and store stock whilst adhering to their company’s established procedures. Warehouse Operatives are responsible for maintaining a clean and tidy working environment and following the workplace health and safety guidelines when handling goods.

     

    Pickers and Packers

    Pickers and Packers, similar to Warehouse Operatives, can have a variety of job titles. They are responsible for weighing, labelling, and inspecting packages. They will assemble orders by shipping location or other categories and keep records of packages, including delivery notes and invoices. Pickers and Packers will check over the shipping containers to ensure they meet regulations, and then they will pack, label, and seal them. They will also note any special considerations about the products they’re wrapping or packing, whether fragile or perishable. They then ensure they’re appropriately labelled to notify anyone else handling them.

     

    Forklift Operator

    Forklift Operators are responsible for using the forklifts to transport pellets, heavy stock, and equipment around the warehouse safely and securely. Forklift Operators unload deliveries and safely relocate them when they come in, moving goods from storage areas to loading areas ready to be transported. They are also responsible for ensuring that driving areas are free from any hazards or obstructions, and they will regularly inspect the forklifts for any faults or damages. To carry out the role of a Forklift Operator requires the correct licences. Employers will often fund the training and licensing for their employees to move into this role.

     

    Delivery Driver

    Delivery Drivers are a vital component of the supply chain industry. They’re responsible for transporting stock to its destination safely and on time. Delivery Drivers can take products directly from the warehouse to the customer or clients and often make several deliveries each day. They will review deliveries with recipients to ensure they are correct and obtain delivery confirmations. Delivery Drivers are responsible for packing, loading, and unloading their vehicles, planning the route they will take, and communicating efficiently with Transport and Warehouse Managers, notifying them if any issues, such as delays, arise. When they’re not collecting or delivering stock, they carry out safety checks and maintain their vehicle.

     

    Warehouse Manager

    Warehouse Managers are responsible for organising the storage and dispatch of products safely and efficiently. They will manage the warehouse staff, ensuring they adhere to the health and safety procedures. They check employees are receiving the appropriate training and monitor overall production performance. Warehouse Managers oversee the logistics of receiving, storing, and dispatch operations to ensure that the warehouse operates efficiently. They will assess, analyse, and develop actionable plans for loss prevention and to increase productivity. Communicating regularly with customers, clients, suppliers, and vendors is also an important part of their role. Depending on the size of the company they work for, they will often be part of a team of managers who report directly to the Managing Director or Chief Operating Officer.

    If you’re looking for a new role in a warehouse in Northern Ireland, then our team will be able to help you. You can get in touch with us by calling 028 95 219 313 or emailing us at [email protected].

     

     

     

  • Interview Tips – Five ways to improve your interview performance

    Interview Tips – Five ways to improve your interview performance

    You’ve perfected your CV, applied for the role you wanted, and have now been offered a job interview. Congratulations! Now for the next step, preparing. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

    Preparing for your interview is vital as you won’t get a second chance to make a great first impression. So, we’ve put together five interview tips that will help you navigate through your interview confidently, hopefully landing you your next dream job!

     

    Research

    Having a successful interview will more often than not depend on how well you prepare for it. Taking the time to research your potential employer and the role you’ve applied for is essential. When you go into your interview you want to show the interviewer that you’re knowledgeable about more than just the basics; illustrate that you understand who they are and what they do, as well and getting to know the company values and ethos.

    It’s important to demonstrate that you fully understand the job role too. Read over the job description and think about which skills and qualifications you have that are relevant to the role, and why you’d be the most suitable candidate.

     

    Practice

    Think about the questions that you could be asked at your interview and how you plan to answer them. Being able to communicate swiftly about who you are, why you want the role, and what you could bring to the company is vital for displaying how confident and informed you are.

    You’re likely to be asked about how you’ve demonstrated certain skills in previous positions, so it’s a good idea to look over your CV and think about how you can demonstrate the skills and experience you’ve gained throughout your career or education. A good method to use when answering this type of question is the STAR method.

    Situation – the situation you had to deal with

    Task – the task that you had to complete

    Action – what action you took

    Result – what was the result of your action and what did you learn from this experience

    Once you’ve decided what you want to say, try practising your answers aloud – yes, really! Practising what you plan to say out loud is an effective way to prepare for your interview, so give it a try and maybe ask a friend or family member to listen and give you feedback on your answers. It does help!

     

    Dress to impress

    Deciding what to wear to an interview has become trickier in recent years, with a growing number of employers encouraging a more casual dress code at work. What you’ll be expected to wear will depend on the company you’re interviewing with, the industry that they operate in, and the culture they promote. If you’re unsure about what to wear you can always ask a recruiter about the ‘dress code’ ahead of your interview, but it’s always better to be dressed too smart than too casually. Whatever you wear, make sure you look well-kept.

     

    Prepared and punctual

    It’s a good idea to plan your route to the interview location beforehand. Arriving late could make you feel flustered and could give the interviewer a negative impression of you from the off. Not a good start! Ideally, you want to arrive 10-15 minutes early. If you’re going via public transport, make sure you know what time you need to leave and decide on a backup plan in case of any delays.

    It’s a good idea to prep your bag the night before, we’d recommend taking:

    • A pen and notebook
    • Your CV
    • Academic certificates
    • A portfolio (if required)
    • Photo ID
    • Money or a bank card (for travel or parking)

     

    Communication

    Firstly, it’s important to treat everyone you encounter with respect, from the receptionist to the hiring manager. How you treat people can be a vital part of the interviewing process and your potential employer could ask other members of staff for their feedback on the interactions you had with them.

    When we think about communication, we think about speaking, however, non-verbal communication is equally as important. Your body language can tell your interviewer a lot about you before you even say a word.

    Use confident, positive body language when you’re interacting with people. Smile and make eye contact when you speak to people while standing tall with your shoulders back.

    When the hiring manager greets you, they’ll likely extend their hand to you to initiate a handshake. Make sure you address them with a smile, eye contact, and give them a firm handshake – without crushing their hand!

    Once you’re seated be sure you conserve a good posture, don’t slouch back, or lean on a desk. Throughout the interview maintain eye contact, smile frequently, and gesture to express agreement or understanding without interrupting the interviewer.

    During the interview let the interviewer lead the conversation. Answer any questions clearly and concisely, and make sure you’re responding to the question and not rambling about something irrelevant – remember you only have a limited time with them. Don’t forget, it’s okay to pause before answering a difficult question or to ask the interviewer for clarification if there is something you don’t understand.

    One thing you should avoid during an interview is speaking negatively about your current or former employers and colleagues. It’s unprofessional and will likely lead to them viewing you in a negative light. Employers want employees who can solve problems and handle difficult situations, so focus on what you’ve gained from your previous work experiences.

    At the end of the interview, you can ask when you’ll receive the outcome and then thank the interviewer for their time.

    If you’ve got an upcoming interview, we hope this guidance comes in handy! Best of luck from everyone at Bluestones Staffing… you’ve got this!

     

     

  • The benefits of working with a recruitment agency

    The benefits of working with a recruitment agency

    Job hunting can be an overwhelming process. You have to look for vacancies, apply for them, research the companies, tailor your CV to each role, and write cover letters too! All while meeting the demands of your current job, or if you’re unemployed, dealing with the obvious stress and financial anguish being out of work can cause.

    Recruitment agencies like Bluestones Staffing can simplify the process of finding your next role, reducing the stress of looking by having all the resources and expertise you need in one place. To demonstrate why working with an agency could be the right choice for any job seeker, we’ve compiled a short list of some the key benefits.

    A more personalised job search

    Skilled recruiters take adequate time to get to know their candidates to best understand exactly what they’re looking for. This enables them to match the right individuals to roles well suited to their experience and skillset. They’ll also know the roles they have available inside out, and have first access to new opportunities as and when they come up.

    When you apply for jobs directly it can be difficult to get a real understanding of the company you’re applying to, and you might want to know more about them than what you can find on their website or their social media accounts. Your recruitment agency will be able to tell you much more detail about the company, it’s ethos and values, as well as what it is like as a place to work.

    Support and guidance

    Recruiters typically have a comprehensive understanding of the job market, hiring process, and employer criteria. As a result, they can provide practical advice to help you be successful in your search, whether that’s offering useful interview tips (including what to/not to say), or support polishing your CV. The recruitment agency wants you to succeed, which is why good agencies will always be there to help with whatever queries you may have.

    Knowledge and experience

     Recruitment agencies often have strong relationships with their clients. This allows them to provide candidates with more information about a job role, what it will entail, the company values, culture, and expectations. This enables you to make more informed decisions when choosing which vacancies you want to apply for, saving you time to focus on the job(s) you really want to land.

    Feedback

    More often than not, when you apply directly for a job with a large number of applicants, you won’t hear back from the hiring company. This can be disheartening and frustrating as there’s no real way of knowing if your CV is up to scratch or how well you’re interviewing (if you’ve made it to that stage of the process). Recruiters can provide you with feedback from the client, they can help you prepare for your next interview, or even work through your CV with you and advise on how you can make improvements. This can make a real difference to your prospects of landing your dream job.

    A larger network 

    When you’re speaking to your recruiter about a role of interest, they are likely to divulge other vacancies they have available that could be great for you, your skills, and your experience. Some businesses only hire through recruitment agencies too, so you could get opportunities that you would have otherwise missed while looking for work on your own.

    Headhunting

    Most recruiters use a headhunting approach to find candidates. This means that they look for people who are most suited for the role even if they haven’t applied for the vacancy or are not actively looking.

    Job updates

    Once you’ve signed up with a recruitment agency you will often receive job updates from them, even if you’re already in a role. Keeping up to date with what roles are available gives you the opportunity to make the best choices for your career.

    Bluestones Staffing

    As a job seeker, it is important to take advantage of every opportunity to connect with the right job. By leveraging the help of a leading recruitment agency like Bluestones Staffing, job seekers throughout Northern Ireland can speed up the job-hunting process and increase their chances of being matched with an ideal position.

    If you’re looking for a new role then give us a call on 028 85 219 313 or email us at [email protected] and one of our experienced team members will be happy to help you.