Rather than getting into a job after you graduate, starting your own business could be the move that appeals the most. There are all manner of different options for starting a business but, if you’re able to get your hands on the capital, it could be that owning and renting property could be just the path for you. Here, we’re going to look at some of the preparation you need to do to become a professional landlord.

Know your responsibilities

First of all, it’s important to know that landlords have to do more than simply provide a property, they have to ensure it meets all the mandatory regulations, including gas safety, electrical safety, and fire safety. Landlords also have to get an energy performance certificate to inform tenants of how energy efficient the property is. Landlords also have to check whether or not tenants have the Right to Rent when signing a new agreement, so do some research on that.

Know your costs

One of the reasons that profits can be slim, to start with, as a landlord, is the many costs that come with renting out homes. You have to keep track of property maintenance costs, any costs of refurbishing the space between tenants, not to mention landlord insurance, and any fees for letting agents you work with. All of this needs to be calculated when setting rent for the property.

Know where to get your funding

It’s a good idea to get into the landlord game with some capital already at the ready, but you don’t want to buy a home outright with all of it. Instead, borrow what you can reasonably afford. Buy-to-let mortgages have never been easier to get, but you should ensure that you take the time to work out which of them really suits your needs best. You don’t want to take out more than you’re able to reliably pay, and you should add the mortgage fees to the costs that you have to track, as well.

Know an opportunity when you see it

Most of the opportunities to make money as a landlord are in the property that you choose to rent out. Taking the time to research property markets, thinking about which tenants you’re trying to appeal to, and choosing properties in areas that suit their needs is how you’re going to increase the chances of always keeping your property full of paying tenants.

Stay up to date with the law

One of the most important things for any landlord to get to grips with is the Renters Reform Bill, a bill that has recently been introduced to parliament, It is going to shake up how renters and landlords operate today, especially in how evictions are managed. It’s recommended any would-be landlords pay close attention to the progress of this bill.

Landlords do not have it easy, despite what popular media can say, today. Small landlords have to deal with thin profit margins, and managing properties can very much be a full-time job. However, there is certainly always room for profit to be made if you’re a good fit for it.

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Print marketing used to be king. That was until digital marketing came along. Digital marketing proved to be faster, cheaper and greener. This resulted in many companies switching brochures for websites, flyers for emails and billboards for PPC ads. For many companies, it seemed clear: print marketing was dead.

Except it’s not. Print marketing may not be as popular as it once was, however many companies are still using it. In fact, print marketing seems to be making a resurgence. Why are companies still continuing to use print? This post explains…

The internet is becoming increasingly crowded

Standing out online is becoming increasingly harder as the internet gets more crowded. Many of us have learnt to tune out adverts through constant exposure to them – it takes a truly innovative ad to grab us, and this requires a lot more work to produce. Meanwhile, many of us have growing inboxes full of email subscriptions, making it harder for emails to get through. As for websites, a growing number of sites is making it increasingly harder to top the rankings of search engines. All in all, successful digital marketing requires a lot more strategy to stand out – and this requires a lot more time and money. 

People are getting less physical mail

The world of print advertising is contrastingly becoming a less crowded market. Compared to 20 years ago, many of us get a lot less physical mail through our door. This makes it easier to stand out with a flyer, a brochure or even a simple newsletter. Yes, some of us still automatically throw such mail in the trash without looking at it (which is why digital marketing is still important). However, a lot of us still take notice of what’s coming through our letterboxes. 

Print provides an easier way to exchange information in person

Just met a potential client in person? Or perhaps you’d like to present a group of people with some written information? Telling someone to visit a website or asking for someone’s email address so that you can send them an email typically isn’t very convenient. Handing out a business card or flyer meanwhile takes a second. If you often meet potential clients in person or host events, it could make sense to invest in business card printing or flyer production to convert more leads. 

Print can be combined with digital marketing

Print doesn’t have to be a separate entity from digital marketing. In fact, many forms of print advertising can be used to direct people to your digital marketing. This includes printing email addresses on business cards or a website address on a poster. You can also QR codes to help direct people quickly to web pages without having to manually type the address into their phones. 

Print is getting more eco-friendly

A big argument against print marketing over the last few decades has been its carbon footprint. But a lot of print marketing actually isn’t very damaging at all to the environment. The bulk of flyers, business cards, posters and brochures nowadays are manufactured using recycled materials or card/paper from sustainable forests. In fact, you could argue that the energy used to power websites and apps sometimes has a far greater impact on the environment. 

Not everyone is glued to digital devices

You can’t reach all potential clients online. There are some older consumers that still seldom use the internet and print is therefore more effective at getting through to them. There are also younger people who don’t use social media and aren’t glued to their phones when walking to places. These types of people may still be converted by a flyer or a billboard as opposed to an online ad. 

Featured image by cottonbro studio from Pexels

#1 Try to predict the interview questions

Preparation is crucial if you want to land that dream job you’ve applied for. While getting to know the company is a good starting point, it’s important to go further. Take a look at the job description and try to anticipate the interview questions that may arise. Note them down, along with your answers. By doing this, you’ll be better prepared and won’t be caught off guard.

#2 Build an online portfolio

Online portfolios aren’t just for designers and software developers; they’re also beneficial for other professionals. As a copywriter, you can showcase your best writing, or as a video editor, you can share links to your produced clips. If you aren’t able to showcase your work, don’t worry. Creating an “About Me” page is always an option. Write a brief description of yourself, highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals. Consider including your CV or even better, a short recording where you encourage potential employers to get in touch.

#3 Target the right jobs

Don’t take the shotgun approach of applying for any and every job; it’s not effective. Instead, focus on applying to positions that are a better fit for you and put effort into making those applications the best they can be. Also, look for companies that truly excite you. Remember, you’re not just looking for a short stint, but a long-term home, so choose wisely.

Think about it, are you ready to move to another state, city, country or continent? You can get a lot more offers if you go a little further in your job search. You may need a VPN for Safari to access the overseas job market, but that’s not a big price to pay. With a VPN in your Safari, you will be able to unblock any site. The main thing is that you have a good VPN service like VeePN. With it, you will be safe and get access to 2500+ VPN servers.

#4 Line up your references

You’ll want to have three to five references for your job search, even if you haven’t been in touch with them recently. Give them a call to update their contact information. Ideally, former bosses make great references, but if they wouldn’t provide a positive recommendation, it’s okay to approach a colleague you’ve worked closely with or even your boss’s boss. Vendors you’ve worked with can also serve as excellent references. An added benefit is that when you reach out to them, they might be aware of other job opportunities you can explore.

#5 Learn a new skill

By acquiring an exciting new skill related to your profession, you can boost your confidence and find renewed energy. It allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who are enthusiastic about utilizing their talents. Building a network of professionals in your industry can expose you to fresh opportunities, while also bolstering your resume and demonstrating your commitment to personal and professional development.

#6 Contact companies directly

Instead of solely relying on job boards, consider reaching out to companies directly as part of your job search strategy. Locate the hiring manager’s email address and send your CV, along with a cover letter if necessary. By doing so, they may be more motivated to respond since they can avoid costly recruiter fees if they hire you. Here’s a tip: Visit the company’s career website, find the job ad you’re interested in, and identify the person responsible for hiring. If the name is not provided, check if the same job ad is posted on LinkedIn, as it usually includes the name of the hiring manager. To find their email address, you can use a tool like hunter.io. Take initiative and contact them directly.

#7 Participate in job fairs

Job fairs, held at various times throughout the year, provide an opportunity to meet employers who are directly hiring. Beforehand, conduct research to learn which organizations will be attending. Then, focus on the companies that interest you the most and gather more information about them. Your preparedness will shine through when you speak with the employers at the fair, making it more likely that they will remember you at the end of the day. You might even land an interview right then and there.

Conclusion

Your chances of getting the job of your dreams will greatly increase if you follow these guidelines. First, you can weed out what doesn’t suit you. Secondly, you will be able to present yourself more favourably. Thirdly, you will be able to speak in the interview more accurately and effectively. Ultimately, you will definitely find a job and you will no longer be afraid to look for something new.

Featured image by Andrew Neel from Pexels

In today’s competitive job market, finding employment can be a stressful and overwhelming task. As a job seeker, you are looking not only for a good job that matches your skillset and pays a good wage but an opportunity that will allow you to progress professionally. Unfortunately, there are individuals and even organisations that focus on exploiting job seekers by engaging them in job scams. The prevalence of job scams has increased over the years, which has led to significant financial and emotional damage. In this post, we aim to raise awareness of job scams, share tips on how to identify and avoid job scams and share some resources for further help and advice if you’ve become a victim of an employment scam. 

What is a Job Scam? 

A job scam is a fraudulent scheme that is designed to exploit job seekers by offering fake employment opportunities, with the intention of deceiving people for financial gain or personally identifiable information. There are many different types of job scams that are perpetrated by individuals or companies who act as legitimate employers or recruitment agencies. 

Once a job scammer has possession of your personal information such as your bank account or passport details, they can then use this information for other fraudulent activities.  

Many job seekers are unaware of the fact that they have been scammed due to the strategies adopted by job scammers. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you are vigilant and check the legitimacy of the jobs that you apply for. This is even more the case if the job description seems too good to be true. 

Job Scams targeting Students and Graduates 

Students and recent graduates are often targeted as their lack of work experience and experience in sending applications is seen as a vulnerability. Students are typically under more pressure to get a job to financially support themselves during their studies. Likewise, graduates are often a target as the competition for graduate jobs is fierce and the pressure to land a good job to justify the investment in their university experience is high. 

With this said, any job seeker, no matter what their level of experience is can become a victim of an employment scam. 

Examples of Job Scams 

Here are some types of job scams to look out for and avoid:

• Fake job adverts
  
  Job scams often begin with an enticing job listing that promises lucrative job opportunities and benefits such as the ability to work from home, financial bonuses and training budgets. These job ads can be found in various settings including online job boards, social media platforms, via emails, direct contact and even through offline channels.
  
  Job scammers can acquire your personal information such as your national insurance number, bank details, date of birth and address.
  
• Advance fee scams
  
  Advance fee scams are also known as upfront payment scams where the scammer will request payment from the target in advance, promising a service that they never deliver. This type of scam is not limited to job scams, but within this context, it could involve a job scammer pretending to be an employer or a recruiter asking job seekers to fund various parts of the job application process, such as conducting a background check, arranging visas or paying for training materials.
  
•  Premium rate job interviews
  
  Premium rate job interviews involve scammers tricking job seekers into engaging in costly phone interviews that generate revenue for the scammer. This scam typically unfolds in the following way: The scammer will post a fake listing on a site. They will then contact applicants to inform them that they have been shortlisted for an interview and provide a premium rate number for the interviewee to call. Once the scammer has the job seeker on the phone, they will prolong the interview by asking unnecessary and irrelevant questions in order to rack up the phone charges.
  
  Oftentimes, the scammer will tell the job seeker that they have been successful in the interview and will attempt to get even more money by engaging in advance fee scams as described above.
  
• Identity theft
  
  Identity theft is a serious crime whereby victims have their personal information stolen and used by fraudsters often resulting in financial loss, damage to credit history and emotional distress.
  
  Some Job scammers will pose as recruiters or hiring managers and request personal information as part of the job application process. This could involve bank account details or passport information.
  
  Another way fraudsters can get hold of your personal information is through Phishing scams. This is where a scammer will deceive a job seeker into providing personal information. This could be done by sending job seekers an email or direct message on social media to a fake website that appears to be legit, tricking job seekers into entering their personal details. This type of scam is usually very sophisticated, and scammers will often impersonate legitimate companies to give themselves more credibility. 
  
• Fake job offers
  
  Scammers will often offer fraudulent job offers to candidates, and then ask them for their personal information as part of the onboarding process in order to set up Payroll. 

Warming signs and red flags indicating a possible job scam

Here are some examples of things to look out for that could indicate a job scam: 

• Poor spelling or grammar – When reviewing a job advert, look out for spelling mistakes and poor grammar. If there are any hyperlinks within the job post, hover over them to check the URL before clicking on them. If the URL looks dodgy or is different to the company they claim to represent, do not click on it. 
• Messages from personal email addresses – if someone claiming to be a recruiter emails you from their personal email address, be very wary. Typically recruiters will only ever email you from their work email address. However, even if you are sent a message from a work address still do some research to determine if the organisation is legitimate. 
• Phone numbers from a different area code to the location of the job being advertised 
• URLs to sites that are not secure – if you end up on a site that has “http://” instead of “https://”, be cautious. This is a potential sign of a site that is not secure. Do further research into the company and check their social media profiles. 
• Companies that do not have a physical location. Search online for the company’s location. If they claim to be a fully remote company, still check for a location that the company is registered at. 
• Unsolicited emails – if you are being sent email communications from job boards or recruitment agencies that you have not signed up for, be very cautious. 
• Being offered a job without completing a job interview – legitimate companies will always want to interview you. 

Tips for protecting yourself from job scams

• Research the employer. Check if they have a credible website that is secure. Check if they have a physical location, check to see if they have an online presence with social media profiles and articles online
• Check official records on sites such as companies house if you are unsure about the legitimacy of a company. 
• Never give out your personal information such as bank details before confirming the legitimacy of a company and being made a formal offer. 
• Never pay for things such as background checks and training, this is typically paid for by the company. 
• Do not agree to a background check unless you have met the employer in an interview setting.
• Be wary of job postings that are emailed to you out of the blue.
• Check and research everything and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Information to avoid putting on your CV to protect yourself from Recruitment Scams

1. A photo – refrain from including a photo of yourself on your CV. Photos provide scammers with identifiable information which could be useful to scammers who are committing identity theft. 
2. Your full address – in the past, before online applications, it was common practice to put your full postcode on your CV. However, nowadays it is no longer needed and could be used by scammers for identity theft. 
3. Your age/date of birth – your age is a protected characteristic, therefore prospective employers do not need to know this information.
4. Personal information about your marital status or family – keep the focus of your based on your skills and achievements in a professional setting and avoid sharing details of your family or home life even though it could make you seem more relatable. 

What to do if you get caught in a job scam 

• Stop all communication with the job scammer immediately. Do not communicate with them again. 
• If you have sent them any money, contact your bank immediately. Inform them of your situation and seek advice on protecting your accounts and preventing any unauthorised transactions. Speak to your bank’s fraud team about updating and strengthening your online banking details. 
• Monitor your bank accounts and report any signs of identity theft or unauthorised transactions. 
• Seek Legal Advice If you believe you have suffered financial losses or other significant damages due to the job scam.

Final Thoughts 

Unfortunately, Job scams are a harsh reality in today’s competitive job market, but with awareness and vigilance, you can protect yourself from falling victim to them. 

Reduce your chances of being exploited by staying informed, researching potential employers, and being cautious when sharing personal information or making financial transactions.

Always remember, a legitimate employer will focus mainly on your skills and experiences and as such will be keen to set up multiple interviews with you to assess your suitability for the role.
They won’t demand money or sensitive personal details upfront. It can be tough when looking for a job. Especially if you have financial pressures and need to secure employment quickly. Taking the steps to prevent recruitment fraud can protect you financially and emotionally from scammers.

If you are struggling to find work and would benefit from career coaching, get in touch with us today!

Useful Resources:

Citizens advice consumer helpline

GOV.UK

Action Fraud on Recruitment scams

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In a post-pandemic world the working public has realised something all at the same time; working from home is amazing. Why should we have to commute to a cramped office and sit in front of a computer when we can do exactly the same work from the comfort of our own homes? 

It’s a very valid question, and although some companies are trying to return to the days before COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the planet, it’s too late for some. We’ve had a taste of spending more time with loved ones, enjoying our own homes and being able to get outdoors more. 

We have also come across a slightly tricky inflation situation; things are getting significantly more expensive and no one is getting paid any more than before. What’s the answer to all this chaos?

Introducing the side hustle. Having a second job has been around for a while, but the side hustle is something slightly different; in this day and age everyone has a computer at home, lots of people have hobbies, a skill, or the capability to produce something.

Why not make some money from your computer alongside your full-time job? Earn extra income, enjoy what you do, and be in control of your own time. Sounds amazing.  

Should you Start a Side Hustle? 

There are plenty of great things about having a side hustle alongside your regular 9 to 5, and the extra money speaks for itself. 73% of people in the UK begin a side hustle to increase their life satisfaction by following a passion of theirs. Side hustles are also a great way to ‘top up’ your regular income, and you can learn a whole lot along the way. 

It will take more than just buying a domain and selling stuff online, but it does not have to take much more than that. Selling second-hand clothes can be a lucrative venture if you’ve got a good eye, baking sweet treats for locals will allow you to explore a new passion, and consulting with businesses in a specific area can lead to great things. 

If you’re a particularly artistic person you could sell commissioned pieces of art, (plenty of people want paintings of their pets!) proofreading and blog writing is a great way to go for those with literary experience; you could even do more of your regular job as a freelancer. 

The modern world offers itself to those brave enough to explore new things, but let’s just take a look at some of the things that you should think about before you dive head first into a new world.

The Money Won’t Come Straight Away

Depending on what you do, the money won’t just come rolling in immediately. Some freelance platforms are review based, meaning you’ll have to build a reputation first which can take time. 

Be prepared to go a fair while without any success. Several months could go by where it feels like a real chore and the money is not there, so don’t be financially dependent on your side hustle, just view it as extra cash. 

The Hours Can be Brutal 

One of the great things about working for yourself is that your hours are your own to control, so you can work whenever you want. That’s all well and good when it’s your only job, but your side hustle will be running alongside your full-time job. 

That means you could be working a full day then have to head home to work some more. You may even lose weekends to it; a deadline is a deadline and sometimes you just have to get work done. Success isn’t free and hopefully your effort will be rewarded. 

Don’t Forget About the Tax Man

Earning extra money is something we all want. You can save up for that dream holiday or new car; just don’t forget about your taxes. 

In the UK the government will let you earn up to 1,000 pounds without registering it as income. So if you’re successful, you’ll likely need to register straight away. The penalties are large for tax evasion and can even include jail time, so don’t let your side hustle dream become a nightmare. 

Don’t Rush

As we already know, the money won’t come straight away. But the money won’t come at all if you rush your project and don’t take care. People aren’t stupid and if you’re going to get them to part ways with their hard earned cash, then you’d better do a good job. 

Take your time and be thorough, produce a useful and brilliant product or service that people will be happy to use. 

You’ll be Your Own Boss 

Although you won’t be your own boss at your regular job, the sense of satisfaction you’ll get from earning your own money is pretty amazing. 

You won’t have to attend meetings, follow orders, or do things for someone else. Your time will be your own, and you’ll be able to pick and choose the work you do. Make the most of it, and savour the occasions when it works well. 

Your Main Job 

As you progress with your side project it is important to remember where the big bucks really come from. The extra income is a wonderful bonus, but you should make sure you aren’t taking time away from your full-time job. 

Some contracts actually won’t allow you to participate in other jobs, so make sure you are within your rights to work away from the office. If you’re one of the lucky few whose side hustle overtakes your 9 to 5 in terms of earning then congratulations, you may well be able to change jobs! 

Fortune Favours Those Who Hustle

So there you have it, some of the things you should expect when starting your own side hustle. 

Put your unique talent or skill to good use, offer people help with difficult things you find easy; take your time, be thorough and hopefully you’ll make some good money alongside your regular income.

You’ll learn lots of new things and who knows, maybe you’ll get to turn your side hustle into your retirement plan!

Featured image by Andrew Neel from Pexels

What is a Graduate Visa?

A graduate visa allows graduates to stay in the UK for up to two years after they finish university. The visa allows you as well as your partner and any children, to live and work in the UK, but only if they were already dependants on your student visa.

However, you cannot apply for any benefits, and you need to have already completed your course at a UK university before applying. You also are not allowed to continue studying after receiving your graduate visa. You cannot renew a graduate visa, but you can switch to a different type of visa, such as a skilled worker visa after your graduate visa expires.

Who Can Apply for a Graduate Visa?

To apply for a graduate visa, you need to have already completed your course, and your university has notified the home office.

Additionally, your course has to have been completed at a UK university, and you need to apply before your existing student visa expires.

What do I Need to Apply for a Graduate Visa?

Most applicants will need their passport and their most recent CAS number. You also need to provide your biometric residence permit.

If you have received sponsorship in the 12 months before you apply for a graduate visa, you will need approval from that sponsor before applying.

You will also need to pay an application fee of £715 and a healthcare surcharge of £624.

How to Apply for a Graduate Visa

You can apply for a graduate visa on the GOV.UK website

Featured image by Gül Işık from Pexels

Before an international graduate can work in the UK, they need to change their visa from a student visa to a different kind that allows them to work full time. One visa that a graduate can obtain is the skilled worker visa.

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

A Skilled Worker Visa is a type of visa that allows people to come to the UK to work and live for up to five years. The visa can then be extended as many times as you wish, or you can switch visas if you intend to remain in the UK indefinitely. Your partner can also be covered by your visa as well as your children as dependents, although they’ll have to apply separately.

A skilled worker visa does not allow you to receive benefits or a pension, and if you change jobs your visa must be updated.

Steps to get a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK

To qualify for a skilled worker visa, you need to work for an approved UK employer and get a sponsorship certificate with details of your employment. You can find the list of approved employers on the GOV.UK website.

You also have to do a job that is eligible for a skilled worker visa and earn a minimum salary. This salary is either £26,200 or £10.75 an hour, whichever is higher. If the usual salary for your job is higher than this, you will have to earn that salary to qualify for a skilled worker visa.

You also need to be good at speaking English. This will not be an issue for international students who studied at a university in the UK, but those who didn’t can prove their proficiency by taking a SELT (Secure English Language Test).

How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa

You apply for a skilled worker visa online, on the GOV.UK website. The application process will be slightly different depending on if you are applying from outside the UK, or if you already live in the UK on a different visa.

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels

When you’ve held a job for a while, it’s hard not to define yourself by that role. After all, when you’re an employee it’s easy to stay focused and motivated as the goals are usually very clear. Yet when transitioning from an employed position to a job seeker—whether intentionally, or unexpectedly due to a lay-off—it can be overwhelming and intimidating. Feeling unprepared, uncertain, and stuck are all common emotions experienced during the process.

The key to moving forward is to recognize these feelings, understand what challenges you may face, and equip yourself with the best strategies for success. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common pitfalls when transitioning from an employee to a job seeker and how to prepare yourself for a smooth transition.

Preparing Yourself Emotionally

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions when transitioning away from an employed role. Everything from worry and fear to anger and anxiety is common. Recognizing these feelings and having strategies in place for coping can help you move through this stage without it turning into something more serious, like depression.

There’s going to be a huge difference from having one major focus for your job to searching through a variety of potential roles and opportunities. That’s why it’s important to take small steps and break the transition process into manageable chunks.

Start by writing down what you want to achieve, breaking it up into short-term goals that build on each other. This way, you’ll be able to track your progress and celebrate small successes along the way.

Preparing Yourself Logistically

When transitioning from an employee to a job seeker, it’s important to take care of any administrative tasks that may arise. Calculating retroactive pay and requesting letters of recommendation are both important steps in ensuring you’ll be ready for interviews when they come up.

It’s also important to think about your budget. Make sure you’re aware of any unemployment benefits and other assistance that may be available to you during this period.

Using Your Network

Maintaining a strong network is integral when transitioning from employee to job seeker. Leveraging your existing contacts can make the search process easier by providing invaluable insights and feedback.

Start by taking a full inventory of your contacts, including family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and mentors. Then reach out to those people you feel comfortable with to let them know about the kind of positions you’re interested in pursuing.

You can also use networking platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups to connect with others in your industry and build relationships.

Understanding What’s Out There

It will likely be beneficial to spend time researching and exploring the job market before you begin your search. Think about which industries, roles, and companies you’re most interested in. Then explore those areas in more detail to gain an understanding of what employers are looking for and where there may be opportunities to apply your skill set.

You also need to be realistic about what you can expect from the job market. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to find a role with the same salary or benefits as your previous position. Understanding the evolving HR trends for 2023, for example, can help you adjust your expectations accordingly and make sure you’re on the right track.

Not Knowing Your Worth

If you haven’t been in the job market for some time, it can be hard to know what employers are willing to pay. Take the time to research salaries for the roles you’re interested in and determine what’s an appropriate rate for your skills and experience level.

Don’t sell yourself short during your job search. Being aware of who you are and the value that you bring is key. Know what you’re worth and don’t be afraid to ask for it during the negotiation process.

Making a Plan

Tackling the job search can seem overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to break down the process into manageable steps and create a plan for yourself. This can be as simple as preparing for standard interview questions (particularly if you have anxiety), practising an elevator pitch to introduce yourself, and setting up a job search tracker.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’re being realistic about the resources available to you and how much time you can dedicate each day towards your job search. Having a plan in place will help keep you on track and increase your chances of success.

When transitioning from an employee to a job seeker, it’s important to remember that the search process takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately or land your ideal job in the first few weeks. Setting realistic expectations will help keep your spirits up as you navigate through the process.

Finally, stay positive and patient as you go through the transition process. It can be easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged as rejections come in. Remember that this is a temporary setback and you’ll be able to turn things around with the right attitude and preparation. Don’t give up; employ these strategies and you’ll find yourself transitioning from employee to job seeker in no time.

Good luck!

Featured image by Ron Lach from Pexels

Today’s job market is quite turbulent, which is intimidating to many job seekers. However, there are still several career paths with strong projected growth trends through 2023 and beyond.

Job seekers are prioritising high-growth career paths and recession-proof jobs in response to fluctuating job markets. In addition, many of them are upskilling to maintain a competitive edge and land a stable job and advance their career.

Fortunately, some of the fastest-growing jobs in 2023 also offer long-term security and potential. 

So, whether you’re switching your career path or you’re looking for a new job, these in-demand fields are worth considering.

1: Project Manager 

Project Managers are in high demand. They plan, organize, and direct projects to ensure completion within scope, on time, and within budget. Their oversight of complex projects can reduce costs, and increase efficiency, and revenue for an organisation.

The responsibilities of project managers vary based on their industry, organization, and project types. However, they all share duties across the project life cycle’s five phases: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.

Skills Required for project managers:

• Strategy
• People management
• Time management
• Leadership skills
• Excellent Excel skills
• Good communication skills.

Courses for beginner project managers

• APM Project Fundamentals Qualification – The APM PFQ (Project Fundamentals Qualification) is an entry-level certification offered by the Association for Project Management (APM), a UK-based professional body for project management. The APM PFQ is designed for individuals who are new to project management or who have some experience working in project environments.
• Project Management for Beginners – The Project Management for Beginners course is designed for individuals who are new to project management and seeking a career in this field. It provides foundational knowledge and serves as an entry point to join a project team.

2: Nurse Practitioner

Nursing is a highly-rewarding career. In addition, the job outlook for every role in this field is very promising. The nurse practitioner career field is expected to grow by 40% in the next decade, which is a much higher rate than most other career paths. 

The role of a nurse practitioner is wide-ranging. It focuses on managing nurse workflow in a specific field and providing prompt therapy and treatment to patients through a broad understanding and clinical skills. 

Skills Required t become a nurse in the UK: 

If you decide to pursue a career in nursing, you can also use the help of a health education platform to learn more about the topics that you find difficult to understand. Or you can use these platforms to just revise what you have already learned and track your progression. Such platforms are a great and accessible source of information.

3: Blockchain Engineer

With the rise of the metaverse, the demand for blockchain engineers is constantly increasing in the UK. A blockchain engineer is a technical professional who possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience required to create and maintain decentralised applications using distributed ledger technology.

Blockchain engineers are responsible for creating and implementing digital blockchain solutions for organisations. They may also be required to research and analyse an organisation’s needs, as well as work on existing open-source technologies.

In addition, blockchain engineers create and implement assets, accelerators, and infrastructure setup processes. They ensure the security of the blockchain network’s applications.

Skills Required

• Proficiency in programming languages
• Cryptography
• Distributed Systems
• Smart contract development
• Consensus mechanisms

Enrolling in a blockchain course is a good way to get started as a blockchain engineer. 

4: Digital Marketer

In the United States, the average age of a digital marketing manager is 39 years old. Digital marketing is still in its infancy. As a result, it attracts young people who have the potential to learn and grow.

Digital marketers utilise various digital channels to connect with customers, build brand recognition, and advertise products or services. This multifaceted role requires a blend of planning, creativity, and strategy.

A digital marketer’s primary responsibility is to increase brand awareness and generate leads through digital channels. This entails creating and updating content, managing social interactions and campaigns, and performing other duties to enhance a company’s digital presence.

To keep pace with the rapidly expanding digital media landscape, digital marketers must develop a broad range of skills and utilise various tools to create, execute, manage, and track campaigns effectively.

Skills required:

• Data-driven decision making
• A thorough understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Graphic design
• PPC marketing
• Web analytics
• The ability to draw insights from data
• Good budgeting skills
• Ability to bid for the right keywords, affiliates, and display slots
• Ace communication skills.

5: Data Scientist

Data scientists are responsible for gathering, analysing, and interpreting vast amounts of data from corporate databases to create data-driven solutions for business problems. They also utilise these insights to enhance product development, marketing strategies, and overall business strategies.

By primarily utilising predictive modelling techniques, data scientists enhance customer experiences, revenue generation, and ad targeting, among other business outcomes.

Moreover, data scientists create predictive models and machine-learning algorithms, present results utilising data visualisation techniques, and collaborate with engineering and product development teams on various projects.

Skills Required: 

• Data analysis and modelling
• Basic knowledge of coding: Java/ Python is an added advantage
• Maths and statistics
• Data visualization and presentation skills, etc.

To have a successful career as a data scientist, you can explore online data science courses that will help you become fully sufficient in the field and land the job of your dreams. 

6: Network Security Specialist

Did you know the annual global cost of cybercrime is estimated to be $6 trillion? Furthermore, cybercrime has increased by over 600% since the pandemic. So, if there was ever an opportunity to work in network security, it is now. 

A network security specialist is in charge of the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of hardware and software systems that are designed to ensure network security in the following ways: 

• Installs, tests, and maintains security systems such as VPNs, firewalls, and email encryption. 
• Ensures that hardware and software are well maintained and meet security requirements. 
• Confirms that the current network system security meets future needs. 
• Works with outside vendors to find solutions. 
• Produces performance reports 
• Communicates with management to promote best security practices.

Skills Required:

• The ability to pre-empt security breaches
• Requisite technical skills and certifications
• Having the mindset of an ethical hacker
• Understanding the larger picture of data ethics, etc.

7: Marketing Analyst

Market analysts are responsible for researching market conditions to predict potential sales of products and services. They utilise qualitative data, trends, strategies, and competition analysis to improve a company’s competitiveness.

The primary objective of market analysts is to assist businesses in identifying which products are in high demand, the target market, and the price they are willing to pay for them. Most market analysts work for marketing agencies of varying sizes across several industries.

To be successful as a market analyst, one must have excellent analytical and numerical skills, coupled with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Advanced data analysis skills 
• Knowledge of experiment designing
• Ability to build attribution models
• Ability to forecasting trends using data
• Data reporting, etc.

8: Financial Manager

Personal and organisational investment is becoming a significant industry, and financial management positions are becoming increasingly vital.

A finance manager is responsible for managing a company’s investment portfolio, making wise investments, and creating wealth for the company. They oversee critical functions such as cash flow monitoring, generating accurate financial data, expense management, and devising profit strategies.

Skills Required:

9: Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning is a fascinating field of artificial intelligence that involves predicting and adapting outcomes with more data. Machine learning engineers are an essential part of the data science team, responsible for researching, developing, and designing the AI that powers machine learning, as well as maintaining and enhancing existing AI systems.

They often serve as key communicators between other team members, working closely with data scientists who create models for building AI systems and the individuals who construct and operate them.

Skills Required: 

• Statistics and probability
• Programming languages like Python, C++
• Data modelling
• Artificial intelligence algorithms, etc.

10: Web Developer 

In the current era of technology, web development has become a highly sought-after profession. A web developer is a programmer who creates applications for the World Wide Web using a client-server model. The applications are built using technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and any general-purpose programming language can be used on the server side.

Client-server communication is facilitated by the HTTP protocol. Web developers can specialise in either client-side applications (front-end development), server-side applications (back-end development), or both (full-stack development).

Required Skills: 

• Technical aptitude
• Strong creative ability
• Strong numeracy skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills
• A logical approach to work, etc. 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, before deciding on your first or even next step in your career, it is important to carefully examine the job market. By doing your research, you can choose a job that not only fulfils you but also is high in demand and will give you stability for many years to come.

Need help landing your dream job? Find out more about our career coaching.

Featured post: Alexander Suhorucov