A Local Recruitment Partner You Can Trust.
Recruitment Solutions That Work
We Find Hidden Talent for Growing SMEs.
Local employers use our recruitment services for temporary cover and hiring permanent staff, but that is not where it ends. So much so, we have developed a whole range of solutions ranging from interview technique workshops to recruitment as a service. If you are not sure what service is right for you, have a look at our solutions or give us a call. We would love to help!
We're People People.
Appointments are no ordinary run-of-the-mill recruitment consultancy, established in 1998 in Stoke-on-Trent, we have built an enviable reputation for placing the right candidates in the right jobs across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire. You will find us working with local businesses, small medium and large, creating teams that work. We simply love saving our clients time with tried and tested recruitment solutions and finding the right job for our candidates. Recruitment, it's in our DNA!
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Tips, Advice and Insights
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At Appointments Personnel, we’ve spent over 25 years helping local people get their dream jobs. Our MD, Emma, and our founder, Kerry, live and breathe the local job market. We know looking for a job can be overwhelming, and it can be so difficult to know where to start and trust us we have seen some absolutely stinking applications! So, have a look at our expert tips, guaranteed to get you a job. Get Clear on What You Want First things first, have a think about what you actually want to do. It’s crucial to nail down what kind of role and responsibilities you're after and why you want to do that work. For example, if you’re fed up with your current customer service position because you can’t stand dealing with customer complaints, don’t just leap from the frying pan into the fire by taking on a similar role elsewhere. Take a moment to figure out what you truly enjoy. What kind of tasks get you excited? What kind of roles align with your interests, experiences, and personality? Also, think about the type of company you want to work for. Maybe the issue wasn’t the job itself but the company culture. Finding a workplace that fits your values can make all the difference. Once you’ve got a clear picture of what you’re looking for and why, you’ll have the motivation you need to get cracking on your job search. Who Do You Know? Next up, it’s time to think about your connections. Who do you know that might be able to give you a leg up? Networking is key, so don’t be shy about getting yourself known. Start by updating your LinkedIn profile and engaging with posts related to your industry. Position yourself as an expert in the field you’re aiming to enter. Even if you don’t have heaps of experience, consistently posting and sharing insights can help position you as a thought leader. Remember, recruiters WILL look at your LinkedIn! Optimise Your Time Let’s be honest, searching for a job can feel like a full-time job in itself, and it’s easy to burn out if you’re at it all day. So, let’s be savvy about how we use our time. Dedicate specific hours of the day to different tasks, like researching companies, updating your CV, prepping for interviews, and contacting potential employers. Don’t forget to use your downtime effectively. Pick up a new hobby, volunteer, or consider getting a temp position in the meantime. These activities not only fill gaps in your CV but also provide valuable experience and new skills that can make you more attractive to employers. Update Your CV Headache, we know, but a strong CV is vital to landing you the perfect job! Get it up to date with your recent roles, include your biggest accomplishments and achievements from all your roles, and tailor it (where possible) to the roles you are applying for. Use the job descriptions of the roles you are applying for to add specific skills or tailor your experience to match the responsibilities on the description. Job Board vs Recruitment Consultancy We know that if you’re looking for a new role, you will immediately start scrolling through the job boards, hoping to find your dream job, but honestly, it’s like throwing spaghetti against a wall and hoping something sticks! You’ll send tons of applications, receive tons of automatic emails, and never hear back from an employer! Us? We don’t just fling you CV into the abyss, we will get you interview ready, find your dream employers, and land you the perfect job! Reminder: Job Hunting Is Not Easy! It’s important to stay as positive as possible (easier said than done, we know!) to keep your eyes on the prize. Take breaks, pat yourself on the back for small wins, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re here to lend a hand! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on finding that dream job!
Today is a big day for the UK as voters head to the polls for the General Election! This could have a direct impact on many aspects of business operations, so it's worth having a read to see what might change for employment following today’s election. If the Labour Party wins, we can expect changes to employment laws, designed to enhance worker protections and improve job security. Labour has vowed to introduce a comprehensive bill within the first 100 days of office, promising to reshape the landscape of employment law immediately. Stay tuned to updates as the election unfolds as being in the know now will help your business to navigate any changes smoothly. What are the Proposed Changes? Minimum Wage In response to the rising cost of living, Labour plans to increase the minimum wage to ensure that full-time workers can afford essential living expenses. Businesses will need to re-evaluate their budget allocations and payroll systems to accommodate higher wages and understand its impact on profit margins. Immediate Protection from Unfair Dismissal Currently, employees must work for two years before they are protected from unfair dismissal. Labour intends to eliminate this requirement, granting workers immediate protection from their first day of employment. This will require businesses to maintain thorough documentation of any performance issues and ensure fair dismissal practices from the start. Abolishment of Exploitative Zero-Hours Contracts Labour proposes to scrap zero-hours contracts, advocating for more stable and predictable employment terms. Companies that rely on flexible work arrangements will need to offer more permanent and consistent contracts, ensuring job security and regular hours for their employees. Right to Disconnect To promote a healthier work-life balance, Labour aims to introduce the right to disconnect. This policy would allow employees to disengage from work communications outside of their contracted hours without fear of repercussions. Employers will be restricted to contacting staff outside of work hours only in emergencies, such as safety or legal issues. This change is expected to reduce employee stress and prevent burnout. Introduction of Skills Bootcamps To address skills shortages, Labour plans to launch new skills bootcamps focussed on sectors such as construction, logistics, hospitality, care, and manufacturing, providing workers with essential skills to meet industry demands. Businesses should prepare to integrate new talent trained through these programs, leveraging available resources to support their growth and operational needs. What Support Can We Offer You? Navigating employment law changes can be challenging. If you need assistance understanding and implementing these new regulations, explore our HR support services . Our expertise can help ensure your business remains compliant and well-prepared for the evolving legislative landscape.
Today is a big day for the UK as voters head to the polls for the General Election! This could impact many of us directly, so it's worth having a read to see what might change in the workplace following today’s election. If the Labour Party wins, we can expect changes to employment laws, designed to enhance worker protections and improve job security. Labour has vowed to introduce a comprehensive bill within the first 100 days of office, promising to reshape the landscape of employment law immediately. Your workplace rights could be impacted, so being informed now can help you navigate any changes smoothly! What are the Proposed Changes? Minimum Wage In response to the rising cost of living, Labour plans to increase the minimum wage to ensure that full-time workers can afford essential living expenses. Immediate Protection from Unfair Dismissal Currently, you must work for two years before being protected from unfair dismissal. Labour intends to eliminate this requirement, granting immediate protection from your first day of employment. Abolishment of Exploitative Zero-Hours Contracts Labour proposes to scrap zero-hours contracts, advocating for more stable and predictable employment terms. Companies will need to offer more permanent and consistent contracts, ensuring job security and regular hours for their employees. Right to Disconnect To promote a healthier work-life balance, Labour aims to introduce the right to disconnect, this policy would allow you to disengage from work communications outside of their contracted hours without fear of repercussions. Employers will be restricted to contacting you outside of work hours only in emergencies, such as safety or legal issues. Ending ‘Fire and Rehire’ ‘Fire and rehire’ is the dismissal employees when the terms of a contract no longer suit either or both parties, and then offering to hire them back again on revised terms. Labour plans to improve consultation procedures and ban this from happening. Family Friendly Rights Labour plans to enhance family-friendly rights by ensuring flexible working from day one, improving parental leave, strengthening maternity protections, introducing paid carers' leave, clarify bereavement leave entitlements and regulating the use of technology and surveillance in the workplace to promote best practice in safeguarding. Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Labour plans to introduce enhanced gender, ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting that would make it mandatory for all employers to publish detailed information about pay disparities. Additionally, introduce stronger anti-discrimination laws, ensuring all workers are treated fairly. Looking for a new job? If you are on the hunt for a new role, see our current openings!
At Appointments Personnel, we understand that finding the right talent is just the beginning. The true challenge, and opportunity, lies in effectively integrating these talented individuals into your business. This is where the art of onboarding plays a pivotal role. Picture this: you've just hired a new employee who's a perfect match for your team - they're skilled, motivated, and ready to contribute. However, without a robust onboarding process, there's a risk that their potential might not be fully realised, their enthusiasm may diminish, and their journey with your company could be unexpectedly brief. Let's dive into why onboarding is essential in today's business environment and how it can make a significant difference in nurturing a thriving workforce. Understanding Onboarding Onboarding is much more than just assigning a desk and providing a computer. It's a comprehensive process that includes orientation, training, and socialization, ensuring that new employees feel welcomed, well-prepared, and confident in their new roles. This crucial stage lays the groundwork for a fruitful and long-lasting employment relationship. Why Onboarding Matters First Impressions Count: The initial days in a new job are critical. A well-structured onboarding program helps set a positive tone, making new hires feel valued and at ease. Boosting Retention and Engagement: Structured onboarding has been linked to higher employee engagement and loyalty. A thoughtful program can significantly enhance retention, saving time and resources. Speed to Productivity: With effective onboarding, new employees get up to speed quicker, swiftly becoming valuable contributors to your team. Cultural Fit: Introducing new hires to the company culture helps them align their work and behaviour with the organisational ethos, leading to increased job satisfaction and performance. Compliance Assurance: Onboarding helps new staff understand necessary regulations and legal obligations, mitigating potential compliance risks. Cost Efficiency: Reducing turnover through effective onboarding saves considerable costs associated with recruiting and training new personnel. Crafting an Impactful Onboarding Program Customisation: Personalise the onboarding experience to meet the specific needs of different roles within your business. Mentoring and Buddies: Assign mentors or buddies to new hires for guidance and support, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Ongoing Development: Extend learning and development opportunities beyond the initial onboarding period to encourage continuous growth and adaptation. Feedback Channels: Establish regular check-ins and open communication lines to address any concerns and adapt the onboarding process accordingly. Utilising Technology: Use digital tools and platforms for streamlined onboarding, making resources and training modules readily accessible. The Lasting Impact of Effective Onboarding In essence, onboarding isn't just an HR task; it's a strategic investment in the future of your business. A well-crafted onboarding experience not only equips new hires to excel in their roles but also aligns them with your company's vision and goals, paving the way for mutual growth and success. We at Appointments Personnel understand the nuances and importance of onboarding in the broader context of talent acquisition and retention. If you're looking to enhance your onboarding strategy or want to explore more about our recruitment services and how we can help you attract and retain top talent, feel free to contact us or book a call with Kerry. Let us help you turn a good hire into a great one through the transformative power of effective onboarding.