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July 10, 2024

Job Search Made Simple: Let’s Get You A Job!

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!

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Small and medium employers are used to juggling checklists. Payroll, recruitment, line-manager training, etc. But 2026 is different: the rules aren’t just changing, and the way decisions are judged is shifting. That makes everyday choices (flexible-working replies, sickness pay, probation calls) more likely to land a business in trouble, even when managers act in good faith. Below are the practical changes UK SMEs should prioritise now, what they mean in everyday terms, and a short checklist you can action this week. Quick summary From 6 April 2026 , some family and sick-pay rights become day-one entitlements. That affects paternity, unpaid parental leave and statutory sick pay. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) waiting days are being removed and entitlement rules change — payroll must be ready. Collective redundancy penalties increase: protective awards can double, so consult properly or risk larger fines. 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Prioritise payroll and policies for SSP and parental rights, and ensure your core contract wording doesn’t contradict the new rules. Plan a phased update for full contract refresh. Q: What happens if I get it wrong? A: For individual disputes, you might face claims (and back-pay for SSP). For collective redundancy failures, protective awards can be materially higher from April 2026, so weak process can be costly. Q: Should I panic and rewrite every policy now? A: No. Start with the high-risk items: payroll SSP, parental-leave eligibility, and redundancy consultation steps. Fix the data and the decision flow; wording and full rewrites can follow on a schedule. Want a hand? If you’d rather not puzzle through the detail alone, we’re running a short, practical webinar that covers these exact points and gives you an immediate checklist to act on. Learn more about it here.
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