Economic times are really tough throughout the UK and most of the world at the moment, and many people are struggling to make ends meet. However, a bigger problem is that of unemployment, and millions of workers are finding their dream job is simply not attainable. Basic, low-paid jobs are attracting hundreds of applications, so the more lucrative positions are proving to be almost impossible to find. However, using a national recruitment agency such as Adecco or Modis might actually tip the scales in the applicant's favor, assisting them in finding the best employment opportunities. If you're asking yourself, "Can recruiters really help me find my dream job?", then read on. The huge competition for jobs at the moment means people have to excel during the interview process to even be considered for a role. An employer will need to formulate a shortlist as soon as possible, and the criteria used during that process can differ greatly between companies. However, employers that use agencies often have a close working relationship with them, and that means agency staff will be best-placed to advise applicants on the best course of action. Impressing a particular employer may be something as simple as having shiny shoes, yet it could be something much more fundamental. A recruitment agency will brief candidates several times throughout the selection process, and that greatly increases the chances of success. Company bosses are busier than ever at the moment. The lack of demand in the UK economy means that businesses are fighting for every sale and contract. They often don't have time to recruit for their premium positions, and that means they turn to recruitment agencies for help. Managed recruitment is growing increasingly popular at the moment, and it involves the agency taking complete control over an entire selection process. Agencies have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and employers trust them to fill their most lucrative positions. Turning to an agency may open up opportunities that were never advertised in the general marketplace. Major recruitment agencies will often employ people from the industries they are recruiting for. This is the best way to ensure that the most suitable people are selected. However, this is also an opportunity for candidate's to get some insider advice from those who know the industry personally. This type of advice is priceless during the search for a quality job, and it can often be a deciding factor. Whether the subsequent interview is a success or not, this is free coaching for the candidate. The advice and guidance given by an expert will give the candidate a huge advantage over rivals during future selection processes. Large recruitment agencies are always on the side of the applicant, as a successful job application results in a hefty commission. This financial incentive ensures that an agency will make every effort to secure their clients the positions they want. Commission is often based on the final salary, so agencies have a vested interest in filling premium position with the very best candidates possible. Many job seekers are avoiding recruitment agencies in their quest for the dream job, yet that could actually be harming their chances of finding it. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.
When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!
Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.
1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs
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Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.
2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car
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Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.
3. Plan An Office Outing
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Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!
4. Organize Group Walks
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Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
5. Eat Lunch At The Park
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When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.
6. Organize Office Sports
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Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.
7. Join A Professional Group
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During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.
8. Have An Office BBQ
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Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.
9. Wake Up Early
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Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!
10. Strategically Use Your Time Off
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Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.
11. Bike To Work
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If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!
There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!
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