We've had a quite a few enquiries in our inbox in the last two weeks asking about returning to work after having children.  Getting back to work after a significant break can seem very daunting.  In fact the Guardian today had a live discussion around getting back into work after a career break, be it a voluntary break or not. more...

I have news. It's even good news, which is just in time for the weekend. I imagine you have guessed from the title of the blog what it is....
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News travels fast, at 13.23 yesterday it was announced Pfizer were to close their R&D site in Kent, with a loss of 2400 jobs. By 17.00 the RSC had released a press release on the matter with our CEO Richard Pike speaking on the Today programme this morning. What next?
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I've found this really helpful article on The Guardian website this morning outling the seven habits of effective job searchers.

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Good afternoon all!  It is the end of my second week as Advice and Guidance Specialist and I've been thinking all day about what I could write my very first blog on.

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Morning all, I have had an email today asking if anyone would like to attend a 'Kickstart your Career' event in Manchester on the 3rd February. They already have presenters but are welcoming anyone (particularly students/graduates/early career professionals) in the area to drop into an informal networking session. 
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I am going to see the King's Speech soon and I am not sure why I didn't make the blog connection when I first thought about going. (It took the Guardian to remind me). Public speaking - it's enough to drive fear into the hardiest of people.
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I have had a writers block this week, well, to be truthful I had one last week as well. It seems I am not the only one: Manchester Postgrad blog had a great article called Stop Avoiding The Elephant!’ more...

Afternoon all. I have just been reading an interesting article in the Guardian which says that a third of all graduate jobs will go to those who have work experience. So, how do you go about getting it? I refer you to part of an earlier blog:

Work placements and internships are becoming more and more useful as they provide a taster to what the job is like, allow you to build contacts in the industry and help you add skills, experience and value to your CV.

It sounds good but how easy are they to find? Well, perhaps easier than you first thought. There are obviously some companies who advertise on their own websites but there are some other places to look too:

• http://graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/p!ecaaefghttp://www.milkround.com/internships
  
• http://www.topinternships.com/
  
• http://targetjobs.co.uk/work-experience
  
• https://jobs.bbc.co.uk/fe/tpl_bbc03.asp?newms=info06
  
• Your university careers service
• Ask any contacts you may have through your friends and family

The not so good news is that they are not all paid but you need to consider the value that they provide in terms of experience; sometimes money can’t buy that. You can find more information here.
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It's been a while since I wrote about CVs. I know, it's tedious but now is a good time of year to think about it, when you're assessing your life, throwing things out and updating others, why not include your CV? more...