Good morning all. In this beautiful sunny weather (apologies if it is raining where you are) it is difficult not to appreciate the world around us.  
We are seeing a small but significant number of members looking to change their lives to become more environmentally friendly and this is impacting on their careers. more...

I'm sat working at home today and it reminded me that we often get asked about how to find a job that offers flexibility, be that part-time hours or perhaps even the opportunity to work from home.

Most people find when searching that there aren't that many 'work from home' jobs advertised, unless it is the type where you stuff envelopes all day.  But that isn't to say the opportunities don't exist.  So how can you find them? more...

I HAVE EXCITING NEWS!!! In addition to our (excellent) CV feedback service and general careers advice, from the 1st July this year we will be offering mock interviews. There are a number of ways that we can deliver them:



Face to Face: In London, Cambridge or during the careers hubs

Online: Anywhere and anytime via Skype (you will need a webcam)

Telephone: Getting used to telephone interviews can be tricky....we can call you anytime

To book one please email us at careers@rsc.org and we will talk you through the next steps.

I often get asked about whether it is beneficial to take any job or to hold out to get the right job.  My answer to this will really depend on circumstances. 

When asked how long it takes to find a job, I often advise people that currently it takes, on average, around 6-9 months.  For some it takes less and for some it is longer.  But I always say to people to think about how long they can afford to not work and have this in their mind when searching.  This can include financial considerations, such as when are the bills going to need paying, but also it is about your more general well being.  We spend a lot of time at work, and it can often form part of our social life, so to not be at work, or have the daily structure of going to a job can be quite an adjustment.

Generally I would advise that if you can afford (financially) to take your time, then do hold out for the right job.  You can always do some volunteering which will not only strengthen your CV but will also help you resist the temptation of job searching every day (again I recommend 1-2 hours a week at the most is plenty).  more...

For those of you who saw my MyRSC status on Thursday last week you will have seen that I was interviewing potential graduates for our graduate scheme and I thought I might share some of my experience with you since it was my first time interviewing applicants. more...

I meant to go for a run today but I didn't go. I thought about it, I got up and then I just found a whole heap of excuses not to go. I felt guilty and kept thinking 'if I go now, I'll have time' until the time to do that came and went and I had run out of time. As I was driving into work I realised I should give myself a break. It doesn't matter; there will be other times. The same is true for your career, especially if you are job seaching. more...

We at the RSC have approximately 48,000 members worldwide and yet I know so many chemists who aren't members; they tell me they don't see the point. So, why should you bother to join a professional body? more...

I am going to have to think of something myself. I have scoured the web and there isn't anything that grabs me by the lapels and inspires me today. So, what little jewel of information/advice/guidance am I going to share with you this morning?

The mind that is anxious about future events is miserable.
Seneca

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Today's blog is more of news reel! We have some exciting things coming up at the RSC and I just wanted to share some of them with you.

Introducing RSC University Roadshows - The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is visiting UK universities to share our knowledge, contacts and experience within the chemical sciences.  Run by our publishing team this is a great opportunity to find out more about how to publish in one of our journals, find out which journals we publish or just talk to someone about working for the RSC. If you are not already a member you can sign up too!

To find out where we are going and what is coming up check out our calendar...we kick it off at Imperial College, London

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Feedback. It's a touchy subject. It is common in all areas of life and especially in your career especially if you are looking for a job or promotion or providing feedback to an employee or candidate. Whether it's waiting to hear if the employer got your application or how you did at interview or the act of giving feedback to someone else it can be a difficult time. But is honesty the best policy? more...