Is Chris Grayling right to suggest that employers should look to young locals to fill local London jobs, or is it a headline grabbing sound bite that smacks of the real rivers of blood generation?
Does 2012 really mean the end of the recession and easy times ahead or do we all need to roll up our sleeves, dig deep and use Olympic size efforts to secure all our futures?
Local jobs for locals?
Three years since Gordon Browns ‘British jobs for British workers’ remark, not much has changed. Politian’s looking for some column inches often tread this will used vein in the hope that if you say ‘were all in it together’ at least someone will believe you.
The truth is often so much more complex. And for hundreds of years Britain’s success has come from the sweat of other cultures.
Often seen as a negative this form of capitalism it is the back bone to all successful economies the world over.
Conflicted interests
Companies often outsource work to non nationals for a number of reasons including cost and ability of skills, and there lies the rub.
Although the source of much friction, the truth simply is, if we did not import non national labour, we would all be a lot worse off as a country.
Playing on a level field
According to Mr Grayling, many employers potentially miss ‘diamonds in the rough’ by not employing local talent, and in the Capital where London jobs are at a premium, this is even truer.
Luck often has nothing to do with success, and often by following a few simple ideas you can secure not only your next job, but secure a better job for the long term.
- Get the job to find you.
Normally a simple search on Google for ‘London Jobs’ (if you live in the capital), can generate you a list of hundreds of websites, all with jobs in your area.
Take time to register with each website and if possible get the site to ‘alert’ you when jobs become available. (Why not try http://www.needatradesperson.com ?)
- Read about your ideal job.
A great source of real jobs is still local papers. For a few ten pence’s each week, hundreds of jobs are available to apply to. Although in this format, jobs can take longer to find and apply for, it does mean you may have less competition for the jobs that are available.
- Public spirit opportunity
Even in times of recession, the public sector is often a wash with new job opportunities. Often many of these jobs will come with great pay and conditions. Working in the local hospital could be the best move you never made….
- Take a stroll
Not only can getting out of the house be great for clearing the head, but often small firms will place advert for employment in shop windows. Small firms often have the advantage of flexible work options and good opportunities to be a ‘stepping stone’ job.
Nailing that interview
Often getting an interview is only the first step. Many people find the interview nerve creakingly difficult, with the result that they do not come over well and don’t get the job.
So what can you do to minimise this possibility?
- Research the company and Job
Sounds simple, but it’s a great way to know some of the questions you be asked. There is nothing worse than telling your perspective boss you would love to work for his company but not know why.
- Dress to impress
Even for low paid job, always dress like you mean business. There is nothing wrong with looking smart at an interview. It shows you care enough to want to make a good impression
- Lies always get found out
Never try and pretend to be anything you’re not as it will look unnatural and potentially undo your hard work. Always make sure you know your C.V. inside and out, and be prepared to be asked about anything written on it. Never be afraid to admit you don’t know something as it show honesty and integrity. Often individual jobs will require skills specific to that job and company which are not achievable outside the position.
And finally
Job hunting is the same as any other skill, by practising it you will improve and with perseverance the job of your dreams is only a click away and if you’re looking for London Jobs, the rules are just the same.