Many people ‘not aware of their skills’

Many job candidates are not aware that they have several of the skills that employers are looking for, which could be holding them back in the employment market, according to one expert.

Charlie Ryan, owner of therecruitmentqueen.com, said that graduates in particular are often under the misapprehension that they are not qualified to fill certain positions.

The reality is that they have many of the traits the employer is looking for, and that they simply need to demonstrate these by alluding to their own experiences.

She elaborated: "They have worked to deadlines under pressure [and] especially in a lot of the part-time opportunities that they have done, they have been dealing with people - so their interpersonal skills will have been developed."

Ms Ryan added that many people are also failing to break down their CVs in line with competencies, which is a wise strategy for anyone who feels their skillset may not be as broad as the employer requires.

Meanwhile, the Successful CV Company recently advised that anybody moving from the public sector to the private sphere needs to ensure that their CV is succinct and attention-grabbing to maximise their chances of employment.

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Posted by Nikki Barrister

British firms ‘must concentrate on creating jobs’

Firms across the UK need to concentrate on creating jobs in order to boost economic recovery, and this can be achieve through the removal of red tape, according to business minister Mark Prisk.

At the Local & National Regulators annual conference this week, the minister noted that the coalition is attempting to scale back the amount of regulation which is holding back many firms from creating new roles to reduce unemployment and boost the UK's overall productivity.

He noted: "We understand that Britain's businesses need to concentrate on what they do best - growing their business, creating jobs and driving forward economic recovery.

"But when regulation becomes heavy-handed, inefficient, prescriptive and risk-averse it drags down the ability of businesses to grow, prosper and create jobs."

Mr Prisk noted that the challenge now is to transform the regulatory landscape so that the system delivers essential protection whilst avoiding "unnecessary interference" in the day-to-day work of businesses aiming to innovate.

This will, in turn, deliver the jobs and wealth that the economy needs to maintain its upward curve, he added.

For all of the latest sales industry news visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk. If you are looking to hire in your sales team Aaron Wallis offer the UK’s most inclusive sales recruitment service which includes skills testing, psychometrics and a 12 month rebate scheme as standard. For Sales Director jobs visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak and Wayne Bly 

Stress ‘still a problem’ for many managers

Managers across the UK are still having to deal with the issue of stress-related illness, according to a new report by Group Risk Development (GRiD).

Is shows that stress-related mental ill health is currently the second most common cause of long-term absence in the UK behind home and family issues, with 15 per cent of managers citing this as the most frequently-cited explanation for sickness.

However, the problem of stress appears to be worse in the public sector, with 27 per cent of public sector employers naming this as their main cause of absence, compared with just 13 per cent in the private sphere.

Katharine Moxham, a spokesperson for GRiD, noted that stress is often overlooked as a cause of long-term absence from work, but the data proves just how big a concern it is for managers.

"In times of increased economic pressure it is important for employers to consider the wellbeing of their employees and what wider implications are suggested by high levels of stress or other mental illness," she explained.

Ms Moxham added that it is also important to think about what provisions firms have in place to ensure they are adequately protected in case of long-term absence, such as utilising recruitment agency staff.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Wayne Bly

NIC holidays ‘could boost UK recruitment’

A National Insurance Contributions (NIC) holiday could help to boost the number of people being employed in sales jobs and other positions, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

Kevin Green, the REC's chief executive, made the comments after his organisation wrote to business minister Mark Prisk, outlining its proposal to create a one year NIC holiday for SMEs taking on young people.

It follows discussions with Mr Prisk in October, after which Mr Green said the REC drew up "workable and practical proposals" for stimulating job creation and enhancing opportunities for young jobseekers.

"Tangible measures are urgently needed and it is hugely encouraging that the NICs proposal is now supported by other leading business bodies. As well as pushing for Government action, we will continue to showcase the positive role that the recruitment industry is playing through our Youth Employment Charter," he explained.

Mr Green said the initiative is proof the recruiters are willing to "make a difference by working with schools and colleges to raise awareness and aspirations amongst future generations of workers.

Last month, the Chartered Management Institute also claimed the government could help to boost UK recruitment by increasing National Insurance holidays and helping to plug the country's many skills gaps.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

Medium-sized firms ‘have great growth potential’

There is fantastic scope for growth among the country's medium-sized firms, but the government needs to provide support to ensure that these organisations are able to create new jobs and maintain growth, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has claimed.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI deputy director-general, welcomed the second round of the Regional Growth Fund, which will allocate £950 million to 119 bids from businesses and local partnerships.

He explained: "Medium-sized businesses have the greatest growth potential, but are often held back by difficulties accessing long-term finance for investment, so this funding will help them to grow and create jobs.

Dr Bentley added that it will also help rebalance the UK economy, boosting areas that have been dependent on public sector funding.

However, despite its size, he claimed the fund does not have the capacity to "plug the finance gap", and as a result the coalition needs to look at other funding options in order to help these firms grow.

Recently, the CBI described medium-sized companies as "the forgotten army", noting that they have been overlooked in the past but are able to inject up to £50 billion into the economy by 2020.

For all of the latest sales industry news visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk. If you are looking to hire in your sales team Aaron Wallis offer the UK’s most inclusive sales recruitment service which includes skills testing, psychometrics and a 12 month rebate scheme as standard. For Sales Director jobs visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak and Wayne Bly

Regulation implementation ‘provides plenty of benefits’

New employment regulations imposed in October have had many benefits for agency workers and recruitment agencies themselves, according to one sector body.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) says that Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) allow businesses to build flexibility into their workforce, with the key being to ensure that they are implemented through a partnership approach between employers and agencies.

Kevin Green, the REC's chief executive, said one of the effects of the new regulations is that some temporary workers are being employed on a permanent basis by agencies.

"This is good news for temps as they get more job security. At the same time, agencies can benefit from having committed workers on their books and employers continue to have access to a crucial flexible resource," he added.

He also noted that options such as the 'Swedish Derogation' model do not provide 'get-out clauses' but rather legitimate new supply methods.

If properly implemented, it is a good way of protecting jobs and keeping the UK workforce flexible, Mr Green stated.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Wayne Bly

UK job opportunities and employer demand increase

The number of job opportunities in the UK has increased, along with demand from employers, according to latest figures.

Data released by Reed as part of its monthly Job Index shows that job opportunities for UK staff, including sales recruitment hopefuls, are currently at an eight-month high, with a reading of 129 on the index.

Overall, demand for new staff rose by at least 10 points across core business job sectors such as IT (rising 24 points to 173) and marketing (143).

There was also a significant increase in demand for sales professionals, with this sector showing a reading of 143 in October, compared with September.

Martin Warnes, managing director of Reed, said analysts need to be careful not to get "carried away" by one month’s figures.

"Nevertheless, the rise suggests a returning employer optimism, at a level not seen for the last eight months. Job demand across the country has recovered strongly across nearly all areas of the private sector, compared to the previous quarter," he added.

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Posted by Richard Esquilant

Loyalty schemes can have ‘a major impact’ on staff

Companies which implement loyalty schemes may find that it has a significant impact on the productivity of their workers.

However, these firms need to ensure that any such schemes are implemented correctly to avoid discontent and negative consequences, said Sarah Cross, managing director of Uber.

She advised organisations to do their research and see what it is likely to work and what is not, then tailor the loyalty scheme around it.

"Getting loyalty right can have a huge impact on your business and staff, getting it wrong can equally have a huge impact in the wrong way," Ms Cross noted.

She added that it is vital to measure success of a loyalty scheme on a regular basis, adding that it is normal to see results after a 12-month period due to the "strategic long-term approach" loyalty brings.

Bruce Temkin, former Forrester Research principal analyst, said companies need to do all they can to boost customer loyalty and improve client retention in the coming months in order to maintain economic recovery.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Half of UK employees ‘enjoy their jobs’

Almost half of workers in the UK are either happy with their job or love it, according to a new industry survey.

Research carried out by Reabur found that 22 per cent of UK staff, including those in sales jobs, loved their occupation, with a further 26 per cent saying they are happy in their current role.

Just seven per cent of UK staff hate their current job, with 12 per cent claiming they are indifferent and 31 per cent somewhat unhappy with their job.

One in ten Britons said they are currently in their dream job, while 34 per cent said they are 'almost' in their ideal role.

Georgina Read, co-managing director of Reabur.com, said the findings show that many people should possibly consider looking for a new role to boost their happiness levels.

"Finding a new job can be time consuming and a little daunting, but if the result leads to a happier career and employee, then I would strongly recommend exploring the alternative options and getting advice from a professional in career development," she added.

Aaron Wallis are a Milton Keynes Sales Recruitment agency with a unique service offering that includes 12 months rebate. Psychometric profiling and online skills testing are also included within a fixed recruitment price.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Getting the best out of workers ‘is tricky’

It is currently a challenge for many firms to get the best out of workers and help to drive productivity across their organisation, one expert has observed.

According to Dianah Worman, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development diversity adviser, encouraging employees to contribute more to an organisation is something that has lost importance recently.

In order to keep the traction going, managers need to have a variety of ways of stimulating the changes that need to be bedded down in businesses, with the expert advising firms to give people the recognition for achievement to keep energy levels up.

She recommended: "If you want to be really successful as a business then the best way of doing that is helping to engage your employees. You can't take your eye off the ball because we are in an economic crisis."

It comes after Wilson Wong, senior researcher at The Work Foundation, said sales managers hoping to engage their staff need to promote their company's values if they are to ensure that employers buy into the organisation's ethos.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak 

Small firms ‘drive job creation’

There has been a call to improve awareness of the important role played by the UK's small firms in driving job creation.

The Forum of Private Business, Wanobe.com and The Business Woman's Network have come together to campaign for a micro business day, which will be dedicated to recognising the economic importance of UK firms employing fewer than ten employees.

Jane Bennett, head of campaigns at the Forum, said is time for the government to stop talking micro and thinking macro and instead focus on the "real issues" of the smallest businesses.

"The jobs that will drive economic growth are expected to be created in micro businesses so it is important that we place the political spotlight squarely on them and make sure it stays there," she added.

It comes after new research from Experian covering the third quarter of 2011 showed that, while average late payment time for all UK firms went up by almost one day, to 26.13 days, employers with a small number of employees, including those in sale jobs, were able to limit the rise to just half a day.

For all of the latest sales industry news visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk. If you are looking to hire in your sales team Aaron Wallis offer the UK’s most inclusive sales recruitment service which includes skills testing, psychometrics and a 12 month rebate scheme as standard. For Sales Director jobs visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak and Wayne Bly 

Responsible approach to business ‘can boost growth’

A more responsible approach to business can be the catalyst for sustainable growth among UK business and firms across the continent, the European Commission (EC) has claimed.

The Commission is proposing to simplify accounting rules for SMEs, which could potentially save them up to €1.7 billion (£1.4 billion) per year.

According to the EC, the proposals would also reduce burdensome reporting obligations for listed companies, including SMEs, adding further to cost savings.

Commission vice-president Antonio Tajani, who is responsible for enterprise and industry policy, said the package of measures is in the interests of both enterprises and of European society as whole.

"It reduces administrative burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises, and sets the conditions for a strong, dynamic social market economy in the medium and long term," he added.

Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor added that socially responsible business stems from a realisation that the crisis is not just economic and financial but also about ethics.

"This is where social business and Corporate Social Responsibility can have a decisive impact and thus also contribute to Europe's 2020 goals of more jobs and growth."

For all of the latest sales industry news visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk. If you are looking to hire in your sales team Aaron Wallis offer the UK’s most inclusive sales recruitment service which includes skills testing, psychometrics and a 12 month rebate scheme as standard. For Sales Director jobs visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak and Wayne Bly  

Employment law tops company concerns

The key concern for the UK's firms over the last month has been employment law, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

Based on the volume and nature of calls to its legal helping, employment law is by far the most troubling and complex area of concern for UK organisations.

This has been largely driven by two major changes to the law this month – the scrapping of the default retirement age and the introduction of Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), which were both implemented on October 1st.

Overall, 65 per cent of calls received during the period were queries about employment law, noted Phil Orford, chief executive of the FPB.

"While the burdens of employment law remain in place, keeping up with the changes and putting in place watertight procedures should remain a key priority. It is important to know your responsibilities – and act accordingly so you don't fall foul of the law," he added.

Recently, a study by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation found that the demand for agency workers in the UK is robust at the moment, with companies committed to taking on temporary staff following the introduction of AWR.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak 

Medium-sized firms ‘the key to recovery’

The UK's medium-sized organisations hold the key to economic recovery in the coming months, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The organisation described these companies as "the forgotten army", noting that they have been overlooked in the past but are able to inject up to £50 billion into the economy by 2020.

For this reason alone, more focus should be placed on these companies, according to John Cridland, CBI director-general, who noted that medium-sized companies represent less than one per cent of businesses but generate 22 per cent of economic revenue and 16 per cent of all jobs.

"We should be championing, nurturing and encouraging our medium-sized firms so that more of them grow and create jobs. For too long these companies, which could inject tens of billions of pounds into our economy, have fallen under the radar of policymakers," he added.

Meanwhile, John Longworth, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, recently said that developing the capability of the UK's workforce, including those in sales jobs, is vital to ensuring that the country continues its recovery from the economic downturn.

For all of the latest sales industry news visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk. If you are looking to hire in your sales team Aaron Wallis offer the UK’s most inclusive sales recruitment service which includes skills testing, psychometrics and a 12 month rebate scheme as standard. For Sales Director jobs visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak and Wayne Bly 

Timekeeping and communication ‘essential’ when job hunting

People on the hunt for a new role, such as a sales recruitment position, should ensure that their timekeeping and communication levels are perfect, one specialist has advised.

That is the recommendation of Recruitment Queen, which noted that a major problem for many candidates at the moment is that they cannot express traits such as their communication skills and punctuality in interviews.

Charlie Ryan, owner of the website, said the problem for many is that they note on their CV how enthusiastic and dynamic they are and that they have great timekeeping, but this is often hard to believe.

"I would say these skills are more important than having the right qualifications. I can guarantee that somebody without certain qualifications can get a job if they have all the right manners and social interpersonal skills," she added.

The expert said a company would be willing to take the risk and take them on because they are seeing people with ability and promise.

Her comments followed the publication of a recent British Chambers of Commerce report which found that many firms claim that candidates do not have the right skills for the job – including poor levels of literacy and numeracy, as well as softer skills such as timekeeping and communication.

Aaron Wallis offers one of the largest resources of interview advice and career tools available to UK jobseekers.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

Older workers are ‘more experienced and reliable’

Older workers looking for sales jobs will welcome a study that claims more mature employees have definite benefits.

Paul Green, spokesman for the over-50s group Saga, said: "They have a range of experience both of work but more importantly of life, so they can apply that experience to the job that they're in, and provide a balance in the workplace."

He added that employers appreciate this experience, adding that knowledge cannot be bought off the shelf, it has to be acquired over time.

The comments follow research by Institute of Geriatrics at the University of Montreal which found that people over-55s use their brains more effectively than younger members of staff.

The findings contradict previous theories - and popular beliefs - that suggest our brains deteriorate with age, making us less able to make reasoned decisions.

"Older people can also be more reliable and more flexible. I think that's certainly very appealing to employers at the moment," Mr Green added.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Richard Esquilant

Most wanted leadership traits unveiled

Creating a strategic vision is one of the most important skills leaders should demonstrate when it comes to management.

In a survey of 1,400 chief executive officers and HR professionals by global talent and career management consultancy Right Management and the Chally Group, 92 per cent claimed they want their managers, including those in sales jobs, to display this trait.

Inspiring others and maintaining leadership responsibility was cited as important by two-thirds, while developing an accurate and comprehensive overview of the business was an essential skill to just over half.

Sue Roffey-Jones, practice leader at Right Management, said: "In today's business environment leadership development needs to be grounded in real work and focused on the critical competencies required for success in C-level roles."

She added that today leadership development is "more science than art".

Leadership skills were also named as the top priority for learning and development teams over the next 12 months, according to Video Arts.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Use CVs to highlight achievements

Showing off you highest achievements on a personal statement is vital for people hoping to secure a job.

Beverley Woodhams, head of central recruitment at the University of Greenwich, said that it was important that people show off their specific areas of interest as well as point out any work they have done that may have set them apart from their peers.

"Report on your extra-curricular activities, such as hobbies, part-time work, caring or other responsibilities. Candidates should articulate how they have grown or developed skills as a result," she suggested.

She said that while job seekers should ensure their claims are "honest and enthusiastic", they should definitely avoid making exaggerated claims.

This is because questions may be asked about them in the interview, which would put them in a bad light if it were to come out they embellished their application.

Meanwhile, recent research carried out by Hays revealed that two-thirds of workers would take another job if it was offered to them.

Aaron Wallis are a Milton Keynes Sales Recruitment agency with a unique service offering that includes 12 months rebate. Psychometric profiling and online skills testing are also included within a fixed recruitment price.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Better language skills ‘will boost UK economy’

People on the hunt for a new job have been urged to hone their foreign language skills in order to increase their chances of success.

Dr Jim Anderson, senior lecturer in language and education at Goldsmiths, University of London, said that languages are vital to the economy and the lack of foreign language skills in the UK is having a negative impact on the nation's business success.

He said that while European languages are important to business at the moment, it is likely that in the future Chinese and Arabic will also play key roles.

"Language skills develop intercultural competence. Citizenship in a globalising world is vitally important if we are going to develop proper understanding with people in different countries and to be able to understand the different perspectives," Dr Anderson concluded.

His comments follow reports over the last few years by CILT, the National Centre for Languages called Talking World Class, and the CBI which have revealed the damaging effect the UK's lack of language skills is having.

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Posted by Wayne Bly

Developing workforce capability ‘is crucial’

Developing the capability of the UK's workforce is vital to ensuring that the country continues its recovery from the economic downturn, it has been claimed.

John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said people are "at the heart" of every successful business, and noted that improving their skillsets will boost the UK's economic competitiveness.

"UK companies continue to invest in their workforce, and they still want to take on staff and expand despite a difficult economic climate. However, firms looking to recruit are stymied by the poor skills available within the local labour pool," he added.

Mr Longworth added that employers also want to see sales recruitment candidates with a strong worth ethic and soft skills such as timekeeping and communication that are fundamental in the work environment.

According to a recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 67 per cent of firms are currently focusing on developing skills and competence and 54 per cent on supporting career transition.

For Sales Managers Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment provide all of the latest news in the UK sales industry to help you keep your team in touch with changing trends and developments. For sales manager jobs and unique sales recruitment services, backed by a 52 week rebate scheme, visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Richard Esquilant