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Marine

Managing Stress During the Job Search: Tips for Candidates in the Aviation Industry

<p>Want to work in a country that&rsquo;s known for luxury and plenty of job opportunities? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Dubai.</p>
<h2><strong>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dubai?</strong></h2>
<p>As one of seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the city is known for modern architecture, luxurious lifestyles and an exciting nightlife.</p>
<p>Out of a population of 9.2 million people, expats make up 7.8 million, with Emirati Nationals constituting 1.4 million. The UAE experiences significant labour shortages due to its population size and can therefore offer new and exciting job opportunities.</p>
<p>The cost of living in Dubai will vary across the city. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<p>&middot; <strong>Studio Apartment Accommodation</strong> &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a <strong>one-bedroom apartment in the city centre</strong> now averages <strong>6,500 AED</strong> (&pound;1,400).</p>
<p>&middot; <strong>Suburban Accommodation</strong> &ndash; Renting a <strong>one-bedroom apartment in the suburbs</strong> typically costs around <strong>4,300 AED</strong> (&pound;925) per month.</p>
<p>&middot; <strong>Monthly Utility Bill</strong> &ndash; Utilities (electricity, water, cooling, and garbage) for two people in an 85m&sup2; flat are around <strong>700 AED</strong> (&pound;150) per month.</p>
<h2><strong>Transport &ndash; How Can You Get Around?</strong></h2>
<p>The city&rsquo;s public transport system provides buses, water buses, monorails, trams and the metro.</p>
<p>The Dubai metro is considered as one of the most modern and cost-effective public transport systems in the world. The Green line has 20 stops running from the Etisalat region to Dubai Creek and the Red line has 28 stops running between Al Rashidiya and the UAE Exchange.</p>
<p>Working in the UAE offers the opportunity to visit other incredible countries around Asia, which include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Six Other Emirates &ndash; Explore less well-known but equally stunning Emirates, including the heritage of the capital Sharjah, the beaches and mountains of Fujairah and the protected countryside of Umm Al Quwain.</li>
<li>Saudi Arabia &ndash; Visit the birthplace and spiritual home of Islam and explore the country&rsquo;s vast deserts.</li>
<li>Egypt &ndash; Experience historical world wonders like the River Nile and the Pyramids.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Culture</h2>
<p>Emirati life is very much geared around families, with marriage and children being the bedrock of society. Hospitality plays a key role, especially to strangers or newcomers. Islam is highly important to society. Muslims see the Qur&rsquo;an literally as the word of God, and it issues very specific moral guidelines, dealing with all aspects&nbsp;of daily living.</p>
<h2>Taxes</h2>
<p>The UAE Federal Government does not impose taxes on the wealth of companies and individuals. However, if you are earning an income in Dubai, but are a tax resident of another country, you may be liable to declare your income&nbsp;and pay taxation on it. Those who move permanently to the UAE and are out of the UK for a full tax year may be able toearn a 100% tax-free salary.</p>
<h2>Pensions</h2>
<p>As of 2024, the retirement age for UAE nationals has indeed seen adjustments over the years. The retirement age, which was previously 48, was increased by one year in 2019, bringing it to 49 years. However, Emiratis are still required to meet specific conditions in order to receive their full pension benefits.</p>
<p>To be eligible for the full pension, Emirati employees must have completed at least 20 years of continuous service. While this retirement age is set for nationals working in the public sector, the actual retirement age can vary depending on individual service agreements and sectors.</p>
<p>It's also important to note that retirement regulations may evolve further, so it's advisable for Emirati employees to check with the UAE&rsquo;s pension authority or their employer for the latest updates on pension entitlements and retirement conditions.</p>
<h2>Education</h2>
<p>Education covers the levels of primary, secondary and collegiate. The school system in the region is no different from the education system in the United Arab Emirates. There are many public and private schools catering to Emiratis and expatriates.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) supervises all schools, institutes, vocational institutions, adult and special needs centers, day care centers and government and private universities in the Emirate.</p>
<h2>Things to Do in the UAE</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Burj Al Arab -&nbsp;Dubai's Eiffel Tower</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Dubai Museum - the city's main historical museum charts the region's rapid evolution</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Burj Khalifa - a stunning example of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant on the 122nd</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>IMG Worlds of Adventure - the world&rsquo;s largest indoor theme park.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Language</h2>
<ul>
<li>Hello = مرحبا) marhabaan)</li>
<li>Yes = فعلا نعم) nem fielaan)</li>
<li>No = لا) la)</li>
<li>Thank You = جزيلا شكرا) shukraan jazilaan)</li>
<li>Goodbye = السلامة مع) mae alsalama)</li>
<li>Sorry = آسف) asif)</li>
<li>You're welcome = السعة و الرحب على)ealaa alrahab w alsiea)</li>
<li>How are you ? = حالكم كيف) kayf halakum)</li>
<li>Well = حسنا) hasananaan)</li>
</ul>
<p>Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering jobs</a></u>&nbsp;around the world.</p>
<p>Here are&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career-in-2020">8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</a></u>.</p>

Guide to Working in Dubai

<p>Applying for jobs can be difficult. You have to find vacancies,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/cv-buzzwords-for-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">write a great CV</a>, and prove that you&rsquo;re the best person for the job.</p>
<p>But you also have to make sure that you are eligible to work in whichever country you&rsquo;re applying to. This is known as having the right to work.</p>
<h2><strong>What Is The Right To Work?</strong></h2>
<p>The Right To Work is a legal requirement for anyone looking to work in the UK. Other countries have similar laws in place, so wherever you&rsquo;re looking to work, you must ensure that you have the right to work there.</p>
<p>You automatically have the right to work in the UK if you were born there, or if you&rsquo;re a citizen of the European Economic Area.</p>
<p>However, you will also need to apply for a residence permit before you can make the trip to the UK.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re not a citizen of the country you&rsquo;re hoping to work in, you&rsquo;ll need to get at least a visa and a work permit to work there.</p>
<h1><strong>How You Can Get The Right to Work:</strong></h1>
<p>First, you must apply for a visa to work in whichever you&rsquo;re looking to move to. Having a visa does not mean you have the right to work, you will also have to get a work permit. This is not something you can do, your employer will have to apply for a work permit on your behalf.</p>
<p>The length of the permit often depends on the type of work you will be doing. If you were hired to work on a specific project, your permit might last until that project is done, or it might simply last for one year. You can apply to extend or renew your permit when it ends, which is usually much easier than the initial application to get it.</p>
<p>Work permits are also only for specific jobs with specific employers. If you change job, you&rsquo;d need to get a new work permit.</p>
<p>Securing a work permit cements the fact that you are a legal worker, with the right to work in that country.</p>
<h2><strong>How You Can Prove Your Right To Work To Potential Employers:</strong></h2>
<p>Employers must make sure that you do have the right to work before they can officially employ you. When an employer checks a candidate&rsquo;s right to work, they will check all documentation.</p>
<p>Employers can face hefty fines of up to &pound;20,000 or even face imprisonment if they&rsquo;re found to have employed someone who does not have the right to the work.</p>
<p>You can help prove you have the right to work by making sure you have all necessary documentation ready, such as your passport, visa, and work permit. You should also keep records of correspondence to prove you have been honest and forthcoming with all your information and documentation during the recruitment process.</p>
<p>Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-job-interview-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">job interview guide</a>, read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-most-in-demand-skills-you-need-to-have-when-looking-for-a-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skills that will help you get a job</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-is-ir35-and-how-does-it-impact-businesses-and-contractors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IR35 and what it means for you</a>.</p>

What Does ‘The Right To Work’ Mean, And Why Is It Important For International Job Seekers?

<p>Paris is one of the most famous and instantly recognisable cities in the world. Thirteen million people visit every year, and many of them dream of living there. One of the most cosmopolitan and flourishing cities in Europe, Paris is a great place to start a career, build a network, and have a professional experience unlike any other.</p>
<h1><strong>5 Reasons To Work In Paris:</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>The Money</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>First of all, France is one of the most established economic superpowers in the EU, and Paris is at the center of that wealth. Almost a third (approximately 30%) of Metropolitan France&rsquo;s GDP is generated in the city, where the majority of high-level business gets done. In fact, the Paris region contributes more to Europe&rsquo;s GDP than the entire country of Switzerland.</p>
<p>Paris is also the headquarters for more Fortune 500 companies than anywhere else in Europe. Any careers in engineering, data analysis, or design would be at home in Paris, where the cost of living is roughly 20% less than in London. Some of France&rsquo;s most lucrative areas of industry are the machinery, automotive, aviation, and electronics sectors​.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>The Culture</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Paris is renowned as a global cultural hub, boasting a rich tapestry of art, theatre, architecture, music, and history. The city's cultural landscape is further enhanced by significant projects related to the upcoming 2024 Olympics, such as La Seine Musicale, a modern cultural complex that exemplifies innovative design and natural materials​.</p>
<p>In addition to its cultural attractions, France offers a worker-focused culture, highlighted by its 35-hour workweek policy, which allows employees more personal time. Despite this official limit, many employees work overtime, compensated either financially or with additional time off, known as RTT (R&eacute;duction du temps de travail).</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>The Food</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>France famously has some of the best food in the world, and the people who live in Paris get to enjoy the very best of that cuisine. Cooking is a point of pride for the French, and is something you should try to experience as much of as possible. All types of food can be found in its perfected form on the streets of Paris, so no matter your favourite dish is, you can find it somewhere.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Social Care</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>France has some of the best care in Europe because all citizens must have health insurance. This insurance system means that the majority of healthcare costs are covered by the state. This makes the healthcare system very accessible, even for foreigners. Around 30% of the taxes go towards welfare, so there is a strong safety net that can help remove a lot of the pressure in daily life.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Transport Links to The Rest Of Europe</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Paris is connected to the world by over two hundred daily direct flights to destinations outside Europe, around seven hundred daily flights to European cities, as well as high-speed trains to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Munich. From France you can travel to Spain, England, Germany, and other major EU countries.</p>
<p>If your work requires you to travel, there are few places in the world that are better connected than Paris.</p>
<p>Read&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VHR&rsquo;s Guide To Getting A Job</a>, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-the-eu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guide To Working in Europe</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-of-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best jobs to apply for in 2019</a>.</p>

Why You Should Work In Paris

<p>A career in the aerospace industry is a coveted aspiration for many young engineers. This field is not only highly lucrative but also provides opportunities to work with advanced technology, innovative designs, and groundbreaking fuel systems. The industry is evolving and expanding, driven by the fresh perspectives and contributions of new engineers who are propelling it to thrilling new heights.</p>
<p>Those who work in aerospace acquire a wide array of skills, including mechanical engineering, data analysis, and design, and can go on to work in other fields, or specialise in one area, becoming an expert over the course of their career.</p>
<p>&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re thinking of getting a job in aerospace, here are just some of the great choices available.</p>
<h2>5 great jobs in aerospace</h2>
<h3>Aircraft Mechanic</h3>
<p>While every job in aerospace is important, the mechanic has arguably the most important job of all. Aircraft mechanics are essential to ensuring that aircraft operate safely. They supervise, manage, and perform maintenance on the aircraft to ensure it meets the highest possible standards for safety and functionality, and perform inspections before and after flights. Without them, the plane doesn&rsquo;t fly.</p>
<p>This is a practical job, with great levels of satisfaction. Every day millions of planes take off and land safely thanks to the hard work of aircraft mechanics.</p>
<h3>Data Analyst</h3>
<p>&nbsp;Data analysts collect, analyse, and report data to help others in the industry understand what&rsquo;s happening, and make evidence-based decisions that help improve designs, or move towards the goals of the team.</p>
<p>Analysts often have extensive knowledge of data modelling software and computer programming techniques that can help them in their day-to-day work.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Data analysis is an increasingly important aspect of virtually every industry, but especially in aerospace where precision is paramount. As such, analysts often specialise in a particular field, working in tandem with others to provide a complete picture of the project, and how it can be improved.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Drafter</h3>
<p>A drafter is an engineering professional who prepares technical drawings and plans using specialised software. These drawings allow engineers to build prototypes which can go on to become exciting new designs that change the industry, all stemming from that first drawing.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Drafters often specialise within a particular industry, and in aerospace there are often new designs or concepts to test. This is an excellent career option for those who want to make their mark on the industry by creating new designs, they also get to collaborate with engineers and other professionals, meaning you can build your network and get known in the industry.</p>
<h3>Materials Engineer</h3>
<p>These engineers analyse the materials used in construction, and evaluate their use for different parts, areas, and roles. They can work with steel, titanium, carbon fibre, and composite structures. Thanks to 3-D printing, they can even work with plastics.</p>
<p>They can create new components, or even create new composites that improve reliability or strength. They often spend much of their time researching materials, and new manufacturing processes.</p>
<h3>Inspector and Compliance Officer</h3>
<p>Finally, one of the most important jobs in the industry is inspector and compliance officer. They&rsquo;re responsible for ensuring everything is up to code, which is vital for safety. Their work helps protect the crew, the passengers, and also the engineers who work on the planes between flights.</p>
<p>They also train staff on new procedures and evaluate their performance.</p>
<h2>How to choose a career in aerospace</h2>
<p>It's important to choose a career that aligns with your professional interests, goals, and preferences. If you hate programming, consider a job that leans more towards the mechanical side, or if you know you want to be head of design, you&rsquo;ll need to master various design software, as well as developing a deep understanding of the technical aspects, and the physics that impacts a plane during flight.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Any job in the aerospace industry requires many years of hard work and training, so having a passion for the career is important for helping you stay motivated through any challenges along the way.</p>
<p>Aerospace is a rewarding field, with some of the best engineers in the world choosing to dedicate their careers to the industry. Whether you&rsquo;re looking to start a career, or change to something different, aerospace could be the right move for you.</p>
<p>Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-the-aviation-industry-is-shifting-to-a-digital-strategy">how the aviation industry is shifting to a digital strategy</a>, or read our<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/aerospace-aviation-trends-report-2021/22">&nbsp;aerospace and aviation trends report</a>.</p>

The Best Careers in Aerospace

<h2><strong>Build a Successful and Rewarding Career &ndash; Become a Trainee Recruitment Consultant.</strong></h2>
<div>Are you a confident, driven self-starter looking to build a successful career fast?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<p>Dreaming of a competitive and challenging career, but lacked the support to get the results you&rsquo;re capable of?</p>
<p>Do you want to work for a company that genuinely wants you to succeed, and empowers you with industry-leading training?</p>
<p>VHR are an international recruitment company specialising in the F1 / Motorsport, Aerospace, Marine &amp; Engineering industries. We need enthusiastic individuals to join our business as Trainee Recruitment Consultants and become our future top performers!</p>
<h3><strong>Become a Successful Recruitment Consultant</strong></h3>
<p>We are looking for 8 individuals to join our team of technical recruitment consultants, which starts with our revolutionary 13-week Academy Training Programme. The VHR Academy will give you the skills and guidance to become highly successful in your recruitment career, with the ability to earn commission from Day One of your Training!</p>
<p>Your initial focus will be finding and building relationships with candidates. After completing the Academy, we offer multiple career paths and professional development based on your personal goals.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=1-1.png" sizes="(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=439&amp;height=167&amp;name=1-1.png 439w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=1-1.png 878w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=1317&amp;height=500&amp;name=1-1.png 1317w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=1756&amp;height=666&amp;name=1-1.png 1756w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=2195&amp;height=833&amp;name=1-1.png 2195w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?width=2634&amp;height=999&amp;name=1-1.png 2634w" alt="1-1" width="878" height="333" loading="lazy"></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>By joining us as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant, you will receive:</p>
<ul>
<li>Competitive salary and an industry leading commission package</li>
<li>Ongoing professional development</li>
<li>Private healthcare scheme</li>
<li>21 days annual leave (with the ability to earn additional annual leave)</li>
<li>Fresh fruit provided daily</li>
<li>Monthly company social events</li>
<li>Biannual office events</li>
<li>Incentive schemes and company wide holidays</li>
<li>Team Days and Top Performer Dinners</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=2-1.png" sizes="(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=439&amp;height=167&amp;name=2-1.png 439w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=2-1.png 878w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=1317&amp;height=500&amp;name=2-1.png 1317w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=1756&amp;height=666&amp;name=2-1.png 1756w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=2195&amp;height=833&amp;name=2-1.png 2195w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2-1.png?width=2634&amp;height=999&amp;name=2-1.png 2634w" alt="2-1" width="878" height="333" loading="lazy"></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To become a Trainee Recruitment Consultant, you will need:</p>
<ul>
<li>A positive &lsquo;can do&rsquo; attitude and a determination to succeed</li>
<li>Previous sales or customer service experience, which can be from estate agency, B2B, call centre, door to door, events or street fundraising</li>
<li>A track record of success, by being self-motivated and results focused</li>
<li>Organisation skills whilst being flexible and adaptable</li>
<li>An outgoing, involving and empathetic personality who can listen as well as talk</li>
<li>A competitive nature, determination to succeed and the ability to handle rejection</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=3-1.png" sizes="(max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=439&amp;height=167&amp;name=3-1.png 439w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=878&amp;height=333&amp;name=3-1.png 878w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=1317&amp;height=500&amp;name=3-1.png 1317w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=1756&amp;height=666&amp;name=3-1.png 1756w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=2195&amp;height=833&amp;name=3-1.png 2195w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-1.png?width=2634&amp;height=999&amp;name=3-1.png 2634w" alt="3-1" width="878" height="333" loading="lazy"></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>To apply to become a Trainee Recruitment Consultant, send your C.V to Hello@v-hr.com or call us on +44 (0) 207 500 7980</strong></h3>

The VHR Academy - Becoming a Trainee Recruitment Consultant

<p>Fake job ads have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.recruitmentgrapevine.com/article/news-2017-11-01-fake-job-ads-spell-disaster-for-naive-candidates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>risen by 300% in the past two years</u></a>, according to Action Fraud. Younger workers are at much greater risk of fake job fraud, with some candidates being scammed of over &pound;4,000 by fake recruiters and fake job ads that promised work opportunities but never delivered.</p>
<p>Scammers are taking advantage of jobseekers, and companies with no interest in recruiting are advertising jobs just to stack up CVs for months or even years into the future.</p>
<h1><strong>How can you tell the difference between a real job advert and a fake job advert?</strong></h1>
<h2><strong>How to Spot a Fake Job Advert:</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>The Personal Touch</h3>
<p>Real job ads will come from a real person as opposed to a random string of letters (like 3xj45th8@example.com) with a professional email signature, and the email should be a work email address rather than a personal domain such as hotmail or google mail. Check&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-human-resources/?trk=nav_account_sub_nav_company_admin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>the recruiter&rsquo;s LinkedIn profile</u></a>&nbsp;to make sure they exist.</p>
</li>
<li>
<h3>Branding</h3>
<p>Check the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalance.com/list-of-fake-job-scam-examples-2062168" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>spelling, grammar and general quality</u></a>&nbsp;of the job ad in front of you. Real recruitment agencies with real job ads will be proud of their company brand and want to show it in the best possible light, which extends to all online and offline channels including job advertisements.</p>
</li>
<li>
<h3>Financial Privacy</h3>
<p>Real recruiters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/02/13/five-signs-of-a-fake-job-ad/#6ce52617549f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>will never ask you for personal information</u></a>&nbsp;such as bank details or your credit score. If someone responds to your job application with a request for your bank account number of a favour to transfer money for them, this is a fake job advert serving a financial scam.</p>
</li>
<li>
<h3>Online Presence</h3>
<p>Check out every prospective employer before you go on a job interview. Real recruitment agencies and businesses will have a website with lots of information, active social media channels and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/case-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>plenty of case studies and testimonials</u></a> from clients and candidates to prove they fulfil their promises.</p>
</li>
</ul>

How to Spot a Fake Job Advert

<p>Many businesses are trying to improve the mental health of their teams. It has many benefits, from lowering turnover to increasing productivity, but mental health is a complex subject, and it isn&rsquo;t always easy to know where to begin.</p>
<p>One of the simplest ways you can help to improve the mental health of your team is by increasing their self-esteem. It doesn&rsquo;t require extensive training, or changes to the structure of the business. Self-esteem is something that can be built up relatively quickly, easily, and for free, and you can start today.</p>
<h2>Why is self-esteem so important for work?</h2>
<p>Employees who feel good about themselves are typically able to focus better, need less time off and generally get along well with coworkers.</p>
<p>Employees with low self esteem may work slower, make more mistakes, and hesitate to try their hardest, possibly because they believe their best effort simply isn&rsquo;t very good.</p>
<p>&nbsp;When team members feel capable and trusted to do their work, they&rsquo;re often empowered to achieve more, pushing themselves further because, based on past performance, they know that they&rsquo;re set up to succeed. Quite simply: they do better because they believe in themselves. &nbsp;</p>
<p>This can create a positive feedback loop: employees push themselves harder because they know they&rsquo;re capable of good work, they achieve good work, they see that their work is good and they continue aiming high.</p>
<p>So how can you help your team to have good self-esteem?</p>
<h2>How to help improve your team&rsquo;s self-esteem</h2>
<h3>Recognise individual efforts</h3>
<p>&nbsp;The simplest and most immediate way to improve the self-esteem of your team members is to recognise when they&rsquo;ve done a good job, and tell them.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s likely that most of your team do great work most of the time, but think how often you take the time to show appreciation for that. Even if you do, keep in mind that a sincere, genuine, authentic word of recognition, one to one, can make a huge difference to how that individual feels about themselves and their work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;But it&rsquo;s not just about recognising when work has been done. You can also encourage your employees to be the best that they can be, reminding them of past successes, and letting them know that you believe in them, trust them, and know they can excel at their work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;If you have faith in them to do their job well, they may start to have more faith in themselves.</p>
<h3>Group Activities</h3>
<p>Group activities can also help your team members build their self-esteem. When team members work together, they support each other, and get to see each other&rsquo;s strengths. Words of praise or support from others can be incredibly motivating, and have more of an impact than we think.</p>
<p>When a co-worker recognises our work, it comes from a place of genuine respect, especially if it&rsquo;s an important skill being demonstrated. There are so many different skills needed on even a single project, let alone an entire business, but often we forget that our skillset is important or impressive, because we&rsquo;re so used to just getting on and doing our job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;That&rsquo;s why working in a group is important, it allows for recognition across the team, not just from managers. The next time you&rsquo;re impressed by a colleague, tell them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Company-wide recognition</h3>
<p>&nbsp;There&rsquo;s nothing more demotivating than working hard, achieving your goals, and then not being recognised for it.</p>
<p>When team members work hard, the company should know about it, and recognise it. This reinforces the image of the team member as someone capable, not just to the company, but themselves as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This can be as simple as an employee of the month award, but really this should extend across each team, so everyone can hear about who&rsquo;s making a difference. &nbsp;</p>
<p>While a lot of our self-esteem is generated internally, external validation goes a long way too, and can remind us of what we&rsquo;ve achieved when we aren&rsquo;t feeling our best.</p>
<p>Helping to boost your team&rsquo;s self-esteem will lead to improved mental health, better relationships between team members, and increased productivity across the business.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-reduce-stress-and-improve-mental-health-in-the-workplace">improving mental health at work</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-address-the-skills-shortage-in-the-technical-and-engineering-industries">how to address the engineering skills shortage</a>.</p>

How Boosting Self-Esteem in the Workplace Can Help Productivity

<p>For years young people in the UK have been told they must get a degree to have a successful career. But there are several jobs you can get without a degree, that will allow you to have long and prosperous careers with impressive salaries.</p>
<h2><strong>These Are Five Of The Best Jobs You Don&rsquo;t Need A Degree For:</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Sales Manager</strong></h3>
<p>It&rsquo;s been said that anyone can work in sales. You don&rsquo;t need a degree, as the ability to successfully sell can&rsquo;t always be taught. Salespeople can work their way up the career ladder by hitting their targets, growing their list of clients, and bringing in consistent revenue to the company. A sales manager can earn anywhere between &pound;20,000-&pound;100,000, often with bonuses if the team hits their targets.</p>
<p>You&rsquo;ll need excellent people skills and the ability to manage your time effectively if you&rsquo;re going to be a manager.</p>
<h3><strong>Project Manager</strong></h3>
<p>Project managers oversee projects and the people who work on them. They are very organised, pay attention to detail, and help develop teams and departments in the long&nbsp;term. They can work in almost any industry, ensuring that everyone is keeping on schedule. The average salary for a project manager is &pound;40,000.</p>
<h3><strong>Power Plant Operator</strong></h3>
<p>Despite requiring a highly specific and in-depth skillset, you can become a power plant operator without a degree. They monitor equipment, document energy production rates, and keep the plant operational. The average salary for a power plant operator in the UK is &pound;39,000.</p>
<p>In order to get a job as a power plant operator you will need vocational experience, usually gained through an apprenticeship or internship. The initial training process can take a year, gaining hands-on training while also taking tests to learn more about the industry. From this point they can go on to earn engineering licenses.</p>
<h3><strong>Recruiter</strong></h3>
<p>Recruiters help candidates find jobs. Whether they work in a niche field or in generic recruitment, all recruiters use the same skills: communication, empathy, and insight. Recruiters can connect people with better jobs in their field, or help people start entirely new careers. The average salary for a recruiter in the UK is &pound;33,000, often with bonuses on top.</p>
<p>VHR is always looking for&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs/recruitment-consultant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entry-level recruitment consultants</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>HR</strong></h3>
<p>HR is a great career choice for anyone who likes working with people. Human resources departments are responsible for the smooth running of the human elements of businesses. The average starting salary for someone working in HR is around &pound;18,000, and can grow to as much as &pound;35,000 for a managerial role. HR managers have a direct impact on how businesses are run, and&nbsp;the decisions that are made, and play a huge part in creating the overall company culture.</p>
<p>These are just some of the many jobs you can get without a university degree. If you work hard, look for opportunities, and submit an excellent application for the job, you can begin a successful career.</p>
<p>Learn the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-to-find-out-what-hiring-managers-are-looking-for" rel="noopener">5 ways to find out what hiring managers are looking for</a>&nbsp;you need when looking for a job, or read about how&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/news/vhr-exhibiting-at-mro-americas-2024" rel="noopener">VHR is exhibiting at MRO Americas</a>.</p>

Best Jobs You Don’t Need A Degree For

<p>As more people than ever before are graduating from University, taking internships, completing further education throughout their careers and undertaking voluntary and creative work on top of their day jobs, the same skills and expertise as the rest of the market will no longer guarantee a job.</p>
<p>Here are seven ways that candidates can dramatically improve their career prospects.</p>
<h2><strong>How to Become the Best Candidate for the Job</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>1. Mould Yourself into the Role</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Amongst the hundreds of applications that are now the average for very new job advertised, the average hiring manager only takes 9 seconds to scan your CV before deciding whether to continue with your application. Tailor your CV to every role you apply for to ensure you match the requirements listed on the job advert and attract the attention of the HR department. In your CV, include the specific keywords used in the job advert and demonstrate how you have used these skills to succeed in previous jobs.</p>
<p>The old saying &lsquo;interested is interesting&rsquo; is also true of interviews: executives and managers spend all day working to solve their company&rsquo;s problems and deliver solutions, and will welcome the chance to discuss these with candidates. Research the business extensively to ensure you have plenty of information to answer interview questions, and plenty of questions to ask of your interviewer to show your interest in the company. Use your first interview or phone call to ask these questions, and incorporate the company&rsquo;s feedback into your second interview to showcase new ideas for solving any problems or challenges.</p>
<p>Ingratiate yourself into your interviewers&rsquo; image of the organisation&rsquo;s future by embodying the company brand at every possible opportunity. Absorb the brand: if you need to deliver a presentation, use the company brand logo, colours, fonts and imagery to make it as visually appealing to your interviewers as possible. Evidence in conversations that you have researched the organisation&rsquo;s competitors and discuss differences between them. Research to find online PR that reveals an achievement the company has been praised for or a challenge they have had difficulty with, and explore how hiring you would build on success or solve problems.</p>
<p>Make use of your interviews like strategy meetings that you are attending as an existing employee who is invested in the company&rsquo;s future and tasked with ways of helping the company grow, to cement yourself as the best possible candidate in the minds of interviewers. Leave behind a portfolio and handouts of your presentation or tasks to keep the positive first impression around for days after you leave the office.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Build Your Personal Brand</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You are the person who knows yourself better than anyone else, and therefore, who better to market you as a potential candidate?</p>
<p>To create your own personable brand that makes you stand out from hundreds of other job applicants, determine your Unique Selling Point (USP). In other words: what specific skills, knowledge and experience make you an excellent candidate? What makes you better than all other applicants, and how would your USP help you succeed in the new role? Use your USP to write a two-sentence summary that you can include at the top of your CV, job applications and online profiles, and use it to inform your elevator pitch when speaking to recruiters on the phone and when preparing for interviews.</p>
<p>When you have created your personal profile, build a strong brand presence across social and digital channel and&nbsp;<a href="https://jooble.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">job boards</a>: your hiring manager will likely take the time to Google you and have a look around at your online presence, so make it as enjoyable and easy as possible for them to find your professional information. Ensure your LinkedIn, Xing and social profiles match your updated CV, and fully utilise professional LinkedIn and Facebook groups to build your brand awareness by engaging in discussions relevant to your industry and job title.</p>
<p>Rather than sending a cover letter along with your CV and application, consider sending a &lsquo;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2015/03/01/how-to-write-your-first-pain-letter/#535b8e582546">pain letter</a>&rsquo;. This letter focuses on a challenge faced by your potential employer &ndash; for example, trade restrictions imposed by Brexit, new regulations , fast business growth with little expertise in potential areas of expansion &ndash; &nbsp;and positions you as the answer to this problem. A pain letter not only creates a powerful, memorable first impression and showcases your unique skills and experience, but also demonstrates industry knowledge and the ability to think creatively, which are bound to impress executives and recruiters alike.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Build a Growth Mindset</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The easiest way to establish the potential of a new hire is to see what they&rsquo;ve already succeeded in. A growth mindset is desirable for employers across industries and locations: individuals who are ambitious, determined and open-minded are much better equipped to develop alongside a company as it grows, and continue to improve their excellent job performance month after month and year after year.</p>
<p>During interviews and on your CV, show how you&rsquo;ve taken charge of your own development and been flexible when required in previous roles. For example, have you learned coding to develop a new website under budget restrictions, have you learned a new language to expand your knowledge of a market, or have you taken an intensive financial or management course to steer your teams through a crisis? Specific case studies highlight your existing expertise and potential and, as no two candidates have the same personal stories of overcoming obstacles and difficulties, serve to help you stand out from other candidates.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Act Like You Already Work There</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Commitment is valued by all business leaders and managers alike. Mentally start your job before you actually sign the contract. Think ahead: what would be required of you in the first three months of the role? Ask this question when your recruiter first gets in touch or at your first interview, then create a plan based on the answers you receive and use this at your second interview to how the impact you would make in the new role from the very beginning.</p>
<p>Show your best skills from day one, right at the beginning of the recruitment process. If you&rsquo;re someone who goes the extra mile, prove this through an excellent presentation or interview task: invest as much time and effort as you would do in an important project for your current role. Evidence creativity skills by putting forward new ideas and thinking beyond the limitations you&rsquo;ve been given, for example showing how a short-term campaign or project would be carried through to the next stage and the long-term impact this would have to business success. Data proficiency can be shown through detailed and creative research online and offline, design skills can be demonstrated with a uniquely presented CV and people skills are easy to highlight by making connections with potential colleagues and building rapport with interviewers.</p>
<p>The candidate that invests the most time, energy and enthusiasm into a potential new role will be the most impressive to prospective employers.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Get into the Company&rsquo;s Psychology</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>When conducting your research, go beyond the standard website and social channels, and widen your search to get an understanding of the company psychology. Look out for annual reports, PR coverage, trade magazines, and mentions in industry social media groups and any other external online or offline spaces. Every organisation will have its own way of thinking and communicating with its customers based on the needs, interests and lifestyles of these customers, and you can discover this by analysing their brand image.</p>
<p>Look at the keywords used on the company&rsquo;s website &ndash; what is important to the company&rsquo;s customers, and therefore important to the company? What are the organisation&rsquo;s USPs? What language do they use to describe themselves and communicate with target markets? If the tone and conversation style are different from the rest of the industry, this shows that the company wants to stand out from their competitors and is ambitious in establishing themselves as a market disruptor.</p>
<p>Utilise your understanding of what matters most to the company and emphasise your affinity to their way of thinking throughout your applications, conversations and interviews. If your potential employers are ambitious and focused on international growth, ensure you discuss your proven success in recent roles and projects, reinforce your enthusiasm for joining the company and personal goals you are striving for, and demonstrate your language skills and geographical market knowledge. If the company values an empathetic and softer approach to business, put a greater emphasis on your leadership, management and communication skills throughout the recruitment process.</p>
<h3><strong>6. Personal Communication</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the same way that every candidate is unique, every recruiter, interviewer and potential manager will all have their own personal interests and needs &ndash; however, unlike those of job applicants, these are much harder to discover as they are not being assessed in the recruitment process. Whilst remaining professional, remember that every person you encounter throughout the recruitment process is an individual person, doing their job and dealing with problems and challenges on a daily basis. Remember the names of everyone involved and use them often throughout meetings and interviews, and ask questions about their jobs and how the successful candidate would help them, to create rapport and align your interview answers to closely match what your interviewers are looking for.</p>
<p>Evidence your interest in the job through personal communication at every opportunity. Express gratitude for the time invested by your hiring manager and interviewers in the recruitment process, and remain enthusiastic about continuing to the next stage. Keep in close communication with your hiring manager and interviewers: be proactive, don&rsquo;t wait for them to get in touch, thank them at every stage and reinforce your interest in the next stage. Pick out something or a couple of things they said in previous interviews and use these to say you enjoyed finding this out and looking forward to discussing it next time, reinforce why you care and your connection to these things which was why you enjoyed talking about them.</p>
<h3><strong>7. Challenge Your Interviewer</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Being challenged in the right way can impress interviewers, who are normally expecting to test candidates on their knowledge, and will help you stand out by making your interviewers think on their feet. When working on a second interview presentation or task, research to find specific projects, marketing or business ventures and pose questions around the next stages and future plans. Ask them what their plans are for specific and major events affecting their industry such as Brexit, regulation, the possibility of another global pandemic like coronavirus, and exactly how they will maintain their positioning ahead of other competitors.</p>
<p>Particularly in the case of senior positions and roles such as Project Managers, Design Engineers and Team Leaders, the best bosses will want the best employees: people who have good ideas and thoughtful questions, who aren&rsquo;t afraid to speak up and show initiative.</p>
<p>Are you struggling to find work?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-bounce-back-from-losing-your-job">Discover 6 Ways to Bounce Back from Losing Your Job</a>.</p>
<p>Explore all our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering job opportunities</a></p>
<p>Follow us on Linkedin for our latest updates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-human-resources/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true" rel="noopener">Click Here</a></p>

7 Easy Ways to Stand Out from Other Job Applicants

<p>Explaining a gap in your CV isn&rsquo;t easy.</p>
<p>Any potential employer wants to make sure they have the best people on their team, and this means people who know what they want, don&rsquo;t change jobs, and don&rsquo;t take career breaks. Even if the gap in your CV is for a legitimate reason, or wasn&rsquo;t your fault, employers don&rsquo;t like them, and will want a good explanation.</p>
<p>You might have gone travelling, or lost a job because of downsizing. This shouldn&rsquo;t stop you from getting a new job, and it won&rsquo;t, if you know how to handle the awkward question that will come up during the job interview:</p>
<p>&nbsp;&lsquo;I can see a gap in your employment history on your CV, tell me about that.&rsquo;</p>
<h2>How to explain a gap in your CV</h2>
<h3>Don&rsquo;t try to hide it or lie about it</h3>
<p>&nbsp;The most important thing to remember when it comes to explaining a gap in your CV is: don&rsquo;t try to hide it, and don&rsquo;t try to lie about it. Hiring managers interview people for a living, so they can tell when people are struggling with answers, or trying to come up with something that sounds better than the truth.</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t stretch how long you were at previous places of employment, as most hiring managers will check how long you were there when it comes to the references. If you&rsquo;ve lied and said you were working somewhere six months longer than you were, it immediately paints you in a bad light, no matter what the reason.</p>
<h3>Focus on what you learned during that time</h3>
<p>Every point you make in an interview should be positive, making you look more employable. That doesn&rsquo;t mean everything you say has to be an example of you winning new business, building a rocket ship, or saving someone&rsquo;s life, but everything you say should reinforce the idea that you are smart, professional, and capable.</p>
<p>When it comes to explaining a gap in your resume, the interviewer wants to make sure you weren&rsquo;t wasting your time, so no matter what you did, even if it had nothing to do with your career, tailor your answer to your industry and how that time helped you develop as a person, as well as a professional.</p>
<p>For example, if you went travelling, and you&rsquo;re trying to get a job as an automotive engineer, talk about when your car broke down and you fixed it. If you&rsquo;re trying to work in aviation, talk about how you learned about other cultures, fuelling your passion for travel and the industry at large.</p>
<p>If you lost your job, frame the time out of work as you considering your career up to that point, your experience, and where you wanted to go next.</p>
<h3>Be confident</h3>
<p>Lastly, the best thing you can do when it comes to explaining a gap in your CV is be confident when discussing it. If you&rsquo;re scared of talking about it, that makes it seem like it&rsquo;s something to hide.</p>
<p>Remember, no matter how long the gap, you have experience, you&rsquo;re driven, you&rsquo;re a good fit for the job. That&rsquo;s why you applied, and that&rsquo;s why they&rsquo;re interviewing you.</p>
<p>These methods should help you handle difficult questions about gaps in your CV during job interviews. The important thing to remember is: if you&rsquo;re right for the job, you&rsquo;re right for the job. All it takes is one good interview, and you&rsquo;ll be in. Once you get started, and show them what you can do, no one will ever ask about the gap in your CV again.</p>

How To Explain A Gap In Your CV

<p>&nbsp;When looking for a new job, it&rsquo;s important to know what hiring managers are looking for. You can be incredibly qualified, with years of experience and top qualifications, but if you don&rsquo;t convince the hiring manager you&rsquo;re the right person, you won&rsquo;t get the job.</p>
<p>So how can you figure out what hiring managers are looking for? We&rsquo;ve got some top tips so you can know exactly what to talk about, and what questions to ask in your next job interview.</p>
<h2>How to find out what hiring managers want during an interview</h2>
<h3>Read the job spec from their perspective</h3>
<p>&nbsp;When reading the job description, we usually think of it in terms of our experience and our qualifications. However, it can be helpful for you to think of the list of skills and necessary experience from the perspective of the manager looking to fill the role. What do they consider core skills for the role? What kinds of problems are they looking to solve? Why is that?</p>
<p>&nbsp;This perspective will help you answer questions in a way that illustrates how you&rsquo;ll make their life easier, instead of just listing off qualifications or professional achievements.</p>
<h3>Research the company</h3>
<p>From here, it can be helpful to research the company. Search for coverage in industry publications, as well as their social media and the blog on their website.</p>
<p>These sources can tell you what projects they&rsquo;re working on, what strategies they&rsquo;re using, and what they&rsquo;re aiming for in the future.</p>
<p>&nbsp;You, as a new hire, should be helping them towards that future. If you can show in an interview that you understand their vision, and can help them achieve it, you&rsquo;re going to stand out compared to the other applicants.</p>
<h3>Learn what success looks like in this role</h3>
<p>Hiring managers want someone who can do the job well. Of course, doing the job well means different things to different people, so it can be helpful to have a wide range of opinions and ideas when it comes to what impact you should be having at your job.</p>
<p>Research online to see what success looks like in your industry, in your specific area, and in this type of role. Compare this to your previous experience, so that you can prove that you&rsquo;ve achieved similar goals in the past. If you haven&rsquo;t, think about how you could use your skills in new ways.</p>
<h3>Speak to others in your industry network</h3>
<p>&nbsp;It can be helpful to speak to others in your industry network who have interviewed for similar positions. If you&rsquo;ve worked with someone who had the same type of role, asking them about their interview could make all the difference.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re using a recruitment agency in your job search, don&rsquo;t forget that recruitment agencies aren&rsquo;t just about finding you jobs, they&rsquo;re also about improving your career through interview coaching. Your recruitment contact should know what the hiring manager is looking for, and can give you tips on how to tailor your answers to what they want.</p>
<h3>Ask them during your interview</h3>
<p>&nbsp;This last point is the easiest and simplest on the list: you can find out what hiring managers are looking for by asking them in your interview.</p>
<p>&nbsp;If you aren&rsquo;t sure exactly what they want, or why, your interview is the perfect opportunity to find out, and convince them that you can provide it.</p>
<p>An interview isn&rsquo;t one-sided, it&rsquo;s a dialogue between you and the hiring manager. You can ask any questions you want: what is the company&rsquo;s plan for the future, what kind of person would be best suited for the role, is there anything about your skills or experience that they aren&rsquo;t sold on?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Use the interview as an opportunity to sell yourself, but also to learn more about their hopes and expectations for the person they&rsquo;re looking to hire. &nbsp;</p>
<p>If you do this, you&rsquo;ll be better able to present yourself as the right person for the job.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Once you know what the hiring manager is looking for, through critical thinking, research, and asking smart questions in your interview, you&rsquo;ll be in a strong position to impress them, and hopefully get offered the job you want.</p>
<p>Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-explain-a-gap-in-your-cv">how to explain a gap in your CV</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-format-your-cv-in-the-engineering-industry">how to format your CV when looking for an engineering job</a>.</p>

5 Ways To Find Out What Hiring Managers Are Looking For

<p>When most people think of the aviation industry, they most likely think of planes. Millions of flights take off and land every day, and planes transport vast amounts of global trade.</p>
<p>But that isn&rsquo;t all that makes up the aviation industry. The global helicopter industry is worth around $58 billion today, and is predicted to be worth $76 billion by 2030. Used around the world in all kinds of environments, including cities, deserts, over oceans, and the arctic, helicopters are powerful, versatile means of transport that have performed under conditions that planes simply could not handle.</p>
<p>When it comes to the aviation industry, while there are many jobs working with planes, don&rsquo;t forget about the chance to work with helicopters. With specialisations leading to higher salaries and increased job security, many new engineers getting into the aviation sector are considering careers as helicopter mechanics.</p>
<p>Commonly called &lsquo;rotorcraft&rsquo; in the industry, helicopters are agile and versatile, and so are their mechanics.</p>
<h2>What does a helicopter mechanic do?</h2>
<p>A helicopter mechanic&rsquo;s job is to carry out maintenance and repair work on the airframe and powerplant. Some mechanics choose to specialise in just one particular section or a particular type of aircraft.</p>
<p>As a helicopter mechanic, your most important job is to maintain the safety of the aircraft, the same as any other aviation engineer.</p>
<p>Your day-to-day responsibilities might include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Inspecting aircraft</li>
<li>Diagnosing faults and deciding how best to repair them</li>
<li>Carrying out any necessary repairs or replacing parts</li>
<li>Testing repairs and measuring general performance</li>
<li>Ensuring that the aircraft meets all safety regulations</li>
<li>Keeping records of all work carried out on the aircraft</li>
<li>Being available on-call for emergency repairs</li>
<li>Providing clients with technical advice</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why you should consider a career as a helicopter engineer</h2>
<h3>Helicopter engineers&rsquo; salaries are high</h3>
<p>One of the most important things to consider about any job is the salary you can expect from it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/helicopter-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm">Average helicopter engineer salaries in the UK</a>&nbsp;start at around &pound;30,000 annually. As you gain experience, you may end up on around &pound;57,000 annually, possibly higher if you&rsquo;re leading divisions.</p>
<h3>Helicopters are used in emergency services and rescue operations</h3>
<p>Many helicopter engineers feel a deep sense of pride in their work due to the fact that helicopters are routinely used in rescue operations.</p>
<p>The coastguard, police, fire service, armed forces, and search and rescue services all use helicopters in missions which save lives. This sense of purpose, that their work makes a real difference, is often invaluable for engineers.</p>
<h3>You learn transferable skills</h3>
<p>While working as a helicopter mechanic, you&rsquo;ll learn plenty of skills that could serve you across any engineering career.</p>
<p>You&rsquo;ll not only work with the physical machinery, but also the software and data to do with performance, which can be used across all aspects of engineering.</p>
<p>You&rsquo;ll gain more than just technical knowledge: analytical thinking, problem solving, time management, and teamwork are all key elements of working with helicopters. These skills can help you in any career.</p>
<h2>How you can become a helicopter mechanic</h2>
<p>Many helicopter engineers will have bachelor&rsquo;s or master&rsquo;s degrees, but it isn&rsquo;t 100% necessary. Some aircraft engineering companies offer graduate training schemes which can be a way into the industry.</p>
<p>In the UK, to keep in line with the safety standards set out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a helicopter mechanic must be licensed.</p>
<p>To do this, you will need to take exams, as well as gain a certain amount of practical maintenance experience with a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 145 Maintenance Organisation. This usually takes around 3-4 years, where you will qualify as an aircraft fitter.</p>
<p>You can then prepare for the CAA examinations to get your license.</p>
<p>A category A licence is required for minor maintenance tasks and the replacement of parts.</p>
<p>A category B licence is required for work on more complex aircraft, with more difficult maintenance required.</p>
<p>Both licenses need to be renewed every five years.</p>
<h2>The UK helicopter industry</h2>
<p>Many UK-based aviation companies work in the helicopter industry. Leonardo Helicopters is one major manufacturer and has a partnership with the UK Government. Other firms that supply components for rotary-wing aircraft include Rolls-Royce, Smiths Industries, and BAE Systems.</p>
<h2>Career progression for helicopter mechanics</h2>
<p>A helicopter mechanic&rsquo;s role can branch into several different career options. Once you have enough qualifications and experience, you could become a lead mechanic, an avionics supervisor, or even a maintenance controller.</p>
<p>Some mechanics are even able to branch out into design, developing the blade technology, engine design, airframes, or electrical systems for some of the biggest aviation companies in the world.</p>
<h5>When you&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">look for your next aviation job</a>, consider applying to work with helicopters. Your work could help you stand out across your career, and even save lives.</h5>
<h5>Read more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/tag/aerospace-aviation">aviation sector</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-to-find-out-what-hiring-managers-are-looking-for">how to figure out what hiring managers are looking for</a>.</h5>

Why Working as a Helicopter Engineer Could Be the Perfect Aviation Career For You

<p>In 2023, there were over a 320,000 visas granted to work in the UK. Like anywhere, applying for a visa takes some time, there&rsquo;s a lot of paperwork and some fees to pay, but a working visa can open doors to exciting new opportunities for you and your career.</p>
<p>Find out how to get a UK work visa below.</p>
<h2>What is a skilled worker visa?</h2>
<p>A skilled worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do a job you are qualified for, with an approved employer.</p>
<p>It allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to five years. When you reach the end of your visa duration, you&rsquo;ll need to extend it. You&rsquo;ll also need to update it if you change jobs. You can extend or update your visa indefinitely, as long as you still meet all the requirements we&rsquo;ll explain below.</p>
<p>&nbsp;After living in the UK for five years, you can apply to live there permanently, which is called &lsquo;indefinite leave to remain.&rsquo;</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s important to note there are no general work visas for casual employment.</p>
<h2>When to apply for your visa</h2>
<p>&nbsp;You can apply for a visa up to three months before the day you&rsquo;re due to start work. This date will be listed on your certificate of sponsorship, which we&rsquo;ll talk more about later on. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve applied, you should receive a decision on your visa within three or four weeks.</p>
<h2>How to get a visa to work in the UK</h2>
<h3>You&rsquo;ll have to apply online</h3>
<p>All UK work visa applications must be submitted via the government website. There are different applications depending on whether you&rsquo;re applying from outside the UK, extending your visa, or switching types of visa.</p>
<p>You can include your family in your visa application, if they are also eligible. They may need to submit their own visa applications.</p>
<h3>Pay the visa fee</h3>
<p>The application fee ranges from &pound;625 - &pound;1,423 depending on your circumstances. You&rsquo;ll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of &pound;623 per year of your stay in the UK. You may also need to provide proof of savings of at least &pound;1,270, to prove that you can support yourself. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Your visa fee will be less if your job is on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations">occupation shortage list</a>.</p>
<h3>You must be able to speak English</h3>
<p>To get a work visa, you must be able to speak, read, and write in English. You&rsquo;ll need to prove your understanding of the language when you apply.</p>
<h3>Work for an employer that&rsquo;s been approved by the Home Office</h3>
<p>&nbsp;Your visa sponsor must be a registered company that has been approved by the Home Office.</p>
<p>&nbsp;You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.</p>
<h3>Have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer</h3>
<p>Your employer must provide and sign an official certificate of sponsorship for you. This certificate must have information about your employer, and the role you&rsquo;ll be doing while living in the UK.</p>
<h3>Have a job that&rsquo;s on the list of eligible occupations</h3>
<p>&nbsp;There are certain jobs which are eligible for visas, and some that aren&rsquo;t. Check the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes">list of eligible jobs for UK visas</a>&nbsp;here.</p>
<h3>Earn the minimum required salary</h3>
<p>&nbsp;The current minimum required salary to qualify for a UK visa is &pound;25,600 annually, or &pound;10.10 an hour. These requirements may be higher depending on your role.</p>
<h2>Additional documents you may need for your visa application:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Proof of your relationship with your spouse or children if they&rsquo;re coming with you</li>
<li>&nbsp;Tuberculosis test results if you&rsquo;re coming from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/countries-where-you-need-a-tb-test-to-enter-the-uk">listed country</a></li>
<li>&nbsp;A criminal record certificate</li>
<li>A valid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme">ATAS certificate</a>&nbsp;if your your job involves research or work at a PhD level or higher</li>
<li>Education certificates</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other types of visas</h2>
<p>The skilled worker visa is the only that can lead to permanent settlement. There are five other visas that allow for short-term work in the UK, check with your employer which is best for you.</p>
<h3>The Senior or Specialist Worker Visa</h3>
<p>This allows specialist workers to move between UK and international offices. To be eligible, candidates must be currently working for the sponsor overseas and have worked outside the UK for the sponsor for a continuous period of at least 12 months.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;The Graduate Trainee Visa</h3>
<p>This is for companies in the UK with overseas operations that have graduates who need specialised training to gain the experience of a work placement in the UK that is leading to a specialised role or senior position.</p>
<h3>The UK Expansion Worker</h3>
<p>This allows overseas companies to deploy multiple representatives to the UK to establish and expand operations there.</p>
<h3>The Service Suppliers Visa</h3>
<p>This visa is for contractors or self-employed independent professionals based overseas.</p>
<h3>The Secondment Workers Visa</h3>
<p>This is a brand new route for workers being seconded to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment by overseas employers.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re ready, here is the link you will need to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk">apply for your UK work visa</a>.</p>
<p>The UK has relied on workers emigrating there for hundreds of years. In many cities there are a huge mix of cultures, with people from all over the world living and working together. Getting your visa can be the first step towards a brand new life, or a big step up in your career.</p>
<p>Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-create-the-perfect-cv-as-an-engineering-student">how to create the perfect CV as an engineering student</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-engineering-jobs-for-the-future">best engineering jobs for the future</a></p>

The UK Working Visa Guide

<p>When you work in a global industry like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/engineering-manufacturing/">engineering</a>, you truly can work anywhere. And if you can work anywhere, why wouldn&rsquo;t you want to work in Italy?</p>
<p>Home to legendary car manufacturers like Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, as well as luxury marine, aerospace, and engineering companies, Italy is a great place for an engineer looking to move their career while also enjoying a great quality of life.</p>
<h2>Why you should work in Italy</h2>
<h3>Italian Culture</h3>
<p>Italy is widely considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and has some of the best art, food, and architecture found anywhere, as well as a rich and interesting history that has shaped global thought, philosophy, and politics. There&rsquo;s a reason Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it&rsquo;s not surprising that tens of thousands of people choose to move there for work every year.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=461&amp;height=308&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=231&amp;height=154&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 231w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=461&amp;height=308&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 461w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=692&amp;height=462&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 692w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=922&amp;height=616&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 922w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=1153&amp;height=770&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 1153w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg?width=1383&amp;height=924&amp;name=dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash.jpg 1383w" alt="dan-novac-1naE8177_bI-unsplash" width="461" height="308" loading="lazy"></p>
<h3>Quality of Work Life</h3>
<p>The average salary in Italy is around 1400-1800 euros a month, but high-skill or high demand jobs can earn much more. Some estimates place the cost of living in Italy at around 1500 euros a month, of course this varies from city to city and individual spending habits, but it&rsquo;s possible you could save some money while living in Italy.</p>
<p>All full-time workers who are registered with social security can enjoy public healthcare, pensions, and benefits. If you&rsquo;re self-employed, you fall under a different social security scheme, so you may not be eligible for all the benefits just mentioned.</p>
<p>All workers in Italy are entitled to a minimum of 22 days holiday. The longer you stay with a company, it&rsquo;s likely you&rsquo;ll earn more holiday time. Many companies also offer remote working and flexi-time.</p>
<p>You&rsquo;re entitled to citizenship after ten years of living and working in Italy.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=446&amp;height=297&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=223&amp;height=149&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 223w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=446&amp;height=297&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 446w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=669&amp;height=446&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 669w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=892&amp;height=594&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 892w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=1115&amp;height=743&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 1115w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg?width=1338&amp;height=891&amp;name=henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash.jpg 1338w" alt="henrique-ferreira-RKsLQoSnuTc-unsplash" width="446" height="297" loading="lazy"></p>
<h3>Italy&rsquo;s strong manufacturing industry</h3>
<p>The manufacturing sector plays an important role in Italy&rsquo;s economy, with large exports in cars, furniture, and food processing. Italy has a long history of creating luxury machines, being home to world-famous inventor,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/historical-figures-in-engineering-leonardo-da-vinci">Leonardo Da Vinci</a>.</p>
<h2>How to work in Italy</h2>
<h3>Secure a visa</h3>
<p>When applying to work in Italy, you must secure a work visa and a residence permit. Italy only accepts a certain amount of foreign workers each year, so you will need to check if they are still accepting applications as soon as you decide to try to move there.</p>
<p>If you are a non-EU citizen, you must already have a job offer in Italy in order to get a visa as it is your employer who must apply for your work permit. Once in Italy you can then apply for your residence permit. An Italian work visa is valid for up to two years, and can then be renewed for five years.</p>
<p>If you are an EU citizen, you can enter the country and start work without a visa. However, if you plan on staying longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=493&amp;height=286&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=247&amp;height=143&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 247w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=493&amp;height=286&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 493w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=740&amp;height=429&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 740w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=986&amp;height=572&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 986w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=1233&amp;height=715&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 1233w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg?width=1479&amp;height=858&amp;name=nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash.jpg 1479w" alt="nicole-geri-gMJ3tFOLvnA-unsplash" width="493" height="286" loading="lazy"></p>
<h3>Look for jobs in Milan</h3>
<p>Milan is one of the major industrial centres of the country, so it&rsquo;s a good place to start looking for engineering jobs.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, it may be easier to find engineering or mechanical work in the north of Italy, in factories or project bases, rather than in the south, which is more agricultural. Of course, exceptions apply, and there will be engineers living and working all over the country.</p>
<h3>Sign up with a global recruitment agency</h3>
<p>Once you have everything you need, signing up with a recruitment agency is one of the quickest ways you can get a job in Italy.</p>
<p>Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with an amazing culture. People who move there often say it is the best decision they ever made, and choose to stay there for many years, or even the rest of their lives!</p>
<p>&nbsp;Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-decide-between-two-job-offers">how to decide between two job offers</a>, or learn the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-engineering-companies-to-work-for-in-2022">best engineering companies to work for</a>.</p>

Guide to Working in Italy

<p>There are small but important differences between a &lsquo;good&rsquo; candidate and an exceptional one. The way you choose to present yourself on your CV could be the deciding factor in getting an interview for your ideal engineering job.</p>
<p>Here are the top five insider tips on how to improve your CV and find your next engineering job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>How to Improve Your CV:</strong></h2>
<h3>1. Presentation</h3>
<p>The content of your CV is most important, but good presentation helps to give a positive first impression.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/why-cv-is-being-ignored/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>Recruiters and hiring managers can see hundreds of CVs every day</u></a>&nbsp;from candidates who have similar skill sets, meaning you need to stand out from your competition &ndash; and in the right way.</p>
<p>For professional and effective CV presentation, improve your CV with these handy tips:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Use bullet points to split up big chunks of information and make the text more reader-friendly, so the recruitment consultant will find it as easy as possible to read on and discover more about your skills and experience.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Images and visual effects are unnecessary and often distracting. Use bolding, italics, underlining and a clear structure to help your CV appear consistent, clean and professional without fading into the background.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Emphasise your greatest achievements. List your most significant accomplishments in order of importance for each of your previous roles from the top down. Allow the recruiter considering your CV to build an excellent impression of your previous and potential capabilities as quickly as possible.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Don&rsquo;t clutter your CV: less can be more. White space on every page limits distraction; your reader will find it easier to focus on what you want them to see most.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=431&amp;height=287&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 431px) 100vw, 431px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=216&amp;height=144&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 216w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=431&amp;height=287&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 431w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=647&amp;height=431&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 647w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=862&amp;height=574&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 862w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=1078&amp;height=718&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 1078w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg?width=1293&amp;height=861&amp;name=resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash.jpg 1293w" alt="resume-genius-9si2noVCVH8-unsplash" width="431" height="287" loading="lazy"></p>
<h3>2. Short and Strong</h3>
<p>Improve your CV by writing clearly, succinctly and confidently. For engineering contractors with a long list of previous technical jobs, you may feel your CV needs to be longer than the standard 2-3 pages to cover all&nbsp; your experience. The page limit is not the problem: it&rsquo;s the amount and quality of the information on those pages.</p>
<p>Try to only include the skills and achievements that are most relevant: if it&rsquo;s not important to the job you are applying for, don&rsquo;t include it. Use no more than five bullet points for each job listed on your CV unless absolutely necessary.<br>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Make It Clear Why You're Right For The Job</h3>
<p>The purpose of your CV is to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/article/revamp-your-cv-for-the-new-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>highlight your achievements and relevant experience</u></a>&nbsp;to present you as the ideal person for the job. Key words that hiring managers and recruiters in your industry will be looking for can evidence your engineering knowledge and grab the eyes of your reader. Spell out that you have experience in CNC Milling, CNC Turning and CNC Programming instead of just saying you work in Precision Engineering; Software Engineers should list the exact types of software they work with, and managers and senior executives can outline the size of the teams they lead or the major projects they are responsible for.</p>
<p>The person reading your CV needs to understand what you do &ndash; recruiters can&rsquo;t confidently put you forward for interviews if they aren&rsquo;t sure whether your skills and experience will match the job requirements. Make it as easy as possible for the employer to match you to the job description.</p>
<p>How do you know if you should improve your CV? Try it out. Share your CV with someone who is not in your industry or function and ask them to describe what you do, what are your best skills and why you are a good candidate. If they can easily understand your CV, specialist recruiters will have no trouble in confidently submitting you for your ideal engineering job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=429&amp;height=286&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 429px) 100vw, 429px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=215&amp;height=143&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 215w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=429&amp;height=286&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 429w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=644&amp;height=429&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 644w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=858&amp;height=572&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 858w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=1073&amp;height=715&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 1073w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg?width=1287&amp;height=858&amp;name=uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash.jpg 1287w" alt="uk-black-tech-LRn6do1x6tI-unsplash" width="429" height="286" loading="lazy"></p>
<h3>4. A Perfect Fit: Tailor your CV to the Role</h3>
<p>Ask your recruitment consultant for a written job description. To help your recruiter match your skills and experience to the right job for you, carefully improve your CV by&nbsp;<a href="https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/how-to-improve-your-cv-15-helpful-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>tailoring it to the relevant job description</u></a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Evidence how you have performed similar duties and solved similar problems in your previous roles</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Emphasise how your relevant skills can be transferred to this position &ndash; this is even more important if you are transferring industries or</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Show enthusiasm for the area and challenges of the job description throughout your CV.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Aligning your CV to a potential engineering job also informs the expectations of your new employer when you start working from them. Your new boss will have an idea of how your skillset can develop and how to help you grow in your career.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5. Do's And Don'ts</h3>
<p>Do include:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Professional qualifications &ndash; Accreditations related to your career will show your commitment to improving your skillset and reveal your potential for growth in your new role.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<p>A small personal statement &ndash; A busy recruiter or hiring manager should be able to get an immediate feel for who you are and why you are good at what you do. Your statement should be no more than a couple of sentences and quickly communicate your skills, experience and why these offer you as an excellent candidate.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Contact details &ndash; This is an obvious point but surprisingly often overlooked &ndash; there&rsquo;s nothing more frustrating than finding an excellent candidate and not being able to contact them! List multiple contact details including your email, mobile number and landline to ensure you don&rsquo;t miss out on fantastic engineering jobs.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Don&rsquo;t include:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>A photo &ndash; recruiters don&rsquo;t need to see what you look like, and clients are only interested in whether you have the skills and experience for the job. This rule can differ in some countries around the world, so check the application process for where you're applying to.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<p>References &ndash; at this stage, references aren&rsquo;t essential and will add clutter to your CV. Include a brief line such as &lsquo;References available on request&rsquo; at the end of your CV to show that you have evidence of your skills and experience from reliable sources.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Need help with Job Interviews?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/successful-interview-vhrs-8-top-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>Read our Top 8 Interview Tips</u></a> for your best interview yet.</p>

5 Ways To Improve Your CV

<p>When looking for a job, often the fastest way to a new position is through a recruitment agency. Applicants who use an agency may not know how the system works, but knowing what recruiters are looking for and how they work will help any job search.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>How The Recruitment Process Works:</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>The Client Requires Additional Workers</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The recruitment process always begins with a business needing more workers. They then reach out to a recruitment agency to deliver talent either for a one-time project or across an ongoing period.</p>
<p>Often the recruitment company will then meet with the company to understand their requirements, and which recruitment strategies might work best.</p>
<p>Once the contract is signed and the roles specified, the recruiters on the team will then learn everything they can about the role, what it will entail day-to-day, what the requirements will be, and the kind of person the company is looking to hire. This is a crucial stage in the recruitment process, as this gives the recruiters the information they need to make good placements.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>The Recruitment Consultant Begins Approaching Potential Candidates</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>After this, the recruiters will then begin creating job ads, and reaching out to candidates in their networks.</p>
<p>The majority of the work in the recruitment industry is finding qualified candidates. A recruitment consultant might get hundreds of applications for a single job posting. They have to sort through and find the very best candidates.</p>
<p>This process can take days or even weeks, finding candidates who have the desired experience, calling them, seeing if the fit the description of the ideal worker for the business, and then ensuring they&rsquo;re available, fully qualified, and have the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-does-the-right-to-work-mean-and-why-is-it-important-for-international-job-seekers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right to work</a> in the country in question.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=336&amp;height=224&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=168&amp;height=112&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 168w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=336&amp;height=224&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 336w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=504&amp;height=336&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 504w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=672&amp;height=448&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 672w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=840&amp;height=560&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 840w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg?width=1008&amp;height=672&amp;name=jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash.jpg 1008w" alt="jessica-lewis-thepaintedsquare-fJXv46LT7Xk-unsplash" width="336" height="224" loading="lazy"></p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>The Recruitment Consultant Sends All Qualified Potential Candidates To The Client</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>All the qualified candidates are then sent on to the client, who can then pick the ones most suited to the role.</p>
<p>The Client knows the kind of people they need, but also the kind of people they&rsquo;d like. Some candidates might not have certain skills or experience that are considered vital to the role, but they might have some that the client places more value on.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Interviews</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>From here, successful applicants will go to interview with the hiring manager of the business. A good recruitment consultant will coach their candidates through the interview, teaching them how to answer difficult questions and focus on what they could bring to a team.</p>
<p>The recruitment consultant will know what the client is looking for, and will be able to prepare candidates to give better answers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=342&amp;height=228&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=171&amp;height=114&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 171w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=342&amp;height=228&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 342w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=513&amp;height=342&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 513w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=684&amp;height=456&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 684w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=855&amp;height=570&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 855w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg?width=1026&amp;height=684&amp;name=van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1.jpg 1026w" alt="van-tay-media-TFFn3BYLc5s-unsplash-1" width="342" height="228" loading="lazy"></p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Evaluation</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>After the interviews are over, the client will evaluate all the candidates, determining who gets hired and who doesn&rsquo;t.</p>
<p>They will feed information back to the recruiters about who they liked, so the recruiters can send through more candidates that are aligned with what the client is looking for.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Hiring and Post-Recruitment Support</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Once a candidate has been given the position, the recruitment consultant will give them the good news, and begin supporting them through the transition into the new role. Any questions or problems the candidate might have can be dealt with through the recruitment agency, who can act like an extension of the business&rsquo; HR department.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=343&amp;height=257&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 343px) 100vw, 343px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=172&amp;height=129&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 172w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=343&amp;height=257&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 343w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=515&amp;height=386&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 515w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=686&amp;height=514&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 686w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=858&amp;height=643&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 858w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg?width=1029&amp;height=771&amp;name=austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3.jpg 1029w" alt="austin-distel-wD1LRb9OeEo-unsplash-3" width="343" height="257" loading="lazy"></p>
<p>Some candidates use the same recruiters for years, using their insider knowledge of the job market to develop their careers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-rapid-technological-change-means-for-recruitment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how new technology is changing the recruitment process</a>, or read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-job-interview-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">job interview guide</a> to nail your next interview.</p>

Guide To The Recruitment Process

<p>Executive search is a specialised type of recruitment aimed at locating and sourcing highly-skilled senior management talent for an organisation.</p>
<p>In this guide, we&rsquo;ll look at how the executive search process works, and the benefits of using it over other recruitment methods.</p>
<p>As high-level executives have crucial responsibilities within the company, like leading teams, making key business decisions, and gaining an edge over competitors, the cost of a bad hire can be high, leading to stalled projects, damaged morale, and even increased staff turnover.</p>
<p>To ensure maximum success with this crucial element of the business, this specialised area of recruitment utilises unique expertise in the sector, in order to find the highest quality candidates.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What is the difference between executive search and recruitment?</h2>
<p>An executive search agency will conduct extensive interviews and research with their client to learn exactly what they want, the kind of person they&rsquo;re looking for, and what they want the new team member to achieve. They will also learn about the client company&rsquo;s values, ethos, and culture, as these are vital in ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership with potential candidates.</p>
<p>Instead of casting a wide net to find as many qualified candidates as possible, executive search focuses on the best of the best. A typical recruiter might put forward 10 or 20 people for a role, whereas in executive search, they may well submit a single candidate, out of hundreds they&rsquo;ve spoken to or assessed.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What are the benefits of executive search?</h2>
<h3>Focus</h3>
<p>Unlike a typical recruitment strategy, executive search takes a high-focus approach to a very small number of roles.</p>
<p>After the research phase, the recruiter has a clear understanding of what the company needs and who they need to look for, making the selection process far more specific and granular.</p>
<p>By design, executive search requires proactive engagement, as most of the time the candidates are already employed and not actively looking for a job. As leaders in their fields, these candidates often need more than just an impressive salary in order to consider the role.</p>
<p>This is part of the strength of executive search, in that the recruiter understands what the candidate wants from a role, and the candidates are chosen for their specific experience, traits, and compatibility with the company.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Better match between candidates and company culture</h3>
<p>When it comes to executive search, recruiters have to be experts in the field they&rsquo;re recruiting for. They need to understand the landscape of the sector, what the company offers, where it aims to be in ten years, and how those goals align with those of the potential candidate.</p>
<p>This is how recruiters match the client brief and expectations to the right candidate. It isn&rsquo;t just about understanding the skills that make certain candidates excel, it&rsquo;s about understanding them on a personal level, and helping them make the right move for their long-term career.</p>
<p>Over time, the relationship between client and recruiter can prove invaluable when looking for high-profile talent, as the recruiters have developed an exceptional understanding of the brand&rsquo;s culture, values, and requirements, leading to higher levels of success when placing high-level team members.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Guarantees on delivery</h3>
<p>An executive search campaign provides value to businesses by giving them a map of the market, complete with profiles of industry-leading candidates, as well as benchmarking for particular skills, roles, and salaries.</p>
<p>This allows smarter decision making, and a more informed approach to where talent can be sourced. High-performance candidates often have a wealth of transferable skills, and the right fit for an organisation may not be immediately obvious.</p>
<p>But a good recruiter can see the potential for compatibility in different candidates, and thanks to their expertise can deliver on very specific and exact requirements for a role.</p>
<p>It can be easy for organisations to fall into the trap of recruiting similar people as the previous team member, but executive search firms often excel at finding people who will help the business to grow and evolve in new ways, understanding what the client needs, and who can deliver. This way, executive search can guarantee results, even for very difficult roles to hire for.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Deeper candidate pool</h3>
<p>An executive search firm will have extensive knowledge of board directors and senior executives across the industry, allowing them to tap into a considerable pool of top executive talent.</p>
<p>While the pool for executive search is naturally smaller than for more generalised recruitment projects, the pool for a given role can have surprising depth, with candidates weighing up every element of the job to see if it&rsquo;s really the right fit for them.</p>
<p>This is why the additional attention to detail and personality that is innately part of executive search is so important, as it allows for a deeper match between candidate and role. The process is often far longer and more detailed than typical recruitment for this reason, with the candidate being fully immersed in the finer details of the role and organisation before they make their decision about whether to pursue the opportunity.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s this level of dedication that leads to successful candidate placement with long-term satisfaction on both sides.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Higher quality of candidates</h3>
<p>If a company is looking to grow and improve, and to do so at speed, executive search is often more valuable than a traditional widespread recruitment campaign. One great senior leader member can empower an entire team, improve processes, and bring in new business.</p>
<p>To enable this kind of rapid transformation, executive search only focuses on candidates who are experts in their fields, with clearly proven leadership and team-building skills, who can walk into a role and start producing value from day one. These candidates take on essential responsibilities that have a direct effect on the company&rsquo;s growth and success.</p>
<p>This is why executive search can often drive growth at higher levels than a more widespread recruitment campaign.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Executive search is a way for businesses to transform how they work, and to improve their overall culture with just a few strategic hires. If you&rsquo;re interested in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/client-area/">learning more about executive search</a>, get in touch today.</p>
<p>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-businesses-can-attract-engineering-talent-lower-turnover-and-create-opportunities-for-professional-development">how businesses can attract top engineering talent</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-boosting-self-esteem-in-the-workplace-can-help-productivity">how boosting self-esteem at work can help productivity</a>.</p>

Benefits of Using Executive Search Over Traditional Recruitment

<p>Every year, millions of people around the world choose to study engineering to pursue a career in the industry.</p>
<p>Engineering branches across many different fields and disciplines. Engineers build bridges, cars, buildings, artificial limbs, and wind turbines to name just a few. Whatever you&rsquo;re interested in, there&rsquo;s a career in engineering you can explore.</p>
<p>In this blog, we look at what makes the engineering industry so attractive, and what you can expect from a career in engineering.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What makes the engineering industry so popular?</h2>
<h3>Employability</h3>
<p>One of the strongest reasons to become an engineer is because of the high levels of employability in the field.</p>
<p>While it isn&rsquo;t easy to just walk into an engineering job, if you have the training and experience, you can be reasonably sure that you will be able to find a job at the right level for you, where you can develop skills while working on something of real value.</p>
<p>With every country in the world looking to develop and grow, there is a higher demand for engineers than ever before. This shortage of engineers drives up demand, which in turn drives up salaries, our next point on this list.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>High salary</h3>
<p>One of the main factors you need to consider about any career is how much you can expect to make from it. Engineering is one of the most well-paid fields in the world, across all levels of the industry. Whether you&rsquo;re building cars, designing planes, or capturing data, you can expect a strong salary compared to other sectors.</p>
<p>In the UK, graduates can earn up to &pound;30,000 in entry-level jobs after training. The average salary for an engineer can range from &pound;35,000-&pound;50,000 depending on the specific field, and can climb over &pound;70,000 and higher at top level.</p>
<p>But money isn&rsquo;t everything. If you want to feel like your work has real value, engineering has that too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>High levels of job satisfaction</h3>
<p>Engineering is an industry where you get to know that your work objectively makes a difference. Engineers bring real solutions to real problems. Building things, making things work, making things better, faster, or more efficient, these are incredibly motivating and satisfying elements to any job, that allow engineers to feel proud at the end of the day.</p>
<p>Many engineers say that the job satisfaction is the best part of their job, and job satisfaction is one of the most important elements in any job you can have.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>You get to be creative</h3>
<p>First and foremost, engineers are problem solvers, and problems often require creative solutions.</p>
<p>Engineering allows for creativity at almost every level. Whether you&rsquo;re designing something new, or making repairs, there are many different ways to approach any problem.</p>
<p>Part of engineering is improving on designs and systems that came before, so engineers often come up with innovative new solutions that can push the entire sector forward, all thanks to one moment of creativity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Teamwork and relationships</h3>
<p>Working in engineering puts you in the middle of a team of experts. This means you get to work with and learn from people across many different fields, who might inspire you in ways you could never have imagined.</p>
<p>As we&rsquo;ve said, engineers are creative individuals, and if you&rsquo;re in a team, you&rsquo;ll meet people whose ways of thinking will help you see things in new and exciting ways.</p>
<p>Engineers often form life-long professional relationships and friendships with colleagues, helping them to find work or improve their skills across their careers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Worldwide opportunities</h3>
<p>Another reason why engineering is so popular is because there is a global demand for it. Every country in the world has engineering projects, so you can move almost anywhere you want to.</p>
<p>Engineers frequently work all over the world across their careers, able to take a contract in Asia, then in Europe, then in South America. Some engineers end up relocating to a new country for the rest of their lives because they love the new culture so much.</p>
<p>Engineering combines analytical skill with creativity, allowing for precise knowledge, broad study, and constant improvement, learning from colleagues and mentors across different disciplines. A strong salary, and strong sense of purpose, help make engineering one of the most interesting, attractive, and rewarding careers in the world.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-format-your-cv-in-the-engineering-industry">how to format your CV for the engineering industry</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-remote-engineering-roles">five of the best remote engineering roles</a></p>

Why You Should Join The Engineering Industry

<p>Famous for its beaches, tropical climate, and friendly people, the Philippines is clearly a beautiful place to live, but is also a good place to work.</p>
<p>The local government is encouraging international investment, supporting businesses to set up or outsource work there, which likewise attracts many workers, leading to a strong economy for the region.</p>
<p>A country made of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines has a diverse population, a fascinating history, and much to offer anyone looking to develop their career while being able to enjoy a beautiful home.</p>
<h2>Why you should work in the Philippines</h2>
<h3>Growing Economic Strength</h3>
<p>The Philippines is an emerging economy, meaning growth is a focus for almost every industry. Businesses are scaling up, construction projects are being greenlit, and engineers are building the infrastructure to help support a stronger economy at a new scale compared to fifty years ago.</p>
<p>The country boasts a strong industrial sector, particularly in manufacturing of electronics and technology components. It is also rich in natural resources, with reserves of chromite, nickel, and copper that contribute to its strength as an electronics manufacturer. This in turn makes a good place for engineers looking to develop their skills.</p>
<p>International companies are beginning to outsource or open offices in the Philippines, as it can be seen as a gateway to Asia, and new markets and opportunities.</p>
<p>Many workers are looking to take advantage and work somewhere new, while still gaining valuable experience they could take anywhere in the world.</p>
<h3>Government Support</h3>
<p>The government of the Philippines is supporting foreign investment by encouraging expats from around the world to live and work there.</p>
<p>Over the coming years, the Philippines&rsquo; economy is forecast to grow by 4% or more annually.</p>
<h3>International Workforce</h3>
<p>Because of the growing economy, and the government support, there is a sizable amount of international workers in the Philippines. English is well-spoken, so you should be able to speak to many people.</p>
<p>By working in the Philippines, you could make new friends and grow your professional network around the world.</p>
<h3>Work Culture</h3>
<p>There is a strong work culture in the Philippines, with workers getting a sense of pride from their jobs. Workers often form close relationships with each other, with many long-term friendships formed from working together.</p>
<h3>Additional Month&rsquo;s Pay</h3>
<p>Lastly, one of the best things about working in the Philippines is that everyone is paid an extra month&rsquo;s salary every year.</p>
<h2>What to Know About the Business Culture in the Philippines</h2>
<h3>Business is Personal</h3>
<p>In the Philippines, business is focused on personal relationships, and trust plays a key role. A personal introduction through a friend or business associate can help you establish a strong relationship with whoever you&rsquo;re meeting.</p>
<h3>Status is Important</h3>
<p>Business in the Philippines is often orientated around status, and the use of formal titles is a crucial way of showing respect to partners and colleagues. There may be very rigid and formal hierarchies, even reflected in where people can sit in meetings.</p>
<h3>Etiquette Tips for Working in the Philippines</h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;re thinking of working in the Philippines, there are some general tips which may help you forge relationships and succeed.</p>
<p>Prolonged eye contact can be considered rude, so don&rsquo;t stare.</p>
<p>Politeness is important: speak with your colleagues before and after meetings, return waves and smiles, and don&rsquo;t interrupt anyone when they&rsquo;re speaking.</p>
<p>The Philippines has many opportunities for anyone looking to develop their skills, and also offers amazing locations, friendly colleagues, and a growing economy.</p>
<h5>Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/top-tips-for-contract-accommodation-solutions">top tips for finding contract accommodation</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-ways-to-find-out-what-hiring-managers-are-looking-for">five ways to figure out what hiring managers are looking for</a>.</h5>

5 Reasons to Live and Work in the Philippines

<p>As an engineer, you&rsquo;ll likely take on contract work at some point in your career. Contract work allows more freedom and flexibility than permanent attachment to long-term projects, but it can sometimes be difficult to find accommodation while on a contract, especially at short notice.</p>
<p>But luckily, there are a few solutions to find somewhere to stay while you are working as a contract engineer.</p>
<h2>When to book contract accommodation</h2>
<p>The best time to book contractor accommodation is as soon as you receive confirmation of your contract.</p>
<p>This way, you massively increase your chances that you will have somewhere comfortable to stay during your contract. It also reduces the level of stress you&rsquo;ll deal with, as it gives you plenty of time to research your options and find a good deal on somewhere to stay.</p>
<h2>How to find temporary accommodation for contract work</h2>
<h3>Use contract accommodation agencies</h3>
<p>There are many agencies that specialize in providing accommodation during short-term contracts, some of which operate across multiple cities and countries. They may provide additional services such as transportation or catering.</p>
<p>Some firms outsource handling of contractor accommodation to these accommodation agencies, so for certain contracts you won&rsquo;t need to worry, but remember not to take anything for granted when it comes to where you&rsquo;ll be staying.</p>
<p>Some employers may even cover the cost of your accommodation, but this will depend on your employer. It&rsquo;s best to check with them before you book or make any arrangements.</p>
<p>But if you don&rsquo;t want to use an agency, there are other ways you can find accommodation for contract work.</p>
<h3>Serviced apartments or apart-hotels</h3>
<p>Serviced apartments or apart-hotels can be a convenient way to stay near a project without having to take a short-let on a house or apartment.</p>
<p>Serviced apartments and apart-hotels offer the flexibility of an apartment, with the added benefits of hotel services like cleaning, laundry facilities, and a reception desk. You can find serviced apartments in most cities, and you can book them for a short or long-term contract.</p>
<h3>Rent in a shared house</h3>
<p>For many people, when it comes to where they live, even if it&rsquo;s only for a short time, they want a house or apartment. If you want the stability and familiarity of a place that&rsquo;s yours for the length of your contract, you may want to consider taking a room in a shared house.</p>
<p>There are websites that offer listings of available rooms in shared houses in cities around the world, and you can filter your search by location, budget, and amount of rooms.</p>
<h3>Check social groups</h3>
<p>There are social groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media sites dedicated to every kind of career, and the issues that come with it.</p>
<p>Joining groups about contract work can help you find a place to stay, or introduce you to someone who might be able to help.</p>
<h3>Ensure you have all legal documentation necessary</h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for accommodation in another country, it&rsquo;s important to have all your legal requirements prepared and finalised before looking for accommodation. Having your passport, visa, and other documentation ready to hand will make finding accommodation much easier.</p>
<p>The company you&rsquo;re working with may be able to help here, and it&rsquo;s always best to double check exactly what you&rsquo;re permitted as per your visa, and your contract.</p>
<h2>How to get a good deal when booking accommodation for contract work</h2>
<h3>Book direct</h3>
<p>When looking for somewhere to stay for contract work, you&rsquo;ll find many aggregate websites that check every hotel or apartment for you, offer a range of discounts and deals. These may seem like the best option, but some websites will charge you more based on your browsing history.</p>
<p>Furthermore, these websites often make their profits from increasing the base price of the accommodation and claiming the difference.</p>
<p>If you find a provider you like the look of, you might get a better price if you go direct to them, as they aren&rsquo;t paying a website to advertise for them.</p>
<h3>Don&rsquo;t forget loyalty schemes</h3>
<p>Many companies offer loyalty schemes, so if you often take contract work and require accommodation, it may save you money in the long-term if you find one provider you like, and use them each time you need somewhere to stay. Even if the savings seem small at first, over the course of your career they&rsquo;ll add up, and you may receive additional perks and discounts thanks to being a loyal customer.</p>
<p>Finding suitable accommodation as a contract working can take some research and planning. But there are ways you can ensure finding something that suits your needs, tastes, and budget, while letting you live close to where you&rsquo;ll be working.</p>
<h5>Check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/candidate-area/">candidate page</a>&nbsp;for more help finding accommodation, booking travel, and finding templates for timesheets.</h5>
<h5>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-cv-keywords-for-engineering-candidates-in-2023">5 engineering keywords that can help your CV stand out</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-reasons-to-live-and-work-in-cyprus">why you should work in Cyprus</a>.</h5>

How to Format Your CV in the Engineering Industry

<p>With more and more businesses offering remote working, people are able to work from anywhere in the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beautiful islands and sunny locations are some of the top contenders for where people would like to work, so Cyprus is one of the most sought after places to move to, with almost a quarter of the population being made up of foreign immigrants.</p>
<p>Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea known for its natural beauty and climate. We&rsquo;ll look at why you might want to live and work in Cyprus.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why you should work in Cyprus</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Low unemployment rate</h3>
<p>Cyprus&rsquo; unemployment rate has steadily improved since 2020, being as low as 6.1% in January of 2023, which is lower than the average unemployment rate in the EU.</p>
<h3>Cyprus is a hub for international business</h3>
<p>Cyprus benefits from its key location, acting as a bridge to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, it sits in a perfect time zone for truly global business, while also being an EU Member.</p>
<p>The corporate tax rate in Cyprus is 12.5%, making it a preferred location for international businesses. Many companies from the Middle East, USA, Europe, and even China have chosen Cyprus as their regional headquarters, or are expanding into the region.</p>
<p>The standard work week in Cyprus is 38 hours. This can of course vary per industry, but generally most people will work around 38-40 hours. This gives employees the opportunity to maintain a good work-life balance, which is important for mental health and overall work performance.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The climate and natural beauty of the island</h3>
<p>Cyprus has an excellent climate, with long warm summers and short winters. Sunny days make up around 90% of the year, with it only raining consistently in winter.</p>
<p>Beautiful beaches, clean water, and wide open spaces make Cyprus a great holiday destination, but equally a fantastic place to live and work, with high levels of satisfaction and happiness among people who move there.</p>
<p>For those who like hiking, the island provides plenty of natural landscape, as well as beautiful mountains.</p>
<p>Because Cyprus isn&rsquo;t as heavily populated as other major urban centres, the quality of the air is also generally much higher than elsewhere in the world.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>The culture</h3>
<p>Cyprus has a strong culture with a lot of interesting history. Prior to gaining its independence in 1960, the island was a British Colony for over 80 years, meaning many Cypriots speak English, even today.</p>
<p>Cyprus has a rich history which can be traced back thousands of years, and many cultures have shaped the island over time. There are ten Byzantine painted churches as well as the Tomb of Kings, a large necropolis which dates back to the 4th century BC. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the tomb is just one of the amazing sights you can enjoy on the island.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Low cost of living</h3>
<p>Compared to many other European locations, the cost of living in Cyprus is low, meaning your money goes further and lasts longer. Rent prices are also low compared to most other European cities.</p>
<p>Basic utilities costs typically in the region of 100 euros a month, whilst the rent of a one room apartment in a city centre can cost around 500-700 euros on average.</p>
<p>Cyprus has a public transport system which links rural areas to all the cities across the island, used by many people to get around while still enjoying the sights. For those who love to commute by bike, some cities have a public bicycle sharing system, with bicycles found at stations that anyone can use.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Public transport is reasonably priced, with a one-way ticket being around 2 euros on average. A monthly pass is around 40 euros on average, far cheaper than London or other cities in Europe, and will allow you to travel far and wide across the island.</p>
<p>Working in Cyprus is so popular as there are many career opportunities, largely due to low tax rates, which led to many international businesses having chosen to expand into the island. Many workers have followed, enjoying the great weather, culture, cuisine, and other opportunities the island has to offer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read more about the <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-best-remote-engineering-roles">best remote engineering jobs</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-cv-keywords-for-engineering-candidates-in-2023">engineering CV keywords that can help you get a job interview</a>.</p>

5 Reasons To Live And Work In Cyprus

<p>Covid-19 saw millions placed on furlough at lower salaries and rates, lose work contracts or be made redundant.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>With so much more competition, candidates must be ever more innovative and expend more efforts in the job-hunting process. After landing an interview for a potential role, applicants will be expected to prove their skills and knowledge, and differentiate themselves from perhaps dozens of other candidates, during a second interview.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Here are six ways to prepare for successful second interviews.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h3><strong>6 Ways to Succeed in Second Interviews</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1. Dive Deeper into Your Knowledge and Experience</strong></h3>
<p>Now that your interviewer has sifted through applications and added you to their shortlist, they&rsquo;ll need to ask increasingly probing questions to differentiate you from other applicants and ascertain exactly why you are the best candidate for the job. Whilst your first job interview will have included a brief discussion around your CV and checking off your skill and experience, a second meeting will aim to dig deeper into your skillset and knowledge.</p>
<p>Expect competency-based interviews where your hiring manager will be wanting to find out specific examples of your abilities. Use your previous experience to support your CV: discuss achievements of yours that match those required by the job application, and talk about challenges that you have overcome by using and building on your skills. Prepare answers to questions such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tell me about a time when you were put under pressure to deliver against a sudden urgent deadline</li>
<li>Can you give me an example of a time where you have had to deliver a project in an area where you have little to no experience &ndash; how did you approach it?</li>
<li>How have you managed multiple projects and tasks with similar deadlines?</li>
<li>What was your biggest mistake, and how did you fix it.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>2. Meeting the Team</strong></h3>
<p>Whilst first meetings will normally be a one-to-one discussion (or in some cases, a group interview amongst several other applicants), many employers will involve their other colleagues a second get-together. Meeting more employees enables applicants to ask questions about culture and working style and receive more diverse and honest opinions, and enables hiring managers to both ascertain cultural fit and get second and third opinions on the quality of each candidate.</p>
<p>Be prepared to meet a range of new people at your second interview, from business Directors and potential managers, to new colleagues or direct reports. Depending on the organisation and the role you are applying for, this meeting could take place at the office or worksite, or at a more informal place like a pub or bar for team drinks.</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;<strong>Opportunities for Your Questions</strong></h3>
<p>Whilst interviews are used by companies and HR departments to ascertain the right person for the job, they also present the opportunity for you to ascertain whether this employer is the right one for you. Imagine you were starting the job in the next few weeks &ndash; what would you want, and need, to know? This could be your last chance to ask questions before a potential job offer: is there anything that you didn&rsquo;t cover in your first meeting or in the job description?</p>
<p>Use your first meeting to inform the questions you ask in the second. Was something mentioned that you weren&rsquo;t expecting, and you need to know how much of it will be involved in the role? Was there anything that wasn&rsquo;t fully covered that you would like clarification on? Crucially, what did your hiring manager discuss in the first interview that they seemed particularly interested in or impressed by, that you can use to probe further questions to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the company and build rapport with your interviewer.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Building on Your Positive First Impression</strong></h3>
<p>If you have been called back a second time, your potential employers will have been impressed with your first meeting. Continue to build on your own personal candidate brand by standing out from the crowd and personalising the interview to your own capabilities to ensure you are the best and most remembered applicant. Reinforce your positive attributes, particularly those that were well received in your first meeting &ndash; even if your first meeting demonstrated how your skills match the job description, utilise all second interview questions as a chance to re-emphasise your competence and fit for the role.</p>
<p>Cement your positive second impression by learning about your interviewers and personalising your meeting towards them and their roles. Ask your contact who you will be meeting &ndash; get their names so that you can look them up on LinkedIn and read more about them on the company website. Researching and knowing your interviewers will enable you to predict the types of questions they may ask you and what they would prefer your answers to be, enabling you to prepare in advance.</p>
<p>This knowledge will also enable you to target your own questions according to each interview, for example:</p>
<ul>
<li>What are the best things about working here? &ndash; More experienced employees will have a different view from new employees, who will provide more of a recent comparison to working for other competitors</li>
<li>How well do teams and departments work together? &ndash; Employees in sales and support teams may have very different views on this, allowing you a more realistic picture of teamworking dependent on your own role</li>
<li>How has your career progressed here? &ndash; Directors may have reached the height of their career progression and may instead be focused on the performance deliverables, but if they have progressed from entry level to Board their story will reveal your own potential career progression, whereas junior to mid-seniority employees may be able to discuss their Personal Development Plans or qualifications they are being supported with.</li>
</ul>
<h3>5.&nbsp;<strong>Discussing Your Own Expectations</strong></h3>
<p>Day rates and salaries are often not discussed until the latter stages of the recruitment process, meaning the end of a second interview may present this opportunity. As your potential employer will already have established their expectations regarding, you will also need to come prepared with your own expectations &ndash; and prepare to negotiate. Do plenty of research beforehand to ensure you are in the know about your market worth, by benchmarking current salaries at similar job roles in similar companies, including benefits and bonus packages.</p>
<p>Recruiters and hiring managers will also want to know your availability and any notice period or mitigating circumstances before they formalise a job offer, which you may also be able to leverage in negotiations regarding salaries and benefits. Also ensure you discuss any additional requirements for the position, such as travel or shift patterns, to align your own expectations with those of your potential employer and get everyone on the same page, ready for a positive job offer.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;6.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Getting to Know the Real You</strong></h3>
<p>Your recruiter will have spent time previously exploring your skills, knowledge and experience, and will have at the end of the second meeting ascertained whether you are a professional fit for the role. However, your potential employers will want to know you as a person: what you value, how you think and what it would be like to manage, work with and be managed by you, and how your personality will impact on the business and its teams.</p>
<p>Expect questions such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>What motivates you?</li>
<li>How do you like to be managed?</li>
<li>What are your personal goals for the next five years?</li>
<li>Hat has been your proudest moment?</li>
<li>Who in your life most inspires you and why?</li>
<li>How would your best friend/parent/sibling describe you?</li>
</ul>

What to Expect from Second Interviews

<p>Want to work in one of the largest and most famous islands in the world?</p>
<p>Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone and home to many of the world&rsquo;s top high-performing companies.</p>
<p><br>Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Ireland.</p>
<h2><strong>Irish Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost?</strong></h2>
<p>The cost of living will vary across regions of the country; for example, between cities, towns, suburbs and villages. However, here are the average rents and bills for Ireland&rsquo;s capital city Dublin and the surrounding areas to help you plan your budget:</p>
<p>&middot; Single/Couple Rent in the City &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin would cost around 1,223,79&euro;.</p>
<p>&middot; Single/Couple Rent in the Suburbs &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in an average Dublin suburb would cost you around 1,016,51&euro;.</p>
<p>&middot; Monthly Utility Bill for an Irish Apartment &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in an flat in Dublin will cost around 161,85&euro;.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Irish Transport &ndash; How to Travel Around</strong></h2>
<p>The capital&rsquo;s public transport system is made up of buses, trains and trams to help you travel around. On the road,&nbsp;Dublin Bus&nbsp;has an extensive network of buses which run frequently through the downtown area and through to the suburbs.</p>
<p>The Dublin Metro is made up of the&nbsp;(DART) Dublin Area Rapid Transport and commuter trains, which are a quick and easy way to get in and out of the city.&nbsp;Dublin&rsquo;s tram system, the Luas, provides accessible transport services to the city centre and suburbs.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;Dublin bike-sharing scheme offers a cheap and environmentally friendly way to get around, with over 100 bike stations throughout the city.</p>
<h2>Culture</h2>
<p>The culture of Ireland includes unique traditions and customs, as well as folklore, music, language, art, and food. The Gaelic<br>culture originated in Ireland but eventually expanded to Scotland and much of northwestern Europe. Archaeological evidence has shown that farming in Ireland began about the time humans first began to settle. The Irish culture has been influenced by Scottish, English, and AngloNorman cultures throughout history.</p>
<p>Today many Irish traditions have become known around the world, including Halloween and Saint Patrick's Day.The two official languages English and Irish. Irish is considered to be a Celtic language.</p>
<h2>Taxes</h2>
<p>Irish tax is collected through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system. Each time you are paid, your employer deducts your income tax, PRSI and USC. You are also entitled to tax credits, which reduce the amount of tax paid, and Ireland has one of the highest rates of tax relief in Europe.</p>
<p>Income tax is charged as a percentage of your income, and there are two tax rates in Ireland. Income up to a certain amount is taxed at 20%, with the remainder taxed at 40%. The cut-off point for the standard rate depends on individual circumstances.</p>
<h2>Pensions</h2>
<p>In general, large employers in Ireland have company pension schemes but many smaller employers do not. Each scheme<br>has its own set of rules and is regulated by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/" rel=" noopener">Pensions Board</a>.</p>
<h2>Education</h2>
<p>The compulsory school age in Ireland is 6 years old and all forms of pre-primary education are optional. However, children from the age of 4 can be enrolled in infant classes in primary schools. Primary education&nbsp;includes state-funded primary<br>schools - &nbsp;religious schools, nondenominational schools, multi-denominational schools - and private schools:<br>Gaelscoileanna (Irish-medium schools).</p>
<p>Post-primary education consists of a three-year Junior Cycle (lower secondary), followed by two or three years in the Senior Cycle (upper secondary), depending on whether students take an optional transition year.</p>
<p>Travel Opportunities</p>
<p>Those living in Ireland can easily travel to other nearby countries&nbsp;such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>The UK - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are fascinating destinations in their own right, and<br>travel between these countries reveal both shared culture and unique local ways of life</li>
<li>France - a wealth of history and gastronomic experiences</li>
<li>Iceland - a haven for nature-lovers.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Language</h2>
<p>Try out these handy phrases in Gaelic:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hi = Haigh</li>
<li>Yes = t&aacute;</li>
<li>No = uimh</li>
<li>Thank You = go raibh maith agat</li>
<li>Goodbye = Sl&aacute;n</li>
<li>Sorry = leithsc&eacute;al</li>
<li>You're welcome = t&aacute; f&aacute;ilte romhat</li>
<li>How are you ? = Conas t&aacute; t&uacute; ?</li>
<li>Well = Maith</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Why You Should Live in Ireland &ndash; Things to Do and See</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Marvel at the Powerscourt Estate &ndash; County Wicklow, a region south of Dublin is known for its mountains and Irish Sea coastline. Powerscourt Estate is Wicklow's most visited attraction: the 64 square kilometre estate is 500m south of Enniskerry town.</li>
<li>Visit the Old Library &ndash; The greatest treasures of Trinity College Dublin are found within the Old Library, built by Thomas Burgh between 1712 and 1732.</li>
<li>Climb the Rock of Cashel &ndash; One of the country&rsquo;s most spectacular historic sites, the Rock of Cashel is a mammoth green hill boasting limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy environment and abundant with a variety of ancient features. The Rock of Cashel is located in County Tipperary.</li>
<li>Guinness Factory Museum &ndash; Discover the most popular visit in town: an homage to Guinness in a converted grain storehouse, part of a 26-hectare brewery.</li>
</ul>
<p>Seeking a new challenge? Choose from&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" rel=" noopener">our variety of technical jobs across industries</a>.</p>

Guide to Working in Ireland

<p>Many business leaders are looking to improve the mental health of their team, as it improves the overall culture and workplace experience for everyone involved.</p>
<p>For every $1 invested in improving mental health at work, there&rsquo;s an ROI of $4 in improved health and productivity.</p>
<p>There are many benefits to improving the mental health of your team, and relatively minor changes can make a big difference.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why improving mental health at work is important</h2>
<h3>It increases productivity</h3>
<p>&nbsp;Studies have shown that poor mental health costs businesses over &pound;1,000 a year, per employee, in lost profit potential. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Conversely, when staff have good mental health at work, when they feel happy and supported and empowered to succeed, they&rsquo;re more productive. It sounds obvious, but many businesses don&rsquo;t consider mental health a priority, looking only at the overall productivity and the company&rsquo;s bottom line.</p>
<p>But productivity increases with good mental health. A study from Oxford University quantified this boost in productivity:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-10-24-happy-workers-are-13-more-productive">happy workers are 13% more productive</a>, so it isn&rsquo;t just a question of health, it&rsquo;s also a smart business decision to improve the mental health of your workforce.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>&nbsp;It lowers staff turnover</h3>
<p>&nbsp;Staff who have better mental health at work are far less likely to look for jobs elsewhere.</p>
<p>The security and stability that comes with knowing that your day at work will be easy to manage is incredibly valuable, and for some people far more so than even an increased salary.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>It improves workplace culture</h3>
<p>&nbsp;There&rsquo;s nothing worse than a workplace where no one is happy. It saps morale, derails momentum, and isn&rsquo;t conducive to good results.</p>
<p>&nbsp;A team feels supported is more likely to enjoy their work, work better together, and be more motivated to succeed. This feeds back into the overall culture, making your place of work a safer, warmer environment for everyone.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How to improve mental health in the workplace</h2>
<h3>&nbsp;Let employees have input into decisions and KPIs</h3>
<p>Our mental health suffers when we feel like we don&rsquo;t have any control over what happens to us. Work is such a huge part of our lives, but often decisions are made without any input from the staff, and this can leave us feeling powerless.</p>
<p>Employees that are brought into the decision-making process often feel more included in the direction the company is taking.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This also applies to individual KPIs. When employees are working to targets they didn&rsquo;t set and weren&rsquo;t consulted on, it can feel like an uphill struggle. When they help to set their own targets, challenges feel more achievable, making the work ahead less daunting.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Start a culture of open dialogue&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Often at work, we&rsquo;re on our best behaviour all the time. In certain workplace cultures, any expression of difficulty, of struggling with work, or of unhappiness is taken as a criticism of the company as a whole, which often isn&rsquo;t the case at all. This can lead team members to fear to express themselves, especially if they&rsquo;re having negative feelings, which isn&rsquo;t healthy.</p>
<p>In any context, when we&rsquo;re allowed to express ourselves and feel heard and understood, our mental health improves.</p>
<p>Starting weekly or monthly team meetings, and one to ones between team members and managers, allows everyone to express how they feel at work. This can be things like frustrations, doubts, and worries, but it can also result in pride, compliments, and thanks being shared that otherwise might not.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Having a designated time where employees feel comfortable and empowered to share their feelings can help them feel listened to, acknowledged, and able to express themselves, which in turn will help their mental health.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Offer mental health benefits</h3>
<p>&nbsp;Realistically, there&rsquo;s only so much businesses can do to improve mental health at work by themselves. At a certain point, partnering with mental health organisations is really the best thing a business can do to improve the mental health of its employees.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Many businesses are now offering therapy or counselling as a health benefit alongside gym memberships or health insurance.</p>
<p>Improving the mental health of the team at work will help them be more productive, and ultimately happier at work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-address-the-skills-shortage-in-the-technical-and-engineering-industries">how to address the engineering skills shortage</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-covid-changed-the-job-market">how Covid-19 changed the job market</a>.</p>

How to Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Health in the Workplace

<p>The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020 had a huge impact on the global job market. Every business had to alter how it operated, or even close entirely. Millions of workers were suddenly confined to their homes to prevent the spread of the virus, changing how they worked overnight.</p>
<p>Vast amounts of people were furloughed, or lost their jobs, and businesses stopped hiring new staff in an attempt to limit their expenditures in an uncertain world.</p>
<p>As global vaccination campaigns began in 2021, the situation has thankfully improved. But the job market has changed, irreversibly according to many in the recruitment industry. Employees have new perspectives, and new priorities. What has changed? What has stayed consistent? And what can businesses and job seekers do to find the right fit for them in the post-Covid job market. &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How has the job market changed since Covid?</h2>
<h3>Flexible and remote working is now the norm</h3>
<p>The most immediate and obvious change after Covid is the rise in fully-remote working. During lockdown, everyone had to work from home if they could, proving that millions of jobs could be done from anywhere, not just in an office.</p>
<p>Now that we are able to go back to work, many workers are choosing remote positions as they allow more control over their lives, giving a better work/life balance, saving time and money commuting, and being able to spend more time with loved ones at home.</p>
<p>Others are opting for flexible working, spending some days working remotely, and others in the office with the rest of the team. This gives workers freedom to choose their work schedule and pattern in a way that benefits them. Most workers simply did not have this option before Covid, and don&rsquo;t want to return to a 9-5 in the office.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Salary isn&rsquo;t the only concern</h3>
<p>&nbsp;Having seen the benefits of remote and flexible working, many workers are now less concerned with their salary, and more interested in what other perks, benefits, and incentives a business can offer them.</p>
<p>Wellness initiatives, team-building days and events, additional training, reimbursement for commuting, these are increasingly attractive benefits that companies are offering in order to get top talent. In a survey last year, over a quarter of European workers surveyed said they would take a&nbsp;<a href="https://employeebenefits.co.uk/28-employees-reduce-salary-flexible-working/">reduced salary for a position with flexi-time</a>.</p>
<p>Over half of those same respondents said they were more productive when working from home, so it&rsquo;s not just about comfort, there are real benefits for businesses in allowing remote working post-pandemic, as many people do their best work at home.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Company culture is increasingly important</h3>
<p>&nbsp;Company culture has alway been important, and is one of the main factors in why people change jobs, or why they love where they work. During the pandemic, with so many people working remotely, many workers felt isolated, lonely, or disconnected from the culture which is so vital in keeping up morale.</p>
<p>During lockdown, companies that didn&rsquo;t invest in their culture through virtual events, chats, or other initiatives felt the strain far more than those who did. A company&rsquo;s culture can help keep the team motivated when things are difficult, and can make a difference between someone working harder, or giving up and looking for a new start somewhere else.</p>
<p>Now, workers are looking for companies that go the extra mile with culture, as it&rsquo;s become clear just how much of a difference it can really make, both on an individual and a company-wide level. Culture is made from everyone who engages with it, adds to it, helps make it better.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Companies are looking to grow</h3>
<p>Post-pandemic, workers and businesses alike feel like they have some catching up to do. After a year and a half of stagnant growth, some businesses are trying to supercharge their teams, services, and revenue in order to offset losses during the pandemic.</p>
<p>&nbsp;There&rsquo;s been a long time to reconsider how things can be done, with some sectors emerging out of the pandemic completely transformed and revitalised.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s not just about re-hiring to get back to where they were before Covid, businesses are looking to expand, to go above and beyond where they were, with new staff and new ideas.</p>
<p>While this is a positive step, it&rsquo;s important that businesses don&rsquo;t try to grow too fast. Growth needs to be planned, prepared for, and executed at a stable rate. Rapid expansion can worry existing team members, and new managers or senior leaders can take things in unexpected directions.</p>
<p>Business should include their team in decisions, communicate where the company is heading, and keep them up to date on how things are progressing. This is key to ensuring everyone feels confident about the future, and their place in it.</p>
<p>It is perhaps still too early to tell whether there is truly a &lsquo;new normal&rsquo; in the international labour market, with so many different cultures, working standards, and priorities in flux, with some businesses and governments looking to get back to &lsquo;businesses&rsquo; as usual as fast as possible, and others moving forward with new lessons learned.</p>
<p>&nbsp;With many workers having reassessed their priorities, and many businesses having adapted their targets, strategies, and overall goals, it remains to be seen whether the changes we have seen in the last two years will persist into the future or not. &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read more about <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/has-covid-altered-our-tech-habits">how Covid has altered our tech habits</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-best-engineering-jobs-for-the-future">the best engineering jobs for the future</a>.</p>

How Covid Changed The Job Market

<p>When choosing a career path, it can be helpful to consider how certain jobs will fare in the future. While no one can truly predict what the future will be like, we are living in a time of great change, with powerful new technologies impacting the world in new ways that would have been unthinkable twenty years ago. &nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Engineers are at the heart of this revolution, and young people considering a career in the field have a lot to think about.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The world relies on engineering for solutions to incredibly complex problems. Infrastructure, medicine, defence, transport, 5G, and AI are just some of the ways that engineers are improving the world.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Old methods of manufacture, design, and operation have changed, and certain schools of engineering are becoming more valuable. We look at some of the best engineering jobs that will stay secure, meaningful, and rewarding in the future.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span data-contrast="none">The best engineering jobs to have in the future</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Artificial Intelligence</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">One of the biggest areas in engineering, and science in general, is the development of artificial intelligence. Machine learning has been around for a while, but creating smarter AI systems is an ongoing process that will have huge ramifications for how we live our lives.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">As data capture has become more sophisticated and powerful, we require more sophisticated and powerful machines to analyse that data. The more data an artificial intelligence has, the better it can go about solving problems. Artificial intelligence is one of the best hopes we have of solving major world issues like the climate crisis, and the engineers that build these systems report having very high levels of job satisfaction, knowing they&rsquo;re building something that will have a huge impact on the world.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">There are many ways to work with artificial intelligence, but one of the most exciting is robotics engineering. Robotics engineers work across multiple disciplines, combining mechanics, electronics, and computer science. They are often working at the forefront of robotics and intelligence systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Virtual Reality</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">VR systems will likely become more common as we move towards the metaverse being fully realised. While VR games have been dismissed as a fad by some critics in the industry, there&rsquo;s no denying that it seems like VR will be big business in the next decade and beyond.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Engineers working in entirely virtual spaces will help shape the next evolution of entertainment and social networking, creating vast worlds to explore. To succeed, engineers will need more than technical skills, they&rsquo;ll also need vision and creativity, which correlate strongly with work engagement.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Disaster Recovery</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Engineering plays a vital role in helping save lives after natural disasters. Technological advances now allow special trackers, drones, and radar devices to locate missing people in the aftermath of earthquakes or other tragedies.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Engineers have worked on specialised transport designed to drive over uneven or unstable terrain, reinforced shelters that provide a base of operations, and emergency water and sanitation equipment that can save lives after a disaster. Engineers on the ground can repair electrical and communications systems, and help ensure that doctors and other aid workers have working equipment when they arrive.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">There are also engineers working on more sophisticated early warning and detection systems which may be able to save thousands of lives. This kind of emergency engineering has some of the highest satisfaction of any career in the world, not just engineering.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Cloud Engineering</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Cloud usage has risen steadily over the pandemic, and is vital for businesses around the world. Ensuring the cloud is reliable, accessible, and secure is becoming increasingly important. Engineers working in cloud technology can be responsible for designing, planning, and maintaining these systems that have become invaluable for so many people.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Renewable Energy</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">As we slowly move away from fossil fuels, we require more green energy infrastructure and storage. This will require huge amounts of design, implementation, and maintenance, being one of the largest engineering projects of the last century.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Renewable energy engineers will play a vital role in the transition from harmful fossil fuels to cleaner, safer energy, and as such this particular type of engineering is highly rated, highly sought after, and highly rewarded.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Read more about the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-engineering-companies-to-work-for-in-2022"><span data-contrast="none">best engineering companies to work for</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, or learn&nbsp;</span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-you-should-consider-an-apprenticeship-in-engineering"><span data-contrast="none">why you should consider an apprenticeship in engineering</span></a><span data-contrast="none">.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>

The Best Engineering Jobs For The Future

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<p><span data-contrast="none">Women hold less than a quarter of all jobs in energy production and distribution, despite making up almost half of the global workforce. For senior managers in the energy industry, the number is even lower: just 14%.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The number of women working in renewables is higher, at 32%, but it&rsquo;s clear more needs to be done to encourage women into the sector.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that there will be almost 29 million jobs in renewable energy by 2050. Given the way the industry is now, things need to drastically change if the sector is going to achieve gender parity by then.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h1><span data-contrast="none">Why gender diversity is important for the energy sector</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h1>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Lack of female board members negatively impacts profits</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Studies have shown that energy companies with boards that are at least&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.ey.com/en_gl/women-power-utilities/could-gender-equality-be-the-innovation-boost-utilities-need"><span data-contrast="none">one third female have better profits</span></a><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;than those that aren&rsquo;t. Profits come from efficiency, but also innovation, and diversity has an important role to play there as well.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Lack of women working in energy is slowing down innovation</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Research shows that companies with higher levels of diversity are 70% more likely to capture new markets, and 75% more likely to get innovative ideas to market. Without women in the organisation, companies are missing out on new opportunities for growth.</span><span data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Diversity can help improve company culture</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">While not specific to the energy sector, diversity has been shown to help improve cultures at businesses around the world. Rather than everyone thinking the same way, having a broad range of ideas, opinions, experiences, and backgrounds allows for a richer culture at work, making it a more enjoyable place to be for those who otherwise might have felt left out.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span data-contrast="none">How to get more women working in energy and renewables</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Improve access to education and work experience for women around the world</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Perhaps the biggest barrier to entry blocking women from starting work in the energy sector is a lack of specialist education around the technical side of the industry.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Many women working in energy do so in administration, not engineering. Companies can change this by funding scholarships, training events, and internships, all of which can help women who might otherwise not be able to gain experience in the industry.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Improve the hiring process, and the work environment</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The entire hiring system in the energy sector needs to change to encourage more women to join the industry.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Inclusive recruitment practices must be designed and implemented, with gender-neutral language used in job descriptions. Gender balance evaluations should be carried out across teams, highlighting where new hires could make a positive impact.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Once new women are onboarded, flexi-time should be offered as an immediate option, to make it easier for those who have other commitments or responsibilities.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Safety at work should also be considered, with zero-tolerance policies for harassment or discrimination. These policies must be enforced, showing everyone that bad behaviour will be met with swift punishment. This is how an industry-wide culture can begin to change for the better.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-contrast="none">Create professional networks to aid career progression</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">One of the main barriers to entry stopping women from joining the energy industry is the lack of career information and networks that could help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for moving up the career ladder. Mentorship from senior women in the industry who have experience can be invaluable for women who are just starting their careers in energy.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Of course, energy companies must also ensure that women in high-level roles are promoted beyond the company by being given chances to speak at events and conferences. Promoting women in senior roles inspires other women to join the field, ensuring the next generation of female energy engineers continues to grow.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span data-contrast="none">Questions to ask to improve diversity</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p><span data-contrast="none">How many female team members are there in the company? Has this number improved over time?</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">If female team members are leaving, why is that?</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">How many female team members are promoted to higher roles within the organisation?</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">What support or mentorship programmes do we have?</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The energy industry is missing out on vital creativity, ingenuity, and diversity of thought and experiences that women can bring to the sector. Until a sustained, concentrated, and unified campaign to recruit more women is realised, the industry will be missing out on individuals that could be helping them excel.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Read more about&nbsp;</span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-reasons-to-work-in-energy-renewables"><span data-contrast="none">working in renewable energy</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, or learn about the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-green-energy"><span data-contrast="none">future of green energy</span></a><span data-contrast="none">.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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How To Achieve Gender Diversity In Energy & Renewables

<p><span data-contrast="none">Many factors go into deciding what industry to work in: salary, security, and satisfaction are just some of the most important elements to consider. Cyber security has them all and is one of the most attractive career fields for people looking for a job that utilizes technical knowledge, lateral thinking, and problem-solving skills. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">It also lets you make a real impact and help keep people safe from cybercrime. Perhaps most importantly, there&rsquo;s never been a better time to get started in cyber security. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Whether you&rsquo;re thinking about what industry to start working in, or you&rsquo;re considering a change of career, cyber security could be the right move for you.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 aria-level="2"><span data-contrast="auto">Why computer security is a good industry to work in</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<h3 aria-level="2"><span data-contrast="auto">Computer security offers a good salary</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">For many people salary isn&rsquo;t the most important aspect of a job, but it&rsquo;s always something that needs to be considered. Cyber security always offers a good salary no matter where you work.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Given that computer skills require specialist education and training, the base salary for working in computer security is higher than average, usually between &pound;25,000 and &pound;35,000 depending on the size of the company, and this will rise as you gain experience and build a name for yourself in the field. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The </span><a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/cyber-security-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm"><span data-contrast="none">national average salary for someone working in cyber security</span></a><span data-contrast="none"> is &pound;44,000, and those that make it to the top of the industry can earn well over &pound;100,000 annually. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">It&rsquo;s predicted that as competition becomes fiercer for top-level security experts, and threats become more sophisticated, the salary will also increase, so now is a great time to get into the cyber security industry if money is a motivator for you. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3 aria-level="2"><span data-contrast="auto">Good job security</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Besides salary, the security of a job is always worth considering. Luckily, cyber security has great job security. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Cybercrime is rising year on year and spiked dramatically during the pandemic. While this is bad news for businesses, it&rsquo;s great news for cyber security specialists, ensuring they&rsquo;re always in demand. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Some estimates claim the number of cybersecurity experts would need to more than double to meet the growing demands of the industry. Given that every business, no matter what industry they work in, has a digital element, every business is now at risk from some kind of cybercrime. This means that cyber security analysts will always be in demand.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">At times, </span><a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/3120998/zero-percent-cybersecurity-unemployment-1-million-jobs-unfilled.html"><span data-contrast="none">cybersecurity has had a zero percent unemployment rate</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, so it&rsquo;s an incredibly safe field to get started in if you want job security. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3 aria-level="2"><span data-contrast="auto">Career flexibility</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">If you progress in cyber security you could work with some of the biggest companies in the world, and there will always be positions open if you feel like changing who you work for.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Of course, one of the benefits of a career in cyber security is that you don&rsquo;t necessarily have to stay at one company, you could freelance. Once you&rsquo;ve established yourself as an expert, you could consult for multiple different companies, having an impact on the wider cyber security landscape. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">There are also different areas of security you could specialize in or move between throughout your career. Mobile security, blockchain, data recovery, there are many different elements of cyber security to understand and develop. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">One of the main benefits of working in cyber security is that no two days will be the same. As the threats firms face are evolving all the time, there'll always be something new to learn and new issues to deal with, making the job dynamic, challenging, and rewarding. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">79% of cybersecurity professionals agree that they are happy with their career choice, so it&rsquo;s a great industry to get involved in.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Read more about </span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-cybersecurity-is-critical-with-offices-reopening"><span data-contrast="none">why cybersecurity is critical with offices reopening</span></a><span data-contrast="none"> or learn about </span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/cybersecurity-trends-and-predictions-for-2022"><span data-contrast="none">cybersecurity trends and predictions for 2022</span></a><span data-contrast="none">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>

Why You Should Consider A Career In Computer Security

<p>While studying at university is one path to an engineering career, an engineering apprenticeship can help teach you vital skills while earning you money at the same time. This makes it an attractive option and one that has helped kickstart many engineering careers.</p>
<p>Whether it&rsquo;s in aviation, automotive, or infrastructure, an engineering apprenticeship can teach you transferable skills, grow your network, and give you an edge on the competition when it comes to applying for your first job in the engineering industry.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What to know about engineering apprenticeships</h2>
<h3>Engineering apprenticeships are paid</h3>
<p>One of the main benefits of doing an engineering apprenticeship is that you&rsquo;ll be paid while you are learning. Engineering&nbsp;is the highest paying type of apprenticeship&nbsp;you can do, with competitive salaries thanks to firms looking for new talent.</p>
<p>Not only will you have earned money, but you won&rsquo;t have built up debt like a university student. You will also have holiday leave, so you can take time off if you need it.</p>
<h3>Your learning is varied</h3>
<p>While the majority of your apprenticeship is spent on the job learning practical skills, you also receive training on other topics related to the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At least 20% of your time in an apprenticeship will be spent learning skills &lsquo;off the job&rsquo;, possibly in a college or university. This ensures that not only will you be competent at what you do, but also that you&rsquo;ll have an understanding of other skills related to your work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It could include technical theory, shadowing professionals in the industry, or visiting engineering sites.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>You can build your professional network</h3>
<p>Another benefit of an engineering apprenticeship is that while you learn, you can meet people in the industry, and grow your professional network.</p>
<p>The old adage of &lsquo;it&rsquo;s not what you know, it&rsquo;s who you know&rsquo; rings true, no matter what industry you&rsquo;re in, and building a strong network of professional contacts may pay dividends later on in your career.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You never know who you might end up working with and who might be able to get you a job, vouch for your character, or recommend you for a new opportunity in the future.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>You earn a nationally recognised qualification</h3>
<p>Perhaps the most important benefit of doing an engineering apprenticeship is that at the end of it, you&rsquo;ll have a qualification. It shows you&rsquo;re intelligent, capable, and highly-trained, an asset for any engineering role.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h3>An engineering apprenticeship can directly lead to a job&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Lastly, one of the strongest arguments for doing an engineering apprenticeship is that it gets you in with a chance of a job as soon as the apprenticeship finishes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You&rsquo;re in direct contact with senior leaders and HR at the place you&rsquo;ve worked, who have seen how you&rsquo;ve learned, grown, and progressed. It&rsquo;s not surprising that so many apprenticeships evolve into jobs and form the basis of long and prosperous engineering careers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-create-the-perfect-cv-as-an-engineering-student">how to create the perfect CV as an engineering student</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-skills-needed-to-work-as-a-technical-contractor">skills required to work as a technical contractor</a>.</p>

Why You Should Consider An Apprenticeship In Engineering

<p>Deciding between two job offers<span data-preserver-spaces="true">&nbsp;is not an easy task to perform. There are a lot of factors that one must observe before choosing between two job offers. You must pick the job that will bring them the most fulfilment and fit in best with your goals.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">VHR's recruitment specialists will offer a complete guide about what to consider when deciding between two job offers.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Tips for Deciding Between Two Job Offers</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Choosing between&nbsp;</span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">two job offers</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&nbsp;can be demanding and challenging, mainly when the jobs are similar. Making an informed selection can help you discover the most fulfilling place to work for you, and manage your career line. If you get two appealing job offers, you can select the one based upon your requirements and needs instead of merely accepting the first offered position. Check the below-mentioned guide when deciding on which&nbsp;</span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">job offer</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&nbsp;to take and which one to reject.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">1.) Compare Both the Options</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can easily make an informed choice by directly comparing essential parts of each job, such as salary package and other job-related benefits. Consider both the constructive aspects and potential drawbacks of each position. Some of the essential things which you need to observe before making a decision are flexibility, commute, paid time off, location, schedule, company values, growth opportunities, job security, health insurance, company culture, and more.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">2.) Observe Long-term Goals</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">When&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-compare-great-job-offer-with-your-current-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">deciding between two job offers</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, spend your time identifying your own goals and values. Make sure the career path which you are planning to pick goes well with your lifestyle. Different people have different priorities. Some people are only concerned about salary and other job benefits whereas some want a job where they get pleasure from the culture and enjoy their time in the company. Evaluate your priorities and then make an informed decision.</span></p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">3.) Do Proper Research about the Workplace</span></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Don't forget to perform complete research about each workplace once you get an offer letter. Consider talking with people who presently work at each company and enquire about their working culture and environment. The former and current employees can present a helpful insight into how their employer shows admiration and supports office culture. Looking on such websites as&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/member/home/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Glassdoor</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://uk.trustpilot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">TrustPilot</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&nbsp;can also give anonymous reviews about the companies.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">4.) Review the Company&rsquo;s Hiring Process</span></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The hiring process also tells a lot about the company and its staff members. When selecting the job, review the hiring process of that particular institute and organisation. Recall your experience with the staff during the interview. The way they treated you during the interview can often specify how you will be treated on the job. So it is an essential factor to observe while selecting the job offer. The actions used while hiring a new employee can provide a great idea of how a particular organisation operates. In this case, your top priority is consistency and communication. You might pick a company that swiftly shared updates about your application over a business that was hard to reach and took a long time to present you with the job.</span></p>
<h3><span data-preserver-spaces="true">5.) Figure out Your Preferences</span></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">It is essential to classify the dimensions of the offer that are significant and related to your decision. For example, some organisations and companies provide excellent paternity and maternity leave policies to their employees, as well as onsite childcare. If this is your preference, then select the company that offers such services to you. Similarly, some companies have excellent bonus policies, summer Fridays off, stock options, and more. So it is essential to&nbsp;</span>check all these points&nbsp;before making a decision.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">6.) Listen to Your Gut Feeling</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You must listen to your own gut feeling before deciding between two job offers. Do not overlook the red flags. If you feel like the environment is a little toxic and is not according to your personality, don&rsquo;t ignore it. Is your boss prompt with replies to all your queries? Do the staff members appreciate good ideas and not make you feel bad if you suggest something wrong or not according to mark? These are all the essential points to observe while making a decision. Go with your gut feeling while making a decision as it is correct most of the time and help us make the right choice.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">7.) Make a Comparison Chart</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you are wondering how to choose between two jobs, the choice possibly isn&rsquo;t clear-cut. Both the job roles include pros and cons, and neither is superior to the other. One easy way to cut through the uncertainty is to list out an ordinary day in each role. You can ask yourself these crucial questions:</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&middot; Who are the employees will I interact with in the company?</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&middot; How are the office facilities and how long is the commute?</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&middot; What are the working hours?</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">&middot; Does the job involve travel? And much more</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Consider all the details of a typical day on the job, and imagine yourself going through the motions. If both jobs are analogous in all other respects, your preference could come to small detail, like a smaller commute or a more striking workplace, or slightly higher pay.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Are you currently looking for a new job?&nbsp;</span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/career-advice-for-engineers-in-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Here's our advice on navigating your technical career in the year ahead.</span></a></p>
<p><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-stay-safe-when-working-abroad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Here are some tips to ensure you are staying safe when traveling abroad.&nbsp;</span></a></p>

How to Decide Between Two Job Offers

<p>Once you have achieved your engineering degree, the next step is to start looking for jobs that match your skills and experience. This can be a pretty daunting experience but it is important to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Before you begin applying for these jobs, you need to have a solid and compelling CV that showcases your skills and talent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While engineering is undoubtedly one of the best fields in today&rsquo;s digital age, the competition in this area is pretty fierce. The only way to set yourself apart from other candidates is by preparing a killing CV.</p>
<p>VHR&rsquo;s recruitment specialists have compiled a list of a few things you must consider when preparing your graduate engineering CV. &nbsp;</p>
<h3>Choosing the Right Format</h3>
<p>Craft your CV in chronological order. It makes it easier for the potential employer to identify your skills and match them to the job description. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/combination-resume-example-and-writing-tips-2061951">combination format</a>&nbsp;is also a good option, as it allows you to highlight your most important skills. Most graduates do not have any experience in this industry unless they are lucky enough to land their first job before graduation or have completed an internship. So, the only information you may have to showcase is your expertise in the core subjects and relevant skills in other industry jobs. For the overall structuring of the CV, here are a few things to keep in mind:</p>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;Keep it easy-to-read.</li>
<li>&nbsp;Use readable fonts (no need for anything fancy).</li>
<li>&nbsp;Keep it short and straightforward (one-page long is most effective).</li>
<li>&nbsp;Bullet points are a great way to organise your writing and make your points stand out.<br><br></li>
</ul>
<p>You don&rsquo;t always have to build your CV from scratch. Instead, you can use templates for the&nbsp;<a href="https://resume-example.com/engineer-student/">engineer student resume</a>&nbsp;or ask a recruiter to help you structure it. It makes it much easier for students to rephrase the already written sentences and bullet points with the relevant information suited to them and the jobs you are applying for.</p>
<h3>Start with Your Contact Information</h3>
<p>Contact details should be mentioned at the beginning. If the employer likes your CV and wants to contact you for the interview round, it must be easy for them to get in touch with you. Write your name and mention your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL. This makes your CV look more credible.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Write a Summary</h3>
<p>A summary is on the top of the page, under your contact details. A summary or the objective states who you are, what you have studied, your main skills, where you have worked before, and why you are a perfect candidate for the vacancy in question. Keep it short, i.e. 3-4 sentences is enough. If you have any achievements or awards that make you a better candidate for the job, mention them in summary itself.</p>
<p>One of the common mistakes people are likely to make with their engineering CV is the informal and ambiguous summary. Don&rsquo;t use too many pronouns and fluff just to increase the length of this section. Keep it simple.</p>
<h3>Academic Details</h3>
<p>For students applying for the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-make-yourself-more-employable">first engineering job</a>, the academic experience is most likely the only speciality you have to showcase. So, make this section as detailed as possible, but avoid &lsquo;fluff&rsquo;. Start with your college/university, its location, and the universities it is affiliated with. Next, mention the courses you have completed from the college, extracurricular activities, and achievements.</p>
<p>Your academic background shows a lot about your skills, personality, and dedication. Do not list your primary and secondary schools, as that will be irrelevant to your job. Only mention your bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s programs. Good grades, participation in extracurricular activities, any other certificates &amp; qualifications or involvement in voluntary programs are a few bonus points that can make your CV look better. Don&rsquo;t forget to mention the year you graduated and your GPA or grade.</p>
<h3>List Your Experiences</h3>
<p>If you have worked as an intern for a company or a part-time employee, add that to your CV. Past work experiences make a big difference to make you stand out from competition. Mention the organisation's name, the date of your joining, your title, and your responsibilities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s fine if you don&rsquo;t have any work experience. You can use a voluntary job or an internship program that&rsquo;s relevant to the current position. Anything that shows your expertise and how you are a suitable candidate for the job will do. Mention the quantitative data wherever possible to make your application look more effective.</p>
<h3>Achievements and Rewards</h3>
<p>This additional section is another way to prove your credibility and skills. List your achievements and rewards. It doesn&rsquo;t have to be relevant to the job, but anything that can make your CV look better will be a good addition. For example, if you have worked as a leader or got nominated for the best speaker award, mention it. Similarly, if you took any voluntary job during graduation, mention it under this section.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Mention Your Skills</h3>
<p>Both soft and hard skills are essential elements of any CV, especially for engineering students. For hard skills, you need to list the software or machines you have used. A few examples of hard skills are data analytics, prototyping, IT skills, testing, structural analysis, city planning, etc. You can also list the digital software you can use such as Adobe suite.</p>
<p>For the soft skill section, your communication, speaking, writing, listening, leadership skills are a few things that can leave an excellent first impression on your employer.</p>
<h3>Use Proper Grammar and Structure</h3>
<p>We have already mentioned the proper format for an engineering CV. The format doesn&rsquo;t have to be in chronological order, though it&rsquo;d be great if you could use a template to keep the order similar to the points listed above. Double-check the summary, objectives, educational background, and other details to ensure proper grammar and punctuation. Avoid pronouns (I, me, and we) and ensure you spell check your CV before sending to the employer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;It&rsquo;s essential to leave an excellent first impression on the recruiting team. You can only expect a call back when you manage to win the attention of the employer with your CV and job application. Remember that they probably have tons of CV&rsquo;s to check, and there&rsquo;s an excellent chance they will skim through your application if your engineering job CV looks too complex.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking for an Engineering job?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">Take a look at all of VHR&rsquo;s live jobs</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/career-advice-for-engineers-in-2021">Here are four ways engineers can improve their career prospects in 2021.</a></p>

How to Create The Perfect CV as an Engineering Student

<p>Stepping out of permanent employment and into the world of contracting can be a big change &ndash; It can often require learning a host of new skills to remain competitive and find success.</p>
<p>Are you a technical contractor looking to thrive in your next venture? This article will tell you how.&nbsp;</p>
<h1><strong><br>What is a Technical Contractor?&nbsp;</strong></h1>
<p>Technical contractors have the responsibility to bring the necessary experience and expertise to a company. They assist with the over management of a specific project, including both development and deployment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When working as a technical contractor, a typical role will consist of supporting a wider team. This means being a key figure in a project&rsquo;s planning, building formation through to completion.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>&nbsp;<strong>The Ability To Adapt To Change</strong></h3>
<p>If you aren&rsquo;t particularly fond of change, becoming a technical contractor may not be suitable for you.</p>
<p>As a technical contractor,&nbsp;no two days are the same. Therefore, you must be able to face change with confidence, adapting your skills to the environment you are in.</p>
<p>Being adaptable to change is one of the most important skills a technical contractor can have, helping you not only hit the ground running but grow your business successfully from the ground up.</p>
<h3><strong>Excellent People Skills</strong></h3>
<p>As a technical contractor, the person who needs to recommend your services to other people is you. The best technical contractors have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/improving-communication.html">excellent communication skills</a>&nbsp;and dedicate time to those important one-to-one conversations.</p>
<p>As the building contractors at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southernsheeting.co.uk/">Southern Sheeting</a>&nbsp;put it, excellent people skills are vital when trying to nail down repeat business. They state: &ldquo;Many customers come back to us time and time again and appreciate the one-to-one personal contact we offer through our work.&rdquo;</p>
<p>As such, having good people skills will help you go a long way. Leaving a lasting impression on people everywhere you go will help you to build a reputation. So, if you want to succeed as a technical contractor, learning how to engage effectively with different people in different environments is essential.</p>
<h3><strong>Solving Problems</strong></h3>
<p>As a technical contractor, your employers will expect you to find solutions to their problems &ndash; both quickly and efficiently.</p>
<p>Therefore, if you are a naturally solution-orientated person, contracting could be the perfect next step in your career journey. Solving problems quickly and to a high standard is a great skill to have, encouraging employers to hire your services again and again.</p>
<h3><strong>Take The Reins</strong>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Being a technical contractor takes initiative &ndash; after all, you are the one who is in control of your career progression. So, to remain competitive, you need to stay up to date with the developments, training courses, and certifications in your industry.</p>
<p>Having the right knowledge is just as important as having the expertise, particularly when it comes to your business succeeding over the coming years. Taking the reins in your business development will help ensure that you have always got new work lined up.</p>
<h3><strong>You Have To Be Organised</strong></h3>
<p>As a technical contractor, you can&rsquo;t leave all the admin tasks to someone else. Instead, you will be responsible for all the invoices, tax payments, payroll, and pensions.</p>
<p>For someone who is not as naturally organised, the behind-the-scenes elements of contracting can be something to get used to. So, it is important to be as organised as you can. It requires planning and, often, a little bit of overtime.</p>
<h3><strong>Cold Pitch With Confidence</strong></h3>
<p>Nobody likes to shout about how great they are but, to gain new business, you need to learn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freestyleaccounting.com/resources/contractor-articles-and-factsheets/contracting-advice/6-steps-to-marketing-yourself-as-a-contractor/">how to market yourself effectively</a>. Fortunately, there are many great ways to do this and a key one of them is cold pitching.</p>
<p>While it may take confidence and a bit of thick skin, cold pitching is a great way to reach out to companies or people you want to work for.</p>
<p>Take the time earlier on to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-write-a-great-cv">perfect your CV</a>&nbsp;and brush up on your interviewing skills. That way, you&rsquo;ll be able to succeed at cold pitching to your dream clients much sooner.</p>
<h3><strong>Do Not Be Shaken By Insecurity</strong></h3>
<p>While contractors have the freedom to set their own hours and take on projects they want to work on, the downside can be job uncertainty.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, in contracting, there are never any guarantees. Not all technical contractors have regular work they can rely on. It can be easy to be shaken by financial insecurity.</p>
<p>As a technical contractor, you will need to remain confident in times of uncertainty. When your monthly income fluctuates slightly, or you don&rsquo;t have another project lined up yet, you need to remain positive.</p>
<h3><strong>Final Thoughts&hellip;</strong></h3>
<p>We hope the above insights have given you some great tips to get started as a technical contractor.</p>
<p>By following the advice outlined in this article, you will likely nail down plenty of work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;However, during some of your quieter weeks, it is important to remember that a technical contractor shows their grit by staying confident and unshaken in difficult times &ndash; do this, and you&rsquo;ll reap the many&nbsp;<a href="https://medium.com/swlh/5-surprising-benefits-of-working-as-a-contractor-300196e3fc81">benefits of working as a contractor</a>&nbsp;in no time.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Looking for a new job?&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p>VHR&rsquo;s team of recruitment consultants is made up of former technical professionals, including Aerospace Engineers, Formula 2 drivers, and international yacht racing champions. Our personal experiences mean we understand your industry, your career path, and the best ways to navigate the challenges and opportunities you will encounter in the coming year &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/candidate-area/">get in touch with us</a>&nbsp;to find out how we could help you.</p>
<p>Browse and apply for all&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">our technical job opportunities around the world</a>.</p>

The Skills Needed To Work As A Technical Contractor

<p>By being prepared and considering a few important topics, you can make the process a lot smoother, feeling more confident about your decision. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Join us and discover some of the key questions to consider before deciding to change your trade.&nbsp;</p>
<h1><strong><span data-contrast="none">Retraining not retiring!&nbsp;</span></strong></h1>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="none">Retraining not retiring</span></strong></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">When it comes to changing jobs, it can be easy to convince yourself you&rsquo;re too old to take on fresh responsibilities, apply your existing skills to new roles and potentially learn new skills you had never considered before. This isn&rsquo;t true.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">While the majority of trade skill workers start their career path</span><a href="https://www.skillstg.co.uk/blog/learn-a-trade-uk/"><span data-contrast="none"> between the ages of 16 and 24</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, times have changed, and we are now seeing more and more workers switching their trades later on in life.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">This is great news for those who are older and looking for a fresh start but, while it may be tempting to throw in the towel right away, don&rsquo;t forget to think about the physical demands of the trade you&rsquo;re interested in. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="none">Is Now&nbsp;</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="none">The</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;Right Time?</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">We are all guilty of saying &lsquo;it&rsquo;s not the right time&rsquo; when putting off something we don&rsquo;t want to do.&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">But,</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;it&rsquo;s a crucial question to ask yourself when considering changing careers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">For example, getting married is classed as one of the most stressful things a person can experience, so </span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career"><span data-contrast="none">changing careers</span></a><span data-contrast="none">  while preparing to become a newlywed might put unnecessary pressure on your shoulders. This logic will also apply to other life-changing upheavals like bereavement, divorce, or a house move.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">As such, you need to look at your life objectively and decide whether you have a good enough foundation to handle a career change. If you have another major life event occurring, it might be wise to let things settle down before making the jump.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Why Do I Want&nbsp;</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="auto">To</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;Change Trade?</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=413&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png" sizes="(max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=207&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 207w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=413&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 413w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=620&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 620w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=826&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 826w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=1033&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 1033w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png?width=1239&amp;name=Picture%202%20guest%20blog.png 1239w" alt="Picture 2 guest blog" width="413" loading="lazy"></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">As with most situations in life, knowing your motivations for doing something can be&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">useful. This is particularly true when thinking about&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">changing fields.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Finding your &lsquo;why&rsquo; is not only</span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/10/30/know-your-why-4-questions-to-tap-the-power-of-purpose/?sh=1c9ea8af73ad"><span data-contrast="none"> a great way to find&nbsp;</span></a><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2013/10/30/know-your-why-4-questions-to-tap-the-power-of-purpose/?sh=1c9ea8af73ad"><span data-contrast="none">purpose and fulfilment</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, but it can also make you examine things from a new perspective and identify the crux of an issue.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Discovering your &lsquo;why&rsquo; will make sure you are changing trades for the right reasons and decrease your chances of feeling regret after you have.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="none">What Are My Financial Expectations?</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">There&rsquo;s no avoiding it, it&rsquo;s vital to consider the financial implications of switching careers, looking at how much you want to earn and what </span><a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Country=United_Kingdom/Salary"><span data-contrast="none">the average salary ranges</span></a><span data-contrast="none">  are for the field you want to go into. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">However, your ideal salary expectations are not the only element of your compensation to examine. Would you receive greater flexibility in your role despite having a smaller salary? Or would you need to commit to working longer hours to progress in the field?</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">You need to weigh up what&rsquo;s most important to you but being clear about your financial situation is integral to finding the right choice for you.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="none">What Should I Do Before Leaving My Current Role?</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">It&rsquo;s always nerve-wracking handing in your notice but there are a few things you can do to make the </span><a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/job-resignation-tips-2063013"><span data-contrast="none">transition to a new role</span></a><span data-contrast="none">  a whole lot smoother.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Updating your CV, getting references from your old supervisors, and having a portfolio or examples of your work &ndash; where possible &ndash; will make the job hunt easier for you.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">However, it&rsquo;s equally important to have a plan. While the basics described above are great, doing your research into the new field you want to go into is what will best prepare you for changing careers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Also, look at whether you&rsquo;ll need to take any courses or qualifications to operate in your new field, speak to people already working in the industry and investigate job availability. That way, you&rsquo;ll have a much clearer picture of what to expect before you decide to take the leap.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="none">Final Thoughts&hellip;</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">If you&rsquo;re thinking about changing careers, it doesn&rsquo;t have to feel overwhelming. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">By taking the time to ask yourself what your motivations are, being clear on the practical aspects involved, and ensuring that now is the right time, you&rsquo;ll be able to make the jump to a new career with ease.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong><span data-contrast="none">Switching Up Your Engineering Career</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Looking for Your Next Engineering Job? Browse and apply for all VHR's &nbsp;</span><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs"><span data-contrast="none">technical job opportunities around the world</span></a><span data-contrast="none">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}">&nbsp;</span></p>

The Key Questions To Ask Before Changing Your Career

<p>The coronavirus pandemic has seen multimillions of individuals across the globe lose jobs or work contracts, placed on furlough or suffer financial or personal losses. 2020 became the year for workers around the world to re-evaluate not only their careers, but also their lifestyles and personal goals.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hrgrapevine.com/content/article/2020-07-29-this-many-millions-of-staff-hate-their-jobs?utm_source=template-pardot-2006&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=hr-29-07-20&amp;utm_content=news&amp;utm_term=Engagement+cliff+edge">Half of all employees</a>&nbsp;state they are intending to look for a new job after the effects of COVID-19 have stabilised, and many more are seeking a more permanent change. Better work/life balance, travel opportunities, climate and desire for more culture are some of the most popular reasons behind the drive to find a new career overseas.</p>
<p>Here are seven great reasons to move to Denmark.</p>
<h3><strong>7 Reasons Expats Love Working in Denmark</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1. Work/Life Balance</strong></h3>
<p>Denmark&nbsp;<a href="http://medicolink.com/living-and-working-in-denmark/">tops the list</a>&nbsp;of best countries for good work/life balance. The OECD index covers over 200 countries across six continents and records real-life data from real people living in these regions, rather than just government figures, to present a full picture of what it&rsquo;s really like to live in different countries around the world.</p>
<p>Denmark achieves the highest overall score across the following areas:</p>
<ul>
<li>Job vacancies and job prospects</li>
<li>Average income</li>
<li>Housing</li>
<li>Health, wellbeing and safety</li>
<li>Access to services such as healthcare and quality of services</li>
<li>Environment</li>
<li>Education</li>
<li>Civic engagement and governance</li>
<li>Community</li>
<li>Overall life satisfaction.</li>
</ul>
<p>Danish employers value efficiency and output more than hours worked:&nbsp;<a href="https://denmark.dk/society-and-business/work-life-balance#:~:text=In%20an%20international%20context%2C%20Denmark,balance%2C%20according%20to%20the%20OECD.&amp;text=In%20Denmark%2C%20full%2Dtime%20workers,the%20OECD%20average%20of%2062%20%25.">just 2%</a>&nbsp;of employees work very long hours compared to the OECD global average of 11%. Full-time workers devote 66% of their day to personal care and leisure, above the OECD average of 62%, meaning that expats and migrant workers will enjoy a better work/life balance than in their home countries.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Culture</strong></h3>
<p>According to various&nbsp;<a href="https://investindk.com/our-services/living-and-working">international studies</a>, Danes are some of happiest people on the Earth. Danes value culture, leisure activities and family life above work, and socialising is core to everyday life. Highly educated and well informed, Danes are informal, friendly and welcoming, and have a relaxed attitude to most areas of life.</p>
<p>The country has a rich and artistic heritage, which has helped to develop its extensive cultural offering. Residents and visitors can enjoy many national parks, lakes and sand dunes, a plethora of museums and art collections, some of Europe&rsquo;s largest festivals, LEGO amusement parks at the home of Legoland, and sites of intriguing history such as castles and royal palaces. Scandinavian architecture aims to make every inside and outside area as efficient and enjoyable as possible, to maximise the wellbeing of all those inhabiting each space.</p>
<p>Famed for their pastries, Danish food incorporates many traditional and modern flavours. Danish restaurants hold a total of&nbsp;<a href="https://adventurousmiriam.com/traditional-danish-food/">35 Michelin stars</a>, more than in any other Nordic country. Street food and fresh seafood are in plentiful supply, Sm&oslash;rrebr&oslash;d open-faced sandwiches are topped with meats and cheeses, and apple cake, buttermilk soup or Risalamande almond rice pudding round off any good meal. Although historically focused on a diet heavy in meat and fish, Danes are increasingly turning to vegetarian and vegan options, presenting a wealth of dishes to expats from around the world.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Economy</strong></h3>
<p>Despite working fewer hours than other countries, staff at Danish companies are some of the world&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://denmark.dk/society-and-business/work-life-balance#:~:text=In%20an%20international%20context%2C%20Denmark,balance%2C%20according%20to%20the%20OECD.&amp;text=In%20Denmark%2C%20full%2Dtime%20workers,the%20OECD%20average%20of%2062%20%25.">most productive workers</a>. Employees in the country are the second-most productive workers in Europe, and more productive than workers in the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia (with the USA and Japan topping the list of the world&rsquo;s highest number of working hours).</p>
<p>Productivity per individual means a successful Danish economy. Comprising mainly of service industries, trade and manufacturing, the country&rsquo;s per capita gross national product is among the highest in the world.</p>
<h3><strong>Travel</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>A Northern European location ensures expats are close to a wide variety of European travel options. Travellers can reach the airport in 20 minutes from the centre of capital city Copenhagen, and fly to the following countries within one to two hours:</p>
<ul>
<li>Norway &ndash; Discover vast mountain ranges, fjords and green spaces peppered with Viking history, and enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and skiing</li>
<li>Sweden &ndash; Explore thousands of coastal islands, lush forests, royal palaces and museums</li>
<li>Germany &ndash; Enjoy North Sea beaches before jumping into the unique art and nightlife of capital Berlin</li>
<li>Netherlands &ndash; Cycle around capital Amsterdam and marvel at the region&rsquo;s canals, tulip fields and world-famous Golden Age art.</li>
</ul>
<p>In under 3 hours, flights can also take travel enthusiasts to other popular European destinations such as Belgium, France and the UK.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Employment Opportunities and Support</strong></h3>
<p>The country&rsquo;s already low unemployment rate has steadily reduced every year for the past eight years. With many global companies having established local offices, there are a wide variety of jobs in Denmark across industries and sectors. Employees benefit from high autonomy and equal involvement in decision-making with a collaborative work ethos, creating high levels of job satisfaction.</p>
<p>The country&rsquo;s unique labour market model,&nbsp;<a href="https://denmark.dk/society-and-business/the-danish-labour-market">Flexicurity</a>, balances the needs of employers whilst simultaneously safeguarding the welfare of employees.</p>
<p>The model has three core elements:</p>
<ol>
<li>Employers can hire and fire individuals whenever they wish, without excessive costs or litigation time for dismissal.</li>
<li>Unemployment insurance is available to all under union membership: members can receive 90% of their salary for two years after being made redundant or becoming unemployed.</li>
<li>The Government runs education and retraining programs and provides counselling services to help unemployed people get back into work as quickly as possible.</li>
</ol>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="http://medicolink.com/living-and-working-in-denmark/">Scandinavian welfare model</a>&nbsp;(also practiced by Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) provides a wide range of benefits to help those who need it most, as and when they need it. Healthcare and education are free and available to all, shared parental leave is generous, paid sick leave protects workers when ill, and those with long-term illnesses or disabilities receive additional financial support.</p>
<h3><strong>6. Environment</strong></h3>
<p>Denmark&rsquo;s small size means residents are never more than 50km from the sea. Commuting is much easier and environmentally friendly thanks to cycle routes and sustainable transport, and close proximity between suburbs, towns and cities. With over 7000 kilometres of coastline, beach holidays are integral to life in the country, and forests and plenty of green spaces keep society and its environment healthy.</p>
<p>The country is also the&nbsp;<a href="http://medicolink.com/living-and-working-in-denmark/">warmest in its region</a>. The proximity of the Gulf Stream brings warm currents and temperatures in the summer time.</p>
<h3><strong>7. Quality of Life</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The now&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biggalyoga.com/5-scandinavian-life-philosophies-that-can-make-you-happier/#:~:text=The%205%20Scandinavian%20Life%20Philosophies%20to%20make%20you%20happy.&amp;text=The%20concept%20of%20hygge%20is,what%20is%20important%20to%20you.">world-famous concept</a>&nbsp;of &lsquo;Hygge&rsquo; prioritises the comfort of the soul. The Danish life philosophy teaches a positive view of life, aiming to keep individuals in harmony with their environments and live happily amongst others. The pace of life is slower, freeing individuals from stress and enabling everyone to enjoy the most important things in life.</p>
<p>The country&rsquo;s ethos has resulted in a very low crime rate and some of the world&rsquo;s best standards of living.</p>
<p>Cities and towns have excellent public transport such as buses, trains and the metro system, and bicycle lanes are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.expatolife.com/reasons-to-live-in-denmark/">provided everywhere</a>, making every journey as safe, healthy and enjoyable as possible.</p>
<p>Danes are legally entitled to five week&rsquo;s holiday pay plus 10 bank holidays, flexible working is increasingly enabled by employers, and most employees work their allotted hours or slightly less to maximise family time.</p>
<p>The Scandinavian law of Jante (<a href="https://www.lifeinnorway.net/what-exactly-is-janteloven/">Janteloven</a>) creates a collaborative ethos amongst all residents. The aim is to place society ahead of the individual in importance, refrain from jealousy or negative feelings towards others, and be open to learning and improving. Danes are very committed to volunteering, value nature and the wellbeing of others, and always offer help when needed, making for a liberal, cohesive society.</p>
<h3><strong>Make Your Next Career Move</strong></h3>
<p>Looking for your next job? Here are&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-easy-ways-to-stand-out-from-other-job-applicants">7 Easy Ways to Stand Out from Other Job Applicants</a>.</p>
<p>Choose from all&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">VHR&rsquo;s current technical and Engineering jobs</a>.</p>

7 Reasons to Work in Denmark

<p>The Covid-19 pandemic has seen many workers around the world re-evaluate their careers and lives.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.hrgrapevine.com/content/article/2020-07-29-this-many-millions-of-staff-hate-their-jobs?utm_source=template-pardot-2006&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=hr-29-07-20&amp;utm_content=news&amp;utm_term=Engagement+cliff+edge">50% of employees</a>&nbsp;are planning to look for a new job after COVID-19, and many more are also looking to make a much bigger change. Greater work/life balance, travel opportunities, weather and climate, and desire for more culture are some of the most popular reasons behind the drive to seek employment overseas.</p>
<p>Here are five reasons to make the leap and move to work in Belgium.</p>
<h3><strong>5 Reasons to Move to Belgium</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1. Workplace Happiness</strong></h3>
<p>The European country holds the number one spot on the&nbsp;<a href="https://globesearch.dk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Global-Workforce-Happiness-Index-2015.pdf">Global Workplace Happiness Index 2020</a>. The Index measures not only how happy employees are with their jobs, but also their confidence in the local economy and their chances of finding their next job, as well as their satisfaction in their day-to-day jobs and career prospects in the next few years. Worker happiness is also an indicator of business success, with happy employees more likely to work in thriving economies and innovative, growing organisations in countries that collaborate and support businesses.</p>
<p>Belgium&rsquo;s success on the list is attributable to tis excellent approach to employee engagement, with Belgian companies treating their employees as individuals and tailoring their support and career development plans to employee wants and needs. Belgian companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.expatica.com/be/working/employment-basics/belgium-tops-list-of-best-countries-to-work-in-1563510/">prioritise talent acquisition</a>&nbsp;and retention, and set new European standards for staff benefits, salaries and work/life balance.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Travel Opportunities</strong></h3>
<p>Following the ending of global lockdowns that have lasted several months, travelling the world is even more precious to many. Living in proximity to luxurious and enjoyable holiday destinations will be a key feature on the list for future expats and migrant workers for years to come.</p>
<p>Due to its central European location, Belgium is ideally situated for fast and efficient travel to many sought-after locations including:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>France &ndash; Renowned for its wines and world-famous cuisine, as well as being the home to a wealth of culture and fashion, France boasts plenty for any visitor to enjoy</li>
<li>Netherlands &ndash; The region&rsquo;s picturesque canals, classical art and creative capital Amsterdam enthral travellers of all ages and backgrounds</li>
<li>Germany &ndash; Holidaymakers can enjoy a vast range of experiences across this diverse country, from hiking through forests and mountain ranges to swimming in its North Sea beaches, and partying in the country&rsquo;s famous nightlife and social events such as Oktoberfest</li>
<li>Switzerland &ndash; Reachable through the country&rsquo;s beautiful mountain borders, Switzerland contains a plethora of medieval architecture, notable landmarks and snowy landscapes perfect for aspiring skiers</li>
<li>Spain &ndash; The country&rsquo;s fascinating history is beaten only by its beautiful sandy beaches and glorious weather, and is only a 1-2 hour plane journey away.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>3. Culture</strong></h3>
<p>With its capital Brussels the major hub of the European Union, the country is a major centre for international politics and an excellent place to meet new people of all different nationalities and backgrounds. Belgians themselves speak three languages: English, Dutch (Flemish) and French (mostly Brussels and Walloon people).</p>
<p>Belgium&rsquo;s place in history is unparalleled, and the country is home to a richness of cultural and historical experiences. The centre of many&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Belgium#:~:text=Belgian%20culture%20involves%20both%20the,mostly%20Brussels%20and%20Walloon%20people).">European artistic movements</a>, the region offers creative individuals the chance to enjoy paintings and architecture from the Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau periods. Literature, cinema, music, museums and theatre are popular parts of daily life and leisure activities. The country is famous for its comfort food-focused and hearty gastronomy including chocolate, waffles, fries and beer.</p>
<p>The region is amongst the most tolerant and accepting nations in the world. Under EU legislation, part-time and temporary workers benefit from the same legal protection as their full-time employed contemporaries, and home and remote workers are also legally protected. Belgium&rsquo;s working population are legally protected, supported and awarded opportunities regardless of background or demographic, and equal treatment in personal and professional life is ensured across sex and gender, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Gender, LGBT and minority rights are seen as some of the globe&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://eige.europa.eu/publications/gender-equality-index-2019-belgium">most progressive</a>&nbsp;and welcoming.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4. Economy &amp; Jobs Market</strong></h3>
<p>Belgium&rsquo;s location again supports its growing economy, which is driven by a highly diversified economic base of both industrial manufacturing and services markets. The Financial Services and Tech sectors are particularly successful and fast-growing. The country has a large expat community, with European Union (EU) nationals particularly welcomed into a range of industries and specialisms. The country&rsquo;s geographic location also makes it in ideal expansion opportunity for many global businesses, with major players in industries across the world hosting offices, worksites and hubs in Belgium.</p>
<p>The country&rsquo;s low unemployment rate means that many organisations are suffering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/working-abroad/work-in-belgium">skills shortages</a>, which is great news for those seeking employment. Belgian organisations are urgently looking for a variety of skills across Engineering, Technology, Education, Healthcare and Accountancy. Due to the region&rsquo;s status as a popular travel destination, tourism is also popular and brings the opportunity for seasonal and part-time jobs for those of any age, background and skill level, including in the Hospitality, Tourism and Transport areas.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Quality of Life</strong></h3>
<p>Those working in Belgium enjoy a much shorter week than many other nations at an average of 38 hours per week or 8 hours per day. The country&rsquo;s employees receive 10 public holidays away from work every year, and the often generous holiday allowances are worked out depending on the number of days an individual employee has worked in the previous year. The average summer holiday entitlement is&nbsp;<a href="https://businessculture.org/western-europe/business-culture-in-belgium/work-life-balance-in-belgium/">at least four weeks</a>, and most employees and self-employed workers enjoy an excellent work/life balance.</p>
<p>Business leaders in the region are increasingly aware and supportive of flexible working initiatives, with home and remote working on the rise. Excellent transport links across rail, road and river enables commuters to enjoy the best of both worlds by living in the countryside and benefiting from city bustle, socialising and salaries.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking for your next job? Here are&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-easy-ways-to-stand-out-from-other-job-applicants">7 Easy Ways to Stand Out from Other Job Applicants</a>.</p>
<p>Browse all VHR&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">current technical and Engineering jobs</a>.</p>

Reasons to Work in Belgium

<p>How do you decide which career is best for you?</p>
<p>From Apprenticeships to University degrees, to internships, volunteering and travelling abroad, there are more career choices for young people than ever before.</p>
<p>Whilst applying for your first job remains competitive &ndash; recruiters will see an average of around 200 applications for each job advertised &ndash; many industries are suffering from major skills shortages. Sectors that specialise in Engineering and technical areas are urgently looking for thousands of young people to help them deliver the exciting and innovative projects that will revitalise whole industries.</p>
<p>Here are four Engineering-related industries that offer interesting jobs working in design, technology, AI, marketing, manufacturing and more.</p>
<h3><strong>1. Marine &ndash; Saving our Oceans</strong></h3>
<p>Every year nearly 9million tonnes of plastic ends up in the sea &ndash; experts predict that in 25 years, there will be <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/marine-market-predictions-for-2020">more plastic</a>&nbsp;in the world&rsquo;s oceans than fish. Maritime and Marine sectors around the world are committing never-before-seen investment into research and development to reverse the environmental emergency.</p>
<p>The European Commission project CLAIM (Cleaning marine Litter by developing and Applying Innovative Methods) and the proposed American Blue New Deal are leading the fight to save our seas. During the next decades, engineers, technicians and scientists will be working together on projects including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Creating equipment that collects and safely breaks down microplastics to reduce the amount of plastic eaten and breathed by fish, birds and sea creatures</li>
<li>Designing and building boats and ships that use greener fuels to eliminate pollution</li>
<li>Harnessing wind energy and solar power</li>
<li>Reducing ocean acidification by preventing fossil fuels releasing carbon into the sea</li>
<li>Electric ships that reduce emissions from the Automotive industry by replacing 40,000 truck journeys every year</li>
<li>Smart ports that enable Marine specialists to share and analyse data and continually improve environmental standards.</li>
</ul>
<p>Marine careers are vital to protecting our oceans and saving the planet.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/tag/marine">Find out more about the Marine industry</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2. Formula One &ndash; Gaming, Social Media Interaction and Revolutionary Design</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Motorsport is perhaps the most exciting industry of all, with tech driving rapid developments across three areas of car racing.</p>
<h4><strong>Social Media in Motorsport</strong></h4>
<p>Formula 1 is at the forefront of using digital and social media in sport. Using the ability to connect with anyone, anywhere, and in real time, new fans around the world can access Motorsport for the first time.</p>
<p>Motor Racing fans can now enjoy:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Live Streaming</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Watching from your phone, tablet, computer or smart device</li>
<li><strong>Competitions</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Fans can predict winners of upcoming races</li>
<li><strong>Behind the Scenes Content</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Exclusive interviews with drivers and close-up video footage revealing how race officials make penalty decisions and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.watch-in-full-red-bulls-amazing-repair-job-on-verstappens-car-on-the-grid-in.6MMobiE63dfvc405zX6AcG.html">how pit teams repair cars</a>&nbsp;on the track at lightning speed</li>
<li><strong>Talking to Drivers</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Direct conversations with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redbull.com/int-en/formula-one-social-media-masters">champions</a>&nbsp;such as Lewis Hamilton and Kimi R&auml;ikk&ouml;nen mean fans can take part in driver Q&amp;As and get an insight into the real-life world of a Formula One racing driver</li>
<li><strong>Direct Influence on Race Outcomes</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Fans can vote for their favourite racer and give Formula E drivers a speed boost during the race</li>
<li><strong>Gaming&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; From Daily Fantasy and Grand Prix Fantasy Tournament, to playing as an F1 Manager and building your own team, F1 offers no fewer than 8 different ways to game.</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Gaming in Motorsport</strong></h4>
<p><a href="https://f1esports.com/information">Esports</a>&nbsp;is now in its 4<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;edition, with virtual racing skyrocketing in popularity and continually advancing in quality and interactivity. The Esports Series enables anyone in the world, of any age and background, to compete for the chance to become a F1 champion. The competition is open to anyone, whether professional gamer or complete amateur, who has a copy of the official F1 videogame on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network or Steam.</p>
<p>Those who qualify in early online races will be selected to attend the Pro Draft, where prospective racing drivers compete to be signed by an official F1 teams and race in the Pro Series Season. In addition to global fame, a place in the Motor Racing history books and an unforgettable experience, Esports champions will gain invaluable skills and knowledge working directly with Formula 1 teams.</p>
<h4><strong>Revolutionary Automotive Design</strong></h4>
<p>When it comes to revolutionary car design, electric cars are only the beginning. The recent Concorde Agreement will require unprecedented changes to Formula One in 2021: the F&eacute;d&eacute;ration Internationale de l&rsquo;Automobile (FIA) and F1 governing body have announced a $175million budget cap. Current racing team budgets range from $120million to $500million, meaning a significant change to design, engineering and championship results.</p>
<p>Engineers and technicians will be forced to think even further outside the box for innovation, with Virtual Reality (VR) a likely solutions. VR would enable unlimited new vehicle designs and upgrades in an entirely virtual space, where teams could create and test different car models, weather conditions, tyres and situations before making a single prototype.</p>
<p>The rule changes will likely encourage competition: race results will no longer be dominated by famous names and those with the most money, and reigning will champions face tough competition from smaller and newer contenders.</p>
<p>Formula One isn&rsquo;t only enjoyable for fans &ndash; the sport also provides a fast-paced, exciting career filled with international travel, up-close interaction with pit crews, cars and drivers and new experiences every day.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/motorsport-careers-myth-vs-fact">Find out what it&rsquo;s really like to work in Formula 1</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Aviation &ndash; Diversification and Innovation After Covid-19</strong></h4>
<p>The Aerospace and Aviation industry has suffered more than most during the effects of Covid-19. The pandemic saw&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-airlines-are-getting-back-to-business-after-covid-19">over half the world&rsquo;s airplanes</a>&nbsp;grounded, unable to fly for months, airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair experienced huge financial losses, and carriers like Flybe went into administration. However, with global lockdown restrictions lifting and many other industries around the world keen to get their staff travelling for business once again, Aviation is stepping up to regain success &ndash; with new restrictions, challenges and opportunities.</p>
<p>Social distancing, hygiene regulations and millions of nervous travellers are requiring rapid innovation from all those working across Aviation. Simultaneously, advancements in technology are enabling the industry&rsquo;s engineers and technicians to be more creative than ever before.</p>
<p>Aviation careers are already involving:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Airport Redesign and Architecture Programmes &ndash;&nbsp;</strong>Rebuilding airports, hangars and large indoor and outdoor environments to allow for social distancing measures, as well as improving the experiences of customers and employees. Airports are beginning to revamp lounges, retail areas, arrival and departure locations and bars and restaurants, incorporating the natural environment and the latest technology to make the onboarding and disembarking process as enjoyable and efficient as possible.</li>
<li><strong>Diversification</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Ambitious creation of new products and services to drive business growth and protect company success during times of crisis, such as aircraft maintenance companies&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-airlines-are-getting-back-to-business-after-covid-19">building decontamination guns</a>&nbsp;to clean planes and airlines expanding into other transport sectors.</li>
<li><strong>Safety&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; Whilst 2017 was the safest ever year recorded for the sector, with no crashes around the world, the coronavirus pandemic has combined with increasing flight demand and threats of terrorism to renew the importance of industry safety. Facial recognition software is being designed to screen passengers before and after travel, machine learning will help analyse passenger behaviour to predict customer trends and fully autonomous planes are in development to eliminate human error from the risks of flight crashes.</li>
<li><strong>Digitalising the Travel Experience</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Facilitating social distancing, whilst improving efficiency and shortening waiting times, includes a wealth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies. Airlines are digitising as much of the pre-flight and post-flight journeys as possible by allowing passengers to pre-book specific check-in and security timeslots, moving communication to apps and digital channels, and providing virtual assistants to help personalise the experience for each passenger.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Aviation sector has one of the most pressing skills shortages of all UK industries. Those with an interest in marketing, design or AI will find an especially exciting career path waiting for them.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-reasons-to-work-in-aerospace-aviation">Find out more about working in the Aviation industry.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>4. Engineering &ndash; Artificial Intelligence</strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Engineering industry will become unrecognisable in the next five years, with AI being increasingly utilised to solve problems and challenges around cyber security, globalisation, consumer shopping habits, ethics and moral attitudes and the climate crisis.</p>
<p>Those interested in a career in AI can expect to work on initiatives such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Communication &ndash;&nbsp;</strong>Helping people around the world communicate with each other online and in person instantly using language tools. Scientists are also seeking to use machine learning and predictive technology to derive insights from animals and plants that can effectively form a method of communication and drive improvements to our interactions with the natural world.</li>
<li><strong>Medicine &ndash;&nbsp;</strong>Surgeons, doctors and nurses are increasingly supported by artificial technology. Engineers are building equipment that can identify physical and mental illnesses many years in advance of any symptoms, designing robots that can perform surgeries without human involvement, and even altering DNA to prevent parents passing on genetic diseases to their children.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainable Energy</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Replacing existing fossil fuels with more environmentally-friendly options such as wind, solar and water power, and scaling these up rapidly to fuel entire cities and countries in the next few years. Predictive weather technology can utilise insights from these smart energy providers to anticipate weather changes such as hurricanes and floods and warn local communities well in advance, or even attempt to alter the effects of the forthcoming weather.</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous Transport</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Transforming the Automotive sector by building cars that are fully electric and fully autonomous, without the need for a driver, that can safely transport people, animals and materials around the world. Engineers are also developing this technology to create fully autonomous planes, trains, boats, helicopters and one-person vehicles such as bicycles.</li>
</ul>
<p>Unsure which industry would suit you?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/career-personality-quiz-which-career-fits-you">Take our Career Personality Test to find out</a>.</p>

4 Most Exciting Careers for Young People

<p>The current coronavirus pandemic has seen millions of workers around the world concerned for their safety. Some permanent employees and contractors have lacked sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), others have been restricted to certain locations or with limited access to tools and support, and many are uncertain about Health &amp; Safety policies and their legal working rights.</p>
<p>With Covid-19 affecting the business world, and instances of modern slavery on the rise, workers will need more information and support than ever before. Here are five things you can use to ensure you are safe and legally protected, wherever you are in the world.</p>
<h2><strong>5 Ways to Protect Yourself When Working in Another Country</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>1. Research the Country Before You Get There</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Law and moral standards can vary significantly across countries and continents.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-living-working-saudi-arabia">Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s legal system</a>&nbsp;is considered to be much stricter than much of the rest of the world, with gender segregation and lesser rights for women, and capital punishment a common practice for a number of crimes. Over a dozen countries operate a complete ban on alcohol consumption and most geographical areas of the globe have zero-tolerance on drugs. Healthcare may even be more difficult to access in some regions without country-specific insurance or paying large fees.</p>
<p>Local culture is integral to forming business and personal relationships when working away from home. Some regions are conservative and prioritise family time over individual socialising or working extra hours, many societies around the world are religious and require certain practices and celebrations in the calendar to be respected by residents and visitors alike. More liberal democracies will provide greater rights for LGBT individuals, those with minority religions and those with disabilities. Customs such as handshakes or eye contact can be vital to interpersonal communication, so do your research to remove the possibility of offending a colleague or missing a potential opportunity.</p>
<p>Try to get a feel for your new home country before moving there to identify what daily life will look like. What are the transport systems like &ndash; how will you get to work? What is the cost of living, and how and where will you eat, exercise and access entertainment and leisure? Think about how you will build your personal life as well as your career: will you need to learn the local language, or will you be able to get by with basic conversation? Dubai has a large international community &ndash; over 80% of residents are expats or migrant workers &ndash; and Taiwan, Vietnam and Portugal rank as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.internations.org/expat-insider/2019/best-and-worst-places-for-expats-39829">the best countries</a>&nbsp;for expats to work in 2019. Other countries with smaller international workforces may be unfamiliar with foreign nationals, and communication styles and customs may differ.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia,%20Brazil.jpeg?width=1000&amp;name=Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia,%20Brazil.jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg?width=500&amp;name=Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg 500w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg?width=1000&amp;name=Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg 1000w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg?width=1500&amp;name=Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg 1500w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg?width=2000&amp;name=Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg 2000w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg?width=2500&amp;name=Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg 2500w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg?width=3000&amp;name=Aerial%20view%20of%20Salvador%20City%20in%20Bahia%2C%20Brazil.jpeg 3000w" alt="How to stay safe when working abroad" width="1000"></p>
<p>Local weather will be surprisingly important to your new contract or permanent position. The UAE has average temperatures of 40&deg;C (100&deg;F) in the month of August and UV levels are much higher than most other areas of the world. Regions such as Scandinavia and Russia usually see temperatures drop several or even dozens or degrees below 0&deg;C, and tropical hurricanes, tornados and high-impact storms are common during certain times of the year. Travelling to a new country can mean the weather is completely different to your usual climate and might require purchasing or renting appropriate clothing and medical supplies, as well as changes to your routine to stay hydrated, guard against frostbite or protect yourself in the event of extreme weather.</p>
<p>Know a few useful phrases, look up emergency contact numbers such as police, fire brigade and ambulance services, and find out where the nearest hospitals and embassies are. Although this may sound like a lot of preparation, small details can often make the difference in life or death scenarios, especially in countries where you don&rsquo;t speak the language, are less familiar with local customs and legal processes, and will not necessarily have a close network of reliable individuals available to support you in person.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Know Your Rights</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>One of the best ways to protect yourself is to fully comply with local law. A confirmed job offer may not be enough to guarantee your right to work: some countries require sponsorship, &nbsp;a confirmed address, sponsorship, In countries such as the United States of America, your previous criminal record, regardless of convictions, time spent in prison or time passed since arrest, may impact your travel. Work with your staffing agency or employer to ensure you have the right legal documents, including passports, visa and work permits, and discuss with them anything that you think could impact upon both your ability to start your new job and receive legal protection.</p>
<p>Before you travel, read up on the legal system of your new home country. Ensure you know your rights in terms of working practices and access to legal support. Many countries have requirements for basic office or worksite conditions, operate specific Health &amp; Safety laws and limit daily or weekly working hours to protect staff wellbeing. Simply being aware of your own legal rights will reduce the likelihood of your employer taking advantage of you or the possibility of finding yourself in a difficult situation.</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png?width=960&amp;name=Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png?width=480&amp;name=Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png 480w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png?width=960&amp;name=Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png 960w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png?width=1440&amp;name=Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png 1440w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png?width=1920&amp;name=Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png 1920w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png?width=2400&amp;name=Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png 2400w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png?width=2880&amp;name=Work%20in%20the%20UAE%20work%20in%20Dubai.png 2880w" alt="What you need to know when working overseas" width="960"></strong></p>
<h3><strong>3. Have an Emergency Contact</strong></h3>
<p>When working abroad, you are likely to leave behind your networks of friends and family, and will effectively be on your own in an unfamiliar country. Prepare one trusted person, be it a family member or close friend, who is prepared to step in and help you should you need. This person should be aware of the basic duties of your role, when and where you are travelling, the address of the locations where you will be living and working, and more than one way to keep in contact with you. This person will need to access copies of your contracts and communications with your employer and recruitment agency to evidence any unethical practices or misinformation.</p>
<p>You will also need to keep contact details of this person safely in your accommodation and try to memorise their phone number if you can. Also write down contact details for your local MP or political representative and your embassy to save valuable time if you or your emergency contact needs to get in touch with them.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Work with an Ethical Recruitment Company</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Modern slavery or forced labour is on the rise, especially in Africa and Asia.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/news/vhr-leading-fair-labour-alliance">Over 40million people</a>&nbsp;around the world are currently trapped under modern slavery conditions. Unethical practices are much more common and easier to hide than many people think: removing the passports of workers traps them in their current country and by extension their current employer, and withholding pay binds individuals, who cannot afford new accommodation and money for food without another job, to their employers.</p>
<p>The Dhaka Principles are a set of human rights-based guidelines that require employers to support migrant workers throughout overseas employment. Ethical staffing agencies will adhere to these principles and will be able to evidence exactly how they support and protect their candidates before, during and after the recruitment process.</p>
<p>An ethical recruitment company will:</p>
<ul>
<li>Provide you with the accurate details of working conditions including pay, working hours and duties of your job.</li>
<li>Never ask you for money. All recruitment fees should be covered by your employer company, who will pay the staffing agency. You should never need to pay for job applications, interviews or introductions to potential connections.</li>
<li>Provide you with a copy of your contract in both your home country and the new country you are working in; these contracts must match. The contracts should be in your first language so that you can fully understand and approve them.</li>
<li>Ensure that candidates keep their passports. Some employment agencies take workers&rsquo; passports away after interview and hold them as a way of securing payment, or businesses may take passports as a way of preventing workers from leaving their jobs. You should never be asked to give up your passport.</li>
<li>Provide you with high quality accommodation and the tools you need to do your job, and conduct inspections of your accommodation, worksite and your own individual wellbeing.</li>
<li>Communicate with you regularly and ensure you are aware of how to report any mistreatment, access any services and get in touch with them if you need.</li>
</ul>
<p>VHR are proud to be an ethical recruitment company who have helped over 12,000 candidates find new jobs in Europe and the Middle East for over 17 years.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">Take a look at all our available jobs</a>.</p>
<p>Have you lost your job due to Covid-19?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-tips-for-job-hunting-during-coronavirus">Here are 5 Tips for Job Hunting During Coronavirus</a>.</p>

How to Stay Safe When Working Abroad

<p>During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, many organisations not completing &lsquo;essential&rsquo; work have reduced trading volume by furloughing workers or allowing staff to work from home full-time.</p>
<p>Here are five ways that more flexibility and autonomy could change the professional world for the better, and five considerations business leaders must monitor to prevent negative impact.</p>
<h2><strong>5 Benefits of Remote Working</strong></h2>
<ol>
<li>
<h3><strong>Productivity</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Since the many lockdowns implemented across the world,&nbsp;<a href="https://landing.prism-digital.com/Remote-Working-Survey-Results/Prism%20Digital%20Remote%20Survey%20Results.pdf?utm_campaign=Remote/Home%20Working%20Survey%20Results&amp;utm_source=force24&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=textlink&amp;f24_pid=6d9f62bc-aef3-438a-9f9e-2d3e09f2ef5b">74% of those currently working report being more productive</a>&nbsp;than when they were working from the office. In contrast, 15% felt that they produced the same workload as normal, and only 11% were less productive. During the first two weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, employees in the UK and US were working 11-hour days on average.</p>
<p>In 2019, research reported that the productivity increase among remote workers is equivalent to an extra day per person per week. Staff members attribute the additional time to an increased ability to focus, start and end their days later due to a lack of commuting, and feeling less stressed and in need of relaxation at the end of the day. With more individuals than ever before now completing their tasks from their own houses and flats, employees across industries and levels of seniority have the chance to manage their own workloads and enable their productivity to skyrocket.</p>
<p>Creativity is also a benefit that drives efficiency and effectiveness. Fewer meetings and more opportunities for quiet thought and reflection provide the perfect environment for problem-solving and brainstorming. Creative ideas and new solutions to existing problems can motivate employees, enhance collaboration and improve product and service quality, that will ultimately lead to sustainable competitive advantage.</p>
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3><strong>Employee Job Satisfaction &amp; Engagement</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>This major shift in working patterns has, perhaps surprisingly, been welcomed by employees, who have found that newfound peace and quiet aids their concentration and improves both their efficiency and effectiveness. The enforced remote working project has been so successful that, when the strict regulations are lifted, the vast majority of professionals say they&rsquo;d like to work from home more often.</p>
<p>Since the many lockdowns implemented across the world, employees working remotely reported in&nbsp;<a href="https://landing.prism-digital.com/Remote-Working-Survey-Results/Prism%20Digital%20Remote%20Survey%20Results.pdf?utm_campaign=Remote/Home%20Working%20Survey%20Results&amp;utm_source=force24&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=textlink&amp;f24_pid=6d9f62bc-aef3-438a-9f9e-2d3e09f2ef5b">Prism&rsquo;s April 2020 survey</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>69% of those who answered the survey would like to work from home for more than half of their working hours</li>
<li>A staggering 31% &ndash; almost one in three respondents &ndash; want to work from home full-time following the pandemic.</li>
<li>Only 5% of people would rather not want to work from home for any part of the week</li>
</ul>
<p>Reasons behind popularity in working from home included savings on transport and commuting costs as well as the ability to cook nutritious lunches rather than snacking at the nearest available convenience store or takeaway, reducing shopping spend and making for healthier meals. Professionals also cited greater work/life balance, fewer distractions, more peace and quiet and more time to devote to personal life rather than commuting.</p>
<p>High employee engagement not only aids retention, productivity and quality of work, but also drives business growth. Employees who think of their employers as a great place to work are much more likely to make recommendations and referrals to others in their network, helping HR departments to recruit top talent and reduce recruitment costs.</p>
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3><strong>Diverse Talent Pools</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>In 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eu-startups.com/2020/04/discover-the-top-female-ceos-of-the-ftse-100-index-sponsored/">only 5% of FTSE</a>&nbsp;(Financial Times Stock Exchange) 100 CEOs and just 2% of FTSE 250 leaders are female. Gender diversity is low across many levels: the combined number of women in executive and senior positions reached only 28.6%. A significant reason behind gender inequality is the lack of options for mothers returning to work after having children. Remote working enables female employees to better balance careers with childcare and share parenting duties with partners, as well as supporting staff members who act as carers to their elderly, ill or disabled relatives, who are overwhelmingly female. Companies that offer flexible working options can establish an employer brand that attracts and retains skilled and experienced female employees at all levels of their careers.</p>
<p>Diverse organisations also perform better financially. Inclusive companies that recognise and support their own employees better at understanding and serving their customer base, and both employees and consumers are more loyal to inclusive businesses. A recent McKinsey report reveals that diverse companies are 70% more likely than their competitors to capture new markets, and &nbsp;financially outperform their competitors by 15%.</p>
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h3><strong>Mental &amp; Physical Wellbeing</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>The Harvard Business Review reports that 60% of people have&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-mental-health-impacts-employee-performance-retention">experienced symptoms of mental health issues</a>&nbsp;in the past year alone. Workers who are unhappy, stressed or anxious because of a mental illness will be demotivated at work, find it difficult to concentrate on complex tasks and will be less inclined to collaborate with colleagues.</p>
<p>Physical and mental illness are responsible for British firms&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-mental-health-impacts-employee-performance-retention">losing &pound;77 billion</a>&nbsp;through 15.4million working days lost every year. Flexible schedules including working from home can return hours of time previously used for commuting and instead enable employees to spend more time sleeping, exercising and being with friends and family, which are all proven mood-lifting activities. Presenteeism encourages workers to turn up to the office when ill and elongates both the illness and the recovery process; home working can dramatically reduce stress and ensure staff achieve a good work/life balance to support good health.</p>
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h3><strong>Significant Savings</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Home workers can free up space for a hotdesking initiative, enabling the business to grow its headcount and resources without additional rent fees. Fewer people in the office or at the worksite translates to lower cots for electricity, water and utilities, as well as smaller spend such as coffee, tea and social drinks, which soon add up.</p>
<p>Flexible and remote working options can also be offered as a benefit, rather than committing extra expenditure to more social events or employee discounts, and is just as effective at engaging and rewarding employees.</p>
<p>Even before the coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns struck,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/retain-employees-5-steps-increasing-employee-retention">employee turnover was at its highest in 10 years</a>. With the cost of replacing the average employee set at &pound;30,000, retention is a key way to reduce unnecessary costs and ensure your business has the skills and expertise to grow and succeed in the long-term.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>5 Drawbacks of Remote Working</strong></h2>
<ol>
<li>
<h3><strong>Cyber Security Issues</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>In February and March 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-manage-remote-technical-teams">cyber threats to businesses increased by 380%.</a>&nbsp;CEOs are understandably concerned about security risks posed by staff who are spread across multiple locations and networks. Many of the technologies and tools available are fairly new to the market and have not yet proven their robustness, and employees are using equipment and programmes for which they have not received comprehensive training.</p>
<p>Some hackers have been taking advantage of the lockdown situation by accessing links and documents that are not password-protected, secretly joining private digital meetings and sending emails posing as business leaders or managers and requesting financial or company details.</p>
<p>However, with the right policies and procedures, remote working can be just as safe and secure as office working. Ensure your staff are aware of scams and assure them that management will never ask for financial details over email, instruct your employees not to open attachments from email addresses they do not recognise, and train staff to identify and report suspicious activity immediately.</p>
<p>Work with your IT support teams to remotely install security software directly onto employee computers, including anti-virus protection. When setting up new software or communication tools, set strong, complex passwords and encourage individuals to memorise these rather than writing these down.</p>
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h3><strong>Changes to Communication</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>When teams and departments are physically separated, processes and projects can become confused amidst a lack of communication. Due to the fast-paced nature of many industries, out of sight can often mean out of mind &ndash; managers must ensure they and their teams stay visible by reporting regularly on progress and updating teams on activities and the success achieved.</p>
<p>Regular visibility of company progress against short-term and long-term goals encourages all staff, from interns to Board Directors, to feel proud of their contribution and part of a greater purpose. Executives need to make additional allowances for employees who are out of the office, by enabling staff to join company update meetings via video link and ensuring all staff can access virtual meeting rooms and project management tools.</p>
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h3><strong>Less Transparency</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Without the ability to see every movement of direct reports at their usual desks, managers and leaders may be tempted to micro-manage to keep on top of projects. However, this will have the opposite effect: employees who do not feel trusted will experience more stress and less job satisfaction, will not feel empowered to make necessary decisions or pursue creative ideas, and will be less efficient and produce work of poorer quality.</p>
<p>Instead of being tempted to install activity tracking devices on staff software &ndash; which risks demotivating and alienating workers &ndash; use the change in working practices to empower your employees with more trust and autonomy, and manage performance through output rather than hours worked. Involve employees in determining processes of reporting and communication, such as project management tools and online teamwork software, to ensure they are fully on board and understand requirements. Establish a routine that allows for communication as regularly as is necessary, and leave workers to reach maximum productivity outside established meeting hours.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h3><strong>Not Suitable for all Roles</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Industries such as Motorsport and Marine require engineers and technicians to work onsite building and maintaining vehicles and boats alongside other skilled individuals. Remote working is also not possible for those who work with vulnerable people and animals, those who work in agriculture or environmental protection. Individuals with jobs involving a high percentage of training, coaching and supporting others may find face-to-face training more effective at engaging groups and achieving results.</p>
<p>If working arrangement vary greatly between staff members, communication could slip between these groups, leading those at home feeling siloed and excluded from decisions and projects. Resentment can easily build between employees who perceive others to have a superior working experience or as enjoying a benefit that they cannot access &ndash; managers can regularly promote the contributions of remote workers and the impact of their efforts on team and company performance.</p>
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h3><strong>Professional Relationships Could Suffer</strong></h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Office banter and friendships are a normal part of professional life, and can continue over digital communications, however morale is much harder to maintain long-distance. A positive work atmosphere is the second most popular employer quality favoured by potential jobseekers &ndash; 45% say that&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/top-5-workplace-trends-2020">a positive culture</a>, collaboration with teams, transparent processes and a comfortable office or worksite would make them more interested in applying for a job and more likely to remain with that employer. Businesses with poor internal culture could see remote employees become further detached from colleagues and company goals.</p>
<p>HR teams can easily adapt internal communications to facilitate employees across locations by providing regular email communications and digital invitations to meetings and social events. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-manage-remote-technical-teams">6 Steps to Managing Remote Teams</a>&nbsp;or find out&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-will-coronavirus-affect-the-aerospace-automotive-and-engineering-industries">The Long-Term Impacts of Covid-19 on Global Business</a>.</p>
<p>Looking for urgent recruitment services?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/about-us/">Get in touch with our technical recruitment experts</a>.</p>

Is Remote Working the Future? 10 Benefits & Drawbacks

<p>Looking to live and work in a Scandinavian country? Norway offers a unique beauty full of outstanding landscapes, from arctic islands and northern lights to hilly mountains.</p>
<p>Here are our top five reasons why you should work in Norway.</p>
<h3>1.&nbsp;History</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Vikings Area&nbsp;&ndash; Norwegian society has been shaped by a fascinating history mainly led by the famous Vikings - a group of impressive Scandinavians who travelled great distances, mostly by sea and rivers, to settle in Ireland, Greenland and France. They left a significant footprint in Europe through trade and expansion.</li>
<li>Unions and Independence&nbsp;&ndash; The Kingdom of Denmark-Norway lasted for more than 270 years with Copenhagen as capital. After a little less than a century of an uneasy union with Sweden, the Norwegian parliament declared independence in 1905.</li>
<li>Wars&nbsp;&ndash; The Nordic land declared itself neutral in both the First and the Second World Wars and showed an active national resistance after Germany invaded the country in 1940.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2.&nbsp;Good Living Standards</h3>
<p>The United Nations listed Norway as the best country to live around the world. Although the country has one of the higher costs of living globally, it benefits from a healthy work-life balance that allows the population to spend time with their loved ones as well as practice activities or relax.</p>
<ul>
<li>Family-friendly&nbsp;&ndash; Norway offers an excellent parental leave system where mothers can take 35 weeks fully paid or 45 weeks paid at 80%. Families benefit from a right to day-care that will ensure they always find a place for their children. Employers are also very flexible and understanding with their employees.</li>
<li>Accommodation&nbsp;&ndash; Expats are often surprised at the extremely high amount of the deposit on a rental property, since this is typically worth three to six months&rsquo; rent. Rent can range from 8 260.50 krone (724.63 euros) for a single-room apartment outside the city centre to 17 252.28 krone (1513.42 euros) for a three rooms apartment in the city centre.</li>
<li>Transport&nbsp;&ndash; Norway is a strong leader in the transition to electric vehicles by making gas and oil far more expensive than in other countries. However, Norway has an efficient public transport system including buses, trains and ferries coordinated with each other.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;Beautiful Sights</h3>
<ul>
<li>Oslo&nbsp;&ndash; The capital of the country, Oslo is a vibrant and trendy metropolis where visitors and residents can find anything from night to jazz clubs as well as shopping centres. The green city has the advantage of being surrounded by forested hills, which allow outdoor activities lovers to spend time fishing, hiking or biking.</li>
<li>Bergen&nbsp;&ndash; The Fjord capital is the perfect place to wander around the narrow picturesque alleys and discover the colourful wooden buildings. Located in the middle of 7 mountains, the highest (Ulriken) offers a jaw-dropping panoramic view on the sea, mountains, islands, and fjords.</li>
<li>Troms&oslash;&nbsp;- Norway is often referred to as &ldquo;Land of the Midnight Sun&rdquo;, and this alias takes on its full meaning in Troms&oslash;. People of the city take advantage of these days and nights light to enjoy the outdoor life and practice hiking, biking and fishing, and also spend time in one of numerous bars with friends. In the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, the region offers a high probability of seeing this beautiful natural phenomenon.</li>
<li>The Svalbard Islands&nbsp;&ndash; Midway between Norway and the North Pole, this eerie island is a sanctuary of wildlife where the average temperature can reach -14&deg;C in winter and don&rsquo;t overpass 6&deg;C in summer. A perfect place for the local polar bears.</li>
<li>Pulpit Rock&nbsp;&ndash; After a six kilometres&rsquo; hike, you will be able to enjoy a breath-taking view from a 604 m high viewing platform above the Lysefjord.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>4.&nbsp;Norwegian Culture</h3>
<p>Its history and its natural environment profoundly influenced the Norwegian culture. This last one encourages outdoor sports such as hiking or skiing.</p>
<ul>
<li>Folklore&nbsp;&ndash; Folklore plays a significant role in the modern culture of the so-called &ldquo;Land of the Midnight Sun.&rdquo; May 17th, Norwegian Constitution Day is the perfect occasion for the local population to wear traditional costumes (bunad) and listen to instrumental folk music.</li>
<li>Myths&nbsp;&ndash; The folklore of Norway also tells us about trolls, elves, witches, and other fantastic characters. In the Nordic folklore, trolls are often both dangerous and stupid creatures living either in mountain caves or in dense forests. Among the famous creatures, we find Huldra, a seductive female forest spirit.</li>
<li>Food&nbsp;&ndash; The natural environment of Norway has shaped its traditional cuisine. Norwegian lambs are incredibly tender due to the clean pastures where the lamb graze. Pinnekj&oslash;tt &ndash; the traditional Christmas dinner &ndash; is made with salty and sometimes smoked lamb ribs. Another appreciated dish is pickled herring.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5.&nbsp;Things to do</h3>
<ul>
<li>Cruise on the fjords&nbsp;&ndash; One of the best ways to discover the Land of Fjords is probably to experience one of the numerous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fjordnorway.com/things-to-do/sightseeing-trips-and-day-cruises/the-best-fjord-cruises">cruises</a>&nbsp;that offer the country. An enjoyable experience retracing the Vikings path and offering enhancing landscapes.</li>
<li>The Fl&aring;m railway&nbsp;&ndash; Among one of the most beautiful trains journey in the world taking you from the Mydral mountain station &ndash; located at 867m above the sea level - down to Snogefjord. The two hours railway trip offers an amazing panoramic view.</li>
<li>The Viking Ship Museum&nbsp;&ndash; Located on the Bygd&oslash;y peninsula, the museum houses the world&rsquo;s best-preserved Viking ships as well as three Viking era burial ships plus numerous small boats, sledges but also textiles and household utensils.</li>
<li>The Viking Planet (Oslo)&nbsp;&ndash; Be able to meet Vikings in Oslo thanks to the digital Viking museum. This is an innovative new way of learning with Viking holograms and a 270-degree cinema.</li>
<li>Heddal Stave Church&nbsp;&ndash; Built in the 1200s and still in use, the medieval wooden church looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Inside, an astonishing mix of biblical motifs and pre-Christian beliefs.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t think Norway is for you?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/settling-into-culture-and-lifestyle-in-dubai">Settling into Culture and Lifestyle in Dubai</a>.</p>
<p>Looking for a new role?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">Find and apply for all our available Technical Jobs.</a></p>

5 Reasons Why You Should Work in Norway

<p>Many contractors are worried about new legislation changes from the UK Government which could see those working in contract roles pay 25% more tax.</p>
<h3><strong>What is IR35?</strong></h3>
<p>The &lsquo;off-payroll working rules&rsquo; legislation was originally introduced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in 2000 with the purpose of collecting income tax and national insurance from contractor and consultant workers providing their services via their own Personal Services Company (PSC).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is because working via a personal services company can enable contractors to be taxed as a business rather than as an employee: the legislation aims to identify those personal services company contractors, who, were it not for the existence of their own limited company would be more like an employee of the end client. These contractors will be taxed as an employee rather than as a business, and they will be determined as &lsquo;inside of IR35&rsquo;. This change will come into effect on 6th April 2020.</p>
<h3><strong>How Will IR35 Affect Contractors?</strong></h3>
<p>From April 2020, any workers who do not meet the criteria for &lsquo;self-employed&rsquo; will fall inside of IR35.</p>
<p>Contractors whose status changes from outside to inside IR35 will from then on be taxed as a self-employed individual.</p>
<p>With the extension of the legislation to the private sector, contract/freelance workers who are determined to be inside of IR35 will pay up to 25% more tax annually, without receiving tax benefits or employment rights. HMRC&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.executivegrapevine.com/content/article/2019-04-08-recruiters-urged-to-prepare-for-new-contractor-tax-rules">estimates</a></u>&nbsp;it will recover &pound;1.3billion additional tax from contractors by 2025.</p>
<p>If businesses fail to comply with the legislation, they could receive extensive financial penalties. The legal changes could discourage companies from hiring contractors in some positions and cause delays to projects. Requirements for new and existing contractor roles could change in order to ensure the employer is compliant with the rule change.</p>
<p>Most non-UK born contractors who work outside the UK will not be affected. The IR35 legislation changes exclude wholly overseas companies with no UK presence. This means the existing rules will continue to apply to assignments where the client company is wholly outside the UK, and the individual&rsquo;s limited company will continue to determine the status of the individual.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>How Will Your Employer Determine Your Legal Status?</strong></h3>
<p>All UK businesses will need to complete a Status Determination Statement for each of their contractor workers. When complete, this SDS will be shared with each contractor to confirm the determination of their IR35 status. All contractors will need to be determined as either &lsquo;Inside&rsquo; or &lsquo;Outside&rsquo; of IR35.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The following ways of working and circumstances may lead to an &lsquo;Inside&rsquo; determination for contractors:</p>
<p>&middot; Your employer is obliged to pay wages for all hours worked</p>
<p>&middot; Your employer directs and supervises your work</p>
<p>&middot; Your employer chooses who will replace you in your role if necessary</p>
<p>&middot; Your employer gives you instructions, for example how to complete tasks, dealing with customers, working time and break times, recognisability through company brand clothing and logos</p>
<p>&middot; The contractor does not typically work simultaneously for different clients.</p>
<p>&middot; You receive sick pay and paid holiday allowances</p>
<p>&middot; You are not financially responsible for poor performance or liable for damage</p>
<p>&middot; Your employer provides tools, equipment and materials.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The following ways of working and circumstances may lead to an &lsquo;Outside&rsquo; determination for contractors:</p>
<p>&bull; Your relationship with your employer is more of a &lsquo;consulting services&rsquo; type of relationship rather than authoritative</p>
<p>&bull; You decide your own working hours</p>
<p>&bull; You don&rsquo;t receive holiday or sick pay</p>
<p>&bull; Your employer does not supervise you &ndash; instead you are responsible for the quality of your work</p>
<p>&bull; You have a professional liability insurance policy and absorb all risk</p>
<p>&bull; You use your own material, tools, software etc.</p>
<p>&bull; There is a marked difference between you and other company employees who perform the same role as you, for example authority, autonomy, risk, supervision, direction etc.</p>
<p>&bull; You work on multiple projects at the same time for other clients.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>What does an &lsquo;Inside of IR35&rsquo; Status Mean?</strong></h3>
<p>A contractor considered inside of the IR35 legislation would mean all income received within the relevant period is reclassified as employment income and, as a result, it is subject to PAYE, NIC, interest and penalties.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>What does an &lsquo;Outside of IR35&rsquo; Status Mean?</strong></h3>
<p>Contractors operating outside the scope of IR35 can pay themselves marginally more tax efficiently, usually through a combination of salary and dividends. End clients will pay the contractor, who will maintain responsibility for their taxes.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>How Contractors Can Continue to Work After IR35</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Go Permanent</strong></h3>
<p>Last year industry body Onrec reported that the recruitment industry is reducing reliance on contract workforces and shifting towards permanent recruitment. The average value of permanent placements in 2018 increased by 6.4% from 2016/17, with uncertainty caused by Brexit, globalisation and compliance changes driving requirements for permanent staff members.</p>
<p>Contractors can transition to permanent roles at any point in their career, and with a wealth of experience in a variety of roles and companies, former contract or temporary workers will be an asset to any organisation. Contractors will be used to avoiding company politics, working to tight deadlines and adhering strictly to requirements, which ideally position them to fit right into a new workforce and provide a fresh perspective as a permanent employee.</p>
<p>Benefits of permanent roles include:</p>
<p>&middot; Less Admin &ndash; Your employer will deduct tax and National Insurance contributions from you, eliminating the need for you to do your own taxes and removing risk of non-compliance.</p>
<p>&middot; Job Security &ndash; Without the pressure of looking for work every few weeks or months, permanent staff are reassured of continuous income and job security.</p>
<p>&middot; Sick Pay &ndash; You won&rsquo;t lose out on your day rate in the event of mild to serious illnesses, and will qualify for Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks (usually &pound;94.25 per week, after 4 days of continuous illness) which is paid by your employer.</p>
<p>&middot; Holiday Pay &ndash; Statutory holiday amount is 28 days&rsquo; per year (including bank holidays) and many organisations extend this as an employee benefit or increase entitlement with years&rsquo; service.</p>
<p>&middot; Reduced Risk &ndash; Your employer will absorb risk of damage to company property, tools and equipment etc.</p>
<p>&middot; Weather Economic Drips &ndash; Permanent positions offer consistent salaries and job security throughout recession and changes to the global and local economies. Even if made redundant, permanent workers with over 2 years&rsquo; continuous service receive&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights/redundancy-pay">redundancy pay</a></u>&nbsp;which increases with length of service and age of the employee. Redundancy pay (including any severance pay) under &pound;30,000 is not taxable.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Move Abroad</strong></h3>
<p>The law changes only apply to work completed inside the UK; companies are only required to adhere to the legislation if any work is carried out for them in the UK, or if they have a UK entity as part of their group. Moving abroad would make the legislation changes irrelevant for the majority of those who do not work in the UK, allowing contractors to avoid risk and financial penalties completely.</p>
<p>Benefits of moving abroad include:</p>
<p>&middot; Quality of Life &ndash; With the UK at number 17 on the&nbsp;<u><a href="https://ceoworld.biz/2019/04/11/best-quality-of-life-2019">Quality of Life index</a></u>, other countries such as the USA (#13 on the list), Iceland (#7) and Denmark (#1) are ideal options for further improving your working and home life. Sunnier climates in southern Europe, the Middle East and Australasia enable residents to spend much more time outside relaxing and pursuing sports and hobbies.</p>
<p>&middot; Increased Earnings &ndash; Many employers will pay higher salaries for expats who have a wealth of outside knowledge and experiences, and a number of countries such as the UAE require low taxes or do not charge workers any income tax.</p>
<p>&middot; Travel Opportunities &ndash; Those who live in mainland Europe are much closer to other European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Austria as well as Scandinavia, and from Eastern Europe can explore the fascinating diversity of Russia. European residents also benefit from shorter journeys to African countries including Morocco, which has a wealth of history and culture, and those working in the UAE are only two hours&rsquo; away from the beautiful and legendary India. Australian migrants and expats can explore a completely new side to the world such as New Zealand&rsquo;s Great Barrier Reef, Singapore&rsquo;s tropical cities and Indonesia&rsquo;s 17,000 islands.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Become Employed Under an Umbrella Company</strong></h3>
<p>Some large companies have committed to work with contractors through an&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.contractoruk.com/private_sector_ir35_reform/contractors_payroll_options_six_ir35_reform_responses_if_youre_limited">umbrella company</a></u>: a PAYE, standard UK limited company, operated by a third-party acting as an &lsquo;employer&rsquo; on behalf of contractors. Operating under an umbrella company would mean your employer would pay the umbrella company directly, who would then pay your salary and deduct income tax and National Insurance.</p>
<p>Although umbrella companies do charge a fee for their services, this option removes compliance risk and can enable workers to continue working on current and future projects in much the same way as they have done previously.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Work with a Recruitment Agency</strong></h3>
<p>Recruitment agencies that&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/candidate-area/">specialise in temporary or contract work</a></u>&nbsp;will have been well prepared for the legislation changes since 2019. Their consultants will be able to provide guidance on your options, potential advice tailored your career history and situation and direct you to compliant umbrella companies should you need.</p>
<p>Recruitment companies are working with workers and employers to mitigate the financial losses for contractors and businesses. Recruiters may be able to help you negotiate with businesses to see if your company can absorb part or all of the tax increases, or find other solutions to ensure you and your employers remain compliant.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>VHR Can Help</strong></h3>
<p>In preparation for these changes, VHR&rsquo;s global technical recruitment team have formed an IR35 working group to review the impact to our clients of these legislative changes. This VHR working group has assessed this impact and now wishes to engage with you to ensure the appropriate response and compliance with this legislation.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/ir35">find more information here</a></u>.</p>
<p>Thinking of working abroad? Here are our Guides to&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-the-netherlands">Working in the Netherlands</a></u>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-dubai">Working in Dubai</a></u>.</p>

4 Options for Contractors After IR35

<p>Looking to live and work in Germany?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hamburg is a vibrant city full of contrasts with on the one hand modernity, and on the other hand history, as well as diverse neighbourhoods juxtaposed against wealthier suburbs.</p>
<p>Here are our top 6 reasons why you should consider moving to live and work in this famous part of Germany.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6 Best Things About Living and Working in Hamburg</strong></h3>
<h3>1.&nbsp;<strong>History</strong></h3>
<p>What makes such a unique city lies in its rich history, when the region was part of the Hanseatic League. Benefiting from the convenient location of the port as well as its independence as a city-state for centuries allowed it to become a strong economic and commercial city. The region was completely independent from the German Federation until 1815.</p>
<p>One other major event in the city&rsquo;s history is The Great Fire of Hamburg, that began early on May 5, 1842 and burned for more than 3 days, destroying about one third of the buildings in the old city. The city was rebuilt with greater use of bricks as building with woods was no longer permitted.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2.&nbsp;<strong>Beautiful Sights</strong></h3>
<p>Living and working in Hamburg means enjoying&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.hamburg.com/getting-around/11874814/public-transport/">amazing and contrasting sights</a></u>&nbsp;every day. The so-called &lsquo;Venice of the North&rsquo; has the advantage of being close to two seas but also benefiting from three great rivers &ndash; the Elbe, Alster and Bille.</p>
<p>The city&rsquo;s sites include:</p>
<p>&middot; The Port Hamburg &ndash; probably the most typical part of the city and Europe&rsquo;s second largest port. Numerous boat trips enable people to experience the smell of freedom and fresh air of the sea.</p>
<p>&middot; Nikolaifleet &ndash; one of the prettiest canals located in the old town and surrounded with old and typical merchant houses and bridges, the water presents a visual delight and a perfect place for photography lovers.</p>
<p>&middot; Speicherstadt &ndash; located in the port, this is the largest warehouse district in the world. The historic bricks buildings complement many other outstanding examples of the 1920th Brick Expressionism which can be found through the city.</p>
<p>&middot; The Reeperbahn &ndash; the city&rsquo;s Red-Light District and the biggest red-light district in Europe is a great place to discover the traditional bars where sailors and students alike come to drink shots of K&uuml;mmel, the local hard liquor.</p>
<p>&middot; Der Fischmarkt &ndash; the fresh market offers fish, fruit, flowers and clothes every Sunday morning. Visitors and locals can sample the famous fish sandwich and enjoy the beautiful views of the harbour.</p>
<p>&middot; St. Michael&rsquo;s Church &ndash; Hamburg&rsquo;s largest church has a 106-metere high observation deck offering a unique panorama view of the city and harbour.</p>
<p>&middot; Planten un Blomen &ndash; a perfect place to relax or picnic over the weekend in the heart of central Hamburg. Every summer night visitors can even enjoy the well-known&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.hamburg.com/events/11900314/water-light-concerts/">Water and Light Concerts</a></u>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;<strong>A Unique Culture</strong></h3>
<p>Local mentality is highly influenced by the city&rsquo;s Hanseatic legacy, which led the region to economic and commercial prosperity.</p>
<p>An independent city until 1815 and a city-state nowadays, it is now a &lsquo;free city&rsquo; regarding religion, music choice and fashion style and is popular for being open, tolerant and multicultural. The region is often described as a lovely place to live, even if the weather is not always welcoming.</p>
<p>The city&rsquo;s maritime atmosphere is unique and nourishes the harbour workers, market vendors, fishermen and sailors that are a vital part of the general atmosphere of the city.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>4.&nbsp;<strong>Entertainment &amp; Things to Do</strong></h3>
<p>&middot; The Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall &ndash; a concentration of music and architecture in the middle of the port. The concert hall enjoys an eclectic mix of classical music, jazz, electro and pop music events.</p>
<p>&middot; Miniatur Wunderland &ndash; the largest model railway system of its kind in the world, where different miniaturized railways can be observed such as those from Las Vegas or Rome.</p>
<p>&middot; Museum &ndash; Chocoversum by Hachez Schokoladenmuseum &ndash; a 90 minute-tour to learn everything about cocoa. The best part is creating your own chocolate bar with high-quality ingredients.</p>
<p>&middot; Hamburg Dungeon &ndash; this attraction gives an insight into the region&rsquo;s dark history in an interactive experience. This activity is ideal to immerse yourself into the atmosphere of the old region through the recreation of the streets and villages across time periods.</p>
<p>From German and local specialities to prestigious or international cuisine, the city offers a variety of choices in bars and restaurants. Don&rsquo;t forget to taste the culinary speciality from northern Germany made of salted meat or corned beef, potatoes and onion called labskaus. When it comes to bars, Reeperbahn in St Pauli district, is probably the best place to party and sample stylish cocktail bars and cult pubs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5.&nbsp;<strong>Employment &amp; Careers</strong></h3>
<p>Thanks to its position and the port, Frankfurt is a huge commercial hub and hosts a large number of multinational companies that offer numerous job opportunities. Hamburg is Germany&rsquo;s wealthiest city with the highest GDP in the country and a high employment rate. Its economic pillars are considered to be shipbuilding, and its Aerospace research centres are considered amongst the best in Europe.</p>
<p>As English is a mandatory subject in all German schools, the language is mainly understood and, in many cases, the preferred business language, meaning that migrants and expats can ease into life in Germany before becoming fluent.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Don&rsquo;t think Germany is for you?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-valencia">Read our Guide to Working in Valencia</a></u>.</p>
<p>Looking for a new role?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">Find and apply for all our available technical jobs</a></u>.</p>

6 Reasons Why Hamburg is a Great Place to Work

<p>Whilst not every job requires a cover letter, for many job applications across industries, it is mandatory. Even if it&rsquo;s not required, this document can be vital in securing an interview.</p>
<p>There are 6.9million people unemployed in the UK alone at any one time, which does not include those who are currently in employment and looking for their next job. Just 2% of applicants are successful in getting past CV stage to get a first job interview. Whilst skills and qualifications can be very similar across CVs applying for the same role, your cover letter is your only chance to show your personality, passion and unique potential at the beginning of the recruitment stage.</p>
<h3><strong>6 Ways to Write the Best Cover Letter</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Tell a Story</strong></h3>
<p>Whereas a CV is a list of your past work experience, qualifications, skills and recent achievements, your cover letter is your opportunity to showcase yourself as a unique individual. Think about the following questions, and use the answers to guide you:</p>
<p>&middot; What compelled you to join this career path?</p>
<p>&middot; What&rsquo;s your journey, and what are the reasons behind the decisions you have made across your career path?</p>
<p>&middot; What are you passionate about?</p>
<p>&middot; Why do you want the job?</p>
<p>&middot; What makes you unique?</p>
<p>&middot; What makes you the best candidate for this role?</p>
<p>The last two points are centred around your USP: the Unique Selling Point that will help you stand out from the crowd. Every engineer and technician has at least one thing, whether skills, knowledge, communication abilities or expertise in using certain tools or programmes, that differentiates you from other applicants. Use your letter to highlight your USP and relate it to a problem or issue your potential employer is facing. This will grab the attention of your reader and provide an instant talking point for your job interview.</p>
<p>Cover letters are even more important if you&rsquo;re a young person looking to start your first job, or if you&rsquo;re an experienced person looking to change industries or career paths. Even if your work history does not exactly match the job application, use your letter to promote your passion in the industry and the company as well as your potential to create a positive image in the mind of your potential employer.</p>
<h3><strong>2.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Tailor Your Document to the Job</strong></h3>
<p>Research the company you&rsquo;re hoping to join. As well as looking at their website and social media channels, find recent news articles and speak to contacts or former colleagues in relevant networks about the company &ndash; these activities will each give you a very different insight into the organisation. Website content and articles will present the brand image that the company wants to have, and social channels will show how the business wants to connect with its customers. Discussions with impartial contacts and unbiased news coverage will tell you more about their situation and challenges. Researching competitors may also provide you with useful information.</p>
<p>Think about the audience who will read your letter: who are and what are they looking to find? A hiring manager or internal recruiter will want to match you to the company&rsquo;s culture and goals; an external recruiter will also be matching you to the company, but will place equal importance on the job description; and a CEO or Director leading your particular department will be time-poor and will need to quickly scan your document and pick out the most important information quickly. Tailor your document to your reader, the company and the role.</p>
<p>Whoever they are, your reader will be able to tell if you haven&rsquo;t tailored your document to the role, and they will interpret this as a lack of interest in working for their company. Use your research to highlight your skills and experience to Make sure you include the name of the company in your letter, and refer to one of the challenges they&rsquo;re having and how hiring you would help to address it.</p>
<p><strong>3.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Use Careful Structure, Tone &amp; Formatting</strong></p>
<p>When starting your letter, use a standard, user-friendly font like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri to increase readability. Bullet points help to make your key achievements and USPs stand out, and shorter paragraphs are more appealing to the eye.</p>
<p>Being by addressing your reader personally e.g. &lsquo;Dear Mr Smith/Dear Ms Jones&rsquo; if you know their name, and &lsquo;Dear Sir/Madam&rsquo; if you don&rsquo;t. End with &lsquo;Yours sincerely&rsquo; if you know the name of the reader or &lsquo;Yours faithfully&rsquo; if you don&rsquo;t, before writing your full name. Include the date and the full address of the company at the top left-hand side of your page.</p>
<p>The best cover letters are polite, positive and enthusiastic. Regardless of the type of role you&rsquo;re applying for or how senior the position, maintain a professional yet personable tone throughout your letter. Thank your potential employer for taking the time to read your application, and politely end by saying you&rsquo;re looking forward to hearing from them.</p>
<p>The person hiring for this role isn&rsquo;t interested in overly long words or sentences, and they won&rsquo;t be impressed by industry jargon or clich&eacute;s. With the average number of people applying for a job at 118, your reader has to sift through over a hundred CVs in a short period of time. If your CV is clear, easy to understand and pleasant to read, your recruiter or hiring manager will be more likely to invest time in reading it and putting you forward to the next stage of the recruitment process.</p>
<p>As most organisations will read digital copies rather than printed hard copies, you can add links to your professional profiles like LinkedIn, blogs and publications that you have contributed to. These will help to further differentiate you from other applicants and provide an insight into your personal interests and achievements and well as the professional ones.</p>
<h3><strong>4.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Proof Read Multiple Times</strong></h3>
<p>Whilst proofreading may seem an obvious element in writing any document, errors can be easily missed after spending a long time cultivating the perfect letter. Review your document to ensure that your personal profile matches the job requirements of the vacancy. Also ensure your cover letter closely matches the most important skills and experiences that are communicated in your CV, to provide a consistent image of yourself as a candidate. Keep the facts and details consistent &ndash; inconsistent dates or figures will make you appear dishonest or clumsy and could harm your chances of getting an interview, particularly in Aviation or Engineering roles where safety and accuracy are critical.</p>
<p>When you&rsquo;ve finished writing your document, ask a trustworthy friend or colleague to read it through for typos, grammatical errors and mismatched information, and use an online proofreading tool to double check it. A little attention to detail can go a long way to help you land your next job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Work with a Recruiter</strong></h3>
<p>Registering with a recruitment agency is one of the fastest, easiest ways to find your first or new job. Recruiters speak with hundreds of candidates every day, meaning that they know all the latest jobs and what will make you stand out when applying for them.</p>
<p>Working in partnership with experts in your industry who understand your wants, need and experience means you&rsquo;ll be more likely to get ahead: your recruiter will open up doors for you and promote you to potential employers.</p>
<p>Looking for a new career? Read our&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-best-jobs-to-apply-for-in-2020">8 Best Jobs to Apply for in 2020</a></u>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/career-personality-quiz-which-career-fits-you">Take our Career Personality Quiz</a></u>.</p>

How to Write a Cover Letter

<p>Now that you've decided to leap into one of the&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment/top-10-most-respected-professions_4.html">most prestigious careers in the world</a></u>, it&rsquo;s time to get onto the first rung of the career ladder. But what does it take to craft an epic CV that will make airline companies leap to hire you?</p>
<p>Thousands of potential pilots and aerospace engineers graduate every year. To soar above the crowd, you need a CV that best narrates who you are and highlights your value to your employer. Let's look at how to craft the kind of CV that will help you connect with your dream airline or aircraft manufacturer.</p>
<h3><strong>How to Create the Best Aviation CV</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Research your Potential Employer Beforehand</strong></h3>
<p>We are living in a world in which any scrap of information is only a Google search away. Take a look at the websites of your new potential employer, search for news that has made headlines, and if possible, google your interviewer. If you find anything in your experience that might particularly interest them, add it to your cover letter.</p>
<p>Remember that flying and engineering vocations require a lot of careful calculation and problem-solving skills, so researching your employer beforehand is a simple task in comparison.</p>
<p>If you're applying for several different jobs with different companies, it's best practice to create several different CVs, each one tailored towards a different company.</p>
<p>It may seem like common sense, but you'll be surprised how many applicants rush into sending CVs without due diligence. As a side note, make sure to read the job spec clearly and tailor your CV to match the tone and language used within. Your interviewer will be using their employee requirements as a hiring guide, and you must tick all the boxes.</p>
<h3><strong>2.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Sell Yourself &ndash; And Your Specific Aviation Certifications</strong></h3>
<p>According to CV experts at&nbsp;<u><a href="https://purplecv.co.uk/">PurpleCV</a></u>, you shouldn't try to sell yourself too much, as it can come off as arrogant. However, when writing a CV for the Aviation industry, you need to find the right balance.</p>
<p>The hotspot of any CV is the top and middle area of the first page. You should set your strengths and critical skills at the head of the CV so that they are the first things a potential interviewer will see. Make sure that these attributes are proven with examples like academic/qualification achievements and work experience, and use robust evidence to back up your claims. It&rsquo;s important to be honest about your achievements when&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-reasons-to-work-in-aerospace-aviation">applying for Aviation positions</a></u>, as these involve high-security roles with a wealth of background checks.</p>
<p>The Aviation industry can be tough to get into, as the required qualifications are difficult to achieve and must be continuously updated. Many skills are mandatory; a small mistake on the job can have drastic consequences for carriers, passengers and communities.</p>
<p>Include all certificates (such as EWIS, Safety, Human Factors), type ratings and licenses (such as A330, B757) in the qualifications section.&nbsp; Be sure to mention hours flown on the specific type, jet-hours and second in command time.</p>
<h3><strong>3.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Showcase Your USP</strong></h3>
<p>Every pilot, engineer and technician in the making has a unique selling point (USP). Incorporating your unique skill/knowledge in your CV will make you stand out immediately from other applicants.</p>
<p>Your USP should be something that you're incredibly good at. Maybe you're the kind of person who won't rest until you've found the solution to a problem, or your empathy and communication skills give you the ability to manage and work well with others.</p>
<p>Carefully tailor your USP to the company you are aiming to join. If you can, relate these USPs to a problem or issue your potential employer is facing, and speak about this in your job interview.</p>
<p>If you have additional skills and any language fluency, these will add extra backing to your CV and further cement a positive image of you in the mind of your hiring manager.</p>
<h3><strong>4.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Keep it Simple and Logical</strong></h3>
<p>Don&rsquo;t burden your hiring manager with convoluted words, jargon and clich&eacute;s. Your potential employer has so many CVs to choose from when recruiting in a very competitive industry. Let your CV be clear, simple and to the point, and avoid repetition whenever possible.</p>
<p>Use a basic, user-friendly font like Arial or Calibri, to increase readability. Since many employers peruse CVs digitally, don't be afraid to add links to your professional profiles like LinkedIn, blogs and publications that you have contributed to.</p>
<h3><strong>5.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Don&rsquo;t Forget a Cover Letter</strong></h3>
<p>A cover letter is a vital document to compliment your CV. This letter must explain the value you would add to the particular job you are applying for.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Synchronize your cover letter and CV and make these work for each other. Keep the facts and details consistent &ndash; a contradiction will make you appear dishonest or clumsy at best, and could harm your chances (especially for a job where thousands of potential lives are on the line, every single day).</p>
<p>A good cover letter is polite, positive and enthusiastic. Thank your potential employer for taking the time to read your application and make things personal. Has flying a plane been a childhood dream of yours? Were you inspired by a great teacher to become an engineer? The cover letter is the place to tell your story in greater detail.</p>
<p>When you&rsquo;ve finished your CV, ask a trustworthy person to read it through for errors and typos, and also use an online proofreading tool. Before final submission, review it again and ensure that everything matches the job requirements of the vacancy. A little attention to detail can go a long way in landing your dream career.</p>
<p>Want to know more about working in Aerospace &amp; Aviation?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/vhr-interviews-a-fighter-jet-pilot">VHR interviews a Fighter Jet Pilot</a></u>.</p>
<p>Apply for our&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">Aerospace &amp; Aviation jobs</a></u>.</p>

How to Tailor your CV to the Aerospace & Aviation Industry

<p>Are you in the market for a new job, but don&rsquo;t know where to start? Perhaps you have many years of experience in your field, but want to give your career a boost?</p>
<p>A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume is a written overview of your individual work and professional life, and lists your skills, experience, knowledge and qualifications. When applying for jobs, a brilliant application will differentiate you from dozens or even hundreds of other candidates and could help you land the job of your dreams.</p>
<p>Your CV is the first impression you make upon a potential employer: make sure it&rsquo;s a good one.</p>
<p>Here are VHR&rsquo;s top 6 tactics to writing a great CV.</p>
<h3><strong>How to Write the Best CV</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Back to Basics</strong></h3>
<p>Create an impressive profile by taking care of the following aspects:</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Tone</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Avoid friendly language or slang which could make you seem unprofessional or inexperienced. At the other end of the scale, too many overly formal words or very long sentences could frustrate and confuse your reader. Try to write as if you were speaking to a potential employer in a job interview. Make your CV pleasant and enjoyable to read, so that your hiring manager can concentrate on the skills and experience that you have to offer.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Spelling, Punctuation &amp; Grammar</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Over&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.topcv.co.uk/career-advice/cv-mistakes-that-make-recruiters-cringe">half of recruiters</a></u>&nbsp;say that mistakes in spelling and grammar are the most common reason for rejecting candidates at the first stage of the recruitment process. Read through and double check your document every time you update or edit it to ensure you promote yourself as best you can.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Structure</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Space out your document into neat, short paragraphs and use headings and bullet points wherever possible. This will make your resume easier to read and help your recruiter or hiring manager to immediately pick out the skills and experience they&rsquo;re looking for. List your work history in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job first, working backwards.&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/cv-vs-resume-2058495">Download</a></u>&nbsp;some templates to see what a good CV looks like.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Look and Feel</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Images, photos and colourful diagrams are unnecessary and can often distract your reader rather than add anything of value. Worst of all, unhelpful images take up valuable space that could be better used selling your skills and achievements. Keep your CV to a maximum of three pages and use bolding, italics, underlining and a clean template to come across as a consistent, clear and professional candidate.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Call to Action</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Treat your CV as a gateway to your employment: tell a story that evidences and continues to reinforce why you&rsquo;re the best person for the job, and end with a call to action and multiple ways to contact you when they&rsquo;ve finished reading. Include an email address, at least one phone number and any professional social media profiles like LinkedIn to ensure hiring managers can reach you.</p>
<h3><strong>2.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Achievements Focus</strong></h3>
<p>Be specific &ndash; what exactly did you achieve in each of your previous positions? Why were these achievements beneficial to your employers? Even if your role isn&rsquo;t sales-oriented or financially targeted, most candidates will be able to utilise statistics and data to prove their worth. For example, mention that a new system you implemented increased efficiencies by a certain percentage, or that hiring and managing a new team member reduced errors from one amount to a lower frequency in a certain time period.</p>
<h3><strong>3.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Summary</strong></h3>
<p>The average hiring manager only needs 9 seconds to scan your CV before deciding whether you are the right candidate for the role. Grab the attention of your reader as soon as possible, and cement yourself as a contender in their eyes, by writing a punchy overview that highlights your best qualities.</p>
<p>Follow these tips:</p>
<p>&middot; Short and sweet &ndash; Your summary need only be two short sentences or four lines long.</p>
<p>&middot; Establish your Relevance &ndash; Introduce yourself with the experience/skills most relevant and important to the role you are applying for.</p>
<p>&middot; Highlight your best qualities &ndash; Include one or two of your most relevant achievements from your CV to start as you mean to go on.</p>
<h3><strong>4.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Tailor Your Resume to the Role</strong></h3>
<p>Your recruiter or hiring manager will be properly briefed on the exact skills and experience needed for the role &ndash; make it as easy as possible for them to match you to the job description.</p>
<p>Search job boards and industry publications for similar job adverts to see the type of keywords your employer will be looking for, and use these keywords to evidence your specific knowledge. For example, if you are a B1 Licensed Engineer list out the type ratings you have experience in; industry Engineers and Technicians can name the software, programming languages and tools they have worked with. Directors and team leaders should outline the major projects and budgets they have been responsible for, the size of the teams they lead or the organisational change they have implemented.</p>
<p>Ask your recruitment consultant for a written job description. Look at the website and social media accounts of your prospective employer to see what the company, not just your direct line manager, will be wanting from the new role holder. To help your recruiter match your skills and experience to the right job for you, use your resume to evidence how in previous roles you have performed duties and solved problems that will be pivotal in the new role, and the impact your specific experience will make to the job and to the organisation.</p>
<h3><strong>5.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Pair Your CV with a Cover Letter</strong></h3>
<p>Not all roles require a cover letter, but for the majority of senior positions and office-based jobs, a cover letter is a professional formality that is often expected.</p>
<p>Use this space to summarise your most relevant experience and achievements, use bullet points. Succinctly state what you&rsquo;re looking for in your next challenge, why you want to work for the company you&rsquo;re applying to, and why you think you&rsquo;d be a great asset in this role.</p>
<h3><strong>6.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Get Feedback</strong></h3>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve created a great representation of yourself and your career, share it with your friends, trusted colleagues and contacts in your industry. Have you forgotten to include anything? Are you being overly modest by downplaying your involvement in a major project or the impact it had? Those who know you well are best placed to help you identify and communicate your greatest assets in an objective way that maximises your abilities and positive qualities.</p>
<p>A second pair of eyes is also helpful for picking up any errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar that might have bypassed you and your spellcheck.</p>
<h3><strong>Find your Perfect Role</strong></h3>
<p>Ready to start job-hunting?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career-in-2020">Here are 8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</a></u>.</p>
<p>Fancy a new challenge &ndash; and a new place to live?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-reasons-to-work-in-dubai">Discover 5 Reasons to Live and Work in Dubai</a></u>.</p>

How to Write a Great CV

<p>Looking for a new job? Want to advance your skills, travel the world or achieve personal and professional goals? Make this year the year you shake up your career.</p>
<p><strong>8 Ways to Land Your Perfect Job</strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Ask Yourself Some Hard Questions</strong><br>What do you really want? Are your expectations realistic? You can find out whether the career you&rsquo;re passionate about is really for you by asking some hard questions such as:</p>
<p>&middot; Why do I want to leave my current job &ndash; and will a new role fix the problem?</p>
<p>&middot; Am I ready for a new job &ndash; do I have a good support network, and am I able to support myself if I need time out of work for training/job-hunting?</p>
<p>&middot; What do I need from a new job, so that it challenges me and enables me to fulfil my personal and professional goals?</p>
<p>&middot; Does this role suit my current abilities, or will I be able to develop my current abilities to fit this role?</p>
<p>The most important question of all is: Does this career provide what I really want from my personal and professional life? If the answer is a definite yes, start your job search.</p>
<p><strong>2. Excel In in Your Current Role</strong><br>When you have decided you want to leave your current position, you don&rsquo;t need to check out straight away. Your existing role could help propel you in a new direction if you take full advantage of the reputation, skills and knowledge you have already built. Work hard, take on new responsibilities and network to make full use of your connections, take up opportunities for training or building your skill set before you go, and ensure you leave with a positive reference that will help you for years to come.</p>
<p><strong>3. Make a Career Plan</strong><br>When you know what you really want, work out what you must do to get there. Make a plan and stick to it. Write out everything you need to do &ndash; research, create a CV, apply for roles, connect with potential employers or recruiters &ndash; and outline exactly what needs to be done, how and by when, at every stage. Treat job hunting like a second job to maximise your likelihood of finding the right career for you.</p>
<p><strong>4. Speak to People Working in Your Desired Role</strong><br>No one is better equipped to provide an insider view on your desired job role than someone who already works in this role or a similar position. Ask a trusted contact any difficult questions, find out what they love about their job and what they don&rsquo;t, and ask what they wish they had known before they started in their job to help you get ahead in your journey.</p>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t have any industry connections, LinkedIn is a great place to start. Create a profile if you don&rsquo;t already have one, follow the company pages of recruitment agencies that specialise in your sector, and join relevant groups. LinkedIn groups provide a direct line of introduction to hundreds of thousands of people already working in your job or career. Like, share and comment on the challenges and questions they post on the group, and watch your online networks and industry knowledge grow.</p>
<p><strong>5. Get Qualified</strong><br>Start ahead of the game by completing a relevant qualification or course before you begin working in your new career path. This could be academic, vocational or practical, from A Levels and part-time University degrees to NVQs and industry-specific licenses and certificates. Ensure you investigate whether your chosen vocation requires specific qualifications, and what is involved in obtaining these. For example, many Aerospace &amp; Aviation jobs require Electricians and Avionics Engineers to complete courses in Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS), Fuel Tank Safety and Human Factors to comply with strict health and safety legislation.</p>
<p>If you haven&rsquo;t yet decided on a structured career path, reach out to a careers advisor or coach who will be able to give you an objective view of your strengths and weaknesses. To avoid limiting your job options, take courses that are broader in nature. For example, if you know your strengths lie in communications, take a course around people management. If you are interested in architecture but not sure yet whether this is the right choice for you, take a more general design course to test your interest and aptitude. The skills you learn will be useful to you personally or professionally whether or not you go on to specialise in a relevant area and will leave your career path open for you.</p>
<p><strong>6. Research the Industry</strong><br>Do your research to get an insight into what type of career path you could have in the next year, decade and even longer if you can. Ensure there is longevity in what you&rsquo;re doing, and that your desired vocation will be in demand for the long-term. Many industries have skills shortages that will only worsen in the next decade: Aviation will need 800,000 pilots and 750,000 technicians in the next ten years, and Engineering is experiencing shortages of talent across design, technical and managerial positions.</p>
<p>If you want to work for one of the larger companies in your chosen industry, Glassdoor is a great place to research the employee experience. The employee review site enables real staff to leave real, unbiased reviews on what they like about their jobs and what they don&rsquo;t. Glassdoor can provide an insight into what your best and worst days could look like in your chosen career, and help you identify whether the company benefits and points for improvement would suit your professional needs and goals.</p>
<p><strong>7. Market Yourself</strong><br>Create an up-to-date CV listing your most relevant skills and achievements, to tailor your personal profile to roles that you apply for. Ask friends and trusted network connections to read through your CV and practice interview questions with you: they can provide honest feedback to help you prepare for difficult questions an interviewer might ask, and adapt accordingly.</p>
<p>Think about your soft skills and utilise these in job applications and interviews. Personality fit combined with strong communication abilities could prove advantageous over other more experienced candidates.</p>
<p><strong>8. Register with a Recruitment Agency</strong><br>Once your CV contains everything you need to start applying for jobs, you can consider contacting a recruitment agency. There are 39,000 staffing agencies in the UK alone: many businesses choose to outsource recruitment to experts who specialise in their field, because they can guarantee a level of candidate quality.</p>
<p>Recruitment companies understand what skills and experiences businesses look for, what the role requires and what an excellent candidate looks like. Recruitment consultants will help you tailor your CV, prepare for interviews and give you expert advice to break into a new industry or vocation.</p>
<p>Read our Guide on <a title="How to Get Any Job." href="/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide">How to Get Any Job.</a></p>
<p>Explore and apply for our<a title=" latest technical positions." href="/jobs/"> latest technical positions.</a></p>

8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career

<p>Looking to move overseas for a new job? The most famous of the United Arab Emirates holds a vast array of opportunities.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>With awe-inspiring architecture, continuous stretches of beautiful golden beaches, and limitless skyscrapers, Dubai is an ideal base for both culture-seeking expats and business-driven expats. Home to approximately&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.globalmediainsight.com/blog/uae-population-statistics/">3.33 million</a></u>&nbsp;people, the region is a place of diversity where people of all nationalities live and visit.</p>
<p>With 85% of the population being expats, the thriving community means migrant and expat workers should fit right in once they have learned the local culture and lifestyle. To help new expats feel at home, here are five top tips to help new arrivals settle in.</p>
<h3><strong>1.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Get to Grips with the Language</strong></h3>
<p>The city is home to an abundance of languages. Whilst the official language is Arabic, the majority of residents speak English, and you&rsquo;ll encounter people fluent in a variety of languages including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, Persian, Chinese and Malayalam.</p>
<p>Speaking, reading and writing Arabic gives a significant advantage to those living and working in the Middle East. Certain jobs require fluency in both English and Arabic, and if you can converse in both languages, you&rsquo;ll meet far more people and start up stronger business relationships and friendships more quickly.</p>
<p>You don&rsquo;t have to be fluent in Arabic right away, but a few basic phrases can really help, and while learning Arabic can make life easier, you can still get by using English because it is widely spoken in Dubai. Some often-used conversational phrases include:</p>
<p>&middot; Good morning &ndash; Sabaah alkhayr</p>
<p>&middot; Good evening &ndash; Masaa' alkhayr</p>
<p>&middot; How are you? &ndash; Ayfa Haluk?</p>
<p>&middot; Please &ndash; Min fadlik</p>
<p>&middot; Thank you &ndash; Shukran</p>
<p>&middot; You&rsquo;re welcome &ndash; &Auml;afwan</p>
<p>&middot; Yes &ndash; na&auml;am</p>
<p>&middot; No &ndash; Laa</p>
<h3><strong>2.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Social Etiquette</strong></h3>
<p>Though Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city, high on diversity and inclusion, most of its cultural practices are conservative. Expats and migrant workers must respect the culture, rules of the region and the local and visiting communities.</p>
<p>Clothing should be modest and respectful in all public places, including offices and worksites, public shopping malls, parks, beaches and pools (there is an exception for private beaches and pools). Visits to mosques will require clothing that fully covers the entire body and women must cover their hair with a headscarf, which is usually provided when entering the mosque.</p>
<p>Most public spaces provide separate sections for men and women to use. It is common to find gender-segregated spaces at gyms, swimming pools and on public transport. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and in many cases illegal. Find out more about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/local-laws-and-customs">Emirati law</a></u>.</p>
<p>Similarly to other new and unfamiliar customs encountered upon moving to any part of the globe, getting used to the local culture and customs in the Emirates can take some time. The longer you live there, the faster you&rsquo;ll pick up on the &lsquo;do&rsquo;s and don&rsquo;ts&rsquo; of life in the UAE.</p>
<h3><strong>3.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Respect the Religion and Culture</strong></h3>
<p>Possibly one of the most important religious events in Muslim ideology, Ramadan is a holy month for followers of Islam worldwide. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset for one month every year. Even for non-Muslims, public eating, drinking or smoking during active fasting hours is not permitted.</p>
<p>Most food and drink shops close during the day, though larger hotels and worker accommodation often provide a place to get food during daylight hours. Food eaten before sunrise is known as Suhoor, and food consumed after sunset is known as Iftar. Iftar and Suhoor are both big events at hotels and in family homes. Daytime business hours are condensed to accommodate employees who are fasting, and businesses are open much later during Ramadan.</p>
<h3><strong>4.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Sample Authentic Emirati Cuisine</strong></h3>
<p>Getting to know the culture is exciting and fun, as well as a learning experience, and that includes sampling the wonderful array of delicious regional dishes.</p>
<p>Majboos is a must-try meat dish typically made with chicken and of assorted spices in mixed rice. Lamb or fish can also be used instead of chicken, but the blend of traditional spices and biryani is a constant ingredient. The end result is a mouth-watering local dish, usually served with chickpeas. Luqaimat is a popular sweet dessert, and the Arabic version of dumpling. It was traditionally served as a dessert after the breaking of fast during Ramadan, but now features on many menus across the UAE.</p>
<p>Camel milk is the local beverage delicacy. Camels are part of the rich history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, and their milk is served at most local restaurants and sold in food shops.</p>
<p>Due to the city&rsquo;s large expat population, plenty of international food options can be found and enjoyed, meaning expats and visitors are spoilt for choice.</p>
<h3><strong>5.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Feeling at Home</strong></h3>
<p>Settling into a new culture and environment can be tricky at first and often time-consuming, but the more effort put into understanding and accepting cultural differences, the quicker adapting to a new life will be. Before moving abroad, do as much research as you can across laws, tax, pensions, work practices,&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.aetnainternational.com/en/individuals/global-medical-insurance.html">health insurance</a></u>, culture and transport.</p>
<p>While conducting your own research is vital, experiencing the local culture first-hand before your move is even more eye-opening &ndash; if you can visit the Emirates before you start living there, you&rsquo;ll be even more prepared for your new work and lifestyle.</p>
<p>Want to know more about working in the UAE?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-reasons-to-work-in-dubai">Here are 5 Reasons to Work in Dubai</a></u>.</p>
<p>Search for&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">your perfect new job</a></u>.</p>

Settling into Culture and Lifestyle in Dubai

<p>Looking to live and work in a different country? Scandinavia describes a collection of countries in Northern Europe, covering Denmark, Norway and Sweden.</p>
<p>Here are our top seven reasons behind why you should work in Scandinavia.</p>
<h3><strong>1.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Happiness</strong></h3>
<p>The&nbsp;<u><a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/happiness-report/2018/WHR_web.pdf">World Happiness Report</a>&nbsp;</u>has seen the same four countries at the top of the list &ndash; Denmark, Switzerland, Norway and Finland &ndash; for the past four years, with Sweden in the top ten. The ranking takes into account income, life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity.</p>
<p>Scandinavian governments prioritise economic and social welfare, and citizens benefit from free healthcare and free University education.</p>
<h3><strong>2.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>History</strong></h3>
<p>Between the 10thand 13 centuries, Scandinavia underwent radical political change, leading to the establishment of three separate countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden.</p>
<p>All three countries have rich and lengthy histories. Denmark has the world&rsquo;s oldest monarchy, dating back to the year 900. Sweden became known as a Great Power in the 17thcentury and played a prominent role in the European Enlightenment period in arts, architecture, science and education. After emerging from the Ice Age as a habitable land in 12,000 BC, Norway built a radical new society following Roman Empire influence in the first century AD and led the world through the Iron Age. Each country has a Viking history of legendary proportions that cover many epic battles across the world.</p>
<h3><strong>3.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Beautiful Sights</strong></h3>
<p>Each Scandinavian country has a wealth of beauty in the form of natural landscapes and natural phenomena:</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Northern Lights</strong>&ndash; Aurora Borealis is a wondrous natural light display, caused by a collision between electric particles from the Sun that enter the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere, that can only be seen in the Arctic sky at few points in the world. Between September and March, those living in Norway can frequently enjoy the Northern Lights.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Mount Floyen</strong>&ndash; Norway&rsquo;s 399-metre summit overlooks the city of Bergen and its many fjords. Tourists and locals can walk, hike, bike or take an 8-minute train to the top of the mountain.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Sand Dunes</strong>&ndash; Denmark is home to breath-taking sand dunes across miles of wild beaches, and North Jutland hosts the largest migrating sand dune in Europe.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>M&oslash;ns Klint</strong>&ndash; Gigantic chalk cliffs located on the island of M&oslash;n in Denmark represent a UNESCO biosphere reserve. M&oslash;ns Klint covers 173 square miles and rises 419 feet above sea level.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Stockholm Archipelago &ndash;</strong>&nbsp;The Swedish capital offers 30,000 islands across the Baltic Sea. Travellers and locals can forage for berries, catch and cook fish, bike, hike, swim, kayak and go ice yachting for a truly unique experience out in nature.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Malm&ouml; Beaches</strong>&ndash; Ribersborg Beach stretches over 2.5 kilometres long. Beachgoers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and soaking up the sunshine at one of the world&rsquo;s best beaches.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Equality</strong></h3>
<p>Denmark has the world&rsquo;s&nbsp;<u><a href="https://denmark.dk/society-and-business/equality">lowest income equality</a>&nbsp;</u>and the lowest poverty rate, and Norway is the world&rsquo;s second most gender equal country. Women represent 46% of the Swedish parliament and 50% of the cabinet, and Sweden was&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/best-women">ranked</a>&nbsp;</u>the world&rsquo;s best place to live as a woman in 2019. In Scandinavia both parents manage child-rearing and childcare is substituted by the government, enabling families to operate as a unit and obtain the best work-life balance.</p>
<p>LGBT rights are also recognised, with same-sex marriage legal in all three countries, annual Pride parades and protection from discrimination at work and in healthcare. The liberal attitude of Scandinavian countries makes the region one of the world&rsquo;s most equal, accepting and collaborative societies.</p>
<h3><strong>5.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Culture</strong></h3>
<p>Alongside their progressive and modern culture, Scandinavian countries have a wealth of centuries-old traditions. Christmas is a major holiday across the region, and the Summer solstice is celebrated as a national holiday, with Midsummer rites such as decorating houses with flowers, singing folk songs and dancing at bonfires and visiting water wells stemming from pagan rituals.</p>
<p>Many traditions revolve around food and drink. J-Day is the Danish &lsquo;Christmas Beer Day&rsquo; on the first Friday of November, and the Danes&rsquo; traditional Halloween Fastelavn sees locals and visitors enjoy Shrovetide buns and classic Danish pastries. Sweden celebrate &lsquo;Cinnamon Bun Day&rsquo; and &lsquo;Waffle Day&rsquo;, and Norwegian Constitution Day involves a lot of alcohol, waffles and cake.</p>
<h3><strong>6.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Things to Do</strong></h3>
<p>Scandinavia is home to a plethora of museums, art experiences. Historical sites and architectural wonders including:</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Oslo Opera House</strong>&ndash; The capital city&rsquo;s magnificent Opera House was designed to mirror a glacier rising out of the fjord. Visitors can watch prestigious ballet and opera performances and walk on the marble roof for amazing views of the city.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Arctic Cathedral</strong>&ndash; One of the newest Norwegian cathedrals, the dramatic building was created to look like large blocks of ice. Inside the cathedral reveals&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-norway/">sparkling mosaics</a>&nbsp;</u>and an iconic glass fa&ccedil;ade.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Amalienborg Palace</strong>&ndash; The Danish Palace actually four palaces, each constructed for the four noble families of Denmark. The vast structure boasts octagon-shaped courtyards, ornate rooms and spring gardens.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Tivoli</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Denmark&rsquo;s famous theme park contains Vertigo, voted the best ride in Europe. Also offering a huge variety of rides, games, musicals, ballet performances and music concerts, Tivoli caters to all ages and backgrounds.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Malm&ouml;festivalen</strong>&ndash; Scandinavia&rsquo;s biggest festival provides a range of music, cultural events, art exhibitions, design, sports, food and drink. Running every year since 1985, the free festival has something for everyone.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Djurg&aring;rden&rsquo;s Museum Trio</strong>&ndash; This island on Stockholm boasts some of Sweden&rsquo;s most popular museums. The open-air Skansen reveals five centuries of Swedish houses, the Vasa hosts a mammoth 17th-century ship, and the Abba museum takes visitors through pop and folk music history alongside interactive exhibitions.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>7.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Environment</strong></p>
<p>With a wealth of natural resources and beautiful landscapes, the sustainable culture of Scandinavia involves respecting nature and only taking from land and sea what is truly necessary. The region is&nbsp;<u><a href="https://denmark.dk/innovation-and-design/sustainability">leading the world</a>&nbsp;</u>in renewable energy by designing more energy-efficient buildings, greener transport options, better waste management and sustainable food production.</p>
<p>World-leading public transport and an excellent work-life balance make Scandi office and worksite environments some of the world&rsquo;s best.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Want to live and work in Scandinavia? Take a look&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">at VHR&rsquo;s latest technical jobs</a></u>.</p>

Reasons to Work in Scandinavia

<p>Looking for a new job but not sure where to begin? Working with a recruitment agency gives you the best chance of finding your perfect job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>1.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Choose the Right Recruiter to Suit Your Industry &amp; Experience</strong></h3>
<p>Although job advertising sites like&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.reed.co.uk/">Reed</a>&nbsp;</u>have over 200,000 jobs, recruitment agencies will be in touch with employer companies directly.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Should You Work with a Recruitment Company?</strong></h3>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>The Latest Jobs</strong>&ndash; When large companies use a recruitment agency, the recruitment agency advertises jobs and arranges interviews. If you register with a recruitment agency, your recruiter will inform you about the the latest jobs first, before they are advertised.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>The Best Advice</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Your recruitment consultant is as successful as you are &ndash; they want you to get the job. Your recruiter will take time to understand your skills and personality to pitch you as best they can to a potential employer and position you as the best candidate for the company.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>The Best Preparation</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Your recruiter is ideally placed to help you prepare for your job interview: they know exactly what your potential employer is looking for. They&rsquo;ll coach you in general interview skills, let you in on specific questions the company is likely to ask and fill you in on the most important things the company are looking for.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>The Best Chance of Success</strong>&ndash; All the above reasons mean that, simply put, using a recruitment agency gives you a much higher chance of getting a job.</p>
<p>With over 33,000 recruitment agencies currently operating in the UK, how can you find the recruitment company that will understand you and help you on your career path? Here are a few options:</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Research Popular Agencies</strong>&ndash; Recruitment companies who work across many different types of jobs in many different industries will appear at the top of a Google search and will have a large variety of available jobs.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Research Agencies Near You</strong>&ndash; Some agencies specialise in jobs in certain regions, cities or countries.</p>
<p>&middot;&nbsp;<strong>Search by industry</strong>&ndash; Recruiters who are experts in your industry will understand the way it works and can help match you to the best jobs in this sector.&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/">As an engineering recruitment company</a></u>, VHR is led by former Formula 2 racing drivers and Aviation engineers.</p>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve found a handful of recruitment agencies you like, make time to look through their website and social media presence. Read case studies and quotes from previous candidates to understand how the recruitment agency works and their level of success in helping people find work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Meet Your Recruiter</strong></h3>
<p>Send a polite email to a few recruitment companies asking to formally meet them. Act exactly as if it were a job interview: dress smartly, research directions to your meeting place to ensure you arrive in plenty of time, and bring along a copy of your CV.</p>
<p>Prepare a summary statement to help your recruiter understand what you&rsquo;re looking for, including:</p>
<p>&bull; Your best skills &ndash; Technical and job-specific skills will help match you to the right role, and &lsquo;softer&rsquo; skills such as communication are also important for determining the right culture fit for a new employer</p>
<p>&bull; Your passions &ndash; Hobbies, interests and goals are often the key to what motivates you and increases your work performance</p>
<p>&bull; Your style &ndash; Are you better working in a team or alone? Do you prefer working outside, with your hands or technology?</p>
<p>&bull; Your personal goals &ndash; Do you want to become an expert in a new skill or pursue a creative passion? Are you looking to work and live abroad or change industries?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Take Their Feedback on Board</strong></h3>
<p>A good recruitment consultant will encourage you to promote yourself as best you can. After your first interview or meeting with a recruiter, they will have a better idea of the jobs that might suit you and may have some advice to help you in your job search.</p>
<p>Many recruiters will ask you to tailor your CV to a specific job they&rsquo;d like you to interview for. This usually involves:</p>
<p>&bull; Changing some of the wording in your CV so that an employer will recognise certain words that they&rsquo;re looking for</p>
<p>&bull; Highlighting some specific experience or achievements rather than others</p>
<p>&bull; Reducing the length of your CV (less than 3 pages is ideal) or going into more detail for some aspects of your work experience or achievements.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Constant Communication</strong></h3>
<p>Keep in touch with your recruiter as much as you can. Your recruitment consultant will be dedicated to finding you a job as soon as you first meet them, so the opportunities for a job interview may come in quickly &ndash; you don&rsquo;t want to miss out.</p>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t hear back from your recruiter after a few days, don&rsquo;t assume that all is lost. They may have been very busy, away on holiday or could be very close to securing you an interview.</p>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve landed your interview, speak to your recruiter and take on board all their advice to prepare for your interview. Once you&rsquo;ve had your interview, your recruiter should call straight away to find out what you thought. Ensure you give your honest feedback &ndash; as much as you are being tested to see whether you fit the role and the company, you are also testing to see whether you would like to work in the role &ndash; and your recruiter will get honest feedback for you from company.</p>
<p>If at first you don&rsquo;t succeed, keep trying &ndash; sometimes a job isn&rsquo;t the right fit for you, but another will be right around the corner. Your recruitment consultant will have helped thousands of jobseekers into a new role &ndash; with them on your side, you&rsquo;re set for success.</p>
<h3><strong>5.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Stay in Touch</strong></h3>
<p>Even after you&rsquo;ve landed a new job and have settled in well, keeping in touch with your recruitment consultant is vital for the rest of your career. An experienced recruiter on your side is invaluable: your consultant will be able to send you the latest new jobs before you finish every contract and can help provide career guidance for moving up in permanent roles.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>See and apply for all&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">VHR&rsquo;s latest technical jobs</a></u>.</p>

Find Your Perfect Job: How to Work with a Recruitment Agency

<p>Linkedin is a fantastic resource when you&rsquo;re looking for a new job. You can use it to apply to job postings, or recruiters and headhunters can find you through your profile, and engage with you through the messenger function.</p>
<p>Both of these can get you a job, but there are specific ways to respond to ads and messages that will make your job search easier.</p>
<h1><strong>How To Use Linkedin To Get A Job:</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Don&rsquo;t Close Doors</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>It could be that someone reaches out to your through a private message to talk about a new opportunity in your field. If you aren&rsquo;t interested, it might be tempting to ignore the message. If the recruiter is pushy, you might even consider blocking them.</p>
<p>You shouldn&rsquo;t do this.</p>
<p>An opportunity is an opportunity, and even if you aren&rsquo;t interested, it could be an avenue to a new job in the future. That recruiter might not have something you&rsquo;re interested in right now, but they might have the perfect job for you in a year&rsquo;s time.</p>
<p>Networking and building your connections is a great way to find out about opportunities before they go public, and you might have a greater chance of landing a job based on who you have in your network.</p>
<p>So, if someone speaks to you about a potential job that you aren&rsquo;t interested in, politely decline, thank them for bringing it to your attention, and ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities.</p>
<p>You never know where it might lead!</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Replying To Opportunities</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Now, if you&nbsp;<em>are</em>&nbsp;interested in an opportunity that a recruiter offers you on Linkedin, it&rsquo;s very important to strike the right tone when you reply to their message.</p>
<p>You don&rsquo;t know the person reaching out to you, so you should mirror the tone and language they use. Be respectful, and engage with them in a helpful and constructive way. They&rsquo;re trying to help you, but they&rsquo;re also trying to find the right person for the job, so they&rsquo;ve got questions you need to answer.</p>
<p>If a recruiter has reached out to you with an opportunity you&rsquo;re interested in, first you should thank them, and then you should explain why you&rsquo;re qualified for the job.</p>
<p>When a recruiter has reached out to you for a job, they don&rsquo;t know if you&rsquo;re really right for the role or not. So you have to show them, you have to convince them that you can do the job better than anyone else they&rsquo;re speaking to.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s important to be direct, vague messages may confuse whoever you&rsquo;re speaking to. If you&rsquo;re interested, say you&rsquo;re interested, and then show why they should move forward with you.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Applying For Jobs</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>If you&rsquo;re reaching out yourself to a job ad you&rsquo;ve seen, your CV should be doing the bulk of the work for you. However, your initial message is important, as it adds a touch of your personality to the process.</p>
<p>Like a cover letter, any communication you have with a recruiter or a hiring manager should be explaining why you&rsquo;re qualified, and what you can bring to the team.</p>
<p>Here are some&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/cv-buzzwords-for-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">buzzwords you can add to your CV</a>&nbsp;to make sure it catches the eye of whoever reads it.</p>
<p>Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guide to getting a job</a>, or check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-job-interview-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guide to job interviews</a>.</p>

How You Should Reply To LinkedIn Adverts To Get A Job

<p>The number of young people in the UK who believe a university degree is vital for success in later life has fallen to around two thirds. This number has been steadily falling for the last three year. More surprisingly, the number of young people who believe university isn&rsquo;t important for success has doubled in the last year.</p>
<h2><strong>Is Networking Better Than University?</strong></h2>
<p>With the rise of Linkedin, students now believe networks and connections can open more doors than a degree. On top of this, because of rising costs, some university students are unhappy with the quality of education and support they receive at university given how much money they&rsquo;re paying for the experience. Almost half of UK universities have seen a decrease in the overall satisfaction levels of their students.</p>
<h1><strong>Why More Young People Should Consider Apprenticeships</strong></h1>
<p>A growing awareness of apprenticeships and internships has also contributed to the drop in young people thinking university is necessary. The government has pushed these schemes, wanting to get more young people into work without the excessive debt that university brings. After university many students end up with a debt of around &pound;50,000, that they often struggle to pay back over the course of their working lives. 40% of students are worried about university costs, perhaps unaware that there are alternatives available.</p>
<p>64% of young people have said they&rsquo;d be interested in doing an apprenticeship if it led to a job they wanted. This suggests that many young people don&rsquo;t know the opportunities apprenticeships can lead to.</p>
<p>Due to low wages, graduate jobs that might have been prestigious or well-paid twenty years ago are now the bottom of the career ladder. Often a young person could go straight into work, get promoted, and then be earning significantly more money than they would be if they got into the same field after university.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s worth noting that, in general, those with degrees do go on to earn more on average than those without. But that isn&rsquo;t guaranteed. And getting a degree in one field doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;ll get a job as well.</p>
<h2><strong>Degrees Don&rsquo;t Guarantee Success</strong></h2>
<p>While many still believe a university degree is a good indicator of general intelligence and work-ethic, they&rsquo;re by no means a requirement for a successful career.</p>
<p>Some students who go to university end up in careers completely unrelated to what they studied, leading some to believe their years at university were wasted.</p>
<h3><strong>You Can Start A Technical Career Through An Apprenticeship</strong></h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for a career in a technical industry like engineering or design, an apprenticeship might be better for you than going to university. You can earn money while you gain practical, on-site experience in the field you want to work in.</p>
<p>Apprentices earn on average &pound;100,000 more over their careers than someone with no higher qualifications.</p>
<p>On top of that, you&rsquo;ll start building a network of professionals in your field as soon as you start work. These two factors form a strong foundation from which to build a successful career.</p>
<p>Here are&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/10-reasons-apprenticeship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 reasons to do an apprenticeship</a>.</p>
<p>Here are the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-you-dont-need-a-degree-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best jobs you don&rsquo;t need a degree for</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-most-in-demand-skills-you-need-to-have-when-looking-for-a-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skills you should put on your CV</a>.</p>

Why Fewer Young People Are Going To University

<p>More and more workers are looking to move to Poland. One of the largest economies in Europe, the country has enjoyed growth over the last decade and is now home to international businesses looking to attract the best talent.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re thinking of working in Poland, here are just some of the reasons to make the move.</p>
<h1><strong>Reasons to Work In Poland:</strong></h1>
<p>Overall, the average salary in Poland is rising, and the cost of living is staying low. Thanks to an influx of large businesses, wages have risen, and the cost of accommodation is relatively low even in the capital, making it very attractive for skilled workers.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s one of the largest shared service centres in Europe, so multilingual workers are in high demand: if you speak French, German, Finnish, Norwegian, or Swedish this will increase your chances of finding work.</p>
<p>Poland&rsquo;s economy experienced strong growth between 2012-2017, well above the EU average. This translated into lower overall unemployment.</p>
<p>There is good and cheap public transport in all cities, with links to other towns around the country.</p>
<p>Like many European countries, it has great transport links to other countries, allowing you to easily visit other parts of the world on a weekend.</p>
<h2><strong>Polish Culture</strong></h2>
<p>Poland has a long history, with deep cultural traditions. There are many national holidays and celebrations, which everyone in the country takes part in.</p>
<p>The cities are modern, with vibrant nightlife and entertainment events.</p>
<p>There is public healthcare, but there are also private health insurance schemes that are relatively cheap and deliver a high standard of care.</p>
<p>Poland is one of the safest countries in the EU, and is one of the safest countries on the planet.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s advisable to learn at least basic Polish before arriving, as the majority of the citizens and businesses use Polish. The language is difficult to master, but showing an attempt to learn it will earn you respect from the locals.</p>
<p>Around 30% of Poland is made up of forests, making it a fantastic place for anyone who likes the outdoors. There are also mountains, lakes, and historical sites for you to explore.</p>
<h2><strong>How To Work In Poland</strong></h2>
<p>Since Poland is in the EU, EU citizens and members of the European Economic Area do not need a work permit to work in the country.</p>
<p>Otherwise, you&rsquo;ll have to apply for a visa before you can legally work in Poland. You will then also need a work permit, which can only be secured for you by your employer. This work permit is only valid for the company and position you will have. If you change jobs, you&rsquo;ll need your new employer to get a new work permit for you. For the permit to be valid you must have a signed employment contract with the business that is employing you.</p>
<p>When applying for jobs and trying to get a work permit, there are some general rules you should try to follow:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Don&rsquo;t give anyone your passport</h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3>Get a copy of your work permit</h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3>If you&rsquo;re using a recruitment agency to find work, make sure they are handling all your documentation properly</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Keep these in mind when looking for work in Poland, and you can enjoy a long career in one of the best countries in Europe.</p>
<p>Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-the-internet-of-things-means-for-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to futureproof your engineering career</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/10-best-sectors-to-work-in-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best sectors to join in 2019</a>.</p>

What It’s Like To Work In Poland

<p>If you&rsquo;re thinking of working in Europe, you might typically think of&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-germany" target="_blank" rel="noopener">working in Germany</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-france" target="_blank" rel="noopener">France</a>, but the Czech Republic is actually one of the best countries in Europe to work in.</p>
<h1><strong>Benefits Of Working In The Czech Republic:</strong></h1>
<h3><strong>Work In A Truly International Country</strong></h3>
<p>The Czech Republic is one of the most metropolitan and diverse countries in the EU. Anyone who speaks English will be in luck, as many international companies which work there use English as their main language.</p>
<p>The country&rsquo;s location is another benefit, being right in the centre of Europe. This makes it ideal for travel to almost anywhere in Europe by plane, train, or car. The country has fast, cheap public transport, so it&rsquo;s easy to get around.</p>
<h3><strong>Strong Technical Industries</strong></h3>
<p>The Czech Republic has many strong technical industries, including:</p>
<p>Automotive, which accounts for 28% of the Czech manufacturing output.</p>
<p>IT</p>
<p>Electrical Engineering</p>
<p>Construction</p>
<p>Roughly 38% of the total workforce is employed in the industrial sector. These industries have helped raise the standard of living in the country, and there are now many aerospace and automotive companies looking for workers as they expand. They have also brought in extensive investment from other countries.</p>
<h3><strong>Excellent Work/Life Balance and Strong Economy</strong></h3>
<p>The Czech Republic has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU, and with an influx of foreign businesses coming into the country, there are currently more jobs than can be filled.</p>
<p>The average salary in Prague is over 40,000 CZK, thanks to the last decade of hard work driving the economy forward. Even better, you can live relatively cheaply in the Czech Republic, as it has some of the cheapest consumer goods in the EU.</p>
<p>Last year, the Czech Republic was rated the 15<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;best country in the World Economic Forum Quality Of Life Index, beating the USA, UK, and France. It is also one of the safest countries in the world.</p>
<p>The work/life balance is much better than in other countries, without the excessive demands placed on workers in the UK and US. Those working in the Czech Republic enjoy 25 days of paid vacation a year, with 13 extra bank holiday days. The country is also the number one consumer of beer in the world, so the people know how to relax and have fun.</p>
<h3><strong>Natural Beauty</strong></h3>
<p>Prague is the world most green urban space; the world&rsquo;s largest city with the highest density of green space.</p>
<p>The rest of the Czech countryside is beautiful as well, with green hills and forests around the country.</p>
<h2><strong>How To Work In The Czech Republic</strong></h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re an EU citizen you have the same rights as a Czech citizen.</p>
<p>First, like most countries, a foreign worker from outside the EU must secure a visa and a work permit. The maximum length of a work permit is two years, but it can be extended. Like all work permits in the EU, they must be secured by an employer, and given to a specific employee. If someone from outside the country were to lose their job, they would lose their work permit.</p>
<p>Find out&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-does-the-right-to-work-mean-and-why-is-it-important-for-international-job-seekers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">why the right to work is so important for international job seekers</a>, or read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-job-interview-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guide to job interviews</a>.</p>

Why You Should Work In The Czech Republic

<p>Want to work in a European country that&rsquo;s famous for its beautiful landscapes and rich history?</p>
<p>Read our free Guide to Working in the Netherlands below and discover:<br><br>&middot; Culture &ndash; Explore rich Dutch history, variety of cultures and beautiful landscapes<br><br>&middot; Working Culture, Pensions and Tax &ndash; Everything you need to know about money matters<br><br>&middot; Language &ndash; How to say &lsquo;hello&rsquo;, &lsquo;thank you&rsquo; and useful phrases in Dutch.</p>
<h2><strong><br>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost to Live in Holland?</strong></h2>
<p>The cost of living will vary across areas of the country and between cities, suburbs and villages. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<ul>
<li>Single/Couple Rent in Amsterdam &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost around 1,538&euro;</li>
<li>Single/Couple Rent in the Suburbs &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Amsterdam&rsquo;s suburbs would be 1,171&euro;</li>
<li>Monthly Utility Bill for Amsterdam &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in an 85m2 flat in the city centre or suburbs would cost around 157&euro;.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Dutch Transport &ndash; How to Get Around in Holland?</strong></h2>
<p>Excellent Dutch public transport links include a swipe card payment system: the OV-chipkaart&nbsp;is the country&rsquo;s official transport payment system for the metro, bus and tram.</p>
<p>Short plane journeys also offer easy travel to other countries such as:</p>
<p>&middot; Belgium &ndash; Enjoy Bruges canals, Antwerp fashion, decadent chocolate, mussels and chips, belfries and castles, crazy carnivals, the fame of Tintin and Trappist beers.</p>
<p>&middot; Germany &ndash; Experience Germany's stunning scenery, intriguing culture, romantic palaces and half-timbered towns.</p>
<p>&middot; UK &ndash; Visit Great Britain and Northern Ireland for an historic state&nbsp;packed with pulsing cities, sprawling countryside and a wealth of recent and ancient history.</p>
<h2>Dutch Education System</h2>
<p><br>Children in the Netherlands receive 8 years of primary education, 4, 5 or 6 years of secondary education (depending on the type of school). After secondary school they can go on to vocational education or higher education.</p>
<p>There are both public and private institutions at all levels of the education system; the private institutions are mostly based on religious or ideological principles.<br>If you are relocating to Holland from abroad and are looking for schools, keep this in mind: at bilingual primary and secondary schools the children still speak Dutch about 50% of the day. Also, the school-leaving exams at the end of secondary school are in Dutch.</p>
<h2>Pensions</h2>
<ul>
<li>Public Pensions - The first pillar is a compulsory insurance plan financed on a&nbsp;pay-as-you-go basis. The system covers employees in the&nbsp;private sector, civil servants and the self-employed.&nbsp;Contributions are paid on income at a rate of 17.9%, which&nbsp;is employee-financed and until 2028 the state pension will&nbsp;be guaranteed to rise in line with inflation.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Occupational Pensions - The Dutch second pillar is one of the best developed occupational pension systems in Europe. Although occupational pension provision is generally not mandatory, sector-wide pension schemes often stipulate compulsory membership that can be approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment upon request.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Culture</strong></h2>
<p><br>The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, and it is spoken by a vast majority of the country&rsquo;s population. It closely resembles German and borrows terms from both French and English. The Netherlands is one of the most secularized countries in Western Europe. Only about 39% of citizens claim to be religious, and of those 39% only 6% attend church on a regular basis.</p>
<p>Traditional Dutch cuisine is not very diverse. It&rsquo;s very simple and straightforward. The traditional Dutch meal consists of a lot of vegetables with a little meat.</p>
<h2>Language</h2>
<p><br>Hi = Hoi<br>Yes = Ja<br>No = Nee<br>Thank You = Dank je<br>Bye-Bye = Tot ziens<br>Sorry = Sorry<br>I'm = Im<br>You're welcome = Graag gedaan<br>How are you ? = Hoe gaat het met je?<br>Well = Goed</p>
<h2>Useful Links</h2>
<p><br>https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/planyour-holiday/practical-information/touristinformation-offices.htm<br>https://www.government.nl/<br>https://www.dutchnews.nl/<br>https://www.accuweather.com/en/nl/netherlands-weather</p>
<h2><strong>Why You Should Live in the Netherlands &ndash; Things to Do in Holland</strong></h2>
<p>&middot; Mauritshuis &ndash; Wonder at Dutch and Flemish art housed in a 17th Century mansion museum</p>
<p>&middot; The Anne Frank Huis &ndash; Read Anne&rsquo;s actual diary at the globally famous site that draws more than one million visitors annually</p>
<p>&middot; Van Gogh Museum &ndash; Trace renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh's life and development through the world's largest collection of his work, including both familiar paintings and little-known pieces.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&middot; Vondelpark&nbsp;&ndash; Explore a magical landscape that includes a busy social scene, pristine lawns, ponds with swans, quaint cafes and footbridges.</p>
<p>Want help getting a new job?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-write-a-great-cv" rel=" noopener">Here's our Guide to Writing a Great CV</a>.</p>
<p>Find and apply for&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" rel=" noopener">all our jobs around the world</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Guide to Working in the Netherlands

<p>Want to work in a European country that&rsquo;s full of ancient history, eclectic culture and a variety of travel opportunities? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Hungary.</p>
<p><strong>Accommodation</strong></p>
<p>The cost of living in Hungary will vary across areas of the country. The capital, Budapest, is likely to have a higher cost of living than more regional areas. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<ul>
<li>Studio Apartment Accommodation &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Budapest city centre would be around &euro;468.</li>
<li>Suburban Accommodation &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Budapest suburb would cost you around &euro;350.</li>
<li>Monthly Utility Bill for Budapest &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in a 85m2 flat in Budapest will cost around &euro;144.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Transport</strong></h2>
<p>Budapest is the only city in Hungary with an extensive public transportation system. The country&rsquo;s transport options include a combination of metro, tram and commuter buses. Buses are the best bet for reaching the more out-of-the way places in Budapest.</p>
<p>Working in Hungary offers the opportunity to visit other incredible countries around Europe, which include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Croatia &ndash; Enjoy beautiful countryside, deserted beaches and ancient walled towns.</li>
<li>Austria &ndash; Experience both outdoor landscapes and urban activities in Austria. Climb alpine mountains and explore imperial Vienna.</li>
<li>Romania &ndash; Visit old stone churches and dazzling monasteries after walking across vast mountains and rolling hills. Take a trip to vibrant Bucharest for a unique city break.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Culture</strong></h2>
<p>The rich culture is strong in folk traditions and has its own distinctive style, influenced by various ethnic groups including the Roma people. Music of all kinds,<br>from classical to folk, is an important part of everyday life, as is the country&rsquo;s rich literary heritage. Crafts such as ceramics and embroidery, Hungary&rsquo;s traditional cuisine, strong fruit brandies, dance and popular spa treatments all reflect a fascinating heritage.</p>
<p>Hungary&rsquo;s 10 million residents are vibrant, friendly and value the family above all else. Generations often live in the same household under one roof and grandparents have a lot of involvement in the upbringing of their grandchildren.</p>
<h2><strong>Taxes</strong></h2>
<p>There may be different tax rates for residents (Hungarian citizens with exception of dual citizens without Hungarian residence, EEC member state citizens with more than 183 days of staying, third country citizens with residence permit and persons only with Hungarian residence) and non-residents (if they earn income from Hungary or according to an international convention they earn income that is taxable in Hungary).</p>
<p>Hungary has a personal income tax rate of 15% of the tax base. For resident taxpayers, the tax base is their whole income, while in the case of non-resident taxpayers it represents their locally taxable incomes.</p>
<h2>Language</h2>
<p>Hi = Szia<br>Yes = Igen<br>No = Nem<br>Thank You = K&ouml;sz&ouml;n&ouml;m<br>Bye-Bye = Viszl&aacute;t<br>Sorry = Sajn&aacute;lom<br>I'm = Vagyok<br>You're welcome = Sz&iacute;vesen<br>How are you ? = Hogy vagy?<br>Well = J&oacute;l</p>
<h2><strong>Pensions</strong></h2>
<p>The country's pension scheme is a mandatory, uniform, defined benefit pay-as-you-go system. An earnings-related public pension is combined with a minimum pension. The public pension system is a pay-as-you-go-financed, defined benefit (DB) scheme, covering all employees, including the self-employed. Mandatory schemes were introduced in 1998.</p>
<h2><strong>Education</strong></h2>
<p>Compulsory education begins with the obligatory pre-school year, usually at the age of 5. From the ages of 6 to 16 school is mandatory for all Hungarians. Most children attend Free State schools. Private school charge fees but are subsidized by the state.</p>
<p>After finishing primary school (&aacute;ltal&aacute;nos iskola) students can decide between three options: high school (gimn&aacute;zium),vocational school (szakmunk&aacute;sk&eacute;pz&ouml; iskola) or trade school (Szakk&ouml;z&eacute;piskola). All Hungarians must complete 8 years of elementary school plus two more years in one of the above schools.</p>
<p>To study at a Hungarian university (egyetem) or college (Szakiskola / f&ouml;iskola) you need a certification of secondary education.</p>
<h2><strong>Things to Do &ndash; Entertainment &amp; Activities</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Castle Hill &ndash; A kilometre-long limestone plateau towering 170m above the Danube.</li>
<li>Parliament &ndash; Government buildings designed and completed in 1902, the Hungarian Parliament offers 691 luxuriously decorated rooms.</li>
<li>Esztergom Basilica &ndash; The largest church in Hungary sits on Castle Hill, and its 72m-high central dome can be seen from miles away.</li>
<li>Eger Castle &ndash; Built in the 13th century.</li>
<li>Great Synagogue &ndash; The stunning building is the world's largest Jewish house of worship outside New York City.</li>
</ul>
<p>Explore our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-its-like-to-work-in-poland" rel=" noopener">Guide to Working in Poland</a>.</p>
<p>Find and&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" rel=" noopener">apply for all our international jobs</a>.</p>

Guide to Working in Hungary

<p>America is perhaps the most famous country in the world, with more and more people visiting every year.</p>
<p>Many people go and experience a way of life they could not have anywhere else, and decide to stay, joining the millions of immigrant workers living in America. Foreign-born workers make up around 13% of the total US population, and contribute millions towards the GDP.</p>
<p>The idea that a better life is possible in America has driven millions of people there over the centuries, and continues to inspire people to this day. If you&rsquo;re thinking of working somewhere abroad, America is one of the most exciting places to consider.</p>
<h1><strong>5 Reasons Why America Is A Great Place To Work:</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>The People</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>America is made up of people and cultures from all over the world. Perhaps the most multi-cultural country on the planet, America as we know it was driven forward by the hard work of people travelling to a new country, to make a new start for themselves.</p>
<p>The people of America today are often inviting, friendly, and want to welcome new people to their country. Many of them will be immigrants themselves, or travelling around the country before returning home</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>CV and Professional Opportunities</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The fact that you will have worked abroad is a good thing for your future job interviews, international experience makes you more valuable than other potential candidates. It not only shows that you gained independence but also that you stepped out of your comfort zone. Having an international role on your CV will highlight this, and will single you out from other candidates as one to watch.</p>
<p>In terms of jobs in America, almost all of the biggest companies in the world have offices in the USA. You will have career opportunities in America you could not get anywhere else in the world. Just one internship for a big name could change your career.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Food</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>America is famous for having food from all over the world to try. In each different state you will be able to taste different kinds of food, from pulled pork in North Carolina to bagels in New York.</p>
<p>Some of the major cities in America are hubs of exotic and exciting foods for you to try, often cooked by authentic cooks from around the world.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Culture</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>American culture has become one of the dominating forces on the planet. While you live and work in the USA, you can experience things you&rsquo;d never find anywhere else in the world. Outside of your job, the culture really is one of the best things about living and working in America.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Travel Without Leaving The Country</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>American has some of the most drastically differing landscapes found in any one country. Whether you want to go to the beach, go mountain climbing, explore a forest, or go star gazing in the desert, you&rsquo;ll find what you&rsquo;re looking for.</p>
<p>Every state is different and you can visit them by taking the plane, train, or even a road trip. From the grand canyon to the new York city, where will you go?</p>
<p>America is a fantastic place to work, both in terms of the professional advantages, and the cultural landmarks.</p>
<p>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-of-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best jobs of 2019</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to get a job</a> with the VHR job guide.</p>

5 Reasons To Work In The USA

<p>Different roles require different skills, but no matter what sector you&rsquo;re working in, there are some skills that will help you get any job.</p>
<p>Whether you&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">work in engineering</a>&nbsp;or not, the following skills are universally usefully, and universally sought after.</p>
<h1><strong>These 5 Skills Will Help You Get Any Job</strong></h1>
<h3><strong>Adaptability</strong></h3>
<p>The ability to adapt to changes will help you in any role you go for, so it&rsquo;s no surprise that this is the most in-demand skill that UK employers are looking for.</p>
<p>Demonstrate how adaptable you are by including the different elements of your past roles on your CV, and by listing how you&rsquo;ve handled new challenges when you get to interview.</p>
<p>Anytime you&rsquo;ve had to take on a new responsibility, or deal with an unexpected problem, you&rsquo;ve adapted. This is invaluable to businesses of any kind, as a flexible workforce allows teams to handle problems proactively and effectively.</p>
<h3><strong>Resilience</strong></h3>
<p>The world of work is becoming more and more demanding. More pressure is being placed on workers who may have to juggle multiple roles or responsibilities.</p>
<p>You can prove your resilience by explaining how you overcame challenges at your previous roles, or came up against problems that slowed you down, but didn&rsquo;t stop you. It could be working on a difficult project, having to take on extra work, or facing unexpected setbacks.</p>
<p>Demonstrating that you are resilient, and that you can handle stress, will make you a valuable addition to any team, immediately making you&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-make-yourself-more-employable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more employable</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>A Willingness To Upskill</strong></h3>
<p>Similar to adaptability, one of the most important skills for any employee is to be constantly improving. Learning new skills will keep you employable as markets and roles change over time.</p>
<p>Upskilling is even more important for engineers, as there is currently a massive&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-address-the-engineering-shortage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skills shortage</a>&nbsp;in the industry. Learning to work with the latest technology and newest systems will ensure engineers can stay at the forefront of their field.</p>
<p>In other roles, upskilling to learn skills outside your core skillset will mark you out as a talented employee who is dedicated to their role. It will also help you throughout your career, giving you the necessary skills to progress to new roles and rise up the career ladder.</p>
<h3><strong>Work-Life Balance</strong></h3>
<p>Having the ability to balance your work and your personal life is becoming a more important skill in the age of 24/7 work.</p>
<p>We&rsquo;re seeing increases in burnout cases, as people struggle to &lsquo;switch off&rsquo;, working around the clock. This leads to increased stress, poor mental health, and worse performance, and isn&rsquo;t sustainable.</p>
<p>Smart businesses are now prioritising a healthier work-life balance, encouraging employees to take time for themselves. But this is only possible if those employees have the &lsquo;skill&rsquo; to switch off. Many employees are now so used to working longer hours that they are unable to fully relax.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s certainly a skill worth cultivating to be able to stop working, relax, and enjoy your life outside of work.</p>
<h3><strong>Networking</strong></h3>
<p>Lastly, the ability to meet people and network is crucial to helping you get a new job.</p>
<p>Candidates with a strong Linkedin presence are immediately more attractive to businesses, as they have a larger network in which to spread messages and potentially gain new business.</p>
<p>But this can also help you move along your career, helping you forge connections and find new jobs in the future.</p>
<p>All these skills make you a more rounded employee, and can help you find new jobs as you move up your career ladder.</p>
<p>Read about five things that can&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-things-that-can-help-you-get-a-job-that-arent-your-cv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">help you get a job</a>.</p>
<p>Read more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to get a job</a>, or learn the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/cv-buzzwords-for-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best buzzwords to include on your CV</a>.</p>

The Most In-Demand Skills You Need To Have When Looking for A Job

<p>Looking for a new job? VHR&rsquo;s Job Interview Guide reveals the top tips to help you find your next job and your ideal career.</p>
<h2><strong>How to Research for a Job Interview</strong></h2>
<p>Before the day, ensure you do your homework about the company and the industry you are applying to join. Your potential employer will almost certainly ask you the question, &ldquo;What do you know about our company?&rdquo; and you don&rsquo;t want to be stuck for words. The best information to come prepared with is:</p>
<p>&middot; The company&rsquo;s role in the specified industry</p>
<p>&middot; The company&rsquo;s clients, partners and competitors</p>
<p>&middot; Knowledge of the most recent projects, case studies, news, blogs and press articles.</p>
<p>Researching a company&rsquo;s website and social media channels is the easiest way to research this information, because these will show the most correct, relevant and important information about the company. Complement this research by looking into what other publications, such as online newspapers or magazines, have said about the company: perhaps they have won an award, opened a new brand or commented on an important industry event.</p>
<p>Discussing your research is your opportunity to prove you understand your potential employer and are truly interested in the opportunity.</p>
<h2>Body Language</h2>
<p>Recruiters will not only pay attention to the the way you speak but also the way you behave. Your body language will be analysed by the recruiter, and will determine their perception of your character.</p>
<p>Ensure you do the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sit upright in your seat</li>
<li>Use hand gestures while speaking</li>
<li>Plant your feet on the ground</li>
<li>Breathe deeply and speak on the exhale</li>
<li>Nod your head while listening</li>
<li>Smile</li>
<li>Walk in confidently</li>
</ul>
<h2>Appearance</h2>
<p>The way you dress for a job interview is crucial as it is the first impression you will give to the interviewer. Dressing in the right way for an interview shows that you are serious about the job and genuinely interested in the position. Dressing professionally will also give you a boost of confidence as it puts you in a work frame of mind.</p>
<p>For men, this might mean a suit jacket and slacks with a shirt and tie, or a sweater and button down. For women, this might mean a blouse and smart trousers or a statement dress. You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit.</p>
<h2>Bring your CV with You</h2>
<p>If you really want to impress, make sure you bring a few copies of your CV to interview. If you're facing a panel of<br>interviewers, you will look organised if you can supply them with their own copy. It is perfectly acceptable to have a copy of your CV in front of you for your reference as you discuss your skills, too.</p>
<p>Bear in mind that even if you&rsquo;re using a more dynamic template, such as Canva or LinkedIn for your CV, most employers will still expect to see hard copies.</p>
<h2>Watch Out for Questions You Shouldn't Be Asked</h2>
<p>There are some questions you shouldn&rsquo;t be asked in a job interview. In some cases asking these questions is ethically questionable, and in others it would actually be illegal. Most of the questions about the below topics are not allowed to be discussed:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sexuality</li>
<li>Nationality</li>
<li>Race</li>
<li>Religion</li>
<li>Pregnancy Status or Intentions to Have Children</li>
<li>Marital Status</li>
<li>Age</li>
</ul>
<p>Arrive On Time</p>
<p>Always be on time for an interview, even if that means being early - a late arrival can show a lack of organisation and poor punctuality. Avoid being late by following these rules:</p>
<ul>
<li>Set an alarm far in advance; the earlier you get up, the more time you have to prepare</li>
<li>Organise your outfit the night before - don&rsquo;t rush in the morning as you may either make a bad decision or create unnecessary stress.</li>
<li>Allow yourself extra travelling time to get to the interview: these extra few minutes beforehand will enable you to visit the toilets, go over your preparation again and calm your nerves.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Prepare your Answers in Advance</h2>
<p>As well as going through your CV, skills and experience, you will be asked a series of questions. Some of these questions will test your ability to perform in the role, but your potential employer will also be interested to see how you cope with thinking on the spot and handle a stressful situation.</p>
<p>Practicing interview questions before the big day will help alleviate some stress and nerves. The more you prepare, the more comfortable and successful you will be.</p>
<p>Here are some questions frequently asked by hiring managers:</p>
<p>&middot; Explain what you think you can bring to this role</p>
<p>&middot; Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years&rsquo; time?</p>
<p>&middot; What are your strengths?</p>
<p>&middot; What are your weaknesses?</p>
<p>&middot; Tell me about a time you successfully handled a stressful situation?</p>
<p>&middot; What characteristics do you think are important in this job role?</p>
<h2>Project Self-Confidence</h2>
<p>Project self-confidence accurately in order to build rapport and make a personal connection with your interviewer.</p>
<ul>
<li>Find the fine-line between arrogance and pride; ensure you show modesty.</li>
<li>Try to avoid clich&eacute; or predictable answers.</li>
<li>Carefully outline how your strengths will solve company problems by making sure they&rsquo;re based around achieving the job's key requirements.</li>
<li>Try to avoid a heavy use of adjectives and stick to data and facts.</li>
<li>Give examples as evidence of your skills and experience.</li>
</ul>
<p>Questions to Ask Your Interviewer</p>
<p>When in a job interview, it can be difficult to keep track of everything you need to do to give yourself the best chance of landing the job. Here are the 10 questions you should ask in a job interview:</p>
<ul>
<li>What are the key priorities for the first few months?</li>
<li>How will I be assessed?</li>
<li>How will the role/department develop?</li>
<li>What&rsquo;s the biggest challenge I can expect to face?</li>
<li>What&rsquo;s the best part of working here?</li>
<li>Who are your main direct competitors?</li>
<li>What&rsquo;s the company culture like?</li>
<li>What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?</li>
<li>What are the next steps of the interview process?</li>
</ul>
<h2>Keep Calm</h2>
<p>Both before and during the job interview, try to relax, control your nerves and stay as calm as possible. A few examples of how to remain calm include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Take deep breaths.</li>
<li>Maintain eye contact with the interviewer</li>
<li>Listen to the whole question being asked and do not interrupt.</li>
<li>Take your time in responding with your answer.</li>
<li>Try not to speak too fast &ndash; ensure they can understand you clearly.</li>
<li>Be yourself and smile.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Follow Up</h2>
<p>After an interview, it is always respectful to follow-up with a thank you email reiterating your interest in the job position. In this email, you could also include any remaining details that you may have forgotten to mention during your interview.</p>
<p>VHR recommends that you send your thankyou note within 24 hours of your interview and if you met multiple people, ensure you send each person a note. Following up on an interview not only shows the interviewer that you are enthusiastic and keen, but also reflects your friendliness and proves you are team-spirited for a memorable positive impression.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering jobs</a></u>&nbsp;around the world.</p>
<p>Decided Valencia isn&rsquo;t for you? Here are&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career-in-2020">8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</a></u>.</p>

The Job Interview Guide

<p>Want to work in Europe, and live in a country full of beautiful countryside, diverse cultures and plenty of job opportunities? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Germany.</p>
<p><strong>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost to Live in Germany?</strong></p>
<p><br>The cost of living in will vary across regions of the country; for example, between cities, suburbs and villages. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<p>&middot; Single/Couple Rent in Munich &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a German city would be around 966,24&euro;.</p>
<p>&middot; Single/Couple Rent in the Suburbs &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment&nbsp;in the German suburbs&nbsp;would be&nbsp;around 757,68&euro;.</p>
<p>&middot; Monthly Utility Bill &ndash; Utilities for one month for two people in an apartment will cost around 239,66&euro;.</p>
<h2><strong>German Transport &ndash; How to Travel Around&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p>The country offers a variety of transport options, including Bus, tram, S-Bahn, U-Bahn and regional trains (RE/RB/IRE). ICE/ICs is a high-speed train useful for long-distance travel. The German national railway company DB operates all railway systems across Germany.</p>
<p>Local transport associations (Verkehrsverbund to locals) are local companies operating transport such as bus, tram, or U-Bahn.</p>
<h2>Culture</h2>
<p>The population is 91.5 percent German, with Turkish being the country's second largest ethnic group, according to the World Factbook. The remaining population is made up primarily of those of Greek, Russian, Italian, Polish, Serbo-Croatian and Spanish descent. About 75.7% of the population is urban.</p>
<p>Germans traditionally place a high priority on structure, privacy and punctuality. The region's people embrace the values of thriftiness, hard work and industriousness. Christianity is the dominant religion, with 65-70% of the population identifying themselves as Christian.</p>
<h2>Taxes</h2>
<p>Income tax is progressive: the lowest rates start at 14%, which rise incrementally as earnings rise to 42%, and very high income levels are taxed at 45%. The top tax rate of 42% applies to taxable incomes above &euro;55,961. For<br>taxable income above &euro;265,327, a 45% tax rate is applicable.</p>
<p>Everyone subject to German income tax must file an income tax return annually with the appropriate local tax office, depending on the place of residence. Check with the municipality that you are registered in for additional information on which local tax office that you will report your taxes with.</p>
<h2>Pensions</h2>
<p>Like many countries, Germany operates a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.germany.travel/en/index.html" rel=" noopener">three-pillar</a>&nbsp;pension system that is categorised into different types:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Mandatory state pension &ndash; Participation is compulsory and paid by employees and&nbsp;government subsidies. Contributions are redistributed to pay for existing pensioners rather than saved or invested.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Company or occupational pensions &ndash; Private voluntary pension schemes offered by employers, which allow employees to build up their pension contributions for retirement.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Private pensions &ndash; Individual pension investment plans set up through banks and insurance providers to increase total pension entitlement when you reach pension age.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Education</h2>
<p>All residents are obliged to attend primary and secondary education from the age of 6. Children and young people complete a 9-year full-time schooling at Gymnasiums, or 10 years of full-time studying for other general education schools.</p>
<p>The core objective of the country's primary education is developing essential understanding, skills and abilities. Subjects taught in primary schools are the German language, mathematics, general studies, foreign languages, art, design, music, sports, religion and ethics. Many schools also offer classes on finance, media, health, sustainable development and values education.</p>
<h2>Travel Opportunities</h2>
<p>Living and working in Germany facilitates quick and easy travel to other countries such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>France - world-famous gastronomy, cafe culture and village-square markets</li>
<li>Belgium - Bruges canals, Antwerp fashion, legendary chocolate and party carnivals</li>
<li>Poland - Picturesque cities like Warsaw, Krak&oacute;w and Gdańsk perfectly complement the countryside's<br>&nbsp;woods, rivers, lakes and hills.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Language</h2>
<p>Here are a few helpful phrases to begin conversations:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hi = Hi</li>
<li>Yes = Ja</li>
<li>No = Nein</li>
<li>Thank You = Danke</li>
<li>Bye-Bye = Tschau, Tschuess</li>
<li>Sorry = Entschuldigung</li>
<li>I'm = Ich bin</li>
<li>You're welcome = Gern geschehen</li>
<li>How are you ? = Wie geht's dirl</li>
<li>Well = Gut</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Why You Should Live in Germany &ndash; Things to Do</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Visit the Pergamon museum - a fascinating window into the ancient world.</li>
<li>Explore K&ouml;lner Dom &ndash; Cologne&rsquo;s geographical and spiritual heart and its single-biggest tourist draw.</li>
<li>Discover Schloss Linderhof &ndash;&nbsp; Ludwig II&rsquo;s smallest but most indulgent palace.</li>
<li>Find Schloss Neuschwanstein &ndash; appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, Schloss Neuschwanstein was the model for Disney&rsquo;s Sleeping Beauty castle.</li>
</ul>
<p>Looking for a new opportunity to live and work abroad?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" rel=" noopener">Explore all our technical jobs</a>.</p>

Guide to Working in Germany

<p>Slovakia is a central European country bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary in the south, Austria in the south west, and the Czechia in the north west. The population is around five and half million people.</p>
<p>The capital is Bratislava, the largest city in the country. It brings a million tourists into the country every year, and is definitely worth visiting during your time there. Slovakia has been a member of the European Union and Eurozone since 2004. The country as it exists today was founded in 1993, when Czechoslovakia split up into Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Since then, the country has been growing in importance in Europe,</p>
<p>Slovakia is a rich and diverse country - &nbsp;there are many famous vineyards that you can visit, mountains you can climb, historic castles you can explore. You also go skiing at the Poland border, and there is the Slovak national park where you can discover a monastery from the 13<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;century.</p>
<p>The local people are friendly, and there are opportunities, to learn, grow, and enjoy yourself in Slovakia.</p>
<h2><strong>The Slovakian Culture:</strong></h2>
<p>Slovakia has a culture that celebrates cuisine: the national meal is Bryndzove Halusky, a potato dumpling with goat cheese and bacon. The Slovakian people like to eat stuffed cabbage leaves, dry fruit, fish, and meat. Their meals are often served with dumplings with different flavours (cheese, potatoes, fruits), and they love to make their own homemade bread.</p>
<p>The country has history stretching back hundreds of years, from the Communist regime of the 70&rsquo;s and 80&rsquo;s, to medieval castles that date back to the eleventh century.</p>
<p>The national sport is ice hockey, and their national team is one of the best in the world.</p>
<h2><strong>The Cost Of Living In Slovakia:</strong></h2>
<p>Like a lot of central Europe, the cost of living in Slovakia is really cheap, renting a one bedroom apartment, it might only cost around &euro;332 (or around &euro;465 for 2 bedrooms). The price of a ticket for public transportation can be less than one euro. If you would like to have a dinner with two courses in a classy restaurant it might be between &euro;5 and &euro;12. In Slovakia you can have a high level of life satisfaction without having to spend too much money.</p>
<h1><strong>Working In Slovakia:</strong></h1>
<p>Since 2007, Slovakia has been one of the highest producers of cars per capita in the world. This has been helped by the Slovak Technical University, which educates world-class engineers.</p>
<p>The average salary for the country is &euro;1331 monthly but if you are a graduate or you present some special skills, your salary would likely be more than the average. You benefit from around twenty-five days off a year and will likely work around forty hours a week.</p>
<p>EU Citizens have free entry to the country, and have the right to stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic for a period exceeding three months if:</p>
<p>- they&rsquo;re employed in Slovakia</p>
<p>- They&rsquo;re an independent worker in the territory of Slovakia</p>
<p>- They have sufficient resources ensuring they&rsquo;re not a burden on the social security system during their stay and can pay for health insurance</p>
<p>- There is a high probability that they will find a job</p>
<p>A European Union resident staying in the Slovak Republic for more than three months has an obligation to ask for an extension of the stay if exceeding 30 days from the first day they entered Slovak territory.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re not an EU citizen, you can apply to live and work in Slovakia relatively easily.</p>
<p>Read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-of-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best jobs to go for in 2019</a>, or learn which&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/questions-you-should-never-be-asked-in-a-job-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">questions you shouldn&rsquo;t be asked in a job interview</a>.</p>

Why You Should Work In Slovakia

<p>Want to work in a country that&rsquo;s full of history, diverse geography and cultures? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Spain.</p>
<p><strong>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost to Live in Spain?</strong></p>
<p><br>The cost of living will vary across areas of the country, for example between the capital Madrid and Barcelona, and between cities, suburbs and villages. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<p>&middot; Single/Couple Rent in Barcelona &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Barcelona would cost around&nbsp;704,05&euro;</p>
<p>&middot; Single/Couple Rent in Madrid &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Madrid suburbs would be 713,20&euro;</p>
<p>&middot; Monthly Utility Bill for Barcelona &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in a flat in Barcelona would cost around 133,75&euro;.</p>
<p>&middot; Monthly Utility Bill for Madrid &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in a flat in Madrid would cost around 142,27&euro;.</p>
<h2><strong>Spanish Transport &ndash; How to Get Around</strong></h2>
<p>There are excellent&nbsp;bus&nbsp;(autob&uacute;s) services in all major cities and towns in Spain and comprehensive long-distance 'coach' (autocar) services between major cities. Buses are the cheapest and most common form of public transport in Spain and most coastal towns and villages are accessible by&nbsp;bus.</p>
<p>Underground railway systems (metros) provide transport in large Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Bilbao and Valencia, and&nbsp;tickets and passes enable travel on all modes of public transport including metro, bus and train services.</p>
<h2>Culture</h2>
<p>Spanish culture is widely known for Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, beaches and sunshine.</p>
<p>Spain's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spain.info/en/" rel=" noopener">architecture</a>&nbsp;ranges from prehistoric monuments in Menorca in the Balearic Islands, to the Roman ruins of Merida<br>and Tarragona. Gothic cathedrals and castles are plentiful and and Gaud&iacute;'s intricate fabulist sculptures in Barcelona are a must-see.</p>
<h2>Taxes</h2>
<p>Currently income taxation rates are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Spanish income tax for incomes up to &euro;12,450: 19%</li>
<li>Income tax for incomes ranging from &euro;12,451 to &euro;20,200: 24%</li>
<li>Income tax for incomes ranging from &euro;20,201 to &euro;35,200: 30%</li>
<li>Income tax for incomes ranging from &euro;35,201 to &euro;60,000: 37%</li>
<li>Income tax for incomes over&euro;60,000: 45%</li>
</ul>
<p>These tax rates on savings income are as follows from 2016:</p>
<ul>
<li>Spanish tax rate on savings income up to &euro;6,000: 19%</li>
<li>Tax rate on savings income from &euro;6,000 to &euro;50,000: 21%</li>
<li>Tax rate on savings income over &euro;50,000: 23%</li>
</ul>
<h2>Pensions</h2>
<p>Spain has a mandatory pension system that is funded by contributions to its social security system. The country operates a<br>three-pillar pension system which is dominated by a compulsory and generous state pension, alongside a much smaller market of voluntary company pensions and private pension schemes for those who want to boost their retirement income. Foreign residents are entitled to pensions providing they meet specific criteria, and in some cases can transfer international pensions.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Education</h2>
<p>All children living in Spain must attend school between the ages of 6 and 16 years old, which includes compulsory primary (educaci&oacute;n primaria) and secondary education (educaci&oacute;n secundaria obligatoriaor). After this, students can either continue onto optional upper secondary education (bachillerato) if they want to enter university, begin vocational training for professional careers or leave education for an entry-level role.</p>
<p>To enrol your child into Spanish education, you can choose between a state school, private Spanish school (most of<br>which are subsidised by the Government) or a fully independent school, which includes most international and foreign<br>schools. Homeschooling is also an option for parents living in the country.</p>
<h2>Language</h2>
<p>Some key phrases for those thinking of moving include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hi = Hola</li>
<li>Yes = S&iacute;</li>
<li>No = No</li>
<li>Thank You = Gracias</li>
<li>Bye-Bye = Adi&oacute;s</li>
<li>Sorry = Lo siento</li>
<li>I'm = Soy</li>
<li>You're welcome = De nada</li>
<li>How are you ? = &iquest;C&oacute;mo est&aacute;s?</li>
<li>Well = Bien</li>
</ul>
<h2>Travel Opportunities</h2>
<p>If you live in Spain you can easily travel to other countries such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>France - cafe culture, village markets and world-famous cuisine</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Portugal - medieval castles, cobblestone villages and golden beaches</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Italy - home to many of the world's greatest works of art and architecture</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Morocco - the gateway to Africa and a country of brilliant history and diversity.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Why You Should Live in Spain &ndash; Things to Do&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Visit La Sagrada Familia &ndash; Antoni Gaud&iacute;'s renowned unfinished church, started in the 1880s, with museum and city views.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>See the beautiful UNESCO-listed Park G&uuml;ell &ndash; North of Gr&agrave;cia, G&uuml;ell is where famous architect Antoni Gaud&iacute; turned his hand to landscape gardening.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Explore the Museo del Prado, one of the world's best art galleries. More than 7,000 paintings are held in the Museo del Prado&rsquo;s collection.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Admire the amazing Alhambra in Granada.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Walk fearless along the Caminito del Rey in M&aacute;laga.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Looking for a new job?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" rel=" noopener">Have a look at all our opportunities</a>.&nbsp;</p>

Guide to Working in Spain

<p>Want to work in a country that&rsquo;s full of vibrant Asian history, unique culture and brilliant travel opportunities? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Taiwan.</p>
<h2><strong>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost to Live in Taiwan?</strong></h2>
<p>Taiwan, officially part of the Republic of China, is a state in East Asia.</p>
<p>The cost of living in Taiwan will vary across areas of the country. The capital, Taipei City, is likely to have a higher cost of living than more regional areas of Taiwan. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<p>&middot; Studio Apartment Accommodation &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei would cost around 16 318,81NT$ (&pound;353,56).</p>
<p>&middot; Suburban Accommodation &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment&nbsp;in the Taipei suburbs&nbsp;would cost around 10 277,78NT$ (&pound;222,67).</p>
<p>&middot; Monthly Utility Bill for Taipei &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in an 85m2 flat in Taipei will cost around 2 111,93NT$ (&pound;45,76).</p>
<h2><strong>Transport &ndash; How Can You Get Around?</strong></h2>
<p>Travel by Metro &ndash; Taiwan's two major cities, Taipei and Kaohsiung, both have Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Metro systems. They are clean, safe, convenient and reliable. All signs and ticket machines are in English. English signs around stations indicate which exit to take to nearby sights. Posters indicate bus transfer routes.</p>
<p>Travel by Railway &ndash; Taiwan&rsquo;s railway is an island-wide network that covers 1,496 km, offering the most convenient way to access the country&rsquo;s major towns and cities. Taiwan&rsquo;s High-Speed Rail&nbsp;services offer an even easier, faster route.</p>
<p>Working in Taiwan offers the opportunity to visit other incredible countries around Asia, which include:</p>
<p>&middot; China &ndash; Take a trip to China for its culture features, an abundance of the material and spiritual values, unchanged over millennia.</p>
<p>&middot; Japan &ndash; The historical country combines ancient culture with exquisite natural landscapes and dazzling modernity.</p>
<p>&middot; Vietnam &ndash; Visit a land of staggering natural beauty.</p>
<p>&middot; The Philippines &ndash; Defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, smouldering volcanoes, the Philippines have much to offer.</p>
<h2>Culture</h2>
<p>Taiwan is renowned for its blend of traditional and modern cultures. Traditional architecture is plentiful, not only in the form of fascinating magnificent temples but also in the many old structures that have been renovated into community centres, cafes, stores and other public spaces. Many aspects of traditional Chinese arts, crafts and customs are better preserved in Taiwan than anywhere else. For example, the country is one of the few places still using traditional Chinese characters in writing and calligraphy.</p>
<h2>Education</h2>
<p>Education is taught using the Mandarin Chinese language, and the academic year runs from September to June. Compulsory education lasts 12 years (six years of elementary education, three years of junior high and three years of senior secondary education.)</p>
<p>The literacy rate among Taiwanese people ages 15 and above is 98.5%, and students graduating from the Taiwanese education system achieve some of the highest scores in the world in technical fields such as mathematics and science, evidencing the high standards of the country's schooling systems.</p>
<h2>Taxes</h2>
<p>A non-resident individual living in the country for fewer than 90 days in a calendar year is subject to 18%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/" rel=" noopener">WHT</a>&nbsp;on salary pay received from a registered entity. Remuneration received from an entity registered outside of the country is tax<br>exempted.</p>
<p>A non-resident individual residing in the country for more than 90 days but fewer than 183 days in a calendar year is subject to tax at a flat rate of 18% on taxable salary income, regardless of where the remuneration is paid. A resident individual is subject to 5%-40% tax rates dependent on income.</p>
<h2>Pensions</h2>
<p>Taiwan's pension system is in a process of transition and reform. In the sector of public pensions, there is a basic safety net for the elderly and schemes for public sector workers.</p>
<p>For private sector employees, there are several occupational schemes. Labour Insurance offers several types of insurance protection&nbsp;while the Old Labour Pension Fund is a specific pension plan. Voluntary private pension savings are not subsidised and mainly consist of life insurance contracts.</p>
<h2>Things to Do</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/" rel=" noopener">Longshan Temple</a>: Late 18th century showcase of southern Asian architecture.</li>
<li>National Palace Museum: Home to the world's largest collection of Chinese art.</li>
<li>Ti&aacute;nli&aacute;o Stone Temple: Gaudi-esque Taoist temple created by Southeast Asian migrant workers.</li>
<li>Taipei 101: Designed to mirror a giant bamboo stalk.</li>
<li>Taijiang National Park: Taiwan's eighth national park, covering coastal lands north of Anping Harbour.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Language</h2>
<p>Hi = 嗨 (Hāi)<br>Yes = 是 (Sh&igrave;)<br>No = 沒有 (M&eacute;iyǒu)<br>Thank You = 謝謝 (Xi&egrave;xi&egrave;)<br>Bye-Bye = 再⾒ (Z&agrave;iji&agrave;n)<br>Sorry = 抱歉 (B&agrave;oqi&agrave;n)<br>I'm = 我是 (Wǒ sh&igrave;)<br>You're welcome = 別客氣 (Bi&eacute; k&egrave;q&igrave;)<br>How are you ? = 你好嗎 (Nǐ hǎo ma)<br>Well = 好 (Hǎo)</p>
<p>Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering jobs</a></u>&nbsp;around the world.</p>
<p>Decided Taiwan isn&rsquo;t for you? Here are&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career-in-2020">8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</a></u>.</p>

Guide to Working in Taiwan

<p>Want to work in a country that&rsquo;s full of history, culture and amazing travel opportunities? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in France.</p>
<p><strong>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost to Live in France?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The cost of living in France will vary across areas of the country. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<ul>
<li>Studio Accommodation &ndash; One month&rsquo;s rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Paris would be between &euro;795 - &euro;1095.</li>
<li>One-Bedroom Apartment &ndash; One month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in France across other big cities would be between &euro;450 - &euro;600.</li>
<li>Monthly Utility Bill for Paris &ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in a 85m2 flat in Paris will cost around &euro;178.</li>
<li>Monthly Utility Bill for Wider France&ndash; Utilities for one month for 2 people in 85m2 flat in other big cities will cost around &euro;134.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Transport &ndash; How Can You Get Around?</h2>
<p>Transportation in France&nbsp;relies on one of the densest networks in the world, with 146km of road and 6.2&nbsp;km of rail lines per 100&nbsp;km2. The country is built as a web with&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;at its centre. Rail,&nbsp;road,&nbsp;air&nbsp;and&nbsp;water&nbsp;are all widely developed forms of transportation in&nbsp;France.</p>
<p>In most, if not all, French cities, urban bus services are provided at a flat-rate charge for individual journeys. Many cities have bus services that operate well out into the suburbs or even the country.&nbsp;Fares are normally cheap, but rural services can be limited, especially on weekends.</p>
<p>Working in France offers the opportunity to visit other incredible European countries, which include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Spain &ndash; From incredible landscapes and beaches, to world-famous cuisine and rich history, Spain has it all.</li>
<li>Italy &ndash; Travel to Italy to discover spectacular cities, ancient ruins, wonderful museums, soaring mountains, great beaches and beautiful natural scenery.</li>
<li>Monaco &ndash; Monaco is a very small country but with a rich history and beautiful landscapes worth visiting.</li>
<li>Belgium &ndash; The place to be for any beer or chocolate lover.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Culture</h2>
<p>Most people associate French culture with Paris, which is a centre of fashion, cuisine, art and architecture, but life outside of the City of Lights is very different and varies by region. Catholicism is the predominant religion of France. Food and wine are central to life at all socioeconomic levels, and much socializing is done around lengthy dinners. Historically, French culture was influenced by Celtic and Gallo-Roman cultures as well as the Franks, a Germanic tribe. France was initially defined as the western area of Germany known as Rhineland but it later came to refer to a territory that was known as Gaul during the Iron Age and Roman era.</p>
<h2>Education</h2>
<p>It is compulsory for all children to attend school between the ages of six and 16, with French schooling divided into primary level (&eacute;cole), elementary and middle school (coll&egrave;ge) and high school (lyc&eacute;e). Compulsory education is free for everyone.</p>
<h2>Taxes</h2>
<p>Non-residents usually pay tax on their French-sourced income at a minimum French tax rate of 30%. Property tax&nbsp;for non-residents on the taxable gain of the sale of a French property is 19% for EU citizens and 33.33% for all others.</p>
<h2>Pensions</h2>
<p>To be entitled to receive any form of French pension you must have worked for at least 10 years in the country, whilst the maximum pension amount can only be claimed after working 40&ndash;43 years (depending on when you were born). An old-age pension is never granted automatically: residents must&nbsp;ask for a pension claim form at the relevant institution where you live.</p>
<h2>Things to Do in France</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>The Palace of Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage Site for 30 years and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Verdon Gorge is one of the must-see natural wonders of central Provence.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Disneyland Paris brings the magic for children and families.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The French Riviera is known for its beaches, scenic views and yachts.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The Moulin Rouge is a dazzling and spectacular experience with a lot to see.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Mont-Saint-Michel is a magical island topped by a medieval monastery.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Language</h2>
<p>Hi = Salut<br>Yes = Oui<br>No = Non<br>Thank You = Merci<br>Goodbye = Au revoir<br>Sorry = D&eacute;sol&eacute;<br>You're welcome = De rien<br>How are you ? = comment vas-tu?<br>Well = Bien<br>Bad = Ma</p>
<p>Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering jobs</a>&nbsp;around the world.</p>
<p>Decided France isn&rsquo;t for you? Here are&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career-in-2020">8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</a>.</p>

Guide to Working in France

<p>Want to work in the world&rsquo;s happiest country? Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Finland.</p>
<h1><strong>What It's Like To Work In Finland:</strong></h1>
<h3><strong>Accommodation &ndash; How Much Does It Cost?</strong></h3>
<p>Living costs will vary across areas of the country. However, here are the average rents and bills to help you plan your budget:</p>
<p>&middot; Studio Accommodation &ndash; Monthly rent for a 45m&sup2; furnished studio in normal area would be around &euro;820.</p>
<p>&middot; One-to-two-Bedroom Accommodation &ndash; Monthly rent for an 85 m&sup2; furnished accommodation in normal area would be &euro;1,346.</p>
<p>&middot; Monthly Utility Bill for Couples &ndash; Utilities for one month (heating, electricity, gas etc.) for two people in an 85m&sup2; flat would cost around &euro;86.</p>
<p>&middot; Monthly Utility Bill for a Single Person &ndash; Utilities for one month (heating, electricity, gas etc.) for one person in a 45 m&sup2; studio would cost around &euro;68.</p>
<h3><strong>Transport &ndash; How Can You Get Around?</strong></h3>
<p>Buses and trains are easily accessible. The roads are well maintained and run throughout the country. Finland is well-connected by planes and there are 25 airports ready to take you all over the world.</p>
<p>Living in Finland offers the opportunity to visit other incredible locations in neighbouring countries, which include:</p>
<p>&middot; Sweden &ndash; Visit thousands of islands and inland lakes, and trek across beautiful forests and mountains</p>
<p>&middot; Norway &ndash; Experience the rich Norwegian Viking history first-hand</p>
<p>&middot; Denmark &ndash; Enjoy the iconic capital of Copenhagen and the famous tourist sites and amusement parks</p>
<p>&middot; Russia &ndash; Travel through the world&rsquo;s largest nation and explore the cultures, heritage and lifestyles of both Europe and Asia.</p>
<h3>Education</h3>
<p>If you are a citizen of a country in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland, you can study in Finland for free - you do not have to pay any tuition fees. Tuition fees at universities applying to non-EU<br>students are 6,000&euro;-18,000&euro;.</p>
<h3>Taxes and Pensions</h3>
<p>The Personal Income Tax Rate stands at 51.60%.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The public pension system is based on the National Pension, which is intended to secure a minimum income for retirees whose earnings-related pension is small. The National Pension provides a flat-rate benefit of up to 20% of average wages, with minimum guaranteed income. The statutory earnings-related occupational pension insurance&nbsp;is partially pay-as-you-go-financed and partly funded.</p>
<h3>Culture</h3>
<p>The Finnish culture combines indigenous heritage, as represented by the country's national languages Uralic Finnish and Germanic Swedish, the sauna, and common Nordic and European combined traditions. Most Finns belong to the Evangelical-Lutheran Church whilst a fraction belong to the Orthodox Church. The Evangelical-Lutheran Church accepts women as priests.</p>
<h3>Language</h3>
<p>Hi = Hei<br>Yes = Joo<br>No = Ei<br>Thank You = Kiitos<br>Bye-Bye = Heihei<br>Sorry = Sori<br>I'm = Olen<br>You're welcome = Ole hyv&auml;<br>How are you ? = Miten voit ?<br>Well = Hyvin<br>Good = Hyv&auml;<br>Bad = Huono</p>
<p>Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs">technical and engineering jobs</a></u>&nbsp;around the world.</p>
<p>Decided the Nordic countries aren't for you? Here are&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career-in-2020">8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</a></u>.</p>

Guide to Working in Finland

<p>Recruitment is a big industry with a big reputation. Recruiters work hard, and are always striving to keep both clients and candidates happy. If you&rsquo;re thinking of becoming a recruitment consultant, you may have heard stories about the workload, the culture, and the job itself that simply aren&rsquo;t true.</p>
<p>You need people skills to work in recruitment, and an understanding of what candidates want on a personal level.</p>
<h1><strong>5 Myths About Recruitment:</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>You Need A Degree</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>You don&rsquo;t need a degree to work in recruitment. VHR looks for ambitious, talented, and driven individuals, and does not specifically ask for any degree at any level. The VHR Academy was specifically designed to train up those with no degree and no recruitment experience and turn them into recruitment consultants over a three month period.</p>
<p>Many of our consultants came through the academy, and have gone on to enjoy great success, and even trained up new members of the team!</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>There&rsquo;s No Work Life Balance</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Many people think that recruiters are on the job 24/7. There are many recruiters who work extra time, but this is usually if they&rsquo;re working for an international client, or are looking for candidates in other time zones.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg?width=400&amp;name=nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg?width=200&amp;name=nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg 200w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg?width=400&amp;name=nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg 400w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg?width=600&amp;name=nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg 600w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg?width=800&amp;name=nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg 800w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg?width=1000&amp;name=nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg?width=1200&amp;name=nordwood-themes-469906-unsplash.jpg 1200w" alt="Work Life Balance in Recruitment" width="400"></p>
<p>Recruitment isn&rsquo;t about staying in the office all night or over the weekend, it&rsquo;s about working during the best times to get the best results. VHR&rsquo;s flexi-time initiative means our recruitment consultants have more control over their working hours, and can decide for themselves when to get to work.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>It&rsquo;s A Dog Eat Dog Environment</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>At VHR, one of our core values is teamwork. Recruitment is a competitive field, but ultimately everyone is working towards the same goal. If one consultant does well and other does poorly, that&rsquo;s evidence of a flawed system. If one consultant does well at the&nbsp;<em>expense</em>&nbsp;of another, there&rsquo;s a toxic system that&rsquo;s doomed to fail.</p>
<p>We&rsquo;ve fostered a working culture where everyone helps each other, and this has meant the whole company has improved as a result.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>It&rsquo;s A Hire &amp; Fire Mentality</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Some recruitment agencies get a reputation for being tough on their consultants &ndash; and firing those who don&rsquo;t stay on target. VHR aims to retain everyone we employ, particularly when recruiting for the Academy. We care more about the personal development of our employees, that&rsquo;s why the majority of our consultants have been with the company for more than three years.</p>
<p>Every VHR employee is on a career progression path, that tracks their achievements and supports them in going after new goals. It helps our consultants develop their careers, and keep striving for the next challenge.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Recruiters Don&rsquo;t Care About Their Candidates</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Many people think of recruitment as just another sales job. But it isn&rsquo;t. While normally there are targets to hit, recruitment consultants help people find jobs, better jobs than the ones they had before. They can help candidates climb the career ladder and improve their lives, and often will work with the same candidate over the years, helping them move from strength to strength.</p>
<p>Recruitment consultants understand what their candidates want, and they know how to help them get the very best jobs in their industries. Their role is to help others do better, and that&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s such a rewarding career.</p>
<p>Read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-reasons-to-work-at-vhr-in-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">why you should work at VHR</a>, or learn about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-values-your-recruitment-provider-must-have" target="_blank" rel="noopener">values any good recruiter should have</a>.</p>

Myths About Being A Recruiter

<p>Looking for a new job? Here&rsquo;s are VHR&rsquo;s top 5 reasons to work in Mexico.</p>
<h1><strong>Why You Should Work In Mexico:</strong></h1>
<h3>1. Lower Cost of Living</h3>
<p>Working in Mexico may mean receiving a lower salary than in your home country, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/move/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cost of living</a>&nbsp;is also a lot cheaper. Even though your pay packet may be smaller, your purchasing power is a lot higher than the one you have in your current country. This means a comfortable lifestyle with the freedom to explore many activities and places in your spare time.</p>
<h3>2. Work Opportunities</h3>
<p>In Mexico you&rsquo;ll be seen differently. Owning a diploma from an international University or skills from working in a different country will distinguish you immediately, and that way you&rsquo;ll benefit from great opportunities that you may not have access to in your home country. Mexico is an emerging country with a solid growth. The economy needs qualified workers and the country appreciates the skills, knowledge and experience brought in from around the globe.</p>
<h3>3. Mexican Gastronomy</h3>
<p>Mexican food is a lot more various than you can imagine: Mexican gastronomy was actually included at UNESCO in 2010.</p>
<p>Basic elements of Mexican food are corn, beans, avocado and tomatoes. In every plate you&rsquo;ll find a spicy sauce. Mexicans also eat a lot of meat, so you&rsquo;ll have a variety of food to choose from.</p>
<h3>4. Easy to Fit In</h3>
<p>Mexican people are known for being polite, kind and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.la-vida-au-mexique.com/raisons-de-partir-vivre-au-mexique/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">very interested in different cultures</a>. The simple fact of being a foreigner will attract to you Mexican&rsquo;s sympathy.If you try to get to know their culture as well, they will be pleased and more than happy to help you discover their culture.</p>
<h3>5. Rich Culture</h3>
<p>Mexico has a long, rich history and a living culture. From ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins to regional dances to fiestas in the town next door, Mexico&rsquo;s colourful culture is on display wherever you go.</p>
<p>Want to work abroad? Discover&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VHR&rsquo;s technical jobs around the world</a>.</p>
<p>Need help finding a new job?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/improve-cv-5-top-interview-tips-vhr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read our 5 Tips to Improving Your CV</a>.</p>

5 Reasons to Work in Mexico

<p>There is a massive gender imbalance in the field of engineering. The UK has the lowest percentage of women in engineering in Europe. Work is being done to rectify this, with the UK currently on track to have one million women working in STEM fields and industries by 2020. But even that number only makes up around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/statistics/2018-workforce-statistics/">22% of the total STEM workforce</a>, meaning much more has to be done.</p>
<p>In 2017 a Report on the State of Engineering in the UK concluded that we still have an estimated annual skills shortfall of up to 60,000, and our engineering sector will need to have as many qualified professionals as possible to ensure a strong economy over what is certain to be a turbulent decade.</p>
<p>This International Women&rsquo;s Day, VHR looks at how women can get into engineering, what opportunities there are, and what the sector can do to encourage more women to study and work in engineering.</p>
<p>But first, why are there so few women in engineering?</p>
<h1><strong>Why Is There Such A Gender Imbalance In Engineering?</strong></h1>
<p>One of the primary causes of the lack of women in engineering is how they&rsquo;re taught at primary school. Maths and science are still seen by some teachers and even parents as &lsquo;boys&rsquo; subjects, and girls aren&rsquo;t encouraged to study them.</p>
<p>This makes a huge difference in young girls&rsquo; confidence to pursue interests in science, reflecting in the lower levels of girls taking maths and science GCSEs and A-Levels.</p>
<p>Even at the professional level, there is still a sub-conscious, or even conscious, bias against recruiting women into engineering firms.</p>
<h2><strong>How To Get Into Engineering As A Woman</strong></h2>
<p>Women who do study STEM subjects, or take apprenticeships, can still struggle to find work as an engineer.</p>
<p>Joining women in STEM social groups, having networks of professional contacts on LinkedIn, and using specialist recruitment agencies can all help women start their engineering careers.</p>
<h2><strong>How The Engineering Industry Can Encourage More Women To Get Involved</strong></h2>
<p>To truly encourage more women to join the engineering industry, the industry itself will need to change. There is a fundamental misunderstanding about how broad the field of engineering is and the impact it has on the world.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-engineering-impacts-every-part-of-modern-life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Engineering impacts every aspect of our lives</a>, and will be crucial in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our society and our planet over the next few decades.</p>
<p>Studies have shown that increasing the levels of diversity in a business increases innovation, and help provide different viewpoints.</p>
<p>Read more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/skills-you-need-to-be-an-engineer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skills you&rsquo;ll need to become an engineer</a>, or learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/women-in-engineering-how-2018-has-challenged-sexism-in-the-engineering-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how women challenged sexism in engineering</a>&nbsp;last year.</p>
<p>You can read about famous women in engineering like&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-hedy-lamarr-invented-the-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hedy Lemarr</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/historical-figures-in-engineering-ada-lovelace" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ada Lovelace</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/historical-figures-in-engineering-edith-clarke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Edith Clarke</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/historical-figures-in-engineering-martha-coston" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Martha Coston.</a></p>

Why Engineering Needs More Women

<p>Latvia is a small country in the Baltic states in Europe, bordered by Lithuania and Estonia. It is famous for its beautiful forests and architecture, as well as its traditional food and rich history. With a population of just over 2 million, Latvia is a small country, but has a lot to offer expats and foreign workers.</p>
<h1><strong>What It's Like To Work In Latvia</strong></h1>
<p>Latvia has had several big transitions over the last three decades, leaving the Soviet Union in 1991, transitioning to a free market economy, and then joining the EU in 2014. Each of these events posed challenges for the country, but Latvia has overcome every hurdle and become a key power in Eastern Europe.</p>
<p>One of the main reasons people choose to work in Latvia is to gain access to its fast growing economy, which has been one of the most secure in Europe. Between 2012 and 2017, their GDP grew by 20.6%, considerably higher than the EU average of 7.4%. Over that same period, unemployment dropped across all categories. It&rsquo;s ranked as one of the easiest countries in the EU to do business, and has lower tax rates than other countries. This is a large part of what attracts so many expats to Latvia.</p>
<p>Due to its location, much of Latvia&rsquo;s economic growth comes from the production and exportation of goods, including lumber, machinery, and electronics. Around a quarter of Latvia&rsquo;s GDP comes from the industrial sector. Latvia has excellent transportation infrastructure to move everything it manufactures, so journeys around Europe are easy to make on their road network, which is over 70,000 km long. There are also rail networks into Russia, other Baltic Countries, and EU countries further afield should you want to travel.</p>
<p>If you are an EU citizen, you&rsquo;ll need to apply for a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days. If you&rsquo;re a non-EU citizen, you&rsquo;ll need to get a work permit to work in Latvia. You&rsquo;ll also need to prove you have concrete prospects of getting work in Latvia. If you&rsquo;ve used a recruitment company to secure work in Latvia they may be able to help you get a permit, or at least prove there has been an offer of work.</p>
<p>Click here to read more about&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.integration.lv/en/work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">working in Latvia</a></u>.</p>
<h2><strong>Living in Latvia</strong></h2>
<p>Latvia has a relatively high quality of life. It has free education for all children up to the age of 15. From there they can enter work or move onto higher education. This early education is free for expats living in Latvia, provided they pay the necessary social security contributions and have a residence permit. Most expats live in Riga, the capital city. There are several international schools based there, where the majority of the lessons are taught in English.</p>
<p>The health service in Latvia is funded by social security, although there are charges for some procedures or treatment. The overall level of Life Satisfaction within Latvia has risen year on year, and the people of Latvia were more optimistic about the future than the EU average.</p>
<p>Read&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VHR&rsquo;s Guide To Getting A Job</a>, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-the-eu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guide To Working in Europe</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-of-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best jobs to apply for in 2019</a>.</p>

Why You Should Work In Latvia

<p>Looking for a new job or change in lifestyle? Here are VHR&rsquo;s best reasons to work in Italy, specifically the famous city of Venice.</p>
<h3>5.&nbsp;<strong>Art &amp; Sight Seeing</strong></h3>
<p>A beautiful city surrounded by water, Venice boasts 177 canals, 400 bridges and 139 churches. Must-see places to visit in Venice include Byzantine church St Mark&rsquo;s Basilica,the Guggenheim museum and the Accademia&rsquo;s rich collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Venice offers a wealth of historic art and architecture that make for unforgettable experiences.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Lifestyle</strong></h3>
<p>As well as the beautiful surroundings, Italy offers a unique lifestyle. The Mediterranean climate promises sun and warmth for most of the year, with average summer temperatures of 28&deg;. Venice has a variety of beaches for locals and visitors to enjoy the sunshine. Strong family values and a relaxed outlook run throughout the country, making Venice a great place to work.</p>
<p>Looking for a new career and a new lifestyle?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find all our engineering jobs here</a></u>.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Culture</strong></h3>
<p>Italy is made up of 20 regions, each offering their own individual habits, traditions and languages.&nbsp;<u><a href="https://matadornetwork.com/read/11-reasons-moving-italy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cultural traditions</a></u>&nbsp;like horse races, orange battles, street art festivals, religious processions and of course the iconic masked carnival mean there&rsquo;s always plenty to do and see in Venice.</p>
<p>Italian food is a staple of the Venetian experience. Pizza, pasta, rare meats and fresh cheeses &ndash; Italy&rsquo;s gastronomic pleasures are found everywhere you look.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Travel</strong></h3>
<p>Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a great place to work and travel from. The country is an hour&rsquo;s plane journey away from historic France, snowy Switzerland and sunny Malta.</p>
<p>Venice itself is ideally positioned to travel to neighbouring Austria, Croatia and Slovenia. For adventures closer to home, Venice is near to the beautiful Italian cities of Verona and Florence, and Rome and Naples are a train ride away.</p>
<p>Discover the&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-countries-work-2018-top-10-countries-work-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Best Countries to Work in 2019</a></u>.</p>
<h3><strong>1. Job Opportunities</strong></h3>
<p>The 2018 International Monetary Fund reports that Italy has the eighth largest economy in the world. Despite the effects of the 2008 recession and impact of Brexit on Europe, Italy is a fast-growing economy with plenty of opportunities.</p>
<p>Italy is experiencing an urgent skills shortage across technology, education, engineering, computing and mathematics, which is great news for skilled engineers wanting to move to Italy.</p>
<p>Do you want to work in Italy and around Europe? VHR are looking for experienced EASA Licensed Engineers to become Technical Representatives &ndash;&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/news/become-a-tech/rep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find out more</a></u>.</p>

5 Reasons to Work in Venice

<p>Finding new staff can be a hard challenge for any company, no matter if it is a small start-up or a well-established brand.</p>
<p>You want to find people that are highly qualified, fit in with the team, and are able to represent the company. The problem with recruiting the very best people is that your HR department will have to invest a lot of time and money to find the perfect match in terms of skills, experience, and personality.</p>
<p>Outsourcing recruitment can free up time and produce better results, but perhaps most importantly it can increase staff retention.</p>
<h2><strong>The Recruitment Industry Is Booming In The UK:</strong></h2>
<p>The recruiting industry is incredibly growing over the last few years especially in the UK. Almost&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.sonovate.com/blog/uk-recruitment-industry-growing-rapidly/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40,000 agencies have been established since 1980</a></u>. In 2018 over 8,000 new companies were founded, which is an increase of 46% compared to the year before. The 115,000 people that are working in the recruitment sector in the UK currently are part of an industry boom. Besides recruitment, the fields of Biotech, Space, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, the Creative Industry and the Fintech Sector are promising for the next few years in the UK, but recruitment will intersect and work with all of these sectors.</p>
<h1><strong>Three Reasons To Use A Recruitment Company:</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Recruitment Agencies Are Efficient</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>First, it saves you time and money. Recruitment agencies are used to filling large amounts of vacancies at short notice, and can work to strict specifications. Whether you&rsquo;re looking for an entire team, or one specific executive, recruitment companies have a large pool of potential to pull candidates from, as well as the wider world of candidates that operate in the same industry.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>Recruitment Agencies Can Find You Better Candidates</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Recruitment agencies work with some candidates over long periods of time, building up relationships with them and understanding their skillsets. Specialist recruiters can analyse what the role requires, and will already have a shortlist of potential candidates that they have spoken to before.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3><strong>People Are More Likely To Accept A Job Offer When They Enjoyed The Candidate Experience</strong></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>On average, a candidate stays at a role for just over four years. That adds up to around 10-15 job changes per career. However, statistics have shown that employees who enjoyed the candidate experience are more likely to&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.criterion.co.uk/about-us/criterionblog/10-key-recruitment-stats-for-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accept a job offer by 38%</a></u>, and this will lead to higher engagement at the beginning of their employment. Given that just over a third of businesses have merged their recruitment and their on-boarding process, this leaves lots of candidates that aren&rsquo;t being given the best welcome to their new place of work.</p>
<p>This can mean the process is disjointed, slow, or even unsettling for new recruits. This process should be made as simple, reassuring, and streamlined as possible.</p>
<p>A good hiring process will mean more staff, with better skills, that stay for longer.</p>
<p>Learn about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-recruitment-secures-a-more-qualified-workforce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how recruitment secures a more qualified workforce</a></u>, or read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-international-technical-recruitment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>the future of international technical recruitment.</u></a></p>

Why Recruitment Can Increase Staff Retention

<p>VHR is a technical recruitment company that exists for only one reason: to help you get a job. Despite massive changes in how jobs can be found and applied for, the kinds of jobs that exist, and trends in employment across the world, it can still be difficult to get a job that you really enjoy.</p>
<p>This guide should help you through the process of finding, applying, and getting a job, and has advice for getting even better jobs in the future.</p>
<h1><strong>How To Get A Job:</strong></h1>
<h3><br>Step 1: Writing A Good CV</h3>
<p><br>Your CV is often the first thing a hiring manager or recruiter will see about you, and is vital for both making a good first impression, and moving you forward to the next stage of consideration for the job. A CV should highlight any relevant experience you have for the role, and your education.</p>
<p>Focus on your experience: what makes you qualified and capable of doing this job better than anyone else?</p>
<p>Explain how previous roles challenged you, what you learned, and how this experience will help you in the role you&rsquo;re applying for. This should help highlight your understanding of what the role requires and how you can deliver. In general, a CV shouldn&rsquo;t be longer than two pages, with a tight focus on only the things that are relevant to getting you the specific job you&rsquo;re applying for. Unfortunately, the person reading your CV may spend less than ten seconds scanning it to see if its worth reading, so you have to show them what they&rsquo;re looking for in that short space of time.</p>
<p>Formatting is crucial, keep sentences brief and to the point, with clear sections marked out and spaced apart.</p>
<h3>Step 2: LinkedIn</h3>
<p>LinkedIn has become an incredibly valuable tool in finding jobs, and allows you to see more of what businesses are up to. Before you apply to any job through LinkedIn, you should make sure your profile is up to date, with a professional picture, and that you&rsquo;re using it to engage with the wider community of your industry.</p>
<p>From there, you can use it to research the business you&rsquo;re considering applying to, what their values are, and the kind of projects they&rsquo;re working on. This gives you insight into what your role might be like, and also shows that you&rsquo;ve done your due diligence by doing research into the company beforehand.</p>
<h3>Step 3: Research</h3>
<p>From there, it&rsquo;s time to do research across all channels and media to get a deeper understanding of the business, the role you&rsquo;re applying for, and how they stand in their industry. You should know what the company&rsquo;s goals are, and how you align with that. You can get a great feel for how a company runs by doing research on their website, on their social media, and by looking at reviews of them on Glassdoor.</p>
<p>Understanding who they are and what they want will give you a better chance of success when you apply, and will also give you talking points during your interview.</p>
<h3><br>Step 4: Recruitment Agency</h3>
<p>When you&rsquo;re ready for a new role, your CV should have everything you need to find you a new challenge where you can continue to grow and progress your career. At this point, you should consider using a recruitment agency. Beyond a certain level, businesses choose to outsource recruitment to experts who specialise in their field, because they can guarantee a level of quality.</p>
<p>Recruitment companies understand what the business is looking for, what the role requires, and have experience placing top-level candidates with jobs that allow them to progress and learn new skills. This means they can fast-track you for career progression, working with you to find jobs that can move you up the career ladder.</p>
<p>The added benefit for you is that you no longer have to find vacancies, do research into companies, or<br>apply all on your own. When working with a recruitment company, they do all the work for you, putting<br>you forward to a client they already know. This means they can coach you through the interview<br>process, and give you feedback on how each stage goes.</p>
<h3>Step 5: Cover Letter and Communication</h3>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve been put forward for a job, you can begin working on the cover letter. Not every job requires a cover letter, so check before applying. In general, some formal communication is required between you and the employer, signalling your interest and highlighting why you&rsquo;re the best candidate for the role.</p>
<p>This should briefly outline your experience, but also what attracted you to the role and the company. It<br>shouldn&rsquo;t be more than a page, and should help you stand out from the other applicants. It also lets you<br>show off more of your personality than your CV.</p>
<p>The most important thing to note about a cover letter is that it must be written for any company you<br>apply to, it must be unique, and it shouldn&rsquo;t be from a template. Most managers will see dozens if not<br>hundreds of cover letters for each position, and will be able to tell if yours has been rushed, or copied.<br>Because you&rsquo;ve done your research, you know what the company&rsquo;s values are, what their culture is like,<br>and what they&rsquo;re looking for in employees. This should be reflected in your cover letter, letting them<br>know that you&rsquo;ve researched them and that you can meet all their needs.</p>
<h3>Step 6: Interview</h3>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve written your cover letter and applied, there is often a phone interview before a more formal in-person job interview. For some people, this is the worst and most stressful part of the entire process, and is where they struggle the most.</p>
<p>An important thing to remember is that out of all the applications and CVs that were sent in, yours was<br>the one they read and decided to call. If you make it through to an interview, this means the company is<br>interested in you, they think you might be the right person for the job. From here, all you need to do is<br>convince them.</p>
<h3>Step 7: CV Update</h3>
<p><br>It&rsquo;s important to keep your CV updated as you learn skills and take on new challenges. As you grow within the role, you should keep track of what you&rsquo;ve learned and ensure it&rsquo;s reflected within your CV to make sure you have the best chance of impressing when you decide your CV out for your next job.</p>
<p>Businesses&rsquo; needs change over time, so it&rsquo;s always worth going over your CV and making sure that everything is as optimised as possible to wherever you&rsquo;re applying. Is social media important to them? Do they want to grow? Do they need someone with international experience? Your experience and the way you speak about it will help you no matter where you&rsquo;re applying for, as long as you tailor your CV in the right way.</p>
<p>VHR specialises in technical recruitment for the engineering industry, and help place candidates in roles<br>for massive names all over the world.</p>
<p>If you need help with finding a job, give us a call on&nbsp;+44 (0) 207 500 7980,&nbsp;or email hello@v-hr.com.</p>
<p>Looking for a new challenge? Have a look at all our<a href="/jobs/">&nbsp;<u>technical and engineering jobs</u>&nbsp;</a>around the world.</p>
<p>Decided Valencia isn&rsquo;t for you? Here are<a href="/blog/8-ways-to-shake-up-your-career">&nbsp;<u>8 Ways to Shake Up Your Career in 2020</u>.</a></p>

How To Get A Job - User Guide

<p>People stay in jobs they don&rsquo;t love for too long because of fear. Staying somewhere because you&rsquo;re comfortable can be easy, but ultimately letting fear hold you back will hurt you and your career prospects.</p>
<p>Some of the reasons we stay in jobs we don&rsquo;t like are complicated, and can make leaving difficult. But changing to a new job can be one of the best decisions you ever make, and could drastically improve your life.</p>
<h1><strong>Why People Don&rsquo;t Leave Jobs They Hate:</strong></h1>
<h3>1. You Don&rsquo;t Know What You&rsquo;re Passionate About</h3>
<p>Some people find their way into jobs that they&rsquo;re qualified for, or even good at, without ever really being excited about them. While it can be a smart move for your career to get a big name or impressive project on your CV, staying in a job you aren&rsquo;t truly passionate about will lead to your career stagnating.</p>
<p>Taking time to discover what it is that you want to do is the first step to having a career that makes you excited to go to work.</p>
<h3>2. You&rsquo;re Afraid To Change Field/Industry</h3>
<p>After working in particular field for a long time, it can be daunting to change to a new one. You may not have experience, you may not have much practical knowledge, and your network may not be helpful anymore.</p>
<p>But changing to a new industry gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, while still utilising everything you learned at your last job. You didn&rsquo;t have any experience or knowledge before you started your career, and you still succeeded, overcoming challenges and learning how to do the job. You can do this for any industry, and all your experience will only help you in doing that.</p>
<h3>3. You&rsquo;re Overly Attached To The Job You Have</h3>
<p>Loyalty is an admirable trait, but staying at a job because you feel obligated to won&rsquo;t help your career or make you any happier. Some people get so invested in a job because they&rsquo;re working towards a promotion or they&rsquo;ve just spent so much time there that they struggle to imagine leaving, even if they know it would make them happier.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s important to remember that you don&rsquo;t owe your job anything, and that staying in a bad job will only make you miserable.</p>
<p>Here&rsquo;s how you know&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/should-i-quit-my-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it&rsquo;s time to quit your job</a>.</p>
<h3>4. The New Job May Not Be Enough Money</h3>
<p>For some people, money is the most important factor in taking a new job. If a great new position doesn&rsquo;t give a raise in salary, or worse, offers less money, people may turn it down even if the new job is better.</p>
<p>But in the long-term, a job with better connections or opportunities for progression could be a short-cut to an even higher salary.</p>
<h3>5. You&rsquo;re Afraid Of Failure</h3>
<p>Starting a new job is scary, and everyone is always afraid they won&rsquo;t be any good at it. But we always underestimate what we&rsquo;re capable of, and can surprise ourselves when put in a new environment. Starting a new job is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, grow, and learn what you&rsquo;re truly capable of.</p>
<h3>6. You&rsquo;re Afraid Of Joining A New Team</h3>
<p>One of the best parts of any job is being part of a team that supports you. This can be difficult to leave, both professionally and personally, as we often form close ties with people we work with over time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But starting a new job means you get to join an entirely new team, meet new people, and work together. You&rsquo;ll be bringing skills this new team is lacking, and will help them do things they couldn&rsquo;t have done before you joined.</p>
<h3>7. You&rsquo;re Afraid Of Relocating</h3>
<p>Some job opportunities are perfect: they offer a great salary, have clear progression, are for a company you&rsquo;ve always wanted to work for.</p>
<p>But they&rsquo;re in a different country.</p>
<p>This is a large hurdle to clear, and for some the move just seems too much.</p>
<p>But moving to a new country can be a fantastic opportunity not only for professional growth, but personal growth as well. Experiencing a new culture can be enriching and rewarding, and the new job can open up doors thanks to its location.</p>
<p>If you use a recruitment company to find your new job, they may be able to help you with travel arrangements, visas, and accommodation. VHR takes care of all our candidates&rsquo; travel, and has an onboarding procedure where we act as a waypoint for candidates and their employers.</p>
<p>Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-make-your-cover-letter-stand-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to make your cover letter stand out</a>, how to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-make-yourself-more-employable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make yourself more employable</a>, or read about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-things-that-can-help-you-get-a-job-that-arent-your-cv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">things that can make you more employable that aren&rsquo;t your CV</a>.</p>

7 Reasons People Don’t Change Their Jobs (And Why They Should)

<p>Malta is growing in popularity as a place to live and work thanks to its climate, economy, and employment rate. A high-income country, Malta offers good job prospects for both high and low skilled workers across a variety of industries. The wages in Malta can be lower than average across Europe, but can go much further for you thanks to a generally lower cost of living than in other high-income countries. 88% of people in Malta speak English, making it a fantastic option for those who want to experience somewhere new while still being able to communicate with the people there.</p>
<h1><strong>What It's Like To Work In Malta</strong></h1>
<p>An archipelago just south of Italy and to the East of Tunisia, Malta enjoys a warm climate and friendly culture. Being so close to mainland Europe means it has excellent transport links to Italy, Greece, and Spain. It&rsquo;s only three hours from London via plane, meaning you can maintain networks across different countries.</p>
<p>Malta has some of the best healthcare in the world, ranking fifth in the world according to the world Health Organisation. Like the NHS, it&rsquo;s free, and this massively contributes to the overall satisfaction of living there, with lower levels of stress and more disposable income.</p>
<p>On top of this, food is cheaper than in most other European countries, and public transport is incredibly cheap. Unfortunately, the price of renting has risen over the last few years as more people have moved into the country, and this gets worse in more popular or urban areas. However, this is offset by cheaper utilities than you&rsquo;d find across most of Europe.</p>
<h3><strong>What Foreigners Think Of Malta</strong></h3>
<p>Over a quarter (27%) of expats living in Malta describe themselves as &lsquo;completely satisfied&rsquo;, compared to the global average of just 16%. Amazingly, 50% of them said they would like to spend the rest of their lives in Malta. The incredibly low crime rate means that Malta seems much safer to those coming into the country. Malta is welcoming to visitors, with expats reporting feeling at home very soon after moving.</p>
<h2><strong>Job Prospects and Opportunities In Malta</strong></h2>
<p>Work permits are automatically granted to EU nationals. Third-country nationals must apply for a permit, with a special skill or area of expertise in which there is a demand for work. They must also send a job offer, a CV, a copy of their passport, a copy of their visa, and a copy of qualifications. Once there, you&rsquo;ll need to get a Maltese ID card to ensure you&rsquo;re fully authorised and registered to live and work there.</p>
<p>Malta has thriving finance and IT markets. Three quarters of all employment in Malta is in the services sector, with foreign workers a common sight. Satisfaction is high, thanks to a relaxed culture and a better work life balance than other EU countries.</p>
<p>Life in Malta can be a fantastic alternative to the rush and chaos of other overcrowded EU cities, and with a warm climate for around 300 days, it&rsquo;s no surprise that many workers are looking at moving.</p>
<p>Read our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-the-eu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guide to working in the EU</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-international-technical-recruitment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">future of international technical recruitment</a>.</p>

Why You Should Work In Malta 

<p>VHR is growing our team and searching for dynamic, motivated individuals to join us.&nbsp; We currently have a variety of positions available from recruitment &amp; sales to support.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Besides that, VHR itself is a fantastic place to work, with a variety of benefits for everyone.</p>
<h1><strong>What It's Like To Work In International Technical Recruitment:</strong></h1>
<h3><strong>Working In London</strong></h3>
<p>Our main office in located in central London on the River Thames. London is one of the most international cities in the world, with people from all over the globe living and working in it. VHR is no exception, with an international team working in the centre of a vibrant and thriving hub that the whole world moves through.</p>
<h3><strong>International Work Trips</strong></h3>
<p>We work with engineers all over the world, and frequently fly out to meet clients, or check on progress. These work trips can take our employees to boatyards in Spain, airports in Abu Dhabi, or racetracks in Italy. We also frequently attend international trade shows for our industries, which help us to be known all over the world.</p>
<h3>Top Performance Trips &amp;&nbsp;Quarterly&nbsp;Meals&nbsp;</h3>
<p>Our top performers who beat their yearly targets are rewarded with a holiday. 2018&rsquo;s trip was to&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/news/vhrs-top-performers-holiday-in-new-york" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York</a></u>, with individuals from every team flying out to enjoy some time off. A fantastic incentive, the trip is always a great reward for our team. On top of this incentive, everybody who wins an award or is a top performer each month is invited to a luxury meal with the rest of the top performers.&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Annual Summer Trips</strong></h3>
<p>On top of this, if targets are hit, every summer sees VHR fly out for a holiday. This is a great way of rewarding all the hard work the team does, as well as giving people from different departments a chance to meet and relax. This helps builds morale, forge friendships, and is one of the highlights of the VHR calendar.</p>
<h3><strong>Annual Summer and Christmas Parties</strong></h3>
<p>While every company holds a Christmas party, VHR also holds a party in the summer, letting the team enjoy themselves in the sun. Usually dinner and drinks, this party is fun for the team who work hard all year long.</p>
<p>&nbsp;<img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1100.jpg?width=600&amp;name=IMG_1100.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1100.jpg?width=300&amp;name=IMG_1100.jpg 300w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1100.jpg?width=600&amp;name=IMG_1100.jpg 600w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1100.jpg?width=900&amp;name=IMG_1100.jpg 900w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1100.jpg?width=1200&amp;name=IMG_1100.jpg 1200w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1100.jpg?width=1500&amp;name=IMG_1100.jpg 1500w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1100.jpg?width=1800&amp;name=IMG_1100.jpg 1800w" alt="7 Reasons To Work At VHR In 2019" width="600"></p>
<h3><strong>Monthly Internal Events</strong></h3>
<p>Every month VHR holds some kind of event for the team. Different every month, these events have been dinner, go karting, ping-pong, airsoft, bowling, barbeques, paintball, and others. A great way to build team spirit, these events are always fun and something for us to look forward to.</p>
<h3><strong>Flexible Working Hours</strong></h3>
<p>Last year VHR introduced a flexi-time initiative which includes hybrid working. This allows employees more control over their time. Now able to start at any time between eight and nine in the morning, the scheme helps our employees who have children, or have to commute in. It also gives them more freedom to attend gym classes at a time that&rsquo;s better for them.</p>
<p>VHR is a fantastic place to work, show in its four and a half star rating on&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Overview/Working-at-VHR-EI_IE1024474.11,14.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glassdoor</a></u>, and over 80% of our employees would recommend working here to a friend.</p>
<p>Learn more about what it&rsquo;s like to&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/work-at-vhr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">work at VHR</a></u>.</p>

7 Reasons To Work At VHR

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<p>Antarctica is one of the last remaining untouched places on the planet. The total surface area of the continent is about 14 million square kilometres: approximately 50 times the size of the UK. The nearest land mass is South America at 1,000 kilometres away, separated by the roughest stretch of water in the world, the Drake Passage.</p>
<p>The coldest, driest, windiest continent, it has a strikingly beautiful landscape, as well as being an incredibly dramatic and exciting place to work.</p>
<h1><strong>Why You Should Work In Antarctica:</strong></h1>
<h3><strong>1. You Can Be One Of The Few People In The World Who Gets To Work There</strong></h3>
<p>With a population of around 1,000 - 5,000 people depending on the time of year and the number of projects, Antarctica is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the world.</p>
<p>There are always more people looking to work in Antarctica than there are jobs available. Those that do end up working in Antarctica are often experts in their field, working on important scientific research or highly specialised technical engineering jobs. These can include biologists, geologists, oceanographers, physicists, glaciologists and meteorologists. However, there are also supportive and logistical roles that help to maintain the smooth running of research bases.</p>
<h3>2.&nbsp;<strong>The Work Happening in Antarctica Is Important</strong></h3>
<p>The scientific research is largely based around global warming and its impact on the local ecology. Antarctica is warming faster than anywhere else on earth, and holds 70% of the world&rsquo;s fresh water, so it is imperative to understand how ice melting will impact sea levels, and whether we can avert our current trajectory. Everyone working there understands that they&rsquo;re part of a larger team and that their work is important, building towards something bigger than themselves.</p>
<p>Here are&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-linkedins-25-most-popular-jobs-of-2018-mean-for-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018&rsquo;s Most Popular Engineering Jobs</a></u>.</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;<strong>See Outstanding Natural Beauty</strong></h3>
<p>One of the major positives of living in Antarctica is the beauty of the landscape. Thanks to its unique position on the globe, Antarctica enjoys incredibly long periods of sunlight during summer, meaning its breath-taking features can be enjoyed. Giant glaciers, sparkling oceans and endless expanses of snow and ice are just some of the sights you can see in an environment that seems almost alien.</p>
<p>Thanks to the&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/antarct/aca/aca.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antarctic Conversation Act</a></u>, its environment is highly protected, with those who live there held to the highest standards when it comes to interacting with the local ecosystem. Any waste is shipped away, and no one can interfere with the local wildlife.</p>
<p>Some of the bases create no emissions, setting the standard for how projects should be undertaken in the area.</p>
<h3>4.&nbsp;<strong>A Great Team Atmosphere</strong></h3>
<p>Whilst there&rsquo;s six months of sunlight in summer, there&rsquo;s also six months of near permanent darkness in winter. This means that everyone who stays in Antarctica during winter bands together to keep each other happy, with a big focus on team activities and interaction. Group settings foster inclusivity and comradery, even between people who work in completely different fields who might never otherwise have interacted.</p>
<p>Here are the&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-soft-skills-that-will-get-you-a-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7 Soft Skills that Will Get You a Job</a></u>.</p>
<h3>5.&nbsp;<strong>Antarctica is Theoretically Safe from War</strong></h3>
<p>The Antarctica Treaty prohibits any military activity in Antarctica. There are no military bases or contingents on the continent, and while many countries have laid claim to Antarctica in the past, today it is a neutral landmass. Whilst all countries involved have agreed to a truce, there is no formalised military force to defend the continent in the event of a land invasion.</p>
<p>Antarctica is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places on earth and being able to live and work there is something that very few people will ever experience.</p>
<p>Read about how&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-antarctic-exploration-is-important-for-the-marine-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antarctic Research</a></u>&nbsp;is helping the Marine industry, or learn about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-future-of-international-technical-recruitment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Future of International Recruitment</a></u>.</p>
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Reasons to Work in Antarctica

<p>Contract jobs allow engineers to develop new skills and gain experience, in places all over the world. When working as a contractor, you can either go directly to a business, or use a recruitment agency. There are positives and negatives to both, but a using a recruitment agency to find an engineering job means there is someone else working on your behalf to get you the best job, for the best price.</p>
<h1><strong>Why You Should Use A Recruitment Agency To Find Contract Work:</strong></h1>
<h3>1. Recruitment Agencies Have Long-Standing Relationships With Employers</h3>
<p>When you approach them to find a job, your recruitment agency will have been working with their clients for years. Recruiters are tasked by their clients to find the best person for the job &ndash; and if your skills and experience match the job description, that person is you.</p>
<p>The existing relationship between the staffing agency and the client means there is already a bond of trust for you to take advantage of. The agency putting you forward is staking their reputation and their business on you, meaning the client will already know you&rsquo;re capable. This can lead to continued employment, or more jobs on different projects.</p>
<h3>2. A Good Recruiter Will Find Work For You Many Times</h3>
<p>Beyond getting you a job when you&rsquo;re first looking, a good recruitment agency will keep you in mind for future job opportunities. Recruiters always need candidates for new contracts, so you could potentially stay with the same recruitment company for years at a time, or even for your whole engineering career.</p>
<p>Your recruitment agency will come to know your talents, your level of experience and what direction you want your career to go in. A&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">specialist recruitment agency</a>&nbsp;</u>will have a deep understanding of what a potential new job requires and what your skills are. As those skills develop, you can use a recruitment agency to find jobs that are closer to your ideal role.</p>
<p>Struggling to find a job? Here are&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-cant-i-get-a-job-8-reasons-your-job-search-isnt-working" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 Reasons Why Your Job Search Isn&rsquo;t Working</a></u>.</p>
<h3>3. Recruiters Want to Get You Long Contracts</h3>
<p>Your interests and your recruitment agency&rsquo;s interests are perfectly aligned: both want you to achieve long, secure and well-paying contracts.</p>
<p>Having a recruiter who negotiates pay and working conditions for you can mean a longer contract or higher pay. Recruitment agencies can make the difference between pay grades, so utilise them to get not only the best jobs but also the best pay and best working life.</p>
<p>Contract work can be inconsistent, so having a dedicated team of recruitment experts working on your behalf to find you the best jobs is something to consider if you&rsquo;re looking for contract engineering work.</p>
<p>Read more about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-you-should-use-a-recruitment-agency-to-find-your-engineering-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How A Recruitment Agency Can Find Your Engineering Job</a></u>, or learn&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-make-yourself-more-employable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How To Make Yourself More Employable</a></u>.</p>

3 Ways Recruitment Companies Can Get You Contract Work

<p>More people than ever are emigrating to new countries to find work. With the critical engineering skills shortage, many businesses struggle are looking to other countries to find the skills they need, which is great news for candidates who want to work abroad. Here are the five best reasons to work in Lithuania.</p>
<h1><strong>Why Lithuania Is Great For Engineering</strong></h1>
<h3>1. Low Cost of Living</h3>
<p>The cost of living in Lithuania is one of the lowest in Europe and on average 30% lower than in the United Kingdom, with rent being 50% cheaper. Moving to Lithuania, you&rsquo;ll immediately notice the savings you&rsquo;re making without any effort, meaning your paycheque will go much further. This means you can save money easily and effectively by working in Lithuania, generating savings two or three times as fast as you would working in other EU countries. There is a flat income tax, meaning tax revenue in Lithuania is one of the lowest in Europe.</p>
<h3>2. Location: Centre of Europe</h3>
<p>Located in the central mass of Europe, Lithuania is a great place to work as it allows for easy travel between other EU states. The oldest Baltic state, it shares a border with Poland, from which you can easily travel by land, air, or sea.</p>
<p>Want to work in Europe?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-the-eu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here&rsquo;s our Guide to Working in Europe</a></u>.</p>
<h3>3. Lithuania&rsquo;s History</h3>
<p>Next on the list of reasons to work in Lithuania is its rich and varied history. Having been occupied by the Nazis in World War II and by the Soviets during the Cold War, Lithuania has a rich history to be explored. The first unified Lithuanian state was formed in 1253 by Mindaugas and became known as the Kingdom of Lithuania. It was one of the last pagan areas of Europe to accept Christianity, and you could still find pagan influences around the country.</p>
<h3>4. Urban and Countryside Areas</h3>
<p>Whether you prefer the city or the countryside, Lithuania has both. Its capital city of Vilnius has the highest concentration of expats and has much to see and do. Known for its historical Old Town, the city offers breath-taking gothic architecture, and you can see how Lithuania has changed over the centuries.</p>
<p>Lithuania&rsquo;s countryside has many rivers and lakes, and people often spend summers travelling around the acres of pine forests.</p>
<h3>5. A Hub for Science and Engineering</h3>
<p>Since declaring itself an independent state in 1990, Lithuania has been making the transition from an industrial to a knowledge-based economy, focused on high added-value products and services. It&rsquo;s now one of the leading European nations for biotechnology, communications and information technology. Most expats in Lithuania find themselves working in the information on engineering industries.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re interested in working in Lithuania, read our&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/guide-to-working-in-the-eu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guide to working in the EU</a></u>, or&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/our-offices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get in touch</a></u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/our-offices/" rel=" noopener">&nbsp;</a>with us today.</p>
<p>Learn about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-start-a-career-in-aviation-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to start a career in Aviation engineering</a></u>, or read about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-you-should-use-a-recruitment-agency-to-find-your-engineering-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">why you should use a recruitment company to find your engineering job.</a></u></p>

Reasons to Work in Lithuania

<p>A long-term stable workforce has many advantages: employees are efficient, well-practiced and work well together. However, it&rsquo;s easy for long-term employees to become complacent, slow to embrace new ideas and not as qualified in new areas as you may need.</p>
<p>By hiring new people with experience and qualifications outside your current talent pool, you&rsquo;ll make your workforce more flexible and better equipped to take on new challenges. A great way to build a qualified workforce is to use a recruitment company. Here&rsquo;s how recruitment consultants can find experienced candidates with the qualifications you need to help your business grow.</p>
<h1><strong>How Recruitment Can Help You Find the Best People</strong></h1>
<h3>1.&nbsp;<strong>Recruitment Can Find You Candidates with Expertise in Emerging Fields</strong></h3>
<p>Across every industry there will always be those at the top of their game: studying new disciplines, looking at new techniques and developing a greater understanding of the sector. If your team isn&rsquo;t learning that new information, they&rsquo;re not going to know where your industry is going, and that&rsquo;s vital for the long-term future and sustainability of a business.</p>
<p>A good recruitment company will know your industry and understand its current problems and future needs. Working with skilled people across all disciplines allows recruitment companies a deep knowledge of what new areas are proving to be of interest and the top players in these emerging fields. This allows recruiters to bring skilled talent to your attention much faster before they&rsquo;re offered a role with competitors.</p>
<h3>2.&nbsp;<strong>Recruitment Can Find People With The Skills Your Team Are Missing</strong></h3>
<p>If your team has been working well together and hitting or exceeding targets for years, you may not think they&rsquo;re missing any vital skills. However, in most instances there are skills that could be added, augmented, or complemented by someone new joining the team.</p>
<p>Recruitment companies are always on the lookout for the latest new and in-demand skills such as social media, AI and problem-solving. These skills make candidates more versatile and can help shape your business in new ways that you might never have expected.</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;<strong>Recruitment Can Replace Vital Members When They Leave</strong></h3>
<p>One of the most crucial roles of a recruitment company is replacing crucial employees when they leave. Replacing an employee is often seen by the client business as a problem to be fixed, however can become an important opportunity for growth.</p>
<p>Just one new team member can bring in more advanced skills and different experiences and can galvanise the team to move in a new and improved direction. A growth mindset can be applied to any challenge, keeping in mind, &lsquo;How can this be done better?&rsquo; A recruitment company understands the significant difference that one new employee can make to a team and to a business and will look to maximise the potential for growth with every new candidate they introduce.</p>
<p>Read about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-millennials-are-good-for-a-growing-company" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why Millennials are Great for a Growing Business</a></u>, or learn about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/5-interview-techniques-to-get-the-best-from-candidates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Best Questions to Ask Candidates in an Interview</a></u>.</p>

How Recruitment Secures A More Qualified Workforce

<p>Transitioning to office life after spending years in an active and demanding role can be rough. You're trading wide-open spaces and action for a lifestyle that puts you behind a desk using your mind, instead of both your mind and body. This change can require some adjustment.</p>
<h1><strong>The 5 Most Active Jobs</strong></h1>
<p>While former Defence contractors and Military workers may not be able to work in an athletic situation every day, you still can find employment that goes a long way toward satisfying the part of you that's always looking for action. Here are the five most active jobs for people who can't see themselves sitting behind a desk.</p>
<h3>1.&nbsp;<strong>IT Field Technician</strong></h3>
<p>The information technology field is full of jobs that don't involve sitting at a desk, answering help desk tickets. Businesses of every kind use technology, and sometimes they can't bring that technology to a repair shop. They need someone to come to their location and repair their equipment, which can include everything from on-site servers to point-of-sale checkout units. Some positions involve working in a team environment, with team members sharing knowledge of each other's duties. Jobs in this field sometimes require regional or national travel and can have you on the road as much as a few days per week. What they don't require is sitting behind a desk (except when training is involved).</p>
<p>Find&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><u>the latest engineering jobs here</u></a>.</p>
<h3>2.&nbsp;<strong>Law Enforcement or Private Security</strong></h3>
<p>If you're coming from a Military background or simply have an interest in helping the public while upholding the law, private security and law enforcement are fields to consider. Both give priority to applicants who have prior experience handling weapons and engaging with people physically while respecting the rule of law.</p>
<p>Shifts are spent patrolling a property or geographical area by foot or vehicle, requiring you to exercise your skills and your body. You also work in tandem with other members who are focused on the same goals as you are. And there is upward potential toward achieving a higher rank &mdash; or even starting your own security company.</p>
<p><u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/engineering-defence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about the Defence sector here</a></u>.</p>
<h3>3.&nbsp;<strong>Outdoor Work</strong></h3>
<p>Outdoor guide work covers a variety of responsibilities. The core duties of an Outdoor Adventure Guide include helping people enjoy the outdoors while maintaining safety standards and using a buddy system for awareness. The best feature of this work is that it's always outdoors and can be done just about anywhere across the world. Depending on your skills, you could find employment in Alaska working with sled dogs, climbing mountains in Mongolia, leading horseback riders as a trail guide in South Africa, or paddling adventurers to safety as a river guide in Nicaragua.</p>
<p>Working outdoors does require a higher level of fitness and tolerance of weather conditions. And seasonal employment in some regions requires adjustment to not working for a few months each year or finding other work to fill in the gaps.</p>
<p><u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-countries-work-2018-top-10-countries-work-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here are the 10 Best Countries to Work in 2018</a></u>.</p>
<h3>4.&nbsp;<strong>Construction</strong></h3>
<p>Construction companies are always looking for reliable workers to operate equipment and perform duties on the ground. The industry has become more sophisticated due to the technology used to keep precise metrics on a project. If you have previously worked in Military jobs or Defence jobs, working with construction equipment will be an easy transition. However, you will have to get certifications to operate heavy equipment, signifying that you&rsquo;re compliant with regulations.</p>
<p>Working in construction also means working in a team environment where workers support each other to complete the job. Some positions are seasonal, especially in a region that has rough winters. The benefit of working in construction is that you may find yourself working on different job sites throughout the year. This provides ever-changing scenery and locations, which beats working in an office and seeing the same four walls every day.</p>
<h3>5.&nbsp;<strong>Lifeguard</strong></h3>
<p>Lifeguarding requires obtaining a CPR certification, but if you have prior experience with swimming (especially in a stressful environment or situation), you'll find it easy to get your certification. Being a lifeguard can involve working indoors or outdoors and clears a career path toward becoming a swimming instructor. The duties of a lifeguard include maintaining order on the deck and in the pool, and keeping an eye out for people in distress. If you're working outdoors, you'll frequently rotate on and off duty to avoid sunstroke or heat stroke. And because lifeguard training is universal, you can apply to work anywhere in the world, as long as you maintain your&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/cpr-training/cpr-certification" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CPR certification</a></u>.</p>
<p>These are some of the positions that are a good fit for someone who prefers an active career. The top 5 most active jobs to work in demonstrate that you don't have to sit behind a desk to earn a reasonable living and find job satisfaction. You can have the lifestyle you want without sacrificing your need to keep moving.</p>
<p>Not sure about which career suits you?&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/title-best-jobs-work-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here are the 7 Best Jobs to Work in 2018</a></u>.</p>

5 Active Jobs for People Who Can't Imagine Sitting Behind a Desk All Day

<p>Every business in the world has deadlines to hit. This can only be done with a qualified, motivated team who have the skills needed to deliver. Here&rsquo;s how using a recruitment company can ensure your team is best equipped to meet deadlines, get results and grow your business.</p>
<h1><strong>How A Recruitment Company Can Help You Hit Deadlines:</strong></h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>1. A Recruitment Company Can Maintain Your Numbers</h3>
<p>Increased turnover is one of the more unfortunate side effects of the digital age. Thanks to LinkedIn, people can find jobs easier than ever, apply for them at the touch of a button and have virtual interviews anywhere at any time thanks to smartphones.</p>
<p>A recruitment company can build a dedicated shortlist of candidates ready to step in if team members leave, reducing disruption of time and workloads. Keeping on top of projects reduces delays from replacement hires &ndash; technical recruitment specialists can ensure your business is one step ahead and replace vital resources almost as soon as a role is vacant.</p>
<h3>2. You&rsquo;ll Hire The Best People For The Job</h3>
<p>A recruitment company that specialises in your industry will understand your needs and the nuances of the roles you&rsquo;re looking to hire for, and hire candidates who are best suited to your company. Recruiters can find new hires who are better equipped to do the job, with a vast amount of experience in the field from years of similar work. One study reports that the combined cost of recruitment, training, and lost productivity&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.breathehr.com/blog/lost-employees-cost-smes-nearly-30000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can equal around &pound;30,000.</a></u><a href="https://www.breathehr.com/blog/lost-employees-cost-smes-nearly-30000" rel=" noopener">&nbsp;</a>Gaining a new employee who can hit the ground running will make all the difference in the team&rsquo;s success.</p>
<h3>3. Recruitment Consultants Can Save You Time</h3>
<p>Scrambling to hire new starters can take up a lot of valuable time. Going through CVs, calling candidates, initial interviews, follow up interviews, hiring meetings, inductions, training and implementation can take up entire days or weeks of time, while the team underperforms due to diminished capability. The best recruitment agencies will take over sourcing and candidate management&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">throughout the whole recruitment process</a></u>.</p>
<h3>4. A Recruitment Company Can Reduce Your Turnover</h3>
<p>Recruitment companies can reduce your turnover by hiring people who truly want to work in your industry. A dedicated recruitment agency will understand your business, the role you&rsquo;re offering and what makes it a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their career. This will translate into a more motivated pool of applicants, people who understand what the job entails and how it will benefit them.</p>
<h3>5. Recruitment Agencies Can Save You Money</h3>
<p>Recruitment companies won&rsquo;t receive their full fee until they secure and position a new candidate into your business, so you don&rsquo;t have to allocate a large chunk of revenue towards employment straight away. A long-term partnership will ensure you hire the right people the first time around, who you can then retain and develop to add long-term value to your business, and reduce overall employee turnover and associated costs, which soon add up.</p>
<p>Learn&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/fake-jobs-how-to-protect-your-business-and-future-employees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how you can protect your business from fake jobs</a></u>.</p>
<p>Find out more about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://www.v-hr.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VHR&rsquo;s award-winning recruitment</a>&nbsp;</u>services.</p>

How Using A Recruitment Company Can Help Your Business Hit Deadlines

<p>Engineering is a highly skilled field where many of the best engineers have enjoyed long and happy careers. Being&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-are-the-average-salaries-for-engineering-jobs-across-industries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">such a well-paid field</a></u>, competition for engineering jobs is fierce. As&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-engineering-impacts-every-part-of-modern-life" target="_blank" rel="noopener">engineering is growing into every part of our lives</a></u>, more jobs are taking on engineering elements. This means more engineering jobs, more chances to learn, and more opportunities for growth.</p>
<p>It can be hard to get started on the engineering career ladder as the barrier to entry is so high. You need the right qualifications, industry recognition and relevant experience on-site. Hundreds of engineers will apply for the best roles, so how can you make sure you get the job?</p>
<p>Here&rsquo;s why you should use a recruitment company to help you find the best engineering jobs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>3 Benefits of Using A Recruitment Company to Find an Engineering Job:</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>1. A Recruitment Company Will Find You the Best Engineering Jobs First</h3>
<p>Most companies using recruitment agencies will save money on advertising and outsource the work to the agency. This means you&rsquo;ll hear about the highest-paying, most important jobs first, before they get released out to the public.</p>
<p>Signing up with a recruitment company means you&rsquo;ll be alerted when new engineering jobs come in and submitted for roles that match what you&rsquo;re looking for. If you get in first, you&rsquo;ll be ahead of thousands of other potential candidates and may be able to get the job before anyone else is even considered.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2. A Recruitment Company Will Do Your Work for You</h3>
<p>A good recruitment company will put you forward to their client, advocating you as a capable individual best suited for the role. They&rsquo;ll understand your experience, your qualifications and who you are as a person. This allows them to position you as the complete answer to all the company&rsquo;s relevant problems, making you as attractive as possible.</p>
<p>Using a recruitment company to find the best engineering jobs immediately sets you above and apart from other candidates, having been shown to be reliable, trustworthy and of a high calibre. As you go from job to job, the company will understand you and your career better, and will act as a partner in securing you roles in the future.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>3. A Recruitment Company Will Know the Job</h3>
<p>If they&rsquo;ve been working with their client for a long time, a recruitment company will understand exactly what they&rsquo;re looking for and can help coach you to make you more employable in their eyes. Having this insider knowledge into the industry will help you in job interviews and give you a greater understanding of what the job will actually be like.</p>
<p>Being industry experts, engineering recruiters will understand the specifics and complexities of the best engineering jobs, and work closely with you to find a job that challenges and benefits you, helping you grow and develop over a long period of time.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Learn more about how to&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-make-yourself-more-employable" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make yourself more employable</a></u>, or read about&nbsp;<u><a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-engineering-will-change-the-world-in-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">upcoming engineering innovations</a></u>.</p>

Why You Should Use A Recruitment Agency to Find Your Engineering Job

<p>Every job you apply for will have other candidates applying for the same job. You&rsquo;ll need to be the best fit for the role, make a good impression and be more employable than everyone else competing for the position. Here are five ways to make yourself more employable.</p>
<h1><strong>How to Stand Out and Get A Job</strong></h1>
<h3>1. Keep Your CV Up to Date</h3>
<p>Your CV is the usually the first impression you&rsquo;re going to make, so make sure it&rsquo;s formatted correctly, easy to read and shows you off as the most qualified person for the job. The best CV will show how long you&rsquo;ve been at your current place of work, your day-to-day responsibilities and times you went above and beyond and made significant changes or improvements.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s not enough to just list what you&rsquo;ve done; you must show why it was important, why it made a difference and why it makes you better than anyone else. Use&nbsp;powerful phrases to make your CV stand out&nbsp;and signpost elements that make you qualified for the job to make yourself more employable.</p>
<h3>2. Get to the Interview Early</h3>
<p>It might be a cliche, but getting to the job interview early immediately puts you in a good light. If you&rsquo;re the first to arrive it might make all the difference between getting the job and not. Arriving early to a job interview shows you&rsquo;re punctual, reliable and taking the job opportunity seriously. In general, it&rsquo;s good practice to give yourself ample time to get to an interview. Traffic, train delays or just getting lost can strike at the worst time, so give yourself the best possible chance of getting there without any stress. Arriving to an interview with plenty of time is just one way to stand out and get the job you want.</p>
<h3>3. Stand Out</h3>
<p>There will likely be several highly qualified candidates at the job interview, so it&rsquo;s important to differentiate yourself from them. If you&rsquo;re remembered later, you&rsquo;ll be more likely to get the job. An interesting fact about yourself, a story about how you improved things at work or just an unusual hobby can be enough to separate you from other candidates with similar skills and experience.</p>
<p>This also lets you demonstrate that you&rsquo;d be a good fit for the company culture, and that you&rsquo;d integrate well with the team.</p>
<h3>4. Be Active on LinkedIn</h3>
<p>Being on LinkedIn is vital for searching for a job today and will help your personality and expertise come across before you even meet your potential employer. Often the first thing an employer will do after reading your CV is look you up on LinkedIn to try to get a better sense of who you are. If they find an empty profile, or worse, no profile at all, they might not forward with you. If they find someone who is actively sharing content, engaging with the wider industry community and creating valuable connections, they&rsquo;ll be far more excited about the prospect of you joining them.</p>
<h3>5. Use A Recruitment Company</h3>
<p>Lastly,<a href="/blog/top-5-reasons-why-you-should-use-a-recruitment-agency">&nbsp;<u>using a recruitment company</u>&nbsp;</a>is one of the best ways to make yourself more employable as it can help get you in front of employers much faster than applying on your own. Recruitment specialists in your industry will get access to the best jobs before they go out to the wider world, so you&rsquo;ll be first in line for positions you might never hear of otherwise.</p>
<p>The best recruitment consultants will know your strengths and understand what you&rsquo;re looking for in career opportunities. Good recruitment agencies will also be providing you an endorsement just by submitting you to the employer: recruitment companies&rsquo; reputations are made on the candidates they show to their clients. If you&rsquo;re looking for a career upgrade, a recruitment company is the best place to start.</p>
<p>Want to learn more ways to make yourself more employable? Discover the&nbsp;<a href="/blog/5-things-that-can-help-you-get-a-job-that-arent-your-cv"><u>things that can help you get a job that aren&rsquo;t your CV</u>, </a>or&nbsp;<u><a title="which questions to ask in a job interview." href="/blog/10-questions-you-should-ask-in-a-job-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which questions to ask in a job interview.</a></u></p>

How to Make Yourself More Employable

<p><a href="https://www.formula1.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Formula One</a>&nbsp;is the pinnacle of motorsport. To work in Formula One you have to be smart, fast, and focused. Breaking into the industry isn&rsquo;t easy, and you need to be at the top of your game. Always aim to improve. Any job in Formula One will not be a standard nine to five: you&rsquo;ll need to be flexible, committed and reliable.</p>
<p>Job satisfaction is high for those working in Formula One. This can be attributed to the levels of passion and professionalism, as well as having reached the very top of your field. All workers perform a specific role, so all workers have responsibility and agency. This means everyone is valued. All this work is moving towards one common goal, so everyone is always on the same page. This creates a great team atmosphere.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1><strong>What Is A Career in F1 Like?</strong></h1>
<p>Most F1 careers begin off the track &ndash; you might be in analytics. F1 performance is always being analysed, tweaked and improved. Performance groups will simulate how the car will run hundreds of times to better understand all the factors at play.</p>
<p>During the race, projections run continuously to predict what might happen in a certain scenario. Support teams will then let the pit teams know if anything seems likely or poses a threat to the driver&rsquo;s position.</p>
<p>A pit crew is what keeps everything together. Comprised of maybe a dozen people, pit crews are responsible for the vital maintenance and tuning of the car. This all has to happen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-quest-perfect-pit-stop.1lwNTV7z6MiEA2weCMsS8E.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as fast as humanly possible</a>&nbsp;when the driver comes in, and is fascinating to watch.</p>
<p>The level of technical detail can be staggering, even if you&rsquo;re used to a highly specialised job. Absolutely everything needs to be monitored and optimised. Trackside engineers are supported by an entire team of analysts, feeding them information over radio. Formula One careers are at the cutting edge of science and design; there&rsquo;s no room for laziness or complacency. It&rsquo;s well-known that nine times out of ten, the best car wins. Everyone on the team is trying to make the car better, to be the very best, and win.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Work in Formula One: Advance your Motorsport Career</strong></h2>
<p>Rubbing shoulders with F1 stars is exciting, but like you, they&rsquo;re there to do a job. Teamwork is a big part of working in F1, and since you&rsquo;re only as good as your weakest link, it&rsquo;s vital that everyone supports one another. Roughly 100 people will be involved in just one Formula One team on race day.</p>
<p>One of the most rewarding things about working in Formula One is seeing your ideas and designs take shape. Something can go from being a thought in your head to a reality on the track in a matter of weeks. Knowing you&rsquo;re part of a team that is going out and engaging in the top level of your industry is worth all the struggle and hard work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Want to work in Formula One? It can be difficult to find a job in Formula One unless you already know someone in the industry, so consider using a <a href="https://www.v-hr.com/f1-automotive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recruitment company</a>&nbsp;to help you&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs/tag/f1-automotive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">start a career in Formula One</a>.</p>

What It’s Like to Work in Formula One?

<p>Finding a job can be difficult. Whether this is your first job search or your fifteenth, there are still new things to learn, new techniques to adopt, and new tools to use. The average person&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-often-do-people-change-jobs-2060467" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changes roles</a>&nbsp;between 10 and 15 times over the course of their career, so even if you&rsquo;re not looking for a job right now, chances are you soon will be.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Here Are Five Ways To Boost Your Job Search:</strong></h2>
<h3>1. LinkedIn</h3>
<p>LinkedIn is vital for modern job searching. A professional social network, LinkedIn allows you to make connections with other people in your industry. It allows you to create a profile which can act as a digital version of your CV. It shows a timeline of your career, what skills you have, and what projects you&rsquo;ve been involved with. It also lets you search and apply for new positions and roles quickly: there are 11 million jobs posted on LinkedIn, which is incredibly helpful when searching for jobs in your specific sector. If you keep your profile up to date, you are 18 times more likely to be contacted by a&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.linkedin.com/2016/08/03/5-steps-to-improve-your-linkedin-profile-in-minutes-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recruiter on LinkedIn.</a>&nbsp;If you don&rsquo;t have an account, set one up today.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>2. Professional Networks and Networking Events</h3>
<p>Second on the list of five things that can help you get a job are professional networks. LinkedIn is a great example of a digital network, but don&rsquo;t neglect your networks in the real world. Creating and maintaining links between colleagues and business contacts allows you to cultivate a rich group of people who can help you in your job search. This network also expands your understanding of your role, and of your position in the overall business landscape.</p>
<p>Beyond that, an endorsement goes a long way, and the right word from the right person will open doors for you. Networking events let you meet people you might otherwise never have met, so take advantage of them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>3. Friends</h3>
<p>Your friends are another example of a network, and one that you&rsquo;ve been building for years. Similarly to your professional colleagues, your friends will know of opportunities you might never hear of otherwise, and they&rsquo;ll want to help you in your search.</p>
<p>Ask your friends to keep an ear out for any jobs or positions that might be of interest to you. You can also use them to practice interviews with, check your CV, and to keep you motivated with your job search. The phenomenal reach or a friendship group and quick access to further connections make your circle of friends one of the best things that can help you get a job.</p>
<div><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg?width=450&amp;name=New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg?width=225&amp;name=New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg 225w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg?width=450&amp;name=New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg 450w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg?width=675&amp;name=New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg 675w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg?width=900&amp;name=New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg 900w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg?width=1125&amp;name=New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg 1125w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stock%20images/New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg?width=1350&amp;name=New%20Career%20Concept%20-%20Green%20Pushpin%20on%20a%20Map%20Background%20with%20Selective%20Focus..jpeg 1350w" alt="How to Find a Job" width="450"></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>4. Use A Recruitment Agency</h3>
<p>Using a recruitment agency is one of the fastest, easiest ways to find a job you love. Having a dedicated expert in your sector working with you means that they understand what you&rsquo;re looking for. Working with a specialist recruiter means you&rsquo;ll be more likely to get ahead, being championed by someone who already has relationships with top employers in your field. Recruiting is on the rise, with over a thousand new agencies starting up in 2017 alone. More and more companies are outsourcing recruitment to these agencies, so you should take advantage of them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>5. A Professional Appearance</h3>
<p>Last on the list of five things that can help you get a job (but not least!) is taking the time to cultivate a professional appearance. Your appearance can make the difference between getting a job and getting a rejection. Employers cannot legally discriminate against protected characteristics such as gender, race, religion and disability, but many employers will automatically judge someone wearing casual clothes to an interview or turning up to an event with an untidy appearance. Whether it&rsquo;s at an interview or a networking event, a tidy, professional appearance communicates who you are, as well as your personal style.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more information on how to get a job, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/10-words-to-include-in-your-cv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">words you need to be using in your CV</a>, and these&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-soft-skills-that-will-get-you-a-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soft skills that will help you get a job</a>.</p>

5 Things That Can Help You Get A Job (That Aren’t Your CV)

<p>VHR regularly supports skilled engineers and technicians from outside the EU who want to work in EU countries. One of the most common questions we receive is &lsquo;How do I work in the EU?&rsquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>What You&rsquo;ll Need To Work In The EU:</strong></h2>
<h3>An EU Work Visa</h3>
<p>The first thing you&rsquo;ll need to work in any EU country, if you&rsquo;re applying from outside the EU, is a&nbsp;<a href="http://workpermit.com/immigration/european-union/european-union-immigration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">work visa</a>. Without it you cannot work in the EU.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How To Get A Work Visa</h3>
<p>A work visa is a permit granted by the government of the country you wish to work in that must be put forward on your behalf by the company looking to recruit you. It is technically illegal for you to enter an EU country to look for work without a work visa. EU countries must try to fill all job vacancies with their own citizens, and only if that is not possible can they recruit from outside the EU.</p>
<p>Highly specialised jobs like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/aerospace-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aircraft engineers</a>&nbsp;are some of the most likely to be granted work visas. If your company is unwilling or unable to sponsor you for your work visa, you can get a work visa through an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.workpermit.com./" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immigration agency.</a></p>
<p>International employment laws vary from country to country, so do your research before you apply. What jobs are you qualified for? Are there any countries you will not be able to enter due to immigration or workplace laws? Checking first will save you time in the long run, so it&rsquo;s well worth doing. Remember, the permit will only be valid for the specific country you&rsquo;re working in; it will not apply to the whole of Europe. Likewise, your work permit will be tied to the company that applied for it, so you must remain in that job to carry on living there.</p>
<h3>A Valid Passport</h3>
<p>You won&rsquo;t be able to find a job in the EU without a valid passport for international travel. As an official document, a valid passport allows for identification, proof of identity, proof of age, travel, and other benefits.</p>
<h3>How to Get A Passport</h3>
<p>How to get a passport differs from country to country, but in general a passport can only be obtained by going through the passport office. You&rsquo;ll need a passport-appropriate photo and official documentation proving who you are and your citizenship, like a birth certificate.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What To Do Once You&rsquo;ve Arrived in Europe</h2>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve arrived to work in the EU, open a bank account and fill it with however much that country needs for you to prove you&rsquo;re capable or living, working, and supporting yourself. It varies from country to country &ndash; for example, the UK needs to see proof of &pound;945 in savings. Bring this bank statement with you to your place of work, as it will act as proof that you&rsquo;re responsible. Also make sure you have a copy of any diplomas, degrees, or qualifications. Most European countries will require you to have health insurance, however this may be provided by your employer.</p>
<p>For more&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/10-words-to-include-in-your-cv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">help with CVs,</a>&nbsp;advice on&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/why-cant-i-get-a-job-8-reasons-your-job-search-isnt-working" target="_blank" rel="noopener">why you can&rsquo;t get a job</a>, and more, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/tag/jobs-candidate-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VHR blog</a>.</p>

How To Work In The EU If You’re Not From An EU Country

<p>In a job interview, it can be difficult to keep track of everything you need to do to give yourself the best chance of landing the job. Here are the 10 questions you should ask in a job interview to achieve your dream job.</p>
<p>Remembering to smile, be polite and professional, and give clear, helpful answers to questions. But one part of the interview process that can get left behind is remembering to ask questions to your potential employer. Don&rsquo;t forget it: it&rsquo;s an opportunity to set yourself apart from the other candidates.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Why You Should Ask Questions In A Job Interview:</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Asking questions shows you&rsquo;re interested in the company and the position. If you&rsquo;ve done your research, there should be at least one element of the company you&rsquo;re interested in learning more about, and that demonstrates an inquisitive mind.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>It shows you&rsquo;re an active, engaged candidate who cares about the recruitment process. If you don&rsquo;t ask any questions, you run the risk of looking passive, apathetic, or bored. You want to show your interviewer that you&rsquo;re different from the rest.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You&rsquo;ll learn more about the company. You&rsquo;ll have done your own research, but having direct knowledge from someone who is already a part of the team is invaluable. It&rsquo;s also important for you to assess the role accurately. This is a chance for you to find out if you really want to work here and if it&rsquo;s the right place for you. Don&rsquo;t waste this opportunity to find out more and make an informed decision.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Here Are Some Questions To Ask In A Job Interview:</strong></h2>
<h3>1. What are the key priorities for the first few months?</h3>
<p>This shows you&rsquo;re interested in how the company works and are making sure that you know exactly what the job entails. It will also give you an understanding of what is expected of you in your day-to-day role and to hit the ground running on making it happen.</p>
<h3>2. What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel at the role?</h3>
<p>This shows you what your interviewer is looking for and will allow to tailor your responses for maximum effectiveness. Beyond that, this question will show you what you might be lacking, and will need to work on.</p>
<h3>3. How will I be assessed?</h3>
<p>Asking the third on the list of 10 questions you should ask in a job interview shows you&rsquo;re career-orientated. Asking about how you will be assessed evidences that you&rsquo;re looking for progression and ready to give your best: all good qualities in a potential candidate.</p>
<h3>4. How will the role and department develop?</h3>
<p>This again shows your interviewer that you&rsquo;re looking to the future, and the answer will let you know if the role aligns with your career progression plans. If there are plans to develop, you&rsquo;ll be instrumental in making them happen.</p>
<h3>5. What are the company&rsquo;s values?</h3>
<p>Halfway on the list of 10 questions you should ask in a job interview are around what the company most values. A company&rsquo;s values are important in understanding what you&rsquo;re actually getting into. Are they entirely results-driven? Do they focus on quality above all else? This also gives you a chance to talk about your values, why they motivate you, and how you can bring that drive to the team.</p>
<h3>6. What&rsquo;s the company culture like?</h3>
<p>How people work, how they conduct themselves, and the overall atmosphere are all important factors to consider about whether you actually want to work at this company. You know yourself and how you work &ndash; will the environment you find yourself in be conducive to your best work?</p>
<h3>7. What&rsquo;s the biggest challenge I can expect to face?</h3>
<p>This shows you aren&rsquo;t afraid of challenges. Finding out as much as you can about a difficult task will help you prepare for it, so it&rsquo;s good to get as much knowledge ahead of time as you can.</p>
<h3>8. Who are your major competitors?</h3>
<p>This will help you get a lay of the land, and understand the world you&rsquo;re stepping into. Is the company you&rsquo;re applying for a small fish in a big pond, or are they a shark looking to defend their territory? This will shape the kind of work you do, and the atmosphere of the company, so it&rsquo;s vital you know what you&rsquo;re letting yourself in for.</p>
<h3>9. What&rsquo;s the best part of working here?</h3>
<p>This gives the company the chance to sell you on the position. If their best doesn&rsquo;t impress you, it might not be right for you. Conversely, some companies really go the extra mile to make employees feel special, rewarding them with perks.</p>
<h3>10. What are the next steps in the interview process?</h3>
<p>Last on the list of 10 questions you should ask in a job interview marks a natural end to the interview. This question shows you&rsquo;re interested in moving further and expresses that vital confidence in yourself and your abilities than another candidate might be lacking. Plus, it can put your mind at ease about when to expect a follow-up phone call or email.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check out the VHR blog for more information on how to <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">succeed with your job application</a>. Here are&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-most-in-demand-skills-you-need-to-have-when-looking-for-a-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the most in demand skills that can help you get a job</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Still looking for a job? VHR&rsquo;s job listings are updated regularly with the very&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best engineering jobs</a>.</p>

10 Questions You Should Ask in A Job Interview

<p>Are you struggling to get a job? Can't get an interview?</p>
<h3>Find out why your job search isn't working and what you can do to improve your chances of getting a job.</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>1. Tailor Your CV To The Job You're Applying For</strong></h3>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg?width=449&amp;name=cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg?width=225&amp;name=cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg 225w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg?width=449&amp;name=cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg 449w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg?width=674&amp;name=cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg 674w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg?width=898&amp;name=cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg 898w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg?width=1123&amp;name=cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg 1123w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg?width=1347&amp;name=cytonn-photography-604680-unsplash.jpg 1347w" alt="Writing a CV" width="449"></p>
<p>When applying for job opportunities, your CV must be tailored to the type of industry the job is in. For example, do not send a CV based on work experience in the <a href="https://www.v-hr.com/f1-automotive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automotive industry</a>&nbsp;when applying for jobs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-hr.com/aerospace-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aerospace sector</a>.</p>
<p>Additionally, a CV is not going to stand out unless it is customised; make sure that the recruiters who receive your CV remember you, as they will obtain tonnes of applications for the role you're applying for.</p>
<p>Review and update: by not updating your application, you could be repeatedly including the same&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/10-most-common-cv-mistakes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clich&eacute;s and mistakes</a>&nbsp;that don&rsquo;t get you to the interview stage.</p>
<p>Find out&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/improve-cv-5-top-interview-tips-vhr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to write the perfect CV</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2. Spelling</strong></h3>
<p>There is absolutely no margin for error when it comes to CVs and cover letters; make sure there are no spelling, grammatical or typo mistakes on anything you send to the employer.</p>
<p>Errors in spelling reflects badly on you &ndash; it indicates that you're sloppy and lazy, and gives the impression you'll be a disordered employee.</p>
<p>Check everything on your CV and cover letter &ndash; check names, addresses, emails and telephone numbers too. Ideally, get someone else to proofread your documents before you send them to an employer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3. Apply For Jobs</strong></h3>
<p>Spend more time applying for more jobs! Don&rsquo;t place all your eggs in one basket &ndash; apply for multiple jobs in order to receive a handful of interviews.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, make sure that when job hunting, you know what roles you are looking for. While it may be tempting to casually browse job sites to &ldquo;see what&rsquo;s out there&rdquo;, this is not an effective way to conduct your job hunt.</p>
<p>Read VHR's&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/engineering-job-hunting-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Engineering Job Hunt Guide.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4. Set Career Goals</strong></h3>
<p>Before you start job hunting make a list of all the professional industries you may be interested in as a starting point &ndash; set this list as goals! A reason why you can&rsquo;t get a job may be because&nbsp;<a href="https://careersidekick.com/why-cant-i-find-a-job/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you&rsquo;re applying for roles in an industry less suited to your experience</a>.</p>
<p>By making lists, you can ensure that your strengths and what you enjoy are in order and aligned with your applications. Conducting thorough research into your career options before narrowing them down can help improve your chance for getting a job.</p>
<p>Set yourself daily targets; if you stick to your timescales, you&rsquo;ll feel motivated and like you&rsquo;ve achieved something each day.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5. You Might Be Under-Qualified</strong></h3>
<p>It may be worth reassessing your ambitions; if you&rsquo;re still not getting many responses from your applications,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20160729-cant-find-a-job-try-this-simple-advice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you may have set your sights too high</a>&nbsp;&ndash; another reason why you can&rsquo;t get a job.</p>
<p>Instead of applying for positions which demand a lot of experience, or qualifications that you may not have, apply for jobs that will suit you best and avoid morale disappointment.</p>
<p>It may work in your favour; starting a job in a more junior position will help you get your foot in the door and present you with bigger opportunities for progression in the future.</p>
<p>Also, as well as applying for more suited job positions, it may be worth focussing your efforts on other potential avenues of employment that would utilise the skills and abilities you&rsquo;ve accrued to date &ndash; instead of applying for that dream job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6. You Might Be Overqualified</strong></h3>
<p>Are you applying for jobs that are below your skill-set? If so, this is another huge factor that will contribute to you not getting a job.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/start/6-possible-reasons-cant-find-job/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Employers may get annoyed at your application</a>&nbsp;as they know you&rsquo;re not suited for that role, and will expect that you&rsquo;ll be leaving rather quickly if something better gets offered to you (resulting in you not stay to help grow the company).</p>
<p>Additionally, recruiters and employers may second guess why you&rsquo;re applying for these positions &ndash; what has happened to make you settle for less money and less responsibility? This may lead to a route that&rsquo;ll cause more headache and hassle.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>7. You Might Come Across Desperate</strong></h3>
<p>If you make it seem to an employer that hiring you is doing you a massive favour, then the interviewer is likely to choose an applicant that frames their application as they&rsquo;ll be benefiting the company (as well as themselves).</p>
<p>Keep a level head concerning the reasons as to why you want the job. Show your passion for the company by giving thoughtful answers to what drew you to apply and how you&rsquo;d approach potential projects.</p>
<p>Tip: for every time you list something you love about the company, list one way you&rsquo;d be able to support, innovate, or grow something there.</p>
<p>Find out what&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/7-best-engineering-companies-to-work-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best engineering companies to work for</a>&nbsp;are.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>8. Interview Skills</strong></h3>
<p>Are you qualified and receiving interviews, but still not getting the job? It could be that&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/10-biggest-interview-mistakes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you&rsquo;re lacking interview skills</a>. For example, regardless of whether you have the right qualifications to get in the door, if once you&rsquo;re sitting across from the hiring manager you repeatedly say the wrong thing or give a bad impression,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.workitdaily.com/reasons-unemployed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you will not be hired.</a></p>
<p>The best way to prevent this from happening is do your research &ndash; learn more about interviewing and more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the10-most-difficult-interview-questions-and-how-to-answer-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to answer common interview questions</a>.</p>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve identified where you can improve, fix it. If you want someone to guide you through it, ask a friend or an interview coach.</p>
<p>Interview questions are challenging, so take your time in familiarising yourself with how best to answer them under pressure.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Learn more about how to improve your CV and how to ensure you're on the best&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-you-can-find-a-job-on-social-media" target="_blank" rel="noopener">path to getting a job!</a></p>

Why Can’t I Get a Job? 8 Reasons Why Your Job Search Isn’t Working

<p>With some of the best business and employment&nbsp;opportunities in the world, it's no surprise that the UAE attracts so many international workers.</p>
<h1><strong>Why You Should Work In The UAE:</strong></h1>
<h3><strong>1. Finance Haven</strong></h3>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg?width=452&amp;name=alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 452px) 100vw, 452px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg?width=226&amp;name=alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg 226w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg?width=452&amp;name=alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg 452w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg?width=678&amp;name=alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg 678w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg?width=904&amp;name=alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg 904w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg?width=1130&amp;name=alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg 1130w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg?width=1356&amp;name=alex-block-354273-unsplash.jpg 1356w" alt="Benefits of working in the UAE" width="452"></p>
<p>Expats working in the UAE aren&rsquo;t expected to pay income tax. Expected salaries can range between what is earned back in the expat&rsquo;s home country, to significantly more; this results in a large number of people moving to work in the UAE looking to save more money.</p>
<p>Recently the law changed, meaning that foreigners residing in the UAE are now able to purchase their own property. Instant resident status is given to those who buy in the UAE &ndash; a great way to reinvest money in to the economy.</p>
<p>The UAE&rsquo;s Emirati Dirham (AED), has remained stable and strong since the beginning of the century. Additionally, this combined with the steady growth in GDP of around 5% each year, makes the UAE one of the most financially stable destinations in the world.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2. Location and Climate</strong></h3>
<p>In the UAE, grey, dull, miserable drizzle doesn&rsquo;t exist. Instead, the weather is almost always hot and sunny. The lowest temperature of the year reaches on average 20 degrees, but fortunately, this drop doesn&rsquo;t impact the warm sea and stunning beaches.</p>
<p>The UAE is perfectly situated close to Africa, Asia and Europe; meaning, destinations such as the Seychelles, Kenya, Phuket and Sri Lanka are all on the doorstep and easily accessible.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3. The Lifestyle</strong></h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for the perfect work-life balance, the UAE is the destination for you to work;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-biggest-cities-in-the-united-arab-emirates-uae.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the majority of people living and working in Dubai are non-citizens</a>.</p>
<p>Communities are enriched with a combination of cultures from across the globe, which as a result, allows expats and emirates the chance to mix with both Arabic charm and opulence, as well as foreign influences.</p>
<p>Throughout the UAE people are greeted with a warm welcome to some of the best cultures, food and drink from around the world; meaning that the population of people that work and live in the UAE have endless choice.</p>
<p>From world-class golf courses, high-end restaurants, shopping in some of the world&rsquo;s largest malls, great nightlife and stunning beaches, the lifestyle opportunities are virtually endless.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4. Starting Your Own Business</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/10-reasons-why-you-should-work-in-dubai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A survey by HSBC</a>&nbsp;revealed that Dubai (the UAE&rsquo;s largest city) is ranked the second-best city in the world after&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-countries-work-2018-top-10-countries-work-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Singapore</a>, for expats looking to start new business. In this survey, the UAE&rsquo;s entrepreneurial environment, job prospects and salaries are highlighted as primary factors for Dubai being a great place to start a business.</p>
<p>With new consumers, the rise of internet technology and new markets arising, Dubai is the land booming with new&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">job opportunities</a>.</p>
<p>Learn about<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/ethical-recruitment-an-urgent-priority-for-uk-businesses-in-the-uae" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;Ethical Recruitment in the UAE</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5. Global Exposure</strong></h3>
<p>With its diverse array of work and employees, the UAE no doubt gives you the biggest grounding in international business. It&rsquo;s a global financial and trade hub offering tons of opportunities to those who want the best experience on their CV.</p>
<p>Learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/improve-cv-5-top-interview-tips-vhr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to improve your CV</a>.</p>
<p>The growing economy offers a hand in all sectors &ndash; a constant influx of both investors and workers who wish to make the most of the benefits.</p>
<p>Aside from the esteem that working in the UAE adds to your resum&eacute;, there are plentiful opportunities to develop your skills and&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/top-5-engineering-careers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">further your career.</a></p>
<p>Find out more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/working-uae-7-tips-working-abroad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">working in the UAE.</a></p>

5 Reasons to Work in the UAE

<p>This Nordic country has many amazing job opportunities, beautiful scenery and an enjoyable way of life.</p>
<h1>Why You Should Work In Finland:</h1>
<h3><strong><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg?width=362&amp;name=sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 362px) 100vw, 362px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg?width=181&amp;name=sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg 181w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg?width=362&amp;name=sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg 362w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg?width=543&amp;name=sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg 543w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg?width=724&amp;name=sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg 724w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg?width=905&amp;name=sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg 905w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg?width=1086&amp;name=sam-ekpil-522518-unsplash.jpg 1086w" alt="Work in Finland" width="362"></strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1. World&rsquo;s Happiest Country</strong></h3>
<div>
<p>Based on a number of factors such as GDP, life expectancy and social support,<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/finland/articles/reasons-to-visit-finland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;the 2018 World Happiness Report</a>&nbsp;states that Finland is the happiest country in the world, improving on its 5th place ranking last year.</p>
<p>With consistently impressive ratings in this report over many years, Finland is certainly the ideal destination to find true happiness.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div>
<h3><strong>2. Environmentally Friendly</strong></h3>
<p>With its scenic landscapes some of the most famous features of the country, the Finnish are focused on preserving and protecting their flora and fauna. Examples include the&nbsp;<a href="https://finland.fi/life-society/environmental-protection-in-finland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aim to improve the air quality</a>&nbsp;around industrial areas and creating a network of protected areas as a way to safeguard biodiversity.</p>
<h3><strong><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg?width=338&amp;name=olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg?width=169&amp;name=olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg 169w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg?width=338&amp;name=olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg 338w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg?width=507&amp;name=olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg 507w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg?width=676&amp;name=olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg 676w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg?width=845&amp;name=olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg 845w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg?width=1014&amp;name=olivier-guillard-49712-unsplash.jpg 1014w" alt="Finland has beautiful scenery " width="338"></strong></h3>
<h3><strong>3. Beautiful Scenery</strong></h3>
</div>
<div>
<p>Renowned for its vast natural landscapes, Finland has some stunning locations to discover. It has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/finland/articles/reasons-to-visit-finland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more forest per square mile</a>&nbsp;than any country in Europe as well as 188,00 lakes.</p>
<p>In addition, Finland is one of the best places to see the spectacular Northern Lights display. Those with an appreciation for nature will value the unique views this country has to offer.</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h3><strong>4. Tolerance &amp; Acceptance</strong></h3>
<p>Next on the list of reasons to work in Finland are the country&rsquo;s social attitudes and welcoming culture. According to The Legatum Prosperity Index, Finland is ranked the 9th most tolerant nation in the world in terms of freedom of speech and religion, as well as access to legal rights. This year Finland gained pole position in the&nbsp;<a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/10-reasons-finland-is-the-happiest-country-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">companion report released by the UN</a>, which ranked 117 countries based on the happiness of their immigrant and expat populations.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5. Equality</strong></h3>
<p>The first country to give women the vote, Finland is one nation most actively advocating gender equality as well as other forms of societal equality.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/20/finns-are-happy-because-every-citizen-is-equal-readers-on-living-in-finland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Free healthcare and free education</a>&nbsp;from primary to university is available to all citizens. Finland&rsquo;s 3rd place ranking in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/work-in-finland/in-brief/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Gender Gap Report 2017</a>&nbsp;by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/12/safe-happy-and-free-does-finland-have-all-the-answers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fifth lowest income inequality</a>&nbsp;in the world are some of the best reasons to work in Finland.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6. High Level of Safety</strong></h3>
<p>Last year, Finland was named the safest country in the world in The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 conducted by the World Economic Forum, and is a nation with one of the lowest rates of organised crime globally. The Finnish have the highest level of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.edunation.co/studyinfinland/blog/top-5-things-in-which-finland-ranks-highest-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trust in their police</a>&nbsp;in Europe and the country is ranked highly in other safety-related matters, such as having the safest banks and being the most stable country in the world.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>7. Culture</strong></h3>
<p>Last on the list of reasons to work in Finland is the country&rsquo;s unique culture: this Nordic nation has a very interesting and rich culture to explore. In the country&rsquo;s capital, Helsinki, stands a magnificent neoclassical cathedral called the Tuomiokirkko, built in the 19th Century. Also found in this city are many museums and galleries such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/finland/articles/reasons-why-you-should-live-in-helsinki-at-some-point-in-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Museum and the National Gallery</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-jobs-of-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best jobs to go for in 2019</a>, or read about the&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-most-in-demand-skills-you-need-to-have-when-looking-for-a-job" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most in-demand skills that can help you get a job</a>.&nbsp;</p>
</div>

7 Reasons to Work in Finland

<p>Your interview is the first impression your recruiter or hiring manager will have of you, and first impressions count for a lot.</p>
<h1>Here are the ten worst mistakes you can make in a job interview:</h1>
<h3><strong>1. Not Doing Your Research</strong></h3>
<p>First on the list of 10 biggest interview mistakes is not doing your research before the interview. A research failure or a lack of knowledge on the company or the job are the simplest mistakes you can avoid: spending half an hour looking at the company&rsquo;s website, web presence and social channels will provide a wealth of information. Being able to tell your interviewer exactly what the company does and prove you&rsquo;re interested in the company&rsquo;s vision and values can make the difference even between two highly experienced and motivated candidates.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2. Turning Up Late</strong></h3>
<p>The first impression is the most difficult to make, and an interviewer never forgets. Even if you are late for a good reason, make sure you communicate with your interviewer before the time of the interview to tell them that you&rsquo;ll be late; communicating and apologising will show that you respect your interviewer and value their time.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3. Lying</strong></h3>
<p>Exaggerating your accomplishments and experience can be tempting to ensure you give a positive impression, but beware: interviewers will find out if you lie during an interview. If the interview gets around to delicate topics, the best way to deal with the conversation is by being honest and mature enough to handle the questions properly. The hiring manager or prospective employers may call your references to verify your answers, and any untruths will be identified immediately. Because it puts your reputation at stake &ndash; not just with this interview, but throughout the industry you work in &ndash; lying is high on the list of biggest interview mistakes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4. Criticising a Previous Employer</strong></h3>
<p>Be positive and avoid criticising your previous employers during an interview. You can talk about what you would like to achieve and why this may not be possible in your current job, but never bad-mouth a current or previous employer. Criticising previous employers gives your interviewer the impression that you are difficult to work with, and you may lose your next job to someone who appears more likeable and easygoing.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5. Giving the Wrong Reasons for Leaving</strong></h3>
<p>Giving the wrong reasons for leaving your previous job marks the mid-way point on the list of 10 biggest interview mistakes. Your interviewer knows that your last job wasn't perfect &ndash; otherwise you wouldn't be talking to them! &ndash; however, be careful of how you present your reasons for leaving. Remember: be positive and avoid personal comments about your current team or manager.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6. Dressing Inappropriately</strong></h3>
<p>Find out about the dress code before the interview so you can adapt your outfit accordingly. Failing to adhere to the company&rsquo;s dress code will make the interviewer feel uncomfortable, and it&rsquo;s in your interest to look professional.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>7. Asking About Salary</strong></h3>
<p>Avoid asking about salary during an interview unless and until the interviewer mentions it. Otherwise, your interviewer will think that all you are interested in is how much you&rsquo;ll be paid. Many interviewers will want some details about your salary expectations after a successful first interview, so let them make the first move.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>8. Not Following Up After The Interview</strong></h3>
<p>At the end of an interview, you still have a formality to attend to. Send an email or letter thanking your interviewer for the opportunity and mention that you enjoyed meeting them and hope to be considered for the job. Not following up with a thank you letter can mean you miss a good opportunity to reinforce your interest about the job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>9. Interrupting the Interviewer</strong></h3>
<p>Don&rsquo;t be rude and don&rsquo;t interrupt your interviewer. Listen carefully to gather all the information that you can and deliver interview answers that are precise and professional. Listening to your interviewer also prepares you to bounce back from unexpected or difficult questions and will make a good impression.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>10. Not Negotiating</strong></h3>
<p>Last on the list of biggest interview mistakes is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.job-interview-site.com/20-common-job-interview-mistakes-to-avoid-biggest-interview-mistakes.html" rel=" noopener">not negotiating</a>&nbsp;your job offer. It can be surprising, but negotiating is part of job application and interview process. Even if you successfully navigated the interview process and received a job offer, it&rsquo;s time to talk numbers. Your hiring manager is expecting it, don&rsquo;t be afraid. Demonstrate your negotiation skills by researching and practicing beforehand.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read VHR's&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/the-job-interview-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Job Interview Guide</a>&nbsp;for more information on how to have a successful interview.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Want to work abroad?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/best-places-to-work-in-2018-top-cities-to-work-in-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here are the 10 Best Places to Work</a>.</p>

10 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make In A Job Interview

<h3><strong>Looking for a new career with a good salary and exciting opportunities? Here are our top 5 reasons to work in Engineering.</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg?width=300&amp;name=christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg?width=150&amp;name=christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg 150w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg?width=300&amp;name=christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg 300w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg?width=450&amp;name=christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg 450w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg?width=600&amp;name=christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg 600w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg?width=750&amp;name=christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg 750w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg?width=900&amp;name=christopher-burns-368617-unsplash.jpg 900w" alt="Why You Should Work In Engineering" width="300"></strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1) Growing Demand for a Workforce</strong></h3>
<p>Engineering companies in the UK alone will&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/our-expertise/engineering-and-manufacturing/engineers-demand-uk-and-throughout-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">need 182,000 more people with engineering skills</a>&nbsp;in the run up to 2022. Engineering businesses around the world are experiencing a significant engineering skills shortage, and new engineers are in high demand. The Aerospace industry in particular is urgently seeking large numbers of engineers. The demand for engineers is also driven by the fact that the sector generates a significant proportion of a country&rsquo;s total turnover:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.engineeringuk.com/media/1576/7444_enguk18_synopsis_standalone_aw.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in the UK engineering generates 23%</a>&nbsp;of total GDP.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2) Competitive Salary</strong></h3>
<p>A competitive salary is high up on the list of reasons to work in engineering. Becoming an engineer requires an impressive skill set and an impressive salary reflects your hard work and achievements. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theengineer.co.uk/engineer-salary-uk-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Engineer&rsquo;s 2018 Salary Survey</a>, the average salary for UK engineers was &pound;47,896 &ndash; almost double the national average salary in the UK. For newly qualified engineers, the average engineering salary is significantly greater when compared to other fields.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3) Every Day is Different</strong></h3>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kangan.edu.au/students/blog/consider-a-career-in-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">worldwide demand for engineers</a>&nbsp;means that starting an engineering career does not limit you to any one location. As an engineer, the world is your oyster and you can enjoy a wealth of travel opportunities. Depending on your specific industry and your remit, engineers can work across cities or rural areas and during all hours of the day. Each working day presenting a new challenge is one of the best reasons to work in engineering.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4) Support for Female Engineers</strong></h3>
<p>For women, a career in Engineering is becoming increasingly common and young women are highly encouraged to pursue an engineering career. Various organisations supporting women include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wes.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WES</a> (Women&rsquo;s Engineering Society) - a charity and professional network of female engineers, scientists and technologists who aim to inspire and provide professional advice to help young women and girls reach their full potential.</p>
<p>WES has several initiatives such as a mentoring programme for women in STEM, an annual awards scheme recognising the most influential women in the engineering and STEM sectors and celebrating International Women in Engineering Day on 23rd June. There has never been a better time to be a female engineer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5) Change the World</strong></h3>
<p>The final slot on the list of reasons to work in engineering belongs to the sheer impact that engineers can have on global society. In many industries, engineers need to use their knowledge and expertise in science, technology, logic, creativity, mathematics and problem-solving frequently. Engineers will tackle complicated problems and tasks and will find the best solutions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kangan.edu.au/students/blog/consider-a-career-in-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improve everyday life</a>. Engineers lead in innovation and for decades have revolutionised the world we live in. If you want to make a difference, engineering is the ideal career for you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Apply for all our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">engineering jobs</a>.</p>

Reasons to Work in Engineering

<p>Ever sent out CV to a dream job application, but wondered why you didn&rsquo;t get the job? Your CV is the key to landing the job of your dreams, or the reason why you aren't successful in your job search.</p>
<p>Irrelevant work experience, poor grammar and generic clich&eacute;s can mean missing out on a good opportunity, so if your job hunting isn&rsquo;t getting results, chances are that your CV is letting you down.</p>
<h2>Here are the 10 Mistakes Candidates Make on Their CVs, and how to fix them.</h2>
<h3><strong>1. Language</strong></h3>
<p>Whilst most candidates know that CVs must be clear and informative, some candidates can think that including long or complicated words will make their CV sound more professional. In fact, overly formal or descriptive language makes your CV confusing to read and hard to understand. Make sure the language used throughout your CV has clarity and sets the right tone, to make your application more interesting and give the reader a positive impression of you from the beginning.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2. Typographical Errors</strong></h3>
<p>Believe it or not, typographical errors are second on the list of most common CV mistakes. Unless you are writing in something other than your first language, recruiters and hiring managers feel that spelling mistakes and lack of grammar shows that candidates are not paying attention to detail or putting effort into their application. Over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topcv.co.uk/career-advice/cv-mistakes-that-make-recruiters-cringe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50% of recruiters</a>&nbsp;say that typographical errors are the number one reason behind dismissing applicants at the first stage. Revisiting and proof-reading your CV, or getting another person to read it over, is vital to getting your ideal job.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3. Keywords</strong></h3>
<p>As technology is advancing, many employers are using a software system to track candidates, known as an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.careeraddict.com/top-10-applicant-tracking-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">applicant tracking system</a>&nbsp;(ATS). Specific keywords and terminology find candidates that are suitable for the role by matching terms that complement the job description. Forgetting to include important words that are relevant to your experience can reduce your chances of landing the job you have been hoping for.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4. Generic Clich&eacute;s</strong></h3>
<p>Although words like &lsquo;hard-working&rsquo;, &lsquo;team-player&rsquo; and &lsquo;problem-solving&rsquo; can effectively describe positive behaviour in a work environment, including overused and generic phrases on your CV will not help you to sell your unique background and capabilities to your prospective employer. Explore the skills or experiences you have built up in your career and show how these are relevant to the role you&rsquo;re applying for.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5. Lying on Your CV</strong></h3>
<p>Halfway through the list of most common CV mistakes is lying on your CV. When you desperately want to get your foot in the door, embellishing qualifications, employment and achievements might at first seem beneficial when applying for your ideal job. However, recruiters and hiring managers will spot unusual or unlikely claims straight away, and lying on your CV will permanently discredit your reputation with that recruitment company or employer. Being honest about your attributes and skills will position you as a trustworthy, reliable candidate with good communication skills, and your CV will be looked upon more favourably.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6. Generalisations</strong></h3>
<p>Writing about your job history will naturally include a list of the responsibilities that you have previously undertaken. However, you don&rsquo;t have to list everything. Instead, ensure you include the skills and experience that are most relevant for the job you want. Give more time to skills and positions that have prepared you for your ideal job, and highlight the impact that you made on these particular roles by emphasising the results you accomplished.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>7. Unsuitable Formatting</strong></h3>
<p>Your CV is a professional document and its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/career-management/10-mistakes-that-could-ruin-your-resume/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">format</a>&nbsp;must be tidily and effectively presented. Lots of text bunched together in a paragraph will prove confusing, and recruiters and hiring managers will find it difficult to pick out your key skills and knowledge. Separate text into bullet points to make your writing clear and easy to read, and make your skills and experience really stand out. A good format demonstrates good organisation skills and a professional approach towards employers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>8. Not Tailoring Your CV To The Role You're Applying For</strong></h3>
<p>When tailoring your CV, it is important to target a niche set of employers, for example, large Aircraft Manufacturers or a particular Motorsport team. Your CV should be closely focused towards a specific industry to show yourself as the best fit possible and help employers identify whether you have the qualities needed to work for them. Although many job roles and sectors vary, you can look at the job description to see if your CV meets the requirements and competencies that the employers are seeking.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>9. Underqualified Candidates</strong></h3>
<p>More than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/these-10-cv-mistakes-are-jeopardizing-your-career-opportunities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">62% of recruiters</a>&nbsp;outlined this as the worst CV mistake that candidates make when applying for jobs. Working as a Boat Builder, Aircraft Painter or Software Engineer are very different job roles and will require very different skill sets and experience. You might be naturally skilled in particular areas without having much experience yet, but employers don&rsquo;t want to know what you think you can do: they need to know what you have already done, which will prove that you can perform well in their job. This is particularly crucial in jobs such as aircraft maintenance, which involves responsibility for hundreds and potentially thousands of passenger lives every day; however much employers may like your personality or potential, business leaders must put the safety of their consumers first.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>10. Too Many Jobs</strong></h3>
<p>Last on the list of most common CV mistakes is filling your CV with too much information. Unless there is a reasonable explanation, too many jobs on your CV over a short period of time will make employers contemplate the reasons behind a large number of employment changes (&lsquo;Did this candidate not get on with the employer or colleagues? Did they underperform or simply stop turning up to work?&rsquo;) Similarly, including lots of information around jobs from 10 or 20 years ago will take up space that could be best used to outline other experience, and may detract from the positive impression you are trying to create. Focus on adding recent and up-to-date employment that is highly relevant to your job search.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now you&rsquo;re familiar with the 10 most common CV mistakes, learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/improve-cv-5-top-interview-tips-vhr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 Ways to Improve Your CV</a>.</p>

10 Most Common CV Mistakes

<h1><strong>Why Engineers Should Work In The UK</strong></h1>
<h3><strong>1: British Culture</strong></h3>
<p>Great Britain has a diverse range of cultures, largely due to immigration. By working in the UK, a person will experience a variety of philosophy, architecture, art, literature, comedy, music, cinema and sport (plus many more!).</p>
<p>The UK&rsquo;s culture is an assortment of modern and traditional entertainment and activities, ranging from world famous museums, to contemporary art galleries, luxury houses to castles and reserved parks.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg?width=315&amp;name=mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg?width=158&amp;name=mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg 158w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg?width=315&amp;name=mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg 315w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg?width=473&amp;name=mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg 473w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg?width=630&amp;name=mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg 630w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg?width=788&amp;name=mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg 788w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg?width=945&amp;name=mj-tangonan-626125-unsplash.jpg 945w" alt="London life" width="315"></p>
<p>The country isn&rsquo;t short of public houses; people usually drink, eat, gather, talk and relax in pubs around the country &ndash; licensed pubs can sometimes be open for 24 hours.</p>
<p>Restaurants that dish up food from all over the world are available for most of the population across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.</p>
<p>With a large concentrate of multicultural societies, the&nbsp;<a href="https://content.wisestep.com/working-in-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK embraces influences from across the world</a>, making it a culturally rich and welcoming country.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2: Economy</strong></h3>
<p>The UK is one of the major globalised economies, ranking fifth in the world. Principles that manage its national economy are market liberalisation, control and low taxation.</p>
<p>Fundamentally, the UK has one of the world&rsquo;s biggest manufacturing economies &ndash; home to companies such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riotinto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rio Tino</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.baesystems.com/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BAE Systems</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unilever.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unilever</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rolls-Royce</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/About-us/Our-companies/Imperial-Tobacco.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imperial Tobacco Group</a>.</p>
<p>UK attracts migrants from across the globe &ndash; more than any other country; this is thanks to its strong economy, high standard of living and great working surroundings.</p>
<p>Longer paid holidays, free healthcare and a good minimum wage means the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/nov/05/what-makes-uk-such-a-good-place-to-live-oecd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">standard of living across the UK has increased over the past century</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3: Health Services</strong></h3>
<p>Public healthcare in the UK is free to all residents &ndash; including emergency healthcare. As well as this, the UK hosts an excellent private healthcare system with a varying cost of private healthcare policies and insurances.</p>
<p>Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jul/14/nhs-holds-on-to-top-spot-in-healthcare-survey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Commonwealth Fund analysis of healthcare systems</a>&nbsp;in 11 nations finds that the NHS is the safest, most affordable and overall best healthcare system.</p>
<p>Beneficially, to use the NHS a person doesn't have to fill out a massive amount of paperwork or be billed when having seen a local doctor. As well, residents working in the UK don&rsquo;t go bankrupt due to extortionate medical bills and don&rsquo;t get delayed treatment because they can&rsquo;t afford it.</p>
<p>The NHS ranks as the most popular institution in the UK according to residents &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/05/americans-uk-health-system-trump-nhs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more popular than the military and even royal family</a>! Nurses and Doctors are the two most trusted professions in the country.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4: Transport</strong></h3>
<p>Want to travel the world and see as much as possible? There are no greater transport links around Europe than in London.</p>
<p>From the UK it&rsquo;s easy to travel almost anywhere in Europe and back for between &pound;30 - &pound;200. The UK hosts over 40 commercial airports, with London alone having 5 that are ever expanding.</p>
<p>The UK&rsquo;s railway system is the oldest in the world. The first locomotive-hauled public railway opened in 1825, which was followed by an era of rapid expansion. In 2016,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1stcontact.com/blog/5-great-reasons-to-live-and-work-in-the-uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">there were 1.718 billion journeys on the National Rail network</a>, making the British network the fifth most used in the world. The UK railway network can take you to all corners of the country without having to fly or drive.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5: Science, Technology and Engineering</strong></h3>
<p>Working in the UK offers amazing opportunities for being in touch with the latest technologies, innovative science and world-class engineering; all three have been highly influential to both the UK&rsquo;s and world&rsquo;s economy.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg?width=254&amp;name=sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 254px) 100vw, 254px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg?width=127&amp;name=sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg 127w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg?width=254&amp;name=sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg 254w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg?width=381&amp;name=sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg 381w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg?width=508&amp;name=sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg 508w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg?width=635&amp;name=sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg 635w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg?width=762&amp;name=sean-alabaster-535247-unsplash.jpg 762w" alt="The Pinnacle of Aviation" width="254"></p>
<p>British people are known innovators and have made significant, influential advancements throughout history. Many leading tech-based industries are located in the UK, as well as pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries too.</p>
<p>For example,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lufthansa-technik.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lufthansa Technik</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">British Airways</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jaguar.co.uk/index.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwx43ZBRCeARIsANzpzb8qdKr5HQT6Jk2YCP3X3Ycw3cV8BxuRgsNCIInwCE9S6XJXWKAlPHoaAp64EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jaguar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.landrover.co.uk/index.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwx43ZBRCeARIsANzpzb-uDaWbFGAA6Mc5U2k5t_V4C2XnA_SJYP7s_PAiTiXZ4nuNq0diMj4aAlkgEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Land Rover</a>&nbsp;and many more world-class companies are based in the UK, offering great job opportunities.</p>
<p>Working in the UK puts an engineer at the forefront of research and technical development.&nbsp;</p>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h3><strong>6: Working Conditions</strong></h3>
<p>The average working week in the UK in Monday to Friday, working approximately 8-9 hours a day. Flexible, part time jobs are also available in the UK, with an opportunity for overtime to earn more. Employers offer paid holiday days, ranging from 20 &ndash; 30 days a year (depending on the contract or type of industry).</p>
<p>Employers in the UK understand different cultural viewpoints and respect other cultures. Working in the UK means that a person&rsquo;s workplace will have an intercultural environment, that is often imperative to a company&rsquo;s success. British workplaces benefit from diversity, as innovations and ideas from different perspectives and cultures are always invaluable; not surprisingly, employers employ a diverse workforce for greater creativity.</p>
<p>Equality in the workplace is taken care of by the law in the UK; any discrimination on the basis of gender equality, marital status, age, belief, race or religion, disability or sexual orientation is illegal and strictly forbidden.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find out more about&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/lack-diversity-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diversity in the workplace</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/unemployment-rate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unemployment rate in UK is around 4.2%</a>, which is very low compared to most of the other developed countries.</p>
<p>Read our guide on&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-user-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to get a job</a>.</p>

Reasons for Working in the UK

<p>Social media allows candidates easy, quick access to both jobs and recruiters; but what are the best practices to follow that aid your chance of finding a job through your social media profiles?</p>
<h2><strong>How To Use Social Media To Get A Job:</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>1. Be Your Own Brand</strong></h3>
<p>Consistency is key. Every social media account you have should entail a consistent photograph and name. Employers and recruiters will want to know who you are, what you do and where you&rsquo;re going; therefore, they will research you on most of your social media accounts.</p>
<p>As tempting as it may be to have your profile name as a personal nickname or joke, it&rsquo;s necessary to ensure that each profile has your real, full name. By doing this, a candidate not only looks more professional, but will also be much easier to find when an employer or recruiter searches for your name.</p>
<p>Another way to find a job on social media is by guaranteeing that all public content that is shared or published across all profiles, is clean and non-offensive. Effectively, a candidate should remove posts/articles that are politically antagonistic, offensive or that include unnecessarily long tirades on certain topics.</p>
<p>Everyone is an expert at something, so make it obvious that you&rsquo;re interested in your chosen field. If your profile implies that you are an amazing engineer for example, then share content reflecting your interests and career as this will be noted as impressive by potential employers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2. Use Social Media for Touch Points</strong></h3>
<p>Social media profiles are a great representation of who you are and what you&rsquo;ve been doing, as well as where you&rsquo;re going next; therefore, allow a recruiter/employer the option to learn more about you by putting links to your profiles on your CV. Additionally, if you have a website or online portfolio, connect your social media accounts to them as well.</p>
<p>As informative touch points about your life, a candidate should tell employers/recruiters where to find them. If you&rsquo;ve got a business card, add your social media icons. If you have an email signature, link your social media icons to the template. If you&rsquo;ve updated your profiles to optimise your professional status, then don&rsquo;t be shy about sharing them!</p>
<p>If a candidate wants to find a job on social media, then their social media accounts should never lie in isolation. Adopt great practice by including links to the projects you&rsquo;re working on from current jobs or past jobs together with your personal website, blog, or any other platforms where someone could learn more about you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3. Connect with People</strong></h3>
<p>Only send people requests to connect on LinkedIn if you&rsquo;ve interacted with them in some way &ndash; the only exception to the rule is if a person is someone in the industry you work in, that you&rsquo;d like to learn more about or follow their feed.</p>
<p>Despite how many connections you may have on your social media accounts, there may be a great number of contacts that you haven&rsquo;t yet connected with. Import your email contacts from Gmail or Outlook, or contacts from your phonebook, into your social networks to find out how many connections you&rsquo;re missing. LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter all allow for a free import of a certain number of contacts.</p>
<p><img src="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg?width=300&amp;name=benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" srcset="https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg?width=150&amp;name=benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg 150w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg?width=300&amp;name=benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg 300w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg?width=450&amp;name=benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg 450w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg?width=600&amp;name=benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg 600w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg?width=750&amp;name=benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg 750w, https://blog.v-hr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg?width=900&amp;name=benjamin-dada-755212-unsplash.jpg 900w" alt="How You Can Find a Job on Social Media" width="300"></p>
<p>Stay at the top of everyone&rsquo;s mind. Did a colleague just get a promotion? Did an ex colleague find a new job? Did someone you just met at an event write a really great article? If so, give your feedback, click on the like button and show some interest; this is a great, easy and quick <a href="https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/en-gb/blog/2017-11-09-10-steps-to-building-your-personal-brand-on-social-media" target="_blank" rel="noopener">practice to adopt which ensures recognition and promotes your networking presence</a>.</p>
<p>Looking for more connections&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/top-5-reasons-why-you-should-use-a-recruitment-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to find a new job</a>? As a job-seeker, joining LinkedIn and Facebook groups should be at the forefront of your social media agenda. Joining groups can rapidly help candidates connect with new professionals (in a much more natural way) and get more engaged with great discussions in your industry.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4. Be a Thought Leader</strong></h3>
<p>Social media is a great place to show off your professional experience as well as thought leadership knowledge and skills.</p>
<p>Twitter is a brilliant platform for sharing articles about your field, commenting on news in your industry and starting conversations with other major players. When a person positions themselves as an expert in their specific field, or a specific subject, then noticeably others will begin to follow you for advice, inspiration or expertise.</p>
<p>Additionally, being active on platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn is great whilst searching for a new job; your feed will be constantly updated with the best advice, latest news and inspiration that&rsquo;ll help a candidate land that next job.</p>
<p>Nothing looks worse and will make a candidate lose followers quicker than just promoting their own personal news or thoughts. Adapt to the notion that by mixing up how you interact, and what content you interact with, you&rsquo;ll create an interactive community. Share links that are important to your industry, retweet articles that someone else wrote which inspired you and comment on other people&rsquo;s success &ndash; it looks great to recruiters/employers looking for a respectable candidate.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>5. Use Social Media Tools</strong></h2>
<p>To make the most of your social media accounts, it is best to learn how to use every tool provided that is unique to each different channel; by making yourself more findable, clickable and likable, you&rsquo;ll be more hireable.</p>
<p>Social media tools include:</p>
<p>. Switching your profile to &lsquo;actively seeking jobs&rsquo; on LinkedIn</p>
<p>. SEO and Keyword your profiles to appear at the top of your field in a candidate search</p>
<p>. Regularly research trending hashtags to know which topics to discuss/share</p>
<p>. Use hashtags</p>
<p>. Create twitter &lsquo;lists&rsquo; to group together (privately or not) specific accounts you wish to follow</p>
<p>. Gain &lsquo;endorsements&rsquo; on LinkedIn from current or ex-employees to strengthen credibility of your skill-set</p>
<p>. Tag people in posts and statuses to initiate conversation, or appear on their news feed</p>
<p>With social media, it&rsquo;s recommended to think long-term and remember to take note of what&rsquo;s working and not working, then adjust as necessary.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>After you've found jobs to apply for, it's important to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/improve-cv-5-top-interview-tips-vhr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improve your CV</a>.&nbsp;</p>

How You Can Find a Job on Social Media

<p>Looking for adventure? Want a challenging career? A job in the Marine industry could be the start of a new and exciting career change.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Why You should Work As A Marine Engineer:</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>7. Fast Career Progression</strong></h3>
<p>Working in the Marine industry offers considerable responsibility right from the start of your career. Whatever your skillset and experience, Marine Engineers and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ics-shipping.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Technicians</a>&nbsp;are directly responsible for building a safe vessel that can carry hundreds of people every year, and sailors are responsible for the lives of their colleagues for every second on the water. The intricate details of boat building, stringent safety standards and fast-paced work equip those working in the Marine industry with a wealth of skills that are constantly developing.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>6. Long Holidays</strong></h3>
<p>Longer holidays and generous leave allowances are two of the best reasons to work in the Marine industry. Being away from home for long periods at a time is balanced with flexibility and extended periods of holiday time for family and friends.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>5. Become Part of Something Important</strong></h3>
<p>A vital part of the global economy, the Marine industry is responsible for carrying over 90% of the world&rsquo;s trade &ndash; without sea transport, the world economy would collapse. Joining the Marine industry means becoming part a bigger picture, not only of building boats and driving the passion of superyacht races, but in supporting economies, businesses and people all over the world.</p>
<p>The Marine industry is also paving the way for ethical industry practices and environmental responsibility of businesses and economies. Since September 2017&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sailorshelping.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sailors Helping</a>&nbsp;delivers humanitarian aid to those devastated by hurricanes and natural disasters, this year&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Volvo Ocean Race Team Turn the Tide on Plastic</a>&nbsp;highlights Marine industry sustainability and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.themaidenfactor.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Maiden Factor</a>&nbsp;aims to increase awareness of gender equality and give women greater access and quality of education globally.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>4. High Salaries</strong></h3>
<p>On average the Marine industry sees wages higher than similar professions ashore. With Marine Engineers and Marine Technicians often requested for urgent and short-term work, those working in Marine can receive a significant amount of overtime pay. Wages are often tax free across many countries, with the guarantee of a comfortable standard of living one of the best reasons to work in the Marine industry.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>3. Unique Working Experience</strong></h3>
<p>Bored of working in an office? Jobs in the Marine industry provide the opportunity to work in a unique and ever-changing environment. Joining the Marine industry means working with people from a variety of different nationalities and enjoying exciting experiences not offered by any other career.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>2. Transferable Skills</strong></h3>
<p>The ability to prepare you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shiplilly.com/blog/why-a-career-in-shipping-is-a-meaningful-one/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for a wealth of different jobs</a>&nbsp;across other industries is one of the best reasons to work in the Marine industry. Qualifications and experience gained by working in Marine jobs are often transferable to other industries, and Engineers with no previous experience in the Marine industry can often easily find Engineering jobs in Marine due to similar skill sets and job requirements. After your experience offshore, Marine Engineers can enjoy opportunities in thousands of shore-based management jobs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>1. Travel Across the World</strong></h3>
<p>Although contemporary ships spend less time in port than throughout history, a career in the Marine industry provides the opportunity to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/10-reasons-why-a-career-in-merchant-navy-is-unlike-any-other-career/">travel almost anywhere in the world.</a>&nbsp;Marine jobs enable Engineers, Technicians and Senior Executives to discover a variety of cultures and experiences by living and working in new and exciting locations around the world. Marine jobs that take you from the UK&rsquo;s South Coast to Spain, Finland and New Zealand in just a few months represent the top of the best reasons to work in the Marine industry.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>View and apply for all our&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Technical and Engineering Jobs</a>.</p>

7 Reasons to Work in the Marine Industry

<p>Engineering is a varied field, with many different disciplines and skills being utilised.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Here Are Five Of The Best Engineering Roles:</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Design Engineer</strong></h3>
<p>With annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/design-engineer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earnings estimated at &pound;50,000+,</a>&nbsp;and career prospects ranging from engineer to project management and consulting, design engineers rightfully earn their place as one of the top 5 engineering careers for engineers.</p>
<p>Technical, mathematical, design knowledge and skills make up the professional profile of a design engineer; they create innovative solutions to problems across a diverse range of industries.</p>
<p>Design engineers are involved in a project from beginning to end: from the initial concept, to design and development, to management of the project concerning materials, software, components and machinery. Successful Design Engineers have strong technical knowledge, as well as communication, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.</p>
<p>As well as salary and career progression, Design Engineering is a favourable career as working hours are typically 9am to 5pm within flexible working environments (at home or in an office). Are permanent job opportunities not what you&rsquo;re looking for? Short-term contracts are often&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">available through recruitment agencies</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Quality Inspection</strong></h3>
<p>Quality Inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications; they ensure that the car will run properly for example. Despite skills shortages, employment growth is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.truity.com/career-profile/quality-control-inspector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rise by 6% between 2012 and 2022</a>; this reflects the continuing need to have quality assurance testing in a variety of manufacturing industries. Numerous jobs in the manufacturing industry are expected to multiply over the coming decade as workers retire; this makes Quality Inspection one of the top 5 engineering careers.</p>
<p>Some duties that Quality Inspectors typically do are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Monitor operations and production standards</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Recommend adjustments to the assembly or production process</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Inspect, test, or measure materials</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Measure products</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Accept or reject finished items</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Remove all products that fail to meet specifications</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Report inspection and test data</li>
</ul>
<p>Specific job duties and work environments vary across the wide range of industries in which these inspectors work: some inspectors will examine similar products for an entire shift, while others will examine a variety of different items.</p>
<p>Some skills that Quality Inspectors typically have are: mathematics, mechanical and technical skills - additional physical and strength and stamina are also desired. The top 10% of Quality Inspectors earn up to &pound;22 an hour and work full-time hours.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>CNC Programming</strong></h3>
<p>CNC Programming is a great engineering career pathway. A CNC programmer specialises in writing code to automate power driven machines that cut and finish metal, wood or plastic such as lathes, grinders and mills.</p>
<p>Employed by industries that involve manufacturing plastics or metal products that are to be sold, CNC Programmers top employers range from the automotive to the aeronautical and aviation industries. An employee&rsquo;s working week is typically full-time, spending all of their working hours in the manufacturing setting.</p>
<p>Unlike most other engineering careers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatsampleresume.com/job-descriptions/cnc-programmer-job-description/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">it is possible to get a CNC Programmer job without a degree</a>. Though most employers prefer candidates to have a degree from a technical school in qualifications such as machine technology, precision machining, or CNC operations, a number of employers have their own training programs specifically for new hires to complete.</p>
<p>According to Glassdoor,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jobhero.com/cnc-programmer-job-description/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the national median salary for CNC programmers</a>&nbsp;is &pound;41,100.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Cyber Security</strong></h3>
<p>There certainly isn&rsquo;t a shortage of Cyber Security careers in the current job market; with the world-wide threat of cyber-attacks and data breaching steadily evolving, Cyber Security marks its place as one of the Top 5 Engineering Careers.</p>
<p>Cyber Security specialists specialise on understanding risks to the security of information or data. Analysing security breaches and repairing/strengthening systems against such breaches are what companies and organisations employ Cyber Security specialists for.</p>
<p>Career progression with the Cyber Security field is always evolving; there are many job roles dealing with different technical aspects. These roles do not, and cannot, exist in isolation of each other as it is likely that Cyber Security specialists will develop an understanding of the work in other areas.</p>
<p>Opportunities for self-employment do exist, however the majority of Cyber Security job roles are placed working for an employer. Consultants can be based anywhere and travel to meet clients, both nationally and internationally.</p>
<p>After 5 or more years of experience, preferably in a senior role, Cyber Security specialists can expect to earn an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/information-security-specialist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">annual income in the region of &pound;45,000 to &pound;80,000</a></p>
<p>Looking for average salaries across the engineering industries?&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/what-are-the-average-salaries-for-engineering-jobs-across-industries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here for more information</a>.</p>
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<h3><strong>Aerospace Engineer</strong></h3>
<p>Want to travel around the world and work internationally? A career as an Aerospace Engineer will create great opportunities like these for candidates throughout their working life.</p>
<p>Aerospace Engineers are concerned with improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight as well as reducing system costs and using advanced technologies; the role is increasingly addressing the environmental issue of air travel. As an Aerospace Engineer, candidates are responsible for the research, design, development and maintenance of civil and military aircraft, missiles, satellites and space vehicles.</p>
<p>Specialising in specific areas such as avionics, aerodynamics, materials and structures, an Aerospace Engineer has multiple career progression avenues to choose from. For example, progressing in to senior engineer positions or undertaking project management roles are some of the most popular, however, there&rsquo;s always an option to specialise in different areas of aviation &ndash; like training, lecturing or sales.</p>
<p>As an Aerospace Engineer, it&rsquo;s always possible to undertake sub-contract work, which allows an opportunity to experience the job in different companies and countries.&nbsp;Click here for current&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/engineering-jobs/tag/aerospace-aviation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vacancies&nbsp;in the aerospace industry</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Larger,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/aerospace-engineer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more renowned employers typically offer larger salaries</a>, ranging at the top end from &pound;45,000 to &pound;60,000+ annually; however, contracted candidates may earn more depending on the frequency of their work.</p>
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<p>Learn <a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-recruiters-should-treat-candidates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how recruiters should treat you</a>, or learn&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.v-hr.com/blog/how-recruitment-can-help-you-get-a-promotion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how recruitment can get you a promotion</a>.&nbsp;</p>