Done your research?

Given the current economic climate, it’s no surprise that candidates have started to demand higher standards and security from employers.

A recent survey conducted by the Huntress Group, has found that candidates are taking into consideration not only the reputation but also how secure the organisation is, a lot earlier in their application process than a few years ago.

The main findings from the study are:

• 47% said they would always check to see if a company is financially stable before working for them.
• 45% would be most concerned if a company has changed its name a number of times.
• 59% would think carefully before working for a company with an unfavourable Credit Report.
• Over half would not consider a company with a high turnover of senior management, in particular, directors.

Almost a third surveyed have worked for a company that has closed down since they left, which is reflected in the top three factors when choosing the next career move:

 

• Job satisfaction
• Company stability
• Proximity to home

Do you vet an organisation before applying for a role, or going for interview? What would be your key deciding factors?

Jobseeker tips - a simple thank you

Years ago, it was common practice to send a thank you note to anyone who helped a job seeker with their search, or consider them for a position with their company.

Sending a thank you note will help you stand out as someone who is taking their job search seriously. Jobseekers who send notes are the ones who stand head and shoulder above the mill of jobless individuals.

I would use a specific thank you card with either an appreciative message on the front, or some famous artwork or photography of a nature scene. A neutral stance.

Within the card, the note just needs to be brief and to the point. A simple expression of gratitude to thank the interviewer for taking time our of his/her busy schedule to consider you for the position.

Good luck!

What does The Budget mean for the Housing sector?

Yesterday's budget announcement saw George Osborne reveal that stamp duty will be raised to 15% for properties worth over £2m that are sheltered within companies, and raised to 7% if bought by an individual.

The Chancellor also announced the expansion of the Get Britain Building scheme to increase the development of new homes.

There will, however, be a delay in the release of the National Policy Planning Framework. The framework is now scheduled to be released next Tuesday 27th March.

There have been numerous responses from yesterday's budget announcement...

David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation:

"We welcome the chancellor's move to close the loophole that allowed wealthy individuals to buy properties through companies and avoid stamp duty. It meant people on high incomes could avoid paying tax on the purchase of expensive homes.

"However it is disappointing that the chancellor has failed to put investment in housing at the forefront of driving forward economic growth in the UK.

"Supporting housing associations to maximise the investment they make in building and maintaining homes creates new jobs, saves the government benefit payments, invests in local communities and boosts general economic activity. Few other sectors can offer this potential with such short lead-in times and the prospect of so much growth directly benefiting local communities.

"Boosting the housing sector would be an easy win for the economy, for taxpayers and for families. And with 4.5 million people on waiting lists and one million children in overcrowded accommodation a big boost for fairness too."

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter:

"Extra funding to boost house building is welcome, but at these levels will barely make a dent in our housing crisis.

"If the government is serious about getting Britain building, it needs to deliver serious investment to match. This would not only help the millions of hard-pressed families who face a daily struggle to meet their housing costs, but would support Britain's economic recovery by creating jobs and growth."

Mark Henderson, chief executive of Home Group:

"Land price is often the most significant chunk of cost when it comes to developing affordable homes and is often a barrier to the volume of social housing you can build on any one development. By ring-fencing public sector land and selling it at an affordable price for building more affordable homes it would allow social enterprises to build a far greater percentage of social housing on a site. Were the government to release this land on a 'buy now, pay later' basis, we can begin immediately to tackle the lack of social housing in the UK.

"We would welcome clarity around the role that REITs would play in social housing. There is potential for them to provide alternative sources of funding as well as improving cashflow for the further development of affordable homes but the sector needs to be clear about the wider implications of introducing these vehicles."

Source: Guardian

Ever thought about an apprenticeship?

Monday 6^th – Friday 10^th February is National Apprentice Week 2012; a time when all eyes are on apprenticeships and the profile is raised amongst employers, individuals, teachers, parents and the media. Over 500 events are taking place over the space of the week to help promote apprenticeships.

Are you considering an apprenticeship?

There are numerous benefits to undertaking an apprenticeship. Getting qualified on the job can also help you…

• Earn whilst you’re learning
• Work to a higher standard and more effectively
• Increase your transferrable skills
• Experience new and different challenges that you may not experience in full time education
• Build on your existing skills and knowledge
• Increase your employability and job security

Apprenticeships have to pay at least minimum wage, which at present is £2.60 / hour. However, the UK average net pay that an apprentice takes home is £170 per week.

Housing Apprenticeships

As a housing apprentice, your duties will very much depend on who your employer is and whether they’re part of the public sector, voluntary or private rented sector. You will undertake a range of tasks on a day-to-day basis, this could be assessing housing need in applicants, letting homes, collecting rents or managing development of new homes. The apprenticeship should develop your customer service skills, whilst educating you on housing management, lettings and allocations, homelessness and advice, supported housing, and repairs and maintenance.
 
Several Housing Jobs clients offer apprenticeships, such as Yorkshire Housing and Vela Group. These are advertised on the website when available. For further information on apprenticeships and to find out what is available, please visit http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Entitled to a job you love? Maybe it’s time to reassess…

Recent graduates and young people of today are of a generation raised by parents and teachers who were around to experience the finance boom of the 1980s, when dreams seemed possible with just a little hard work and dedication.

Popular, ‘trendy’ industries such as those in the media – film, tv, music and print – all have the advantage (or disadvantage, depending on which way you look at it) of not having to pay competitively to attract talent. Despite this, young people today continue to spend thousands (and even more so come September 2012) on university education on a degree that they are passionate about – rather than a degree that is practical and has a stronger guarantee of a career come graduation day.

Organisations in the music industry receive thousands of speculative CV’s each month, for non-existent jobs. I doubt the same can be said for the ‘less-attractive’ industries such as manufacturing, accountancy, or housing.

Media has nurtured us to think that way. Songs with lyrics about achieving your dream job, not working 9 - 5, films causing us to believe that such careers are easy to achieve – that all it takes is a little hard work and commitment. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, there are several external factors affecting your career, the major one being the current economic climate. So, unless you are fortunate enough to be well connected (“it’s not what you know, but who you know”), then perhaps it’s time to settle for a career in something that you perhaps don’t love quite as much, but still enjoy and pays adequately.

Recent years has seen an increase in the amount of housing subjects being studied at University. The industry may not be as competitive as music but generally is one where job roles are incredibly rewarding. This said, reward doesn’t come without hard work, and a housing position is not one to be entered into half-heartedly. Here at Housing Jobs, we’re interested to hear how you got into your role, was it always your intention to end up in the Housing industry, or was it by chance? Let us know on here or at enquiries@housingjobs.org.uk – if your story is really inspiring, it might end up in the official Housing Jobs newsletter!