Good morning.  

Welcome to the first week of 2024, did you know that the first-ever job listing was posted in 1650 for a "personal assistant to the emperor" in the Roman Empire?

As you embark on your own job hunt, remember what Steve Jobs said: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

_{Applications Closing This Week (1st Jan 2024)}

• Accounting &Financial Services: Aon, Duncan & Toplis

• Banking&Investment: Lloyds

• Business Management: Philips

• Engineering: Amey, Buro Happold, Edwards, Hoare Lea, INEOS, Morgan Sindall Group, Natural Power, Orsted, Scottish Power

• Marketing/Media: Edwards, Oxford University Press, Penguin, Random House Publicis Group, Thomson Reuters

• Technology: DNV, Edwards, ISG

• Wholesale & Retail: Henkel

What happened in Banking in 2023?

• 📉 March 2023 Crisis: The banking sector faced its most intense turmoil in 15 years, reminiscent of the 2007-08 panic.

• 💸 Zero Interest Rates: Prolonged low rates fuelled risky investments in fast-growth startups, leading to unstable foundations.

• 🏦 SVB's Downfall: Silicon Valley Bank collapsed after suffering massive losses from long-dated bonds amid rising interest rates.

• 📜 Regulatory Gaps: Relaxed rules for mid-sized banks contributed to the crisis, underlining the need for robust stress-testing.

• 🛡️ Government Intervention: Swift action prevented a broader crisis, highlighting the banking system's fragility and need for vigilance.

What do I need to consider when writing a CV?

• 📄 Keep It Professional: In the UK, opt for a conservative, professional format for your CV, especially in sectors like Finance or IT. Keep it simple with clear fonts, no bright colours, and no pictures.

• 🌍 Use British English: Ensure you use British English and formats, particularly for dates and terminology (e.g., 'CV' not 'resume'), to align with UK standards.

• 🎯 Concise and Relevant: Aim for a one-page CV if you're a recent graduate. Ensure the first page contains your most relevant information as this is often the most scrutinised.

• 🔍 Highlight Achievements, Not Tasks: In your work experience section, focus on achievements and the impact of your work rather than just listing tasks. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and contributions.

• ✨ Personalise Your Profile: Craft a compelling profile section that encapsulates who you are as a professional. Avoid vague statements and instead, highlight your unique skills, experiences, and what makes you the right candidate for the job.

What’s the deal with Motivational Questions?

• 🤔 What Are Motivation Interview Questions?: These questions assess what drives you professionally and personally, aiming to understand your intrinsic motivations and how they align with the company's goals.

• 🎯 Why Interviewers Ask Them: Employers ask motivation questions to gauge your passion, commitment, and whether your motivators align with the job's responsibilities and the company's culture.

• 🔍 Example Question: "What motivates you?"

• 💡 Reflect on Personal and Professional Drivers: When answering, consider factors that motivate you in both spheres of life, like continuous improvement, achieving goals, and supporting your family.

• 🌱 Discuss Long-Term Goals: Articulate how your long-term aspirations, like career advancement or personal milestones, drive your daily performance and dedication.

• 🔄 Embrace and Adapt to Change: Show your positive attitude towards change and explain how you view it as an opportunity for growth and a necessary step for organisational success.

Submit your answer! We'll review it and provide feedback to ensure you're on the right track!

Test yourself with this real interview question?

To assess your Critical Thinking - Is this a Strong Argument or a Weak Argument?

Statement: “Should motorcyclists be legally obliged to wear a motorcycle helmet?”

Argument One: Yes; motorcycle helmets have been proven to reduce the severity and frequency of motorcycle-related injuries.

Correct Answer: Strong Argument
Explanation: If true, limiting the severity and frequency of motorcycle-related injuries is a strong argument as it presents proven benefits of this course of action, making the correct answer “Strong Argument”.

Let us know your thoughts, comments and feedback!