Our integrated website allows you to search online and view all our available positions. Our state-of-the-art recruitment technology means once you register as a candidate, you have access to your own online portal that helps you manage the recruitment process more effectively. You can apply for positions online and track the status of each job you are interested in.

Registered clients are also given access to their own portal; this easy-to-use facility allows clients to post new jobs over the Internet, check the status of open positions and see the CVs of short-listed candidates. This makes the process of candidate selection quicker and easier for our clients while also giving our candidates a more efficient recruitment process.

Whether you’re just starting out or considering a change, knowing the kind of job you want to do will make your job search a lot easier.

Next Step specialises in helping you think about what you want out of a career and what kind of job might be best for you. For most people there’s a lot to consider. A great way to start deciding on a job or career is to ask yourself some key questions.

Job or career?

There is a difference! Are you looking for a stop-gap job to pay off bills or have you got a detailed career plan? Do you want a similar kind of job to your existing one but just in a different environment? Have you done all you can in your current job and do you need a fresh, new challenge? Do you want to get promoted and take on more responsibility?

What do you enjoy doing?

You can browse through our job profiles to find a job to suit you. At this early stage you might like to focus on the sections that describe the main tasks in the jobs and the skills and interests you need. If you're not sure about your own skills, you can give yourself a skills health check.

When you've found the types of jobs you're interested in, you can start to narrow down your options by looking at the other sections on the job profiles. You can then check out which qualifications and experience you need.

What pay and conditions are you looking for?

You'll need to find jobs that suit your lifestyle and give you the hours you want. And how far do you want to travel and what kind of salary are you looking for? You can find this info in the hours and working conditions and salary and benefits sections of our job profiles.

Who do you want to work for?

Deciding which type of organisation you want to work for can also help you narrow down your job search. You could approach this by thinking about what you want from an employer and what you don't want.

Examples of what might be important to you are:

• working for a large company where you can move roles
• working for a small company where you get experience of all aspects of the business
• working for a well-known and reputable company
• having training opportunities
• the right company culture.

Once you've narrowed down what you're looking for you can start to identify suitable organisations.

Temporary or permanent?

It's important to decide if you're looking for temporary or permanent work because you can find them in different places. You might want temporary work if you're returning to work or if you're trying to get a wide range of experiences. If this is the case you might want to consider using recruitment agencies.

What we do..

• Understand client requirements in detail
• Advise on job requirements, specification and remuneration
• Candidate search from multiple sources including advertising and networking
• Pre-screen candidates for client interview
• Summarise candidate information with accompanying CV
• Provide post interview feedback and support
• Ensure our clients get the perfect fit

So, you have been invited in for an interview?

Your CV has opened the door for you and now the interview is the part of the process where you get to show who you are and what you can bring to the prospective employer.

First impressions are very important as the person interviewing you will make their mind up within the first 5 minutes of the meeting. You should dress smartly and appropriately and you should leave in plenty of time to allow for possible delays, so that you are not late.Remember first impressions last! The impression that you create after the start of the meeting will show how prepared you are and will show if you have done your homework on the Company or Organisation.

Hints and Tips

Read the job spec and ensure you have working scenarios/situations that match the requirement of the role.

When attending an interview you will be asked questions in relation to situations that you have found yourself in over your working life. It is a good idea to think about situations that you have encountered that match the role profile this will enable you to give confident answers to the questions posed.

Research the Company that you are going to.

Use the internet to research the history of the Company. Locate the Company website and check out the "About us" section to get an outline of the business.

Conduct yourself in a professional manner.

If you are seated when the interviewer arrives, stand up to greet them. A firm handshake is very important. Ensure that you are seated comfortably, in a position where you can keep eye contact with the interviewers. Make sure that you remember the names of the interviewers. You can make a note if this will help.

It is a good idea to ask for a glass of water before the session commences as you will be doing a lot of talking. It is also good to take a sip if you want a few seconds to think about the question that you have been asked.

Make sure that you answer the questions you have been asked and illustrate them with practical examples.

Sell yourself; you are the right person for the role.

You must believe in yourself when you attend the interview. If you do not believe that you are the right person for the job, the chances are the interviewer wont either. Don't be afraid to answer the questions and place yourself in the role. For example you could say "I will ensure that productivity is met by my team" Or "When I work with my Clients, I will" This way the interviewer will visualise you doing the role.

Ensure you ask questions.

An interview is not just for the interviewer to assess if you are the right candidate for the job, but it is also an opportunity for you to see if the job and the Company is right for you. During the interview you need to look for opportunities to be proactive and ask questions or try to lead the discussion where appropriate. Questions should be asked to show your keenness in working for the Company.

You should limit yourself to just significant questions such as:

• What are the key tasks and responsibilities of the job?
• What training and guidance is available.
• What is the structure of the organisation?
• Future development.

Remain positive

Even if you feel that the interview is not going well or the job is not for you, remain positive. You never know there may be other positions you could be offered. At least complete the interview and give yourself the opportunity to turn the role down if it is not for you.

Do's during the interview

• Always show a professional manner
• Listen intently
• Use positive language
• Ask relevant questions
• Be positive about the employment you are currently in
• Be happy. A smile gives a happy manner

Don'ts during the interview

• Don’t rush your answers. Keep calm
• Don’t put your personal belongings on the desk/table
• Don’t get into discussions about your personal life