Using your initiative at work is a valuable skill that can help you stand out as a proactive and resourceful employee. Initiative is the mindset of identifying opportunities, solving problems and driving positive change – particularly in the absence of direction from your employer. This allows you  to contribute beyond your expectations and develop in your role and as a valued employee.

Benefits for both Employers and Employees

Taking initiative pushes you out of your comfort zone, helping you develop new skills and broaden your horizons, qualities that are highly regarded in any professional setting. Consistently demonstrating initiative positions you as a candidate for career advancement, your proactive attitude showcases your leadership potential and your ability to contribute significantly to the company’s success. Companies thrive when employees at all levels contribute innovative ideas and take ownership of their roles.

How to be Proactive

Continuously updating your knowledge and skills, or being well-informed about industry trends and best practices can help you identify new opportunities for improvement. Treat your job as more than a set of tasks. Take ownership of your projects, outcomes, and responsibilities. This sense of ownership motivates you to ensure the best results and fuels your desire to take initiative. Focus on offering solutions, rather than just pointing out problems – this proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to overcoming challenges and contributes to a more constructive work environment.

Communicate Effectively

Taking the initiative doesn’t mean working alone – collaborate with colleagues, share ideas and seek feedback. Collaboration often leads to the discovery of new opportunities and can lead to better outcomes. It is important to clearly articulate your ideas and plans to your manager or team, and be open to feedback, willing to adapt your approach based on input.

Using your initiative at work can not only benefit your career but also contribute to your company’s growth and success. By taking a proactive approach and consistently seeking ways to improve processes and solve problems, you can become a valuable asset to your team and company. The impact of being initiative reflets in every aspect of work, ultimately shaping a brighter and more promising professional future.

You may also like to read:

How to make an impact at your new job

Increasing productivity in the workplace

How to be a good team player

While no job is completely immune to changes, there are ways to navigate through uncertainties. Managing worries around job security is important for maintaining your mental well-being and overall quality of life. The last few years in terms of the job market, as well as life in general – so it is understandable that people are feeling a bit more unsettled.

Being Practical and Assessing the Situation

Take a realistic look at your job and the industry you’re in, research the stability and trends of your field. Understanding the bigger picture can help you gage the level of risk and whether your worries are grounded in reality. By keeping yourself updated about the latest developments in your industry, this can help you anticipate changes and proactively take steps to secure your position.

Diversify and Build on your Skills

Continuous learning and skill development can enhance your value in the job market. If possible, try to diversify your skill set to make yourself more adaptable to different roles or industries. Having a broader range of abilities can make you more attractive to potential employers – shift your focus to building resilience and adaptability.

Having a Plan

Having a safety net can provide peace of mind, whether that be financially or an alternative path. It never hurts to think about alternative career paths or job options that align with your skills and interests – having a backup plan can reduce the fear of the unknown. However, the main worry surrounding job security is how you would financially support yourself should the worst happen. Create an emergency fund, aiming to save enough to cover a couple months’ worth of living expenses – this can help alleviate worries about immediate financial strain.

Remember that job security concerns are natural, but dwelling on them excessively can be counterproductive. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive mindset, you can better manage your worries and navigate the challenges that come your way.

You may also like to read:

How to combat stress in the workplace

Improve your workplace happiness

Coping with redundancy

We’re pleased to announce that Amy Lloyd and Jocelyn Blackham are moving to Boston as part of our US based team. Both Amy and Jocelyn have been dedicated members of our US division based in the UK for a long period of time, and are looking forward to their time in the USA.

Meet the Team

Amy Lloyd is a Senior Recruitment Consultant II in our US division, where she specialises in Life Science, Regulatory and Medical recruitment across Boston and surrounding areas.

Jocelyn Blackham is an Associate Director for our US team, with a focus on Life Sciences and Biotechnology recruitment. She has exceptional experience in contract recruitment with the CK Group.

Networking Events

While in the US Amy & Jocelyn will be attending a number of networking events during their first week – meeting face-to-face with clients and candidates, old and new.

If you are also in attendance at the below events, please come and find our US Team for a chat:

• AI & Machine Learning – Massbio (Sept 11, 08:00 – 10:00)
• Start Up Boston (Sept 11-15)
• MetroWest Life Sciences Network (Sept 13, 16:30 – 19:30)
• WOW – West on Wednesday Networking Event (Sept 13, 17:30 – 19:30)
• Boston Lab Automators, ep. III – The Lab (Sept 15, 18:00 – 21:00)

If you would like to arrange a meeting with us, please get in touch with Jocelyn and Amy.

To celebrate, our Stevenage office threw an American themed leaving party to say goodbye and good luck!

Feeling nervous the first day at a new job is completely normal, and many people experience this. But there are many ways to help ease these and assist you to have a successful first day.

Being Prepared

By familiarising yourself with the job role and company, you can reduce the fear of the unknown. Plan to arrive early on your first day. This will give you some time to settle in, get a feel for the environment, and maybe even introduce yourself to a few people.

Being organised can help to ease your anxiety, make sure you know where you need to go and who you should meet. Pack everything you would need, such as your identification or right to work documentation, a notepad and a pen. Having these essentials will help you feel prepared.

Having a Positive Mindset

Going into any situation with an optimistic attitude will help you get the best from it – a calm mind and a well-rested body can help you better handle nerves. If you start feeling anxious, practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to help calm your nerves. Taking a few deep breaths can help reduce stress and increase your focus.

Remember, you want to embrace the learning process, your employers are not expecting you to be an expert immediately. Approach your new role with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Understand that it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed at first, so give yourself time to adjust to the new environment and tasks.

Focus only on what you can control, which is your attitude, preparation and effort. Focusing on these factors can stop you getting caught up in your worries. At the end of the day, it is important to reflect on your accomplishments from the day and what you’ve learned. By keeping a positive mindset, your nerves will likely subside over time.

Integrating with New Colleagues

Although the prospect may seem daunting, it is important that you take the initiative to introduce yourself to your new colleagues. Creating a positive first impression can help put you at ease, a friendly smile and a simple greeting can go a long way. Engage in conversations with your colleagues during breaks or lunch, building relationships can help you feel more at ease in the workplace.

In addition to the social aspect of your new role, it is important to integrate yourself in a professional context also. Pay attention during introductions and training, don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about something – remember, it’s okay not to know everything on your first day. By being engaged with your new role, you’ll be better able to fully immerse yourself in your new position.

Remember, everyone gets those first day nerves. Over time, as you become more familiar with your new job and colleagues, those nerves will likely disappear. Give yourself time to learn, adapt and grow into your new role.

You may also like to read:

How to make an impact at your new job

13 ways to make a good first impression

Improve your workplace happines

At some point during the job application process, you will be asked about your skills and competencies. Here we will explore the key differences to help you be able to give clear examples in both your CV or interviews.

Skills:

Skills refer to specific, learned abilities that enable you to perform tasks effectively. They are often developed through education, training and work experience. There are different types of skills, categorised depending on whether they are professional or personal – these are hard skills or soft skills.

Types of skills:

• Hard skills: Specific or specialised skills and knowledge that helps you to perform certain job specific tasks (e.g. foreign languages, data analysis or copywriting).
• Soft skills: Non-technical skills that relate more to how you work, rather than the actual tasks (e.g. teamwork, problem solving or communication).

Key points about skills:

• Learned abilities: Skills are acquired through training, practice and experience, they can be improved and developed over time.
• Task-oriented: Skills are usually task-specific and can be applied to achieve particular tasks or objectives.
• Observable and measurable: Skills are often observable and quantifiable, they can be assessed to determine proficiency.

Competencies:

Competencies cover a broader set of attributes that contribute to overall effectiveness and success of a task or role. They are more focused on the behavioural aspects of an individual than just the skills they possess. This covers a range of qualities, including skills, knowledge, abilities, attitude and behaviours – all of these contribute to an individual’s overall effectiveness in performing a job role and achieving their objectives.

Key points about competencies:

• Attributes and behaviours: Competencies go beyond skills, it including a combination of the personals skills and knowledge with their behaviours and attitude.
• Adaptable and transferable: Competencies can be applied across various situations, they are more transferable and can contribute to success in different roles.

To summarise, skills refer to specific learned abilities that are task-oriented and measurable, while competencies are the attributes that contribute to overall success of a the task. Both skills and competencies are important for personal and professional development, be sure to focus on how these together can contribute to successful career.

You may also like to read:

The 30 second CV test

Top 10 CV buzzwords

Being selective with your CV

The STAR interview technique

The frequency at which you should update your CV can vary depending on your personal and professional circumstances. However, it is important that you always present the most up to date version when applying for jobs.

Review and tweak

Even if you haven’t achieved a major milestone, it’s a good idea to review and update your CV at least once a year. This ensures that you’re capturing any incremental changes or accomplishments that may have occurred over the past year.

Change of personal information

If you change your phone number, email address, or other contact details, be sure to update your CV as well. It is important that any potential employers/recruiters can get in touch with you.

When you achieve a new milestone

Update your CV whenever you achieve a significant milestone in your career, education or skills development – this could include completing a qualification or gaining new, relevant experience. Also remember it is key to keep your CV up to date with your soft skills too, ensure to include any transferable skills you have developed.

Before attending events or job searching

If you plan to attend any events, conferences or career fairs, having an updated CV on hand can be beneficial. Additionally, if you are actively searching for a new job, update your CV to reflect your most recent experiences and skills that are relevant to the positions you’re targeting.

After changes to job responsibilities or new work projects

If your job role evolves or you take on new responsibilities, make sure your CV reflects these changes. It is also important to include any relevant work projects to highlight your role and achievements in that project.

By keeping your CV up to date, you’ll be better prepared to new opportunities as they arise. For further advice on how to update your CV, read our CV writing tips.

You may also like to read:

Being selective with your CV

Top 10 CV buzzwords

The 30 second CV test

Job hunting can be a challenging and often overwhelming process. Here are some common challenges that job seekers face and strategies to overcome them.

Writing your CV

Many job advertisements receive a large number of applicants, making it challenging to stand out. A great CV is the key to getting your perfect scientific, clinical or technical job.

Employers on average take 30 seconds to make their mind up on a CV, so it is important you highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems.

If you want some more guidance, visit our advice centre for CV writing tips and more.

Use our 30 second CV test here

Impressing at an interview

Impressing at a job interview involves a combination of preparation, professionalism, and effective communication.

Research the company, look at their values, products/services. Make sure to review the job description, identifying the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to successfully fulfil daily duties of the job description. In addition to technical skills, emphasise your soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability – making sure to always be able to back everything up with examples.

Once the interview is drawing to a close, it is likely they will ask you if you have any questions for them. It is just as important to ask questions, as it is to answer them. Asking the interviewer questions, shows that you are seriously interested in the role and will help to build a rapport with them.

Remember that interviews are a two-way street – you’re not just there to impress the interviewer, but also to evaluate if the company is the right fit for you.

Visit the interview advice section on our advice centre for more tips.

Lack of feedback

It’s frustrating when you don’t hear back from employers after applying or interviewing. However, you can always follow up after submitting your application or after an interview with an email expressing your continued interest and inquiring about the status of the application process.

This is where using a recruitment agency like CK can be helpful, we will approach our clients on your behalf to ensure we get feedback from your application.

The current job market

The Life Science and Clinical job market can present several challenges for job seekers due to various factors. These fields attract a large number of qualified candidates, leading to intense competition for available positions, particularly in popular areas such as research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. However, this shouldn’t deter you – there are still plenty of opportunities available.

To give yourself the best chance, make sure you keep your skill set up to date – familiarising yourself with the latest technologies and techniques is essential.

You may also think that many job opportunities require prior experience, making it challenging for recent graduates or those seeking to change careers to secure new roles. However, at CK we deal with many entry level positions to help you get your first role in industry.

Take a look at our job profiles

Not knowing where to look for jobs

There are an abundance of job listings online, however it can be difficult to know where to start with these. If you’re aiming for a widespread job search and want to target multiple companies, you can easily use platforms such as Indeed. However, if you have specific companies in mind that you’d like to apply to, you can simply visit their website and view their careers section.

There are many other platforms available to help you find your next job, such as:

• A specialist recruitment agency such as CK Group
• Job boards such as; Access Science, CV Library, Indeed, New Scientist or Reed
• Company career sites
• Industry specific publications
• Social media sites like LinkedIn or Facebook

This is were using a recruitment agency like CK Group can help, we have access to a wide range of vacancies that we can bring to you.

See our latest jobs

Staying motivated

Staying motivated during a job hunt can be challenging, especially when faced with rejection or a prolonged search. Job hunting can be overwhelming, so it is key to set yourself realistic and clear goals.

This is where building a rapport with a recruiter can help your job search, by having the support of a recruitment consultant it can help you to maintain consistency and prevent burnout. They can assist you in keeping track of your applications, interviews and follow up for feedback.

Lacking confidence

Lacking confidence while job hunting is a common challenge, but there are strategies you can use to boost your confidence and improve your job search outcomes.

The most effective way to overcome this is to make sure you prepare the best you can. By planning your job search beforehand, you will be in the most productive mindset and remain focused no matter what challenges you face along the way.

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance! Our recruitment consultants can provide valuable advice, help you identify your strengths and offer strategies to boost your confidence.

Find out more on how to plan your job search

We’re here to help

Job hunting is a process that requires patience and persistence. Stay adaptable and open to trying different approaches, and remember you don’t have to search for your new job alone.

Get in touch with us

We’re pleased to launch our 2023 whitepaper, ‘Key Insights to Attract and Retain Talent in Life Sciences – A Comprehensive Guide’.

If you’re hiring in U.S. life sciences right now, then there’s a good chance you’re experiencing a talent crunch, despite any uptick in layoffs or a dampening in investor exuberance.

With such heat in the market, recruiters are under pressure, since life sciences firms need the next generation of great talent to survive and thrive. Yet, there’s a yawning gap between what candidates want and what hiring managers are prepared to offer, in terms of salary, benefits and titles.

This white paper aims to showcase the approaches that hiring managers should take to advance their recruitment process as well as a review of the current market and advice for the future. Contents includes:

• What is happening now
• Shifting candidate priorities
• Managing modern expectations
• Candidate-focused five point plan
• Company-led five point plan
• 10 key points to consider

To download our 2023 US Whitepaper, please follow the link below.

This month we are pleased to take part in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ChemCareers 2023 Webinar entitled: Getting back into the job market – how to get the best out of your job hunt.

As part of their 2023 program, the Royal Society of Chemistry hosts monthly webinars. On 14th June, our Associate Director, Victoria Walker and Life Science Recruitment Manager, Naynesh Mistry, will be taking part in a webinar discussing the current job market and how to get the most out of job hunting.

Victoria Walker, is an Award-winning recruiter, who has been awarded Recruitment Consultant of the Year by REC, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. Victoria has a wealth of experience in the chemical industry. Not only does she hold an MChem, she has also worked in the sector for 10 years.

Naynesh Mistry is one CK’s most successful recruiters, not only does he have 12 years’ experience as a specialist in life science recruitment but, he has 10 years experience in industry, working as a Formulation Scientist and Senior Scientist at companies such as Pfizer and 3M Healthcare. Naynesh’s time in industry and recruitment experience makes him a valuable asset to the CK team.

In this ChemCareers webinar we will cover:

• Identifying what career options are open to you
• What to consider when starting to think about a new job
• What the best strategy is for your job hunt
• Avoiding common mistakes
• Understanding the role of recruiters and recruitment agencies as part of a job searching strategy

The webinar will take place on 14th June at 12:30 for RSC members only.

This year, CK Group is sponsoring the ChemCareers 2023 program. The program aims to provide advice, career inspiration and access to industry experts and their knowledge to all who are members of the Royal Society of Chemistry through their webinar series. These webinars run once a month for approximately 60 minutes.

Victoria Walker

Victoria Walker is the Recruitment Manager for CK Group’s chemical permanent recruitment team.

Find out more about Victoria

Naynesh Mistry

Naynesh Mistry is a Recruitment Manager for CK Group’s Life Science permanent recruitment team.

Find out more about Naynesh

Are you currently employed or do you have a background in the fields of life sciences and chemicals?

If so, your valuable input is crucial and we need you to take part in our 3-minute job market survey.

To say thank you we are offering each participant entry into a free prize draw to win £100 Amazon vouchers or a voucher of your choice*

Why participate?

We are looking to analyse current job market trends and highlight which benefits and working conditions you are most interested in. By taking part in this survey, you can directly influence the way employers in the industry structure their job offers and improve the overall interview experience as the results will be shared with our clients across the life sciences and chemical industries. Additionally, this survey aims to empower fellow job seekers like yourself by providing insights into the current job market landscape.

We’re eager to uncover:

• The most sought-after benefits and perks in the life science and chemical sectors.
• Current job market trends, including remote work, flexible hours, and career growth opportunities.
• The factors that influence your decision to accept or decline a job offer.
• Your experiences with interview processes and suggestions for improvement.

Win £100 Amazon vouchers!*

We are also offering each participant the opportunity to enter our prize draw to win £100 Amazon vouchers or a voucher of your choice*

How to participate:

Taking the survey is easy and should only take 3 minutes of your time. Click the link below to get started and share your valuable insights. Thank you for your participation!

Your privacy matters:

All responses will be kept confidential and anonymized. Your privacy is our top priority, and your personal information will not be shared with any third parties. We will only use contact information if you choose to give it to contact you regarding the prize draw should you win.

* Prize Draw T&Cs

• Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other alternatives unless explicitly stated.
• Winners will be selected randomly from all eligible entries received during the entry period.
• The selection process will be conducted fairly and transparently.
• Winners will be notified via the contact details provided during entry
• Entries must be 18 and over
• Only enter the survey once

Our US Division are looking to meet with clients and candidates in Boston, Massachusetts, from 15-19th May. During this period, the team will also be attending the PEGS Conference and are looking forward to meeting like-minded individuals, discussing current market trends, and sharing the latest news in the world of protein engineering and biotherapeutics.

Our team look forward to meeting you at the event. Alternatively, if you would like to arrange a meeting outside of the event, please contact our Principal Recruitment Consultant, Hannah Oakley.