Archive for November, 2008

Credit crunch good news for ethical jobs in public sector

November 17, 2008 at 1:44 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , ,

A good place to start looking for an ethical job, or get a foothold in an environmental career, is the public sector. In October, JuicyJobs.biz set about busting a few myths about the public sector; it is no longer true that public sector jobs are poorly paid, dull, and have no prospects for career progression. It would seem that the public sector is a viable place to get ahead in your career these days. Now, as the effects of the credit crunch are being felt, new research suggests that the bright graduates who were previously attracted to positions in the cut-throat world of finance and business are now heading for careers in the public sector instead, boosting the skills and qualifications resources within the sector.

Research released by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) reveal that, due to the economic recession, young graduates are moving away from what are traditionally seen as high flying jobs in finance to more ethical careers in the public sector.

The report from HECSU says that in 2007, the number of people entering social care and related careers rose from 4,765 in 2004 to 6,135. In health too, the number of new graduates entering the sector has risen by almost 9% between 2004 and 2007.

Deputy director of research at HECSU Charlie Ball told TimesOnline.co.uk: “The graduates in this survey would have been well aware of what was going on in the economy. Now the situation is much more serious.” He added that he expected more graduates to head into the public sector instead of finance and industry as the recession wears on.

Salaries in the public sector are now only 0.1% lower than in the private sector. They also have the best pension schemes available, far superior to many in the private sector, and there is much more job security in the public sector.

Here at JuicyJobs.biz, we have reported before on the benefits of working within the public sector. In a survey of public sector employees, the majority of respondents said that they enjoyed reasonable salaries, job satisfaction, security, good prospects for career progression, and the added bonus of feeling that they were contributing to society in general through working in an ethical job. If you are interested in a public sector job, your local borough or county council is your first port of call. A volunteering job with your local authority, in social care, youth work or environment, is a great way to make contacts and learn more about how the sector works. Additionally, keep checking JuicyJobs.biz for public sector career opportunities.

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Credit crunch good news for ethical jobs in public sector

November 17, 2008 at 1:39 pm · Filed under green jobs ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

A good place to start looking for an ethical job, or get a foothold in an environmental career, is the public sector.  In October, JuicyJobs.biz set about busting a few myths about the public sector; it is no longer true that public sector jobs are poorly paid, dull, and have no prospects for career progression.  It would seem that the public sector is a viable place to get ahead in your career these days.  Now, as the effects of the credit crunch are being felt, new research suggests that the bright graduates who were previously attracted to positions in the cut-throat world of finance and business are now heading for careers in the public sector instead, boosting the skills and qualifications resources within the sector.

Research released by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) reveal that, due to the economic recession, young graduates are moving away from what are traditionally seen as high flying jobs in finance to more ethical careers in the public sector.

The report from HECSU says that in 2007, the number of people entering social care and related careers rose from 4,765 in 2004 to 6,135. In health too, the number of new graduates entering the sector has risen by almost 9% between 2004 and 2007.

Deputy director of research at HECSU Charlie Ball told TimesOnline.co.uk:  “The graduates in this survey would have been well aware of what was going on in the economy.  Now the situation is much more serious.” He added that he expected more graduates to head into the public sector instead of finance and industry as the recession wears on.

Salaries in the public sector are now only 0.1% lower than in the private sector.  They also have the best pension schemes available, far superior to many in the private sector, and there is much more job security in the public sector.

Here at JuicyJobs.biz, we have reported before on the benefits of working within the public sector.  In a survey of public sector employees, the majority of respondents said that they enjoyed reasonable salaries, job satisfaction, security, good prospects for career progression, and the added bonus of feeling that they were contributing to society in general through working in an ethical job.  If you are interested in a public sector job, your local borough or county council is your first port of call.  A volunteering job with your local authority, in social care, youth work or environment, is a great way to make contacts and learn more about how the sector works.  Additionally, keep checking JuicyJobs.biz for public sector career opportunities.

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UK Environmental sector looks to expand abroad

November 17, 2008 at 1:36 pm · Filed under green jobs ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

If you have ever thought that a green job might be just what you need, this will come as good news to you. There has never been a better time to start an environmental career. The UK’s eco-businesses are thriving, thanks to the placement of green issues at the top of the government’s priorities. Being part of an exciting and successful organisation nowadays is not about becoming an investment banker or a flashy public relations company; it is the green careers that really have the pizzazz you are looking for.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the government’s business promotion body, has been paying particular attention to the environmental sector lately. The agency has published a report entitled “Market opportunities in environmental goods and services, renewable energy, carbon finance and Carbon Abatement Technologies”, which investigates potentially lucrative markets for British environmental industries.

The report suggests that Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, China, Australia and the USA may hold great opportunities for expansion for eco-businesses. Chief executive of the UKTI Andrew Cahn said:

“Through UKTI, UK businesses can tap into these markets to help address environmental concerns, meet environmental regulations and establish infrastructure facilities.”

“Importantly, the UKTI report on overseas opportunities for environmental industries shows the global commitment to combating climate change can create jobs and give small businesses the chance to expand.”

The report listed key opportunities for UK businesses overseas, in areas such as air pollution control, waste management, low carbon transport fuels, carbon finance, and renewable energies.

The report and comments from the UKTI demonstrate that green careers are developing into some of the most successful and exciting. There was a time when the UK outsourced its manufacturing to foreign countries; now, fittingly, the UK is expanding businesses abroad to tackle the effects of those carbon and waste rich industries.

If you are interested in an environmental career, there are a number of ways to get involved. A volunteering job with an environmental agency or charity can be a fantastic way to gain work experience and contacts that can help you in your job search. Qualifications, training or even substantial knowledge of technology, industry, engineering or geography are also a bonus if you are looking to start and ethical career. Your local adult college should provide a range of qualifications that could be useful, and, if you are currently unemployed, you may be eligible for free or subsidised tuition. Keep checking JuicyJobs.biz for great job opportunities and all the latest green and ethical news.

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Minister pledges to help businesses go green

November 17, 2008 at 1:32 pm · Filed under Green News ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

Following the passing of the new Climate Change Bill in early November, more developments within the Government show the prioritization of green issues.

Waste and recycling minister Jane Kennedy told the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee conference on 12th November that reducing business waste is to be a “top priority” at Defra over the next few months.

Ms Kennedy said that even though the economic crisis was forcing businesses to cut back on expense, this is no excuse to avoid green initiatives such as sustainable waste disposal. She said:

“Some may think that this is not the right time to be green; that it’s a bit difficult. I want to dispel the myth that being green costs money as in the long term it’s simply not true.”

She added that, contrary to popular belief, green business initiatives actually save organisations money, rather than costing them more. She said:

“In the long term it makes good financial sense to build upon all that has already been achieved; diverting investment away from waste means that vital ground will be lost in the long term.”

Currently, municipal waste makes up only 10% of the total waste produced in the UK. The rest is industrial, potentially creating a tough challenge for Defra to tackle. Additionally, research from Environwise suggests that businesses spend 4% of their annual turnover on waste disposal, which, particularly during a recession, is a figure that might be well spent elsewhere.

Ms Kennedy went on to explain that the Government was developing schemes that will help businesses adhere to the three “Rs”; reduce, reuse and recycle. The minister continued to say that small businesses and companies within the construction and demolition sectors would receive particular support and focus from the Government initiatives.

New government emphasis on green issues is good news for anyone looking for an environmental job. The changes being made suggest that it will one day be possible to hold down a green career in areas previously thought to be environmentally damaging; construction and demolition being one of those.  If you are looking for a great new ethical job, keep up to date with issues such as these; green employers are always impressed by candidates dedicated to the environmental cause, and articulate when it comes to green current affairs.  Work experience, or a volunteering job, can also help you in your efforts to make it into your dream job, particularly if the role you take on has an environmental aspect to it.  Keep checking JuicyJobs.biz for opportunities!

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Successful phone interviews ; Securing your green job

November 17, 2008 at 1:27 pm · Filed under Interviews, green jobs ·Tagged , , , , ,

Looking for a great green job or the start of your environmental career has never been easier thanks to the internet and sites like JuicyJobs.biz.  There are hundreds of places to find and apply for jobs (even ethical jobs) at the touch of a button, but preparation for interviews is a much harder task.  Here at JuicyJobs.biz we have written on interview technique before.  You may be well-versed in how to sit, dress, shake hands, smile, make eye contact and answer confidently.  This, however, can all be blown out of the water if you are first invited for a telephone interview.

Telephone interviewing is on the rise amongst employers, especially green employers.  Firstly, interviewing over the phone can help to save time, by getting a better idea of a candidate’s skills and qualities than is offered by a CV, but without the hassle of a full interview.  It also saves money for the candidate, and the environmental consequences of several candidates travelling to the interview.  Telephone interviews, however, can throw candidates and break concentration.  So, here is our guide to acing your telephone interview, and getting you one step closer to your perfect green job.

  1. Treat it like a face-to-face interview: Many candidates automatically behave more casually, simply because they are on the phone and not standing in their prospective employer’s office.  This is a sure sign of failure. Candidates who do not see phone interviews as “real” ones, consciously or not, often begin using slang, are less polite, are not as prepared, and are rarely as alert as they would be in a traditional interview. In order to avoid this trap, make a conscious effort to behave exactly as you would in a face-to-face situation. Smile as you answer the phone, as this makes you sound confident and helpful; remember that the entire conversation, even greetings, are under scrutiny. Wearing smart clothes for the phone interview, as silly as it sounds, can help you to focus and behave more professionally. Standing up to take the call is also a good way of helping you to remain focused and alert.
  2. Be prepared: Just because you are not physically meeting your interviewer does not mean that they are not going to ask you challenging questions, or that they do not expect professional responses from you.  So, when waiting for the call, make sure you have been reading up on a relevant topic, focusing your mind on the conversation to come. Ensure that you have done as much research and preparation for a phone interview as you would if you were going to a face-to-face interview. Plan your interview for a time when you will be somewhere quiet, rather than walking down the street, and where you will not be disturbed. If you are using your mobile phone, ensure it is charged or plugged in; telling your interviewer that your battery is low and may cut out sends them a message that you are not enthusiastic about the role, or too disorganised to do the job properly anyway.

Overall, the important thing to remember with telephone interviews is to take them as seriously as traditional interviews.  That doesn’t mean that you have to be terrified; relaxed and confident candidates are normally the most successful. It is integral, however, that you show your interviewer that you are familiar with the process, and that you want the position.  Following these tips will help you break into that ethical career much faster!

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