How To: Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
A competitive job market refers to the total number of positions that are available for one job role. A job market can decrease, or increase based on the demand for labour or on how many candidates are applying. As competition for jobs increase, it is important that you do your best to get yourself noticed. You need to be able to stand out by having a combination of the right education, experience, and skills in your industry.
Ensure you have relevant work experience
If you are looking at pursing a professional job, relevant work experience could be the difference between you getting the role or someone else with more experience getting it.
You could do an internship or an apprenticeship in the industry that you aspire to work in. During an internship and apprenticeship you are learning whilst you are on the job so not only are you getting the work experience from being in a working environment you are also getting the knowledge from studying the relevant qualification. The experience and skills that you would gain in this role can transfer into any future position.
Education
To be considered for any skilled role you need to ensure that you have the correct qualifications. An agency would more often than not choose a candidate that has appropriate qualifications and experience over someone who does not.
For Example: If you are thinking of becoming a technician/mechanic you might need a qualification in light vehicle maintenance (qualifications may vary depending on the job role and company). DISCLAIMER: Some companies will occasionally accept people who are time served without qualifications.
There are different ways that you could gain a qualification for the job that you desire. You could go down the root of an apprenticeship (as stated in the ‘ensure you have relevant work experience’ section). Apprenticeships are a good way to get started as you’ll get great hand on experience of being in a working environment as well as getting the education. You earn whilst you learn!
Another way of getting your qualifications could be through college courses. These types of courses can be found on the City and Guilds website or on any other providers websites.
Network
Networking can play a big role in helping you find the best job opportunity for you. Staying in contact with people who are in your industry even though you might not be looking for a job at the time could help you out massively in the future. Even though the people you connect with might not be hiring they could recommend you elsewhere.
Update your CV
If you’re looking around for a new job the first thing to do is to spruce up your CV. CLICK HERE!
You want your CV to be relevant to the job role that you are applying for so make sure that your CV is tailored to the job role. Ensure that your CV has been updated with your most current skills, qualifications, and work experience (you might even want to remove some information that is not relevant to the position).
Prepare for an interview
Whether you are new to job hunting or you’ve been in the game for a while ‘winging it’ should never be an option. Take a look at our tips on how to prepare for an interview. CLICK HERE!
COVID-19 FAQs
COVID-19 FAQ’s
This document contains a number of FAQ’s that we have found ourselves answering recently, all the information contain in this document is the most up to date information that has ben provided and all references are included at the end of the document.
As new information is published by the British Government, the World Health Organization, the NHS or Public Health England we will update this document.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 stands for, Coronavirus Disease 2019 and it is an infectious disease cause by a newly discovered coronavirus. Many people who are infected will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and will recover without any special treatment. However, older people and those with underlying medical problems such as, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease are likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down the spread of the virus is to keep yourself up to date with the latest information on COVID-19. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and you should refrain from not touching your face.
COVID-19 spreads mainly through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, you should practice respiratory etiquette, for example cough into a flexed elbow or into a tissue.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The symptoms of COVID-19 are:
-
-
-
-
- A high temperature (37.8 Celsius or above).
- A new, continuous cough.
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
-
-
-
When should I get a test?
You should go and get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of coronavirus, these symptoms are:
- A high temperature (37.8 Celsius or above).
- A new, continuous cough.
- A loss or change t your sense of smell or taste.
In England and Northern Ireland, the test needs to be done in the first 8 days of having symptoms.
In Wales and Scotland, the needs to be done in the first 5 days of having symptoms.
If you do not have any of the above symptoms or different symptoms you do not need to get tested.
Can anyone get a free test?
If you have any of the above COVID-19 symptoms you can get tested, you can also get a test if the following applies to you:
-
-
-
-
- You have been asked to get a test by a local council.
- You are taking part in a Government pilot project.
- You have been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result.
-
-
-
You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms.
If you are going into hospital to have surgery or any procedures, you may need to have a test prior to going into hospital. If this is required, then the hospital will arrange this for you.
Who cannot get a free test?
You cannot get a free test if:
Your school or employer has asked you to get a test, but you have no COVID-19 symptoms.
You have come to the UK from a high-risk country.
You are planning to leave the country.
If you feel the need to have a test for any reason and you do not qualify for a free test you can pay for a private test.
How do I book a test?
If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms as listed above then you can book you free test by either calling 119 or at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
What is self-isolation?
Due to the nature of how COVID-19 spreads it is imperative that, should you test positive, live with someone who displays symptoms/tests positive or if you have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you stay at home for 10 days so that you do not risk passing this on to others.
When should I self-isolate?
You should self-isolate immediately if:
-
-
-
-
- You have any symptoms of coronavirus (A high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss change to your sense of smell or taste).
- You have tested positive for coronavirus.
- Someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive.
- Someone in your support bubble has symptoms and you have been in close contact with them since their symptoms started or 48 hours before their test.
- Someone in your support bubble tested positive and you’ve been in close contact with them since they had the test or in the 48 hours before their test.
- You have been told you've been in contact with someone who tested positive.
- You arrive in the UK from another country.
-
-
-
What is social distancing?
Everyone in England should maintain a 2-metre distance from others where possible, where it is not possible you should maintain a 1 metre plus distance.
What is shielding?
People who are defined as extremely clinically vulnerable are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 will have received a letter from the Department of Health, NHS or their GP advising them to stay at home at all times and not leave the house, they will be advised to get support for essential items.
What is a support bubble?
A support bubble allows you to link 2 households together, you must meet certain eligibility to be able to form a support bubble. If you do form a support bubble with another household you can think of yourself as being in one household and you can have close contact.
The rules on who can form a support bubble changed on the 2nd December 2020 to widen eligibility for forming one; you can form a support bubble with another household if:
-
-
-
-
- You live by yourself – even if carers visit you to provide support.
- You are the only adult in your household who does not need continuous care because of a disability.
- Your household includes a child who is under the age of one or was under that age on 2 December 2020.
- Your household includes a child with a disability who requires continuous care and is under the age of 5 or was under that age on 2 December 2020.
- You are aged 16 or 17 living with others of the same age and without any adults.
- You are a single adult living with one or more children who are under the age of 18 or were under that age on 12 June 2020.
-
-
-
You should not form a support bubble with a household that is part of another support bubble. You should form a support bubble with a household that is local to you to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If anyone in your support bubble develops symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 up to 48 hours after you last met you must self-isolate for 10 days and only get a test if you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
What if you share custody of your child with someone you do not live with?
A child can move freely between both parents’ households without needing to form a support bubble to do this.
You can form a support bubble if eligible.
What is a childcare bubble?
A childcare bubble is different to a support bubble.
You might be able to form a childcare bubble to provide or receive childcare from one other household if you live with someone under the age of 14. You must not meet socially with your childcare bubble and you should avoid seeing your childcare bubble at the same time as your support bubble.
If you are in a support bubble this does not stop you from forming a childcare bubble.
What is NHS Test and Trace?
NHS Test and Trace is a Government service that ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, and also includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents. It also helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.
You can download the NHS Test and Trace app on to your smart phone using the below links:
Apple - NHS Test and Trace Apple App
Android - NHS Test and Trace Android App
What does close contact mean?
Close contact with regards to COVID-19 is where you have been in direct contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, please see a list of what is considered close contact below:
-
-
-
-
- Face to face contact, this includes being coughed on or having a face to face conversation within one metre.
- Being within one metre for one minute or longer without face to face contact.
- Being within 2 metres of someone for more than 15 minutes (either as a one-off contact or added up together over one day).
- Spending significant time within the same household.
- Travelled in the same vehicle or plane.
- Sexual partner.
-
-
-
Where you have interacted with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 through Perspex (or equivalent) is not usually considered to be a contact, providing there has been no other contact as listed above.
Anyone deemed a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be notified by NHS Test and Trace and should follow the guidance closely.
What is a travel corridor?
The British Government introduced travel corridors during the summer of 2020, this allowed people travelling from certain countries, where there was a low number of COVID-19 cases to travel to the UK without the need to self-isolate on their arrival. This list can be found using the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors.
However currently all travel corridors are suspended as of 4am on Monday 18th January 2021, meaning all passengers that arrive into the UK via rail, sea or air must self-isolate for 10 days, this isolation period starts the day after you arrive in the UK. You must provide a negative coronavirus test to travel to England.
Those returning from overseas will not be automatically eligible for statutory sick pay during this period.
Certain jobs may mean travellers to the UK are exempt from the isolation period when they arrive in the UK. A list of these jobs can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules.
References
World Health Organization - www.who.int, (2021). Coronavirus. [online] https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1 [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
NHS – www.nhs.uk, (2021. When to self-isolate and what to do. [online] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/#:~:text=Get%20a%20test%20as%20soon,you%20have%20different%20symptoms. [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
Public Health Agency - www.publichealth.hscni.net, (2021). When to self-isolate – a simple guide. [online] www.publichealth.hscni.net, https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-information-public/when-self-isolate-simple-guide [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
UK Government - www.gov.uk, (2020/2021). Making a support bubble with another household. [online] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
UK Government - www.gov.uk, (2021). Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions. [online] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
UK Government - www.gov.uk, (2020/2021). Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors. [online] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors#updates-to-the-travel-corridor-list [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
UK Government - www.gov.uk, (2021). Get coronavirus test. [online] https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
UK Government - www.gov.uk, (2021). Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person. [online] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person#:~:text=face%2Dto%2Dface%20contact%20including,up%20together%20over%20one%20day) [Accessed 18 Jan. 2021]
How To: Stay Safe Behind the Wheel in Poor Weather Conditions
When we experience poor weather conditions it’s important to adapt your driving style. This type of weather brings poor visibility and reduced grip which can make your job extremely challenging. Good manoeuvring skills and skid control skills are essential. Here are some of our tips to stay safe behind the wheel in poor weather conditions.
Inspect the vehicle
Ensure that you have prepared your vehicle according to the weather to prevent any major problems. You should check the tire pressure, engine oil, wiper blades, fluids and lights before you set off for your journey.
Slow down
By driving at a slower speed, you have more time to react in the event that something happens. There is often risk of hydroplaning when driving at a higher speed. This can be due to loosing control of the vehicle due to slush in the road.
Keep a safe distance
Ensure that you keep a safe distance between you and the cars around you when possible. In the event of any unpredictable situations it’s always good to have extra room so you can move out of harm’s way. When driving in snowy conditions more stop time is required. This is due to reduced grip, visibility and the unpredictability of what could happen from the other drivers on the road.
FACT: The stopping distance on a wet road is twice the normal stopping distance. On an icy road it’s almost 10 times as much!
Turn on your headlights
Not only do you need to keep a safe distance from the other drivers, they need to keep a safe distance from you. Ensure that you have your headlights switched on so they can see you and maintain a safe distance.
Keep an eye out for black ice
Black ice is a thin transparent layer of ice that forms when the temperature is close to freezing. Black ice will make the road look slightly wet. How to spot black ice:
- There might be a build-up of ice on the mirror arms, top corners of the windshield or antenna
- There will be no spray back coming from the tyres of the vehicle in front of you
Pull over
If the weather condition become too severe and you’re nervous about driving, ensure you either stay parked at your location or pull over if you are driving. However, if you’re driving on a motorway do not pull over into the hard shoulder as other drivers may mistake you for a moving vehicle. Instead continue onto the next exit or services and come off safely there. Ensure that you listen to the weather reports and warnings so that you can react appropriately.
Be Prepared
Make sure you pack your essential bag and include a little bit extra! Ensure you have warm clothing and blankets with you. If you are going on a longer journey you might want to take other items such as a torch, windshield scraper, a bag of sand/salt and shovel etc…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
For one of our last news update in 2020 we just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has been on assignment with us throughout this year! We hope that you all stay safe and well this holiday season.
Merry Christmas From Everyone at Igloo!
How To: Become a Mechanic
Are you looking for a career change? Interested in becoming a mechanic? Keep reading!
As a mechanic you will be working on vehicle mechanics and electricals. You will need to be able to repair and maintain different types of vehicles. You might also be working on but not limited to cameras, parking sensors, checking oil, water, break fluids, changing brake pads and discs, removing and replacing tyres, diagnostics and stripping and refitting the vehicle.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a good way to get started as you’ll get great hand on experience of being in a working environment as well as getting the education. You earn whilst you learn!
To be accepted onto a course you will most likely need GCSE Maths, English and Science however, circumstances are different for every course so this may vary.
The courses might be as seen below: (Course titles may vary depending on the course you choose)
- Level 1 certificate in vehicle maintenance
- Level 2 certificate in light vehicle maintenance and repair
- Level 3 diploma in vehicle technology
College Courses
There are a few different types of courses that you can complete. These types of courses can be found on the City and Guilds website or on any other providers websites.
Volunteering
You might be able to get the chance to volunteer servicing cars and equipment at a local garage. You’ll get great experience from this however, you will only be time served. This might be a slight issue when trying to apply for any jobs where it’s a requirement for you to have a specific qualification.
What skills would I need?
- Strong communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Good attention to detail
After completing my course, what are my next steps?
Update your CV!
Ensure that you have updated your CV and include your new qualifications. To see our tips on how to write a good CV please CLICK HERE.
Landed your first interview? For our interview tips CLICK HERE.
COVID19 Update - Lockdown 2
10/11/2020
Following the second national lockdown that was enforced by the Government on Thursday 5th November 2020, we wanted to update you all on Igloo’s current status.
Presently we are pleased to report that ourselves and all of our clients are all strictly following the Government and World Health Organisation’s guidelines meaning they are able to continue to operate in a COVID safe environment.
We therefore continue to recruit candidates for roles across the country, so if you, a family member or any of your friends are looking for work whilst you are furloughed or if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being unemployed then search our current vacancies on the Job Search page on our website or call our recruitment team on 01455 891358 where our team of consultants will be able to discuss suitable vacancies with you.
Remember you can work elsewhere whilst you are furloughed by your employer. Click here to read more on this.
Please continue to check back on this page as we will post updates as and when we have more information to communicate to you.
Stay safe and alert and keep yourself and your loved ones safe at this unprecedented time.
Furloughed and Need Work? Igloo Wants YOU!
Have you been furloughed by your current employer?
Do you still want or need work?
IGLOO WANTS YOU!
With the announcement that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (also know as the Furlough Scheme) has been extended until March 2021, more people are being put onto furlough.
You will not be able to work for the company that put you on the furlough scheme during this time however, you will be able to work for another employer providing that your contract with your current employer allows you to.
For more information on this please CLICK HERE.
We are prepared to start taking candidates on a short-term basis as we understand that once your furlough period is up you will be required back to work at your current employers.
We currently have jobs available nationwide within the automotive, transport and logistics industries.
Does this sound like something you are interested in?
Take a look at our Job Search page to see what positions we currently have available.
Or call into our head office on 01455 891 358 opt 1 to speak to our consultants today!
How To: Application Process
Wondering how easy our application process is? Keep reading to find out.
We’ve been using different E-Signature websites such as Docusign and Signable for years. However, we recently got a brand new website and have been able to move all our documents onto there. This makes the application process so much quicker and easier! Try it for yourself!
How does it work?
Once you have spoken to our consultants regarding your desired position, they will send you an email with a list of full instructions of what we need from you. This will include:
- A list of all your ID documents that we need
- How to create a share code for a DVLA check (if applicable)
- A link to our application packs. The application pack that you receive will depend on the job role that you apply for, your employment type and the site that you will be working at.
All ID must be sent to Compliance@igloodrivers.com. You will then need to click the links and fill out the packs. Any mandatory field will have a ‘*’ next to it. If this section does not apply to you, please put ‘N/A’.
Once you have completed filling in your details you will need to:
- Click ‘SUBMIT’. This will then take you to the next page where you can see the full document.
- Please ensure that you read through the full document and click into the E-Signature box to sign.
- Once signed you will see a blue button in the bottom right of the screen, ‘Agree & Sign’ once you click on this button Igloo will receive your completed sign off and you will also receive a copy of the document.
The packs are very straight forwards however, if you get stuck, we have a ‘chat with us’ option in the bottom right hand corner of the website. During office hours we will be active on this however, during out of office hours it will come into the compliance inbox and we will reply as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Get to Know The Automotive Team - Corby
Amandeep Basra
How old are you?
23
What department do you work in at Igloo?
The Automotive Team, based onsite in Corby
How long have you worked for Igloo?
1 year and a half
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Being able to manage a whole site on my own during lockdown
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy baking especially cakes and dancing
What type of music are you into?
Anything really! But the main ones would be R&B, Indian and Rap
What was your dream job when you were a child?
To be a Crime Scene Investigator!
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
My dog, a bottle of gin and a tent
Favourite food:
I can only pick one?! It would have to be Chinese!
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….. Priyanka Chopra
Lindsay Hunter
How old are you?
31
What department do you work in at Igloo?
Automotive
How long have you worked for Igloo?
5 years (this time round)
Highlight of your Igloo career to date:
Being promoted to site supervisor
What are your interests outside of work?
Fashion, makeup, lifestyle blogs & learning to cook
What type of music are you into?
Motown/Soul would be my ultimate favourite
What was your dream job when you were a child?
Shop assistant HAHA!
If you were stranded on an island what are the three essential items that you would take?
A knife, matches & a hammock
Favourite food:
Steak
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by….. Jessica Alba