As an organisation with our finger on the pulse of all things recruitment in the North West, we have an understanding of the skills that firms in the region seek.

But what are the five most in-demand roles in the North West at the moment?

Fork lift drivers – reach and counter balance

These are the two main types of fork lift truck and an increase in demand is generally noted around this time every year as organisations begin to prepare their operations for the busy Christmas period. A rise in orders and products moving through factories and warehouses obviously facilitates a need for this type of professional. In addition, the rise of e-commerce has also contributed to the rising demand, as more staff are required to manage the ever-growing numbers of orders conducted online.

Customer service with sales and order processing

Along similar lines, customer service specialists are being sought after by the more organised retailers looking to get their workforces into shape in the run up to Christmas. This time of year always drives an increase in the number of products bought and with the aforementioned growth of e-commerce, along with the minor resurgence of in-store shopping, retailers are recruiting accordingly.

Commercial financial analysts

The growth of e-commerce has also driven an increased need for data specialists who can analyse huge information stacks and identify trends for their employers to base marketing and promotion campaigns around. Retailers and other organisations are much more reactive now than ever before and seek real-time updates that allow them to refresh their product displays and pricing in line with demand and popularity. These skills are highly transferrable and firms seem open to hiring from other industries, as long as the requisite skills are in place. Professionals in the likes of the financial services industry, are particularly highly sought after for their experience in working with large and often highly complex data sets.

Marketing and brand managers

Having a strong brand has perhaps never been as important as it is today. Commercial sectors across the board are crowded with companies competing over the same narrow vertical market share and are seeking ways to stand out from the crowd. This has driven a major rise in demand for marketing and brand managers who, as with commercial financial analysts, often possess transferrable skill sets and are being hired from other industries.

Production workers

Finally, the run up to the busy Christmas period has also driven a need for manufacturing and production staff across the board. This one is easy to attribute – consumers buy more products at this time of year than any other and rather obviously, professionals are sought after to actually create these products, both physical and digital.

If you’re looking for your next position in one of these highly sought after roles then you’re likely to be in luck, as organisations across the board are on the hunt for professionals to fill their teams – get in contact with the experts if you’re looking for your next game-changing position in the North West.

Take a look at some our other blogs to gain some more valuable career advice

Or take a look at our current roles to find your next game-changing role.

You’ve landed a new job, so why do you feel so stressed? Part of the reason in probably the worry over handing in your notice. It can be challenging to part ways with an employer, particularly if you’ve been there for a long time. After all, you don’t want to seem disloyal, or like you’ve gone behind their back to secure a new role. You may also be worried about burning bridges or impacting long term-relationships. We’ve provided some helpful tips that should make handing in your notice a stress free experience.

Bringing it up

Don’t hang about when you’ve been offered a new role and look to book a date in the diary as soon as possible when handing in your notice. Leaving it until later will only mean the issue is hanging over you and it could even begin to potentially eat into your notice period.

What to say

The vast majority of meetings will only be awkward if you make them so. Your manager is most likely an experienced professional so this won’t be the first time they’ve dealt with someone leaving. They’ll probably ask you where you’re moving to, and why, and if you want to avoid burning bridges, focus on the opportunity you’ve been presented with, as opposed to the reasons for you leaving the current firm. It’s advisable to resist the temptation to criticise the company and instead focus on confirming your resignation, telling your boss about the new role and thanking them in person for the support you’ve received.

The counter offer

Unless your boss has been counting down the days until you hand in your resignation it’s possible that you’ll be made a counter offer in the form of a promotion, pay rise or potentially even both. But what do you do when you’re intent on handing in your notice?

Whatever you do, don’t accept anything there and then. Weigh up your current options and consider whether a pay increase or change of role is actually what you’re looking for. Can your current company keep up with your ambitions? If so, why haven’t they already? It can be tempting to accept an offer on the spot, but if the same problems will reappear a few months down the line, then it’s probably not worth taking it.

What to write in your resignation letter

When it comes to your resignation letter, keep it professional and as straightforward as possible. Inform your manager of your decision and, if you’re genuinely sad to be leaving, write something along the lines of “it is with regret that I have decided to move on.” Then you should confirm when your last date will be, state that you are happy to assist with handovers or training and end on a positive note and again thank them for the support they’ve provided during your time with the business. You can, if you like, go into greater detail about why you’re leaving, but it’s likely you will have broached this in the meeting.

How to deal with workplace emotion

If you’re a valued member of staff and have a good relationship with your boss then they may find it hard to mask their emotions, but in this instance it’s ok to be empathetic and express your sadness about your departure. However, it’s also advisable to keep a level head – this is still a professional relationship and you’re, hopefully, doing what’s best for your career. You might feel a touch of guilt once the decision has been widely announced but, again, this is only natural, particularly if you’ve got friends at work and/or a supportive boss. Just remember, if they really care for you, they will want you to succeed so shouldn’t have any ill feeling towards you.

Handing in your notice can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. Follow our handy tips and get in contact if you’re considering finding a new role at a new company.

Check out some of our blogs to gain more cutting edge career advice

Or take a look at some of our current jobs

©Depositphotos.com/AndreyPopov

There was once a time when onboarding was somewhat of an afterthought, or indeed, a non-thought, for many organisations, however most companies will now have comprehensive programmes to ensure that successful candidates are swiftly integrated into their culture. Even so, as a new starter you should make the most of your first few weeks at a new organisation, and take steps to ensure you onboard yourself to the best of your own ability.

Before you begin

Make sure to utilise the break between roles. Don’t let the grass grow beneath your feet on the gap between finishing an old position and starting a new one. While it is important to make sure you’re well rested and mentally prepared to start in a new job one of the most effective ways to make use of any time off in-between is to create the foundations for strong professional relationships. Write a personal thank you to your interviewer, or hiring manager, thanking them once again, and take time to find out what you can about your new line manager and colleagues.

Review your induction schedule and handbook. It’s likely that you’ll receive both before your start date, so make sure you set aside plenty of time to read them both through thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the dress code, and give yourself enough time to find appropriate outfits if the formality differs from your prior place of work. If you aren’t provided with a schedule or policy handbook, requesting them will certainly set a good impression.

In your first week

Regardless of seniority, as a new starter, it’s crucial that you take the time to speak with each of your new colleagues. Establishing the foundations for strong professional relationships creates a more enjoyable work environment and can help you grasp the office structure and culture more quickly. If it helps, prepare some small-talk topics to draw on when introduced to new colleagues – this can be particularly useful if you’re joining a large team.

At the end of your first week, schedule some time to sit down and speak with your line manager to discuss how you are finding your new role. This conversation will give you a chance to get some initial feedback, discuss anything you are finding challenging, and ask about how your progress will be reviewed in the coming weeks and months.

Looking forwards

Professional development should be an ongoing effort. Make sure to set yourself a 90 day goal at the end of your first week, and regularly review your progress towards achieving this. It is also important to regularly review your skillset and discuss opportunities to develop any skills which would benefit your new work, or team.

Find more career advice and insight here.