2024 recruitment trends: what's in store for the year ahead
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New year, new job scene. Or at least the saying goes, right? It seems that at the start of a every year there&rsquo;s always a shift in what&rsquo;s hot &ndash; and what&rsquo;s not, and 2024 is certainly no different. Sit back whilst we spill the tea on the latest trends to shake up our hiring habits.
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1. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The tech takeover continues
It&rsquo;s no surprise that technology like AI and machine learning is switching up the hiring process. Phrases that we definitely didn&rsquo;t expect to see on our 2024 bingo card just two years ago, are now stealing the spotlight, revolutionising tasks such as candidate matching, CV screening, and initial interviewing. It&rsquo;s through these innovations that we&rsquo;re seeing a real upgrade across the recruitment process, with improvements to productivity, reductions in bias, and the opportunity for recruiters to focus on what really matters to them and their business, such as relationship building and talent management. Ready or not, tech is the future - don&rsquo;t be afraid to incorporate it into your 2024 game plan.
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2. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don&rsquo;t shy away from the diversity dance
Equity, diversity, and inclusion &ndash; once buzzwords in the boardroom are now the real deal in successful organisations. When it comes to hiring, it's time for companies to make a big deal about their equality practices, implementing inclusive interviewing practices and diverse placements. But this shift isn&rsquo;t just about meeting societal expectations &ndash; it&rsquo;s a strategic effort to spark innovation and create a workplace that is vibrant and strong.
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3. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The remote revolution: it&rsquo;s here to stay
Believe it or not the office is no longer a ball and chain. And, whilst the remote work debate is still going strong, the practice itself looks set to stay, at least for now; according to ONS, a whopping 44% of workers reported home or hybrid working in 2023. Sure, these figures have changed slightly over the past couple of years &ndash; in the UK there has been a sharp decline in fully remote work since 2021, when most employees returned to the office in some capacity. But one thing&rsquo;s crystal clear: for those roles that can make it work, there&rsquo;s a growing expectation that there ought to be some WHF flexibility. The way we work is definitely changing, with companies figuring out that happy employees are generally productive ones. Which often means allowing them to choose their ideal workspace.
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4. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Skills over degrees
It appears there&rsquo;s a noticeable change in the air regarding employers&rsquo; approach to hiring, with more and more waking up to the fact that the dynamic and diverse workplaces of today demand more than just technical know-how and academic accolades. Of course, they're important, but there's a bigger, more nuanced picture. It's about honing in on the intangibles &ndash; those down-to-earth skills that make a workplace click. Think effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving; these are the traits that offer impact and value to a team. The shift isn't about tossing that pile of CVs aside (apologies to all the admin avoiders); it's about looking past the paper trail and focusing on the skills that truly spell success. Yep, we&rsquo;re officially in our &lsquo;soft skills&rsquo; era, where a candidate's ability to navigate the human side of work is just as crucial as their paper credentials.
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5. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Levelling up the candidate experience
This year, it&rsquo;s predicted that the candidate experience will become a key differentiator for employers, with today&rsquo;s job seekers expecting a seamless, personalised, and candidate-centric recruitment process. They&rsquo;re looking for employers who get what makes them tick, &nbsp;understands their &nbsp;values and career goals, and guides them through the job-hunting journey with the right info at the right time. Because let&rsquo;s face it, nobody needs a headache when job-hunting. The key is making the candidate feel like a VIP; organisations that pull this off will build a rep as a workplace that everyone wants to be part of.
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So, there you have it &ndash; the lowdown on what's shaking in the UK's job market this year. In a landscape driven by technology, diversity, and changing work dynamic, it&rsquo;s imperative that companies stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the evolving industry. By doing so, they&rsquo;ll undoubtedly set their organisations up for success in 2024.
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2024 recruitment trends: what's in store for the year ahead

Learning the skills needed to land a new job is often just as crucial as learning how to excel in your potential career. Whether it&rsquo;s mastering the art of networking, acing job applications, or crafting a killer CV, there&rsquo;s always something candidates can be doing to make sure they&rsquo;re completely prepared. But, perhaps almost everyone&rsquo;s achilles heel in pursuit of the perfect role is nailing the most nerve-wracking aspect of the job hunt itself: the dreaded interview.
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Navigating interviews, especially in a new field, can be tough and practice and preparation are crucial steps you can take to make sure you ace that interview. But what if you don&rsquo;t have anyone with whom you can practice common interview questions? Let us introduce to you, Google&rsquo;s Interview Warm-up. The tech giant has teamed up with job seekers to create a this nifty little tool, designed to help you practice responding to questions handpicked by industry pros.
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But how does it actually work?
Using clever machine learning, it transcribes your answers and provides insights on how to level up your responses. We know prepping for interviews always requires effort, but Google&rsquo;s aim is to make it a tad easier so candidates feel more self-assured and at ease while acing their interviews.
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With Interview Warmup, your answers are instantly written down so you can check what you said. As an added bonus, you get insights &ndash; tips from smart tech that can help you uncover details about your answers, like the job-related words you use regularly and your main talking points such as your experience, skills, and goals. And although it was designed with Google Career Certificates students in mind, it's open to everyone and includes general questions suitable for various fields. It even shows how much time you spend discussing each topic in your response. And the best part? Your answers aren't graded or judged, and you can practice as many times as you like. It's like your own private practice arena!
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Why not give Interview Warm-Up a shot? It could be just the ticket to levelling up your interview prep.
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Check it out here: <a class="fui-Link ___10kug0w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/" href="https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/">https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/</a>
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Elevate your interview skills: Google's Interview Warm-Up

Well hello there, technical candidates! At gap technical, we understand that creating the perfect CV can feel overwhelming. But fear not, we're here to help you position yourself at the forefront of the technical job market. Prospective employers form a first impression based on your CV, so read on for some insider tips to make it really stand out.
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1. Maintain a well organised structure for your CV &nbsp;
Make sure your CV is easy to navigate by using distinct headings and bullet points. Remember, hiring managers often have to sift through stacks of CVs so help them find the information they need as quickly as possible.
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2. Start with a compelling summary
Your CV should begin with a compelling summary statement. This serves as your elevator pitch, your opportunity to grab their attention. Highlight your key achievements, skills, and what distinguishes you apart from others in the field.
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3. Personalise your CV for each job
Avoid a standardised format by customising your CV for each application, aligning your qualifications and experiences with the precise requirements of the role. This demonstrates thorough preparation and genuine interest in the position.
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4. Showcase achievements, not just duties
Don't just list your job responsibilities. Instead, focus on your accomplishments and the impact you've made in previous roles. Quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or any relevant metrics.
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5. Shine a light on your transferable skills
In addition to job-specific talents, put the spotlight on your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. These are highly valued by employers across various industries.
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6. Educational background and certifications
Detail your academic history and any relevant certifications. Highlight academic accomplishments, distinctions, or awards, particularly if you're a recent graduate.
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7. Be honest and accurate
Employers value integrity and credibility, so refrain from exaggerating your attainments or qualifications. While it may seem like a shortcut to securing your dream job, during the interview, you'll need to substantiate these claims. Let your distinctive experiences and accomplishments shine through in an honest manner, and you'll find the right fit for you.
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8. Keep it concise
Although you want to showcase your skills and experiences, strive for conciseness. Aim for a two-page CV, especially if it&rsquo;s early on in your career. However, this is a guideline; if you have an extensive career history, avoid using a small font to fit everything in. Hiring managers are often inundated with CVs, and they appreciate a clear, straightforward document. Achieve this, and you'll undoubtedly stand out.
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9. Use action verbs
To make your accomplishments stand out, begin bullet points with action verbs to convey impact and offer a clear illustration of your actions. Words like "achieved," "implemented," "led," or "increased" are impactful.
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10. Thorough proofreading
Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV multiple times&mdash;a polished CV demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. If possible, ask a friend or family member to review it as well. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might overlook.
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11. Include relevant keywords
Many organizations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. To increase the chances of your CV reaching the recruiter's desk, align your language with the job posting, incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. This demonstrates your alignment with the role and communicates your suitability to the hiring manager.
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12. Add a personal touch
Remember to inject some personality into your CV. While it remains a professional document, adding personal elements such as details about your hobbies or interests can help build rapport in interviews and connect with potential employers on a more human level.
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Always remember, your CV is a dynamic document, so update it regularly as you acquire new skills and experiences. The objective is to create a true representation of your professional journey. Armed with these top tips, you can confidently craft a standout CV as you pursue your perfect role. And should you ever need assistance, we're here to support you throughout your job search journey. Best of luck!
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Nailing your CV: Top tips from the pros

Congrats on cinching a new job offer! It's a thrilling step and means that your skills and expertise are in high demand. But wait, just as you've made the decision to jump ship, your current employer throws a counter-offer your way. While staying might seem tempting, it's crucial to size up the pros and cons before making the final call. As an established recruitment agency, we've got your back in navigating this tricky situation.
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Let&rsquo;s have a look at the upsides of accepting a counter-offer:
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1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Financial gain
Typically, a counter-offer means a bump in pay or added benefits. Your employer might offer a bigger pay cheque, bonuses, or other perks to retain you. This is especially tempting if you were initially eyeing up greener pastures for an increased salary.
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2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Comfort and familiarity
Staying put means avoiding the hassle of adjusting to a new workplace. You're already in the know&mdash;role, company culture, colleagues, and the workplace.
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3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No disruptions
Job changes can be a hassle. Accepting the counter-offer means skipping the quitting drama, transitioning, and forging new relationships.
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Ok, so we've checked out the perks of saying yes to that irresistible counter-offer, now let's talk about the downsides.
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1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trust and loyalty
Saying yes to the counter-offer might raise eyebrows about loyalty. Your employer might already doubt your commitment, affecting your career path.
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2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Temporary fix
Counter-offers often patch short-term issues, not the underlying reasons you wanted out&mdash;culture, work-life balance, or growth opportunities. No matter what your employer is offering you to stay, won&rsquo;t ultimately address these underlying issues.
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3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stifled career growth
Your new role probably promised career growth with fresh challenges. Staying could put the brakes on your professional evolution.
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4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Burned bridges
Bailing on an accepted job offer could torch your reputation with not only the potential employer, but the industry as a whole. Think long-term impact on your professional ties.
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While the counter-offer might look enticing initially, it's crucial to see beyond the immediate financial gain. Take time to think about your long-term career objectives and personal growth. Before making a choice, communicate openly with both employers about what matters most to you. Ultimately, your decision should align with your career aspirations, driving you toward your professional goals. You've got this!

The counter-offer dilemma: Stand firm or move forward?

So, you've got your eyes on a company, and you want to know if it's the right fit for you? In this blog post, we'll explore the art of researching a company with the aim of not only learning more about them, but also positioning yourself as an informed and engaged candidate when applying for a job. So, let's roll up our sleeves and uncover the most effective ways to research a company.
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1. Company website 🚀
Best place to start? The company's official website! Look for an "About Us" or "Our Story" section. It&rsquo;s where you&rsquo;ll find the company's mission, vision, and what makes them tick.
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2. Social media stalk 🕵️&zwj;♀️🕵️
Time to get social! Check out the company's social media profiles: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram &ndash; a lot of companies even have a TikTok account these days! Scroll through their posts, comments, and interactions. You'll get a feel for their culture and how they engage with their audience.
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3. Review roundup 🌐
Head to Glassdoor or Indeed for some behind-the-scenes scoop. They&rsquo;re both great tools for prospective candidates, where employees spill the tea about their work experiences, the company's leadership, and even salary insights.
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4. News nook 📰
News outlets are your friends. Google the company's name followed by "news" or "press releases." It&rsquo;s always a good idea to find out if their name has cropped up in any recent stories, from recent developments, awards, or major announcements &ndash; it's all there.
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5. Networking nirvana 👥
LinkedIn is not just for job hunting. Use it to connect with current or former employees by sending them a friendly message &ndash; people love to share their experiences. Think of it as your own personal company tour guide😏
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6. Culture code crack 🎨
Some companies proudly showcase their culture codes. Look for terms like "values," "culture," or "employee experience&rdquo; and you&rsquo;ll get a sense of their underlying ethos and what makes them tick.
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7. Community check 👥
See if the company supports community initiatives or charity events. It will give you a sense of what they're really about and whether their values match yours.
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8. Ask away&nbsp;🤔
If you've got an interview lined up, don't hesitate to ask questions about company culture and recent developments. It shows you've done your homework, are genuinely interested in the role and gives you the opportunity to figure out if the job is a good match and what they&rsquo;re all about.
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9. Gut check ✨
Lastly (and probably the most important!): trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right or align with your values, it might not be the one. Your gut feeling is like a built-in compass, so pay attention and go with what feels right.
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">And there you have it &ndash; your ultimate guide to becoming a company detective. Now go forth, gather your intel, and make an informed decision. Best of luck on your job-seeking adventure!<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">🍀

Unlocking the secrets: a job seeker's guide to company research

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                Operating from one of our three regional branches across England, our consultants are on hand to offer tailored support and local knowledge for all your recruitment needs.
                

<h2>Benefits</h2>So, the core values sound like a good fit for you – but what else is on offer?<ul><li>25 days holidays plus bank holidays</li><li>An additional ½ day on your birthday</li><li>Vouchers on your work anniversary to say thank you from us</li><li>Industry-leading bonus scheme</li><li>Private medical insurance (after qualifying period)</li><li>Cycle to work scheme</li><li>Annual company awards event</li></ul>What are you waiting for? We’d love to hear from you.*An additional 1/2 day holiday on your birthday

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As gap technical grows, so does our need for top talent.Happy employees stay in their job four times longer than unhappy employees on average – which makes sense, doesn’t it? We’re determined to build an engaged team, and that’s why we work so hard to build a working environment that’s a supportive, fun place to grow. And we know it works - in 2023 we received our 3-star accreditation by Best Companies to Work for, achieved through "outstanding" commitment to workplace engagement.We think that experience is great, but attitude is better. We’re always interested in talking to people who identify with our core values; innovative - Consultative, Accountable, Real and Ethical. Sound like you? Then check out our current vacancies. And if there’s nothing there that is a good match right now then please don’t hesitate to get in touch about future opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

&nbsp;We think that experience is great, but attitude is better. We’re always interested in talking to people who identify with our core values; innovative - Consultative, Accountable, Real and Ethical. Sound like you? Then check out our current vacancies. And if there’s nothing there that is a good match right now then please don’t hesitate to get in touch about future opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.&nbsp;Join the gap family!

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gap technical hubs Choose your region to find the contact details of your local gap technical branch or get in touch through our enquiry form below<h5> </h5>

Employers

Hello, and welcome to gap technical!How do we introduce you to all things gap technical without sounding like it’s all about us? It’s not - it’s about what we can do for you, but we understand why you might want to know a bit more about the kind of business we are when deciding if we’re the right fit for you.So if it’s a quick overview you’re looking for then we’ve made it easy – we’ve put it all in a video! Give us a minute or two and you’ll understand more about where it all began, and how we’ve expanded our team and specialisms to support your technical requirements.

This is our business mindset, constantly striving to redefine the standard of excellence in everything we do, always looking for opportunities for improvement across our core values.

The best interests of all of our people are at the heart of all we do; we’re not “yes” people, we want to offer our expertise, even if it means a difficult conversation.

We uphold a culture of responsibility, defining and agreeing expectations, and being held accountable against them.

We are not faceless; we’re people who work on a national basis across a range of sectors, all towards a common goal. Let’s have real conversations about needs and how we can help.

We offer peace of mind through ethical and compliant practices, for clients, candidates, and employees.

<h2>Talk to us about Driver CPC training</h2>We’re a fully qualified driving school able to support drivers through their initial and ongoing periodic training. You can find out more <a href="/employers-specialisms/cpc-training/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

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<h5>Vision</h5>To become the first-choice recruitment partner by developing a brand that our customers, candidates, and employees are proud to be associated with.We want to be people’s first choice in an industry where there’s a lot of choice – it’s how our growth ambitions will be achieved.

<h5>Mission</h5>Through real people providing real solutions, our customers and candidates experience a true recruitment partnership. As a national provider with local presence, we are proud to deliver ethical and flexible employment solutions, accredited training, and people development.Yes, we’ve got bigger over the years, but that doesn’t mean we’ve lost that ‘local’ feel – we respect and nurture every relationship.

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If this role is permanent, gap technical is operating as the employment agency. If this job is a temporary role, gap technical is operating as the employment business. gap technical is committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job. Whilst we endeavour to respond to all applications individually, due to high volumes, this is not always possible. Thank you for your interest in this role and we look forward to working with you in the future. By applying for the above position and providing your personal data to us you understand that your data will be processed in line with our <a href="/privacy-policies/">Privacy Policy</a>

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Let’s explain what our core values will mean to you

It’s right there in the job title, ‘Consultant’. We want to understand precisely what you’re looking for as you make your next career move; your expectations around a benefits package, preferred shifts and location, and the type of company culture that will be the right fit. Only by consulting with you can we find you that perfect match.

If we say we’ll do it, then we’ll do it. Got a query about a role or hiring company? If we don’t already know the answer we’ll find out and come straight back to you. Expecting feedback on your application or interview? We’ll agree a timeframe with you, and that’s exactly when you can expect to hear from us.

We want to get to know you so we can support you personally. We’re friendly (if we say so ourselves) and responsive, and that’s why we know we can build a real partnership with you. We get it, looking for a new job can be daunting. So, let’s have open and honest conversations at every stage of the process so we get it right first time.

We have lots of compliance processes in place to safeguard the welfare of our workers, but it’s more than that - we promise to always be totally transparent. You’ll know every detail of any placement on offer before you agree to it, and if it’s not for you there’ll be no pressure from us.

<h2>Talk to us about Driver CPC training</h2>We’re a fully qualified driving school able to support you through your initial and ongoing periodic training. You can find out more <a href="/job-seekers-specialisms/cpc-training/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

<h2>Want to know why people trust us to match them with their perfect role? It’s because we care.&nbsp;</h2>We’re ‘people’ people through and through, so you can be confident that you and your needs are the focus of your journey with us – it’s embedded in our core values.

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Choose a team that cares about what you needHire the people you need for temporary, interim and permanent roles in engineering, science, trades, quality and IT. Fill out the form to tell our team your requirements and we'll be in touch within 24 hours.

News and insights

2024 recruitment trends: what's in store for the year ahead

Elevate your interview skills: Google's Interview Warm-Up

Nailing your CV: Top tips from the pros

The counter-offer dilemma: Stand firm or move forward?

Unlocking the secrets: a job seeker's guide to company research