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Things not to do at interview
As more employers welcome the return of face-to-face interviews, we may have forgotten the basics of good interviews. So, if you’re just setting out on your career journey and or just don’t want to create the wrong impression, take note of the following! Some people are naturally better at interviews than others, but we can all improve our interview skills with practice. Here are some of our top things to avoid during your next face-to-face interview. Arriving late Being late to your interview is one of the best ways to make an awful first impression. To avoid this massive mistake, make sure you know where you’re going and that you allow plenty of time for travel. Arrive at your interview 10 minutes early if you can. Bad hygiene Good grooming tells your interviewer that you pay attention to detail and that you know how to take care of yourself. If you do turn up to your interview without taking the time to look after your basic hygiene or with less than pristine clothes, it sends the wrong message to your potential employer. Swearing Some people never swear and some swear without giving it a second thought. Whichever is more you, it’s not appropriate to use unprofessional language in interview – even if your interviewer does! Not bringing a CV/Portfolio Take a copy of your CV or portfolio with you to make a good impression during your interview. A copy of your updated CV/portfolio on hand, even if your interviewer doesn’t need it, shows you’re organised and prepared for the job at hand. Checking your phone It doesn’t take a genius to know why answering your phone during an interview is a stupid decision. Equally, looking at your phone during any part of your interview shows a lack of professionalism. Even if it is just a nervous habit, keep your hands and eyes off of it and make sure you have it turned off. None of the above tips are rocket science but you’d be surprised how many people forget the basics. If you’re in the job market, with a particular focus on jobs in the Environment, Energy, Sustainability, Health, Safety & Wellbeing then take a look at www.allen-york.com/job-search to start your job hunt. If you find something suited to your skills and experience, our recruiters will guide you through the interview process and give you as much help and advice to help you succeed as possible. Best of luck with your job hunting and interviews!
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Resourcing Responsible Business
We all know the world has changed. Both in ways we know but also in ways we’re not yet aware of. One area that seems certain to have passed its watershed moment is corporate governance. What have previously been Environment Compliance, Sustainability and CSR based centred conversations, have taken on a much wider narrative. Driven by multiple initiatives - and consumer pressure - the business landscape (and indeed the vernacular) is even more dynamic, complex and confusing around what is perhaps most succinctly described as ‘Responsible Business’. What is Responsible Business? If your business benefits society and addresses the negative impacts it might have on society, people and the planet, then it’s a responsible business. Leaders of these organisations make more responsible decisions and ensure that considerations of social and environmental impact are balanced with considerations around financial reward. Who’s Responsible for Business? Chief amongst the drivers, the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) require the financial sector to consider Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues when making investment decisions. They must be active owners of, and measure and report, their ESG metrics within the organisations in which they are invested. Established in 2006 the UN PRI now has over 4,000 signatories across the Financial sector and this uptake has increased awareness for the need for ESG management across business sectors wherever there is engagement with the financial sector. It’s also given rise to a huge increase in the creation of ESG, Responsible Business and Sustainability orientated roles. The Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate related Financial disclosure (TCFD) further add weight to corporate reporting, measurement and governance around financial impacts with a specific focus on climate related risks and opportunity. Responsible People in Business? Alongside greater consumer demand for responsible business – we all know that consumers are crying out for ethical brands - and government plans to “build back greener”, there has never been a more dynamic period for careers in the sector. A new generation of employee wants to work with purpose for a business that is purposeful. Strong brands attract great people (as well as clients and investors). Appealing to more socially conscious candidates will ensure you not only attract but retain great talent. Equally, this could improve diversity across your organisation and ultimately improve profitability. However, this could cause some problems in terms of skills gaps in recruitment and a more competitive playing field in terms of candidate attraction. In fact, demand for experienced professionals currently outstrips supply across the board at an unprecedented level. Based on current activity at Allen & York, and our near 30 year engagement in the Green Economy (from Environmental Management through Sustainability, CSR to ESG and Responsible Business), enquiries and job orders have increased significantly since the emergence from the Covid enforced hiatus. From financial sector investment organisations, business, consultancies across technical, communications and marketing to specialist bodies in product stewardship and life cycle assessment, we’re seeing the need for experienced talent at an unprecedented high. Responsible Recruiting for Business This surge in activity bodes well for the future of Responsible Business but overcoming the recruiting challenge in a post Brexit world will take creative thinking, market intel and potentially sound partnerships with experienced recruiters in the field. With millennials (those born between c1980 - 2000) forecast make up 75 percent of the global workforce, there is inevitably going to be a rise in the war for talent. If your talent acquisition / recruitment team has a current need, or perhaps you’re talent mapping for the future, Allen & York can help. Whether you need insight into the market, an appraisal of current skillsets or you have a live vacancy to fill, we provide Sustainable Recruitment Solutions. We would be happy to discuss how to approach recruitment in the sector and provide you with candidates to meet your brief, feel free to get in touch to find out more. Lester Lockyer - Managing Director t: +44(0)1202 888986 | e: llockyer@allen-york.com | www.allen-york.com
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The Power of Sustainable Packaging
This week I ordered a mascara from a well known French make-up brand and eagerly awaited its arrival (with my three free tester items). As I opened a beautifully branded almost shoe box size package it hit me. The packaging was pretty ridiculous for the size of goods it delivered. It also had no markings on the box to say whether it was recyclable or not. This made me think. Why aren’t manufacturers ensuring the package not only fits the product but ensures it’s sustainable and recyclable at the same time? When China stopped the import of 24 kinds of solid waste from foreign countries (including plastics, paper products, and textiles) from January 2018, there was uncertainty around what the UK would do with our masses of waste. As our top destination for plastic waste questions around increased landfill and incineration were rife, but Michael Gove (the then environment secretary) made assurances that other countries like Vietnam, India and Turkey would take up the slack. And they did. But many south-east Asian countries have since introduced their own restrictions. Shipping the waste to other countries isn’t a long-term solution. We’re living in a climate emergency and people now worry more about the environment than ever. If we can’t re-use it, re-purpose-it or recycle-it, should we accept it as consumers? Manufacturers please take note. The average household in the UK already produces more than a tonne of waste every year. This is no small problem. Some brands are already working on solutions to make a difference. And they should as, according to the World Economic Forum, consumers are willing to pay more for manufactured goods and services from sustainable companies. Great news as sustainable packaging is good for a number of other reasons, here’s our top three: Sustainable packaging shows Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Being socially accountable with a robust CSR policy demonstrates an organisations commitment to enhancing the environment and society, not contributing to negatively to them. CSR is good for business for a number of reasons, from a brand - and employer brand - perspective, for consumer loyalty, for innovation (striving to do better) and cost savings (not least less packaging = less cost). Customer, retailer and employee expectations People expect brands to do their bit for the environment. – whether they’re buying from, distributing or working for them. Wrapping bananas in plastic seems like a complete waste of time, well, because it is. With the increase in online shopping, wrapping goods in plastic packaging is equally poor. Sadly it’s noticeable when brands are the exception. I was pleased when another recent order made from a Swedish fashion retailer came in a recyclable package (sadly notable by exception), a far cry from one of its UK competitors who are still using plastic packaging. Carbon footprint Developing more innovative ways of packaging products could mean a significant reduction in an organisation’s carbon footprint. Greenhouse gas emissions produced contribute to global warming and consumers’ care. Sustainable packaging can minimise the impact on the environment, protect goods from damage in transit and actually reduce materials used and their weight (in turn saving cost and reducing transport emissions). There are many options on the market and leaders in the sustainable packaging field and they’re the businesses we want to work with and buy from. Organisations who continue to see the potential profit and associated perks on offer through using sustainable packaging solutions are those who are going to develop a competitive edge. Being a positive influence on the environment, with a desire to be and do better, through innovation and action will help us all preserve the planet in our purchasing without costing the earth. Allen & York – delivering Sustainable Recruitment Solutions since 1993. www.allen-york.com
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Nature Nurtures Talent
For some time now, business has been increasingly aware of the impact of the environment on employees’ productivity and wellbeing. The effect of nature on wellbeing has been studied by such notable establishments as the American Psychological Association and Stanford University. One study found that people who work in an office who have a view of nature liked their jobs more, had better health and were more satisfied in their everyday lives. Bringing nature into the workplace can also combat work related stress and illness. Studies say that exposure to nature is good for wellbeing and has a positive impact on workplace behaviours like creativity, happiness, social behaviour and pro-environmental behaviour. It can also help with restoring our attention; one study showed a forty second view of green roof could restore attention to create better results in logic and reasoning tasks. The power of nature to restore the ability to pay attention, improve the mood and concentration and staff, reduce stress and blood pressure, can lead to improved productivity and a reduction in sick leave. Therefore, the beneficial effects of nature should be included in occupational health models and also into the design and build of new workplaces (so our smart buildings become even smarter). How can we kick-start the process of getting exposure to nature in our work life? Here’s a few tips: Encourage people to get out into nature - green spaces near the office, a garden or park near home, the beach or nearby river are perfect spots for breaks or lunch time respite. Bring nature indoors, plants in the office are a good start or if you have a garden or balcony, try to make the most of it by growing flowers or plants. Get a bird or squirrel feeder and take in the sights and sounds around you. Take a meeting outdoors (weather and safety permitting). Recycling, walking instead of driving, doing a beach clean could all make you feel good whilst doing good. Engaging with global challenges like sustainability and climate change, alongside supporting our exposure to nature in the workplace, would not only be beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing, but for the environment as well. We’d say that was a win on both counts, nature really does nurture the best talent. At Allen & York we’ve been delivering sustainable recruitment solutions since 1993 and continue to match purposeful talent with purpose-led organisations in order to grow the green economy and beyond. To find out more about us, or to give us a brief, contact: info@allen-york.com or call 01202 888986. www.allen-york.com & www.wellbeingjobs.com
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Building back better
If history has taught us anything, natural disasters can be a catalyst for change. Post-pandemic we have an opportunity. An opportunity that can only be converted with collective action. With a staggering 2.68million lives lost globally and in the UK the deepest economic recession since the last war and unemployment at over 5%, it may be difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel but light there is – if we’re willing to make the effort to find it. This window of opportunity for positive environmental change will come if society takes action. Action around sustainability, increasing biodiversity and reducing our impact on the environment to mitigate climate change. Action to gain traction 395 million new jobs could be created by 2030 if – and only if - businesses prioritise nature, according to the World Economic Forum. If we’re looking to meet the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals we’re going to need to start ramping up right now. There are three main areas they say can scale to make a massive difference: Food, land and oceans The food we grow and consume delivers c¢10tillion of global GDP and is employs almost 40% of the global workforce. If we can move to more “nature positive” solutions for food growth, there’s the potential to create 191 million new jobs and $3.6 trillion of additional revenue or cost savings by 2030. How? Diet diversification: Moving to a more plant based diet. Farming technology: Opportunities can come from precision-agriculture technologies. Retail: Reusing, refurbishing and recycling clothes. Fishing: Sustainable ecosystem management will help the maritime industry globally. Infrastructure and the built-environment Construction delivers c40% of global GDP - office buildings, homes and transport. Nature-positive solutions can create 117 million new jobs and $3 trillion in additional revenue or cost savings by 2030. How? Smart buildings: Retrofitting systems, switching to LEDs and substituting natural light, and developing green roofs. Smart sensors: Reducing municipal water leakage. Waste management: Investment in global waste management. Energy and extractives Energy production accounts for 16% of global employment. Demand is growing, so there is an opportunity to create 87 million jobs by 2030. How? Mining and resource extraction: New technologies and more mechanisation. Circular models in the automotive sector: Refurbishing and reusing automotive parts uses less energy than recycling. Renewables: Stimulus packages for solar and other renewables could generate millions of new jobs. Time for change Even before the pandemic, young people had already started to make their voices heard through the Friday school strikes. Maybe it’s time to start listening – and acting – to ensure the glimpses of a greener world during lockdown (like the plunge in carbon emissions and cut in fossil fuel use) becomes the norm and not a rare phenomenon. It’s time to seize the day. Use this opportunity to be greener, more sustainable and encourage a more inclusivity of opportunity. Investment in nature-based solutions will make a green recovery not only possible but also profitable with more jobs and opportunities for all. Allen & York – delivering sustainable recruitment solutions since 1993 www.allen-york.com Sources: https://www.weforum.org/press/2020/07/395-million-new-jobs-by-2030-if-businesses-prioritize-nature-says-world-economic-forum/ https://www.devex.com/news/opinion-drive-home-a-global-green-recovery-in-2021-no-excuses-98494
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Budget 2021: Green highlights
How can Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s budget help the green economy and impact jobs in the sustainability and environment sectors? Will it help generate green jobs and kickstart recruitment? Green Finance City of London the hub for high quality voluntary carbon offsets Aim to position the UK and the City of London as the “leading global market for high quality voluntary carbon offsets”. Environmental remit for the Bank of England The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England’s remit has been updated to reflect the “importance of environmental sustainability and the transition to net zero”. First sovereign green bond The government will issue its first sovereign “green bond” over the summer and later in 2021. New infrastructure bank The planned UK infrastructure bank, based in Leeds, will begin operating in an interim form “later in spring 2021”. Deploying £12bn of equity and debt capital and issuing up to £10bn of guarantees. Environmental taxes frozen The government will freeze the Aggregates Levy rate for 2021/22 and will maintain the freeze on Carbon Price Support rates at £18 per tonne of carbon dioxide in 2022/23. Green retail savings product A “green” retail savings product through National Savings and Investment will be launched in the summer of 2021. Giving UK savers the opportunity to “take part in the collective effort to tackle climate change. Some good news for green finance, encouraging investment and highlighting the UKs commitment to net zero. Jobs wise, this could be good news for those working in ESG or SRI roles or those wanting to shift their current financial roles into something more purpose-driven. Renewable Energy Offshore Wind £20m to fund a UK-wide competition to develop floating offshore wind demonstrators. This will meet the aim of generating enough electricity from offshore wind to power every home by 2030. Energy Storage £68m to fund a UK-wide competition to deliver first-of-a-kind long-duration energy storage prototypes. Designed to reduce the cost of net zero through storing excess low carbon energy over longer periods. Biomass £4m of funding for a biomass feedstocks programme in the UK. The money will be used to identify ways to increase the production of green energy crops and forest products that can be turned into energy. Investment in Renewable Energy should also see growth in jobs across the different sectors. Whether through design and development or infrastructure and engineering, moving from ‘dirty’ to clean energy sources should see both movement in the jobs market for transferable skills and new openings for the new technologies. Positive news for sustainability and energy recruitment, and the green agenda, but still a lot of work to be done if the 2050 net zero goals are to be met. If you're looking to hire or looking for your next green job, get in touch at: info@allen-york.com today. Sources: www.endsreport.com/article/1708940/budget-2021-key-environmental-measures-glance https://www.edie.net/news/11/Budget-2021--Sunak-announces-freeports-to-spur-low-carbon-investment/
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5 reasons to change your job in 2021
As spring is approaching you may be feeling like you need a change or new challenge at work but you’re just not sure if it’s the right time to be changing your job. If you’re struggling to make that decision, here are five good reasons to transform your career in 2021. Boredom The no.1 motivation killer. If the thought of going to work fills you with dread, it’s time to move. New projects, new people and new purpose could mean a newly motivated you. Work / Life Balance Struggling to stop thinking about work? Losing sleep over it? Time to put yourself first. Self care is important and you need a job and employer that understands your needs. Time for a change. You want / need more money It’s nothing to be embarrassed of. Situations change. You might want to buy a house, start a family or just deserve more money for the work you do. If you want to increase your income faster than waiting in your current role for an inflation type pay increase, it’s time to start looking for that new role. You need a challenge You’ve learnt your trade. You can do your job standing on your head. If your skills are now to honed to perfection in your current role, it might be time to make a change. Choose a new career that aligns with your aspirations for the future. Company culture Does everyone in your workplace behave with courtesy and have shared values? Does your boss check up your wellbeing and is genuinely interested in you and your career? If there are personality clashes, inconsiderate co-workers or a toxic atmosphere then a move should definitely be on the cards. If you’re thinking of moving jobs, have a look at our job search page: www.allen-york.com/jobs alternatively, we are working many other roles with purposeful companies looking for great people, contact us on 01202 888986 to see how we can find you a new challenge that meets your experience, skills and aspirations.
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Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) themes to look out for this year
A shining light on the horizon as we tentatively head out of lockdown is Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing which has seen growth in these unprecedented times. ESG funds have traditionally been seen in those companies deemed ‘quality’ like healthcare and technology. The ones with strong cashflows leading to greater profitability rather than the ‘dirtier’ sectors such as oil and airlines. Picking investments based on principles as well as profits seems to have paid off if you look at the sectors that have seen either a boom or bust in the pandemic. Investing in responsible companies, who typically have more sustainable business models, and who are more likely to be ready to adapt to long-term challenges (such as climate change) would seem to be the way forward. And that’s something we’re really excited about. Looking forward, where might we see the biggest growth in ESG for 2021? Cybersecurity A one-place of work policy went out of the window in 2020. We were all told to ‘Stay at home’ and that message continues (at least until June 2021). Working remotely – at home, in the spare room or the garden shed opens up risk of cyber-attacks when you’re off the company network. It wasn’t’ just working that went to the web – online sales increased 46%, socialising moved from coffee shops and the pub to Zoom, cash ceased to be king. With all of this extra online activity, the threat of criminal behaviour becomes ever more sophisticated. Investment in Cybersecurity is required to provide continued protection for all of us. Cloud Continuing on from the cybersecurity issue. If we’re all online more, where are we storing all the data that we’re producing? For many the cloud is this mystical space that people might not really understand but can see the value off. If individuals and organisations are producing more data, harnessing the cloud for data storage, access to apps and other software, then growth is almost certain. One prediction is that cloud usage is going to grow 17.5% annually to 2025. With the reduced energy consumption, waste and carbon emissions from cloud storage and a commitment to further energy efficiency (e.g. like Amazon powering their data centres by wind and solar energy) it’s another hot topic for ESG. Clean energy With the UK aiming to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, there should be a renewed focus on renewable energy like wind and solar and interest in newer technologies (e.g. hydrogen); as costs decline and public support increases. This shift already seems to be happening as there is more focus on being a Sustainable business and with consumers shifting their spending to more ethical and environmentally friendly organisations. You only have to look at the growth of B Corp companies to see this in action, edie report that these organisations grow 28 times faster than the national average. Electric Vehicles With the announcement that the UK will ban sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 in a bid to achieve zero emissions, there has been much interest in their electric vehicle (EV) alternatives. So much so, Elon Musk of Tesla, beat Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to become the world’s richest person for a short time in 2020. It’s not just the vehicles themselves that will see investment, the whole supply chain from robotics, artificial intelligence and energy storage to the infrastructure required to serve EV should see growth. Biotechs If we didn’t know it before the coronavirus pandemic, biotechs really will play a huge part in keeping the economy and the people in it moving. Alongside their work in providing vaccines for zoonotic diseases, they are also hugely innovative in the field of genetics and working on solving the world’s health problems. Hopefully more investment in biotechs will avoid another global pandemic any time soon. Why are we so excited about the growth of ESG investing? Well, we’ve been working in the field of environment and sustainability recruitment since 1993 so it’s our core market. More investment, as organisations try to resolve environmental challenges, means more jobs across the sector. It’s a ‘win win; for the environment and people looking to work in purpose-driven companies. And we’re here to match the two. www.allen-york.com Allen & York – providing Sustainable Recruitment Solutions since 1993. Source: https://www.whatinvestment.co.uk/five-esg-themes-for-2021-as-those-who-doubted-the-cause-take-interest-2619012/
