Is it true that reading a book can change your career? Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the workforce for a while, it’s important to remember that your career is one of the biggest parts of your life. It’s how you pay the bills, support yourself and your family, and fulfil your dreams.
But there are so many questions—where do I start? What should I do with my degree? How can I get ahead? How can I make more money? What should I do if I’m not happy at work? Should I switch careers?
On World Book Day, we’ve compiled a list of 5 books that focus on productivity and career success that we think will help answer some of these questions!
The book that started it all. This classic is a great primer on how to achieve success in life and work. It’s not just about the steps you need to take, but also about how you approach them: with an eye toward being helpful, respectful, and mindful.
This is a classic on how to get ahead professionally by being kind and thoughtful to people around you—not only at work but in your personal life as well. It has helped millions of people improve their relationships so they can reach their goals faster than ever before.
Tina Fey is a talented comedian and writer, but she’s also an inspirational woman who has made a successful career in a male-dominated industry. In her memoir, Bossypants, she shares her story and gives advice on how to keep going when things get tough.
We’re big Steven Bartlett fans in this office! The Dragon’s Den star delves into the expectations vs reality when it comes to life and work and how he’s not quite the “Happy Sexy Millionaire” he dreamt of when he was 18. A true success story.
Sheryl Sandberg calls out the ways that women are held back from success in their careers. She offers practical advice for how we can all lean in and take more chances in our lives and careers to achieve more success and happiness.
Have you read a book that changed your career or influenced you to make a change in your life? We’d love to know what you recommend. Comment on our latest social media post to let us know.
And make sure to follow us for regular updates on recruitment trends, tips and opportunities in the East Midlands and Staffordshire.
Source: goodreads.com
Visit our Jobs page to see our current vacancies or visit our About page to learn more about Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy.
The 17th of February 2023 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Starting in 1995, the yearly tradition encourages us to be kind to each other without needing a specific reason or event.
It doesn’t feel like a coincidence that this day falls in the same week as International Networking Week. Networking can lead to great opportunities and it only takes the random act of one kind stranger to completely change your career.
Even something as simple as a mention from a friend on social media, a business referral or a kind word from someone in your industry can give us the confidence to succeed.
But the first step is getting to those events and meeting the right people.
Our Recruitment Director, Hayley shares her top tips on networking and how to pluck up the courage to get involved.
1. Be brave. Walking into a room of strangers can be nerve-wracking! Sign up to the event and make that commitment.
2. Take a friend. If you’re nervous to go it alone, ask a friend or colleague if they’re interested in joining you. You might be surprised by their response.
3. Prep. Prepare what you will say when introducing yourself and your business. There’s nothing worse than feeling tongue-tied and under pressure.
4. Research the event. Read up on who the key speakers are, their subject areas and even the list of who’s attending.
5. Be yourself. Remember that you’re at the event for a reason (because you’re the best person for the job!)
And if networking isn’t your thing, here are a few ways you can show kindness in the office today.
This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2023 which celebrates the contribution of apprentices to businesses up and down the country. The theme for this year is ‘Skills for Life’ and recognises the quality of apprenticeships and how they have shaped the career of so many professionals.
In recent years, apprenticeships have become known for their comprehensive, 360 approach to education and work experience – rivalling a university qualification. National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to showcase apprentices and their stories to inspire others to consider an apprenticeship or a business to take on an apprentice.
Apprenticeships exist in all sectors and industries from finance, legal and tech to more hands-on roles in construction and manufacturing. At Twenty2, we have our own apprentice, Lucy, who works on our digital marketing and admin within the business. Next month, she completes her 18-month apprenticeship – something we are looking forward to celebrating as a team.
Our digital marketing apprentice, Lucy
Lucy says, “being both a uni graduate and an apprentice, the difference between the two qualifications is huge. With an apprenticeship, your study is centered around your job role and provides a solid, practical base for you to begin your career. An apprenticeship balances work with study and takes away the worry of not knowing whether you’ll find a job at the end of it.”
You might have received our newsletter where we challenged you to an anagram quiz. Scroll down to take part and see the answers.
Hint: All of the anagrams are sectors that Twenty2 specialise in. Good luck!
We’d love to hear how you did. Comment your score on our latest social media post.
Download the quiz by clicking the link below:
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As part of Gem Radio’s Mission Christmas, dbs volunteered to make their Castle Donington site a donation drop-off point. Being based in the offices, we couldn’t wait to get involved and support the cause.
We were also very happy to support a local small business, The Olive Branch – a toyshop located on the Castle Donington high street. The Olive Branch is a small but mighty, beautiful toyshop with a range of gifts for ages 0 to 6+. They also have a spacious room available to book for parties and occasions, located around the corner.
No child should have to wake up to nothing under the tree on Christmas morning. Gem’s Mission Christmas works tirelessly to deliver a special gift to those who need it most.
“Mission Christmas is here to help Santa reach children living in poverty. If you’re able to, please take a new and unwrapped gift to one of our drop-off points, donate cash or gifts online or sign up and get involved with some fundraising. We guarantee your support will mean that a child who’s at risk of waking up to nothing on Christmas Day will have something to open.
Cash for Kids Mission Christmas is in partnership with B&M Stores – big brands, big savings. Drop off your gifts when you’re in-store!“
There are still drop-off points open until the 19th of December if you wish to donate. Find your nearest drop-off point here.
From the recent mini-budget to the publication of data from the 4-day working week trial, we take a look at some of the latest recruitment trends and news affecting local business in our round-up below.
We are excited at the prospect of growth in the region with the announcement of 3 new investment zones and have been following data on hybrid working with interest. Check out the recommended articles below to see what we’ve been reading about this week.
We are always keen to hear from other local companies and are available to discuss the latest market trends and their impact on the recruitment market with you. For a free chat, please reach out to Laura or Hayley today.
Follow us on our socials to keep up to date with business and industry trends.
Our Recruitment Manager, Laura attended a great networking event recently for the Branston Business Club at Branston Golf and Country Club over a delicious Afternoon Tea. Getting together with local businesses and discussing current business trends alongside cake and a little bit of magic was a great combination.
It was great to chat with the team from MacMartin, Ginho Group and True MSP amongst others and we’re looking forward to the next event.
Earlier in September, Hayley, our Recruitment Director, attended the Derby’s Finest Networking Event hosted by Smith Partnership. It was an opportunity after the summer break to come together, reconnect and share.
Thank you to Smith Partnership for hosting a wonderful breakfast networking event. We enjoyed visiting your impressive offices and meeting with acquaintances old and new.
If you’re interested in learning more about networking groups in the East Midlands, below are links to more information about Derby’s Finest and the Branston Business Club.
We all have values that we live by day to day and they’re also the values that make us good employees, managers and colleagues. Identifying your values and being conscious of them when making decisions is crucial to ensure consistency and success in the workplace.
When looking for a job, knowing your values can be a great tool and can help you know whether the role is right for you. For example, if you value loyalty, choosing a job close to your family and friends might be important to you. If one of your values is creativity, choosing a job that has self-driven elements with the opportunity to present your ideas is key.
In a business, making sure that the team are aware of the company values and are consistently representing them is essential for the continuity of any service.
At Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy, our values are at the core of who we are and are a reminder of the foundation that Twenty2 was built upon.
We care about our clients, candidates and each other. We take time to build relationships and understand what’s important.
We are honest, dependable and reliable. We go the extra mile to help find our clients and candidates the right people or position for them.
We are approachable, friendly and welcoming. We strive to be trusted advisers for our clients and candidates.
We are passionate about doing recruitment differently. We are pro-active, relationship-led and provide a consultative approach.
Conducting a staff survey can be a great way to anonymously ask if your company is aligning with its values. If you’re yet to define your company values, a survey can be used to vote on them or discover new ideas. By defining your values, you quickly and easily give your audience a clear first impression of your organisation.
Try writing down your values and choose your top 4. Make a conscious effort to live by them today.
See the resources below to discover your values and learn about their importance in the workplace.
We held our first ever Instagram giveaway in August and it was a huge success. We were kindly gifted a Daily Planner from Loughborough-based stationer, Ohh Deer for the prize and saw over 200 entrants take part in the competition.
Congratulations to our winner, Jamie, who received the planner. We hope that it is useful and sets you on the path to success! 📖
A huge thank you from the team here at Twenty2 to everyone who entered the giveaway. 🌟
Balancing your time between work, life and family commitments can be tough. Planning your time can ensure you keep calm through the chaos.
Having a planner is a great tool to help you stay organised (or as Ohh Deer put it, “sort your life out”!). Ticking tasks off your to-do list is hugely satisfying and being able to have all your notes in one place can be useful when we need to remember something important. Whilst digital calendars have taken precedence in this technological age, I think we can all agree that there’s nothing quite like the tactility of a paperback book.
Giveaways are a great way for businesses to give back to their customers and for the prize, it was important to us that we were supporting a local Leicestershire business.
Keep an eye on our social media for future giveaways and for regular updates on our live vacancies. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
When you’re applying for jobs, planning your time is key. Balancing applications, interviews and time for yourself can sometimes feel impossible but setting out a solid plan will give you the confidence you need.
Now that we’re heading into the new academic year, it’s a great time to get organised and Ohh Deer has the perfect planner to make that happen!
All you have to do is head over to our Instagram page, like our giveaway post, follow us and tag your friends in the comments (every comment is a new entry!).
For an extra entry, share the post to your Instagram story (remember to tag us from a public account!).
Inside this classic black daily planner are several handy features to help optimise your organisation efficiently, with both the list-maker and note-taker in mind!
Each page is undated, taking off that pressure to complete an entry every day so you can just pick up where you left off. You can easily find your last log too, as each daily planner comes with a ribbon bookmark.
The giveaway will end on the 31st of August and we will be announcing the winner on the 1st of September. Get your entries in quick!
Visit Oh Deer’s online store to shop their amazing range of cards, stationary, crafts and gifts: https://ohhdeer.com/
Read our giveaway Ts & Cs below for more information.
1.4. The winner will be selected at random by Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy team from those who have liked, commented and shared on the post & followed the Instagram page.
2.1. The giveaway opens on Friday 8th August and closes Thursday 1st September.
2.2. Entrants can enter at any point between these dates.
2.4. The giveaway is open to UK Residents aged 18 and over (or those with permission from a parent or guardian).
3.1. The prize for winning the giveaway will be one Daily Planner from Ohh Deer.
3.2. The Prize is as stated and they cannot be sold or exchanged for cash, goods or services. Unless specifically agreed in writing by Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy, the Prize is not transferable and will be sent to the winner via post at the address provided by the entrant.
3.3. Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy do not accept liability for the damage or loss that occurs during transit.
4.1. You consent to your first name and photograph being disclosed on Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy digital channels or other media if you win any Prizes under the giveaway.
4.2. Any personal data relating to participants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation. By entering the Giveaway, you agree that Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy may contact you in relation to the Giveaway.
4.3. Giveaway winners will be contacted by Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy. You must provide accurate contact details on notification.
4.4. Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy reserves the right to use the photograph and name of the winner for publicity and in advertising, marketing or promotional material without additional compensation or prior notice to the winners. In entering the Giveaway, all participants consent to such use of their photograph and name.
5.1. The Giveaway will be run and Prizes will be awarded at Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy’s sole discretion.
5.2. We reserve the right to change the Giveaway rules and these Terms and Conditions from time to time. If we do so, we will always have the most up-to-date terms and conditions on the Website and in the case of a discrepancy between these terms and conditions and those on the Website, the Website terms and conditions will apply. Your continued use of the website will constitute your acceptance of the new rules and/or Terms and Conditions.
5.3 All intellectual property rights in the images and materials on the Website, and used in the services provided by Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy and no person may make any use of them without Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy’s express permission.
6.1. Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy and its associated companies and agents and distributors exclude responsibility and all liabilities, whether direct or indirect, arising from:
6.1.1. any postponement or cancellation of the Giveaway;
6.1.2. any changes to, supply of or use of the Prize; and
6.1.3. any act or default of any supplier, which are beyond Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy’s reasonable control.
6.2. Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy does not accept responsibility for any liability arising from technical incompatibility, problems relating to the internet, or technical difficulties of any kind.
6.3. Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy shall not be liable, whether in tort, contract, misrepresentation or otherwise for loss of profits, loss of anticipated savings, loss of goods, loss of use, loss or corruption of data or information, or any special, indirect, consequential or pure economic loss, costs, damages, charges or expenses.
6.4. You agree to indemnify Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy against all liabilities, claims and expenses that may arise from any breach of your agreement with Twenty2 Recruitment & Consultancy.
7.1. The Giveaway and these Terms and Conditions are governed by English Law. England & Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim that arises out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions.
