Budget Announcements

We Would like to see Realistic Plans to Boost Business for SME's

As with many businesses, at Circle Square we would like to see definable and realistic plans to boost business for SMEs. Vague and insubstantial promises of future tax breaks simply aren't enough. One Saturday newspaper journalist has suggested that SMEs could be made exempt from the burden of Employer National Insurance Contributions, on the proviso that this was made effective from 6th April 2013, or soon after this date. We also feel that offering 'stealth allowances' via slowly increasing levels of personal allowance really achieves little of tangible value. The majority of people will barely perceive the difference and the change is hardly likely to provide significant motivation or to encourage further economic growth, or indeed full recovery. And yet the scheme costs the government an awful lot of money. We'd surmise that for the average person, a cut in the 20pc VAT rate would be welcomed far more happily and see an instant effect in retail.

How Not to Conduct an Interview

Interviewing isn't just a necessary skill for job seekers, but for those doing the hiring too. One slip-up, by either person, can instantly raise doubts in the other one's mind and leave them looking elsewhere.

So if you don't wish to leave your interviewees saying "No thank you" to your job offer, here are six interviewer pitfalls you want to avoid.

Negativity

Don't bad-mouth the organisation, other members of staff or the nature of the job. And don't talk yourself down either. Why? Because negativity is like a disease. It tells your prospective new worker that this is not a happy place to work and that you do not like your job.

Asking Pointless Questions

Ask questions that are relevant to the role. Don't waste your interviewee's time asking obscure questions, just to see if they can come up with something good under pressure. You're likely to just irritate them and make them less likely to want to take the job.

Talking Too Much

Remember to give your interviewee plenty of opportunity to communicate. If you don't let them speak enough, how can you know if they are going to be a decent fit for the position?

Not Saying Enough

On the other hand, if you don't give them enough information about the role they're interviewing for and the organisation, then they can't honestly agree to dedicate themselves to it. If they ask you questions about why the previous person left the role, what day-to-day life is like within the organisation and your aims, give them honest and carefully considered answers. It's these answers that will help them determine whether they are right for the role, which means not wasting their time or your time in the long run.

Being Unprepared

You're busy, they're busy - we're all busy. But when people have spent countless hours getting ready for an interview and have taken time out and travelled in order to meet you, they need you to be just as professional and respectful. So it's not a good idea to keep them waiting in reception for over half an hour or invent the interview questions on the spot.

Illegal Practices

Asking interviewees if they are thinking of getting married and having children or saying you usually hire people of a certain age could lead to legal action against you. Before you interview any person, learn about the important aspects of employment legislation.

Written by Mark Dewdney of Circle Square Talent - 

Finance & Accountancy Recruitment London

Putting a Price on an MBA

If you're spending a large sum of money on an MBA, the question of your future earnings is probably a preoccupying one. After all, a typical MBA business programme today can cost more than 40,000, along with additional expenses of around 13,000. This will coincide with a loss of wages for the two-year duration and an interruption to your career whilst you further your academic achievements. So exactly how much is your MBA likely to improve your earnings and just how likely are you to receive a promotion after you graduate? 

Well, most business schools produce metrics which include these types of calculations in direct response to such common questions. They can provide a useful insight into previous graduates and their resulting earnings, particularly when compared to pre-MBA salaries. Other indices to look out for include those which define the length of time to find quality employment and to progress rapidly after the achievement of anMBA.

But these measures will never be perfect. Many are subjective, such as asking whether graduates feel as though they achieved their career objectives as a result of taking an MBA. Some schools will boost their metrics by focusing on subjective rather than objective analysis.

London Business School's Successful MBA programmes

The most successful of MBA programmes in the UK continues to be the London Business School  It's certainly not cheap, costing around 57,000 for a course lasting between 15-21 months. However, from its 2011 intake, 93pc of its graduates had accepted a job offer less than three months after completion, at a salary averaging c.  75k. Three years after their graduation, students of London Business School's MBA programme can expect to be earning around 155k per year.

Many experts do believe, however, that students shouldn't risk becoming 'blinded' by money and should think more broadly instead about their options, asking why certain schools perform more strongly and considering which of these would be a good fit.

Recruiters are Willing to Pay a Premium for MBA Graduates

This sentiment is echoed by the Director of Career Services at the London Business School, Fiona Sandford, who credits the school's success to the student body and diversity of the faculty, combined with a balanced curriculum. Certainly, recruiters are willing to pay a premium for MBA graduates who are comfortable working in multicultural teams and who understand the latest developments and advances in business research and thinking.

MBAs are not just for high salary growth as they can also be used to move sector or achieve greater autonomy or a better work-life balance. You should choose your MBA according to your ultimate goal.

Written by Andrew Pringle of Circle Square 

If you have a job vacancy that you would like our specialist recruitment teams to assist with:

M& Recruitment    Real Estate Recruitment    Capital Markets Recruitment    Private Equity & Venture Capital Recruitment  Accountancy & Finance Recruitment    Executive Search

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Finance or Accountancy Job    Real Estate Jobs    M&A Jobs    Private Equity Jobs    Capital Markets Jobs    

To contact one of our specialist consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: enquiries@circlesquare.co.uk

Is 4G Mobile Networking Already Obsolete?

Can You Make Your Job More Enjoyable?

Is your job getting you down? Don't worry, you're not alone. A massive sixty per cent of US citizens have said they would choose a different career if given the opportunity.

That speaks volumes about our happiness in the workplace. So if you've not just been experiencing the occasional bad day at work, but rather your job has been making you unhappy for a while, perhaps it's time for something new. But before you make any rash decisions, first stand back and look at the big picture.

Ask yourself:

• Is it this particular job that's making you unhappy or is it the industry that you're in as a whole?
• Do you like the company you're working for and what they stand for?

Also, before you rush to hand in your notice, consider another question. Can you make your job much more enjoyable by making just a few simple changes? You may not be able to change your boss, your colleagues or the tasks you're told to complete, but you can change some things.

Be More Organised Clutter causes chaos.

If you're disorganised it may be causing you huge anxiety without you even realizing it. Are you always spending your time trying to track down emails and find important documents? If you clear away the mess, you will clear away the stress.

Less Stress

Speaking of stress, try to find some time each day to relax. If you only loosen up at the end of the week then you will be spending a lot of your life feeling anxious, which is very damaging for your health. And it is a rotten way to spend your time. So try to find ways to remain calm at work.

Look After Your Body

It may seem an easy solution to grab a chocolate bar each day from the snack machine and a coffee from the canteen, but the more junk you put in your body, the worse you will feel in the long run. Try fuelling your body with healthy alternatives. You'll feel much more energetic and ready to take on the day.

Improve Work Relationships

You have to see your colleagues every day. So try your best to get along with the other members of the team. Be empathetic if someone is dealing with personal problems   we all have a private life outside of work. Also try to notice when people need you to give them space or, alternatively, lend an ear.

Written by Chima Kanu of Circle Square Talent -Finance & Accounting Recruitment   

The Proposed “Tech City” Should Secure London’s Status of Tech Hub for the Uk

The Greater London Assembly has announced its commitment to increasing London's contribution to the world of technology, continuing a tradition of innovation which has been long established through the history of the capital.

London is a Major Player in the Digital Revolution

Silicon Roundabout London’s Tech Hub

Some of the Major Players in Tech have Brought Their Business to East London

Now is the Time for an Accountancy Job as Salaries Rise

Accountancy & the Financial Sector Flourishing with Growing Job Opportunities

Accountants Salaries Have Risen Significantly in Recent Years

Accountancy is Proving a Sought After Skill in the Current Financial Climate

Accountancy Jobs Seeing Increased Security From Entry-Level to Senior Management

If you are looking for a Finance or Accountancy Job our dedicated career advice section or more information on our finance & accountancy recruitment.

If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Finance & Accountancy Job Profiles: CFO Job Description    Finance Manager Job Description    Project Accountant Job Description    Financial Accountant Job Description    Financial Controller Job Description    Management Accountant Job Description

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

To speak to one of our specialist Accountancy Recruitment specialists call 0207 492 0700 or email: jobs@circlesquare.co.uk

Will Mobile Payments Become the Way to Pay

Mobile payments have been a hot topic for the last couple of years and with consumers increasingly embracing technology, new ways to move money around are becoming the focus of attention. Innovations are coming from both banks and mobile providers. Barclays are offering customers the opportunity to make payments using their phones and O2 are launching their 'Wallet' feature which allows users not only to transfer money but also spend it in selected restaurants and shops.

Retailers are Bucking the Mobile Payment Trend

One of the major players in the mobile payment market is Payforit

Contactless Payment

With both Visa and Barclaycard moving forward with regard to contactless payment, the barrier to increased engagement with the technology seems to be retailers' failure to embrace the system.

NFC has failed to live up to expectations, although this time buy-in is missing from the other side of the equation. Apple's refusal to adopt the technology meant the potential market was diminished right from the start and consumer interest in it  waned.

SMS Payment Could be the Mobile Payment of the Future

With the options so varied and confusing to customers SMS could potentially offer a simple solution. As 86% of all mobile users are already using SMS messaging regularly, familiarity might be the key to dominating in the mobile payment market. If a secure connection can be made between phone numbers and bank accounts, payments could be made without the need for any bank details to be entered and the fact that mobile phone providers handle the billing offers an extra layer of security. 

There's no need for smartphones or bank accounts and although there are some concerns over the way in which revenue would be distributed, SMS payment could be the mobile payment method of the future.

 Written by Rachael Hoar of Circle Square Talent 

To contact one of our specialist recruitment consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: enquiries@circlesquare.co.uk

Competition for Accountancy & Finance Jobs Drives the Need for Personal Branding

Marketing Your Personal Brand

Personality Behind the Brand

Be Clear & Concise about Your Personal Brands Unique Selling Proposition (usp’s)

Market Research & Performance Benchmarking for Personal Growth

Analyse the Research Results to Build Your Brands Core Values

Your Brands Packaging or Appearance & First Impression

Another element of a good product is its packaging. This equates to the first visual impression a potential employer will have of you. It should make them feel confident in you and interested to find out more.

Finally, remember that if your true identity and personality is not at the heart of the brand you construct, this will show up in inconsistencies and under difficult questioning. So try not to over-claim because putting your true self in the best possible light is better than being all spin and no substance.

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square - Financial Recruitment London

If you are looking for a Finance or Accountancy Job our dedicated career advice section or more information on our finance & accountancy recruitment.

If you're not sure which career move would best suit your skills and experience take a look at our Finance & Accountancy Job Profiles: CFO Job Description    Finance Manager Job Description    Project Accountant Job Description    Financial Accountant Job Description    Financial Controller Job Description    Management Accountant Job Description

We have also tailored advice on finance & accounting qualifications and career options - ACCA Qualification  ACA Qualification  CIMA Qualification  CPA Qualification  CA Qualification

Career Options - ACA Careers   CIMA Careers    ACCA Careers     CA Careers    CPA Careers

Our Finance & Accountancy Salary Survey 2015 is now available.

To contact one of our specialist consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: enquiries@circlesquare.co.uk

How to Survive Redundancy

Despite the fact most of us can expect to be made redundant at some point in our career, it doesn't make it any easier when it's you in the firing line. These days there is no such thing as a job for life and many organisations are forced to downsize as the country remains in the grip of recession.

Use Your Redundancy to Find a Better Job or Change Career

While it's always a worrying time, it's worth reminding yourself that it's the job that is being made redundant, not you. Your skills and experience remain and many individuals use redundancy as a spring board to find a better job or change career.

Being Made Redundant Can Dent Your Self-Esteem

Knowing all this won't necessarily make it any easier. Being made redundant can put a huge dent in your self-esteem and leave you with the additional worry of how you will pay your mortgage and other living expenses.

The Right Mindset & a Job-Seeking Strategy

The good news is that the right mindset and a job-seeking strategy should bring you one step closer to getting your career back on track. Picking yourself up and moving on is never easy, but the sooner you do it the better.

Talk to Contacts

Don't be afraid to seek advice from colleagues and friends. There is nothing to feel ashamed of, as most people will have experienced redundancy themselves. More importantly, they may be able to suggest job opportunities or recommend you to their contacts.

Consider Re-training

If you've got a redundancy package, or have some savings, consider investing in re-training. You could learn new computer skills or train in something new. Think about what you really want to do and use the extra time to make that dream become a reality.

Rewrite Your CV

Now is the time to really hone that CV and make it stand out. Be honest about your redundancy and try to fill in the time in a positive way by volunteering and learning new skills. Targeted CVs are vital in the current climate, so ensure that yours is tailored for each position that you apply for. For further CV Writing Tips.

Sign Up with Recruitment Agencies

Cast your net wide by looking in the Jobcentre, signing up with agencies and searching the web. Take time to consider your options and don't rush into accepting the first job offer. For Interview Tips, Common Job Interview Questions or Career Advice.

Being made redundant needn't be the end of the world 

Many individuals find the experience can be a catalyst to help them land a better job, re-train in something new or even start their own business.

If you are facing redundancy, try to remain upbeat and remember it could be the start of an exciting new career.

Written by Adam Tachauer of Circle Square 

If you're looking for your next job opportunity?

M& Recruitment    Real Estate Recruitment    Capital Markets Recruitment    Private Equity & Venture Capital Recruitment  Accountancy & Finance Recruitment    Executive Search

Finance or Accountancy Job    Real Estate Jobs    M&A Jobs    Private Equity Jobs    Capital Markets Jobs    

To contact one of our specialist consultants call 0207 492 0700 or email: enquiries@circlesquare.co.uk 

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OUTPLACEMENT SUPPORT

If you have been made redundant and are looking for outplacement support, Circle Square now provides an outplacement

We are hired by companies who wish to provide an outplacement service to soften the blow of redundancy and also by executives