The Top Skills to Get You Noticed

1. Highlight your experience not your age 

We’re not saying that you should lie or hide your age, always be transparent with employers, but it can look better to present your CV starting with your skills, rather than listing your roles in chronological order.  Highlighting your skills is a great way to get them noticed and encourages potential employers to focus on them. 

Perhaps you have experience of particular software systems or processes or are a skilled driver or machine operator.  This can help you stand out against less experienced candidates. 

Likewise, if you have supervisory or management experience – even if it may not be relevant for the job you are applying for, it signals to employers that you are a safe pair or hands.  

2.  Think about how much you want to work 

If you want to return to some form of work but are unsure if you want to commit to a full-time role, a temporary or part-time contract could be right for you.  Part-time work will allow you balance work alongside any other commitments, whilst a temporary contract puts you in charge of how often you wish to work and when. 

It can help to seek out a reputable employment agency to get you started.  The Best Connection has a network of 85 branches, giving you access to experts in your local area who can find the right job for you. 

3.  Get Online 

You may need to brush up on your digital skills to stay informed of the latest jobs vacancies, as many companies recruit their workers via their website or social media.  

Make sure you have a current email and mobile phone number on your CV, and if you are on social media it is a good idea to start following local businesses or recruitment agencies to hear their latest news.   

If you feel you may need to update your core functional skills, don’t worry – there is plenty of support available! Why not look at ways in which you can refine your English, Maths and IT skills by visiting  https://www.gov.uk/improve-english-maths-it-skills? 

Registering online with an agency can help give you a central point of contact for local vacancies – The Best Connection has an online registration process to get you started. Fill out the form below to register your interest!

4. Brush up on your interview technique 

If it’s been a while since your last interview, it’s worth getting a little practice in.  Do you have a friend or family member who can help run through some questions with you?  Remember, many companies start proceedings with a telephone interview these days so try and make sure you have prepared a few questions in advance. 

The National Careers’ Service is a great place to find guidance on how to approach your job interview, click here to read their advice.

5.  Think about the benefits 

As well as the obvious financial benefit returning to work will provide, there are additional upsides. Retirement can sometimes be lonely, so you might find that going back to work allows you to socialise and meet people again.  It will also help keep you active and vary your routine which can be very beneficial to your health. 

Added to this, there is the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people – it really is a win-win! 

We hope you have found these tips useful.  If you have any of your own, please do share them with us – we would love to hear from you! 

The Best Connection is one of the UK’s leading providers of temporary workforce solutions. For over three decades we have proudly served and supported our clients and candidates across multiple industry sectors, delivering our best-in-class customer service.   To find out more how we can help you find your next role click here.