Top Global University Graduates no longer have to have a job lined up to acquire a visa to live in the UK.

The High Potential Individual Route is a suggested plan by the Government in an attempt to raise the UK’s level of innovation. The government is opting to make alterations to visa applications, specifically, educated individuals from globally renowned universities will no longer need a job lined up for them to gain access to a visa. This is because of the likely potential they will bring with them, as proven by their education.

They believe that this will vastly improve the country’s prospects and will help them fulfill their ‘UK Innovation Strategy’ in which they envision that the country will become a ‘global hub for innovation’ with this being planned to be completed by 2035.

This is a huge step for the country and will actively encourage people with a lot to offer to migrate to the UK.

The individual would not have to worry if they were wanting to change careers nor worrying about the possibility of losing a job. This new path allows them to be flexible with their working, giving them time to get the perfect job for them without the concern of not fulfilling the duties they would need to do with a regular visa.

Not only does this benefit the individual, it also benefits employers too since diversity in a workplace can promote innovative thinking that will allow for improvements and new opportunities for companies.

Access to overseas talent is seen as especially key in this new plan since the Government believes that it is critical to have diversity in order to encourage the ‘growth and competitiveness of high-growth businesses’ within the UK’s workforce, particularly with Brexit as it makes the country more appealing.

This plan will be a huge step forward for the country when it goes ahead. However, there are a few questions that need to be answered. For example:

• There is no set date for these visas being introduced.
• There is no specification on what would be considered a ‘top global university’.
• There are no terms and conditions further than this as to what transforms an individual into a High Potential Individual.

This is specifically what the plan states around this new visa scheme:

‘the UK government will introduce a new High Potential Individual route to make it as simple as possible for internationally mobile individuals who demonstrate high potential to come to the UK. Eligibility will be open to applicants who have graduated from a top global university. The UK government will explore the scope to expand eligibility to other characteristics of high potential. There will be no job offer requirement, giving individuals the flexibility to work, switch jobs or employers and make contributions to the UK economy. The route will also allow eligible individuals to extend their visa and settle in the UK, subject to meeting specific requirements’

For the full Government Plan follow this link:

UK innovation strategy (publishing.service.gov.uk)

It is hard to stay motivated when searching for a new job. It can feel like an endless string of rejections. Or worse, the forever unsatisfying reality that the companies yet to reply, simply will not give your application a response. However, it is important to try to stay focused and driven in your job searching process.

Here are some tips to keep on top of the process:

Create a Schedule

If you can create a layout for your day and stick to it you will feel more productive, even if you do not hear back from any jobs.

Firstly, make a checklist of everything that you want to achieve in your job search that day, this way you can keep on top of what you have done and still need to do.

Knowing that you have done your allocated time for job searching and checking off your achievements for the day will keep you motivated as you will know that you are one check closer to achieving your goals of the day.

Examples:

o Research the company you are interested in.

o Write a cover letter for ______ job application.

o Send out resumes to ______ companies.

Achievable Goals

Ensure that the schedule you have is realistic. If your schedule takes up all of your free time it is unachievable as it will be impossible to always be working on it.

If you aim to do more in a day than you are capable of then it is unachievable.

If you are unsure what is too much for you, take a day without planning and note down everything you get done in a set amount of time. This will act as a base for your schedule that you can tailor depending on how much time you have per day!

Research

In order to make the most out of your job searching process, make sure to research every company you are applying for and alter your applications to suit their desires.

Companies will be more interested in you if your CV and cover letter matches up with what they are looking for. Meaning you will be more successful and more likely to hear back from a company.

Researching will also make you feel better about your applications as they will feel more like accomplishments than anything you send off without giving it too much thought.

Sign up to Recruitment Companies

Using a company like The Graduate Project allows you to also get help tailored for you.

This will ease some of the pressure from you as you will be being helped to look for the best jobs with companies looking specifically for a candidate like you.

The company will also help you personally, helping to make sure you are making the most out of the time and consequently you will be less likely to lose motivation since you will also have somebody else rooting for you to succeed.

Free Time

Make sure to dedicate time for leisure. You are a human; you need a break.

Allowing yourself time to relax to do the things you love will prevent you from being overwhelmed and exhausted in the job searching process. You do not want to feel burnt out so free time is key.

Keeping your mind preoccupied will also be important to prevent demotivation as you will be able to switch off from the process completely and not have the mental struggle intertwine with your time away from it.

Reassure yourself

Looking for a job is hard and tedious. Remember this if you are not seeing immediate, positive outcomes.

Finding out you were not successful can seem like a big blow, but you just have to know that there is something else out there that is better suited for you.

Try your best to tell yourself you are doing a good job. This might sound hard but if you look at your checklist, you will see just how much you have done already!

When writing a cover letter, you may have a few concerns as to the best approach. Here are 9  easy steps to ensuring you get the most out of a Cover Letter.

Spelling and Grammar check

It might sound simple, but a poorly written cover letter could be the difference between you being hired and another person. So, the first step is to double check your spelling and grammar!

Most word processing programs will have a form of spell check to help you spot any of these errors so don’t be afraid to use it. However, it also doesn’t hurt to get another person to look over the letter for you too.

The employer is not going to want to struggle to understand what the letter is trying to say and consequently that will look poorly on you since this letter should reflect you as a person.

So, remember… Spell check thoroughly!

Layout

Similarly, to the spelling etc. a poorly laid out cover letter can be debilitating for your chances. 3 layout tips are:

1. The font should be easy to read, like Arial or Calibri.
2. The font size should be at a 12 to keep it not too big nor small. (If it is too hard to read because of size or font then the employer may not think it is worth their time before reading it.)
3. You should also break your text up into paragraphs, so it is not a block of text for the employer to read. When you are making a new point, you should make a paragraph break.

Research Company

This is key to making yourself stand out to the company.

It shows you are willing to do more than an average applicant, showing interest in the company before even being hired.

Sprinkling in details of how your skills would fit into their company shows a level of understanding that they would admire before getting to meet you.

Incorporate Job Description and Company Values

Similar to researching the company, researching exactly what is expected of you is also extremely important.

A trick for this is to see what specific skill sets or values the company is looking for in a potential employee and weaving these into your cover letter so they will be made instantly aware of your compatibility with the company.

An example of this would be:

Job Description:

We are looking for an individual who values honesty over all other qualities.

Cover Letter:

I am an individual who strives to ensure that people are always presented with the truth of a situation, even if it may not be what they want to hear. I would handle the situation in a respectable, sensitive way but I will ensure that they know the truth. An example of this is when I…

Personality

Your cover letter is your time to show off who you are as a person, more than just your education, work life, or experience.

A cover letter allows the employer to see how well you would fit into the company, so it is imperative to show who you are in this letter. Yes, it is good to link your values with theirs but don’t forget to show yourself!

Do you have a passion for helping people? For learning new things? Have any hobbies you love?

Put all this in! It shows that you are human and have a passion for something and therefore can bring something new to the workplace. A cover letter is all about getting to know you on a personal level, not just in terms of achievements!

Extension

Cover letters should not just be a copy of your CV but should further show your skills through descriptions and examples rather than just a brief statement. Utilise this letter in a way wherein you can truly show the company how you have excelled in your endeavours!

If you have written a skill on your CV, bring it up here but expand on it, explain how you acquired or developed these skills through past experiences.

How did you improve relations with your customers in your last job?

How many sales did you make?

What type of content did you write about?

Specific Examples

Tell informative anecdotes about your previous experience and/or education. State how you have overcome problems and obstacles to get the most out of your own experiences.

A tricky customer that you managed to cater for in the best possible way for the two of you? Write it here to show your quick problem-solving skills.

Started a new job with not much prior experience and managed to navigate it quickly? Write it here to show your ability to learn quickly and on the job.

Don’t focus on the negatives

If you do not meet all the requirements listed for the role, there is no need to emphasise that in this letter. If you do you are just telling the employer to have a negative view of you in their mind.

There is never a reason to bring this up yourself unless asked by the employer. They will be able to tell by your CV if you do not have the relevant experience etc so you will be wasting your time and the employer’s.

Instead, focus on the positives and how you fit the other requirements. Give them proof and a reason to hire you.

Confidence is key!

Now is your time to speak directly to the employer and tell them why you are the right person for this role.

If you believe in yourself, they will too! They won’t be interested in hiring you if you don’t believe they should. Emphasise the importance of your own skills and how it will help you with the advertised job.

Written by Kayleigh Berry

The odds are that you have an account on at least one of these social media platforms. However, are you taking full advantage of your social media presence?

With just over 3 quarters of the UK population signed up to a social media site, these platforms are one of the most accessible ways to get messages out to the public.

It therefore makes sense that businesses utilise this knowledge to spread the word about their own company and any new jobs they have going. Since around 70% of smaller businesses have an active social media presence, with this percentage only increasing with the size of the company, it is imperative that you are keeping up with these companies.

Since social media is so prevalent nowadays it makes sense that companies use these platforms to draw attention to their new roles. Therefore, it is key to keep up to date with your favourite companies as you never know when a new role will become available and so an instant notification when it does is essential in the competitive career climate.

This is mostly done through LinkedIn since, as stated on their website:

‘You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career.

A complete LinkedIn profile can help you connect with opportunities by showcasing your unique professional story through experience, skills, and education.’

It is therefore essential to be signed up to this platform as it completely revolves around careers. Whether you are following specific companies to hear directly from them about upcoming roles or if you follow recruitment companies who can offer a variety of jobs from an array of companies, LinkedIn offers fast, easy access to a new job.

Here at The Graduate Project, we ensure that we regularly update our LinkedIn, which you can follow from this link https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-graduate-project/

Being connected to pages like our one will mean you are notified as soon as a new job gets put on the account, from Kickstart Schemes to Full Time Positions. This is key for a Graduate looking for a job as you will have the benefit of being one of the first to apply to a job and will never miss out on the opportunity to apply for your dream job.

These platforms also mean less time spent relentlessly searching through job sites or having the stress of possibly missing out on jobs that would be well suited for you. Instead, getting a tailored social media experience based on your preferences, from companies you are interested in.

As well as LinkedIn, there are also Twitter, Instagram and Facebook which offer a solution for job searches. Whichever your preferred social media site, TGP has a presence. As with LinkedIn, sites like ours will regularly post new job positions as well as sharing any relevant news, updates and success stories that relate to our company!

You can easily use key terms to search these sites to look for exactly what you want. This allows you to skip through all of the jobs that do not apply to you. An example of this would be searching through hashtags like:

#JobsInLondon #KickstartScheme #RecruitmentJobs

With such easy access to countless jobs at your fingertips, it is clear just how beneficial using these social media platforms are to step up your career searching path.

So, be sure to keep connected in this digital age and closely follow the social media job advertising presence!

Feel free to follow us at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-graduate-project/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegraduateproj

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegraduateproject/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegraduateproject

Written by Kayleigh Berry 

IR35 is a word used to describe two sets of tax legislation that are designed to combat tax avoidance by workers and the firms hiring them, specifically targeting those who are supplying their services to clients via an intermediary, such as a limited company.

Such workers are called ‘deemed employees’ by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If caught by IR35, they have to pay income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). The financial impact of IR35 is significant. It can reduce the worker’s net income by up to 25%, costing the typical limited company contractor thousands of pounds in additional income tax and NICs.

Inside IR35 is HMRC’s term for individuals registered as limited companies that act like employees and are in violation of this regulation.

Companies that do not violate IR35 are known as “outside IR35” and won’t face any additional fees or penalties. Even if they’re a one-person business, these companies operate independently from their clients and choose when, where and how they work.

What has changed?

In April this year, new off-payroll working rules were introduced. Medium and large-sized private sector employers are now responsible for determining whether IR35 rules apply - as well as the liability for any underpaid tax. Previously it was the responsibility of the contractor to determine their employment status.

You may be affected by the rules if you are:

• a worker who provides their services through their intermediary
• a client who receives services from a worker through their intermediary
• an agency providing workers’ services through their intermediary.

HMRC can examine the contractor’s tax status at any time. When evaluating whether someone is inside or outside IR35, HMRC will consider the three following factors:

• Control. How much power does the business have over what, how, when and where the contractor completes the assignment? The more control, the more likely the contractor is inside IR35.
• Substitution. Can someone else complete the assignment or is it contractor and person-specific? You’re more likely to be inside IR35 if the latter applies.
• Mutuality of obligation. Is the business obligated to provide work? Must the contractor accept it? If the answer is yes, then you’re probably operating inside IR35.

What is the impact of IR35 on workers?

It is estimated that around 500,000 contractors will be impacted by the legislation. If an employer has determined that IR35 rules apply, Income Tax and employee National Insurance contributions must be deducted from your fees and paid to HMRC, but you won’t be awarded holiday pay or statutory leave. This can potentially reduce take-home pay by as much as 25%.

Being assessed as inside IR35 can have a serious financial impact on the contractor. HMRC can go back at least six years and evaluate all contracts within this time to see if the legislation applies. As a result, contractors could end up owing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

If you are a sole trader, you are not affected by IR35, as the legislation applies only to incorporated companies. However, the rules around designation of employment status – which are closely tied to IR35 – affect everyone who provides a service to a client including sole traders.

By Anirudh Nair

Mental health issues are prevalent in society today. However, despite the fact that many young/recent graduates are taking sick days for mental health, it is not a topic that receives enough exposure in the workplace.

There has also been a rise in mental health issues among students in recent years and these issues continue to persist upon entering the workplace. Exiting university and entering head-first into the workplace can be a daunting and stressful process and can create mental health and wellbeing issues. However, there are actions that employers and companies can take to help graduates with their mental health.

Graduate Mental Health at Work

75% of mental health issues arise before a person reaches the age of 24, with the vast majority of these being students. Students are more likely to apply to companies that have a positive outlook on mental health issues. Helping graduates with the transition from university to work reduces stress in the future and has a positive impact on the mental wellbeing that follows.

Some factors that can aggravate mental health issues include working overtime, feeling a lack of confidence, an unpleasant work environment and feeling pressure from colleagues or managers.

Employers should help graduates with their transition is to improve their graduate induction training to aid the process. Furthermore, employers can provide guidance and support in the forms of seminars, FAQ’s, blogs, that can provide some relief.

Mental Health Sick Days

Despite the fact that so many people suffer from mental health issues, 69% are not diagnosed and 49% will not take a mental sick day from work, according to a recent survey. The best practice for employers is to develop a culture that is accepting of mental health issues. Furthermore, employers should identify factors that can cause work stress and pinpoint ways in which these can be reduced, to lower the number of mental health sick days.

Addressing Mental Health at Work

The factors listed below are more likely to promote a better mental health and wellbeing for graduates in the workplace:

• A manger that is invested in their personal development
• Finding the work they are doing interesting and engaging
• Being included in social activities that is work-related
• Organisations that proactively promote wellbeing
• Being able to take breaks

Ideally, all graduates should have the confidence to discuss their mental health or workplace stress issues to their employer, but a recent survey revealed that only 51% of graduates say this is the case. To combat this, employers can:

• Offer benefits that can help reduce stress, such as financial support with relocation
• Organise work-related social activities
• Ensure graduates have a point of contact if their wellbeing is suffering
• Ensure senior members of staff are trained on mental health and show that they care. This behaviour will have a trickle-down effect through the organisation.

The Graduate Project have an array of positions available. Please get in touch with one of our specialist consultants on 0207 043 4629 or apply online via www.thegraduateproject.co.uk.

By Anirudh Nair

Millions of workers in all parts of the UK have received a pay increase from April 1st, as the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage uplift came into effect.

The rate includes a 2.2% increase in the National Living Wage to £8.91 - this is the equivalent of more than £345 extra per year for someone working full-time. Furthermore, more younger people will be eligible for the National Living Wage, as the age threshold will be lowered from 25 to 23 years.

This rise means someone working full time on the National Living Wage from April 2021 will be taking home a salary of £5,400 more annually than they were in 2010.

From April 1^st, those over the age of 23 are eligible for National Living Wage. This applies to those from school leaving age to 22. This uplift is especially beneficial for workers in sectors such as hospitality, retail and cleaning.

The increases from April 1^st are as follows:

• National Living Wage (23+) has increased 2.2%, from £8.72 to £8.91

• National Minimum Wage (21-22) has increased 2%, from £8.20 to £8.36

• National Minimum Wage (18-20) has increased 1.7% from £6.45 to £6.56

• National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 1.5% from £4.55 to £4.62

• Apprentice Rate has increased 3.6% from £4.15 to £4.30

The changes to the National Living Wage have been well received. It is an important change and young people are now more fairly rewarded for their work. Throughout the pandemic the government’s priority has always been to protect jobs and incomes. And, indeed, many low paid workers have supported the country through these challenging times.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We know that the past year has been very difficult for businesses and families across the country. This pay rise will help support employees as we steadily reopen the economy and get more people back to work.”

We have an array of positions on our website, so please do visit https://www.thegraduateproject.co.uk/jobs/search or get in touch with a specialist consultant on 0207 043 4629.

A career in medicine is rewarding, fulfilling and challenging in the best way possible. However, for some a career in medicine might become your calling slightly later in life than expected. If you’re considering a change of career but you are unsure where to start, this blog aims to provide you with the guidance you need to transition your career into medicine smoothly.

1. Give it plenty of thought

Switching career paths isn’t a decision that you should take lightly. Make sure you thoroughly consider all the options before making a decision.

It can be very beneficial to jot down the pros and cons of switching careers, as well as talking to friends and family about your decision to see what they think.

It may be a dream to make a big career change but going into medicine requires a significant commitment of time and resources. Make sure you have accurate information on which to base your decision. It is important to be as well informed as you can about the medical school application process, and how your prior academic record and work experience may affect you.

2. Understand what draws you to medicine

Begin by exploring what aspects of the field appeal to you and assessing how well informed you are about careers in the health sciences. In addition to thinking about the qualities needed in individuals to be successful, you should also consider the aspects of medicine that appeal to you.

When planning a career switch, it’s vital that you have an accurate impression of what the sector looks like and what it would be like to practice medicine on a daily basis.

It can be helpful to have conversations with those that are already in the field, to gain a better understanding of what the career is like. If you really want to go one step further, you can try interview and shadow some physicians or GPs in different specialities and settings.

The internet can be a great tool for you. Try and network on social media, which can not only help connect to professionals in medicine but also help you stay up to date with current trends in the industry.

3. Assess your experience and prior education

Assess your prior education and consider how this record could affect your new goal. Reflect on what work experience or skills you have that will be relevant or transferrable.

If you’re transitioning to a career in medicine from another role, you should have picked up valuable experience that you can bring to your new career. How can the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired be applied to the healthcare sector?

Many students wonder, “Is it too late for me to do this?” Applicant pools are becoming more diverse in many ways. Medical schools routinely admit students who have not come straight from college. Many are in their late 20's or 30’s. Some are in their 40’s and even 50's. Your real-world experience is important, and it likely has given you useful skills that will be transferrable to medicine. 

4. Enjoy the process

It’s no secret that the path that leads to a career in medicine isn’t a straightforward one. Medical school is challenging and requires grit and determination to succeed, but the rewards far outweigh the hard work required.

In the midst of all the exams, coursework and preparation, it is important to remember to enjoy the process and soak up the experience.

We have an array of positions on our website, so please do visit https://www.thegraduateproject.co.uk/jobs/search or get in touch with a specialist consultant on 0207 043 4629.

Since returning home from university, has your child’s lack of direction been holding him back? If you find yourself worrying about his career prospects and future, this blog is a must read.

The current job market is extremely competitive and cutthroat, and the inability to secure a permanent job can take a heavy toll. Below is a list of top tips to help graduates get their foot in the job market:

1. Gain work experience

The reality that many graduates are now facing is that a good degree is not enough on its own, and it doesn’t differentiate you from the hundreds of thousands of other applicants who meet the minimum academic requirements.

In the real world, greater emphasis is placed on how much value you can add in the workplace. Graduate employers are actively seeking out graduates who have varied work experience under their belt. If your son or daughter’s CV does not demonstrate what they are capable of in the workplace, they will struggle when it comes to finding a graduate job, and work experience such as shadowing, internships, volunteering and placements are highly recommended.

2. Tap into your network

If you have any professional contacts or if there is anyone in your network that can be of help, reach out them and see if there are any opportunities available. It is possible that they might have a graduate opening and if not, they could pass the message on to their network. The skill of networking is overlooked and the varying perspectives that you get can help your child get some direction in terms of their career.

3. Hire a graduate coach

Hiring a professional career coach who specialises in graduate careers will help your child to find direction and discover their career path. It is likely that your child hasn’t received any personalised career advice. A good graduate coach can:

• Work out the best career for them
• Help write a top-quality CV
• Work on personal and professional development
• Help identify employability skills

4. Encourage them to stay proactive

It takes some graduates months and other years to find a good graduate job that they enjoy. 

Encourage your son or daughter to keep themselves busy during their job search. For example, they can take online courses to boost their employability skills and pursuing a range of activities can help them find direction and more importantly, establish a balance.

If you are looking for your breakthrough graduate role, please visit www.thegraduateproject.co.uk or get in touch on 0207 043 4629 and one of our specialist consultants will be happy to help.