How to handle the Second Stage Interview

Second stage interviews are becoming a popular part of the hiring process, and job seekers need to be aware of what they are, why they are necessary and how to manage them effectively. Here’s how!

Why a second interview? Typically, a first interview is to assess your experience, skills and personalities against the vacancy. The second stage interview may also cover some of these aspects, but really it’s to see what makes you stand out from the other candidates.

Second stage interviews are slightly different from first stage interviews in format. It’s likely you’ll be asked more about your salary expectations and offered a tour around the working environment.

Job seekers must ensure they are well prepared for a second stage interview, just as if it’s the first interview. It’s best to research the organisation again ahead of your second stage interview, as well as prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview.

Second stage interviews are a good sign for job seekers – but it’s vital you still ensure you’re fully prepared to impress your potential new employer!

For more information about our current vacancies, or to find how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.

Tips for staying fit and healthy behind the wheel

Driving for a living is a hugely rewarding career, but it’s vital that drivers make sure they take care of themselves in this sometimes fast paced and pressured environment. Read our top tips below for staying fit and healthy on the road.

Eat well and often. With all those service stops, the opportunity for fast food is everywhere – not good for long distance driving! Eat a meal heavy in fibre and protein before you hit the road, and take plenty of healthy snacks with you to enjoy on your journey. Snacking in the right way has huge benefits, and will keep drivers well nourished, full of energy and in good spirits.

Think exercise. It’s so important that drivers find the time for exercising before driving and in breaks to the journey. Even a small amount of exercise will keep drivers in top shape and give a big boost to energy levels.

Keep it social. Driving for a living can sometimes be lonely, so keeping contact safely with friends and family via social media channels or by phone can ease the loneliness and keep up morale. Even using audio books or the radio to fill the silence can make all the difference.

Rest when you need to. Although those who drive for a living are well experienced in the art of driving, it is so important that drivers take a rest from the road regularly.

For more information about our latest driving jobs, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.

Products to revolutionise your warehouse

Warehouses are busy places and quite simply there are products that your warehouse cannot do without. Make sure your warehouse is efficient by investing in some of these must have items.

Pallet Rack – What warehouse could do without one? Pallet racks maximise the vertical space of your warehouse, and makes storing your products more efficient than ever before. Also, with fewer items on the floor, your warehouse will not only be organised more efficiently, but it will be safer.

Wire Containers. There are countless benefits to using wire containers. Not only are they durable and stackable, offering a space saving solution, they also give you the advantage of being able to identify your products quickly.

Steel Shelving. An all purpose solution to any warehouse, steel shelving is a space saving must have for storage. They are strong and offer an efficient way to view your products quickly. They can be used in conjunction with other storage solutions or alone, and are usually easy to install.

Steel containers. Do you specialise in heavy duty items? Steel containers provide the safety your workers need against heavy items, are stackable and can stand the test of time when storing heavy duty items.

For more information about our latest warehouse jobs, or to find out how we can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com

Keep your Forklift working this winter

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, almost. Although perhaps not for forklifts – to avoid any sticky situations in your warehouse, take a look at our top tips on keeping your forklift working this winter.

Start at the heart. The cold weather can cause a drain on your forklift batteries, so make sure they’re regularly checked. Hydraulics can seize in the cold weather too, so make sure they are well lubricated at all times! Always remember to test the antifreeze levels too.

Is your forklift safe? Winter can cause slippery surfaces – make sure your tyres are well cared for and kept at the right pressure. The tread should be checked regularly to make sure you’ve got great grip! Additionally, fully functioning lights in darker days are vital to ensure everyone is kept safe – check them regularly.

Get everyone on board. Your team may need a few helpful reminders about operating a forklift in winter – Make sure everyone is aware of how to efficiently safety check their equipment and key safety measure to ensure there aren’t any accidents.

For more information about our latest vacancies, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your warehouse, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.

What are the top skills employers are looking for?

When you’re job searching, it’s vital you demonstrate your skill sets, and how they match with the needs of your potential new employer. Whilst this can be varied, there are certain core skillsets every employer is seeking – here’s the skill sets you should be promoting and focussing on when job searching.

Leadership. You might not think that leadership skills are relevant to you if your role doesn’t include line management, but this isn’t the case. Leadership on projects and problem solving, demonstrating the ability to lead where required, is a must.

Problem Solving. Identifying problems is fine, but you need to demonstrate the skills to be able to solve problems and come up with solutions.

Personal skills. You need to be an effective communicator, able to build working relationships with colleagues and customers as required. Good communication is a must!

Motivation. Of course people are motivated to work according to salary, but employers want to see you’re motivated by other factors too, such as career progression and personal development.

For more information about our latest vacancies, or to find out how we can support your organisation, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.