If, like us, you've been flip-flapping over whether you can face making pancakes for breakfast this morning, then you're in good company. But the frying pan-based struggle has sparked something of a debate in our office - and it's not about the merits of lemon juice vs maple syrup. A Latvian friend recently told me that when she was growing up, the first child in a family was referred to as "The First Pancake'. A little harsh, you might think, but probably true. The First Pancake is the one that makes you feel that you're learning as you go along. The one on which you practise and improve - a hotbed of trial and error. 

In many ways, your first interview after a career break, or a long stint with the same company, can feel quite similar. It's totally normal to feel a bit nervous. After all, it's a big step.

Congratulations - they loved your CV and they want to meet you!  But whilst this is a great sign, the job isn't in the bag yet.  If you want to do everything you can to make sure it's yours, then you'll need to invest some time in making the most of this chance.  Come along with us for a step-by-step guide to nailing that interview...

Belonging. It's the most natural human yearning, right? All of us want to find somewhere we can feel happy and comfortable and valued - somewhere where we fit in and are included. It's one of the most powerful behavioural drivers there is.

Wouldn’t it be nice to present a truly authentic C.V. to a prospective employer?

You know the reasons why you haven’t worked for a period and they make perfect sense, but it’s not really the done thing to shout about the times you haven’t worked. Being a seasoned HR professional, and having had multiple periods of elected time out of employment, I would assume that you haven’t chosen to twiddle your thumbs all day… But sadly many wouldn’t.

Ahead of World Menopause Day on Tuesday 18th October we get the lowdown on work vs. menopause from Jo Haggas, an HR Leader, experienced Line Manager and long standing flexible working advocate (she’s also fast becoming a menopause expert through personal perimenopause challenges)...

September - with it’s “back to school” mentality and the move from the highs of summer (though surely no one is going to miss that blisteringly hot weather!?) to the chillier, jumper wearing days of Autumn. However you feel about it, it’s all to often a period of change.

Our wonderfully wise friend, Lindsey at Start to Thrive, has written us a super article about how we tackle this tricky beast. Whether it’s starting a new job, looking to change roles or maybe shipping kids off to school for the first time and looking to step back into the workplace…

Last week, active job adverts hit the highest number of 2022 so far - 2.08 million jobs. There were 269,000 new jobs posted, the second highest figure recorded for 2022. The first was the week before at 309,000. (Data from REC)

Now, if you’re like many other companies and held off hiring during the summer holidays, getting the message out about your role and finding spot on candidates, is going to be like finding a matching pair for Every. Single. One. of your child’s socks - nigh on impossible. And frustratingly time consuming.