New year, new job scene. Or at least the saying goes, right? It seems that at the start of a every year there&rsquo;s always a shift in what&rsquo;s hot &ndash; and what&rsquo;s not, and 2024 is certainly no different. Sit back whilst we spill the tea on the latest trends to shake up our hiring habits.
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1. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The tech takeover continues
It&rsquo;s no surprise that technology like AI and machine learning is switching up the hiring process. Phrases that we definitely didn&rsquo;t expect to see on our 2024 bingo card just two years ago, are now stealing the spotlight, revolutionising tasks such as candidate matching, CV screening, and initial interviewing. It&rsquo;s through these innovations that we&rsquo;re seeing a real upgrade across the recruitment process, with improvements to productivity, reductions in bias, and the opportunity for recruiters to focus on what really matters to them and their business, such as relationship building and talent management. Ready or not, tech is the future - don&rsquo;t be afraid to incorporate it into your 2024 game plan.
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2. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don&rsquo;t shy away from the diversity dance
Equity, diversity, and inclusion &ndash; once buzzwords in the boardroom are now the real deal in successful organisations. When it comes to hiring, it's time for companies to make a big deal about their equality practices, implementing inclusive interviewing practices and diverse placements. But this shift isn&rsquo;t just about meeting societal expectations &ndash; it&rsquo;s a strategic effort to spark innovation and create a workplace that is vibrant and strong.
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3. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Skills over degrees
It appears there&rsquo;s a noticeable change in the air regarding employers&rsquo; approach to hiring, with more and more waking up to the fact that the dynamic and diverse workplaces of today demand more than just technical know-how and academic accolades. Of course, they're important, but there's a bigger, more nuanced picture. It's about honing in on the intangibles &ndash; those down-to-earth skills that make a workplace click. Think effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving; these are the traits that offer impact and value to a team. The shift isn't about tossing that pile of CVs aside (apologies to all the admin avoiders); it's about looking past the paper trail and focusing on the skills that truly spell success. Yep, we&rsquo;re officially in our &lsquo;soft skills&rsquo; era, where a candidate's ability to navigate the human side of work is just as crucial as their paper credentials.
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4. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Levelling up the candidate experience
This year, it&rsquo;s predicted that the candidate experience will become a key differentiator for employers, with today&rsquo;s job seekers expecting a seamless, personalised, and candidate-centric recruitment process. They&rsquo;re looking for employers who get what makes them tick, &nbsp;understands their &nbsp;values and career goals, and guides them through the job-hunting journey with the right info at the right time. Because let&rsquo;s face it, nobody needs a headache when job-hunting. The key is making the candidate feel like a VIP; organisations that pull this off will build a rep as a workplace that everyone wants to be part of.
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So, there you have it &ndash; the lowdown on what's shaking in the UK's job market this year. In a landscape driven by technology, diversity, and changing work dynamic, it&rsquo;s imperative that companies stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the evolving industry. By doing so, they&rsquo;ll undoubtedly set their organisations up for success in 2024.
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2024 recruitment trends: what's in store for the year ahead

Learning the skills needed to land a new job is often just as crucial as learning how to excel in your potential career. Whether it&rsquo;s mastering the art of networking, acing job applications, or crafting a killer CV, there&rsquo;s always something candidates can be doing to make sure they&rsquo;re completely prepared. But, perhaps almost everyone&rsquo;s achilles heel in pursuit of the perfect role is nailing the most nerve-wracking aspect of the job hunt itself: the dreaded interview.
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Navigating interviews, especially in a new field, can be tough and practice and preparation are crucial steps you can take to make sure you ace that interview. But what if you don&rsquo;t have anyone with whom you can practice common interview questions? Let us introduce to you, Google&rsquo;s Interview Warm-up. The tech giant has teamed up with job seekers to create a this nifty little tool, designed to help you practice responding to questions handpicked by industry pros.
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But how does it actually work?
Using clever machine learning, it transcribes your answers and provides insights on how to level up your responses. We know prepping for interviews always requires effort, but Google&rsquo;s aim is to make it a tad easier so candidates feel more self-assured and at ease while acing their interviews.
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With Interview Warmup, your answers are instantly written down so you can check what you said. As an added bonus, you get insights &ndash; tips from smart tech that can help you uncover details about your answers, like the job-related words you use regularly and your main talking points such as your experience, skills, and goals. And although it was designed with Google Career Certificates students in mind, it's open to everyone and includes general questions suitable for various fields. It even shows how much time you spend discussing each topic in your response. And the best part? Your answers aren't graded or judged, and you can practice as many times as you like. It's like your own private practice arena!
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Why not give Interview Warm - Up a shot ? It could just be the ticket to levelling up your interview prep.&nbsp;
Check it out here: <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><a class="fui-Link ___10kug0w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/" href="https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/">https://grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup/</a>
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Elevate your interview skills: Google's Interview Warm-Up

So, you've got your eyes on a company, and you want to know if it's the right fit for you? In this blog post, we'll explore the art of researching a company with the aim of not only learning more about them, but also positioning yourself as an informed and engaged candidate when applying for a job. So, let's roll up our sleeves and uncover the most effective ways to research a company.
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1. Company website 🚀
Best place to start? The company's official website! Look for an "About Us" or "Our Story" section. It&rsquo;s where you&rsquo;ll find the company's mission, vision, and what makes them tick.
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2. Social media stalk 🕵️&zwj;♀️🕵️
Time to get social! Check out the company's social media profiles: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram &ndash; a lot of companies even have a TikTok account these days! Scroll through their posts, comments, and interactions. You'll get a feel for their culture and how they engage with their audience.
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3. Review roundup 🌐
Head to Glassdoor or Indeed for some behind-the-scenes scoop. They&rsquo;re both great tools for prospective candidates, where employees spill the tea about their work experiences, the company's leadership, and even salary insights.
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4. News nook 📰
News outlets are your friends. Google the company's name followed by "news" or "press releases." It&rsquo;s always a good idea to find out if their name has cropped up in any recent stories, from recent developments, awards, or major announcements &ndash; it's all there.
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5. Networking nirvana 👥
LinkedIn is not just for job hunting. Use it to connect with current or former employees by sending them a friendly message &ndash; people love to share their experiences. Think of it as your own personal company tour guide😏
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6. Culture code crack 🎨
Some companies proudly showcase their culture codes. Look for terms like "values," "culture," or "employee experience&rdquo; and you&rsquo;ll get a sense of their underlying ethos and what makes them tick.
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7. Community check 👥
See if the company supports community initiatives or charity events. It will give you a sense of what they're really about and whether their values match yours.
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8. Ask away&nbsp;🤔
If you've got an interview lined up, don't hesitate to ask questions about company culture and recent developments. It shows you've done your homework, are genuinely interested in the role and gives you the opportunity to figure out if the job is a good match and what they&rsquo;re all about.
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9. Gut check ✨
Lastly (and probably the most important!): trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right or align with your values, it might not be the one. Your gut feeling is like a built-in compass, so pay attention and go with what feels right.
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">And there you have it &ndash; your ultimate guide to becoming a company detective. Now go forth, gather your intel, and make an informed decision. Best of luck on your job-seeking adventure!<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">🍀

Unlocking the secrets: a job seeker's guide to company research

Considering your career options in the healthcare sector? Perhaps you qualified many moons ago and fancy a change in pace, or maybe you&rsquo;re new to the field and you&rsquo;re just finding your feet &ndash; temporary placements have so much to offer regardless of where you are on the career ladder. They&rsquo;ve become increasingly popular, and below we'll explore the numerous benefits they offer. As an experienced healthcare recruitment agency, we've seen firsthand how temporary placements can positively impact your career. Let's dive into why you should consider this option.
Flexibility Ask anyone who&rsquo;s employed as a temp within the sector, and you can bet your bottom dollar that flexibility will feature high on their list of why they opted for temporary work over a permanent position. It often allows you to choose your working hours and locations, giving you the freedom to create a schedule that suits your needs. Whether you're looking for part-time or full-time work, or prefer day or night shifts, temporary placements really can work for you and your lifestyle.
Diverse experience Temporary work offers a unique opportunity to gain diverse experience across various settings. How else could you gain experience of working in different hospitals, clinics, or care facilities in such a short space of time? This exposure can really enhance your skillset, broaden your knowledge, and make you a more versatile healthcare practitioner. It's a fantastic way to explore different specialties and discover what truly suits you.
Networking opportunities Working temporary placements means meeting a wide range of healthcare professionals from different backgrounds and specialties - often invaluable for building a strong professional network. You'll have the chance to collaborate with doctors, nurses, therapists, and other professionals, making connections that may lead to future career opportunities or development.
Testing the waters Temporary placements can serve as a 'trial period' &ndash; not only for the company employing you, but for you as well. It's an opportunity to assess whether a particular workplace or specialty aligns with your career goals and interests. If you find that you enjoy working at a particular location or in a specific department, you can always explore more permanent options later on.
Skill enhancement Because temporary placements expose you to different healthcare settings and patient populations, you&rsquo;ll find that your skillset grows quite quickly. You'll adapt to new challenges, learn to work effectively under various conditions, and gain confidence in your abilities. This continuous learning can significantly boost your professional development, and open up career opportunities you might not have considered previously.
If you're interested in pursuing a career that empowers you to explore, learn, and grow while maintaining control over your schedule, a temporary placement could be right up your street. Remember that working with a reputable healthcare recruitment agency can help you find the best opportunities tailored to your preferences and goals. If you need any support whilst looking for your next role (temporary or otherwise &ndash; we have an array of opportunities available!) then give us a call today - one of our experienced healthcare consultants would be more than happy to help find the perfect placement for you.
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The advantages of temporary placements across the healthcare sector

Are you a healthcare worker who&rsquo;s having some time out from the profession? Maybe you took a break to explore other opportunities, raise a family, or simply needed some time away. Whatever the reason, you might be wondering if it's time to make a return. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why you might consider making a comeback and how to make the return as straightforward as possible.
A growing need: With demand for healthcare professionals reaching record high in 2022 &ndash; the NHS actually had a 10% deficit in its planned workforce at one point &ndash; skilled and experienced healthcare workers are needed now more than ever. Not only did the pandemic highlight the essential role healthcare workers play in our society, but it served to exacerbate existing workforce challenges and both the NHS and private healthcare providers are actively recruiting to address the increasing demand for healthcare services.
Job security: Healthcare offers a level of job security that is hard to match in other industries. The demand for healthcare services remains steady, even during economic downturns. With an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs, which were only worsened during the pandemic, there&rsquo;s no question that healthcare professionals are in high demand, which ultimately means greater job stability.
Career advancement: Returning to a role in healthcare can open up new opportunities for career advancement. Whether you're a nurse, therapist, healthcare assistant or other care professional, the sector offers a wide range of specialisations and roles. You could even explore different areas and advance your career in ways that align with your interests and aspirations.
Fulfilment and purpose: Many healthcare professionals find immense satisfaction in their work. The feeling of making a positive impact on patients' lives and contributing to the well-being of your community can be incredibly rewarding. If you&rsquo;re feeling somewhat unfulfilled in your current role, a return to healthcare could reignite that sense of purpose and passion for your career.
Flexible options: The great thing about the healthcare sector is the variety of work arrangements it offers, so you can tailor your work to your current lifestyle. You can choose full-time or part-time positions, flexible hours, or even opt for temporary assignments, allowing you to strike a balance between your career and personal life.
Here are some steps to consider when returning:
Update your skills: If you've been away from the field for some time, consider taking refresher courses or attending workshops to update your skills and knowledge.
Networking: Reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and healthcare networks to stay informed about job opportunities and industry developments.
Review your CV: Tailor your CV to highlight your previous healthcare experience and transferrable skills gained during your time away.
Interview preparation: Prepare for interviews by researching current healthcare trends and practicing common interview questions.
Seek support: Reach out to healthcare recruitment agencies or job placement services for assistance in finding the right job opportunities &ndash; here at gap healthcare, we&rsquo;ve got both temporary and permanent placements on offer.
Returning to healthcare can be an incredibly fulfilling and worthwhile decision. Your skills and expertise are invaluable, with both the NHS and private sectors eager to welcome back experienced professionals. So, if you&rsquo;re ready why not take the leap, rediscover the reasons why you trained in the first place, find a sense of purpose and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Your comeback could actually be the next chapter of an exciting career.
If you need any support whilst making your decision, one of experienced consultants would be more than happy to help &ndash; get in touch today.

Rediscovering your passion: Returning to the UK healthcare sector

So, you've taken the first step towards your dream healthcare job &ndash; securing the interview. Whether you've got years of experience under your belt or you&rsquo;ve recently qualified, there are no two ways about it &ndash; interviews can be nerve-wracking. But with the right preparation, you can confidently step into that interview room and make a lasting impression. In this blog, we'll discuss some valuable tips to help you prepare.
Research the company / setting: Before the interview, take some time to research the company, understanding their culture and values, the services they provide and any specialities they focus on. Not only will this show the interviewers that you're genuinely interested in the organisation, but it&rsquo;s a great way to help you feel confident as you head into that first meeting.
Review your CV: Read over your CV before the interview and be ready to discuss how your education, work experience and skillset fit the requirements of the job role. Taking the time to recap will mean you&rsquo;ll be more than prepared for any questions relating to your previous roles or qualifications that you&rsquo;ve included in your application.
Practice behavioural questions: The best way to demonstrate your skills is to share specific examples of your skills in action&ndash; so spend some time before the interview identifying your most appropriate experience to back up your answers, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
Stay updated on industry trends: Healthcare is always evolving. Keep yourself informed on the latest industry trends, advancements, and healthcare news to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning. You&rsquo;ll impress the interviewers with your passion for the industry and it could even help you stand out from the competition.
Ask questions: Remember, interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the organisation, its working culture, and any opportunities for training and progression. This demonstrates your genuine enthusiasm and helps you assess whether the job is the right fit for you &ndash; win-win!
An interview may seem daunting, but with proper preparation you can increase your chances of success. Remember that the interview is your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the healthcare industry, but also for you to establish if it&rsquo;s the right opportunity for you. Best of luck!
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Nailing the interview: tips for healthcare candidates

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<h2>Benefits</h2>So, the core values sound like a good fit for you – but what else is on offer?<ul><li>25 days holidays plus bank holidays</li><li>An additional ½ day on your birthday</li><li>Vouchers on your work anniversary to say thank you from us</li><li>Industry-leading bonus scheme</li><li>Private medical insurance (after qualifying period)</li><li>Cycle to work scheme</li><li>Annual company awards event</li></ul>What are you waiting for? We’d love to hear from you.*An additional 1/2 day holiday on your birthday

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‘As our business grows, so does our need for great people to join us’It’s hardly surprising that happy employees stay in their job an average four times longer than their unhappy counterparts. It’s one of the reasons we work hard to create a fun, supportive workplace where our employees can thrive.

We’re always on the lookout for people who embody our core values: driven to deliver; focused on solutions; respectful relationships. Do these sound like bit of you? Then check out our <a href="/jobs/internal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">current internal vacancies</a>. But don’t worry if nothing catches your eye right now – just get in touch with your local branch, we’re more than happy to consider you for any future vacancies!

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Choose a team who cares about what you need. We’re not ones for talking about ourselves – when we do it’s usually what we can do for you, because that’s what’s important. But we also understand that you might want to know a bit more about us, especially if you’re considering partnering with us.What you might not know is that when we were founded back in 2015 it was as Quattro Healthcare, only rebranding to gap healthcare when we became part of the gap personnel group in 2018. Already established across the eastern region of England, joining a national recruitment company was part of our plans to further expand our service provision capabilities across the UK. But we don’t want to ramble on, so if it’s a quick intro you’re after, have a little watch of the below video to find out a bit more about us.


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This is our business mindset, constantly striving to redefine the standard of excellence in everything we do, always looking for opportunities for improvement across our core values.

The best interests of all our people are at the heart of all we do; we’re not “yes” people, we want to offer our expertise, even if it means a difficult conversation.

We uphold a culture of responsibility, defining and agreeing expectations, and being held accountable against them.

We are not faceless; we’re people who work on a national basis across a range of sectors, all towards a common goal. Let’s have real conversations about needs and how we can help.

We offer peace of mind through ethical and compliant practices, for clients, candidates, and employees.

<h2>Talk to us about Driver CPC training</h2>We’re a fully qualified driving school able to support drivers through their initial and ongoing periodic training. You can find out more <a href="/employers-specialisms/cpc-training/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

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<h5>Vision</h5>To become the first-choice recruitment partner by developing a brand that our customers, candidates, and employees are proud to be associated with.We focus on being people’s first choice in an industry where there’s a lot of choice – it’s how we’ll achieve our growth ambitions.

<h5>Mission</h5>Through real people providing real solutions, our customers and candidates experience a true recruitment partnership. As a national provider with local presence, we are proud to deliver ethical and flexible employment solutions, accredited training, and people development.We’ve grown over the years, but that doesn’t mean we’ve lost that ‘local’ feel – each and every relationship is respected and nurtured.

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If this role is permanent, gap healthcare is operating as the employment agency. If this job is a temporary role, gap healthcare is operating as the employment business. 
gap healthcare is committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job.Whilst we endeavor to respond to all applications individually, due to high volumes, this is not always possible. Thank you for your interest in this role and we look forward to working with you in the futureBy applying for the above position and providing your personal data to us you understand that your data will be processed in line with our <a href="/privacy-policy/">Privacy Policy</a>

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It’s right there in the job title, ‘Recruitment Consultant’. We want to understand exactly what it is you’re looking for in your next role; salary expectations, travel limitations, shift patterns that work best for you – everything! It’s only by consulting with you that we can match you with the right opportunity.

If we say we’ll do it, then we’ll do it. Got a question for us? Don’t hesitate to ask – and if we don’t already have the answer, we’ll find out and get back to you. Something not quite right with your job role? Let us know so we can try and get to the bottom of it.

It’s important we get to know our jobseekers so we can support their individual journey with us. We’re approachable and responsive, which means we build real relationships, and have open and honest conversations.

<h2>Talk to us about Driver CPC training</h2>We’re a fully qualified driving school able to support you through your initial and ongoing periodic training. You can find out more <a href="/job-seekers-specialisms/cpc-training/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Why do jobseekers come back to us time and time again? It’s because we care. We ask for feedback at every stage of their journey with us – and then we act on it. We’re ‘people’ people, and we appreciate that our jobseekers and workers are at the front and centre of everything we do - it’s rooted in our core values. Let’s explain what our core values will mean to you.<h2> </h2>

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<h6>Get in touch</h6><ul><li>We can offer long term supply of staff, ad-hoc placements to fill last minute shifts, or permanent workers – just let us know what you need.</li><li>You can drop us details of your vacancy and we’ll arrange a call back. Alternatively, head over to our contact page and get in touch with your local branch today.</li></ul>

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