Tag: career

Recruitment offers a level of variety and unpredictability that keeps the job fresh and engaging. No two days are the same, thanks to the mix of tasks, challenges, and opportunities to work with people. If you enjoy a fast-moving environment with plenty of variety, it’s a career worth considering.

A Mix of Tasks Every Day

As a recruiter, your day could involve:

  • Sourcing candidates: Using job boards, LinkedIn, and your network to find the right talent.
  • Screening CVs and conducting interviews: Evaluating skills, experience, and cultural fit.
  • Building relationships: Speaking with clients to understand their needs and candidates to support their career goals.
  • Negotiating offers: Acting as a mediator to align expectations and finalise placements.
  • Administrative work: Updating databases, writing job descriptions, or coordinating interview schedules.

The combination of these tasks means you’re always switching gears, keeping things fresh.

Why Recruitment is More Than Just Filling Jobs – Advance TRS

The Element of Surprise

Recruitment is inherently unpredictable. Candidates can drop out of interviews, clients may change their requirements, or new roles can suddenly land in your lap. Success often depends on your ability to adapt quickly and find solutions.

5 Things You Might Not Know About Working in Recruitment  – Advance TRS

Balancing People and Business

Recruitment isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about connecting people to opportunities. On one side, you’re a trusted advisor to candidates, helping them navigate their careers. On the other, you’re a partner to businesses, ensuring they find the talent they need to thrive. This dual focus means your role is always evolving.

Celebrating Wins

From placing a candidate in their dream role to helping a client achieve their hiring goals, recruitment has tangible rewards. These moments of success make the effort worth it and motivate you to tackle the next challenge.

Why It Works for the Right People

If you enjoy problem-solving, working with people, and thrive in a fast-moving environment, recruitment might be the career for you. It’s challenging, but the variety and unpredictability make it a job where you’ll never feel stuck in a routine.

Ready for a career where no two days are the same? Explore opportunities to join our team, here.

Building a personal brand can help you stand out in the built environment industry, where there is lots of competition for skilled roles. Your personal brand showcases your expertise, values, and professionalism to potential employers and peers. Here’s how you can start to develop a consistent and strong personal brand:

1. Define Your Brand

Start by identifying what makes you different – think about your skills, values, and career goals. Are you a specialist in geotechnical engineering? A P6 Planner? Or do you excel in managing multi-disciplinary teams?

Being clear on what you offer helps you craft a consistent image across platforms and by clearly understanding your strengths, you can present a cohesive message about who you are and what you bring to the table – everything from your CV to your LinkedIn profile should reflect this.

A well-defined brand ensures that employers and collaborators know exactly what to expect from you.

Top 5 In-Demand Engineering Skills 2025

2. Build a Strong Your Online Presence

Most employers and clients will check your online profiles, so they must reflect your professionalism – your digital footprint is often the first impression you make.

  • LinkedIn: Keep your profile updated with a professional photo, clear headline, and tailored summaries highlighting your expertise and achievements.
  • Portfolio: If your work involves design or technical projects, create an online portfolio showcasing your best work.
  • Engage: Post updates about relevant industry trends, comment thoughtfully on others’ posts, and join professional groups to build visibility.

LinkedIn tips & tricks to help you find your next role  – Advance TRS

3. Network Strategically

Networking and relationships are key in the built environment. Many roles are filled through recommendations and personal connections.

  • Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars to meet key players.
  • Follow companies, recruiters, and influencers in your niche to stay informed.
  • When networking, focus on building genuine connections rather than asking for jobs immediately.

Leveraging Online Platforms for Digital Networking – Advance TRS

4. Work with a Specialist Recruiter

Specialist recruiters, like us at Advance TRS, can boost your personal brand. We can help tailor your CV, highlight your key skills, position you for the roles you want and present you to top employers in the best light possible.

Candidates can expect exceptional recruitment service from Advance TRS

5. Stay Consistent

Consistency is essential to a strong personal brand. Use the same name, professional photo, and messaging across your CV, LinkedIn, and email signature. Align everything you say and share with your career goals. A clear and consistent brand makes you more memorable and trustworthy.

6. Keep Learning

Keep up with certifications, training, and industry trends to show you’re adaptable and forward-thinking – the built environment is constantly changing, and continuous learning demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and keeps your brand relevant.

5 Ways to Stay in the Loop with Industry Trends  – Advance TRS

By defining your strengths, being visible online, building genuine connections, and remaining consistent, you can create a personal brand that sets you in the industry you’re in.

For tailored support in finding your next opportunity, reach out to Advance TRS and explore our current jobs available, here.

Having a personal statement on your CV is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to prospective employers. It should be a short paragraph, around 5-6 lines, detailing your attributes, what you can offer the company, and your career goals.

We’ve put together some top tips on writing your personal statement:

What should you include?

You should think about the following points:

• A statement about who are you
• What you currently do? (if applicable)
• What are your career goals/what are you searching for?
• Your value to the company

As employers will only spend a short time reviewing your CV, it’s important to highlight your potential straight away.

Why you should vary your personal statement:

If you have time, it would be beneficial to adapt your personal statement each job you apply for. This allows you to make it as relevant as possible to the role you are applying for. Make sure you do your research on the specific requirements the employer is asking for, both for the job and personal skills. This shows potential employers that you understand the requirements for the role.

Employers may also use applicant tracking systems that analyse your CV for keywords and phrases. Having these included in your personal statement, increases your chances of being seen and progressed in the application stage.

Remember, your personal statement gives you a chance to sell yourself in one paragraph. The rest of your CV is your work experience and your qualifications, so this gives you the opportunity to add that personal touch.

How to structure your statement:

• State who you are – Begin your statement by detailing who you are, your qualities and where you are in your career. Use of buzzwords can capture the attention of potential employers and help you stand out from the crowd.

Example: As an experienced project manager, I have over 10 years of experience across the rail industry. I am a reliable and well-organised manager, bringing a variety of expertise and knowledge to the table

• Communicate your value – The second section should state why you are suitable for the role and what value you bring to the company. This is your chance to highlight any key achievements relevant to the position and distinct qualities.

Example: In my current role, my determination and proactive approach resulted in several successful completions of important projects. The combination of my time management, communication and decision-making skills ensured maximum productivity of each project and of those involved.

• Detail your career goals – In the final part of your statement, you should explain what your career goals are and why you’re applying for this role.

Example: I am now coming to the end of my current role and am seeking a new challenge. I’m looking for a position which will allow me to contribute my skills and experience, whilst increasing my current knowledge.

Advance TRS

For more helpful tips and job search advice check out our website. We have various Advance Advice articles that cover all aspects of job hunting.

If you are looking for a new career in the built environment, contact us today on 01483 361 061. Alternatively, contact us via email at info@advance-trs.com. We have plenty of permanent and contract roles across all our sectors. Our recruiters are here to help!

“Do you have any questions?” It’s asked at the end of every job interview, and your answer should always be yes. if you haven’t prepared for this interview question, it can catch you off-guard.

When preparing for an interview, you should always come up with a list of questions to ask the interviewer. They help to make you come across as interested in the business and the role, enthusiastic and engaged. Come up with about 5-7 questions to ask, just in case they have already been answered during the interview.

When preparing your list try to avoid asking questions that only require a yes or no answer, and steer clear of questions around salary and holiday allowance, at least for the time being – those points can be discussed once you receive a job offer. 

If you need some inspiration, we have listed some good questions to ask at an interview below.

Where do you see the company heading in the next five years?

Asking this should give you an insight into the company’s progression plans and its place in the market, and possibly give you an idea about any major upcoming projects. Asking this question shows a real interest in the organisation.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?

Asking these questions provides you with an opportunity to gain an insight into what skills and experience are needed. It will also give you an idea of what the employer’s expectations are, and ultimately help you decide if the role is right for you. 

Are there opportunities for further training? 

This shows that you want to expand on your knowledge and demonstrates that you’re serious about your career.

What are the opportunities for progression within the company?

If you are looking for a long-term career within the company, asking this question will help you find out whether this is the business for you. 

Can you tell me more about the culture of the organisation?

A good working environment is important and asking this question will give you the opportunity to find out whether you’ll fit in.

How could I impress you in the first three months?

This is a great one to ask at the end of a job interview. It shows potential employers that you’re eager to make a positive contribution to the organisation.

Join us! 

As a rapidly growing recruitment business, we have fantastic opportunities for career development. We pride ourselves on rewarding success and promoting from within. However, we are always looking for new talent to further strengthen and expand our teams.

As recruiters, we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them, mapping out potential routes of progression within the company.

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

During the Covid pandemic, a large proportion of the UK public lost their jobs due to businesses having to cut costs and save wherever they could. In addition to that, many young people graduate from university each year and it can be challenging to find a job.

We are a rapidly growing recruitment business always looking for motivated individuals to join our team! In this two-part blog series, we have spoken to some of our colleagues about how they got into recruitment and whether they felt that their experience of having gone to university helped them in their job.

In this week’s article, we spoke to Client Services and Rail Signalling Director Sam and his colleague Josh, Principal Consultant on the Advance TRS rail team.

What did you study? 

Sam: I went to the University of Winchester where I studied Sports Management combined with Business Administration.

Josh: I studied BA in Law and Business Management at Keele University.

How did you get into recruitment? 

Sam: A friend of a friend knew of some recruitment vacancies at a business in Twyford, the same company Advance TRS Founder and Group MD Andy Ridout and Operations Director Paul Merton worked for at the time. I didn’t hesitate and applied; there was high earnings potential and great opportunities for career progression. I also enjoy working with people which, as a recruiter, you do on a daily basis.

Josh: A friend of mine ran a recruitment company and I did some work for him while I was at uni. I liked the work and the fast-paced, competitive environment that comes with recruitment and it all went from there.

How has the experience of going to uni helped you in your career? 

Sam: It has certainly taught me discipline and what it means to work hard, which have been really valuable traits working in recruitment. 

Josh: Yes, to the extent it helps with being thorough in what you do and not take things at face value, which in recruitment can lead to issues down the line. It helps with discipline in terms of covering things off and not letting issues stay live.

Why Advance TRS?

As a rapidly growing recruitment business, we have fantastic opportunities for career development. We pride ourselves on rewarding success and promoting from within. However, we are always looking for new talent to further strengthen and expand our teams.

As recruiters, we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them, mapping out potential routes of progression within the company.

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll also be able to take advantage of our fantastic benefits package including; Discounts and Perks, Private Pension Plan, Team Building & Incentives (Climb the O2, powerboat down the Thames or enjoy a night out on the company. We ensure hard work and dedication is rightly rewarded), Break Out Room, Private Health Insurance, Uncapped Commission, Life Assurance, and Workplace Wellbeing program. 

Check out our website to find out more or contact us!

The year is coming to an end and it’s usually around this time that many of us commit to resolutions we want to achieve over the next twelve months. If a new job or career is on your list then read our recommendations on what you can do now to set yourself up for success in the new year.

Update your CV

A great starting point – having an updated CV listing your most recent experience and relevant roles is very important. Make sure you keep it short and sweet and don’t include unnecessary detail.

If you’re spending Christmas with your family or friends take advantage of having them around and ask them to check your CV. Some of them might have some great advice on what you can improve.

Don’t forget your LinkedIn profile

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date too. That way, any recruiters or potential employers coming across your page can get a good overview of your experience.

Time for new goals

Use the time you have off over the Christmas period to set some new goals. Make a plan of how you want to achieve them and in what timeframe. This can really help keep you motivated and on track. Remember to stay SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound for the best results!

Find a specialist recruiter

A great way to find a job you really like is to work with a specialist recruiter in your area. Good recruiters will have a comprehensive understanding of your market and current opportunities. Engaging recruiters is a quick way of tapping into this knowledge to help you in your search. 

Advance TRS

If you’re looking for roles in the rail, water or construction sectors, our specialist teams might have the right one for you.

You can contact our Recruitment Consultants for a conversation about your new career, our latest vacancies and to discuss any potential opportunities with them.

While maintaining our strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest, Advance TRS continue to grow. Therefore, we are always looking for driven and ambitious individuals to join the team. If this sounds like you and you’d like to work for a business that values its employees’ contribution, we would love to hear from you!

To find out more about our current opportunities, visit our careers page, or for a discrete conversation, contact our Talent Acquisition Manager, Jess.

Searching for a job can be a daunting prospect; understanding your worth on the job market, navigating job boards, recruiters and social networks can all present barriers to finding the perfect role. But all is not lost, new technology and algorithms on established platforms are all geared to help you find your next role with minimum effort.

So how do you find a job in the technological age?

Here are 3 simple tips to help speed up your job search.

Update your Virtual CV

 

 

Your social media profile can act as a virtual CV, it’s there 24/7 as your own personal advert to the job market. Create a LinkedIn profile or update your existing profile by detailing your relevant skills and experience to maximise your online presence. Share your profile edits to draw attention to your refreshed profile among your followers.

Register for Job Alerts

 

 

Save time with your search by registering for job alerts. By registering with relevant job boards and setting up job alerts, you can receive notifications of new opportunities straight to your inbox. You can be as specific as you want to be, narrowing it down to location, salary, job title or industry. Targeting industry-specific job sites can be a good way of narrowing down the number of jobs sent to you.

Utilise Recruiters

 

 

Good recruiters will have a comprehensive understanding of your market and current opportunities. Engaging recruiters is a quick way of tapping into this knowledge to help you in your search. Even better, they already have a relationship with the hiring managers and can guide you through the process, from interviews and salary negotiation through to offer and onboarding.

You can now choose to show recruiters and hiring managers, who are searching for potential candidates, that you are ‘open to opportunities’ on LinkedIn. This will not be visible to your current company but will alert hiring managers and recruiters that you are open to approaches!

 

Looking for your next career?

Advance TRS is a niche recruitment consultancy specialising in the provision of highly-skilled technical professionals. Since establishing, Advance TRS has grown rapidly and now provides permanent, contract and temporary recruitment solutions to both candidates and clients across a number of key technical sectors, including Rail, Property, Construction, Water and Utilities.

For the latest opportunities visit www.advance-trs.com or speak to one of our team on 01483 361061.