Blog

 I’m a Training Delivery Consultant in the Learning and Development department at Preston Brook and we run inductions for new starters on a regular basis. I’d say that’s pretty much my favourite course to run for a few reasons; loads of new people and the course is three or four weeks (Depending on which department you’re going into) so I can really get into it. For a week or so before the course starts, I start to prepare to make sure I’ve got everything I need. The more prepared I am, the easier and smoother it runs. That way, I can just enjoy the first few days without having to think about printing and running around in the call centre trying to get anything arranged and I can just look forward to it.

People rarely see all the preparation that goes into a course, whether it’s a biggy like the induction or a little hour long presentation, updating the guys about new tariffs coming out. We work hard behind the scenes to make it look like we don’t- if that makes sense? We like to make it look effortless, but it’s far from it!

Something I always enjoy is getting my posters ready for the room. Hand written posters always look more friendly and approachable that a load of corporate printed ones. I can put some of myself into them and use loads of colour. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent ages on one though, only to make a spelling mistake half way through and have to bin it!

I’m a bit particular about how all my materials look because I know this has an influence on how our new delegates feel when they start the induction. It’s important that my training room looks inviting on day one and we spend a few weeks in the same training room, so I want to strike a balance between being light and airy and some interesting things on the walls, so when people walk in, they can see from the start that this isn’t going to be the usual induction that you would get at most call centres. We’ve worked hard to break away from that and done a good job too.

I have loads of little behind the scenes bits and pieces too; I go and see lots of the managers to arrange for visits all the way through the course and set up my spreadsheets for attendance and to track all the system sign ons that each person needs to take calls. I order the attaché cases with headsets that each new starter gets to put their things in, put together day one folders with all the forms we need to fill in and make sure all of our trainer notes and materials are bang up to date.

The weekend before the start of a new induction, I tend to think over loads of little details; things that I’ve tried that really make a difference to my courses. No two inductions are the same- the mixture of people and the group dynamics are different every time. Something that never changes though is the sense of fun we have, that has never changed over the years I’ve been doing this role. We always have a laugh and make a load of new mates. Every single time.

  - Karen

When you apply for a job you will almost always need a CV. It is really important to spend some time getting it right. Your CV is the first impression an employer will have of you, so you need it to be clear easy to read and provide all the relevant information.  

There are lots of useful sites on the internet that will give you advice on writing a CV. Have a search but be careful as some companies will charge you for writing a CV on your behalf. Your PC will also have some templates that can really help you if this is your first CV for some time. 

When you come to apply for a job look in detail at the role that you are applying for and tailor what you have written to the role description. Look at the research that you have done on the position and company and begin work on your CV. For example if the role that you are applying for asks for proven customer service experience then make it easy for the employer to find the relevant info on your CV. 

Always tell the truth! Never over exaggerate your experience or change your employment dates this could come back to bite you later on and you want to make sure you are starting your relationship with your potential employer on an honest footing.  

How long should your CV be? It depends on you level of experience and your career length to date. If you have been working for 10 years or more then the chances are that you will have a more career information to add to a CV than if you are just leaving school or college. As a guide your CV should be 1 and 3 pages with 2 pages being the ideal length. 

Must haves! –  

a    Contact Details - Make sure that all of your contact details are correct. Name and full address with a phone number and email so that the companies you apply to can get hold of you. 

a    Personal Profile - This is a couple of sentences usually positioned at near to the top of the page that gives details of your experience, skills and ambitions.  

a    Career/Work History – When you are listing your career history give details of the company you have worked for, your job title, approximate length of time that you were there and your key responsibilities and achievements within the role. 

a    Qualifications and Professional Qualifications - It is important to make the most of your qualifications on your CV particularly if you have qualifications that are relevant to your application. 

a    Personal Interests and Hobbies – Although employers are unlikely to use this information to make the decision it can help to build a picture of you as an individual. 

a    Reference details – A lot of employers will ask for the details up front but shouldn’t contact your referees until you have accepted the offer. If you don’t feel comfortable putting your references on your CV then advise that they are available on request.  

Don’t include -

r    Certificates - Whatever you do don’t enclose certificates. They could get lost or separated and some employers won’t be able to return them to you. If you loose them it will be hard to get replacements.  

r    Marital Status - Many people still give their marital status on their CV. Marital status along with other personal details such as children and dependents should have no bearing on your application so leave them off. 

r    Pictures - In a number of European countries employers will want a photo of you on your CV in the UK it is not necessary and can detract from the important information on your CV. I would recommend avoiding adding pictures if you can.  

Once you have written your CV print it out and check how it looks on the page. Make sure it is easy to read and there are no mistakes. Then ask someone to read it for you and give you honest feedback.  

At O2 we like to see CVs that are relevant for the role you are applying for and give us a good understanding of the skills or experience that you have to offer. We use Microsoft Word so if you can save it in a Word format then it will be easier for us to read

 - Louise

 How does this sound?

You have found your perfect job here at O2 in Glasgow, applied online and been through a telephone interview. You are then set up with an appointment at one of our Discover O2 events.  But what is this mysterious and tantalising Discover O2 event??

At first you are overjoyed and somewhat relieved with getting through the telephone interview only to feel an air of anticipation at coming into O2 for your assessment centre. Here in Glasgow you will meet one of our Event Managers who will guide you through what is going to happen throughout the day. 

• This starts with registering you into the event with a personal touch of meeting you on a one on one basis.  You will continue meeting our assessment team throughout the day.
• Once the registration is complete, you will have the opportunity to
  • see a presentation on O2
  • hear the views of our staff with our DVD
  • get a feel of our environment with a tour of our fantastic Skypark office
• During this time, you will also follow the assessments relevant to the role that you applied for.  Below are general timings; specific timings for your event will be given during the presentation - all assessments are on an individual basis.
  • 2 interviews, 30-45 mins for the first, 15-30 mins for the second
  • Paper based assessment 15-30 mins 

This provides us both an opportunity to assess one another as both potential employee and employer.

Then, your Discover O2 event is complete…..you will no doubt again feel relief that the event is now over and yet there is anticipation to find out when you can start with us.  We will be quick in letting you know when your start date is.

 So come along and feel a part of it and Discover O2.

     - John