Author: Scott Lowes

As 2023 winds down, professionals across the board are contemplating their next career moves. For those in insolvency or accountancy eyeing a fresh start in 2024, the question is: when is the ideal time to start the job search process? In this post, we will delve into why starting now, rather than later, could set you on a smoother path to your dream job.

Understanding Your Career Aspirations: The first step in any job search is introspection. What are your career goals? What kind of work environment do you thrive in? These are crucial questions to ask yourself. When you initiate the process early, you give yourself ample time to align your aspirations with potentially suitable opportunities. Engaging with a recruitment specialist quickly translates to a quicker understanding of your career goals and aspirations, which is a significant first step in the journey.

Identifying the right opportunities: The job market is ever-evolving, and opportunities come and go. By starting your search now, you place yourself in an advantageous position to tap into the current market’s offerings. Our role as recruiters is to identify potential opportunities that align with your career aspirations, and doing this early ensures you don’t miss out on any gems in the market.

The Interview Process: Securing interviews is a crucial part of the job search. The sooner you begin, the quicker you can find yourself in the interview chair, discussing your potential future with a prospective employer. This step is not just about impressing the interviewer; it’s a chance for you to assess whether the role and company align with your career goals.

Securing and Negotiating Offers: Negotiating an offer is an art. When you have ample time on your side, you’re in a better position to evaluate and negotiate offers. This ensures that when you do accept an offer, it’s the right one for you.

Considering Notice Periods: Notice periods are integral to the job change process. Depending on your current role’s requirements, this could range from a few weeks to several months. By starting early, you give yourself, and your future employer, the flexibility to work with these timelines, ensuring a smooth transition.

The Early Bird Catches the Worm: There’s a saying, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” This rings especially true in job searching. The early bird catches the best opportunities. Starting now means you’re proactive, engaged, and ready for what the future holds.

Navigating the New Year Rush: January is traditionally a busy time for both candidates and clients. Candidates are looking for new opportunities, and clients are returning to the office, ready to kickstart the year. However, this can also mean that the market is saturated, and the competition is fierce. By starting your search now, you navigate around this rush, placing yourself ahead of the curve.

The Pros of Starting Now:

• Access to Current Opportunities: The job market is ripe with opportunities right now. By starting your search, you ensure that you have access to these roles, many of which might be filled come the New Year.
• Extra Time for Job Searching: The end of the year can be slower for some industries, providing you with extra time to dedicate to your job search.
• Potential for an Early Start: Depending on notice periods and how quickly you secure a role, you could potentially start your new position before the year ends, giving you a head start on 2024.

The Cons:

• Potential for Rush Decisions: Starting early is beneficial, but it’s also important not to rush. Ensure that any decision made is well thought out and right for your career.
• Navigating Holiday Schedules: The end of the year is filled with holidays, which can mean that key decision-makers are out of the office. This could potentially slow down the process.

In the competitive world of insolvency and accountancy, timing is everything. Starting your job search now positions you ahead of the curve, providing access to opportunities that might not be available in the New Year rush. It gives you the time to navigate the process, from understanding your career aspirations to negotiating offers, ensuring that when you do make a move, it’s the right one for you. Are you ready to take the leap and start afresh in 2024? The time is now.

If you’re contemplating a career move and are open to discussing your options or want to get a feel of the market (now or further into 2024), I’m here for a straightforward, commitment-free chat. Send me an email at slowes@levitaterecruitment.com to arrange a call.

My views are based on my 15 years+ of recruiting for Accountancy Practice and Insolvency professionals.

For advice about your career options, speak to Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment, specialists in placing practice-trained accountants and insolvency professionals across the UK, and find the right role to suit your ambitions.

We have seen an increase in requests from candidates for remote working opportunities, however, we are seeing the opposite for the majority of our clients, who are requesting staff are office-based more than home.

The shift towards remote working, driven largely by the global pandemic, undoubtedly changed the landscape of many professions, including those in the insolvency and accountancy practice sectors. Firms worldwide embraced this change, with many employees relishing the chance to work in their home environment, away from the daily commute and office politics. However, while the advantages of remote work are plenty and often discussed, it’s crucial to shed light on potential pitfalls, particularly regarding personal development and progression.

The Positives: The Bright Side of Remote Work

Before delving into the challenges, it’s only fair to highlight some of the significant benefits of remote working:

• Flexibility: Working from home often offers flexibility in hours, allowing employees to strike a more harmonious work-life balance.
• Reduced Commute: No more rush-hour traffic or packed trains, which saves time and reduces daily stress.
• Cost Savings: Employees save on daily expenses such as travel, meals, and professional attire.
• Increased Productivity: Many find that they can concentrate better at home, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

The Flip Side: Potential Barriers to Development and Progression

However, remote working is not without its challenges, especially when considering the nuances of roles within insolvency and accountancy.

• Reduced Face-to-Face Interactions: There’s something about in-person communication that virtual platforms can’t replicate. For roles in accountancy and insolvency, where networking and relationship-building are paramount, the lack of face-to-face interactions can be detrimental. It’s through these interactions that many opportunities arise, be it new client work, cross-departmental projects, or even promotions.
• Learning On The Job: Particularly for those in the early stages of their career, being physically present in the office offers a chance to learn by observation. Witnessing how senior practitioners handle complex situations, or simply absorbing the office dynamics, is harder to achieve remotely.
• Visibility and Recognition: Out of sight can, unfortunately, mean out of mind. Those working remotely might find it harder to showcase their achievements or be recognized for their efforts, which could impact promotional opportunities.
• Feedback Loop Delays: Instant feedback is invaluable. In an office, a senior can quickly guide or correct a junior colleague. In a remote setting, these feedback loops might be extended, which could slow down the learning process.
• Isolation and Well-being: Feeling isolated can have a significant impact on an employee’s well-being, potentially affecting job satisfaction, performance, and overall career progression. While firms in insolvency and accountancy practice are known for their tight-knit communities, working remotely might make it challenging for some to feel connected.

Navigating Remote Work Successfully

While the challenges are real, they aren’t insurmountable. Here are some ways to ensure you continue to progress in your career, even when working remotely:

• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular one-on-ones with your seniors and team. This not only ensures you’re on the right track but also keeps you visible.
• Networking: Just because it’s remote work doesn’t mean networking should stop. Attend virtual events, webinars, and training specific to insolvency and accountancy practice to stay connected.
• Seek Feedback: If you feel you aren’t getting enough feedback, ask for it. Regularly touch base with your mentors or colleagues for insights into your performance.
• Continuous Learning: Make use of online courses and resources. In the rapidly evolving fields of insolvency and accountancy, staying updated is crucial.

In Conclusion

Remote working, while offering numerous benefits, does come with challenges, especially concerning career progression. But by being proactive, seeking feedback, and staying connected, those in insolvency and accountancy practices can continue to grow, develop, and achieve their career aspirations, irrespective of where they’re working.

My views are based on my 15 years+ of recruiting for Accountancy Practice and Insolvency professionals.

For advice about your career options, speak to Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment, specialists in placing practice-trained accountants and insolvency professionals across the UK, and find the right role to suit your ambitions.

An interview process is a two-way street. Not only is the interviewer evaluating the candidate, but the candidate is also assessing the company and the role. While many candidates are prepared with a list of questions to ask at the end of an interview, there’s one question that every candidate should ask the interviewer: “Do you have any reservations about my suitability for this opportunity?”

Let’s explore why this question is turning heads and how candidates can wield it effectively.

Why The “Reservation Question” is Significant 

• Demonstrates Confidence: By directly addressing potential doubts or gaps in one’s profile, candidates show a level of self-assuredness. They’re not shying away from their weaknesses but are instead keen to address them head-on.
• Puts the Interviewer in a Reflective Position: This question requires the interviewer to critically evaluate the interview while it’s still fresh, allowing candidates to gauge the interviewer’s initial reactions.
• Offers Instant Feedback: Instead of waiting anxiously for feedback after the interview, candidates get a real-time insight into how the interview went, and where they might stand.
• Opportunity for Immediate Clarification: If there’s a particular aspect the interviewer is uncertain about, the candidate gets the chance to clarify or provide additional details then and there.

Benefits for the Candidate

• Addressing Misunderstandings: Perhaps the interviewer misunderstood a particular point or missed a detail on the candidate’s resume. This question gives candidates a platform to rectify that.
• Highlighting Adaptability: Even if there’s a genuine skill gap, candidates can explain their learning agility, past experiences where they’ve quickly acquired new skills, or their strategy to bridge the gap swiftly.
• Reaffirming Interest: By asking this question, candidates signal their strong interest in the role. They’re eager to understand the company’s concerns so they can address them — showing commitment and enthusiasm.

How Interviewers Might Perceive It

While many interviewers appreciate the frankness and confidence this question reflects, others might be caught off-guard. Some could view it as too forward or presumptive. However, the majority would value the candidate’s proactive approach and interest in personal growth.

Tips for Candidates

• Be Genuinely Open to Feedback: Don’t ask this question if you are not prepared to hear constructive criticism. Embrace feedback with an open mind.
• Be Prepared to Address Concerns: Think about potential reservations in advance and be ready with concise, effective responses.
• Maintain a Positive Demeanour: If the interviewer does express reservations, respond gracefully. This is not a challenge but an opportunity to clarify or learn.

Conclusion

The “reservation question” is more than just a query. It’s a strategic move, designed to provide candidates with insight, offer clarification, and demonstrate confidence. For those bold enough to ask it, the rewards — in terms of feedback, opportunities to clarify, and impressions made — can be substantial. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, standing out positively in the mind of an interviewer can make all the difference, and this question might be the key.

My views are based on my 15 years+ of recruiting for Accountancy Practice and Insolvency professionals.

For advice about your career options, speak to Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment, specialists in placing practice-trained accountants and insolvency professionals across the UK, and find the right role to suit your ambitions.

In the professional realm, the term ‘networking’ often conjures up images of industry events, B2B groups, or coffee meetings with potential clients or contacts outside one’s organisation.

However, a frequently overlooked, yet invaluable, networking terrain exists right under our noses: our very own workplace. For those in accountancy practices and insolvency specialists, internal networking is particularly crucial. Why? Let’s delve into the importance and benefits of connecting within the firm.

Why Internal Networking?

• A rounded understanding of the Firm: Interacting with colleagues from different teams or departments provides a comprehensive view of the organisation’s operations. This perspective helps professionals better understand their role within the larger context and equips them to offer more integrated solutions to clients.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Establishing relationships with seasoned professionals or higher-ups can provide mentorship opportunities, guiding younger professionals through the complexities of the industry.
• Boosting Team Synergy: When you know your colleagues beyond their job titles, collaboration becomes smoother. It’s easier to approach someone you’ve had a conversation with for insights or assistance.
• Unlocking Hidden Opportunities: Many opportunities or projects within firms aren’t advertised on official channels. They’re often filled through word of mouth. Networking internally can ensure you’re in the loop for these chances.
• Personal Development: Engaging with a diverse group of professionals within the firm can expose you to different working styles, strategies, and perspectives. This variety is a rich resource for personal growth and skill enhancement.
• Job Security and Progression: Building robust internal relationships can be a safeguard during tough times. When you’re known (and valued) by many, it’s less likely you’ll be the first on the chopping block. Moreover, if there are openings in senior roles or different departments, your internal connections can be your advocates.

Benefits of Networking Across Hierarchies

• Peers: Networking with contemporaries offers peer support. They understand your challenges best, can provide real-time advice, and together, you can brainstorm innovative solutions.
• Higher-ups: Forming relationships with senior professionals and decision-makers can be particularly beneficial. They can provide insights into the industry’s future trajectory, offer guidance based on their experiences, and may even consider you for high-profile projects or teams they’re leading.

Tips for Effective Internal Networking

• Attend Company Events: Whether it’s a training session, team-building activity, or an informal get-together, ensure you’re present. These are excellent opportunities to interact and connect.
• Volunteer for Cross-functional Teams: If there’s a cross-departmental project or committee, volunteer. It’s an excellent way to meet professionals from other areas of the firm.
• Lunch and Coffee Breaks: Instead of heading out alone or always sitting with the same group, invite a colleague from another department or a senior you respect.
• Be Genuine: Internal networking shouldn’t be approached with a transactional mindset. Seek genuine connections, be curious, and aim to learn.
• Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about the firm’s developments, industry news, and any training or courses that might benefit your role. Being knowledgeable makes you a valuable conversationalist.

Conclusion

Internal networking is a goldmine of opportunities, especially within accountancy practices and insolvency firms. It not only facilitates better working relationships and team dynamics but also paves the way for professional growth and advancement. As you navigate your career in this specialized industry, remember: sometimes, the most influential connections are just a desk or a floor away. Don’t miss out on them.

My views are based on my 15 years+ of recruiting for Accountancy Practice and Insolvency professionals.

For advice about your career options, speak to Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment, specialists in placing practice-trained accountants and insolvency professionals across the UK, and find the right role to suit your ambitions.

Change is an inherent part of life. From the changing of seasons to the phases of life, everything around us is in a constant state of flux. Yet, we often find ourselves resistant to change, especially when it comes to major life decisions like switching jobs. The very idea of leaving the familiar behind can ignite feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and doubt.

Why is change, particularly job change, so daunting? Let’s understand why we feel these fears and identify ways to overcome them.

Understanding the Fear of Change

• Loss of Comfort: The adage, “better the devil you know” sums up this fear. We grow accustomed to our routines, colleagues, tasks, and even the route we take to work. This familiarity breeds comfort.
• Fear of Failure: “What if it doesn’t work our?” This nagging doubt can prevent many from seeking new opportunities, fearing they might fail in a different role or company.
• Uncertainty of the Unknown: Stepping into a new environment, with unfamiliar faces and tasks, can be intimidating. We don’t know what to expect, and that unpredictability can be scary.
• Perceived Lack of Preparedness: The belief that we’re not adequately equipped for a new role can also deter us from exploring new avenues.

Exploring New Opportunities Doesn’t Mean Committing

It’s vital to remember that exploring doesn’t equate to committing. Job hunting and interviewing offer you a chance to gauge the market, understand your worth, and assess potential growth areas. Here are some reasons why looking at your options are beneficial:

• Assessing the Market: By diving into the job market, you get a clearer picture of the demand for your skillset, potential salary increases, and other perks you may be missing out on.
• Building Confidence: Going for interviews and interacting with potential employers can boost your self-esteem. It’s affirming to realize that other companies value your experience and expertise.
• Gaining Perspective: Exploring opportunities can provide you clarity about what you want from your career – be it growth, work-life balance, a better work culture, or increased remuneration.
• No Strings Attached: The crucial point to remember is that even if you’re made an offer, there’s no obligation to accept it. Offers are opportunities, not shackles. If none of the new offers feels like the right fit or offers significant advantages over your current role, you can decline and stay where you are until you feel a better opportunity arises..

Tackling the Fear Head-On

• Information is Power: Before making any decision, arm yourself with knowledge. Research companies, roles, and even reach out to current or past employees for genuine feedback.
• Visualise Success: Instead of getting bogged down by fear, picture yourself succeeding in the new role. Visualisation can be a potent tool to combat negativity.
• Acknowledge the Fear: Accept that feeling scared is natural. Instead of suppressing the fear, confront it. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Often, you’ll realise that the worst-case scenario isn’t as bad as you imagined.
• Stay Grounded: Remember, you always have a choice. Just because you’ve explored other opportunities doesn’t mean you’re obligated to leave your current job.

Conclusion

Change, while intimidating, can be the gateway to growth. Embracing change, especially in our professional lives, can lead to uncharted territories of success. Remember, the act of exploring new job opportunities is merely an exercise in understanding your worth in the market and realising your potential. It’s a journey of self-awareness and growth, not a binding commitment. So, the next time you find yourself contemplating a job switch, approach it with curiosity and openness, leaving the crippling fear behind.

My views are based on my 15 years+ of recruiting for Accountancy Practice and Insolvency professionals.

For advice about your career options, speak to Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment, specialists in placing practice-trained accountants and insolvency professionals across the UK, and find the right role to suit your ambitions.