Welcome to The Oselo Podcast!

Big thank you to Laurence Bargery, Co-Founder and Tech Director at Accurx!

What is Accurx?

Accurx is the easy-to-use platform where patients and healthcare professionals communicate.
Our software connects people across the system to make NHS professionals happier and patients healthier - https://www.accurx.com/

What Exactly is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is like a friendly hello to the hiring manager. It's a one-page document you send alongside your resume when applying for a job. But, it's more than just a formality. It's your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain why you're perfect for the job, and showcase your enthusiasm.

Why Are They Important?

Just like everything, there are pros and cons to submitting a cover letter with your CV when applying for a role. 

Pros:

Personal Touch: Cover letters allow you to connect with the hiring manager on a personal level. You're not just another name on a resume; you're a real person with real interests.

Highlight Skills: They let you highlight skills and experiences that might not fit neatly into your resume. It's where you can share stories and examples that show you're the right fit for the job.

Address Gaps: If you have gaps in your work history or are changing careers, a cover letter is where you can explain these transitions and make your case.

Show Enthusiasm: A well-written cover letter shows that you're genuinely excited about the job and the company. Employers love to see that enthusiasm.

Stand Out: A thoughtful cover letter can set you apart. It's your chance to be memorable for all the right reasons.

Cons:

Time-Consuming: Writing personalized cover letters for each application can be time-consuming, especially when applying to multiple jobs.

Not Always Read: Some employers may not read cover letters, particularly if they receive a high volume of applications. In such cases, the effort put into crafting one may not yield significant benefits.

Quality Varies: Not all cover letters are well-written or impactful. A poorly written or generic cover letter can do more harm than good.

Redundancy: Sometimes, cover letters reiterate information already present in the resume, making them redundant and potentially frustrating for employers.

Expectation of Perfection: A strong cover letter is expected to be error-free, which can lead to added pressure for candidates.

Every hiring manager has a different opinion on cover letters and not all companies require them, if you are going through a recruiter, we recommend you ask if they think it will strengthen their profile!

Work has changed a lot recently, especially because more people are working from home. This change happened fast because of COVID-19, and now it's here to stay. For companies, this means they need to learn how to find and keep the best employees who work remotely.

How Remote Work is Changing

Working from home has come a long way. It used to be unusual, but now it's very common. However, for companies we understand there can be a worry about hiring employees when remote work is on offer.

Finding the right remote employees can be made easy, you just need a strict plan. Here are some things you could include in your plan:

Describe the Job Well: Make sure the job description says it's a remote job and tells people what they need to work from home.

Use the Right Websites: There are special websites where you can find remote workers. Some examples are Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

Promote Your Company: Tell people about your company's culture and share stories from employees who work remotely.

Offer a Good Compensation Package: Offer a good salary and benefits that are competitive with other companies. You can also give remote-specific benefits like money for home office equipment or wellness programs.

Alternative Interview Methods: Use video calls for interviews to see if a candidate can work well from home. Look for qualities like being able to work independently, good communication skills, and the ability to adapt.

Keeping Remote Employees

Once you have great remote workers, you want to keep them happy. Here's how:

Help Them Start Well: Make a plan for how new employees will learn about your company and their job, even if they're not in the office.

Stay in Touch: Have clear ways for everyone to talk to each other, like regular check-ins and team-building activities. In remote work, it's okay to talk more than you might in an office.

Set Goals and Give Feedback: Tell remote workers what you expect from them and let them know how they're doing. Encourage them to set their own goals too.

Learning and Growing: Help remote employees learn and get better at their jobs. Give them chances to improve and move up in the company.

Balance Work and Life: Make sure they have a good balance between work and their personal life. Tell them it's okay to take breaks and time off when they need it.

Say Thanks: Recognise and reward great work with virtual awards or ceremonies. Show that you appreciate what remote workers do.

Working from home is the future, and companies that understand this will do well. To find and keep the best remote employees, you need a good plan. This includes finding them the right way, making sure they feel connected, and supporting their growth. As more and more people choose to work remotely, companies that do these things will have an advantage in getting and keeping the best talent, no matter where they are in the world. So, embrace the future of working from home, and your company will benefit from having a diverse and skilled remote team.

Big thank you to Aaron Solomon and the Ambl team!

What is Ambl?

Ambl is a new app that allows users to book last-minute reservations at restaurants and bars. The app uses real-time availability data to show users which venues have open tables, and it allows users to book a table with just a few taps. Ambl is currently available in London, and it plans to expand to other cities in the future - https://www.ambl.co/

Transitioning from Full-Time to Self-Employed Freelancer

In a world where the traditional 9-to-5 job is no longer the only path to success, many individuals are making the bold leap from full-time employment to the realm of self-employed freelancing. This transition can be both thrilling and challenging, as it opens the door to freedom, flexibility, and endless possibilities. In this blog post, we'll explore the journey of transitioning from a stable job to the exciting world of self-employment.

1. The Decision to Make the Switch

The first step in transitioning to self-employment is making the conscious decision to take the plunge. This decision is often driven by a desire for more autonomy, a passion for a particular skill or industry, or a need for greater work-life balance. It's essential to have a clear vision of why you want to become a freelancer and what you hope to achieve.

2. Assessing Your Skills

Once you've decided to become a freelancer, it's time to assess your skills and marketability. Take a critical look at your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of expertise. Consider the demand for your skills in the freelancing market. Research your competition and identify opportunities to differentiate yourself.

3. Building Your Portfolio

As a freelancer, your portfolio is your resume. Start by showcasing your best work from previous jobs, personal projects, or volunteer experiences. Make sure your portfolio reflects the skills and services you intend to offer as a freelancer. A strong portfolio can attract clients and help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

4. Setting Up Your Freelance Business

Transitioning to self-employment also means setting up your freelance business. This involves legal and financial considerations, such as registering your business, obtaining necessary licenses, and setting up a business bank account. It's crucial to keep your personal and business finances separate to maintain clarity and financial stability.

5. Marketing Yourself

To thrive as a freelancer, you need to market yourself effectively. Create a professional website, utilize social media platforms, and network within your industry. Consider using freelance marketplaces and job boards to find initial clients and build your reputation. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful marketing tool as well.

6. Managing Your Finances

Managing your finances as a self-employed freelancer can be challenging, but it's crucial for long-term success. Create a budget, set aside money for taxes, and establish a consistent invoicing system. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or using accounting software to help you manage your income and expenses effectively.

7. Embracing Uncertainty and Adaptability

One of the biggest differences between full-time employment and freelancing is the level of uncertainty. Freelancers often experience fluctuations in income and client demand. It's essential to embrace uncertainty and develop adaptability as you navigate the ups and downs of freelancing. Building a financial safety net can provide peace of mind during lean times.

8. Balancing Work and Life

One of the main reasons people transition to self-employment is to achieve a better work-life balance. However, freelancers can sometimes find it challenging to set boundaries and maintain that balance. Establish a daily routine, designate a dedicated workspace, and learn to say no to projects that may compromise your work-life balance.

9. Continuous Learning and Growth

The freelance world is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. To stay competitive, invest in continuous learning and professional development. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences in your industry, and keep your skills up-to-date.

10. Celebrating Your Successes

Finally, don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether it's landing a new client, completing a challenging project, or achieving a financial milestone, take time to acknowledge and reward yourself for your achievements. Recognising your progress can motivate you to keep pushing forward.

Transitioning from full-time employment to self-employment as a freelancer is a journey filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. While it may come with its fair share of challenges, the freedom and fulfillment that come with being your own boss can make it all worthwhile.

How to Cope with Relocating for Work

Moving abroad for work is an exciting journey that will bring a mix of different emotions. Although it can be scary and may bring on some anxiety, it is an exhilarating time in your life as you step into the chapter.

Leaving the Familiar Behind 

It can be a daunting time to leave your comfort and set off somewhere unknown. Your home country is like a safe zone where you know the language, culture and people. When moving away it is completely natural for thoughts of doubt to cross your mind, you may ask yourself questions like “What if I don’t adjust?”, “Will I make friends?”, but just like you, there will be other people in the same position.

New Experiences

Although it can be a scary thought to leave your home country, there’s also the excitement of stepping into the next chapter of your life. You will experience so many new, different and exciting ventures – like learning about a new culture, picking up a different language, and making new friends from a different part of the world.

How to prepare!

There’s no set-in stone way to deal with the different emotions you may feel when relocating to a different country, however, there are some things you can do which may make you feel more prepared.

Research and Prepare: One of the best ways to calm your fears is through knowledge. Research the destination country – its culture, customs, and even practical things like the cost of living. The more you know, the more prepared you'll feel.

Stay Connected: With modern technology, staying connected with loved ones is easier than ever. Schedule regular video calls with friends and family to help ease feelings of homesickness.

Join Local Groups: Engage with expat or local community groups. This can be a great way to meet people who are also navigating the challenges of living in a new country.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that challenges are a part of any new adventure. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adjust.

Celebrate Small Wins: From successfully ordering a meal in the local language to navigating public transportation, celebrate the small achievements that mark your progress.

Embracing the Journey

Relocating to a different country for work is a journey filled with ups and downs. It's okay to feel scared and excited simultaneously – these emotions often go hand in hand when embarking on a new chapter of life. Remember, growth occurs when you step outside your comfort zone, and each challenge you overcome will make you more resilient and adaptable.

The mix of feelings that comes with relocating is both a mixture of fear and excitement. Moving away from comfort can be intimidating, yet the chance of entering a new chapter in your life will only ever feel rewarding.

How to Master Delivering a Job Offer to a Candidate

When offering someone a job, it is a really important time for not just the candidate but for your company too! You need to remember that when offering a job, it isn’t just the offer that matters, it is the delivery.

We sat down with Brad Read, Team Lead at Oselo, and here are the tips he has to offer!

Make it Personal

It is key to remember every person is an individual, and joining a new company can be daunting for some. To show that you and the company are excited to have them on-board it is a good idea to personalise the offer. Start by using their name, telling them how well they did in the interviews, what characteristics stood out to you as an employer, and how excited you are to have them as part of the team!

Explain Clearly

When you offer a job, make sure everything is clear. The job title, salary, start date, and all the important details should be in the offer letter. This way, they know exactly what they're getting into.

Don't Wait

Once you've decided to offer the job, don't take too long. People might be looking at other jobs too. Send the offer as soon as you can so they don't lose interest. It can also make your company look well-organised!

Talk Both Ways

Let them ask questions about the offer. This shows you care about what they want and makes them feel better about joining. If they're not sure about something, explain it to them.

Show You're Happy 

Tell them you're really excited about them joining. Mention the good things you saw in them during interviews and say how their skills match the company's goals. This makes them feel special and wanted.

Help Them Get Ready

After they say yes to the offer, give them information about what comes next. Tell them about the company culture, what they need to know before starting, and help them feel ready to be a part of the team.

Offering a job is a big deal! It’s the start of a new chapter for most. By being personal, clear, and excited, you make them feel good about joining. This doesn't just help them start well but also shows others how great your company is and brings more talented people to you.

We know asking for a pay rise can be an awkward conversation to bring up, but it is a steppingstone in advancing in your career and it is important to feel like you are being compensated fairly within your company. However, these things are easier said than done, when approaching your employer for a salary increase you need to think about to go about it.

We’ve produced this step-by-step guide to help you ask for a pay rise successfully.

Market Research

Before starting the conversation with your employer, it is important you know what you are asking for and must have some idea of what you want your raise to be. Not only will this give you a rough idea of what you could be earning elsewhere, but also evidence to show your employer that you are not asking for something completely out of range.

There are useful websites like Glassdoor which can help you find out the range you should be on depending on your skillset and experience. Looking at other job adverts and companies that are hiring for a similar role you currently do will also give you a good idea of what you could potentially ask for.

Evaluate your position and responsibilities

Throughout your time at the company, you may have taken on additional responsibilities and gone above and beyond in your role. You should take note of all your accomplishments to date, especially ones where you exceeded targets and took on extra responsibility. Having evidence will support you in the conversation when discussing your pay rise.

Finding the right time and place

Timing will play a massive part in this conversation. Asking when your employer is going through a stressful and busy period may not be the best time. Instead, try to choose a time when your performance is still fresh in their minds, such as just after finishing a project or getting good feedback.

The best way to go about asking it is to schedule a meeting with your manager. Having a proper meeting set up will make sure there is enough time to discuss the situation

Call a meeting with your boss or supervisor to go over your pay and career advancement. This will enable both sides to give the conversation enough time. Be polite when asking for the meeting and make clear that you want to talk about your job and pay in a proactive manner.

Be ready with your argument

Make Your Case Ready. Make a strong argument for your request. Clearly state your accomplishments, extra duties, and contributions to the development of the organisation. Prepare to talk about the wage ranges and industry norms you found, highlighting how your current pay compares. Describe how a wage raise would reflect your increasing worth and what effect it would have on your drive and dedication.

While a pay rise may be your main goal, you should also be open to alternative types of compensation or perks that might enhance your entire package. This could include more vacation time, flexible working hours, chance for career progression, or performance-based bonuses.

Follow up

After the meeting, send a follow-up email summarizing the discussion and expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to discuss your compensation. If there are any agreed-upon action points, confirm them in writing to avoid miscommunication.

Asking for a pay rise can be a scary thing to do, but with preparation and clear communication, you can walk in there confidently. Going into the meeting prepared and with research, you will increase your chances of being successful as you have solid ground and can show why you deserve one. Pay rises can't be organised overnight, so it is important you stay patient!

Lay-offs are never nice for employers or employees, and the process isn’t very comfortable to go through. We are seeing more and more lay-offs for a variety of reasons, from poor market conditions to a shift in corporate goals, lay-offs could be down to numerous reasons.

Prioritise Empathy and Compassion 

Employers must tackle the issue with understanding and compassion since layoffs can be emotionally draining for some employees. It is important you recognise the effects it has on people and their families and conduct yourself in a compassionate way throughout the meeting. Workers should feel heard and appreciated by the company, you can help them feel this way by treating them with respect and thanking them for all the hard work they have put into the business. Offering access to outplacement assistance or counselling services can also help employees deal with their emotions and provide the tools they need to move on.

Transparent and Timely Communication

If your company is going through layoffs, it is crucial to have clear, honest and open communication. Give staff as much information as you can and be open about the decisions' justifications. The news should be shared as soon as possible and in person if it can be done so, so the employer has the chance to address any queries or worries the employee may have. During the process, you should let the employee know the process, the package they will be receiving and offer any services which will help them through the transition.

Offer Practical Support and Resources 

Giving employees support after the layoff notice can significantly improve their adjustment. Offer tools like CV building classes, job search support, and networking opportunities. To help affected employees in locating new job opportunities, they should have access to a careers preprofessional whenever they need. It can also be beneficial to them if the employer was able to provide personal development courses or other training to help the employees improve their abilities and skills.

Creare a Positive Departure

The departing procedure should be carried out with professionalism and sensitivity to the situation. As an employer, you should offer to write a letter of recommendation or reference which will benefit the impacted employees in securing their next job. It is usually down to the department and the culture, however hosting farewell parties and using the time to show appreciation for the employee's accomplishments.

Consider the Company Culture

Layoffs may have a long-term effect on the morale of the surviving staff. During this transition, it is important to address their worries and listen to their concerns. By publicly admitting the changes, addressing any rumours or doubts, and offering assistance to individuals who might be dealing with stress or heavy workloads, you can cultivate a culture of resilience. Encourage partnership, clear communication, and empathy between the team employees to help them get through the adjustment.

Support Internal Mobility and Retention Efforts

After layoffs, it's critical to assess internal talent and look at redeployment options to maximise staff management. Take into account if the impacted employees' talents and abilities could be successfully used to new projects or initiatives or whether they could be smoothly transferred into alternative positions within the company. Employers should actively consider the possibility of moving affected employees to different departments or divisions that match with their skill set in the case of significant layoffs.

Layoffs are never easy to deal with, but with compassion and justice, along with openness and support, it is possible to get through this difficult process. A culture of resilience, clear communication, and practical assistance, together with a focus on the emotional well-being of impacted workers, may smooth the transition and preserve the trust and loyalty of the remaining workforce. Keep in mind that while layoffs are unpleasant, they may also be a chance for growth for the affected parties as well as the firm. Companies can become stronger and better able to withstand hardship by managing layoffs with care and attention.