More Magazine Reader Q&A Relocating For A Job

My company’s relocating from London to Leeds. I’ve been working for them for two years and I am on a contract, but I don’t want to move. What should I do? Ola, London

Michelle says: Check your contract for a ‘mobility clause’. This will say if you have to move with the company. The clause has to be reasonable – they can’t expect you to move to a new continent at the two days’ notice. If you decide not to go, you may be entitled to redundancy, if you meet the criteria. If you do choose to move, the company isn’t obliged to give you relocation expenses, unless it’s included in your contract, so that’s worth bearing in mind. I recommend checking the small print. then talking to your manager about your options. If your workplace has a union, chat to them too. If you feel you’ve been unfairly treated, you can raise a grievance by following your company’s policy. Look at gov.uk for further advice, or talk to Citizens advice (citzensadvice.org.uk)

(Please Note: The information is from the More Magazine article  ‘Don’t become the office oversharer’ by Michelle Dewberry in Issue 11th February 2013, I did not write this!)

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More Magazine Reader Q&A My Grade Is Stopping Me Getting A Job…

I got a 3rd in my history degree last year. Now i can’t get a job and I think that might be one of the reasons why. I was thinking of saying I have a 2:2 on my CV. Do you think it matters? Or is honesty the best policy? Marie, Newport

Michelle says: This is a tough one. I totally get where your coming from, as I was in a similar position to you once. I lied on my CV and said I had qualifications I didn’t have. I got the job I wanted, but I spent everyday practically feeling sick as I thought I’d be found out. HR kept asking for copies of my certificates and I kept having to make up lies as to why I couldn’t provide them. It was horrible! If I was put in that situation again, I’d leave the grade off my CV (although that’s hard on the application form), then talk about it at the interview once I had a chance to give a good first impression. But I wouldn’t recommend lying – it’s just not worth it.

(Please Note: The information is from the More Magazine article  ‘It’s all about the presentation’ by Michelle Dewberry in Issue 4th February 2013, I did not write this!)

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More Magazine Reader Q&A Holiday Dilemma

I’ve got an interview for a job that starts in March, but I’ve already booked a week off from my current job that month and another in April. Should I tell my potential new employers about my holiday plans as the interview? Kerrie, Croydon

Michelle says: I was in this situation a few years ago. I got a new job, accepted it, and on my first day mentioned a holiday I had previously booked and paid for. My boss was sympathetic and told me I couldn’t go. I was devastated and ended up ringing in sick and going anyway. I didn’t stick in the job very long after that, but I wouldn’t recommend that approach. I suggest you it up if and when they offer you the job and make sure you get a documented agreement from them. The company may not give you the time off, so be prepared to offer to take it without pay, or to offset your annual leave against it. Honesty’s always the best policy. 

(Please Note: The information is from the More Magazine article  ‘Job at risk? Here’s how to get back on that ladder’ by Michelle Dewberry in Issue 28th January 2013, I did not write this!)

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More Magazine Reader Q&A Dress Code

I’ve been told off at work for not wearing the right clothes. I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong. Who do I ask for advice? Jess, Uxbridge

Michelle says: Every company’s dress code will be different, so you may find your mistake was as simple as wearing nail varnish if you work with food, or not wearing a jacket to a client meeting. Sometimes the code is put in writing so get a copy from the staff handbook, HR or intranet. When you say you’ve been told off was this a quiet word from the boss or a formal warning? Either way, you need to work out what you’ve got wrong and fix it quickly. One way to do is to look at senior staff and what they wear. Is it on-trend or smart? Do they ever wear jeans? What do they wear in meetings? Do they dress differently on Fridays? If you take your lead from senior managers, you can’t go wrong. One positive – it probably means you need to go shopping for a few new items for your work wardrobe!

(Please Note: The information is from the More Magazine article  ‘Pack your bags for a job abroad’ by Michelle Dewberry in Issue 21st January 2013, I did not write this!)

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More Magazine Reader Q&A Being Self Employed

I’m about to declare myself self-employed. What do I need to know? I’m scared about working out how much tax I owe! Annie, London

Michelle says: When you become self-employed it means you have to pay your tax directly to the tax man. To do this you have to fill out an annual tax return detailing your earnings and expenses. First get in touch with HMRC. To become self-employed, you can register online, and they’ll send you a unique reference number. You must get a folder to keep all your invoices, expenses and receipts. It’s also helpful to have two spreadsheets, one for your invoices and once for expenses. For your first year I’d get help from an accountant. Fees are cheaper outside of the south east, so consider sending your accounts to another part of the country. Get lot’s of quotes, but expect to pay around £150-£300. Once you’ve seen it done professionally, it will give you the confidence you need for next time. Finally, don’t leave your tax return until the day before the 31 January deadline

(Please Note: The information is from the More Magazine article ‘How to make your CV sparkle’ By Michelle Dewberry’  in Issue 7th January 2013, I did not write this!)

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More Magazine Reader Q&A Second Job

I’ve taken on a second job to get some extra income. I work full-time Monday to Friday in an office and then at a pub for five hours on weekend nights. Do I need to tell my first employer that I have a second Job? And do I need to tell the tax office? Jules, Kent.

Michelle says: Good for you! First check the contract of your office job. Some employers don’t want you to work anywhere else and will have written this in your terms and conditions.Find out if your paying the right amount of tax. Because you’ve got two jobs, they’ll have different tax codes. Phone the tax guys at HMRC (0845 300 0627) and explain. They can check you aren’t under (or over) paying and tell you which forms to fill in. Also, if you’re working over an average of 48 hours a week, then you may need to fill out an opt-out form with your main employer to say you’re happy to do this. 

(Please Note: The information is from the More Magazine article ‘Find your perfect Career Fit’ By Michelle Dewberry’  in Issue 3rd December 2012, I did not write this!)

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More Magazine Reader Q&A Confidence Tip

I recently started worked at a little fashion boutique. I love it there, but I’m keen to improve my confidence when approaching customers. For some reason I get really scared and feel nervous. Any tips? Annie, London

Michelle says: The first thing to remember is that YOU GOT THE JOB! Out of all the people that applied,  the boutique chose you. They picked you because of your abilities and because they felt you were right for the store. Take some confidence from that. See the customers as ‘people’ if it helps, rather than customers. They’re just like you. And, actually, you’re getting them when they’re in a great mood (indulging in a spot of retail therapy). Remember that you deserve to there and that you rock.

(Please Note: The information is from the More Magazine article ‘Ace that big interview without breaking a sweat By Michelle Dewberry’  in Issue 12th November 2012, I did not write this!)

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More Magazine Reader Q&A Be Careful What You Post Online…

My sister told me future employers look at your Facebook and Twitter pages to check you out. Is this true? Do I need to do some de-tagging? Hannah, Dorset

Michelle says: Hannah, in a word YES! Any employer worth their salt, will have a nosey at your social – media profiles, and probably even a Google on your name ( I certainly would). So make sure that all your pages are private and if you do have anything public, think about the image you want to present. As a rule of thumb, for every picture or status, think: ‘If a potential employer brought this up in an interview, would I be embarrassed?’ If the answer is yes, then hit delete. I always think it’s better to be safe, than blushing… 

(Please Note: This information is from the More Magazine articles ‘Uni: Your Survival Guide By Russell Howard’ & ‘Don’t let Booze lead to work blues’  in Issue 1st October 2012, I did not write this!)

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