Help to climb the career ladder when you’re from a less-privileged background

CLIMBING the career ladder is tough enough but when you’re working class, it can be even harder.

According to the Government’s Social Mobility Commission, adults with working-class parents are three times as likely to be in a working-class occupation compared to people with professional parents.

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Despite 48 per cent of UK adults considering themselves to be working class, half of big-name firms do not actively seek out working-class talent — but for those who do, the rewards can be exceptional.

When a person works their way up to have a higher income or higher status of job than their parents, it’s known as “upward social mobility”.

According to campaign group the Sutton Trust, enhancing social mobility within UK firms to match the average Western European level could lead to a nine per cent boost in GDP, equivalent to £2,620 per person, or a total of £170billion added to the UK economy annually.

This week sees the annual SOMO Awards — known as the UK’s “social mobility Oscars” — which celebrate employers helping working-class people fulfil their career potential.

Set up by charity Making The Leap, this year the awards cover firms employing close to 1.3million people representing 20 business sectors.

While finance, law and professional services make up almost half of entries, there has been a big rise in submissions from the creative and media sectors, plus local authority and Government.

Londoner Kevin Sterling faced dozens of job rejections until he signed up for Making The Leap’s social mobility programme.

Kevin, 23, now works as an engineer for Sky, and says: “Before taking the course, it felt like I was stuck in limbo with no end in sight, and got rejection after rejection. I was at my wits’ end.

“With Making The Leap I took part in activities including networking and mock interviews, which really helped, and I learned how to evaluate myself.

“I’d always been focused on the future, never taking the time to reflect on how far I’ve come, what I’m lacking, and how I can turn my weaknesses into strengths.”

Tunde Banjoko, from Making The Leap, said: “By adopting social mobility initiatives, organisations demonstrate to their staff and customers that they are committed to creating an inclusive workplace while helping to unlock the full potential of talent from all walks of life in society.”

Firms including Sky, Linklaters, Nationwide, KPMG and PWC have all entered and the awards are open to organisations of all sizes.

A Nationwide spokeswoman said: “We believe the circumstances of a person’s birth shouldn’t determine their outcomes in life. We are dedicated to equitable progression.”

Find out more at somo.uk

TIPS FOR CAREER YOU WANT

COMPETITION to secure a job is at its fiercest in three years, so how to stand out?

Here Jan Hendrik von Ahlen, from Jobleads.com, shares his tips on securing the job you want.

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Network, Network, Network: Successful networking is all about building relationships.

Reach out to people in your field with a simple message, like asking for advice or sharing something interesting. Be authentic, follow up, stay in touch and help when you can.

Join a club: Many UK cities have networking groups and business clubs. Chamber of Commerce groups and Business Network International also host events.

These gatherings are great for building connections.

Customise Applications: Read the job description thoroughly and focus on skills and experiences that match what the employer is after.

If you have limited experience, showcase your transferable skills on your CV.

Build a professional Online Presence: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date with your skills, experiences, and career goals and follow industry trends.

Keep Learning: The job market is always changing, so keep your skills up to date. Take online courses and attend workshops. Showing potential employers you’re committed to growth can make you a more attractive candidate.

Stay Positive, Be Persistent: Every rejection is a step closer to the right opportunity. Keep applying, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Persistence will pay off in the end.

OCTOBER BLUES?

FORGET the January blues, October is the month when we are ill the most.

Figures from BrightHR show while one third of all sickness occurs in the last three months of the year, it’s October when staff most frequently call in sick.

Typically, October illness rates are 122 per cent above the monthly average, with a 157 per cent spike in flu cases and 164 per cent leap in common cold cases. Mental health-related absences rise by 112 per cent, the highest of any month.

Alan Price, chief executive at BrightHR, said: “Encouraging a culture of openness where employees feel comfortable discussing their health, and reminding employees of any support in place . . . can also make a significant difference.”