girls on telly

Ghosted After a Good Interview?

We've all been there; when you've had a seemingly great interview, got along well with the hiring managers, even introduced to the team and firm handshakes with smiles and hints about start dates. But then you never hear from this employer again. So what happened?!

A number of things come in to play when hiring new employees. The position has been filled, or even cancelled. This has happened to me before for a job - I eventually rang the employer looking for feedback, or even just an answer, and was met with 'we're no longer looking for someone as the position no longer exists'.... WHAT?! All that pre-interview nerves and anxiety, research and preparation, just to be told the job no longer exists?! 

Well, it's safe to say, I was gutted. But here, I'm going to give you some handy tips on how to cope when this happens, and what you can do to get your answer. 

• It's not you, it's me.
  Remember that if you don't receive that 'Unfortunately...' email, it's a fault on their side. Employers should definitely let all their candidates know if they've been successful or not, and they should give you feedback. If you've been ghosted completely by an employer, then you probably don't want to work for a company like that anyway.
  
  
• Been a few weeks since? Give them a call.
  Yes, phone calls are daunting, especially if you're calling someone to basically ask if they liked you. What you can do over the phone is say 'I had an interview here a couple weeks ago and it was great, but I haven't heard from you for a while, just wanted to make sure you have my correct email/phone number?' Usually, you already know they do, but this is a great way of coming across less nervous. The employer will usually apologise and let you know. Plus it's pretty cool hearing the embarrassment in their voice due to the fact they forgot.
  
• Confront the employer.
  Okay, not in a fight way, but I would suggest calling them instead of emailing in this case. Talk about how you enjoyed the interview, and how you thought it went well and you're wanting feedback. Don't be afraid to let them know that you've been waiting for an answer - let them know you would've liked an answer. You deserve that!
  
• The employer may not be authentic.
  I'm not assuming all these places are dodgy... but... I mean, if you've gone through the prep, the anxiety and paying for public transport to get to your interview, you at least deserve a yes or no. I've found with some employers that have ignored me after an interview have usually moved locations, or changed their name, or ended up cancelling the position all together. It may just be the employer can no longer afford a new employee, they should at least let you know that. I'd ignore them back.
  
  
• Keep going.
  Job hunting can be a very daunting and disheartening journey, but you should know that it's not a reflection on you. The best thing to do after these scenarios, is to keep going. You will find something, and you never know, maybe one employer you forgot you even interviewed for will get back to you months down the line! This has happened to me a few times. Keep going and keep searching, you will find what you're looking for!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Your Guide to Liverpool Freshers 2019!
& other things to do when moving to Liverpool!

So you've finally finished school and college, now it's time to party and study your passion! But before you do, there are all kinds of events going on in Liverpool to help you celebrate. This is your guide to Liverpool Freshers Week 2019! 

• Read the Official Freshers page for all night time and dance events! Go to: https://www.liverpoolfreshers.co.uk/
  
  
• Go to the Freshers Fair!
  If you're just moving to Liverpool and it's your first time here in the city, I'd highly suggest going to the Freshers Fair - there you'll be given loads of boss freebies and boss talks about our fabulous city. You will be guided around and given maps to have a look around as you wish. There will also be free pizza, who can pass that up?
  https://www.jmsu.co.uk/whatson/freshers
  
  
• Take in the culture
  We weren't named capital of culture for nothing! Make some time to visit our wonderful China Town and Albert Docks to learn the full history of Liverpool and it's wonderful citizens. I highly recommend visiting The Bombed Out church, located at the top of Bold Street - once a vacant church, now home to amazing events such as outdoor cinemas and Gin festivals!
  
  
• The Magical Mystery Tour
  You probably know that one great boss band that hailed from Liverpool, why not go on the Magical Mystery Tour? This bus won't only show you where the worlds greatest musicians grew up, but will give you a fantastic tour of the city in general. If you're really in to The Beatles, there is an entire museum dedicated to them! Visit The Beatles Story! Located at the Albert Docks.
  
  
• Go on the Echo Wheel!
  The best view of Liverpool and our wonderful River Mersey, the Echo Wheel is located right next to the M&S Arena, on our lovely waterfront. While you're there, make sure to take a walk around the gorgeous pierhead (I recommend going at sunset - what a sight!)
  
  
• Spend your student loan at Liverpool One.
  Liverpool One is one of the best shopping experiences in Merseyside! Find all your favourite restaurants and retail stores there to take the edge of your stressful studies. Go on Freshers Week for boss deals and discounts!
  
  
• Visit Central Library
  The best place for quiet study or a little browse, the central library is four floors of book heaven! The Picton Room is one of the most gorgeous places in the city. Don't miss out! 

• Take the Anfield tour!
  Fan of footy? Take a tour around the Kop! Learn the whole history of LFC and the city too! If you don't swing that way, there is also the Goodison stadium tour too!
  
  
• Visit the two Cathedrals
  That's right, we have two cathedrals in this city! Both absolutely spectacular and breathtaking in their own way, if you're at John Moores, you will graduate in the Anglican! A gorgeous building that was 72 years in the making! On your way to the Metropolitan cathedral, take a look around Hope Street, with gorgeous bars and restaurants and the world famous Everyman Theatre!
  
  
• Drink in the local pubs
  The best kind of people to meet are right in your local. If you're living in the city centre, definitely go to the Philharmonic Pub - with world famous toilets! That's right, the toilets are listed, enjoy a few trips there once you've broken your seal.
  
  
  Remember if you're new here, your chosen university will help you get about if you're lost, there are so many things to see around Liverpool, I'm sure you're going to love it. Good luck and enjoy your stay!

How to be a better a manager - tips from an employee.

I think it's safe to say we've all had a variety of bosses in our working lives. Some great, some... not so great. I'm not talking about work load or a job in particular, but how managers actually manage their employees well-being and overall work environment. 

I have had such a wide range of managers since working from the age of seventeen, and being a support worker myself now, I want to share some tips on how to be a better manager, for the sake of those who work under you. 

• Listen to your employees feedback. 
  
  If you want your employees to respect and listen to you, you should first listen to them. I know having the job of managing a whole team can be trying, and you notice that your employees are not doing their best or putting in a lot of effort - maybe it's time to listen to their needs. Start a suggestions box, have your employees have an input in to how you manage them. After all, it's their workplace too.
  
• Be the motivator.
  
  A lot of times, employees will have built up a lot of anxiety and stress over working towards deadlines and doing things to your standard. Instead of telling your worker off, or constantly telling your employees what needs improving - try praising them for things they do well. This is a great way to get your employees feeling better and more motivated to keep up the good work.
  
  
  
• Realise not every single worker is the same person.
  
  No matter the size of your team, you should take your employees well-being in to account. If one employee seems anxious and is taking more breaks than usual, not engaging with the team or even responding to work emails - seek out how they are feeling. Remember, not every employee works at the same pace or rate as others. Perhaps taking a Mental Health Awareness or Mental Health first aid course will provide better information on how to assist your employees.
  
• Not everything is the worker's fault.
  
  I've had a manager that put low targets and low feedback blame purely on the workers. It's time to realise that you as a manager may need improvement too. Managers meetings are a great way to learn how to manage and provide for your team better. Remember to stick up for your own team too!
  
  
  
• Be a leader, not an intimidating boss. 
  
  If you notice your workers aren't coming to you a lot, and you spot them asking each other for tips and advice, perhaps it's time to work on that. I mean, it's natural to be weary of your boss, but don't blow your lid whenever a worker asks about holidays and time off. It's why they're given those days! Remember that you get the time off that you ask for, it has to be same for your workers.
  
  
  I understand being a manager comes with a lot of pressure, but you certainly shouldn't take it out on those under you, who are working towards the same targets as you. Remember your a team, not a dictatorship!

Recommended books: 

• The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
• Becoming a Better Boss
• The First Time Manager

Hidden Gems of Liverpool

Everyone and their aunt know Liverpool is the best city, voted one of the coolest places to live in the U.K, and ranked in the top 10 friendliest cities, along with the best accent. People from all over to marvel at our two cathedrals and stunning world-famous Albert Docks, but there are some marvellous secrets around the city, and I’m here to give you the tips on where to find them…

      Dirty Little Secret

Opening in 2018, within the name of it, this bar has been quite the well-kept secret amongst Liverpool party goers. The chic little cocktail bar can be found on Wood Street, with beautiful interiors and cosy spaces to get just a little merry. Not only this, but the bar is known to have a random FREE BAR NIGHTS that you don’t want to miss.

     Queen Avenue

Nope, this isn’t a still from the Harry Potter films, this gorgeous quaint little street is right on your doorstep! Though it’s been around for many years, Queen Avenue is one of Liverpool’s best hidden gems. It hosts some of the best wine shops and art shops the city has to offer! Find it just off Castle Street, in-between Rudy’s Pizzeria and Tune Hotel

      Berry & Rye

Blink and you’ll miss it! Berry and Rye is a cosy little speakeasy found right in the heart of Berry Street – but you won’t find it by looking for any lights or signs outside. To get in, you need to find a very specific black door, and you need to knock to be let inside. Once inside you can enjoy a range of fabulous cocktails with some boss music too.

      Some Place

Another hidden speakeasy, this bar is found just right next door to one of Liverpool’s most famous music venues – Zanzibar. Make your way up the narrow stairwell and find yourself in a beautiful, eccentric cosy club. They have a range of weird and lovely cocktails, that come in beakers and pots! Try their absinthe for an extra kick – at your own risk!

      Reid of Liverpool




The Scousest and quaintest little bookshop in the city – with an arrange of fiction and non-fiction to meet your fantastical needs. This gorgeous little shop is found just at the top of Mount Pleasant – and has been going strong for absolute years (since 1765 to be exact!)

      Dig Vinyl


Found beneath one of Bold Street’s most eccentric shops, Soho, this place has a brilliant range of vinyl’s springing from jazz to punk to classical. Give your ears a little treat with this one!

Now that you have the inside information on these gems, seek them out and enjoy!

When you’re feeling down about your body

We all have one of those days. Well, one of those weeks. Maybe a month.... year? Anyway, what i'm trying to say is we all have those times where we just can't stand to look in the mirror, or bear to be in the same room with ourselves. In this little blog, I'm going to give you some pointers on how to end this cycle of hate and how to practice self love.

• Remember what your body does for you.
  When you're asleep and you're dreaming of sweeter things, your body is still working to keep you breathing, keep you comfortable and keep you dreaming. Your body is literally keeping you alive, no matter if you have stretch marks, cellulite, self harm scars, rolls, birthmarks, spots, freckles and what have you. Your body doesn't care how you look, it wants you to be alive. 

• Remember how your body moves.
  
  Your body gets you around to where you want to go. Your legs can take you
  on long walks in the woods, your eyes can see the sun shining through the branches and your nose can smell the world in bloom. If you're in a wheelchair, your arms are helping you move, helping you get to places, not matter what you look like, no matter your size or blemishes, your body takes you on journey's and will continue to do that just for you.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Hating yourself let's the bad guys win.
  
  Do you know how much the diet industry has made and is continue to make? Billions, my friend. BILLIONS OF POUNDS. These people selling you diet pills, appetite supplements, diarrhea inducing milkshakes and smoothies - they are profiting off your self hate.  They are only out there to make money, they do not care about you or how skinny you get. Plus, these things can make you very, very sick. Do not buy in to it.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Your body is not your impact.

I mean, when a person dies, is the first thing you think 'Wow, she was really beautiful and thin. Shame.' NO! Because you're not a vacant soulless person. People remember you for how you make them laugh, how intelligent you are, how interesting, quirky, lovely, welcoming, warm and fabulous you are. No one ever really cares how you look, no one is your friend because they think you're pretty. They're your friends because you're a brilliant person.

• Dude, get off Instagram. 
  
  Yep. Not only does Instagram make you feel worthless and boring, it makes you totally question what you're doing with your life and how you compare to these 'models'. I'm going to let you in on a little secret, come closer... closer.... listen... they all use Facetune. All of them. Plus, most of the stuff you see on social media is people pretending they have a better, more interesting life than they do. That's how they make their coin. It's a scam, don't buy in to it. Put your phone down for a bit, read a good crime thriller, write a poem, draw, look up to the clouds and breathe.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• HOW TO GET A BEACH BODY!... But you already have one.
  
  What is a beach body anyway? I have a body, I sort of live by a beach... Do I qualify? Yes girl. You do. Find a cute swimming costume or bikini and wear it. Look in the mirror, point out what you like about yourself. Hey, look at my boobs! Woah, my bum looks.... delicious. Wow, I never noticed how cute my arms are. My skin is GLOWING! Etc, etc. Practice this often, it works, I tell ya.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Your feelings are always temporary.
  You know, this feeling will pass. You'll wake up tomorrow feeling stupid about being so bothered about your body. And why are you bothered? Usually by other people's opinions... that they don't even have. As you grow and learn, you'll realise, every single person feels like this. Every one. Not everyone is looking at you, not everyone is talking about you. You are so much more than the number on your clothes.
  
  And if some ignorant person comments on your body, laugh at them and move on. Live your life and love yourself. You got this!
  
  

How to do Pride when you aren’t ready to come out

Jess O'Shea

Pride is coming up in the U.K the next couple of months, everyone's getting ready whether it's a Pride house party, public event or going to the march and celebrate in the streets. Pride is an extroverts dream, an event to celebrate everything about who you are without holding back. But what happens when you are queer, but you're not ready to let anyone know? Well, fear not! This piece will give you some pointers on how to attend pride, be proud of who you are as well as keeping it low-key. 

• Go as an Ally with your queer friends.
  Yep, simple as right? Express interest in wanting to attend the drag shows, experience the clubs and events and have fun! Even if you have completely straight friends, express how fun it will be to all be together and dance all night, like any other regular night out. 
  
  
  
• Go without friends!
  Queer people naturally take others under their wing. Attend the day time parade and party with some new friends. There's also tons of supportive LGBTQ+ stalls and charities at the day time party. You can walk up and chat to them, get to know the charities and their work, get some information on Pride and any youth clubs/groups that are about.

• Seek out LGBTQ+ youth groups!
  I know in Liverpool you can join and chat to the brilliant youth group YPAS, located right by the Adelphi Hotel. They attend Pride every year with their very own stall. It's a safe place for young people from aged 12 that can join. You don't have to disclose your sexuality, you can join for curiosity, or just have a chat at the Pride event itself.
  
  
  
  YPAS Liverpool youth group. http://www.ypas.org.uk/
  
  
• Read up on LGBTQ+ history.
  To really celebrate Pride and its cause, you need to go way back to the 1960's. Pride started when the brave patriots of Stonewall Inn in New York City rioted against the police for constantly busting and beating the club goers. Read up on your trans sisters that helped lead the first Pride, icons such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera - and so many more. 
  
  
  
  Sylvia Rivera (Left) Marsh P. Johnson (Right)
  
  
• Support your local Drag Queens!
  Even if you don't end up going to the actual Pride parade, pride is a year round celebration for queer people. One of the best places to start is going to your local drag bar and supporting the queens that perform in ungodly inched heels all night for your entertainment! Have a chat with them at the bar, or the local bar staff to get in the know about the club and drag culture in your city. 
  
  
  
  OMG bar in Liverpool, Victoria Street.
  
  
• Wear a little bit of Pride.
  There's tons of small stores at the Pride celebrations and online (Etsy is my favourite!) That sell small rainbow badges and even ally pins. Pin them on the inside of your jacket and celebrate yourself.
  
  
  LGBT Badges from Etsy (shop:Colouryourlifeclub). 
  
  

Be proud!

• Although you may not be ready to come out, remember your LGBTQ+ community loves you. You matter in this world, and when you're ready, you'll be welcomed with open arms. Remember to stay safe and continue to do your thing. Have a brilliant pride and enjoy yourself!