My Kickstarter Experience

By Daniel Reed

 

What attracted you to apply for a Kickstart role?

 

“At first, I was unaware of the full nature of the scheme, and how it would assist me with training and support my future career. At the time I was simply looking for a springboard into a new job role, to get my foot in the door, so to speak. Luckily, the Kickstart scheme led to me to several appealing job roles I never would have found without it. I jumped at the chance to look into the roles, and the whole process of getting the job was very swift from start to finish.”

 

What was the interview process like?

 

“The interview was conducted via video call, though thankfully it wasn’t my first one. The manner of conversation was kept mostly casual, the informal tone helping to ease me into the role. It also served as a good example of the way meetings would be run in the actual job. Learning the etiquette of video discussions was already a useful skill to test out even before I secured the role.”

 

What support have you received as a part of the scheme?

 

“There have been a multitude of training courses on offer, designed to enhance the skill level and basic employability of candidates like myself. Whether these are group discussions on a certain topic, like CV crafting or interview technique, or independent courses to work through, it all contributes to making sure that I’m able to seize any future job opportunities. Everyone working alongside me has also been very supportive, aiding when necessary and making me feel like part of a team. The variety of tasks I’ve been given has stretched my abilities as well, especially regarding group projects and presentations, and even regular video meetings give me a chance to learn more about the customs of team interactions.”

 

What concerns do you have as you near the end of your placement, and need to find new job opportunities?

 

“Thanks to all the support on offer, I feel better equipped to re-enter the world of job hunting soon. The scheme has prepared me with the skills I need to begin searching for new jobs in the local area, and a greater confidence in being able to carry out the required tasks when I next get a job. Much of the support also focused on successfully marketing myself to companies, helping me tailor my portfolio for the specific jobs I wish to seek out.”

 

What would you say to other businesses considering employing a Kickstarter?

 

“I would definitely recommend the scheme to any businesses looking to fill an existing role. The scheme can bring your business to the attention of eager new hires looking for the opportunity to expand their abilities. Young hires can bring entirely new perspectives and points of view, giving them insights that can help the business succeed.


In conclusion

 

“I have very much enjoyed my time as a Kickstarter, and I feel that it has been a valuable stepping-stone in my broader career prospects. It has given me the chance to learn more about how businesses operate from the inside and allowed me to further hone my skills for future roles. The experience, both in terms of skills and challenges accomplished, and simply having more time to settle in a role, has made me a more appealing candidate in the current market.”