10 Mind-blowing facts that prove composites aren’t just for spaceships!

By Louise Shorrock

The composites sector, a realm where innovation meets craftsmanship, holds a treasure trove of fascinating facts that often go unnoticed. In this blog, we embark on a journey through the world of composites, uncovering unique and surprising aspects that contribute to the sector’s allure.

Moon landing, anyone… Composites weren’t just bystanders in the space race; they were the silent heroes. Remember the Apollo 11 lunar module that touched down on the moon? Packed with composites, it proved you can be lightweight and tough as nails – a must-have for interstellar adventures.

Super strong, super light: Carbon fiber’s got it all. This isn’t your grandma’s yarn. Carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel, but lighter – talk about defying physics! So, it’s no wonder you’ll find it in everything from sleek race cars to soaring airplanes.

Ancient egyptians were way ahead of the game… Don’t be fooled by fancy labs; people have been rocking composites for millennia. Over 3,000 years ago, the Egyptians were using straw-reinforced clay to build stronger, longer-lasting bricks. Talk about sustainable!

Nature’s masterpiece: Bamboo is a built-in composite… Mother nature knows best, and bamboo proves it. This natural wonder combines tough fibers with a strong matrix, making it a sustainable alternative for everything from buildings to furniture. Talk about green tech with a prehistoric twist.

From astronauts to athletes: Composites heal too. They’re not just for spaceships and fancy cars, you know. Composites are making waves in the medical field, with carbon fiber finding its way into bone plates and artificial joints. Strong, biocompatible, and ready to mend broken bodies – who knew?!

Say goodbye to boxy designs: Composites bend the rules – Unlike their rigid counterparts, composites are all about flexibility. You can mold them, twist them, and shape them into mind-bending structures that would leave traditional materials weeping in the corner. Get ready for some seriously out-of-this-world designs!

Bulletproof badass: Protecting lives with Aramid. Kevlar, anyone? This wonder fiber, used in everything from bulletproof vests to firefighter gear, showcases the life-saving potential of composites. They may look sleek, but they’re tough as nails when it comes to keeping us safe.

Green is the new black: Sustainable composites are here: Forget the “composites are bad for the planet” myth. Researchers are busy developing eco-friendly versions, like those made from recycled materials. So, you can have your high-tech materials and protect the Earth too – win-win!

Bridges to the future: Composites span more than just gaps. Move over, steel! Composite bridges are popping up everywhere, boasting longer lifespans, rust-proof attitudes, and lower maintenance costs. They’re like the superheroes of infrastructure, ready to connect us for generations to come.

From your phone to your car, composites are everywhere! Look around – that sleek phone case, the lightweight parts in your car, even the tennis racket you swing every weekend – they’re all hiding a secret, they’re made with composites! These versatile materials are woven into the fabric of our daily lives, proving they’re not just a futuristic fad.

As we unravel these intriguing facts within the composites sector, it becomes evident that these materials are not just a technological marvel but a key player in reshaping industries across the globe. The ongoing innovations, coupled with the historical roots of composite materials, emphasise their enduring impact on the way we design, build, and interact with the world around us. The composites sector, with its rich history and boundless potential, continues to be a source of inspiration for engineers, scientists, and innovators alike.

Get in touch with Louise to see how she can support you in your search for out of this world talent:

Call: +44 1606 212020

Email: [email protected]

Launching your career: A guide to thriving in your first job

By Wil Evans, Associate Search Consultant

As the calendar flips to a new year, I find myself standing at the threshold of an exciting journey—my very first job. The transition from student life to the professional world is both thrilling and nerve-wracking but armed with enthusiasm and a sprinkle of nervous energy, I’m ready to embark on this new career adventure.

In this blog, I’ll share some insights and tips from the perspective of someone who’s just secured their first job.

1. Celebrate your achievements – Getting your first job is a significant accomplishment! Take a moment to celebrate your hard work, dedication, and the skills that landed you this opportunity. Whether it’s a small treat, a celebration with friends, or a moment of self-reflection, acknowledge and savour this milestone.

2. Embrace a learning mindset – Starting a new job means entering a world of new experiences and challenges. Embrace a learning mindset—be open to soaking in knowledge, asking questions, and seeking guidance. Recognise that there’s a learning curve, and every task, no matter how small, contributes to your growth.

3. Build relationships – Colleagues are more than just co-workers—they’re potential mentors, friends, and collaborators. Take the time to get to know your team, attend team events, and participate in workplace activities. Building positive relationships not only makes the work environment enjoyable but can also open doors for learning opportunities.

4. Seek feedback – Feedback is a valuable tool for personal and professional development. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback on your performance and use it as a tool to improve. Constructive criticism is a stepping stone to success, and it shows your dedication to continuous improvement.

5. Time management – Balancing work tasks, deadlines, and personal life is a skill worth honing. Develop effective time management habits early on. Prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and create a schedule that allows you to deliver quality work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

6. Stay curious – In the dynamic world of work, staying curious is key. Take the initiative to learn about different aspects of the organisation, industry trends, and the broader context of your role. A curious mindset not only fuels personal growth but can also make you an asset to your team.

7. Adaptability – Flexibility is a superpower in the professional realm. Be prepared to adapt to changes, learn new tools or methodologies, and embrace challenges with a positive attitude. The ability to adapt not only makes you resilient but also showcases your versatility as a professional.

Embarking on my first job journey feels like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. By celebrating achievements, embracing a learning mindset, building relationships, seeking feedback, mastering time management, staying curious, and cultivating adaptability, I aim to make the most of this exciting chapter.

To all fellow newcomers to the workforce, here’s to a year filled with growth, learning, and countless moments of success in our professional endeavours!

Wil works as a Associate Search Consultant and is focused on partnering exclusively with start-up or early-stage organisations, working with them as a trusted partner to help define and deploy structured hiring strategies across Europe and the US.

Get in touch to find out how Wil can support you with your next hire:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Wil Evans

Setting effective recruitment goals for the year ahead

I Keep Six Honest Serving Men by Rudyard Kipling

I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
I send them over land and sea,
I send them east and west;
But after they have worked for me,
I give them all a rest.

We can use Rudyard Kipling’s poem to help set clear and effective recruitment goals for the year ahead. Here’s how you can apply each question when setting your recruitment goals:

What? Define your specific recruitment goals for the year. This could involve targets such as the number of positions to fill, reducing time-to-hire, improving the quality of hires, or enhancing diversity in the workforce.

Why? Understand the reasons behind each recruitment goal. For example, if the goal is to reduce time-to-hire, it could be to secure top talent before competitors do or to enhance the candidate experience, ultimately improving employer branding.

When? Establish timelines for key recruitment milestones. This could include setting deadlines for posting job openings, conducting initial interviews, and finalising offers. Having a clear timeline ensures that recruitment efforts stay on track and align with broader business objectives.

How? Develop a recruitment strategy that outlines the approach to finding and attracting talent. Consider the use of technology, social media, networking events, and other channels. Also, include strategies for screening candidates effectively and ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the hiring process.

Where? Identify the specific areas or markets where recruitment efforts will be concentrated. This could involve targeting certain geographical locations, industries, or demographic groups. Understanding the “where” is crucial for tailoring recruitment strategies to different contexts.

Who? Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the recruitment process. Assign tasks such as sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding to specific individuals or teams. Collaboration between recruiters, hiring managers, and other stakeholders is essential for successful talent acquisition.

Regularly reviewing and adapting these questions throughout the year will allow you to stay agile in response to changes in the job market, industry trends, and organisational needs. Additionally, collecting and analysing relevant data, such as candidate feedback and hiring metrics, can provide valuable insights for continuous improvement in the recruitment process.

Our experienced team are here to support you in achieving your 2024 recruitment goals. Get in touch and speak to one of our specialist consultants today:

Call: UK +44 1606 212020 / Germany +49 8954 195 924

Email: [email protected]

Take some time to reflect on 2023 and set your goals for the year ahead

Career self-evaluation is something we should all consider at this time of year. Taking a step back to reflect on the year can provide some excellent insights and be essential when updating and planning for your future goals. 

We have put together a list of key questions to consider as part of your self-assessment, they will help you to make informed decisions about your career path and professional development.

Accomplishments and contributions

• What were my key achievements and contributions to projects or initiatives?
• Did I meet or exceed the goals and targets set at the beginning of the year?

Learning and development

• What new skills or knowledge did I acquire during the year?
• Did I participate in any training programs or professional development opportunities?

Challenges and solutions

• What were the major challenges I faced, and how did I overcome them?
• Did I seek help or collaborate effectively with colleagues to address challenges?

Team collaboration

• How well did I collaborate with team members and other departments?
• Were there instances where I provided support or received support from colleagues?

Feedback and recognition

• Did I seek feedback from supervisors, colleagues, or clients?
• Was I recognised for my contributions, and if not, how can I better highlight my achievements?

Work-life balance

• How would I rate my work-life balance throughout the year?
• Did I take enough breaks and vacations to recharge?

Career goals and aspirations

• Did I accomplish the career goals I set at the beginning of the year?
• Are my long-term career aspirations still aligned with my current role and organisation?

Professional relationships

• How have my relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and direct reports evolved?
• Are there relationships I need to nurture or improve?

Leadership and decision making

• Did I have opportunities to take on leadership roles or make significant decisions?
• How did I handle challenging decisions or situations?

Job satisfaction

• On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied am I with my current role and responsibilities?
• What aspects of my job bring me the most satisfaction, and which areas could be improved?

Career alignment

• Does my current role align with my skills, interests, and values?
• Are there areas where I feel misaligned or unfulfilled in my career?

Networking and professional visibility

• Did I engage in networking activities within and outside the organisation?
• How can I improve my professional visibility within the industry?

Future planning

• What are my career goals for the upcoming year?
• Are there specific areas for improvement or skills to develop?

Job market trends

• Have I kept myself updated on industry trends and changes in the job market?
• Are there emerging skills or areas of expertise that I should focus on?

Overall well-being

• How has my overall well-being been impacted by my career this year?
• What steps can I take to enhance my well-being in the coming year?

Set yourself professional goals for the year ahead

Take some time to consider these questions and set yourself some professional goals for the year ahead. After the holidays is the perfect time to start taking action on your goals. You’ll be refreshed from your break and motivated to make change.

If after your time reflecting you decide it’s time for a career change, Delve are here to support your career aspirations.

Call: UK +44 1606 212020 / Germany +49 8954 195 924

Email: [email protected]

Season’s Greetings from Delve Search 

The team at Delve Search wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This year we are donating to our local toy appeal instead of sending Christmas cards. It also helps to reduce our carbon footprint. We look forward to working with you in 2024!

Gareth Foden, Director and head of our Life Science team, takes a look back at how recruitment has changed since his first placement back in 2011, to now…

“Back in 2011 the first person I helped a company hire was an Electronic Technician for a medical packaging business. I remember it well, largely because I had no idea what I was doing but the candidate who got the job was such a nice guy. He took the time to give me an overview of his skills, how he achieved the knowledge he had and how that clicked into the wider engineering industry – which really helped me at the time.

At that point, recruitment tech stacks (software) were pretty much just job advertising and their associated platforms, alongside paper-based interview cards that were kept in a “top box”!

If I put that in contrast with my most recent hire, the world of recruitment has evolved in many ways but stayed exactly the same in others.

I would say that the people aspect is identical. Being able to listen to what someone is saying, and interpret that in the right way, hasn’t changed. Reading between the lines to make conclusions and challenge where needed has stayed throughout – although my skills have gone up significantly!

The real change is in the technology & ability to reach people via multiple channels, utilising things like automated tools and AI to help along the way.

I am sure that recruitment will continue to evolve in the future, but in my view, the people element will always remain!”

Get in touch to see how Gareth could support you with your next hire:

Linkedin: Gareth Foden

Email: [email protected]

 

Time kills deals when hiring, always has and always will. Check out my golden rules for a timely recruitment process…

No matter how attractive your job/business is, taking longer unnecessarily will lower your chances of hiring the best person.

1. Plan and stick to your process where possible

It’s easy to go rogue (I’ve done it in my own hiring where I get excited) but the best hiring is often from consistent processes. Different hires may require a different approach but the structure of the process does not change. If you have a consistent process you can then communicate bottle necks early which is imperative. See no.2…

2. No surprises

Candidates will become disengaged if they feel you have moved the goal posts. There are things in your process which can delay or not be ideal but people are generally far more understanding if you tell them from the start. Otherwise as humans we do like to ‘throw our toys out of the pram’ over sometimes trivial changes.

3. Be clear on what you want

Sounds simple but even if you don’t know the exact role, be clear on what the values, behavioural, and personal fit should be. Don’t compromise on this. If you are not clear nobody can make a decision.

4. Prompt feedback

We as recruiters get it in the neck but often its feedback from the clients that’s missing. If someone has taken the time to interview we should always feedback. If you give prompt feedback the candidate will likely do this too. It’s contagious.

5. Prompt decision making

Your benchmark is your recruitment policy – once you have the right person don’t wait. Benchmarking against other candidates isn’t always possible. If they are not right move on, quick.

6. Once you’ve made the decision be quick to close the offer and contract

The peak of interest is at the point of offer. The longer it takes to confirm the deal the more interest can drop and competition comes into play…

If you need advise around hiring, don’t hesitate to reach out..

Rob Bemment

Email: [email protected]

Tel:+44 (0)1606 664 198