Notice a few glum faces on the train this morning? Finding it hard to motivate yourself this afternoon? There's an explanation - today is officially the most depressing day of the year. Waking up on a dark Monday morning is bad enough - it gets even messier when driving rain, hideous tube delays, and dwindling bank accounts are added to the mix...

The team at Hatty Blue are trying to stay upbeat (with a little help from bowls of homemade soup, slices of fruit cake, and mug after mug of milky tea). We'll also be taking inspiration from the latest issue of RM Magazine this week, which features top tips for surviving the credit crunch at work or play. Here are a few of our favourite...

1) Make saving money a game. Saving money doesn't have to be all about cycling to work and bringing in sandwiches. Sites such as Martin's Money Saving Tops (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/) are full of creative and novel ways to stretch those pounds.

2) Sharpen up your image. Nothing says "going out of business" louder than shabby offices and a down-at-heel appearance. Get a good deal on an office spruce-up from an under-employed decorator and hit the Christmas sales for bargains on quality tailoring and footwear - the boost in confident will be worth it.

3) Go Green. No-one can accuse you of being a miser when you're saving money by saving the planet. Fit low-energy bulbs and get used to turning things off at night. Cut down on paper waste by not printing out emails and printing double-sided.

4) Get Deals! It's time to make sure you're paying the keenest price for everything. Put your utility suppliers through their paces by using a comparison site such as http://www.utilitywatchuk.co.uk/.

If you are searching for a new job, you'll be pleased to hear that we have some fabulous new roles. Have a read below and let us know if you are the perfect person for the job. Email your CV and a covering letter to hello@hattyblue.co.uk

Graduate Sales Administrator - High profile Entreprenurial Co!
Permanent
Up to £25K plus 10% bonus
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a high flying graduate to join one of the UK’s most exciting, dynamic, and fastest growing data networking companies, based in South West London. The role is to provide contract and sales process support to the London and National sales team, ensuring that sales orders are processed accurately and efficiently and that service delivery and invoicing are achieved within set timescales. You will also be responsible for preparing contract documentation for simple sales, escalating more complex requirements to Legal, maintaining and updating sales databases, submitting monthly sales reports, and inputting new ideas on best practice. You will also be repsonsible for looking after leads from the website and analysing their company memberships and subscriptions). The successful candidate will have a minimum of 12 months sales administration experience, preferably in the IT or Telecoms industry, in a sales order process role. Knowledge of the CRM salesforce.com package is essential. You will have excellent communication skills and be comfortable dealing with staff from low level management up to senior management/director level. You will thrive under pressure, be a powerful influencer and motivator, and have strong skills in Word Outlook and Excel. Excellent career opportunity to develop within this high profile corporate.

Front of House - Slick Design Co!
Permanent
Up to £23K
An amazing opportunity exists for a professional Receptionist to join this buzzy, cool & funky Design Agency with a gorgeous client list and a uniquely cool culture! You will work as part of a happy and busy Reception team where your responsibilities will include Concierge, Switchboard and Administration support. Main duties include offering an amazing front of house service to the important top brand clients who visit every day, answering the switchboard, diverting calls, meeting & greeting clients, co-ordinating refreshments for guests, preparing boardrooms, organising travel arrangements, email correspondence and ad hoc duties including helping out the Marketing Department. You'll have excellent communication, organisation and co-ordination skills and a consummately professional telephone manner, a polished appearance and be able to work in a busy, demanding, yet fun and fruity environment! However, more important than experience is your personality - you will have the kind of positive energy and spirit which will breathe even more life into their organisation! They offer some excellent benefits and a cool social scene!