Handle Recruitment
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Posts Tagged ‘CV’

What information would a prospective employer find about you on social media?

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Whilst browsing Twitter recently, we came across a great infographic detailing how recruiters are using social media in their candidate search. The illustration, courtesy of Reppler, can be found here.  But for those who want a short summary, the survey of more than 300 hiring professionals found that:

  1. 91% of respondents claim to screen candidates via social media.
  2. Facebook comes out on top with 76% of those surveyed citing this as the main source to look up job seekers.
  3. 47% look at social media profiles as soon as they receive an application.
  4. 69% admitted to rejecting an individual based on what they found on a social media profile.
  5. 68% claimed that details of a candidate sourced on the web resulted in a candidate being hired. (more…)

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Posted in Job search, Recruitment, Social Media | 4 Comments »

Hire me websites – the new fashion?

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Fashion is a notoriously hard industry to break into. Even the most qualified and enthusiastic candidates can have difficulty getting their foot in the door. Lately, however, we’ve seen a new trend emerging among Britain’s new generation of fashion industry job seekers.

Meet Celine Cavaillero. She’s one of the many would-be fashion professionals going the extra mile in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Rather than churning out covering letters and sending off traditional CVs, we’re seeing a large number of creative job applications, just like Celine’s, that are changing the way people apply for roles.

It’s not just the fashion industry that’s seen candidates make creative use of online resources. The rate at which video and web technology is developing has given creative individuals a whole new world of ways in which to showcase their talent. Marketing candidates, would-be video editors and producers have found success through “hire me” websites or videos. Gareth Cash, a graduate from St. Albans recently created a viral storm with his “hire me” YouTube video – and even received an equally creative reply from Channel 4. (more…)

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Posted in Fashion, Job search | 1 Comment »

Using social media to find your dream job!

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Originally posted on SimplyHired

Recruiters and organisations are increasingly using social media to find candidates who are different and stand out from their peers.  Forget the traditional job board approach; they are now using the likes of Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and blogs to connect with talent.  With a multitude of platforms at your disposal, how do you ensure you are using the correct ones, and getting in front of the right people?

  1. First and foremost, remember that any social media profile you have can be found through a simple Google search. It is becoming more frequent for potential employers to look up a candidate prior to interview. Don’t forget though that employers are human too, and more often than not they are simply curious about who they are meeting and what you do. However, ask yourself if you would be happy with what they might find. You wouldn’t want a comment made by a friend, or a picture of you from years ago spoiling you chances. Be careful about what is in the public domain, and if you are using Facebook ensure your privacy settings are tight.
  2. If you are using Twitter, make sure you spend some time building up your followers. If you are interested in working in the music industry for example, make sure you are following experts in this field, and start commenting on what they are discussing. This will not only encourage people to follow you back, but it will also help portray yourself as knowledgeable in your sector. If a potential employer looks at your Twitter profile, you will be seen in a good light if they can see clear examples of your interest in their industry. (more…)

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Posted in Job search, Job searching, Social Media | No Comments »

What does your email address say about you?

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

With stiff competition for jobs, candidates that use an unprofessional email address on their CV face jeopardising their chances. That’s according to a snapshot poll that we carried out.

We asked HR professionals and recruitment consultants whether or not an unprofessional email address would deter them from shortlisting a candidate. 89% of respondents stated that it would be a factor affecting their decision.

Some claimed that it would definitely stop them putting a candidate forward with responses including: “With it being so easy to go out and get free email addresses these days I would say yes. It shows poor judgement and a lack of professionalism” and “to me it is like showing up for an interview in shorts and a T-Shirt”. Others believed that the email address wouldn’t be the only factor affecting the shortlisting process, but may contribute: “For me an unprofessional email-address is not a killer but it won’t help the applicant climb up the list”.

We see handfuls of CV’s every day, and our job is to send only the very best to our clients. Competition, particularly for entry level roles in the media and entertainment industry, is fierce at the moment and the CV is the one document you have to convince an employer that you’re worth an interview. Most people wouldn’t reject a job seeker purely based on an email address, but faced with two CVs, an employer will choose the person they deem to be most skilled and professional, so don’t let something as small as an email address damage your chances.

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Posted in CV tips, Job searching | No Comments »

Resolving to stand out

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

 

So it’s the New Year and after some time to reflect at Christmas, you’ve decided that you want a new job, and are launching yourself into the market with passion and determination?  But don’t forget lots of other people will be doing the same thing. So how are you going to stand out from your competition?

A bit of pre-planning is what you need. So for now, put that CV upload on hold and concentrate on the basics before you get going…

Detective work

You need to know as much as possible about your industry.  As well as being able to do the job itself you will be expected to have a good knowledge of your sector.  Use social media to listen and engage in what is being said (see our previous post for tips).  This will allow you to learn as much as you can about current themes and also potential employers.   Why not subscribe to blogs that are relevant/opinion based and keep abreast of current developments within the field. This will show you as a well-rounded professional. (more…)

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Posted in CV tips, Interview tips, Job search, Job searching, Recruitment, Social Media | No Comments »

Chemistry and attraction – can the rules of dating help you with your job search?

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

 

Internet dating is becoming big business these days and although some singles may scoff at the thought of it, it’s worth bearing in mind – not least to help in your job searching! 
Some of the common dating tips can just as easily be adapted and are relevant when you are looking for a job or attending an interview.

Have a read of our multi-purpose tips and see what you think:

Job searching

+ Be prepared – take it seriously – research, think about who you are looking for and what you want in a partner:
Which employers appeal to you and why?  Use the internet to help you hone your research and explore company culture – all really important when looking for a new job.

+ Be realistic in when you expect things to happen:
Give yourself time to write the perfect CV, sign on with an agency and set up your account/profile on any job boards.

+Surround yourself with people who support you and boost your confidence:
Ask peers/colleagues what your strengths are if you’re finding it hard to come up with your personal profile or achievements. 

+ Be realistic about what you are aiming to ‘hook’:
It’s unlikely you’ll go from a £23,000 role to a £45,000 in one leap. Consider the next step up the ladder and what you’re likely to be able to command salary-wise.  Factor in the skills and experience you have and compare it to a range of job ads on job boards, for example.

+ If you email someone, or meet them and it doesn’t go according to plan, don’t take it personally:
We’re not all suitable for every job we apply for or interview for.  The trick is to try to get constructive feedback that can help you for your next application or interview.

+ Join clubs, societies where you can hope to meet potential partners:
Sign up with a reputable recruitment agency within your field, use job boards and social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter to network and promote your areas of specialism.

+ If you’re not having success take some time out – recharge the batteries:
Some periods just aren’t great for job searching so don’t get down. Take some to reassess your needs and have a look at updating your CV.

Interview tips

+ Be yourself and don’t lie about your age, looks, situation:
Once at interview if you’ve lied about qualifications or experience this is likely to get found out, especially if they use competency-based interviewing.

+ Look your best – join a gym, get a haircut, buy a nice outfit, sort out your image:
First impressions count and presenting a professional, appropriate you to a potential employer is really important.  Try to do some homework on company culture to turn up looking right at the interview.

+ Don’t dredge up past relationships, especially if they ended up badly:
Negative talk about current or past employers is a no-no. Instead talk about looking for a new challenge/opportunity for promotion/working closer to home.

+ Don’t overshare – some information can send people running for the hills:
Nerves make it easy to just start and not stop talking. Slow down (take a pause), consider the question and what you are being asked.  Keep your answers relevant and if you don’t understand the question – ask for clarification.

+ Never make yourself too available or settle for second best
You know your own worth.  Don’t take the first job in an attempt to leave a current situation.  Hold out for the best opportunity, salary, challenging work – whatever is your goal for a new job.  Be realistic about the salary and if your current employer comes back with a counter-offer – think about why you are choosing to leave in the first place.

So there you have it, our top tips to job searching and interviews.  Give it a go in your job search and at your next interview.  Good luck, and why not let us know how you got on by posting a comment below!

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Posted in CV tips, Interview tips, Job searching, Recruitment | No Comments »

So you want a job in marketing?

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

The recession may be (hopefully) behind us and there’s certainly a lot more recruitment activity around but it’s still a really competitive area – particularly in our specialist areas of media, music, film and high visibility brands. So what can you do to make yourself stand out from the crowd? Here are our top five tips:

• If you haven’t had direct experience of brands within media and entertainment you will at least need to demonstrate a real passion, interest and understanding of the marketing issues involved.
• Be aware that creativity on its own is not enough – there’s a real emphasis on insight and analysis coupled with creative flair and thinking ‘outside the box’
• There’s a big focus on communication skills – there are some big personalities in our sector!
• Most interviews will now entail some form of presentation – so be prepared to prove your worth and demonstrate that you will be a good investment.
• There are a range of competencies needed:  project management, commercial awareness, and strategic vision – make sure that every relevant skill set is on your CV.

Whilst you are here, check out our latest jobs!

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Posted in Handle Recruitment, Recruitment | No Comments »