GET CONNECTED ISSUE 3
www.connectappointments.co.uk
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD How to make your CV sing for recruiters
WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT And how to make sure you fit the bill
WHY USE AN AGENCY?
The Connect Appointments team on the benefits of using a recruitment consultancy
MAKE THE LEAP All the advice you need to further your career
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LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB? AFTER BRILLIANT NEW STAFF? LET’S CONNECT. Connect Appointments’ consultants know recruitment inside out. Whether you’re looking for your dream job or in need of staff for your own business, just drop us a line. We’ll do the rest.
DUNDEE T: 01382 797 579
GLASGOW T: 0141 404 1325
EDINBURGH T: 0131 248 2456
HAMILTON T: 01698 535 870
LIVINGSTON T: 01506 449944
NORTH EAST T: 0191 731 4800
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WELCOME www.connectappointments.co.uk
Hello, and welcome to the latest issue of Get Connected, brought to you by the team at Connect Appointments! Get Connected is all about preparing people for the job hunt. We’ve worked in recruitment for decades now, and if there’s one thing we know well, it’s how to help people shine throughout the job-hunting process. From making your CV sparkle to wowing at an interview, our consultants can get you through. Whether you’re looking for full-time, parttime, temporary or permanent work, we have the knowhow – and the vacancies.
www.connectdriversolutions.co.uk ConnectDrivers
GLASGOW (HEAD OFFICE) 200 BATH STREET, GLASGOW, G2 4HG TEL: 0141 404 1327
To make the process even easier, using a recruitment agency like Connect is a great idea – we deal with all the tricky parts of job hunting, like identifying appropriate roles, polishing up applications and prepping for interviews. If you have the skills and talent? We can find the job for you. Likewise, if you have your own company or look after recruitment for an organisation, we can support you when it comes to finding the best people – Get Connected shows just how well we prepare our candidates, so you know that anyone sent along by one of our consultants will be more than prepared for the role. Whether you’re on the job hunt or you’re looking for staff, we hope you get something from Get Connected – and we hope to hear from you soon!
William Sim
Director, Connect Appointments
DUNDEE TEL: 01382 797 579 EDINBURGH TEL: 0131 248 2456 GLASGOW TEL: 0141 404 1325 HAMILTON TEL: 01698 535 870 LIVINGSTON TEL: 01506 449 944 NORTH EAST TEL: 0191 731 4800
Get Connected is published by DC Publishing Ltd Tel: 0844 249 9007 (www.dcpublishing.co.uk)
PUBLISHER
Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk
EDITOR
Lindsay Cochrane lindsay.cochrane@dcpublishing.co.uk
STAFF WRITER Lorne Gillies
lorne.gillies@dcpublishing.co.uk
DESIGN/PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie
lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk
WHAT’S INSIDE? ABOUT US 4 Let’s get connected All about Connect Appointments and where to find us. 6 How we work A comprehensive explanation of the job matching process. 7 A warm welcome the the hospitality division We find out about Connect’s newest division 8 Why use Connect Appointments? Whether you’re looking for work or recruiting staff, here’s why Connect Appointments is the only agency to consider. 9 Get moving with Connect Driver Solutions Discover opportunities with our sister company.
10 Get online and get involved How to register with Connect online. 14 The sectors explained All about the different industries we work in.
CV ADVICE 16 What employers want On the job hunt? These are the skills and qualities to highlight on your application. 18 CV tips and tricks The Connect experts reveal how to put together a CV. 20 Stand out from the crowd How to make your application shine. 21 What not to share Get your social media sorted before job hunting.
THE INTERVIEW 22 Keep calm and be prepared Interview in the offing? Here’s how to get ready for it. 24 The interview checklist Take these pointers into consideration before going to meet prospective employers. 26 “Do you have any questions for us?” It’s the interview question everyone dreads – here’s how to get through it. 27 Ask the expert The Connect consultants answer your work woes.
ON THE JOB 28 The benefits of temp work After your next role? Temp work could be the answer.
©DC Publishing Ltd 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.
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ABOUT US
LET’S GET CONNECTED...
With roots dating back to the 1960s, Connect Appointments is one of the country’s biggest independent recruitment agencies – and it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about the world of work. To help us get better acquainted, here’s a little bit of background on the company and what we do IF YOU SCAN THROUGH any job board, you’ll soon see that recruitment companies aren’t exactly hard to come by these days – but finding one which treats its candidates and clients well, and gives its all to the job at hand, is a harder task. Whether you’re looking for work or you’re a business owner after talented staff to join your ranks, the team at Connect Appointments have the skills, knowledge and expertise to help you out. For us, it’s all about making strong connections between employers and potential members of staff – and we like to think we’re pretty good at it.
TOP SERVICE From our six offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Livingston, Hamilton, Dundee and the North East of England, our teams work hard to help find the best candidates for jobs put forth by big name employers from across Scotland, the UK and even internationally. Under the directorship of Denise Connelly and William Sim, Connect Appointments now has fi ve branches and more than 30 members of staff across the UK, offering top class service and placing candidates in a variety of roles, both temporary and permanent, across sectors including manufacturing, engineering and administration. Our consultants are some of the best in the business – they’ve got decades’ worth of experience between them, and they stay with us, so you don’t have to worry about speaking with a different consultant every other month, whether you’re a job seeker or an employer. “Our team are brilliantly talented, and so good at what they do,” explains
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William. “Some joined as apprentices over a decade ago. Others started as candidates that we placed with clients. They really know the business and the sectors they work in, which helps us meet our clients’ needs at every turn.”
PERSONAL APPROACH While our team is growing, you can be guaranteed that we’ll always take a personal approach to our business – you deal with real people, not a faceless corporation when you work with Connect Appointments. We work hard to make sure we match the right people with the best jobs, often round the clock. We can provide both temporary and permanent staff in the drinks industry, electronics, engineering, executive and management, transport, logistics and distribution, manufacturing, office and commercial, construction, and packaging. We’ve got a bank of CVs waiting to be tapped into and we’re constantly headhunting for new talent too – so whether you need staff or you’re looking for a job, we want to hear from you. “We specialise in creating partnerships that work, both between ourselves and the employers that we work with, but also for the candidates we place,” William adds. “We put our all into our work – we know that having the right people makes all the difference in business, and we’re fully committed to making sure we find good people for our fantastic clients.” If you’d like to know what we can do for you, contact your nearest branch now, or head to www.connectappointments.co.uk where you can register for job alerts in your area of expertise.
WHERE TO FIND US Across Scotland and the north of England, we’ve got bustling branches, home to experienced consultants ready to help you on your employment mission. Here’s where to find them...
GLASGOW 198 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG 0141 404 1325
EDINBURGH 152 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE 0131 248 2456
LIVINGSTON Shairps Business Park, Houston Road, Houston Industrial Estate, Livingston, EH54 5FD 01506 449 944
HAMILTON New Life Centre, 10-18 Hope Street, Hamilton, ML3 6AF 01698 535 870
DUNDEE Marketgait Business Park, 152 West Marketgait, Dundee, DD1 1NJ 01382 797 579
NORTH EAST 1 Haswell Court, Quay West Riverside Business Village, Sunderland, SR5 2AR 0191 731 4800
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ABOUT US
HOW WE WORK Wondering how to get the most out of your job search? Applying through an agency like Connect might be your best bet. We’ll take the stress out of the job hunt and get your name and CV in front of some top employers. Here’s how it works at Connect Appointments JOB HUNTING ISN’T ALWAYS the straightforward process we wish it was. From trawling through jobs sites and tweaking CVs to nail-biting interviews, sometimes looking for work can feel like a full-time job. But registering with a recruitment agency like Connect Appointments can help minimise the hassle of job hunting. Employment agencies and recruitment specialists like ours play a vital part in helping you secure employment, whether you are after full-time, part-time, permanent or temporary opportunities. “Agencies take the difficult bits out of your hands,” explains director Denise Connelly. “Here at Connect, we’ve got a bank of vacancies with respected employers, and it’s our job to find the right people to fill them. We never put people forward for any old role – we’ll match them up with the job that best suits their skills, experience and aspirations.”
SIGN UP Ready to get to work? Head online to www.connectappointments.co.uk. From here, you’ll be able to take a look at the latest vacancies in a variety of industries, from engineering to office and commercial work. If you spot a role you fancy – or just want to see what we’re all about – click the ‘register’ button in the top right corner, pop
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in your details and upload your CV. Then it’s over to us: first, we’ll add your details to our database. From there, we’ll send job alerts directly to your inbox when something relevant comes up, and if we think we have the perfect match we’ll call you right away to talk you through the role and ask if you’d like to apply before submitting your CV to the employer. From there, our consultants will talk you through the whole process, offering advice and tips tailored just for you. For temporary roles, you’ll often be sent straight to work, while permanent recruiters will go through an interview process.
deal with the next steps – from contracts to start dates, we’ll have everything sorted. And if you’ve not got the job this time? Your consultant will keep looking for that perfect match. Best of all, all of the high quality services we offer are completely free for candidates. So what’s stopping you? Get to work with us now!
POSITIVE “Our consultants have over 100 years of experience between them, each specialising in a specific job sector,” says Denise. “The team are friendly, helpful and, above all, think positively about every new candidate. We want you to get into work, so we’ll go above and beyond to get you there.” If clients want to meet with you, we’ll give you all the guidance you need to make sure you flourish. After the interview, you can expect another call from your consultant to discuss how it went and to see what the next stage is, be it a second interview or assessment – or, if you’ve done really well, to offer you the job. If you’ve been successful, Connect will
Go to www.connectappointments.co.uk now to register and submit your CV to be considered for any current or upcoming vacancies.
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ABOU NTE W US
A WARM WELCOME TO THE
HOSPITALITY DIVISION
Over the summer, we at Connect branched out into another exciting sector of recruitment – hospitality. If you’ve got experience in the industry, or it’s something you’d like to learn more about, you’ll want to read on…
FROM TOURIST ATTRACTIONS to indulgent spas, city-centre hotels to leisure facilities, Scotland is brimming with businesses in the world of hospitality – and it’s a sector of recruitment that’s only growing. With companies crying out for talented staff to join their ranks, it made sense that we at Connect Appointments got involved. This summer, we took on Matthew Reeves, based in our Edinburgh branch, to head up our hospitality recruitment team. Matthew has an excellent reputation in the industry, with nearly seven years in the sector specialising in hospitality.
UNDERSTANDING
Matthew comes from a decorated previous career in the hospitality world – he really understands the roles he recruits for, having hands-on experience himself. He worked his way up via the craft route, to executive head chef level, before crossing successfully over into operational management and regional management in venues and catering outlets for some of the industry’s largest global organisations. This gives Matthew invaluable insight, empathy, and understanding for the specialist industry that he supports and recruits for, namely the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors.
BESPOKE
Matthew and his dedicated team work with all levels of candidate within the four- and fi ve-star end of the hospitality marketplace. He heads a team that provides a personal, tailored, friendly, bespoke service too, and has built up a number of exclusive relationships of local, UK, and even global clients – so there are lots of really exciting opportunities on offer with Connect. Matthew and the team are able to
recruit across all fields of responsibility within the sector, from supervisory level upwards to board level. So whatever your level of experience, we can help. We recruit for roles in both front- and back-of-house, on the frontline, in business leadership – anything that’s required, we’ll find the right people for the job. And it could be you. We’ll be supplying both temporary and permanent recruitment solutions for our quality clientele. With Connect Appointments’ hospitality team, we’re looking forward to sharing what Connect are good at – finding the best candidates for the job – with a whole new sector. If you’ve got the skills and experience for a job in hospitality – what are you waiting for? Get in touch with the team now!
Get in touch Whether you’re looking for a job or you’re after staff in the hospitality sector, contact Matthew and the team in the Edinburgh branch on 0131 248 2528, or check out the Connect Appointments website at www.connectappointments.co.uk for the latest vacancies.
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WHY USE CONNECT APPOINTMENTS? So you’ve read about us and what we do, but one question remains – why should you use us to help you with your recruitment? Whether you’re looking for a job yourself or searching for staff, there are lots of reasons to connect with us – here’s a few... 8
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FOR CANDIDATES... 1. IT SAVES YOU TIME Night after night trawling job sites. Speculative CVs. LinkedIn request after LinkedIn request. Searching for an appropriate role to apply for is tough – and almost a full-time job in itself. But when you use an agency, we’ll do the tricky parts for you. Once you’ve registered with Connect, we’ll get in touch any time a suitable vacancy comes up – saving you a lot of time – to see if you’d like to apply.
2. WE’LL GIVE YOU ADVICE AND INSIDER INFO If you decide to apply for one of our jobs, we’ll talk you through the whole process. We know the hiring managers you’ll be talking with, what they like and don’t like – and we’ll give you some pointers to help you along the way. That’s intel that those applying directly won’t be privy to.
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ABOUT US
FOR EMPLOYERS... 1. WE KNOW OUR STUFF At Connect Appointments, each of our consultants specialises in one or two areas, so we know the roles you’re hiring for and we understand what you need in your staff. We know the ins and outs of the jobs, the skills and qualifications required – so we’re not going to send you just anyone for consideration.
2. YOU GET CANDIDATES – NOT APPLICANTS If a company advertises a job on its own, they’ll get perhaps 50 applications for the one job. That’s 50 CVs to weed through, 50 phone calls to make for more information and lots of head-scratching to do before you whittle it down to the fi ve to 10 people you actually want to interview. When you use an agency, we carry out the selection process for you, only sending across suitable candidates for your consideration.
3. WE’LL DEAL WITH THE QUERIES When you advertise a job, it’s always the same – for every CV, you get a handful of questions that go with it. When we recruit on your behalf, we’ll deal with the questions – it’s a big time saver.
4. WE CARRY OUT PRE-HIRING CHECKS We’ll gather references, make sure candidates are eligible to work in the UK, conduct any job-specific tests and checks, and we can even carry out drink and drug testing for those in manual jobs if required – we’ll do everything apart from the interview itself.
5. IT’S AFFORDABLE When companies are approached by recruitment firms, there’s always one worry – the cost. At Connect, we’ll work to come up with a suitable arrangement to meet your budget and needs, all depending on how much support you need with the process. Give us a call and have a chat with a consultant to see what we can do.
6. AND IT SAVES MONEY As well as sourcing candidates from our extensive CV database, we’ll advertise the job for you on a range of job boards, including S1 Jobs and Jobsite – saving you the cost of advertising. You can also save money through hiring temporary workers during busy periods – it saves you spending on permanent hires or overtime.
3. IT GETS YOU OUT THERE By applying directly to a company, you’ll only be considered for that job. If you apply for a role with Connect Appointments, we’ll keep you in mind for other vacancies. In other words, your CV gets even more exposure.
4. IT BUILDS A RELATIONSHIP With our temporary workforce in particular, we get to know the men and women on our books really well – and people who we know, and who have a good reputation with our clients, will always be top of our list for further work.
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5. WE PROMISE NOT TO PESTER YOU Recruitment agencies sometimes get a bad reputation for constantly contacting candidates about irrelevant roles. That’s not us. We’ll only be in touch if we know we have a job you could do – and we promise not to repeatedly phone and email.
6. IT’S FREE That’s right – everything we do for candidates is free. Contacting you about jobs, submitting your CV, coaching you through the process, offering advice and information – we don’t charge a penny.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? We at Connect Appointments know what we’re doing – we just need YOU to help us do it! If you’re on the lookout for work or are in search of staff, we know we can help. For more information, just call your nearest branch using the contact details on page 4, or head online to www.connectappointments.co.uk, and a member of the team will be in touch soon.
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ABOUT US
GET MOVING
WITH CONNECT DRIVER SOLUTIONS Last year, Connect Driver Solutions got in lane within Scotland’s fast-moving recruitment industry – and what a year it’s been. We find out more about the success of Connect Appointment’s sister company – and what they could do for you SCOTLAND’S TRANSPORT INDUSTRY is a fast-moving, ever-growing line of work. With a huge range of different jobs, from long-distance lorry drivers to forklift drivers, it’s a sector that literally never stands still – and has lots of exciting job opportunities. Companies nationwide are always looking for bigger, better, faster ways of getting things from A to B, whether that’s moving stock in their warehouses or delivering consignments to customers – and they need hard working staff to help them do this. Noticing the demand for talented drivers nationwide, autumn 2015 saw the launch of Connect Driver Solutions, under the directorship of Stuart Steven.
EXPERIENCED Stuart has over 17 years’ worth of experience in the field of transport recruitment, having previously worked as Regional Business Manager at UK-wide agency Pertemps. With so much knowledge under his belt, he was keen to join up with the experts at Connect Appointments to launch a brand new agency specialising in transport jobs, and he set about forming exciting partnerships between top employers and talented jobseekers nationwide. “Transport is a marketplace I know well,”
explains Stuart. “I’ve always been keen to head up my own specialist agency, and after meeting with the team at Connect Appointments last year, I knew the time was right.” Stuart and his team of consultants are based in Livingston, where they’re recruiting for drivers to work with respected employers across Scotland. Only candidates with the relevant skills and experience are put forward for the variety of temporary vacancies the team have to offer. CDS can also offer specialist training to help recruiters ensure that their workforce is in line with industry standards, including Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence).
DEDICATED “I know all too well how tricky it can be finding good drivers,” Stuart adds. “We’re committed to creating employer-employee relationships that work and last. We’re 100% dedicated to
delivering the very best customer service, for both our clients and our candidates – that’s what sets us apart.” And the company’s first year in business has been a good one. Since its launch last autumn, Connect Driver Solutions have put hundreds of people into work and built a strong reputation within the industry – and they’re sure that 2017 will be even more successful. If you want to move your career in transport up a gear? Speak with Connect Driver Solutions today. For more information on jobs that really go places, get in touch with the Connect Driver Solutions team now – go to www.connectdriversolutions.co.uk, call 01506 449 944 or email bookings@connectdriversolutions.co.uk. You can keep up to date on social media too – @connectdrivers on Twitter, or on Facebook, facebook.com/connectdrivers.
CURRENT VACANCIES Here’s a taster of some of the roles that Connect Driver Solutions have on offer just now...
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FORKLIFT DRIVER £7/hour East Lothian
HGV DRIVER £12/hour Ayrshire
PCV/LGV DRIVER
MULTI-DROP VAN DRIVER
£12/hour West Lothian
FUEL TANKER DRIVER
£7.50/hour Lanarkshire
£14/hour Dundee
www.connectappointments.co.uk
02/10/2017 14:06
ABOUT US
PLUS Once you’ve signed up, you’ll get job alerts, newsletters and more straight to your inbox, including jobhunting tips, the latest news from the industry and what’s going on at Connect HQ.
GET ONLINE AND GET INVOLVED
In need of help with your job search? Like the sound of what we do? It couldn’t be easier to get signed up with Connect. Here’s how it’s done IF YOU’RE FED up with trawling through job boards and sending speculative CVs, it’s time to take a step back and let the experts at Connect Appointments take over. And the registration process isn’t as difficult as you’d think. In fact, our website makes working with Connect incredibly straightforward. Just follow the six simple steps to the right to get yourself registered on the Connect Appointments website. Once we get your details through, one of our consultants will take a good look through your information to see if we can match you up with anything we have on offer at the moment, and then pass you onto the consultant specialising in that area. If there’s anything on our books where we think you could flourish, we’ll give you a call –
so make sure you give us a number you can be easily contacted on. While you’re on the site, take a look through our current vacancies using the job search function. If there’s anything that catches your eye, don’t wait for us to call you – apply for it today, and we’ll be in touch. Getting involved with Connect is quick and easy – so what are you waiting for? Head online and register now. Five minutes’ work could change your working life completely...
All new registered users are entered into a monthly prize draw. Get more information online now.
HOW TO SIGN UP 1. Head to www. connectappointments. co.uk and click on ‘register’ in the top right-hand corner. 2. Pop in your details – and we promise we won’t share them with anyone else without your permission – and set up a password you can remember easily. You can log back in at any time to update your details, check your progress or apply for new roles.
3. Tell us what type of work you’re after – temporary, permanent or both – and what sectors you’re keen to work in. 4. You can also tell us the specific role you’d like. 5. Then attach your CV! This can be up to 5MB in size, and we’ll accept doc, docx, txt, pdf, rtf and xls files. 6. Click submit – and you’re off!
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RECRUITMENT RECRUITMENT How’s How’srecruitment recruitmentlooking lookingininScot Scotlan la
How’s recruitment looking in Scot la
When the Brexit result came in last summer, no one was sure what the news would mean for employment. But recent research indicates that the unemployment rates have held steady at the 5% mark, and companies are hiring thousands of new employees each month.
In the last six months there has been an increase of
11%
for finance and accountancy vacancies
Furthermore, a shortage of skilled workers is pushing permanent salaries higher, and offering more and more opportunities for promotion and progression. Despite the concerns and criticism over the future of our political position, the economy appears to still be holding strong – and there couldn’t be a better time to find out what jobs and industries are currently in high demand. Here, we’ve rounded up some stats to show you how recruitment is looking in Scotland today.
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There are an estimated
361,345
private sector enterprises operating in Scotland – accounting for 79.3% of Scottish employment
Salary growth in Scotland outstripped the UK average, with permanent salaries now at their
highest rate in four months
The UK’s unemployment rate has dropped by
35,000 to 1.83m – the lowest level for seven years
31.1m people are in work,
and the UK’s jobless rate has fallen to
5.5%
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F A C T S A N D S TAT S
TTott landlandBY BY NUMBERS NUMBERS today? today?We Weround roundupupthe thefacts facts
ot land today? We round up the facts There’s now a record-breaking
Tech is the fastest growing sector, with plenty of chances for promotion. Graduates can expect to earn
1,301,000 women employed in Scotland –
£35 ,000 within their first
2.9%
above the UK average
of employers’ vacancies were considered to be ‘hard-to-fill’ because of a lack of skills, qualifications and experience
For
temporary roles, the biggest shortages were in care work and the health service
So far this year, Connect appointments has helped over
1,500
new candidates get into permanent and temporary work
uk
The biggest
shortages of applicants for permanent jobs were in hotels and catering
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*STATS: BBC, SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT, BANK OF SCOTLAND REPORT ON JOBS, INFLUX RECRUITMENT
23%
two years
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ABOUT US
At Connect Appointments, we work with employers in a range of different sectors, hiring for exciting roles on both a temporary and permanent basis. Here’s a taster of some of the industries we’re working in, and the sort of jobs that are available
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www.connectappointments.co.uk
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ABOUT US
THE SECTORS EXPLAINED Scotland’s job market is booming – and the Connect Appointments team are constantly recruiting. Whether you have experience in a certain area or you’re keen for a change, our consultants can help you make the move – take a look at these sectors for inspiration CONTACT CENTRE Call and contact centres are at the heart of many big businesses, whether they’re handling customer enquiries, complaints or offering advice. We recruit for service specialists, sales advisors, team leaders, operations managers, team coaches and more. DRINKS INDUSTRY Scotland’s drinks industry is on the up – and we’ve placed a huge number of workers in distilleries and bottling halls in Scotland, as general operators, machine operators, engineers, quality operatives, forklift truck operators and in spirit prep and processing. This is a great line of work to get into, offering the opportunity to develop and use transferable skills. ELECTRONICS Working in electronics for over 30 years, our consultants have extensive knowledge of the standards set by the military, medical, space, telecoms and marine sectors, as well as other electrical product manufacturers. We recruit for a range of roles, including test development engineers, software developers, project managers and maintenance engineers. ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL We’ve got close links to businesses in manufacturing, oil and gas, and power and energy, so engineers and technicians are a core part of our business. From mechanical to gas turbine engineers, test to CNC programming engineers, if you’ve got the skills, we could have a job for you.
EXECUTIVE AND MANAGEMENT The executive team recruit for professionals in HR, marketing and accountancy, for a range of smaller and larger firms. We often headhunt for these roles, but if you have the skills and fancy a career change, contact your nearest Connect branch now.
PACKAGING We work with some major packaging companies across Scotland, and we’re always looking for production operators, technical operators and shift managers, as well as litho printers and designers to add to their workforce.
MANUFACTURING The manufacturing division at Connect is one of the most interesting, because it covers so many different areas of work – and the clients we’re working with are constantly growing, meaning big potential for regular shifts or even permanent work. We recruit for manufacturing talent in automotive component assembly, electronics, food production, packaging, plastics, textiles, metal fabrication and more.
CONSTRUCTION The team at Connect work with construction companies across Scotland to provide skilled workers. From bricklayers to scaffolders, labourers to site managers, there’s a raft of opportunities available at sites across the country. If you have the skills and expeirence, we want to hear from you.
OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL Office and commercial staff are essential for any business, making sure the company runs smoothly – and it can cover a wide range of different industries. We’re experienced in finding talented receptionists, administration assistants, PAs and data input clerks for our clients across a range of sectors. TRANSPORT Connect Appointments’ sister company, Connect Driver Solutions, launched in 2015 to help get Scots into the exciting, ever-moving world of transport jobs. From HGV drivers to multi-drop van drivers, we’ve got something for everyone – and our consultants have worked in the industry themselves, so they know what both our clients and candidates want and need. SALES From recruitment to advertising sales, we have close working relationships with employers in Scotland offering great opportunities for those with sales know-how. If you’re a people person who loves a challenge, sales is a great line of work to get into. LOOKING FOR STAFF? If you’ve got your own business, or work for an organisation and you’re in charge of recruitment, our staff can help you. We’ve got a bank of CVs on file in all of the areas above – and more! Call your nearest Connect branch (see page 4) and we’ll find the best person for you to speak to.
For more information on the sectors we work in, and to check out the latest vacancies in your field, get online and head to www.connectappointments.co.uk, where you can submit your CV and register for job alerts that match your skills and preferences.
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WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT ADVICE AND TIPS
Most people know that employers are looking for someone passionate, motivated and hard-working to join their team. But what do these buzz words actually mean? The Connect Appointments experts reveal what employers really want
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CV AD NVE IW C ES
A 2014 STUDY ANALYSED over 2 million job ads across 11 countries to find the words most commonly used by employers to describe the type of person they are looking for when recruiting. Almost a quarter of all ads demanded traits such as passion, motivation and flexibility. We ask our Connect experts to explain what these words really mean – and how you can prove yourself to your future employer.
EFFECTIVE JOB AD MENTIONS: 127,847 By far the most popular word in job ads but also one of the most ambiguous, ‘effective’ is an umbrella term for a number of traits that employers are looking for. When they say effective, they mean organised, efficient, productive and able to prioritise. But how can you prove that to employers in your CV? “Always be on time,” advises Connect Appointments recruitment consultant Ami Skimins. “You’d be surprised how rare that is!” Ami also advises proving your efficiency by bringing all the relevant documentation in the first instance. “I deal with lots of warehouse and production workers,” explain Ami. “If they bring this to register with me, they’re off to a good start – it also shows they would be prepared for an interview.”
COMMUNICATION SKILLS JOB AD MENTIONS: 124,460 Again, this is another vague phrase as it could include everything from being a skilled public speaker to a competent writer. It can be hard to demonstrate your ability to be articulate and clear through your CV alone – so make sure you prove it during the interview stage. “You know right away when you first meet a candidate if he or she is the right fit for you and your client,” says Connect consultant Colin Doran. “First impressions are definitely important.” Colin believes you can demonstrate your communication skills if you can back up what you’ve said on your CV. “Know your CV inside out – know your dates of employment and how to describe previous experience.”
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MOTIVATED
PASSIONATE
JOB AD MENTIONS: 123,686
JOB AD MENTIONS: 91,384
By definition, any candidate who applies for a job is motivated to get it – but that doesn’t mean the hard work ends there. There are some straightforward ways to show employers how keen you are. “If a candidate has made the effort to smarten up and brings everything that was asked, it’s a good start,” says Colin. He advises always turning up to interviews on time, looking smart and being ready with a firm handshake. “If someone comes in with a hoody and trainers and hasn’t bothered to shave, what are you going to think?” he asks.
Employers want to see that money isn’t your only motivator, and that you also have a vested interest in seeing the company do well. “It is essential that you are passionate about what you are doing,” says Gary Sloss at Connect. “If you care about what you do, you can ensure that whatever you are working on is a success.” Gary recommends doing your homework and researching the company’s ethos, history, products and market sector, and be prepared to talk about how recent trends may affect their organisation.
QUALIFIED
CHALLENGING
JOB AD MENTIONS: 114,581
JOB AD MENTIONS: 89,566
Usually knowing if you are qualified for the job is pretty straight forward – you should know automatically if you have the relevant training and experience to be a qualified engineer or electrician, for example. “An ideal candidate for any position should have the correct skillset to carry out the role successfully,” says Connect’s Arlene Hughes. But she does believe that personality is just as important as any academic or training accomplishments. “The right attitude to work is always essential.”
“Job ads often describe the role as demanding or challenging to ensure they attract the right candidates,” explains Arlene. “They want to make sure they find someone that has drive and commitment for the job, even when it gets difficult.” To demonstrate that you are ready for challenges, mention briefl y some obstacles you faced in previous roles on your CV and be prepared to discuss them in full at the interview.
FLEXIBLE JOB AD MENTIONS: 110,323 The job market is a crowded place at the moment – experts say that of all the people who apply for a job, only 2% reach the interview stage. As a result, companies look for candidates who aren’t afraid to go above and beyond what is expected of them. “Flexibility is very important because businesses can be very reactive places,” says consultant Lynda McLaughlin. “Candidates need to be able to adapt to whatever challenges are thrown at them.” Display any evidence of flexible working on your CV – extracurricular projects, covering shifts or completing overtime. Lynda also recommends showing the same enthusiasm during interviews. “Be confident and be friendly!” says Lynda. “Showing the ability to fit into any team or organisation is very important.”
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DV VI C E CCVV AAD
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CV TIPS & TRICKS
When you apply for a job through an agency, you want to make sure that your CV impresses first your consultant and then the recruiter. The Connect Appointments team offer some advice to help yours stand out from the crowd DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE COVER LETTER Cover letters are an essential way to advocate your suitability for the job. Study the job ad and job description and look for the buzzwords they use – the cover letter should be a direct reply to the job advert. Think of it as your chance to explain your relevant skills, qualifications and experience in greater detail, using the letter to highlight the key points in your CV – and what they want. Like your CV, this should be tailored for each application.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE PERSONAL STATEMENT While submitting a cover letter is crucial, remember that it’s easy for recruiters to lose track of letters and focus solely on CVs. Taking the time at the start of your CV to briefl y recap your career objectives and the sort of job you’re looking for is a great way to reintroduce yourself to potential employers. Think of it as the perfect way to summarise the rest of your CV – who you are, what you do, your key skills and experience and your personal qualities. “Most people make the mistake of sending out the same CV,” says Connect consultant Colin Dornan. “Change this and the company will know that you have taken the time to read their job spec and you know what they are looking for. “
POOR GRADES AREN’T THE END OF THE WORLD If you are further on in your career, you can If you have little work experience, all your down-play your school results. Briefl y mention qualifications are important as the employer has them but give more focus to the skills and little else on which to judge you. Include all your grades from the As to the Fs – after all, you studied experience you’ve gained through the various jobs the subjects and know something about them, even and work placements you’ve held. If you’re still at college or university, don’t forget to mention if you didn’t do that well in the exam. If there is a particular grade you want to hide you could always your expected result in your covering letter, along with any relevant work experience, from industry list the topics you studied and highlight the ones placements to part-time work. where you achieved good grades.
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REFER ENCE S
Available on request
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CV A AD DVVIICCEE
PERSO NAL STATE MENT
Skilled electronic and test technician seeking new opportu
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IMS Monitoring, Dundee Aug 2010 – present er • Fault finding and testing of PDM systems prior to custom nt. shipme or visits tion • Assembling racks for the Electrical and Power Distribu Industry to customer specifications. and • Working from schematic diagrams to cable up DIN rails PDM systems.
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Scottish Microsystems, Perth Dec 1999 – June 2009 to • Responsible for the verification and correct failure analysis FRU level of High End Network Servers. k • The assembly to customer specifications of High End Networ Servers. issue • Quality Process Owner with responsibility for any quality s quarter tive consecu six d Achieve line. with products on the without any fails being reported at customer’s premises.
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Short Circuits, Dundee Jan 1995 – Dec 1999 • Diagnosed HP, Compaq and 3 Com network cards to component level. Antron • Skilled and trained in the use of various de-bug tools i.e. and S/Step card. g of • Conducted root cause analysis to support in the resolvin production line issues.
Electronic Technician
Easy PC Centre, Edinburgh July 1990 – Jan1995 • De-bugging IBM motherboards and Compaq boards to component level. • Worked towards continuous improvement of manufacturing techniques. • Successfully analysed fails and ensured timely returns to contractor.
Electronic Technician
Computer Control Systems, Perth Sep 1989 – Mar 1990 • De-bugging all IBM PS/2 boards to component level. • Working at both FCT and ICT.
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STRUCTURE IS KEY Some employers look for a chronological CV, while others prefer a skills-based one. However, there’s no reason why you can’t give them both in one CV. Briefl y, put your name, address and contact details at the top, followed by a quick personal profile that summarises your key strengths. Then add a work experience section where you can pick out the skills, qualities, responsibilities and duties that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Make yourself as good a fit as possible and show how you will be able to transfer your skills from one role to the other. Next, it’s time to include your education details, including school, college, apprenticeship exam results, degree information, industry exams – if you have a lot of work experience, you can keep your education details quite brief.
REFLECT ON YOUR SKILLSET A list of your previous roles isn’t enough. Try to only include the jobs you’ve had that are relevant to your chosen career and think hard about what they taught you to make you a better employee, from self-discipline, money handling and taking responsibility to following instructions and teamwork. “It’s great when candidates put simple accomplishments on their CV; things they don’t think are relevant but shows their work ethic,” says Connect Appointments’ Ami Skimins. “Being nominated for something like employee of the month, training, coaching new team members or even the fact that they hold a current driving licence are great additional skills and achievements.”
KEEP IT BRIEF No one wants to have to read through pages and pages of words – it’s a CV, not a novel – so use your editing skills to include only the relevant information. Try to keep your CV to two A4 pages, at most and make use of bullet points to keep information concise and to the point
USE IMAGES TO BREAK UP A CV The average recruiter only spends six seconds looking at a CV, so grab their attention instantly by using the logos of your past employers to make it more visual. It communicates to them within seconds what big companies you’ve worked for – all without having to read a word. Bear in mind this works far better if you’ve had a role with an instantly recognisable brand – a grainy photo of a small business logo won’t make the cut.
CHECK IT TWICE Before submitting your CV, check it over for any spelling or grammatical errors, or ask a family member or friend to proof read it for you. Dodgy spelling could be what puts you behind another candidate, so always make sure your CV looks the best it can.
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CV ADVICE
STAND OUT
FROM THE CROWD
Relevant experience is essential, but these days companies are looking for employees that go above and beyond. The Connect Appointments experts show you how to get noticed with these essential CV boosting tips
THE GAP YEAR
EVENING CLASSES
A gap year doesn’t have to mean a gap in your CV. If you’ve taken a year off to go travelling, use your CV to explain how you funded the trip, how you planned your itinerary and what you have learned from the experience – managing finances, organising transport, understanding different cultures and learning languages are all great skills worth boasting about.
Thought you were done with studying? Think again. The job market is moving so rapidly that workers need to keep learning throughout their careers if they want to progress. There are various ways of engaging with lifelong learning – from resisting school exams to master’s degrees and professional qualifications. Courses can be studied part-time or, in the case of shorter programmes, over a day or a weekend. In some circumstances, employers may be willing to contribute – or at least offer time off for study – if they believe their company will benefit, so shout about your willingness to learn.
ACADEMICS Even if it feels like many moons ago, your education experience might be relevant. If your area of study ties in with the goals of the company, make sure you highlight this on your CV. Mention any group discussions you led or how you prepared for well-received presentations – both great starting points for discussion at an interview.
PRE-EMPT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS We can all predict what questions will be asked if you make it to the interview. It’s likely that they’ll get you to describe a time when you’ve had to justify your actions, or an occasion when you’ve instigated change. These questions are much easier to answer if you’ve already shown on your CV that you were involved in your university’s debating society or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at school. Always try to link back to what you mentioned in your CV.
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TRANSFERABLE SKILLS Don’t underplay your achievements. Just because you spent that last three years buried in nappies doesn’t mean you’ve not learned valuable skills. Mums and dads are all experienced negotiators with patience and organisational skills that would put many workers to shame. Similarly, if you’ve spent a couple of years working in a bar, don’t expect employers to be unimpressed. Explain how it taught you skills such as problem solving, teamwork, money handling and dealing with customers.
VOLUNTEER We all know helping others is good for the soul – but volunteering can also do wonders for your CV. Whether it’s visiting people in hospital who have terminal illnesses (www.mariecurie.org.uk), helping children to read (www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk) or getting your hands dirty building community gardens (www.tcv.org.uk/greengym), there are plenty of opportunities to boost your skillset. You’ll learn new skills, develop existing ones and can pursue areas that interest you such as gardening, animals or the arts. Head to www.volunteerscotland.net for more info. Register with Connect Appointments and receive tips like this straight to your inbox every week! Find out more online at www.connectappointments.co.uk.
www.connectappointments.co.uk
02/10/2017 14:55
CV AD NVE IW C ES
WHAT NOT TO SHARE:
JOB-PROOF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA With more and more employers carrying out their own background checks on candidates through the power of Google, what can you do to make sure your online presence is employer-friendly? We find out...
WE’RE A NATION of social media addicts. With apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and beyond at our fingertips, we’re sharing, liking and commenting our days away – in the UK alone, 31 million people use Facebook, with 60% of the population having an account with the site. And while social media is great – it helps us keep in touch with friends, make plans, decide on purchases and more – it does have its drawbacks. What you post online can have serious implications and come back to haunt you – especially if you’re on the job hunt.
PAINTING A PICTURE Research by ExecuNet showed that 77% of recruiters say they use search engines to find out additional info on candidates. That means going past your LinkedIn page to find social media profiles, forum posts, blogs and beyond to get a picture of you as a person. “It’s not unusual for employers to check out candidates online,” says Connect Appointments director Denise Connelly.
“Anything that’s posted publicly online is fair game and recruiters can and will search to see what’s out there. It’s always best to check your profile to see what’s public and what isn’t.” The first thing to do is to carry out a quick search for yourself. Type in your name and home town and click search, and see what crops up that’s related to you. If there’s anything there you’d not like an employer or your recruitment consultant to see – like posts on an old football forum or your boy band fan site from your teens – it’s time to get in touch with the site administrator and ask for your account to be deleted.
CHECK WHAT’S PUBLIC Next, go through your social media profiles. Log out to see what can be seen publicly, then go through and make your profile friends only if it isn’t already. You might have a public ‘professional’ profile as well as a personal one; if this is the case, make sure your professional profile is exactly that. Keep the holiday photos for your private
page – and double and triple check your settings to make sure it can’t be found. Think about your profile picture too. Even if your profile content is private, your picture is still visible, so avoid anything embarrassing that might give the wrong impression.
BACKGROUND SEARCH Most recruiters aren’t delving into your social profiles to catch you out – for some, it’s to gauge your professionalism, to see how you’d fit in the company, or to learn more about your qualifications and background and to ensure that it’s accurate. A third have, however, discounted a candidate because of what they’ve found online, so be aware of what’s out there. Taking control of your social media presence will ensure that employers can’t use this against you when it comes to selecting candidates for interview. Professional, personable profiles will take you much further – so go through it all, weed out the potential problems and you’re on course for success.
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BE PREPARED Doing your homework is a must if you want to impress at a job interview. But is there more you can do? We line up all the basics you’ll need to cover to plan and practise your performance
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THE INTERVIEW
DO YOUR RESEARCH This doesn’t mean learning the company’s ‘about’ web page by heart. Think outside the box and go beyond the first page of the search engine – check out the company site, their competitors, and take a look through news headlines. Research the company’s ethos, history, products and market sector. Be prepared to talk about relevant industry news and trends and how they may impact the company in the long run. Showing a familiarity with recent projects, acquisitions and public statements will always impress. And it doesn’t have to be a lot – a few sentences to demonstrate the work you’ve put in could go a long way.
CONNECT WITH CURRENT EMPLOYEES If you already have a connection with a current member of staff, reach out and ask to take them for a coffee. Chat to them about things you couldn’t discover from Google, like what the corporate culture is like or how quickly staff can progress. Alternatively, head to LinkedIn and search for the profile of your interviewer. Understand how they got to where they are and try and look for a common bond. If you share a particular interest or course with them, mentioning it at the interview will show that you really did your homework.
SO TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU… When an interviewer asks you this, they don’t want your life story. What they’re really looking for is a 30-second summary of your educational career, your interests and what you did outside of school or college – and finally, what job it is you want. In other words, they want an ‘elevator pitch’. Practise it again and again in front of the mirror or with a friend – you never know when you might need it again – so it feels natural.
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN OFFER THEM At the interview, don’t spend all your time talking about why you love the company. Yes, you want to demonstrate that you understand and respect their business – but don’t be afraid to tell them how they can improve. The focus should be on what you can do for them. The whole point of an interview is to convince them that you are essential to the success of their future – not the other way around. Familiarise yourself with the company’s products or services and look for ways, even small ones, to possibly expand or add value. Note the positives then talk about opportunities you see. For example, mention a recent marketing campaign. Tell them how much you enjoyed it but how you might reframe it in the future to target an alternative market.
PREPARE YOUR ANSWERS The interviewer may ask you to explain certain points on your CV, so prepare short, clear explanations to highlight what you did or learned in each experience you’ve listed. Illustrate what you achieved and the skills you used – and how you want to keep using them.
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ALWAYS LINK YOUR ANSWERS BACK TO THE BUSINESS Aim to be complete in your answers. Saying what you like or what you love is never enough. Instead clarify your preferences from a business perspective – in other words, make it relevant to them. For example, if you did a psychology module at college, explain that you enjoy understanding human behaviour – an essential skill for anyone in business.
BRING EXAMPLES Always have copies of your CV to hand – one for each interviewer. It may also be appropriate to take along samples of your work and present them in a folder or tablet.
DRESS THE PART Unless the company recommends dressing casually or informally for the interview, men should wear a suit and tie and women should wear a suit or skirt, smart trousers and blouse. You may be the only one in the office dressed that way, but it’s always better to be overdressed rather than too casual. Leave the baseball cap at home.
AND ACT THE PART Turn off your phone before walking into the company’s offices, and don’t ever take it out during your interview. Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Sit up straight with your knees pointing towards your interviewer, stay engaged and don’t fidget. Don’t discuss any inappropriate topics like partying or what you last posted on Facebook. After the interview, send a thank you email and include all your relevant contact details as well as a link to your online portfolio, website or LinkedIn page – then sit back and wait for that job offer!
AND WHAT TO DO WHEN IT ALL GOES WRONG... Sometimes things don’t go to plan in a job interview. But accidents don’t always mean the end of the world. Instead think of it as a positive opportunity to demonstrate how you think on your feet.
YOU’RE RUNNING LATE... Impress by handling the situation responsibly, calmly and politely. Never make excuses or blame someone else – instead acknowledge it and apologise.
YOU’VE HAD A WARDROBE MALFUNCTION... Visit the bathroom, look in the mirror and do some damage control. Always keep a safety pin and tissue to hand in case of emergencies.
YOU’VE WOKEN UP WITH THE WORLD’S WORST FLU... Cancel and reschedule. Companies don’t want you to share your germs along with your CV, and you want to be on form.
YOUR INTERVIEW WENT BADLY... Send a follow-up thank you letter or email via your consultant, and address any point that you didn’t manage to communicate during the interview.
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THE INTERVIEW
THE INTERVIEW
CHECKLIST
As the old saying goes: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Thanks to our ultimate interview checklist, you’ll never put a foot wrong again. Check them off as you go along on the run up to your interview to make sure you don’t forget anything – the rest is up to you
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Check the company’s dress code and plan your outfit accordingly – jeans are best left at home
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Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn or the firm’s website, and read up on the company. Know exactly how it makes its money and what its market is
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Read over the last email your consultant sent to double check the time, location and whether they asked you to bring anything (like a portfolio or passport)
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Print copies of your CV (one for each interviewer) and put them in a plastic wallet to keep them dry, safe and clean
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Take a notebook and a pen
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Pack mints, tissues and water – showing that you’re always prepared will impress your interviewer Prepare at least two questions to ask at the end of the interview (you’ll need these – turn to page 26 for some inspiration)
❏ After the interview, review it and ask yourself how to do
better in your next one. Don’t rely on your own judgment – contact your recruitment consultant, and be prepared for honest, but useful, criticism
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T H E I N T E RNVEI EWWS
DOS AND DON’TS
DON’T LIE Never put things on your CV that you can’t live up to – the employer might rely on you to perform those particular skills in the future. DO LISTEN It’s important that you do most of the talking, but make sure you show that you can listen to others and support their ideas. DON’T NOT BE YOURSELF Try not to regurgitate answers you’ve prelearned. Interviewers will always know when you are using words that are not your own. DO TELL THEM YOU WANT THE JOB It’s amazing how many candidates don’t say outright that they want the role. Know what you want and why you want it. DON’T FORGET TO BE TACTFUL If you’ve only applied for that job to get your foot in the door, don’t mention that you’re looking for a different role. Instead, ask about the chances of progressing within the company. DO YOUR RESEARCH Know exactly how the company makes money, its objectives and what market it is in. And
always be prepared to speak about their successes too, and any work they’ve done that you admire. DON’T NOT ASK QUESTIONS “Interviewers will expect candidates to have questions, and the more planned they are, the more they will be impressed,” says Connect Appointments consultant Ami Skimins.
How many common interview mistakes have you fallen victim to? Read our dos and don’ts and discover how to become the dream candidate
DON’T BE TOO CASUAL Everything about you should say ‘polished’. Always be polite and professional – you “A candidate I once placed are going for a job, not meeting a friend. for an interview answered
WHAT NOT TO SAY
the question, ‘How do you keep motivated during quiet times?’ with that she’d chat to colleagues and sing along to the radio!”
DO HAVE AN OPINION Be ready to voice your thoughts and make sure you are up to speed with current events in their business or sector.
DO ANSWER OBVIOUS QUESTIONS WITH CONFIDENCE It doesn’t look good if you aren’t comfortable speaking about yourself and your achievements, so think ‘confidence’.
DON’T PIGEONHOLE YOURSELF Success and knowledge is important but show them that you are a fully-rounded candidate with passions outside of work.
DON’T PRETEND TO KNOW SOMETHING WHEN YOU DON’T Always ask the interviewer to elaborate if something is unclear. If you really don’t know what they’re talking about, tell them you’re unsure of the answer but would like the opportunity to get back to them.
DO DRESS PROFESSIONALLY If you’re not sure what to wear to your interview, ask your consultant ahead of time or double check the dress code online – baseball caps and jeans, however, are definitely out.
DO REMEMBER TO SEND A THANK YOU EMAIL Use a follow-up email, via your consultant, as an opportunity to solidify your pitch and remind them why you are a strong candidate.
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THE INTERVIEW
“DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US?”
It’s the section of any job interview that makes thousands of candidates’ blood run cold – “Do you have any questions for us?” Impress the interviewer with one of these options
What would be my day-to-day responsibilities? This is a straightforward question, but it lets you get a clearer picture of the job on a practical level rather than the corporate job description – and you have the chance to point out the skills you have to fit in.
Is there scope for promotion? This shows that you’re keen to progress, and to advance with this company – ambition is an attractive quality, particularly when you’re keen to go further with the one organisation rather than looking to see what’s available elsewhere.
What skills and experience are you looking for? This is a good way to get more insight into the role you’re going for, but also to jump in and talk about any skills they bring up that you didn’t get the chance to cover previously in the interview.
What do you personally like about working here? This lets you talk to the interviewer on a more personal level, but also gives you a bit more insight into the type of company you could be joining.
What kind of training opportunities do you offer? Asking this shows the interviewer that you’re thinking about career progression within their company, and to add further value to their organisation.
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Can you tell me about any plans for expansion or growth? Obviously, you’ll have done some research on the company beforehand, so maybe mention a new product, service or recent expansion, but enquire about what’s to come too. It shows you have an interest in
their work, and gives you an idea of what the long-term future is for the company, and potentially the role you’re going for. Can you tell me about the people I’ll be working with? This is a good way of phrasing it, because it assumes you have the job, and also shows your willingness to be a part of a team. It’s good for you too, because you get a better idea of the structure of the company. Do you have any hesitations about employing me? This is a bold question, but it lets you challenge any potential problems they might have, while demonstrating the skills and experience that they’re after. It also shows that you have confidence in your skills, experience and your ability – and that you really want to work for them.
WHAT NOT TO ASK Remember, when at an interview, don’t ask about holidays, sick pay, employee discounts, or complain about the noise, temperature or office environment – think and act positively in your questioning and general behaviour, and don’t make out like you’re keen for your first break already.
www.connectappointments.co.uk
02/10/2017 15:03
THE INTERVIEW
ASK THE EXPERT The consultants at Connect Appointments have the answers to your recruitment conundrums
I’ve been asked to do a two-minute presentation on the day of my interview – but I’m terrified of public speaking. How can I overcome my fears? Practise, practise, practise! Rehearse in front of a mirror or with a friend until it feels natural. Apps like Public Speaking (Android) and Confident Public Speaking (iOS and Android) can give you an extra confidence boost. These apps involve guided meditation and self-hypnosis programs that can help you relax and minimize the anxiety of speaking to big groups. Your consultant will glady listen to your presentation too – arrange to come in and we’ll help you through.
I decided to leave the workforce when I had my children. Now they’re all at school, I’m keen to get back into work – but I don’t know who will have me after six years of watching kids’ TV and toddler groups. Where do I start? As a parent, you come ready-equipped with lots of transferable skills that are key for recruiters. Negotiation, problem solving, keeping cool under pressure – children teach you a lot! So combine that with any previous work experience and your education, and you have lots to shout about. We can help you through the application and interview process, so if you’re a bit unsure of what to do, call your nearest branch of Connect Appointments using the details on page 4 and one of our experienced consultants can help you identify your strengths and look for roles that match your skills, experience and preferences.
I’ve been rejected from the last seven jobs I’ve applied to – what’s going wrong? Always ask for detailed feedback and try to spot where you have gone wrong – when you go through an agency like Connect, that’s something your consultant will give you automatically if you’ve been rejected. It’s one thing to get knocked back once or twice, but if you’ve been on several interviews and you keep getting rejected, something is off. Firstly, make sure your skills match the role, and that your CV and cover letter are up to scratch. If you’re getting past the screening process and are still not finding success, something may not be quite right about your communication skills or how you present yourself. Make sure you are welldressed, well-prepared and passionate – you not only have to convince the employer that you really want this job, but that you’d be an asset to their organisation.
Is there a good way to answer that “tell us your biggest weakness” question? Describe a genuine weakness – there is nothing more grating than hearing that a candidate is a workaholic or perfectionist. For example, if you find it hard to multitask you could explain how you use lists and calendar alerts to cover your blind spots. Own up to what you are struggling with – employers want to see that you are self-aware and actively working on bettering yourself. Failing to mention a weakness will only put recruiters on edge. We know no one is perfect – and hiding mistakes can only make things worse.
ISSUE 2 | GET CONNECTED
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THE BENEFITS OF TEMPORARY TEMPORARYWORK WORK Business is booming for a number of our clients at Connect Appointments – and they’re taking on more and more temporary workers to help them cover their workload as a result during busy periods. We’re constantly on the lookout for workers for occasional shift work and short-term contracts – could you be next? Here’s why it’s worth considering 28
GET CONNECTED | ISSUE 2
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IT’S FLEXIBLE
The biggest bonus of temp work is the flexibility it offers. You’re in complete control of your working life – it’s easier to take career breaks, to fit your job around your life, and to work as much as you like. Many temp workers love the freedom it brings.
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IT MIGHT NOT AFFECT YOUR BENEFITS
If you work fewer than 16 hours a week, you might be able to claim Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance. If you’re not in a position to work full-time because of childcare or other commitments, occasional temp shifts could let you keep claiming welfare benefits while topping up your income. Remember, if you have a partner who lives with you and works 24 hours a week or more, you won’t be able to claim these benefits, but your partner might be able to claim Working Tax Credit instead. You might also be entitled to claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit – contact your local social services department to find out more.
www.connectappointments.co.uk
02/10/2017 15:07
ON THE JOB
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YOU GET TO LEARN NEW SKILLS
...WHY HIRE TEMPORARY WORKERS?
Every role you take on will teach you something new. Whether that’s technical or ‘hard’ skills, or ‘soft’ skills like communication or project management, you’ll take something away from every shift or contract that will benefit your future working life.
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If you’re an employer, temporary workers provided by an agency could be the answer to your workforce woes
YOU’VE STILL GOT RIGHTS
As an agency worker, you’ve still got employee rights. From the day you start work, you’ve got a worker’s employment rights, and the same rights as your permanent colleagues to use shared facilities provided by the employer. After 12 weeks in the job, you’ll qualify for the same rights as someone employed directly, also known as ‘equal treatment’, which includes the same pay as a permanent colleague doing the same job, automatic pension enrolment and paid annual leave. It doesn’t have to be 12 weeks in a row – there can be breaks – but you can’t count sick days as a break. Ask your Connect consultant for more information on your rights as a temporary member of staff.
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Temps are a fast hire and make an immediate difference – our clients often call us on the day needing staff to start at 9am, and we make it happen. Whether you’ve had an unexpected job come through, or you have absence to cover, temps can make a real difference. And taking on temp workers during busy periods can prove to be very efficient and offers flexibility. Temporary workers can bring skills, experience and knowledge to your workforce that you’re perhaps currently missing – and your permanent staff can learn from them.
IT GETS YOUR NAME KNOWN
Temping is a great way of getting your name out there in your sector of expertise. If you take shifts with several different manufacturing companies, for instance, and really wow the hiring managers, they’ll often come to us to request you – and there’s nothing nicer than being in-demand when you’re temping.
THE ELUSIVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE
If you work from temp contract to temp contract, it gives you a bit more control over your working life and your social life as a result. Quite often, when you’re a temp, you’re able to leave work at work – or at least know that your commitment to the company is only for a set YOUR CV period. Which means more WILL SHINE time can be spent enjoying If you’ve got a lot of industryyourself, pursuing hobbies leading names on your CV, it and being with your family instantly looks more impressive to and friends. employers further down the line – a summer with this company and NETWORKING a few months with another OPPORTUNITIES shows you know Temping is a good way of your stuff. building up your contacts book.
You can also use a temp to fill a permanent role while you’re recruiting for a set period of time – if someone has had to leave at short notice and you need someone straight away until you have a strong permanent candidate, a temporary employee can be a quick solution.
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And you also have the option of hiring temp workers permanently once their contract runs out – you’ve already seen them in action and know what they bring to your business, so it makes sense.
Whether that’s people who can act as references when you’re looking for work in the future, hiring managers or simply a new set of friends, getting into different workplaces is a great networking opportunity.
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YOU CAN EXPERIMENT
Temp work isn’t just for those with experience in a specific area. If you want to switch things up a bit and move into a different line of work, some shifts in a different sector or job role will let you get a flavour for it and see if it’s for you – and you get paid. It looks good on your CV too if you’re applying for similar permanent roles in the future.
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IT COULD LEAD TO SOMETHING MORE
If you’re regularly doing shifts with a company and a role comes up in a similar line of work, you’re in a really good position if you want to switch over to the world of permanent employment. They know you’re capable, you know how they work – all you have to do is wow them at the interview!
If you want to find out more about how temps can boost your business, call your nearest Connect Appointments office now using the details on page 4. Our consultants will talk you through how we work, and speak to you about some of the CVs we have access to right now.
ISSUE 2 | GET CONNECTED
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AD N EW V I SC E A N D T I P S
GRADUATE TO SUCCESS
WITH CONNECT APPOINTMENTS It’s an exciting time behind the scenes at Connect Appointments – we’ve just launched our first graduate scheme, offering exciting opportunities for graduates looking to make their mark in the world of recruitment EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS of bright minds don their cap and gown to pick up their diploma and bid goodbye to their university career. Leaving with lots of knowledge and valuable skills, a university degree can really take you places – and into careers you might never have imagined when you signed up for your studies. It can take you anywhere. And now, Connect Appointments are tapping into all that potential. This autumn, we launched our graduate recruitment scheme, giving university graduates the opportunity to learn the ropes in the world of recruitment, and gain some industry-recognised qualifications while they’re at it.
LEARNING
The scheme sees our new recruits placed in one of our busy branches, where they’ll be supervised by one of our experienced consultants and given their own clients and projects to work on. With support, they’ll learn exactly how recruitment works, with opportunities to work on filling permanent and temporary roles across a range of industries. Alongside this, graduates will be put through their professional exams by REC, to gain their Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP) qualification. This will make sure that our graduates are up-to-date with recruitment legislation and guidelines, and fully-equipped to take on the role.
OPPORTUNITY
The graduate scheme offers a great opportunity for graduates to get started in a real career for life, and learn from some of the best in the business at the same time. Graduates on the scheme will gain fantastic real-world experience on the job, while working towards qualifications that are respected within the industry – setting them up for a successful recruitment career. We’ve already taken on our first recruits, who’ve started out in our Hamilton and
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NEWSLETTER To keep up to date with the latest from Connect, from branch openings to employment opportunities, register with Connect Appointments online at www.connectappointments.co.uk to receive regular newsletter updates direct to your email inbox. Edinburgh offices – and you could join them! Recruitment is ongoing for the Connect Appointments graduate programme – if you have a degree in any discipline, a strong work ethic and an interest in a varied career which comes with big rewards, head to the Connect website at www.connectappointments.co.uk to see the latest vacancies, or to submit your CV for our consideration.
… AND WE’RE GROWING!
Our graduate scheme has been just one element of Connect Appointments’ growth this year. In the spring, we opened our Edinburgh offices, our Dundee and Sunderland teams had to move to bigger premises to meet demand, plus we’ve got plans for more branches to open in 2018! So there’s no excuse not to get involved with Connect – what are you waiting for?
www.connectappointments.co.uk
02/10/2017 15:17
Carers Trust is a major charity for, with and about carers. We work to improve services, recognition and opportunities for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems. We do this with a UK-wide network of quality assured, independent partners. In Scotland, Carers Trust’s Network Partners are the largest provider of specialist carers’ support services, reaching more than 30,000 adult carers and more than 2400 young carers. Caring is rarely something you can plan for – it could affect any of us at any time. Today, there are 759,000 carers in Scotland, that’s more than one in 10 of the population. There are also an estimated 29,000 carers under 16. Carers make enormous sacrifices, often putting aside their education, careers, social lives and even their health, in order to care. Three in five people will become a carer in their lifetime, which means that one day either you, or someone you are close to, may need the support of Carers Trust Scotland.
What we do in Scotland • Provide support for the network of carers centres through training, meetings, learning exchange, and access to information and quality evaluation • Distribute grants and funding to carers and carers centres • Lobby the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament on behalf of carers and young carers • Organise the Scottish Young Carers Festival • We are a member of many national joint working groups concerned with health, social care, the third sector and policy influencing • Raise awareness of carers and young carers, and the work of carers centres • Contribute to research and campaigning work.
Visit our website for more information www.carers.org/scotland or call 0300 123 2008 31_ad_190x277.indd 31
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AFTER YOUR NEXT BIG CHALLENGE? MAKE THE LEAP WITH CONNECT APPOINTMENTS Get the biggest and best vacancies straight to your inbox Register for job alerts now at www.connectappointments.co.uk With branches in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Livingston, Hamilton, Dundee and the North East of England.
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