How to Attract the Right Candidates to Your Vacancy

How to Attract the Right Candidates to Your Vacancy The number of job advertisements and applications are continuing to rise in the UK, and are making it more difficult for companies to attract the right candidates to their vacancies. The rate of applications to job advertisements has remained higher than pre-recession figures. A recent report from CV Library looking at job-seeking trends found that most industries have seen a surge in submissions in 2014 so far. The number of job vacancies being posted has also increased, leading to growing competition amongst businesses to secure the very best talent. So, what can businesses do to get the right candidates responding to their advertisements? Our guide looks at how to tailor job postings to make sure you get the responses you want. What should your job advertisement do? Any job posting that you promote should work to: Attract, interest and communicate to the right candidates Discourage candidates unsuitable for the role Portray a positive image of your organisation Adhere to legislation surrounding discrimination Provide clear instruction of what a candidate should do next Job advertisement checklist The content in your job advert needs to meet a certain criteria, as specific information is required in order for it to be effective. This list covers the basics: Job title Employer or recruitment agency Job location Job role and its timescale Responsibilities of the job role Outline of ideal candidate profile Qualifications and experience required Salary or salary guide Description of organisation Where the role is situated in the business structure Contact details You should also include details of any employee recognition schemes or benefits programs that you have available. These are becoming increasingly valued by employees, so can help you to attract the most talented applicants to the vacancy. By providing the above information in a clear and concise manner, you make it easy for the right candidates to recognise that they are suitable for the role and attract them to apply for the position. Top tips for appealing to the right candidates When putting together a job post, we would also recommend tailoring the following features so the advertisement can attract the most suitable candidates: Add a relevant and clear headline the job title should be a clear description of the job function. If this is not possible, include a small introduction to explain the purpose of the position so readers have a clear understanding of what to expect. Draw attention to your heading, strap line and main message the majority of your job advertisement should be devoted to these elements dont be tempted to add too much additional information in the space available. Brand up your job advertisement if you are a recognised or reputable brand, your logo or name should appear prominently, as talented professionals often want to work for businesses of stature. Make the text clear and easy-to-read write efficiently, use simple language and include vocabulary used by the candidates you want to attract. Also add bullet points and bite-sized paragraphs so that there is adequate space around the text and the focus is on your words. Involve the reader refer to the reader as you to draw them into the job advertisement and allow them to imagine themselves in the role. Add any unique information stress what makes the role or your organisation unique and interesting as people often want to work for exciting and special employers. Remember that you are attempting to get the right candidates to apply for your role, so should be doing everything possible to try and attract your target audience. Write in a manner that will catch a candidates eye and adopt a welcoming manner to encourage suitable professionals to apply. No-nos for job advertisements There are a few common pitfalls to avoid when writing job advertisements which can significantly impact on the quality of candidates you get applying for advertised positions. These include: Extravagant design work or graphics Excessive use of technical language and detail Excessive use of language Dull job descriptions and ideal candidate profiles Avoid any details that will make it difficult for the right applicants to read your job advert quickly and easily. Instead, focus on writing a post that advertises both the role and your organisation in a simple and straightforward manner. Also dont be tempted to copy and paste an old description from a previous job application. Instead, think about how the responsibilities and requirements of the role have changed, and how your company has grown since your last recruitment drive. By tailoring the job advertisement to meet your current desires and expectations, you are likely to attract candidates with the right attributes. By taking the time to craft job advertisements that clearly outline what you want from applicants, and what they can expect from your organisation, you can significantly enhance the quality of candidates applying for your vacancies, streamline the admin involved in recruitment and even improve the calibre of employees at your company. Author: Lauren Knowles is a digital content writer for portfoliopayroll.co.uk, a specialist recruitment agency with years of experience matching high calibre candidates with payroll jobs in businesses across the UK.

Ever wondered what recruitment agencies do with your CV

Ever wondered what recruitment agencies do with your CV As recent graduates and prospective employees, we find ourselves thrust out into the open world scrambling frantically to keep ahead of the swarms of others like us in that race for our ideal job. Daunting no doubt, but not an impossible task if you ensure you know how best to utilise those tools and organisations designed to get you employed. Though far too often, we place our faith in agencies to hunt down a job for us, not entirely aware of the role they play in this process. The assumption is often that as a recruitment agency, they will take your skill set and find the roles best matched to it, keeping in mind the industry you wish to build a career in. However, having now worked for a large recruitment agency, seeing the underbelly of the beast so to speak, I see that my judgement was more than a shade off. Do you want to know what recruitment agencies do with your CV? Read on. Your CVs Lie In A Database. Period. As applicants, our details are uploaded onto a database and subsequently they remain there, unless we are suitable for jobs that command a large enough commission for the recruitment consultant to make us worth their while. We, as job seekers, become means by which an agency can make the most profit. If we hold no profit, then our CV is left by the wayside. This is not to say that agencies hold no place in the graduate job market, far from it. It is however, crucial that you sell yourself to them as a top quality candidate, not only through a well written CV, but also by keeping in contact with a consultant at the agency and building a rapport with them. If you are compliant with all they need, they are far more likely to want to do well for you. How does that often coined phrase go? “It’s not what you know, but who you know” that matters.   Nothing could be truer. Consultants want to convert CVs into fees but do your utmost to ensure your CV is top of the pile. A few pointers on convincing them: Make regular contact with the agency: specifically with a particular consultant, so they begin to remember you as a keen and enthusiastic applicant. I’d recommend calling up once at the beginning of every week when their workload is likely lighter than late on a Friday. Build a rapport with your consultant: so asking them how their day has been, or if they have any holidays coming up, or other chit-chat  is always great to coax out their more amiable nature. They like you they will work harder for you. Be specific: don’t be afraid to specify the exact range of roles you’re after. This avoids consultants asking to put you forward for a role you don’t much care for and thus wasting their time. If you make it easier on them, you’ll benefit long term. Ensure you have a specialist consultant fighting your corner: consultants working for larger agencies tend to have a specific industry focus. If you are after an IT role, ensure that you are not being managed by a general clerical roles consultant. Make your CV shine: during my time working in Recruitment, I was shocked by the number of CVs that came my way looking tired and drab, waffling on endlessly. Concise is better with agencies. Your qualifications and experience tend to be the focus of agencies, the rest of the CV is skim read on the whole. Guest Post written by Mike Perry Image Credit: Advancing People 23

5 Reasons Diversity is Better for Hiring Managers and Recruiters

5 Reasons Diversity is Better for Hiring Managers and Recruiters Diversity isn’t a buzzword anymore. It’s critical for the successful running of a business. While most of us would agree that diverse hiring is a positive thing for both the economy and our clients, the reality for recruiters is often quite different. It goes without saying that for many, it’s still a highly contentious topic. Among those who have embraced it, hiring managers are increasingly struggling with meeting the diversity quotas they’ve set for themselves while we also ironically find ourselves considering at a diminished number of candidates when we know there’s a quota to fulfil. While global thought leaders agree that there are great benefits afforded to businesses who adopt diverse hiring, I think there are also serious incentives for recruiters that may have been overlooked by our industry. 1. You’ll be market-leading Encouraging clients to recruit a range of candidates from various backgrounds is still, unfortunately, an unusual practice. However, communicating the advantages of diverse hiring will position you as a market leader who thinks beyond traditional stereotypes. Approaching the topic and explaining the rationale can only serve to open their minds. For example, it’s a fact that emerging generations are actively seeking more diverse workplaces; explaining this and giving clients the tools with which to strengthen their employer branding is simply a win-win for both client and recruiter. 2. It makes us better recruiters We are, sadly, influenced by unconscious and conscious bias daily. Embracing diversity as recruiters will encourage us to challenge ourselves as we’re forced to push traditional boundaries and think outside the square. In doing so we’ll also need to seek new and innovative methods of sourcing and placing talent. 3. It makes our job easier Culturally, organisations that embrace inclusivity and diversity within the workplace are ones that tend to prize respect and collaborative practices. It goes without saying that when we’re speaking to candidates whatever their ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or background if we’re able to speak about those values that are intrinsically embedded into the business culture, it will undoubtedly make them a more attractive employer. It’s both attraction and retention of talent that promises to be improved. McKinsey’s Diversity Matters report shows there to be a real correlation between higher diversity and increased employee satisfaction. Finally, if we’re opening the doors to more candidates from a range of backgrounds, we’re much more likely to win the war for talent and overcome the hurdles to finding suitable candidates. 4. Good for business McKinsey’s report explains how ‘companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians’. Put bluntly, if our clients are making more money, it’s better for us and better for the economy. For recruiters, embracing diverse hiring means we’ll be working more innovatively, which in turn enhances our client service and produces a positive impact on our bottom line too. Recruiting diverse talent also future-proofs our businesses as we strengthen our long-term management pipeline; future leaders are inevitably going to develop and equip themselves with the tools required to deal with varied ways of thinking. 5. You’ll reap the rewards of diversity too Encouraging diversity in your clients will inevitably lead to the same practices within your own firm. This means that you too will experience all the rewards outlined above: increased employee satisfaction, higher retention rates, improvements on your bottom line, and of course improved employer branding and stronger candidate attraction. About the author: David Morel is the CEO/Founder of Tiger Recruitment, one of London’s leading secretarial/administrative recruitment agencies. David founded Tiger in 2001 and has written extensively in the press and wider media advising both employers and job seekers on best recruitment practice.

How to answer Tell me about at time you failed at something

How to answer Tell me about at time you failed at something Mistakes are inevitable, we all make them. But what is the employer really assessing in your answer to this interview question?   Although this is becoming a somewhat predictable question in graduate job interviews, it can nonetheless be a difficult one to answer.   How can you make a positive impression when discussing an experience where there was a negative outcome? At interview the employer is assessing the candidate’s strengths, skills, personal attributes and ultimately their suitability for the job role. It can be a challenging experience reflecting on a time when you may have failed, answering a question that effectively highlights something that may be perceived as a weakness. Why do employers ask this question?   To understand your level of    self-awareness.   In a work context being self-aware can mean understanding how your emotions, thoughts and behaviours can impact on your performance in the workplace, particularly your relationships with colleagues and clients. In a  2017 survey less than half of recruiters felt that graduates demonstrated self-awareness. Are you are a reflective person and therefore more likely to be a potential employee that the company are willing to invest in? Or are you someone who never learns from or even reflects on the mistakes that you may have made? This is a question that the employer is trying to resolve during the interview process. ‘The person who never made a mistake never tried anything new’ (Einstein) The employer may also have other motives when asking for an example of when a job applicant has failed. If you describe a situation for example where you took a risk, this may resonate with an employer recruiting for a creative role that requires an innovative approach. On the other hand, a recruiter seeking someone who is highly organised and methodical may not want someone who is deemed to take unnecessary risks. (A reminder of the importance of reading the job description and person specification carefully to understand the employer’s requirements.) Use the STAR model The effectiveness of using the Situation, Task, Action and Result structure has been referred to in other  Warwick Careers Blog posts    There is a lot of anecdotal evidence from employers to suggest that it is the most effective way to answer competency or behavioural type questions. The following example illustrates the use of the STAR model to answer the ‘tell me about a time when you failed’ question: Situation: Last year I was a member of a student society executive and part of a sub-group that was given the responsibility of organising an event to raise our profile and membership Task: A lot of organisation and planning for the event was required, including for example booking a venue, marketing the event through social media and liaising with other societies and students throughout the university. Action: I took the initiative to publicise and market the event and created what I thought was an effective strategy which would result in a good attendance and increased membership of the society. Result: The event wasn’t a success. It was poorly attended and there were lots of problems on the day. With hindsight this was due to our lack of planning and communication. I didn’t really work well other members of the executive and didn’t keep them informed of what I had done during the planning. I tended to work on my own initiative because I got frustrated working with other people that I didn’t really gel with. I also didnt seek any feedback on the effectiveness of   the marketing strategy I had devised to publicise the event, on reflection it could have been more engaging. What I have learned from this experience is the importance of communication. Rather than work on my own I should have listened to others, negotiated and compromised so that we could all have worked together more effectively. Top tips: What should you include in your STAR answer to this question? 1. Give a specific example, it’s much more convincing than a generic reply such as ‘Yes, I have failed in the past but I have learnt not to make those mistakes again…’ 2. Clearly explain what it was that you did wrong. Take responsibility for your actions, a candidate who blames others is not someone who suggests they have the ability to work collaboratively in a team 3. What did you learn? Can you demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to reflect on why you weren’t successful? 4. What would you do differently next time in similar circumstances? What steps would you take to ensure that you would succeed in the workplace if a similar situation arose? It does seem counter-intuitive to discuss failure when our instinct is to highlight our successes in an interview. But remember the interviewer is really assessing how you respond to failure, not the failure itself. As Henry Ford said, ‘the only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing’

Resumes Skill Business Writing Tips

Resumes Skill Business Writing TipsIf you are an experienced professional, you should know the basics of resume skill business writing and how to use this to your advantage. In order to build a good resume, you need to know how to use these two words the right way. You can tell a lot about a person just by looking at their resume. In fact, people are interested in people who have good resumes.It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if you have good ideas and creativity, it is easy to write. The fact is that when you are dealing with resume skill business writing, the only thing that matters is how you present your ideas in the correct manner. As you read through this article, pay attention to how you phrase the topic and find the appropriate words to do the job.With such comprehensive skills, it is also easy to focus on your strengths and eliminate those that do not relate to your field. This will also help you be able to create a unique resume that will stand out from the crowd. Use different types of words and phrases throughout your resume to reflect different aspects of your skills. Having a strong resume also allows you to make a better impression on your interviewer.Just as you do when you are creating a resume for yourself, you will want to write it in a professional manner. Instead of doing this all by yourself, get help from professional business writers. They will have the skills needed to write a well-written resume. However, you still need to practice a bit and be sure that the resume is representative of your skills and experiences.Another way that you can improve your resume skill business writing is to practice it in front of a mirror or look at it over again. This way, you will have the opportunity to adjust any mistakes that you notice. Once you have perfected your resume skills, you will be well on your way to being a successful resume writer.One more tip when it comes to resume skill business writing is to make sure that your cover letter is flawless. Your cover letter will be your way to communicate with the employer that you are worth hiring. You will want to create a professional letter that will reflect your skills and experience.The skills that you need to improve when it comes to resume skill business writing are the ability to analyze a situation and understand the significance of it. You also want to be able to present your thoughts in a clear manner. A quality resume will consist of all of the skills that you have acquired over the years. The next step is to apply the skills that you have to the problem at hand and present them in a way that will stand out.When you apply these tips to resume skill business writing, you will find that it is much easier to get the attention of those that you are seeking employment from. There are many writers available online and on the bookshelves that can teach you how to use these tips to your advantage. Remember that the process does not end once you have created yo ur resume.

The Most Interesting Career Options With a Law Degree That You Havent Thought Of - CareerAlley

The Most Interesting Career Options With a Law Degree That You Havent Thought Of - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Most students go to law school to become an attorney. In the present economy, it is difficult for many new law school graduates to obtain employment a lawyer. However, there are many interesting non-legal career options for new law school graduates. Getting a legal degree isnt easy but then what? From Melbourne attorneys to lawyers in Paris, they are wondering what to do with their law degree. Where to go? Which path to choose? Real estate is an excellent career choice for a law school graduate without the desire to practice law. A law school graduate that wants to pursue a job in the real estate industry should take and pass the bar in their state. Some states allow attorneys that are admitted to the bar to obtain a real estate license without taking a class or passing a real estate licensure test. The lessons learned in law school about contract negotiation and property law will give a fledgling real estate salesperson an edge in the competitive real estate market. Opening a new business is a great career path for a law school graduate with an entrepreneurial spirit. Law school classes, including contracts, tax law and corporations, provide a broad knowledge base for a new business owner. The connections made in law school can assist an entrepreneur in getting clients for their new business. A legislative aide is a good career choice for the law school graduate with a desire to serve the public. Most legislators utilize the services of aides, from the top levels of the federal government down to local government. The education received in law school can help a prospective legislative aide obtain a position. After serving as a legislative aide, a law school graduate may decide to run for office to serve the public as a legislator. The business world offers varied career paths for law school graduates. Attorneys are preferred for employment in some careers in business even though the job does not involve the direct practice of law. Compliance officers in banks and corporations are often non-practicing attorneys. The insurance industry also offers positions for law school graduates. Insurance companies often hire law school graduates as claims adjusters. Although employment at an insurance company is not a glamorous career choice, many law school graduates appreciate the steady hours and benefits offered to employees of insurance companies.Law school graduates with a flair for writing can use their legal knowledge to write for companies involved in the legal world. Law school textbooks, hornbooks, and publications about the legal industry provide interesting career opportunities for law school graduates. Graduation from law school does not automatically lead to a career as an attorney. Non-legal career options for law school graduates abound in industries as diverse as real estate, government, business, insurance and publishing. A law school graduate wishing to explore non-legal areas of employment should examine their interests and talents to find an exciting career opportunity. more Career Opportunities with Law Degrees Mary White likes to write about education. She has a soft spot for Oklahoma attorneys and 70s music. When not doing this, she likes to walk her dog Hendrix. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook

Job Search - In Over Your Head - CareerAlley

Job Search - In Over Your Head - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. When I was a kid, we lived near a pond that had frogs. Every summer, I would go with my friends to collect tadpoles. Although we lived in the suburbs, this particular pond was somewhat polluted with various bits of junk floating (or permanently moored to the bottom). None of us knew exactly how deep the pond was (it was not the kind of pond where you would go for a swim), but no problem, most of the tadpoles could be seen on the top. One particular fine summer day, I went with one of my friends to collect some tadpoles but they were hard to find that day. About two feet from the edge of the pond was an old car tire which, we thought, was permanently stuck in place (it was always in the same place, year after year). So I decided to step onto the tire so that I could reach those elusive tadpoles. As youve probably guessed by now, the tire was not stuck in place and it immediately sank under my weight and down I went yelling for help from my friend. With all the yelling and frantic flai ling of my arms I didnt realized I was actually standing on the bottom of the pond (which was no more than three feet deep). So, other than being wet and having sludge on my sneakers (not to mention a few tadpoles in the cuff of my pants), all was well and I was not in over my head after all. Job search can sometimes feel much the same (that over your head feeling). Not to worry, take a step back and reorganize your search. This will give you a fresh perspective on the process. Maybe change up the job search sites you are using, take a look at some companies youve not looked at before and refresh your resume. Following is a list of key resources with links. Where to find Recruiter: Online Recruiters Directory Find A Recruiter RECRUITERS NETWORKS A list of lists Recruiters Online Job Search Boards: The Monster List of Freelancing Job Sites Jobs for Women Top Job Boards Company Lists: CareerAlleys Company Career List The Quintessential Directory of Company Career Centers Top Entry Level Employers Good luck in your search.Visit me on Facebook