Never used a private recruitment agency before?

We act as a “go-between” and can facilitate your progress to a shortlist. We do this by carefully assessing your skills, experience and qualifications and how these match up to the advertised position. Acting on behalf of an employer, we will scrutinise your application for best “fit”. That means that we will be evaluating your appearance, presentation and professionalism. This may be achieved through interviews and testing.  Most importantly, check that your Resume is up to scratch! does it match what the employer is looking for? is it getting you an interview? have you double-checked it for any errors? Print one out and see how it looks… does it appear professional? A resume is your “sales flier” and if it does not “sell” you, it is letting you down…… we rely heavily on first impressions and often this comes through to us in the form of the resume. Take your time making sure the resume is perfect before pressing “send”. Don’t know how to write a resume? we do offer this service, please call 026583822 to enquire.

Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd

The post Private Recruitment Agencies – how to use them appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

HUGE DIFFERENCES between agencies – how can you manage to get them to work more effectively for you?

We often field requests from job seekers who have very high expectations of what a recruitment agency can deliver for them. There is a distinct difference between an Employment Agency and a Recruitment Agency. Firstly, recruiters tend to work from the employer back. That is, they gather  the job description and specifications along with the brief from Management and then go to market in search of the “right fit” candidates. Many recruiters do not work for the job seeker /candidate who is needing employment. There are many applicants/candidates and often not enough jobs to go around. If the job fits these applicants then, and only then, will they be referred to positions.  It is often up to the applicants to ensure that their resume is adapted to the position/s sought and that they develop strong relationships with their Recruitment Agency staff.  The Recruiters act as brokers and can not be expected to invent or create information for the candidates that will be suitable for the advertised position.

Secondly, when employers utilise a recruitment agency they are very specific about what they want. Often the Recruiter gets a real feel for what is “unsaid” and gets a good impression of what that particular workplace/culture and employer is requiring.  Recruiters often advertise and screen applicant on behalf of the employer (their client) and often the employer pulls the strings on deciding who they would like shortlisted or for interview.

Lastly, Recruitment Agencies are not government funded, nor do they seek to attract unskilled or inexperienced applicants, remember that employers are often wanting skilled professionals to join their organisation who can hit the ground running, whether that is temporary workers or a new permanent employee.  Recruitment companies are  private businesses who invoice the employer for their HR  services, hence the urgent need to get the recruitment process and the candidates, right every time!

Hope this information helps next time you utilise a Recruitment Agency.

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment

The post Employment Agency Vs Recruitment Agency.. what is the difference? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Looking for work? Loads of others are also on the search.

Make sure you stand out, but also make sure you do use the tried and true methods first.

Job seeking activity can become a full time job.  We hope that some of the following suggestions assist you in your search. Most importantly, stand out from the herd and have your application and efforts count!

Firstly, the tried and true – the faithful list….

• SEEK and my career and on-line recruitment services
• Networks and connections within your industry and social circles
• Registering with various agencies for work
• Newspapers and periodicals
• Word of Mouth and knowledge of possible up coming vacancies, ask around!
• Cold calling and unsolicited resumes to employers of choice
• Advertise your skills through social media channels
• Update and fine tune your resume

Connect with key players through Linkedin

Once you have exhausted the list for sourcing work, consider carefully how and when you will approach the vacancy. Is your resume up to scratch? does it sell you well? Do you need to obtain a second opinion? What stands out about you in your resume? Is it a memorable one? Have you linked your resume to the job your seeking? What is the local demand like for jobs and can any of your work skills be transferred to suit the market?

If this is all too daunting, why not consider consulting with the experts and seek advice on your current and future prospects? Eather Recruitment offer a suite of services to suit your individual needs! Call us to find out what we can do for you

Ivana Agapiou resume writer 0404056278

The post Looking for work in all the right places appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Will your current job motivate you in 2023? If not, then its time to reflect on your job and your career

The Pandamic has many of us reflecting and reviewing our careers and how we spend our limited time.

Here are a few key questions that may help you to either pat yourself on the back or kick yourself into gear!

Firstly, what were your 2022 highlights, at work, at home? or with your personal relationships and  within your hobbies/outside interests? Think about the following questions,

• Where there any opportunities lost?
• Are you in a job you enjoy? what are the things you enjoy most?
• Are there any aspects of your life you would like to see changed?
• When did you enjoy a break from work and worry?
• What relaxes you the most?
• What would you like to include in your life, that is currently missing or there is not enough of?
• If you have the chance, is there anything you might do differently in 2023?

Just a few stimulating questions that should help to determine whether you are on track or off the beaten track, and if that it’s the right direction to head

Ivana Agapiou Resume Writer

FIGJAM RESUMES

The post 2023 is a great time to review your job and career choices appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Your Resume needs to contain your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

These can be also disguised under Key Selection Criteria (KSC), each have distinct differences between them. Know the difference and win the interview.

Knowledge: The level of education, experience and training an individual must have at minimum to be considered qualified for the position.

Skills: Specific skills such as ability to create manipulate and utilize spread sheets, word, processing programs

Ability:  Tasks you have performed and the length of time spent in a particular role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (SKA’s) are often contained in a list of special qualifications and personal attributes that you need to have for a particular job.  These are the unique requirements that a recruitment agency wants to find in the person selected to fill a particular job.  A primary purpose of KSAs is to measure those qualities that will set one candidate a part from the others.   How well an applicant can show that he or she matches the position’s defined KSAs determines whether that person will be seriously considered for the job.

Knowledge statements refer to an organised body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible.  A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function.

Skill statements refer to the proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation of data or things.  Skills can be readily measured by a performance test where quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within an established time limit.  Examples of proficient manipulation of things are skill in typing or skill in operating a vehicle.  Examples of proficient manipulation of data are skill in computation using decimals; skill in editing for transposed numbers, etc.

 Ability statements refer to the power to perform an observable activity at the present time.  This means that abilities have been evidenced through activities or behaviours that are similar to those required on the job, e.g., ability to plan and organize work.  Abilities are different from aptitudes.  Aptitudes are only the potential for performing the activity.

Some job applicants are not sure whether the KSC requirements apply to them or where a response is optional.  There’s an easy way to decide when to pay attention to KSCs.  In a word –  “ALWAYS”.

Recruitment Agencies may emphasize the most important aspects of a job by assigning relative weights to each KSC.  Others will designate particular KSCs as being Mandatory (M) or Desirable (D).  Obviously the job applicant will want to focus the most effort on responding to the more heavily weighted KSCs or the mandatory ones, but it is important to remember that you need to address everyone on the list.  If a vacancy advertisement makes no distinction among the position’s KSC, the applicant should assume that all KSCs are equally important.

A key point to remember about all KSCs is that they must be job-related.  An agency cannot ask for anything in a KSC that is not in the job’s position description.

That’s enough on KSC for now, watch this space on “How to respond to KSC” and  Capability Statements along some writing tips and tricks.

In summary, if you need help with your applications or resume,contact Ivana, our resume writer on 0404056278

Ivana Agapiou career and outplacement consultant 

The post Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, why you can’t ignore them! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

What is the difference between a Job agency and a recruitment agency?

Eather Recruitment, although posted and listed under Yellow pages and most on-line media as an Employment Agency, is actually a Recruitment agency. What is the difference you ask? It’s important to know before you send in your resume!

The big difference is that Employment agencies actively find unemployed  people work. They conduct their business usually as a government funded agency so therefore they work from the candidate first, finding out what skills and experience they posses and then try to find an employer who may be interested .

A recruitment agency works with employers in the first instance, gathers a comprehensive brief and job description and then searches the job market for the best person for the job. Often these candidates are not unemployed, rather, candidates who seek a promotion; new career path, often they are highly skilled and experienced.

This is a simple explanation, please contact our office  if you want to know more of how our employment services can help you. If you are seeking a new resume or require help with job applications, simple or complex, contact Ivana on 040405678 or check out www.figjamresumes.com.au

The post There’s Employment Agencies and then there’s Recruitment Agencies appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Resume rejected? Job lost? Missed that promotion?

Rejection hurts.  It’s often a time we grab our go-to happy habits and find it actually makes us feel worse.

Here are some common strategies that don’t actually work very well in the long term, but are a well-known quick fix’s – see which one/s resonate with you.

1. Comfort food. The secret treat and other retail solutions. 

Often, the things we choose as treats aren’t good for us.  Surprise! The pleasure is brief, and once the sugar high melts away, we are left with feelings of guilt, loss of control, and other negative thoughts that just deepen the lousiness of our day.  Food does affect mood. So when you find yourself thinking, “I’ll feel better after I eat a block of chocolate, or engage in retail therapy and impulse buy,  STOP. PAUSE, and ask yourself, ” What am I really doing?”  “Will I feel better afterwards?” “What are the consequences of this behaviour”? I know when I over-indulge I feel quite sick literally, this along with the guilt and stupidity of my actions kills me for ages!  Yep! I made a bad situation worse! Better to go for a jog, go to the gym, and or talk it out with a friend.

2. Feeling sorry for yourself and making excuses.

When you’re feeling down, you might be tempted to let yourself off the hook, to think, “I deserve to skip my jog today, I deserve a break.” In fact, sticking to a resolution and routine will actually boost your sense of self-esteem and self-control. So NOT letting yourself off the hook might do more to boost your happiness.  Telling yourself you are feeling lousy will act as another excuse to NOT do.  I actually hate exercise, yet I know it has benefits, so I’ll walk the dog or go out in the garden, any thing that is active and distracting.

3. Switching off your phone.

I find it difficult to talk with others if I’m feeling upset. I am often tempted to ignore calls or switch off my phone, and I have even cancelled lunch dates, for no other reason other than ” I didn’t feel like it”.  However, studies show that introverts and extroverts get a mood boost from connecting with other people. Although it can be tempting to isolate yourself when you’re feeling unhappy, you’re better off talking and making plans with friends or family.

4.  Openly, aggressively, venting your negative emotions.

I can act a bit tetchy and irritable when things don’t go my own way. This may manifest when I’m receiving poor customer service and I might over-react in a negative way. In fact, many people believe in the “catharsis hypothesis” thinking that expressing anger is healthy-minded and relieves pent-up feelings. Not so. Studies show that expressing anger aggressively only aggravates it;  It’s better to take a deep breath, count to 10 and behave calmly.

5. Staying in bed or in your pajamas all day.

Being dressed like a sloth, only makes you behave like one. Get out of bed, shower and get dressed in favourite gear!  Sometimes it can be fun to hang out in your trackie-dacks all day, but if you’re feeling lethargic, powerless, or directionless, not getting dressed is going to make you feel worse. Put on your clothes, including your shoes, so you feel prepared for whatever the day might offer. While you’re at it, make your bed.

6. Having a drink.

Alcohol affects people differently, and even if you don’t have a drinking problem, alcohol can negatively affect your happiness. Speaking for myself, alcohol is not a happiness-booster. I had to stop drinking, because I realized that even just one glass of wine made me feel more depressed and I would spiral downwards into binge eating and other poor behaviours.(see the 5 points above!)  Don’t assume that a drink will help you unwind, or feel more relaxed, you just think it does.

How you you cope with rejection? What things have you tried to “pick yourself up?” What ones made you feel worse, in the end?  Which ones work for you to effectively beat the blues?

Ivana Agapiou RESUME WRITER

The post Handling Rejection appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

A job that equals your passion. Are you capable of blending both?

Does your passion translate well into your resume?

Some applicants insert  famous quotes in their resumes? not sure how effective this is, however, inspirational ideas and quotes from successful people are useful to help us remain focused and motivated.

Here are some inspirational quotes to help. Which one resonates the most to you?

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” —Nelson Mandela

I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.” — Georgia O’Keefe

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald

“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” —Theodore Roosevelt

“What’s money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.” —Bob Dylan

“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” —Farrah Gray

“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” —Vincent can Gogh

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” —Nelson Mandela

“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” —Neil Gaiman

“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” —Mae Jemison

Do you have a quote that encourages you to follow your passion? Write your own here!

Ivana Agapiou resume writer

The post Does your JOB equal your passion? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Looking out, the grass can always appear greener. Make sure you research the future job, and your motives for moving.. before you leap!

Feeling trapped in the job you have? looking for another job? Here are a few tips before you launch into resignation or even worse, lose your cool and walk out! Sometimes, we can find ourselves in a job that is not working out. There may be a number of diverse factors for this…

• boredom
• the tasks are becoming more difficult
• conflicts with other staff or management
• pay rate too low
• high expectations
• increase of hours for no extra recognition
• wrong job at the wrong time
• taking work home with you

The list is endless. Whatever the reason for your unhappiness, make sure you plan your escape carefully. Here are a few tips:-

1. Take any leave owed to you as this will help you to revive and review the situation, without being 100% in the workplace. Hopefully you can get away from it all and have some “me” time to consider your options with a clear head.
2. Talk to friends who can listen and not necessary advise, just listen. Sometimes hearing your own voice can assist you in forging a solution yourself.
3. Visit a Doctor and have a general health check and a chat about your current stress
4. Sit down and write a life plan which should include what your financial/ family /health goals are – a good question to ask is “Where would you like to be in the next 5 years” for example, do you want to move to the Metro or country? If you had to describe what your dream would be… then write it down!
5. Writing your goals and plan for the next few years, is the most important aspect of this journey

Once you have completed your plan, and you have concluded that you are going to leave your current job, consider your exit plan carefully.

Your first step into the new, is to check out your old resume and make sure it’s ready for the journey ahead!

Ivana Agapiou – resume writer and career advisor

The post Feeling Trapped in your current job? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Every day we meet with candidates who have not grasped the basic fundamentals of a simple resume.  This is very easy to do as many of us have difficulty writing about ourselves. There is no right or wrong way to write a resume, there are just some golden rules.

There are two considerations before you commence composing on any resume

 1) what is the purpose of you  resume ?

2) who  is the audience / reader?

OK,  let’s examine these two considerations first

1) What is the purpose of a resume?

In our opinion, a good resume is one that gets you to an interview… pure and simple! Therefore the purpose is to influence, persuade and attract the reader’s attention! It should make them want to interview you and spend time getting to know you better.  The resume must be inviting and contain the key elements that pertain to the listed, advertised job. This is the one chance to entice the employer to “buy” you, and not someone else, so your resume needs to be hitting the spot in regards to key criteria and relevant skills. Employers (the readers) can not perform “leaps of faith” and draw the right conclusions unless you make it quite clear that your skills, experience & qualifications match the job that they need filled!

2) Who is the audience /who will read this document?

Research shows that most employers take 6-8 seconds to read a resume.  WOW! that is not much time eh? Especially consider how long the average person spends writing a resume!  So you must pack the punch and hit the target for that job in that short time!

Here are a two most important  hints

1) Phone the employer before sending in an application. Have questions prepared in regards to the job. One of the best questions is “In this role, what does 80% of the day look like?”

2) Write the resume with the job advert in mind. What are they really looking for? Highlight the skills and experiences that you feel will translate easily to the role. Examine the information you have gathered on the role and the content of your resume and see if you can match them both to this job.  If you can’t then just maybe the reader will have difficulty seeing the alignment also. If the advert calls for “experience” in a certain field and you don’t have that experience, what can you write in a positive way that explains how you gained similar experience elsewhere? It’s called transferable skills… but you will have to help them “see” the easy transition,,Whatever you do, DO NOT write “I DON’T have the experience required!”

If you need help devising a winning resume, Eather Recruitment offer a great service https://www.eatherrecruitment.com.au/jobseekers/resume-writing-and-reviews/

or contact Ivana on 0404056278 for a chat about how we can help you! Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor

The post Resumes mean a lot! Is yours good enough? what is enough? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

A relevant resume is still required, but you also need to get a grip and smooth your way around responses to Criteria or Capability statements.

As well as a great resume, you need to understand how to provide relevant responses,  you have to make your job application look & read like the process was effortless! Just like these pelicans in the pic, you can’t see the mad peddling under the water, all you see is smooth operation and a “glide”! we know that JOB applications & Resumes that require you to respond to Key Selection Criteria can be – NO, ARE  a very time-consuming task that requires great skill. 

 Responding to key criteria

In this article, I provide a sample criteria that comes up often for  many roles, and that is,

“High-level written and verbal communication skills including well-developed presentation skills.”

Good communication is a core competencies for all jobs.. regardless of the level! Notice that this statement also asks for 3 skill-sets – written/verbal and presentation to an audience. You can try to “bundle” all three,  or you can divide it up, either way, I strong suggest a very basic formula to follow:-   S.A.R  – Situation/ action / response

Summarise what you understand is effective communication first, then provide a great examples of when you used your communication skills effectively ….

Here is an example scenario –  when you were Managing Director’s PA and had to place a convincing argument to upgrade communication systems/phones which included Data base acquisition.

Situation – MD not sure about necessary change – no systems in place and antiquated phone and IT

Action – What did you actually “do” in this instance…  acted – took initiative to consult / listen/ research data… report. .cost analysis  – demonstrate benefits to Manager

Result – implementation of new process and procedures along with new IT supporting the changes – cost saving; time efficiencies; streamlined systems

The same formula applies to  Presentation skills

Explain how it is all about the audience! Who are they? What are the objectives of the presentation? To persuade? To inform?

Situation – you recently presented a mini – education assessing to Business Women’s network meeting

Action – had to prepare and present on Eather Recruitment – why use a recruiter?

Result – audience informed of services and persuaded to consider when next recruiting – connecting with a larger audience and personalizing the contact. Three leads were made and followed through with successful sales

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Job criteria-Capability statements, How to respond… and get the Job Interview! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

 Pitcher Perfect and designed for the job.

This is a photo of a “Pitcher plant” it is designed to capture insects and it performs this role to perfection. Wouldn’t it be great if we all performed the job you were born to do!

Imagine for a moment what it would be like to do exactly what you love, to do what you are really, really good at, imagine the work being so in tune with who you are, it almost seems a piece of cake! You are invigorated each day, keen to get started!

Now, imagine (or maybe you already know) what it’s like to drag yourself out of bed each morning, dreading the day ahead, because you are about to go into a job that depletes the life and energy right out of you.

Huge difference, isn’t it? Isn’t really possible to do something that you love and be able to create a business or career out of it? Yes it is!

Firstly let’s examine some of the signs and symptoms of someone who is undergoing a critical time. How many of the items below do you relate to?

1. You’re are at a fork in the road in your life/career and unsure of which direction to go
2. You’re miserable in your current job/ career and seeking change
3. You’re afraid to change jobs because the current one offers you security and perhaps a good income, but you want “out”
4. You often think that there must be more to life and pine for a change
5. Your ‘successful’ career lacks the meaning or fulfillment you want
6. You commenced a company doing something you loved, but find that you are stressed and losing enthusiasm
7. You want to change direction but have no training/education to be able to  change industries or careers
8. You have just lost your job, and looking for guidance
9. You feel obligated to a career choice you made in your late teens or early      twenties
10. When you are at work, it is difficult to remain motivated and caring

If you ticked more than 4 out of 10. You do need help with deciding your future!

There are some helpful people that can assist you to transition to the work you love. Commence with reading “What colour is my parachute” as a starter, then seek our professionals who are qualified in helping you work through the crisis.

My motto is “if we all do the jobs we were born to do, the world would be a much happier place!”

Ivana Agapiou #resumes #resumewriter @figjamresumes.com.au

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Perform the job you were born to do! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The Job interview, the NO NO’s

Many employers comment that they interview candidates who had NO idea how to present for an interview.

Recruiters comment that some candidates think that if they are personally happy with their image in the mirror (well, we hope that they even looked in the mirror prior to leaving the house) that this is all that is needed. Often recruiters complain that candidates don’t spend any time evaluating the type of workplace or the workplace culture prior to applying for the role, let alone dressing appropriately for the part. Some follow the latest fashion fad and think that trendy means professional!

Remember that the interviewers don’t know you, and that in the first 10 seconds, they will make judgments (it’s only human) rightly or wrongly, based on what you look like “to them”. They will draw inferences about your personality, your attitudes, your education – the list goes on. Most importantly, they will make assumptions on whether you will fit in within their organisation. It is imperative that at this crucial time, you make the best first impression! Leave no doubt or questions as to your suitability for the job.

This article will focus on BASIC tips for looking great at interview and of course, some of these points may not be relevant to you – let’s cover the ladies first, although some of the pointers below could be relevant for males and transgenders also.

Fingernails

Please refrain from attending an interview with loud, bold or even, black painted nails. The trend for very long or very noticeable,  square Talons may make the interviewers think that you are unable to perform the job.They may deduce that you may be ineffective use of your fingers, especially if fast and accurate typing is required, or they may think that you spend too much time on your nails.

Eyelashes

Nothing wrong with long ones – but the “sweep the floor” fakes are an absolute NO NO

Make-up

Please wear a little make-up – never a lot! Light touch of lipstick is a must. This shows you care about your appearance.

Cleavage

Simply, Don’t have any, Just don’t.

Hem length

No one wants to see your underwear! If when you bend over, you have to hold down your hem to cover up, then its too short. If your outfit does not pass the bend over test, choose another more conservative outfit.

Stilettos

These are great for clubbing, but not to wear in a professional office. Workplace Health and Safety may dictate that a court shoe, low heal and covered toe shoe is much more appropriate. Employers want to deduce that you are sensible.

Hair

OMG  simply, make sure your hair is recently washed, dried and combed. A simple, classic style and not a wild, punk look (unless you are applying for work in a creative industry). Hair colour needs to be as mainstream and subdued as possible. Plenty of opportunity later, once you have the job, to express your creativity.

Personal Hygiene

Be cognizant of your hygiene, there is nothing more disconcerting or distracting that a candidate who has body odour or foul breath. Wear a good deodorant and antiperspirant. The same applies to good smells, you don’t want to overpower the interviewers. Apply a small amount of perfume or after-shave.  Please DON’T marinate in the stuff.

Cleanliness

Your outfit must not be grubby, have stains or look frayed and worn to threads. If it needs ironing, make sure you do this the night before the interview, never on same day, or an hour before,  just in case something goes wrong.  I always choose a crinkle-free non-iron outfit! There are loads available.

Jewelry

Less is best. Be subtle in your choice here, nothing dangling or noise producing. Remove multiple piercings.  Again, you don’t want to distract the interviewers so much that they focus on the other things besides your great responses.

Care and attention to detail

Here’s a quick summary. Iron your outfit the night before. Make sure the final overall appearance is shmick.  Your clothes should be a good fit, and not too tight and not too loose. Ask a friend to provide feedback. By now you should have researched the company and have a basic idea of the type of uniform or clothes that are worn by staff? NO? Why not?

Princess Dianna knew how to charm and engage an audience, she would always choose her clothing carefully, taking particular note of colours,  and cultures that would help people believe she empathised and understood them well.

Lastly, if you can demonstrate that you have paid careful attention to your appearance, it will place you in higher esteem at the interview and reduce self-sabotage.  It also allows them to assess YOU and lessen any negative judgements that may cloud their perception of you.

Ivana Agapiou –  Eather Recruitment career adviser – 0404056278

The post The JOB interview, the No No’s appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Looking for work is just like fishing.

You have to have the right bait, the right target employers and the right timing.

Finding a job in Regional NSW is a little more challenging that the Metro areas, however, there are tried and true methods that work in any job market.

Let’s explore the fishing analogy

The Right Bait

I believe your resume is the “Bait” that catches the attention of the reader (or not!). What results have you got from your resume? Have you sent heaps out with little result? Did your resume “bait” the reader enough to invite you to an interview? If not, change your bait! Each time you fish for work, make sure your bait is adapted to the role  or the “catch”. Sending the same resume out for various jobs, is NOT helping you bait the right catch!

The Right Employer

A good fisherman reads the weather reports, checks for the best areas for particular catches. Looking for work is no different. Research the companies you are keen on; (don’t be afraid to make a phone call and ask questions!) Examine the future of this industry – is it viable? if you got work ( or fished here) is it fertile enough to sustain you in the future; check that you have the right qualifications; skills and experience; Written job applications need to be tailored to the job advertisement.

The Right Time

Seeking a career change? or looking for a new job in the same industry? Just like fishing for the same breed of fish means working out what that particular fish likes best. What would be the best bait and what times are best to catch them? Employers and industries often have “down times” or seasonality too! If you are seeking a complete career change – what have you learnt from previous experiences and jobs that would be relevant in your new path? This is known as “transferable skills”. Fishing in new zones, requires the Angler to utilize what they have already learnt and be prepared to fail sometimes. List all your capabilities, skills and make sure that this is what your new employer is looking for. As a recruiter, I rarely get a call from applicants asking questions on an advertised role, if I do receive a call, many just rave about themselves, without asking ONE question on the role! This is not to right time to rave… that is for the formal application. First and foremost, find out all you can…

Ivana Agapiou resume writer

The post Looking for work? are you searching for jobs in all the right places? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Our client, a leading provider of holiday and business accommodation based in Port Macquarie, currently requires two experienced cleaners to commence immediately.

Working within a great friendly team, you will be guaranteed a min of 20 hours per week, with rostered shifts Monday – Sunday. This role would suit someone who would like school hours.

A fantastic flat hourly rate will be available along with overtime paid on weekends.

A normal working day will be 9am – 2pm, with extra hours guaranteed throughout the busy holiday period.

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 Jobs need hard skills, experience, but also attitudinal and personal attributes that enhance the work environment

You may have the qualifications and even the experience needed to perform the work, however if you don’t possess the hard-core “soft skills”, that is, a strong work ethic, an ability to get on with others and a high level of emotional intelligence, your success in any role could be greatly diminished.

In 2002, the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry produced the Employ-ability Skills for the Future report in consultation with other peak employer bodies.  The report identified  key, generic employ-ability skills that individuals should have along with relevant job-specific and/or technical skills. They are:

1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Problem solving
4. Initiative and enterprise
5. Planning and organising
6. Self-management
7. Learning & Technology

1. Communication

Developing your communication skills can help all aspects of your life, from your professional life to social gatherings and everything in between.  The ability to communicate information accurately, clearly and as intended, is a vital life skill and something that should not be overlooked.  It’s never too late to improve your communication skills and by doing so improve your quality of life. Professionally, if you are applying for jobs or looking for a promotion with your current employer, you will almost certainly need to demonstrate good communication skills. For example, the ability to:

• present appropriately to a wide variety of audiences
• demonstrate a varied vocabulary and tailor language to suit your audience
• listen effectively and when required, present ideas appropriately,
• write clearly, concisely with the reader in mind
• perform well in a team, showing initiative and common sense as well as respecting others

Many of these are essential skills that employers seek. As your career progresses, the importance of communication skills increases; the ability to speak, listen, question and write with clarity and conciseness are essential for most managers and leaders.

2. Teamwork

Getting on with others; understanding how others as well as you, can contribute positively to the team effort is a most important aspect of any role. The ability to work effectively with others on a common task; taking actions which respect the needs and contributions of others; contributing to, and accepting the consensus; negotiating a win-win solution to achieve are all aspects of a great team member.

Behavioural indicators include:-

• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Give and receive feedback from peers or other team members in order to perform the task and improve outcomes
• Share credit for good ideas with others.
• Acknowledge others’ skill, experience, creativity, and contributions.
• Listen to,  and acknowledge the feelings, concerns, opinions, and ideas of others.
• Expand on the ideas of a peer or team member.
• State personal opinions and areas of disagreement tactfully.
• Listen patiently to others in conflict situations.
• Define problems in a non-threatening manner.
• Support group decisions even if not in total agreement.
• Achieving the task
• Give and seek input from others (in formulating plans for recommendations).
• Assist others in solving problems and achieving own goals.
• Share information, ideas, and suggestions.
• Ask for help in identifying and achieving goals and solving problems.
• Check for agreement, and gain commitment to shared goals.
• Notify others of changes or problems in a timely manner.
• Make procedural suggestions to encourage progress towards goals.
• Check for understanding.
• Negotiate to achieve a “win-win” outcome.

Do you have These Skills?

You’ll need to be able to prove to employers that you actually have the skills they want for the job. In applications and interviews they will ask ‘competency questions’ or ask for ‘capability statements’ that begin with phrases such as ‘tell me a time when …………. ‘ or ‘give me an example of ………….. ‘ Your answers will be the evidence that you have what it takes.

To find out how well developed your skills are already you could try this simple exercise:

Rate yourself on each of the behaviours:

• 1 = I do this very well. I am consistent and successful in it
• 2 = I am good at this. With some practice I can make it perfect!
• 3 = I am getting better, but still need to work on this a bit more.
• 4 = I am not particularly good at this – yet!

Revisit this exercise several times – you’ll want to have as many skills as possible at 1 and 2 before you apply for graduate jobs.

And, think about all the life situations you’ve been in – university, work, leisure, travel, social – and identify incidents and examples from them that show that you have already used the skill.

3. Problem Solving

Even when it isn’t specified in the job description, many employers will look at your problem solving skills at various different stages of the application process. This could be anything from psychometric tests to group activities or one-to-one interviews.

Problem solving is all about using logic, as well as imagination, to make sense of your situation and come up with an intelligent solution. It is connected to a number of other skills:

• A Level head and resilience in assessing a situation, and reassessing it if you fail the first time
• Analytical skills, creativity and logical thinking to reach a solution

4. Initiative and enterprise

Are you able to see innovative ways of doing things? do you have experience in  seizing opportunities, and taking initiative?  It may involve a newer way of looking at a situation or the addition of a new idea to improve or streamline an existing process. You’ve developed your initiative and enterprise skills if you’ve taken on leadership roles or practiced a better way of doing things.

Skills in initiative and enterprise are demonstrated by:

• adapting to new situations
• developing a strategic or long-term vision
• identifying opportunities not obvious to others
• translating ideas into action
• generating a range of options
• initiating innovative solutions

5. Planning and organising

This involves the ability to identify what is required in a given situation and to manage people and resources effectively to achieve results.  It also involves being able to manage time efficiently and priorities what tasks need to be done to achieve an overall goal.

You’ve planned and organized when you decided what courses to take at University, devised a study schedule for exam time, or managed work and school commitments simultaneously.

Examples of Planning and Organizing include:

• managing time and priorities
• establishing clear project goals and deliverables
• allocating people and other resources to tasks
• multi- deadline and time management
• collecting, analysing and organising information

6. Self-management

This skill refers to the ability to take responsibility for your own actions and life direction, and to set goals and successfully achieve them.  It involves setting achievable goals and using your time and resources effectively to achieve them.

If you’ve worked independently on a project, thought about your career goals and researched how to achieve them, or used a diary to plan your semester, you’ve demonstrated self management skills.

Self Management skills are demonstrated by:

• planning ahead and having a personal vision and goals
• evaluating and monitoring one’s own performance
• taking responsibility
• articulating ideas and vision

 7. Learning and Technology

Maintaining currency by keeping abreast of new technology and applying it to problems, as well as the ability to embrace life-long learning in the field of technology.

Skills in using technology are demonstrated by:

• having a range of basic IT skills
• willingness to acquire new IT skills
• selecting the appropriate technology for a given task

Learning refers to your ability to manage your own learning and contribute to ongoing improvement and expansion in your own knowledge and skill set.  This also refers to your ability to learn workplace skills and expectations specific to your organization.

If you actively seek to learn new things in lectures, have taken courses to develop specific hobbies or skills or have successfully fit into a new work environment, you’ve used your lifelong learning skills.

Skills in lifelong learning are demonstrated by:

• being open to new ideas and techniques
• contributing to the learning community at the workplace
• actively seeking a range of mediums to learn– mentoring, peer support, workshops or networking
• having enthusiasm for ongoing learning
• being willing to learn in any setting; on and off the job
• being prepared to invest time and effort into learning new skills

What soft skills do you possess? what ones do you think you need to fine-tune?   You can never learn too much! If you need help identifying your soft skills along with responding to a job application that requires you to outline your experiences.. Phone Ivana on 0404056278

Ivana Agapiou resume writer

The post Soft skills – its a hard-core necessity appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Here are a few tips to working your way through the disappointment of not being successful in obtaining that job! There are varying levels of unsuccessful… your application may have been culled at the written stage, or at the interview stage. Either way, it will have an impact on you. Sadly, all too often, many employers and agencies don’t even inform you of the outcome.

Applying for a job is an emotional, financial and an investment in time – all valuable! You will have quite a bit of “buy-in” and your care factor and anticipation rating is usually high.

Let’s assume you made it to interview and you really gave it your all! You walked away feeling confident, but sadly, you got “the” dreaded call that announced you have been unsuccessful.

What can you do to lessen the trauma? Here are some strategies that may help.

• Ask what you could have done to improve your application
• Don’t get angsty, negative or nasty with the messenger, remain polite and courteous
• NEVER call to “have a go” ask yourself first “what is the point?” “ What will be achieved by upsetting them?”
• Remember that all interviewers perceive candidates differently and often they make final decisions (rightly or wrongly) based on gut feel.
• Sometimes feedback is minimal if not, completely absent, just soldier on and know that you were successful at obtaining an interview and that means that many were not.
• Research has shown that out of 100 applications, there will only be 4 or 5 that make it to interview – so you were chosen!
• Sometimes candidates more accustomed and experienced at being interviewed pipped you at the post, this does always mean that they are the better applicant. Practice and fine tune your interviewing skills!
• Treat yourself.. spoil yourself…eat a chocolate – whatever floats your boat
• call a friend – debrief and most of all – RELAX!

Lastly and most importantly, send a thank you card or letter…. This will form a further positive memory of you!

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

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Variety of jobs posted every day! 

Are you in the job market? Do you seek either temporary or permanent employment within the Mid North Coast? Have you a resume prepared and are you regularly checking the net for roles?

Look no further! We have a variety of jobs for many industries and diverse skill-sets…. check out https://www.eatherrecruitment.com.au/business-development-sales-admin/

for latest job offering and many more!

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Are you in the job market? Have you noticed just how only a few jobs are advertised in the Print media? Have you also asked yourself why? one of the main reasons for the scarcity is that on-line & the hidden job market has taken over!

Besides the mountains of employment site choices, like SEEK etc, there are still many employers, especially small business owners, who continue to recruit the old fashioned way! That is, ask a friend or a current employee if “they know anyone”. So how do you capitalise on this?

There are a number of choices to make. Here are 10

• 1. ‘ ignore the print media, always scan even if its to catch up with new developments and new businesses.
• 2. develop a Linkedin presence
• 3. talk about your job seeking to anyone who will listen- network, network, network!
• 4. access as many of the larger organisation’s web sites and job vacancy listings
• 5. join a network that is affiliated with the industries you are interested in
• 6. volunteer your time in an area of great interest
• 7. cold call to a number of businesses that interest you
• 8.  find out who makes the employment decisions and address an unsolicitated letter & resume to them
• 9. register at as many recruitment companies you can
• 10. don’t forget to send a thank you letter to those who went out of their way to help you… even a little!

Lastly, hang in there…. be persistent and patient!

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Our client, a leading interior lining company based on the Mid North Coast of NSW, is currently seeking two Apprentices to start within the Port Macquarie region.

If you are young and looking for an opportunity to learn interior lining, including Carpentry, setting and sheeting gyprock this role is for you. This well established company will see you develop into a tradesman with their guidance and expertise.

You will posses a great attitude, a willing to learn and be reliable. Ideally you will also have a current drivers license.

All training will be provided on site.

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