Our client, a leading fine dining restaurant based in Port Macquarie, is currently seeking an experienced and qualified Executive Chef, to join this award winning establishment.

This opportunity will see the successful candidate, manage a team of 5 dedicated and extremely talented staff members, along with taking ownership of the entire catering experience for its guests and customers,.To be successful in this role, you will have a minimum of 5+ Years experience within a similar role, as an executive or Head Chef, be qualified and have strong work ethic. Additionally you will have extremely strong interpersonal style, communication skills and a passion for the industry.

An extremely attractive base salary will be on offer, along with other benefits.

This establishment will be going through some significant change, which will be definitely advantageous moving into the future for the successful applicant.

This is a unique opportunity to work and live in Port Macquarie, on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW.

The post EXECUTIVE CHEF – PORT MACQUARIE (Position Closed) appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Our client, a leading a la carte restaurant based in Port Macquarie, is currently seeking a Sous or Demi chef to work on a permanent basis, starting immediately. Working within a strong team of experienced chefs, this role will be suited to someone with 2-3 years experience, looking for an opportunity to build a career within this leading restaurant on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW.

An attractive salary is on offer, along with the ability to work within a friendly and happy working environment.

This unique opportunity will not last long. Apply now

The post CHEFS – PORT MACQUARIE (Position Closed) appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Quick Staff for Hospitality, Tourism and Retail sectors!

Need staff in a hurry? Quick Staff have recently launched their online recruitment service that matches employees with employers FAST.

This can be anything from one-off shifts, casual work or permanent employment.

The system is designed for tourism, hospitality and retail, and provides full control to the employer! Instead of the usual way to recruit through placing an expensive advertisement and waiting for candidates to reply, Quick Staff will match from job ready people for you!

Co-Founder, Ivana Agapiou says “We are very excited to launch this new online recruitment service, where job seekers can sign-up for free. Moreover, as an opening special, there is a minimal $10 price for a business wanting to post a job advertisement and all their ensuing matches are free. Employers will be able to see a matched job seeker’s availability, photo and location in minutes!”

For more information go to www.quickstaff.com.au and http://cobaa.com.au/need-staff-in-a-hurry/

The post Need staff in a real hurry? Need a job right now? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Qualified and experienced Chefs are in high demand!

Chef required to work within a busy Club environment.  we seek a  great team worker who can multi-task,  perform most roles in the kitchen and also prepare coffees!

This role offers diversity as well as the opportunity to be considered for full-time permanent position!

to be successful in this role you will need

• excellent people skills and focus on customer service
• extensive experience within a busy kitchen
• strong personal presentation & grooming
• flexibility with shifts and hours
• attention to detail and proven capacity to meet strict deadlines
• resourceful and keen on “team” achievement – not working in isolation

have availability on the following days and times

Sat 2-9pm

Sunday 11.30am to close

Monday 11-8pm

Tuesday 12md to close

possible Thursdays

The post Qualified and experienced Chef – casual appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Staffing industry analysis ..What are your thoughts?

A new temporary-entry permit proposed by Australia’s Department of Immigration that would allow overseas workers to stay in the country for a year without a skilled temporary 457 visa will create “open slather” on the Australian labour market. At a time it faces growing unemployment, unions warn, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has reviewed skilled migration and last month it quietly released its recommendations to relax entry requirements for short-term foreign workers.

The change would mean overseas workers would not have to apply for a 457 working visa, which imposes stricter entry requirements; including English language tests.

Michael O’Connor, National Secretary of the Construction, Forestry and Forest Products, Mining, and Energy Production Union (CFMEU), warned that proposals to abolish the requirement for language and skills tests for temporary overseas workers will worsen unemployment levels in Australia.

The proposals would mean employers no longer have to demonstrate they had first tried to fill job vacancies with Australian workers before offering them to people overseas.

“It is absolute madness in the current environment, with unemployment at a 10-year high, to be removing even more opportunities for people to gain access to the workforce. The impact on young people will be particularly harsh. Youth unemployment is at crisis levels, yet the majority of 457 visa approvals are for people under 30,” Mr O’Connor said.

He added that one-in-five workers on 457 visas already was being paid below-standard wages: “The 457 visa program needs to have requirements strengthened in the current economic climate, not relaxed.”

Ged Kearney, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), suggested that the proposed relaxation of requirements for temporary-entry visas would undermine Australian wages and conditions: “We find it absolutely extraordinary that the government’s panel has made a recommendation to just have open slather on the labour market,” he said.

Opposition spokesman for Immigration and Border Protection, Richard Marles, said the Labour Party was “deeply concerned” about any proposal to remove labour market testing or English language requirements for temporary skilled migrants.

A spokesman for the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator Michaelia Cash, said the Coalition government fully supported the principle that Australian workers have priority for domestic job opportunities.

“Contrary to union claims, an effectively managed temporary labour migration program will not threaten Australian jobs.  Rather, it will secure the future of businesses and grow employment opportunities to enable businesses to employ more Australians,” the spokesman stated.

“An effectively managed skilled migration program is essential in supporting employers in industries and regions experiencing skill shortages.  It is essential in restoring growth in the economy.  It is essential in lifting our productivity,” he added.

Submissions to the skilled migration review will close at the end of this month before the federal government responds.

Director of Employment of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jenny Lambert, said all stakeholders, including unions, needed to recognise that opportunities for Australians are enhanced by a strong economy that is globally competitive.  She said the Department of Immigration proposal referred to highly specialised skills.

“Access to these skills can only benefit the skills development of the Australian workforce as evidence shows that such arrangements allow for the transfer of skills to Australians,” Ms Lambert said.

“Part of being globally competitive is recognising that the labour force is increasingly global and strong international companies will be attracted here through effective regulatory environments that allow them to operate seamlessly.

“A balanced and reasonable approach to skilled migration policy, preferably with bipartisan support, is good for Australia, and most importantly good for Australian jobs and the economy. Let this be the starting point for a rational discussion,” she concluded.

– See more at: http://www.staffingindustry.com/row/Research-Publications/Daily-News/Australia-Proposal-to-allow-temporary-overseas-workers-to-work-without-457-visa-criticised-32712#sthash.MS7Eqq4n.dpuf

The post NEW 457 Guidelines relaxed? … JOBS for temporary overseas workers appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

CHEF CHEF CHEF  wanted…

Are you an experienced and qualified Chef and sick of working long hours, split-shifts and every night? Want to be at home most nights and have the energy and time to enjoy your life? .. then we have the perfect job for you! Our client is a well-established, world-renown wine producer in the beautiful Hunter Valley in NSW. They want to add a highly professional chef to their existing great team. If successful, you will be working alongside a Head chef and assisting in the production of great cuisine. Excellent salary will be offered to the right candidate. The working conditions and culture are one of the best in the country!

….if you want to enjoy your job and your life… apply now

The post Qualified Chef – beautiful Hunter Valley (Position Closed) appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Great job opportunities are available throughout Regional NSW for qualified Chefs.

Are you wanting  to work “ordinary” shifts and not be expected to “split”? Keen on a caring employer who can offer great salary and conditions?

The post Qualified Chef – immediate start appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

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!

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]http://eatherrecruitment.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ivana-permanent-and-temporary-staff-solutions.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Content goes here[/author_info] [/author] simple strategies

The post The Hidden Job Market appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Rightly or wrongly, more and more employers are searching Facebook for background information on candidates.

The most common red flags noted by employers were:-

• Racy Photos:
The semi porno shot needs to die. Half of surveyed managers found provocative or inappropriate photos and information about candidates by reviewing their social-media updates.

• Alcohol:
That album of your reckless and carefree holiday …Make this private. About 48 percent discovered information about the candidate drinking or using drugs on social-media sites.

• Crazy Ranting:
That nickname you call your workplace or boss should be nowhere to be found on your Twitter feed. One-third found applicants had bad-mouthed a previous employer.

• OMG i h8 inglish:
Thirty percent said the candidate had poor communication skills and appalling grammar

• Intolerance:
About 28 percent of managers spotted discriminatory comments about race, gender, and religion.

• Lies:
Did you really get degrees in Celtic languages and stem cell biology at Harvard? Just under one-fourth discovered candidates had misrepresented their qualifications through their online profiles.

So as long as you want to be employable, it would be wise to restrain your social-media posts so that they’re HR friendly. Most of your friends probably didn’t want to see those racy pics either.

This BLOG adapted form  Venessa Wong June 27, 2013

Venessa Wong is an associate editor for Bloomberg Businessweek.  Follow her on Twitter @venessawwong. 

The post Are your Facebook posts killing your image? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Each role within hospitality is vital, especially front desk and this is often the first point of contact and the farewell… a lasting memory and important feature if you want repeat business. Don’t under-rate the genuine smile and welcome!

What a wonderful reception at the Port City Bowling Club…. Christie, the receptionist, has a natural, warm and welcoming nature that is emphasized by the best smile!  When I asked her how she is copes at a busy reception desk, and how does she always manage to make great eye contact, smile and greet EVERYONE…. her reply was .. ” Everyone has their bad day, but on these days, you must continue to provide good customer service and on your really good days, provide excellent customer service!”

Thanks Christie, you really did make my day and I am sure that many, many other guests were made to feel special, welcomed and invited to the Club. Congratulations on your positive attitude and well done to Port City Management for creating such a great atmosphere!

Ivana Agapiou

The post A Warm and Welcoming Reception! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The decision to implement a team uniform is often a debatable one. However, there are 3 distinct reasons you should consider uniforms.

Firstly,  it benefits you; secondly for your business,  and most importantly your customers will love it too!

What’s in it for you?

A uniform can compliment  the rest of your branding. It can easily align with the messages you are selling or the culture you are projecting/creating.  Your staff will be walking advertisements for your business and often performance is enhanced as they and work with a little more pride and importance. Also check out FBT opportunities!

What’s in it for the team?

Sense of unity, increase team spirit and don’t forget that when they don that uniform at the start of their shift, it triggers a psychological phenomenon of “lights, camera,action” a  Ready for work  signal. A uniform has real positive impact on behaviours as staff are more conscious of their actions and the impact that they may have.

What’s in it for your customers?

As customers, I’m sure you’ve all experienced searching for assistance, only to find that the person you approach is another customer!  A distinctive uniform  identifies the staff immediately.  A fashionable, trendy uniform adds atmosphere and “ambiance” to your venue.

Check out the great uniforms from The Corner Restaurant in Clarence Street, Port Macquarie… just a simple, fashionable apron adds that special something don’t you think? http://www.cornerrestaurant.com.au

The post Uniform Decision appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Do you have staff on board who are not engaging your customers in a friendly and meaningful way?  If so, this could be damaging your business!

I’m not just talking about an extroverted employee, but one who has Personality Plus!  Hairdressers and Baristas can measure their impact on sales by repeat business.

YES! it’s called Loyalty and no woman feels great if they have to change hairdressers! It’s the same with our  Barista /customer relationship!

I highlight just 7 advantages to employing on “personality” … rather than just on skills!

1. Customers remember you and talk openly and fondly about your business
2. Positive personalities can create warmth and hospitality, especially when customer orders/their names are remembered
3. Staff personalities can make  transactions into transformations and create a long-time customer
4. Customers can feel like they have an extended friendship/family with you and your staff and they get a real sense of “belonging”
5. Building loyalty and trust and gain a competitive edge
6. Sets a great standard for the other staff  to replicate the same behaviours
7. Works to lift team morale

Becoming a great barista isn’t easy; and it comes with time, patience, and practice, but it’s a skill and can be taught, — unlike a great, positive attitude. You either have one or you don’t! A rotten apple does spoil the whole bunch as well as destroys your business; and try as hard as you can, it’s almost impossible to train a bad apple for a “better” attitude. Personalities are often “fixed” and in our hard drive for life!

As a customer, I know I’d almost always rather a coffee be handed to me with a friendly smile; and  some positive interaction, regardless of how good that coffee might be, I want some meaningful, genuine engagement!  And as an employer, I know that I can train and encourage someone to improve their skills on the espresso bar: It’s much harder to change someone’s poor personality!

Thanks to Bookface Cafe for this great pic!

Ivana Agapiou

The post Got to get personality plus to get the return business! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

It’s always the simple stuff!

It’s the customer experience that really matters; it’s the little, thoughtful gestures and the extra service and that smile that lasts and lasts in the customer’s memory.

Yesterday my colleagues took me out for a very special  birthday celebration to a newly established Port Macquarie restaurant, Sea Salt.

Sea Salt were unaware that is was a birthday lunch, however,  when our host, Andrea, realized that it was a special occasion, she immediately engaged  with us in warm and personal way. In fact, we felt that she was providing us with more than the ordinary, expected service, she was providing us with “little, yet meaningful gestures and service”. Here are some of her “extras”

• Guests normally go to the counter to order, yet Andrea was more than willing to take our orders from our table
• She organised the pouring of champagne immediately – she could sense our urgency!
• Her positive attitude  helped to bolster our happiness as she responded sincerely to our jokes and joined in our party spirit
• Andrea did not interfere or interrupt our flow of conversation instead, allowed us privacy when needed
• She organised the tiniest birthday cake and candle – too funny!
• Lastly, at our request and without fuss, our Barista Marie,  added individual Alchemy Cordial products to our coffee! (check this out www.alchemycordial.com.au if interested in stocking these great flavors) I particularly loved the Coconut! 

In fact Andrea and her staff made us feel so welcomed  – we really did feel “at home” and kinda special! and YES we will return and tell others to go there too!

Thanks!

This quote from  Jay Denzi exemplifies the service we received…

Your your smile is your Logo; Your personality your business card; and how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you, becomes your trademark! 

Ivana Agapiou

The post The Simple Extras appeared first on Eather Recruitment.