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.

The difference between winning or losing that job..

“OMG! Did I really say that?” How many times have  you heard yourself say this, after a job interview? That play back “cringe” that you experience and that after-shock while you rewind your performance at the interview and worry yourself sick over what you said, how you said it, or didn’t say, or could’ve said .. coulda-woulda-shouda

All I can say is that experience is a damn fine thing, so keep applying for roles and keep attending as many interviews as you can. When you are rewinding and reliving your interview experience, try to remember the great and the good things you did too!  Many interviewees suffer the after-shame, and many get better the next time round! Just in case you don’t already know, here are  13 tips on what you must NEVER say or do! Memorize these mandatory rules …  here are the DON’Ts

1. Bag or bad mouth past or current employers, claiming a negative experience – wrong! Stay positive and sound grateful!
2. Over-talk and bang on and on…just answer the question your were asked succinctly and precisely
3. Avoid eye contact – make sure you connect with the interviewer/s with good eye contact and SMILE
4. Turn up ill prepared and without researching the company before the interview
5. Turn up late or not at all!
6. Mumble – practice speaking clearly
7. Dress inappropriately – dress to impress always
8. Act shy and say “I’m not used to Interviews”. Or  “I am nervous”.
9. Respond with a “NO” ….  and say nothing else… always commence and couch responses positively
10. Behave disinterested and bored
11. Claim you want the job because of the easy hours and its close proximity to your home address!
12. Have NO questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview
13. Have a resume filled with fake assertions- present with an authentic resume!

Hope this helps you in your next interview!

Ivana Agapiou career advisor and resume writer

The post JOB INTERVIEW, WHAT NOT TO SAY! 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.

Looking for a job? The basic tips and tricks!

The job market has changed dramatically, yet some of the tried and true methods are still relevant. An example is the old fashioned cold call! So let’s explore five basic ways and flesh-out best approaches for gaining employment using these methods.

Cold calling

Many employers have commented that they don’t seem to have too many people show up looking for work, let alone those who present professionally. Some job seekers turn up dressed for recreational activities, hand in a poorly printed resume at front desk and don’t even know what the business is about, let alone who the person is responsible for HR. Advice:  gather the name and title of the decision maker and personally address the quality resume and letter to them.

On-line

OMG what a large amount of options and websites to research! From My Career; SEEK and Gumtree just to name a few.  Don’t forget the power of social media both FaceBook and Linkedin, why not send an advertisement promoting your availability?

WOM

Word of mouth (WOM) is a powerful tool. Make sure you inform others that you are seeking work, try not to sound desperate, rather, be articulate and confident about the type of work you seek.

Recruitment Services

Private recruiters , like us, work with various employers to help them source the best person for their  role/s. You will need to match your skills, experience and qualifications to the advertised role and assume that the recruiter IS the employer. They will be screening a vast number of applicants, so ensure that your application is of high quality.

Government Job Centres

Job network agencies  work alongside Centrelink and usually work best with the long- term unemployed, however, may at times have jobs listed that may suit your aspirations.

Ivana Agapiou, resume writer

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

STILL ADAMANT that YOU CAN FIND THE JOB YOU WANT and YOU WANT THE JOB THAT YOU CANT HAVE?

Burying your head in the sand is not an option!

Traditional style jobs are becoming almost redundant, yet, still many people seek the same type of jobs, search for the same types of vacancies and have great expectations of permanency, a job for life.  From our experience, new roles and new ways of working are being created each and every day.  Many employers are launching into new ways of doing business, from on-line solutions to working with Cloud technology, to having a multi-skilled work force.  The world is moving fast, and employers are downsizing on staff rather than increasing.

So what can you do in this challenging new world? Here are SIX basic tips.

Keep abreast of new technology

Even if it means getting your children or grand children to teach you! Ask them questions, keep your currency with anything new in the IT space.  Get interested! if you don’t know, enrol in a basic course and learn. Almost all job roles require some form of IT knowledge – get with this century and get curious!

Think inside the square

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Fight or flight? How do you fight on? What resources to you have available to you that you have not previously considered? Think about your networks; your connections either on-line or personal contacts. Who and where can you advertise your skills? If you choose to “flight” and run away from the problem, does this mean moving to another location where the jobs you seek are in more supply? Burying your head in the sand is not an option.

Perform a personal Skills Audit

What are your current assets? How do they match up with current demand within workplaces? Are your skills current? relevant? transferable? What can you do really well? What work do you enjoy the most? Are you being realistic? Conduct a Free Career survey – Google this – you may be surprised with the results. Visit a Career counsellor; talk with Employers about what they are looking for, and also how they recruit.

Sell yourself – make each application individual

Dont send a “sausage factory” style resume that looks exactly like others! Make yours personal.  Add a brief description of yourself, along with why you want this job! What makes you unique? Make sure you explain any gaps or career leaps in your resume – remember the reader can not read your mind! Tackle possible objections to you as a potential worker, just like a salesperson… address this up-front… for example, if you think that they may think you are over-qualified, make sure you nail this issue with a statement that says, ” I’m mature, fit and stable person with another 15 years of hard work on offer. Even though my experience has meant managerial work, I’m keen to remain useful and within the workforce, you will find me a low maintenance worker who will follow instructions and be able to produce great work… bla bla bla ….

Review and edit your resume for each job!

Dont make the usual error of applying for a job and your application states you are applying for entirely different job role and employer! Read and edit ruthlessly! Employers want to know that you care about their job and that you know something about them…

There are many ways to skin a Rabbit! or fishing for that Moby Dick…

Finding work is like fishing. Use different bait – use different locations – use different methods….. so how can you search for work like a great fisherman? By

• Scanning the environment -researching the job market – where are the jobs?
• Obtaining a list of all Targets – potential employers; agencies and networks that may help your search
• Choose the right bait – Your resume should be tailored for each TARGET …. tailor and modify for each fishing expedition
• Dont apply for every or any job! choose your targets – choose the jobs you can do and want to do!

My last words… It takes skill and some luck to land that Moby Dick…… never give up!

Ivana Agapiou

General Manager

Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

The post Traditional jobs a thing of the past? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Are you enhancing or damaging your image?

We are often asked, “Is what I wear at work really matter?”  In a word, yes. Although we don’t like to think that appearances and body language matter, the fact is that people react to us based on their perceptions. Research shows that people are more likely to hire, promote and recommend us if we look and behave professionally. In fact, managing our personal image is just like managing a great “brand” – it can be a very effective marketing tool!

Others make decisions based on their first and on-going impressions of us, so it’s important to get your personal image packaging right. Learning to visually express who you through good wardrobe decisions, right fit, clean and ironed clothes —can positively impact your future. By the same token, presenting a less than professional image can have a negative affect.

Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire’s policy is to always present professionally, not just in dress, but in manner.   Don’t ever assume no one is watching  and thinking….

Lastly, in job interviews – you never get a second chance to make a great first impression!!

Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

The post What image are you projecting? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

There are so many places you can virtually visit on line that will provide you with an abundance of information. Recently I was searching for some help in presenting more powerfully to an audience and I came across author and speaker, Bruce Kasonoff  and started following his posts on Linkedin.. I loved his method of telling the “how to”  in a succinct and useful manner! check it out.. some great messages here that I found hit a strong note for me… and better still .. I am now more informed on how to make an immediate impact on my audience….

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=89132593&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Make sure you check it out! http://www.kasanoff.com

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd

The post Make an memorable, lasting impact…. immediately appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

What do you think? should you modify the job to fit the person,

rather than find a perfect person to fit an imperfect job?

A subjective list of skills and experiences is neither objective nor predictive of performance. Instead, why not start off by finding stronger people and modify the job to meet their needs?

Most jobs are pretty fluid anyway, so it makes no sense to erect barriers-to-entry preventing some of the best people from applying. Prior to advertising for a role, examine what it is you need. Explore the ideal personality traits, for example, does the role require patience or persistance as a dominant trait? Construct a check list of tasks required to perform the role.  The “must have’s” and then the “nice to have’s” – be flexible is your requirements. There is always opportunity to train staff, however, if the person is not the right personality fit – no amount of training could help you!

All food for thought for this Monday Morning!

[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]Ivana Agapiou  Eather Recruitment [/author_info] [/author]

The post Job to fit the person? or person to fit the job? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Here are a few good tips to help you land that job using your body language to your best advantage!

The right attitude. The fastest way to ensure a great first impression needs to be prior to entering the Interview room– is to strike a “power pose.”  Stand with your feet at least hip-distance apart, hold your head high, pull your shoulders back, and stretch out your arms. TIP Research shows that if you hold that pose for two minutes, you will feel (and be perceived as) more confident and competent as you walk into the interview.

Smile. Please, please don’t forget to smile! This is a sign of welcome. It says, “I’m friendly, approachable, and sure of myself.” TIP practice talking and smiling in front of a mirror

Maintain eye contact. Looking at your interviewers transmits confidence and indicates interest and openness.  TIP To improve your eye contact, make a practice of noticing the eye colour of everyone you meet.

Shake hands. A handshake is the quickest way to establish rapport. It’s also the most effective – if you do it right. Research shows it takes an average of three hours of continuous interaction to develop the same level of rapport that you can get with a single handshake. TIP practice handshakes, not too firm and not the “wet fish”!

Maintain an open posture. You may cross your arms because you are cold, or more comfortable doing so, but most interviewers will interpret that gesture as protective or resistant. If you keep your hands behind your back or stuffed in your pockets, you’ll seem tentative. But if clasp your hands loosely around waist level or let them fall comfortably to your side, you expose more of your body and look as if you have nothing to hide. Open and honest is the impression you want. TIP take note of how you sit when listening to others or during a meeting – what message do you think your gestures are conveying to the speaker?

Dress for the job you want. This means knowing what style of dress (from casual to corporate) is appropriate for the job you want. Don’t be under-dressed – I believe you should err on the side of business/corporate style regardless.

Effective body language alone won’t get you the job, but it can greatly enhance your chances of projecting a self-assured, competent, and professional image.

Ivana Agapiou

The post Fast tracking tips on body language at a job interview appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

5 fast tips for hiring long-term, loyal employees

 Are you in recruitment mode and seeking workers for your business?   Here are 5 easy tips that may help attract, recruit, and maintain happy workers…

1. Market and promote a strong brand image

Good marketing not only applies to attracting clients. Applicants want to work for an “employer of choice”.  Ensure you project the most professional image you can in all your media choices,  like your website, social media and events. Most importantly, this professional image must be aligned to your customers experience and what your potential new staff members notice about you. Is your establishment projecting what you are advertising?

2. Create a warm and positive work culture

If you maintain a pleasant work environment, you won’t have to look too hard for new team members, as no one will want to leave! Developing a reputation as a great employer helps position you as an ideal workplace. Companies known as quality work places often spend less money and time on recruiting because people are waiting for vacancies to arise!. Word of mouth works really well as your team talk to peers in other workplaces about what a great boss you are and what a great place to work!

3. Demonstrate community engagement

Get involved in your community. Sponsor and participate in events that get you out into the public and in front of prospective employees. Take on some public speaking engagements that present you as an expert and leader in your field. Start a blog and include comments about why your business has the best people and show you really are very proud of them.  Your reputation will spread and your current employees will appreciate you even more.

4. Recruit slow – consider recruitment Agencies

Often small business owners ask their staff to refer people (like themselves) to work for them. Sometimes this works, however you may find that “friends” and family may cause unnecessary conflicts in the workplace.  It is advised to recruit slowly and carefully, making sure you have a clear picture of the type of person you are looking for; as well as a good job description, prior to seeking any further staff.   Some employers may find recruitment difficult, whether it’s because they don’t have the time or maybe it’s because they are not confident with recruitment.  You may want to consider an objective perspective and hire a professional and experienced recruiter who knows just what to look for when sourcing the right staff for you. If you are a small to medium business, a good recruiter can attract and place candidates who might not normally consider your workplace.   For larger businesses, recruitment agencies can often be the most cost effective way to find the best fit.  As we all know, an unhappy,  team member can destroy the culture of any  business very quickly.  Just one bad apple…….

5. Manage their performance and reward good work

“Talk early, talk often and talk private”.  The most important aspect of any relationship is consistent and regular communication.  A clear written job description along with simple expectations of their on- the- job behaviour must be communicated to them. When you see your staff performing well, sincerely praise them! If and when they are not performing to standard,  a chat in private is necessary and make sure you refer them to the written expectations a help steer back on track.

In conclusion, one of the biggest challenges of any business is staffing.  If staff are the wrong fit, and do not enjoy their jobs, this attitude will be obvious to your customers! Your customers want to experience a happy, positive environment. It’s not just the great coffee and food that delights, it’s the people interactions, it’s the remembering of customer’s names and orders, it’s the genuine smile that really counts to making sure your customers return time and time again and making your business a success.

Ivana Agapiou 0404056278

The post 5 Tips for hiring great staff! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

One of the most underrated and most challenging ways to increase your confidence and the potential of landing “that” job is …. are you ready for it?

through …………….PUBLIC Speaking!

Yes, the scariest thing you can do, is often the BEST thing you can do to improve your

• Confidence
• Speech – both with vocal variety and volume
• Vocabulary and use of proper grammar
• Speech structure and especially timing!
• Ability to use your  natural, conversational style, only to a larger audience
• Persuasive and motivational ability

Take any opportunity you can to present!  Raise your hand for any project that will need you to talk to an audience….still not sure? why not join a local Toastmaster club and see how warm and supportive this group can be! What better way to experiment, make mistakes and try out, then in a group of like-minded individuals who will encourage and motivate you to be successful.

Not only will public speaking help with the areas above, it will be useful in gaining a promotion; being noted and really… who wants to live a life in fear of “talking”?

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd

The post Increase your confidence and land that job! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

If you are like the majority of Managers, providing feedback, often to reduce or eliminate negative behaviours can appear as an overwhelming task. Many of us have trepidations and palpitations! How do you provide feedback that will strengthen your staff’s good points and highlight areas for development is such a way that they actually modify their behaviour and become better employess?

Tough call! however, this is a highly valuable skill that can not only improve your communication capital, but also help your employee/s to address areas of concern.  So how do you commence the “tough conversation”?

Here are some 6 simple tips to start …

1) be courageous ! don’t pike out on your management responsibilities!! .. talk early and talk often! as soon as you witness any dysfunction or mistake, address it immediately! dont let it fester or assume it wont happen again!

2) set up regular, one on one meetings, find out how your employees are going in their job and their lives… build a strong, firm but friendly climate so that they feel comfortable coming to you with any issues

3) Recognise the good and reward them! this can be a simple reward – but ensure you are genuine and sincere with your praise

4) treat all your staff with equal compassion and time

5) research the best methods to provide feedback – you can utilise a number of them! one in particular is the CRC method – Compliment or Commendation, Recommend and then leave them on a high note with a lasting Commendation.  Some may know this also the “sandwich method”. It is a simple skeleton to follow, and there is so much literature and information available for managers…. use a method that works for you!

6) lastly, follow up!!! dont leave this without further action and review – set up another meeting to see how things are tracking and set definite, specific improvement plans, for example,  “answer phone after 3 rings” or ” arrive to work on time”… monitor the behaviour and stomp on poor behaviour immediately as well as thank them if their behaviour has improved!

These conversations MUST occurr or you will find that assumptions will take over and when you do actually have the serious conversation it is way too late!

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.eatherrecruitment.com.au/about-us/our-team/[/author_image] [author_info]Ivana Agapiou General Manager Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd[/author_info] [/author]

The post Don’t be afraid of tough conversations! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Handshakes are the predominant, acceptable physical contact within business and within our culture.

    They are the universally accepted business greeting. Hugs & kisses are taboo unless you are in Italy and even there, you have protocols!

• You are judged by the quality of the handshake, you will be judged on: level of confidence; power; friendliness and assertion to mention a few

so what makes a good hand shake?

• 1. A good handshake:
     • keep the fingers together with the thumb up and open
     • slide your hand into the other person’s so that each person’s web of skin between thumb and forefingers touches the other’s
     • squeeze firmly
  2. A proper handshake:
     • is firm, but not bone-crushing
     • lasts about 3 seconds
     • may be “pumped” once or twice from the elbow
     • is released after the shake, even if the introduction continues
     • includes good eye contact with the other person
  3. Extend a hand when:
     • meeting someone for the first time
     • meeting someone you haven’t seen for a while
     • greeting your host(ess)
     • greeting guests
     • saying good-bye to people at a gathering
     • someone else extends a hand
  4. Handshaking Tips:
     • if your hands tend to be clammy, spray them with antiperspirant at least once a day.
     • avoid giving a cold, wet handshake by keeping your drink in the left hand
     • dont just offer the tips of your fingers!

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

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Sick and tired of rejection? Are you fatigued with applying for jobs and either never hearing back from the employer, and/or receive an unsuccessful letter? What innovative and creative thinking do we need to have to ensure we are realistic about the job market?  When living in a regional area, jobs are not only scarce, they are often Linear and let’s be honest, often way below our pay grade!

Not only do we have to innovative about HOW we seek work – we have to re-think what work we can adapt to and sometimes even create our own employment. I don’t mean create your own small business, and work for yourself, although this is an option. I mean increase your marketability and suitability withinthe job market. The Metro areas have a number of positions available that specialise in various roles.  However, in Regional areas, many workers have to wear several hats and be flexible in their approach to work.

Here are just some key points for job success…

1)  Define your assets – take a  stock take of your skills and i.

2) Good Advice – seek mentors and people who are qualified in this area

3) Take car of your self – remain fit and healthy

4) Develop your network – use LinkedIn and social media to increase your networks and promote your skills

5) Surround yourself with supportive people – keep away from negative influences and spend time with those who encourage and support you

In summary,  if you approach job seeking the way you always do, you will end up with similar results. Think about ways that you can enter the job market that increases your chances of success. Read and research furiously and most of all, be persistent and patient.

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment

The post Innovation the key to gaining a job you love appeared first on Eather Recruitment.