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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Soft skills – take it seriously for job success

Daniel Goleman, Author of “Emotional Intelligence”,  claims that the best predictor of a highly successful person include the following 6 traits

1. Possess a natural courisity about others

They ask a lot of questions  when meeting new people, They actually listen to their answers!  They are highly empathic people, someone attuned to the needs and feeling of others, and may also mark high on openness to experience – this trait opens up creativity and inventiveness.

2. They are self-aware

To be emotionally intelligent, Goleman says, you need to have confidence. To have confidence, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Then you work from that framework.

3. They pay attention

If you are distracted you can’t make connections!. Additionally, the ability to remain focused–and not carried away by texts and tweets–predicts not just the ability to form strong relationships and cultivate self-knowledge, Goleman says, but also your financial success.

“Your ability to concentrate on the work you’re doing, and to put off looking at that text or playing that video game until after you’re done,” he tells the Huffington Post. “How good you are at that in childhood turns out to be a stronger predictor of your financial success in adulthood than either your IQ or the wealth of the family you grew up in.”

4. They can say “No”

People with high emotional intelligence, Goleman says,  can avoid unhealthy habits and otherwise discipline themselves–which also allows for relationship-nourishing, success-engendering non-distraction.

5. They know precisely what’s upsetting them

People with a high EQ acknowledge emotions as they come rather than repressing them or misattributing their causes. You could call this is Emotional Fitness.

6. They trust  intuition and take heed of Red Flags

There are neuroscientific reasons for trusting your gut: the red flags; the warning signs: Part of having a high EQ is learning when to trust them!

[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 [/author_info] [/author]

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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.

Everyone has networks, but not everyone has networking in their job marketing plan. This is a well-proven strategy to assist job seekers source work.

So many jobs are found through word of mouth and many say “it’s who you know”.  Who do you know in your networks that are in positions of power or even people who know other influential people?  Are you maintaining contact with your networks? Do they know you are seeking work?

Don’t forget that small business is a BIG employer and many don’t have very sophisticated recruitment processes, even though they have very profitable businesses. Sometimes they may ask  current employees to refer “someone they know” for one or more of their vacant positions. If you have not connected with your circle, how will they know to mention your name?

In this Blog I am only discussing the face to face encounter. Social Media is a whole other chapter! However, it is vital that all your marketing is congruent, ie. your image on FB should reflect your professionalism too!

In summary, use each  encounter/ event/seminar/introduction to showcase your professionalism, your commitment to your industry of choice, your positive personality and most of all your advanced communication skills. When “working a room” – (more on this great tactic in another blog- shish so many interesting angles  to this topic!) make sure you ask questions and don’t monopolise a conversation – yep.. it’s 10% talk and 90% listen rule that applies at business and social functions. Keep your business card handy and collect ones from others. Follow up with a nice to meet you email. You want to be remembered and remembered for all the great things!

Just like meeting the Fockers for the first time – every meeting is a chance to impress!

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd

The post Networking is Working and working often 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.

Employers usually look for “what’s wrong” with the applicant first, rather than what is right about them! Hiring is tough!

Eather Recruitment and labour hire is fortunate to have a wealth of resumes and candidates. We’re lucky enough to get a lot of interest in the many roles we post, but the massive number of responses we receive means we need to be efficient about the way we conduct the hiring process. One way we edit and process the applications, is by matching them to a mandatory list of “must have’s”.  Firstly, the RESUME must pass the first screen! Provided this makes the grade – There are 5 areas we explore and from our research, it is also the very same for many employers!

   1.  Candidates  haven’t conducted any research into the company

When we first opened and just getting off the ground and recruiting for staff,  one of  our first questions was about what the candidate knew and thought of our business: One candidate responded by saying “To be honest, I haven’t had time to research you yet!” That’s when the interview should have ended and saved both of us a lot of time.

Getting the company name wrong,  or not checking out their website, not thoroughly researching what a company does – you’d think getting these things right would go without saying, but they come up more often than you’d expect, and demonstrate a lack of attention to detail, passion for the product and industry and, frankly, respect for the company and interviewer.

2.      Typo’s and lack of attention to detail on Resume and application

Speaking of attention to detail, typos are another non-starter. Our team has received many  resumes expressing a candidate’s enthusiasm for a role at “Either Recruitment” or emphasizing their “Attenntion to dertail skills” (really!!). First impressions matter, and it’s worth taking the time (and getting a second set of eyes to look over your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn page) to make a good one.

3.      Out dated LinkedIn / Facebook Profiles

In many industries, but in particular the Tech world, having an out-of-date LinkedIn profile just doesn’t make sense. Sharing your resume via email is great, but having a clean, updated and professional public profile is essential. Having an updated LinkedIn profile says that you value personal brand management, understand current hiring trends and are upfront about your career history. Take the time to clean yours up, get recommendations from colleagues (and write them in return!) and make yourself look enticing to potential employers. You never know who might discover you that way.

Facebook profiles – make sure privacy settings are in place and that the cover photo reflects a professional image – yes,  employers DO look at this.. they DO check on your LIKES, LINKS and posts.

4.      Inappropriate on Twitter

Employers often check out candidates’ social media presence when screening resumes. Posting inappropriate, unprofessional content on your public Twitter account is obviously an even big red flag. If your Twitter account is public, it’s part of how you represent yourself and your company. And if you’re going to include it on your resume, make sure you’re not rescheduling interviews due to “a really bad cold” while posting about the fantastic hangover you have from last night’s binge (yes, this has happened).

5.      NOT Motivated to Do Great Things

If a candidate has no response to a question that should be easy for them to answer, it’s a good indicator that they don’t have that deep-seated motivation to do great things. Figure out what that question is for you.

• Why do you want this job?
• What would you do if you had $1 million?
• What kind of business would you start, if you could do anything?

As for our golden question, I’ll leave that as a surprise for when you’re interviewed at Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire!

Finally, naturally, the list of positive qualities we to look for in candidates far surpasses the negatives. Enthusiasm, passion, energy, intelligence, thoughtfulness – these go a long way in convincing a potential employer that you’re right for the job. Does this sound like you?

Ivana Agapiou,

Eather Recruitment

The post Who we are reluctant to hire appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

You may have said “Good staff are hard to find” or heard others say it…

Often employers ask us “Why is the person I interviewed and selected to join my organisation,  turn out to be different at the end of 3 month’s probation?”

For the purposes of this blog, let’s fast-track to the interview process as this is usually where the final selection is made.  (I will post more information on resume confirmation and referee checks at a later stage)

There are 5 simple MUST DO for a selection  interview

1) Listen 80% and talk 20% of the time!

2) Be 100% there and have absolutely NO distractions or interruptions

3) Ask high order questions – treat Google as your friend…. search for the 10 best interview questions and you will be surprised what appears. Select ones that suit you and your business/role

4) Intuition counts! listen, feel and observe… any red flags, that is, concerns, doubts or queries… then ask more questions, for example, if applicant responded to “why do you want to work for us?” with … “it’s so handy to my home” – follow up immediately with another probing question “Is being handy to home a priority for you?”

5) Have another observer at the interview.  They can help you by gauging reactions and providing a second opinion.

Finally, dont forget your own experiences at job interviews, most applicants are nervous.  However, there are some applicants we call  “serial interviewees” who can act slick and polished and provide all the classic responses… watch out for the “charm” factor!

So you dont want to  raise the anxiety levels for your potential employee, you will get to know them better if you are more relaxed in style, but still manage to ask the right questions and make better, more informed decisions.  Only then will you hear happy customers ask you ” How did you find such good staff?”

Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

The post Good staff are hard to find? 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

The post Acceptable Hand shakes.. appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Do you portray authenticity? what is your personal brand?

what are you doing to enhance or even align with the image you want to project?  Your Job  and career prospects may depend upon this!

Due to the massive growth in social media – The lines between personal, professional, public and private business is becoming more blurred….who you are; what your business values are; how you behave and communicate is now so visible and so accessible to so many.

A ‘personal brand’ is in many ways synonymous with your reputation. It refers to the way other people see you. Are you a genius? An expert? Are you trustworthy? What do you represent? What do you stand for? What words pop up as soon as someone hears your name? What is your “tag line”? and is this Tag line congruent with your business message?

If you’ve been around for a while you’ve probably already developed a personal brand. People recognize your name, what you’re working on, what you offer and what you’re about. That being said, your personal brand might be a little weak and disjointed. If you’d like to make it stronger you do need to explore your life purpose/ principles/ and perceptions others may have as well as how you see yourself.

Here are some FUN, sometime deep but fruitful questions for you to help identify your image bran… like

If I was a car, I would be a

Because

If I was an animal, I would be

Because

Words I believe other people currently use to describe me are

Three main or key themes, of my personal identity are

Draw a suitable logo that depicts your identity

My life purpose…

My key principles that drive my life purpose are….

Perception – what are the key descriptors for my personal branding?

How can I promote my personal brand image?

Internal – some words that I use to describe myself

What I will place in my epitaph? How would you like to be remembered?

My unique personality leads me to consider the following colour/s

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment

The post Private Vs Public image – are you authentic in your job? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

JOB Wardrobe? yes it’s a must!

A number of independent studies maintain that clothing can affect a first impression dramatically; it also can affect promotional opportunities.

How? Well whether we like it or not, humans are very judgmental! We base many of our decisions on first impressions and on on-going encounters. Women especially can be quite critical of how other women present. Men will note factors also.  The main point here is to dress for the job you want. If you are dressing “down” you are not reflecting the importance you place on the work.

Here are some basic rules: clothes should always be clean; ironed and well-fitted; use deodorant and only light after-shave or perfume; check the mirror before you leave; avoid piercings or showing tattoos on the first impression; for females, the rule of the less flesh on show the better applies; girls – makeup should be light-on and research has proven that a bit of lipstick is better than none (it shows you pay attention to the detail) check that your shoes are clean and polish if necessary.

White collar/clerical positions

For females – white or light coloured tailored blouse with a dark skirt or well-fitting trousers is a wardrobe must.

For Males – tailored trousers that can be matched to either a business shirt or a classy casual shirt dependant on the role you are interviewing for.

Blue Collar Labour Hire

Again the plain, simple rule – be clean, tidy, shaven and smell nice!

In summary, a great idea is to dress the way an employer would expect for their workplace. Will you be serving customers? Will you be representing the company? Always aim high…. Dress like the job you want – it is a simple Law of Attraction working for you

Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire

The post A job wardrobe? advice for the employee who wants to succeed in the job! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

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.

Wasn’t that long ago….that we all had a job for life!

New jobs and career paths are created every day. If you are a baby boomer or a child of the 70’s, I bet that many of you are not aware that the following jobs exist, let alone what they actually do! How about these apples…..

• A Mash up Artist – someone who composes unique music from hundreds of tracks from diverse artists
• Or  Social media strategists;  innovation strategists, creative technologists and video drifters to name a few.  Surprised? Here are a few more!
• Mobile Marketing Jedi – a growing area for business advertising where a career can be forged helping people develop marketing strategies for this device
• Gesture Writer – touch-screen and motion-controlled devices are the norm, not a novelty. Getting things done with a keyboard and mouse will feel archaic and weird. User experience will depend on the insights of experts in gestural movements, who will combine the disciplines of kinesthesiology, cognitive science and interaction design to develop Minority Report-style interfaces.
• Data Storyteller –  Just having access to mega data will no longer be a competitive advantage. The challenge will be in determining what to do with it all. Successful organizations will invest in staff who not only analyse the data but also present it in forms that attention-starved executives and time poor clients can act upon.
• Content Archivist – Competitive and legal pressure will require more demands for storing, indexing and retrieving the vast amount of content that brands produce. A content archivist will be the person everyone turns to when the Manager asks, “What was that post we sent about that thing five years ago?”
• Details Despot – The explosion and fragmentation of consumer touch points are already difficult to manage and will only get more complicated. Marketers who strive to surprise and delight their customers will hire executives to ensure that every gift card, error notice and photo caption is on-brand.

PHEW … and that is just the tip of the ice berg….. excited or scared.. and you dont need Google Glasses to see that it’s here! ………………

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Future Employment some new Job Titles appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Wanting to relocate to a peaceful, yet progressive Regional town? Sick of the city life and keen to change your lifestyle?

Moving to a Regional town can be the best decision of your life.. or it can be the most challenging! Here are a few reasons:

• Job Vacancies are rarely as prolific as in the Metro areas
• There is a shortage of “large” corporate organisations – most if they have a pressence , have their head offices in the Metro areas
• SME (Small Medium Enterprises) can make up the majority of employers
• Casualisation of the workforce and seasonal tourist work is quite predominant
• Salary levels are lower that in the Metro

How do you overcome these challenges? Here are 4 HOT tips to help you transition..

1) Research the job market – get a solid idea of the types of jobs that are in demand

2) Talk with Recruitment Agencies and local Realtors about work opportunities

3) DONT move without conducting a thorough study – dont be fooled into thinking that once you get to your deam town, you will find work much more quickly,  Studies have shown that on average it takes approximately 18 months!

4) Ensure your Financial resources will be able to recover with a lower salary level

In summary, acquire the job BEFORE you move.  That way, you can sus the place out thoroughly, and ensure that when you do want to settle for good, you are very familiar with the best areas to live.

Wishing you all the success!![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]

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment

The post Jobs in Port Macquarie and Regional NSW appeared first on Eather Recruitment.