Never used a private recruitment agency before?

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

Ivana Agapiou
Eather Recruitment Pty Ltd

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ivana Agapiou

Eather Recruitment

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

Resumes need to be read, not rejected.

How can you attract the reader’s attention? Here’s a little secret gem that just might help keep your readers interested. I suggest you add an enticing  “About me” statement. 

Resumes, like applicants are individual.

The About Me Statement needs to shine a light on your personality, values and passion. Here are a few top tips on improving your statement.

Your statement should contain most of the following:

• Level of experience in industry
• Skills on offer to the employer
• be written specifically to the advertisement, what job role is it,  and what skills are needed in that job.
• Qualifications and or certifications relevant to position
• Explain why you for this job
• What is the special “Something” that differentiates you from other employees?

To successfully write a resume for reading, the responses could read a bit like these following examples,

A Barista

“Being a Barista is not just a job! I love serving customers and can operate various commercial coffee machines. I have speed and physical agility, and I possess initiative and can think quickly on my feet. I’m creative and enjoy making each cup a work of art. I can distinguish qualities of a coffee such as body, astringency, bitterness, fruitiness, acidity, chew, under extracted, over extracted, and the texture of the milk, and last but not least, I love working under pressure!”

The Pitch

“I like being the public face for a hotel. As the first person a customer sees or the first voice they hear, I know how important it is that I consistently act in a professional manner providing the customers with a great first, and lasting impression. I am also a great typist, and pride myself on my accuracy and administration skills. As well as this, I’m told that my smile is contagious!”

General Hospitality and Retail customer service roles

The Pitch could be, “I deliver a high level of customer service and I understand the importance of presentation and great communication skills. I like to be efficient and to provide  timely service. I adopt a very flexible approach to working various shifts, and can work a variety of hours. I enjoy engaging with Guests and customers and building repeat business”.

Examples offered are just examples but could be used to form your unique elevator pitch

If you need professional advice and assistance to upgrade your resume and application or are still concerned and having difficulty writing for reading, not rejection, then CALL NOW  Ivana on 0404056278  or visit figjamresumes.com.au for a phone appointment

Resume consultant,  Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor

The post Resumes written for reading, not rejection. appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Your resume is your passport to a new job.

The resume can be the most valuable tool in your job search. A good resume is as important as the rising of the sun. Don’t underestimate its value and DON’T take it for granted. Each time you apply for a role, your resume MUST be suitable and relevant for that position. Your skills, knowledge and experience need to marry and match with the job advertised or it’s a wasted effort. Following are some suggestions that may help you gain the winning resume.

1. Research the Regional job market.

How different is it to the Metro requirements? Where are the bulk of the jobs listed? Are they to be found in Health; Retail or are there other opportunities?

2. Seek a professional resume writer

Still unsure of how you can best position yourself, then you may find a professional consultation with us very useful. You may like to take advantage of  a Talent Review Service – Resume writing & Career counselling

In summary, a Career consultation could be useful. To Secure a personal interview with one of our HR specialists who will help you develop a vital job marketing plan, you only need to call 0404056278. The session includes a professional consultation and review of your career path and your goals; comprehensive information on the Regional job market and transferable roles as well as referrals.

Finally, our Resume Basic Service provides a review of existing resume, conduction minor edits and enhancing formatting so as it aligns with industry standards. Interviews can last for approximately 35 – 60 Minutes (Copy of current resume in Word format may be required) your investment $185

Resume – Superior Service

• Resume & job application review – approx 60 mins
• Complete Resume rewrite

For more information and to avail yourself of this exclusive offer, arrange a suitable time with us on  contact Ivana on 0404056278 or visit www.figjamresumes.com.au

In summary, many people find it difficult to write their own resumes, therefore it’s often beneficial to engage an expert resume writer.

Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor 0404056278

http://www.eatherrecruitment.com

The post The Resume is your passport to a brighter future 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.

Many jobs are obtained via the initial Resume & application followed by an Interview… we are often asked “What makes a great resume? ” A great resume is one that gets you to that interview! The rest is up to YOU!

Resumes are the KEY!

Each week we receive hundreds of resumes. Many of which are from great candidates however, due to simple, avoidable errors do not make it to the shortlist, let alone to meet the employer for an interview!

It is frustrating for both the candidate and the employer. The employer may miss out on a great employee and the candidate continues to wonder why they are not making it to interview

Your resume is your most important tool when applying for a job. It doesn’t matter how qualified you are, or how much experience you have – if your resume is poorly presented or badly written, you’re going to have trouble getting the job you want – or even an interview.

Let’s explore….

The Purpose of a Resume

Your resume is a marketing tool. It is a SALES flier – your very own and individual sales brochure

a Good resume needs to demonstrate:

• That you are employable
• How you meet the job and the organisation’s requirements
• That you have the right qualifications and education for the advertised position
• That you have the right experience and skills
• That you have the right level of professionalism for the job

 How Long Should My Resume Be?

One or two pages are best, (one page per 10 years of experience)  but three pages are OK …..if you’ve got a lot of study and work behind you… REMEMBER the research – employers spend an average of 6 seconds reading a resume! I know this is bad… but it’s reality!

Make sure you don’t pad out your resume. If your resume is only one page, as long as it’s well-presented it might get better results than a two-page resume full of unnecessary information.

How Should I Order My Resume?

Generally it’s always good to present the information on your resume in chronological order: (today back..) but it should have the following..

1. Contact details
2. About me… statement ( or objective – as long as it suits the role you are applying for!)
3. List of key skills  and List of technical/software skills
4. Personal attributes/career overview
5. Educational qualifications
6. Employment history/volunteering/work placements
7. 2 or three hobbies or interests (optional)
8. Minimum of 2 Referees

Not everything in this list must appear on your resume every time, and the order can change from application to application. The most important thing is to get the most useful information across first. For example, if your education history is not specifically related to the job, put it toward the end of your resume, behind the information that is related to the job.

 Do I Need to Change/ Adapt My Resume for Each Application?

In one word – YES!! – You need to tailor your resume to every job application so that it responds to the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for.

You might not need to change much, but you do need to make sure your opening statement, your key skills and your personal attributes all respond to the needs of the role, based on the job ad (if there was one) and the research you’ve done into the job. Yes! research prior to applying!

Always tailor your resume to show how your work experience specifically meets the needs of the job you’re applying for.

How to Tailor Your Resume

Ways that you can tailor your resume include:

• Using your opening “about me” statement to link your experience and education to the organisation and the requirements of the job
• Listing your most relevant key skills first
• Including examples of achievements that meet advertised requirements of the job
• Including specifically relevant key words and phrases throughout your resume

 What Your Resume Should Include

There are a number of things that every resume should have on it. Check out the resume templates – Google this! to get an idea of what great resumes could look like.

 Contact Details

Make sure you include your name, email address and a contact phone number on your resume. You don’t have to include your home address, although there might be some situations when doing so would be a good idea.  You can place your contact details in a footer of your resume, but if you do, you must make sure they’re also in the main body of the document.

Opening Statement – Elevator or “About Me”

An opening statement is a summary of who you are, where you’ve studied and/or worked, and what you bring to the job.

Key Skills & Strengths

Your resume should include a list of between 10 and 15 skills that link your experience to the job you’re applying for.

If the job you’re applying for was advertised, either the ad or the position description may provide a list of skills and experiences that are essential for doing the job. It may also provide a list of “desirable” skills and experience. When putting together this list, think of things you’ve done or learned to do as part of:

• Jobs you’ve had
• Your studies
• Any work placements you’ve done
• Any volunteering you’ve done

 Technical/Software Skills

This is a short list of the names of software or technology you know how to use. Examples might include:

• Microsoft Suite or spreadsheet software
• Programming languages
• Tools (e.g., cash registers, EFTPOS)

Personal Attributes

If you haven’t got much work experience, a list of personal attributes can be another way to demonstrate that you’re the right person for the job.

Educational History

Your Educational History only needs to show your highest level of education. You don’t need to include your results, unless showing them proves how well you’re suited to the job.

If you can, you should also include a few bullet points listing your academic achievements (e.g., school or class captain, awards you’ve won, or groups you’ve been part of).

Employment History

When providing your employment history, start with the your most recent job and go backwards from there. Give the position title and the dates you worked there.

If you haven’t had a job before, you can use other things to demonstrate your experience, including:

• Work experience whilst at school
• Work placements or internships that you’ve done through university or TAFE
• Any Volunteer work  past and current

For each job provide a list of the things that you achieved while in that job, and the significant contributions you made to the organisation. Make sure that these achievements and contributions match the key skills and strengths listed earlier on your resume.

Referees

Your resume should list two people who can positively recommend you as an employee. Ideally your references will be people that you have worked with before. Provide their name, their position title, and a way that they can be contacted. WARNING – only select referees whom you know will be positive about you and ones that you have gained permission to have on your resume!

Testimonials

A testimonial is another good way to prove that your skill and experience is what the employer is looking for.

You can include any testimonials you get as part of your educational history or your employment/volunteering/work placement history.

Usually it’s enough to include one or two testimonials in your resume. Any more than two is probably too many.

Keywords

A lot of recruitment agencies use software that scans applications for key words and phrases. Applications that don’t use the right keywords tend to be automatically rejected.

Key words and phrases that this software often looks for,  can include the names of:

• Skills
• Jobs
• Activities
• Qualifications
• Software
• Tools

To make sure your resume has the right key words and phrases, check out the job ad and make a list of the words and phrases it uses. If you don’t have a written job ad to refer to, you can use a job search engine to find other ads for similar jobs and see what kind of keywords those ads use.

Once you have a list to work from, start adding those words and phrases to your resume. Good places to add keywords include:

• Your opening statement
• Your list of key skills
• Your educational history
• Your employment history

 What NOT to Put On Your Resume

Here are a few things not to include on your resume. Note that there may be circumstances when including some of the following information shows that you’re a good fit for the job. If that’s the case, including that information would be a good idea.

 Personal Information

You don’t have to provide any personal information on your resume. There’s no benefit to be gained from providing information that could be used to generalise about you as a potential employee.

Your resume doesn’t have to include:

• Your birth date
• Your gender
•  Your address
•  Any ailments or disabilities
•  Your health status

A possible exception to this might be when providing this information would give your application an advantage (e.g., if the employer is looking for someone young, or a female applicant). In these situations, consider including such information if you think it would strengthen your application.

Typos or Factual Errors

Submitting a resume or cover letter with spelling mistakes and typos will guarantee you don’t get an interview. You should spell check your resume before you send it, but you should also get someone else to read it as well and check for mistakes you might have missed.

Double-check everything that you include in your resume. If you mention the company’s name, make sure you get it right. If you mention the name of places you’ve worked before, make sure you get that right. Mistakes on resumes are worse than typos.  You should also consider getting your resume looked at by someone professional.

 Images and Graphics

Jury is out, many feel that you should not include images or photos on your resume. Not only are images disliked by recruiters and HR professionals, they can also create problems with recruitment software (print-outs etc) an exception to this guideline of not having a selfie is www.quickstaff.com.au  where hospitality, tourism & retail employers are on-line seeking staff in a hurry!

 Fancy Formatting

Stick to easy-to-read fonts and formats. KEEP IT SIMPLE! This makes it easier for recruiters to review your resume. It also means any recruitment software that reviews your resume can easily read the information. DON’T HAVE IT ALL IN CAPITAL LETTERS EITHER! The reader/s may think you are shouting at them!

Good fonts to use include:

• Verdana /Arial/ Century gothic/ Calibri

PDF Versions of Your Resume

Some recruitment software can’t read PDF files –  Unless a job ad specifically says to provide your resume in PDF format –  you should always only submit your resume in word format (.doc or .docx).

Reviewing Your Resume

Having someone else review your resume is extremely important. Make sure you use someone who will actually tell you if they think something isn’t right. People you could ask include:

• Co-workers
• Former employers
• Teachers
• Career guidance counselors

…..still not sure what to do? There are thousands of articles and helpful sites on how to avoid the major mistakes in your resume

check this one out!Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The Resume is your passport to a brighter future

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20140917045901-24454816-the-5-biggest-mistakes-i-see-on-resumes-and-how-to-correct-them?trk=tod-home-art-list-large_0

The post Resumes that get you to a job interview…… appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

No kidding! If your resume is not getting you the interview, then it’s not the most memorable Rose in the bunch. It’s the one that got discarded and abandoned.

There are a few things that may need adjustment so that it gets a chance to be noticed. Firstly, we assume that you have updated it and it’s a current document.

Even with currency, here are 10 reasons why your resume may have been discarded…

1. Your resume does not match the advertised job -example – You send a resume filled with retail experience for a job as a scaffold
2. The reader (future employer) thinks you didn’t meet 80% of the criteria for the role – eh.. you haven’t provided enough evidence that you can do the job
3. The resume was poorly presented (spelling errors etc) – my pet hate, it leaves the reader wondering what else you don’t care about
4. your work history has large gaps – don’t leave mysteries, explain any gaps
5. your resume is far too long – unless your the Prime Minister, DON’T!
6. you missed the closing deadline – hmmm they might be thinking you’re disorganised
7. your contact details are incorrect – look at comments #3
8. your forgot to insert current contact details – make sure you are contactable
9. you have sent  the wrong application documents ( ie for another job all together!) opps- care factor?
10. you don’t meet the basic requirements for the role (ie lack the mandatory qualifications) if they ask for mandatory qualifications, you will need to back that up.Resume writing is a skilled process. It needs your absolute attention to detail and most importantly, the reader has to be your  main focus. Answering the question – What do they want? will guide you to present a better and more successful document that aligns your experience with the job you are applying for.

FINAL POINT- Tell the truth, you can still be 100% honest without compromising your chances to be shortlisted for the job. Never lie!

Need help to organise your resume so that you get THAT interview? call us now on 0404056278 to secure your time with our HR professional Ivana Agapiou.

Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor

The post RESUME writing Services appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

 Resumes that stand out from the rest, (for all the right reasons) and are often the best! 

If you want a job, you will need to have a resume that works for you! it needs to be tailored and specific for the position you seek.

So, you have what you think it’s “a cracker” of a resume and you’re sending this resume out to a variety of jobs and …. nothing… …no interview requests, and if you are lucky, you get a “sorry, you have been unsuccessful” reply…  There is a strong message and lesson here… your resume is not working for you!

Resumes are the most crucial factor in many job applications, they are the only way a prospective employer obtains an impression of you, your work history and suitability for the role/culture.

What is your resume saying about you? Is it error-free? is it written for reading? is it too long? too short? lacks relevant information? looks like every other resume and does not have your individual stamp? Is in such a small or large font that it is illegible? I could go on and on and on here…. you get the drift… 

Now you want to know what to do?  If you think your resume is sick, and by this I mean it is in poor health and unable to get you over the line to an interview… you need to seek specialist advice!

You do need an Objective third party to read, review and assess the document – reading and interpreting it from the “employers” perspective… Yes, we are all sentimental about our resumes because we know how long and lovingly we entered our valuable work history and details… Great.. now get over yourself! do you want “that’ job or not?

Seek the experts – phone 0404056278  for a personalized meeting and have the very best resume devised that will launch you to your next interview and perhaps your dream job!

Write your resume Port Macquarie

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

0404056278 #resumes #resumewriter #FIGJAMresumes,

To view our resume options and career consulting pricing please click here

http://www.eatherrecruitment.com

The post Work that resume to get “that” job interview! Resumes Port Macquarie appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

There is a difference between written references and  verbal referees, know which to insert in your resume.

Let’s explore the differences and which should you use in your resume. 

Firstly, a reference is a written document that describes your work and performance, usually it is full of praise. Some applicants like to attach a formal reference letter to their resume. Whereas, a Referee is a  name, title and contact details of a current or previous supervisor/manager, usually they are contacted verbally and asked a series of questions in regards to your nature; work ethic; communication skills  and job performance, just to list a few areas. The list of referees ( 3 to 4 is the max; 2 min) should be detailed at the bottom of your resume

It’s with complete confidence that I advise that only referees are of importance, that is,  name and contact details of a recent supervisor/manager.  Separate written references are no longer in vogue.  Not only do they date quickly, most references are glowing , because who wants to hand out a negative one, that do not allow for any discussion or questioning.

Future employers should contact your referees and therefore you will need to be 100% sure that the referees you list on your resume meet the following criterion:-

• can be trusted to speak well of you
• are not personal friends or related to you
• know you and most importantly know your work – have actually witnessed you at work and can comment with knowledge about your performance
• have current contact number/s and details
• have been asked to be listed on your resume and are happy to help you
• are informed by you on what jobs you have applied for

If you have any doubts whatsoever on whether they will be good to you, and say great things about you, don’t hesitate to remove them from your resume.

Better to be safe than always wondering why you never got a call back from a potential new employer!

Not sure what to do, contact our resume writer on 0404056278

Ivana Agapiou Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor 0404056278

The post References or referees, who do you choose for your resume? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Add a photo – and make your resume POP!

Did you know when you include your photo with your resume there is a significant benefit? The clear advantage is that your application will be more noticed; more interesting and therefore increase your chance of shortlisting to an interview!

The Hospitality, Tourism and Retail sectors are mostly front-line, front of house and customer service-heavy. Adding a professional picture to your resume for any prospective employers can create the impression that you are a confident, assertive person as well as possess a positive nature (make sure you smile for the camera!) Just perfect for these service industries!

Don’t want to add a pic? …. Just so you know, prospective employers are going to check your Face book and Google you anyway, so you may as well control their first visual impression of you!

Although photos can be the norm in the initial stages of job applications, it is also fraught with risk. Employment industry experts warn that adding photos to resumes could increase your risk of being discriminated against. Certainly, there may be bias; however, providing a friendly, professional pic can certainly increase your chance of a call to interview!

What’s your pic like?  Are you wearing your best smile?  Does it truly represent you?  Don’t forget, you can update it anytime, especially when changing jobs… Lastly, be innovative and intelligently creative with your photo  … what does this say about you?

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post ADD a “little” something special to your resume! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

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

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

 Responding to key criteria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The same formula applies to  Presentation skills

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

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

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

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

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

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

 Pitcher Perfect and designed for the job.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

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

The Job interview, the NO NO’s

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

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

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

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

Fingernails

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

Eyelashes

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

Make-up

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

Cleavage

Simply, Don’t have any, Just don’t.

Hem length

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

Stilettos

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

Hair

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

Personal Hygiene

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

Cleanliness

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

Jewelry

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

Care and attention to detail

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

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

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

Ivana Agapiou –  Eather Recruitment career adviser – 0404056278

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

Responding to interview questions is like treading water. Be a smooth operator

The interviewers must never know that underneath the water, you are paddling fast and furiously. All they see is your smooth response.

Your resume got you to the interview and you are being asked some very common questions. GET PREPARED!

Google search indicates that the following are the most frequently-asked interview questions. This does not mean that they are the best, just oldies and goodies.

How would you,  or have you already, responded to any of the following?

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What is your greatest strength?
3. What is your weakness?
4. How do you handle stress and pressure?
5. Describe a challenging work situation or project and how you overcame it.
6. How do you evaluate success?
7. Why are you leaving or have left your job?
8. Why do you want this job?
9. Why should we hire you?
10. What are your goals for the future?

And the FINAL deal breaker, number 11. Do you have any questions? (if you don’t have any,  it could mean the end to this job interview !)

Watch for Monday’s post to see what responses would be recommended and compare with yours! NEED HELP WRITING a great resume? 

Talk with Ivana Agapiou for a consultation – 0404056278

The post 11 Most popular Job Interview Questions. appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

 Job search is filled with opportunities to worry, stress, and disappoint.

When you start your job search journey, understand it could be an emotional  roller coaster.  It’s normal to feel some angst, but not too good if the trip is full of it.

Like any journey, it needs a plan. You  have to find the right advertisement; for the right kind of job;  at the right company;  and all for the right reasons. Then there’s the application itself as as well as the wait to hear back from the employer. Let’s explore some of these stages of job search

Right Advertisement

It usually means setting up “alerts” for many of the major companies as well as on-line companies like SEEK. Some job adverts look amazing, too good to be true even! “like no experience necessary, we train you” stuff. Read between the lines and be skeptical.  Always follow your instincts and first impressions. Remember that the advert reflects the image of the employer. Reading the advert, you may gain a sense of their culture or personality. If there are “cringe” factors or unbelievable statements like “we want a super human who can delight customers 24/7  you might want to think twice before you send your resume, or hopefully it piques your interest and you apply anyway.

The right kind of job

The general rule is that you should only apply for jobs where you can hand on heart say ” I can do 80% of all of that”. That’s the minimum.  if they ask for mandatory qualifications, then you will NEED those. Naturally, you will have to like the tasks and responsibilities also. Check that you actually WANT to perform the work/job. You may be well suited, but ask yourself if you do you want to work in that field and in that role? The grass is not always greener, so make sure its a leap ahead of where you are at now

The right reasons

Money of often the main motivator. Lets face it – it is!  The trouble with this reason as the major motive for applying for a job is that it may land you into a role that is soul destroying; erodes your family life and freedom and keeps you going because you like what the money can buy. If that’s the only reason, than expect to give something up or a lot up, in return. The best reason to apply for a particular job is for the experience, the enhanced learning, the workplace and the sense of accomplishment. Yes, you want to be paid and as long as the salary marries with the job responsibilities, and meets IR wage /legislation that’s really the bottom line.

Your best foot forward in the application

The majority of time spent in your job search should be on securing the best resume and enticing cover letter. DON’T send the same resume to every job advert unless all the adverts are the same! Adapt your application to fit/suit the requirements and nuances of the advert. DO NOT LIE. The way to the employer’s attention and the way to gain an interview is to match your skills. experience and knowledge to the requirements of the job.

The right company

We always hear of Employer of choice workplaces and companies.  Voices whispering ” Did you hear how much they pay their staff?” or stories about the amount of time off  the staff receive etc. Yep. There are great companies to work for. Yep. They do exist. Yep. apply when they advertise for sure.  But make sure YOU like them too and for all the right reasons.  So, we are back to the right reasons again.

In summary, do your research, not just on the advert; the company background – but on yourself. Is this really, really what you really, really want? Don’t act so desperate that you accept a job that you eventually resent. Speaking of desperation, during the job search phase many of us dread the waiting for a response. We may act desperate here too.

The Waiting

Many companies have a structured recruitment phase. Often the bigger the company, the longer they take to recruit. However, small business owners who are time poor, may also take a long time to contact you. Sadly, all too often, many don’t call; write or email you back at all. This wait period is, and can be, highly stressful. To ease your anxiety, make a list of all the jobs you applied for. On this list, include the Company name; the job outline;  the date you applied (or their closing date for applications)  and the reasons why you applied. That way, if /when you get THE CALL, you will be prepared. This is important to do especially if you have applied for several jobs at once. There is nothing more unprofessional than responding to that all important call with “who are ya?” or even worse, “what job did I apply for?”

Lastly, you got the call! and now all you have to do is prepare, prepare and prepare for the interview, break a leg!

for more information go to www.figjamresumes.com.au

Ivana Agapiou

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Chance is a fickle thing, job research is not appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The Application Resume – Performance for your career – it’s worth the effort, isn’t it?

It’s easier to be a serial applicant than to be someone who carefully and painfully works out what is the best strategy or option in applying for “that” great job. The choice you make, may enhance your life,  and may even leave the world with a legend and a lasting legacy. As my Father would say “use your talents to leave the world in better shape”.

The very process of applying for a job, whether informal or formal could be the fight not just for your career, but for your life. We are intrinsically defined by the jobs we perform. It takes up an enormous part of our existence and sadly it often defines us. Our choices also affect our family, friends and most importantly our mental health.

Job applications are no different than planning anything significant  in your life. Yah.. you can get away with going from job to aimless job, and saving what meager funds and faith you can in the world. Nothing wrong with that – if that’s what you want.  I wanted more. I wanted my job to enable be to be part of my community in a meaningful way. I wanted to integrate and engage with people who needed help and support. I wanted a job that made me feel good. I was not interested (nor was I good at it) in repeat, rinse, wash,  dry and repeat.  I liked structure, but hated the routine. I liked rules, but also liked to see and work in  “grey” areas.  I was a bit complicated! But I knew who I was, what I was good at and had some ideas of the type of work that would warm my soul. NO, I didn’t always know.. I made  tons of mistakes, applying for dumb jobs and spent too many hours that I lost forever from my short life.  Yes, those jobs shaped me. But I often wonder what benefits the world lost and I lost wasting my time in stupid jobs.

So what is your overall goal? What do you want from life and most importantly, what job do think will get the best out of you!

All I’m saying is think about it before you embark on the application and towards your career journey. Think hard of the impact, the repercussions of deciding to follow the money and not the magic!

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post The Application Resume – Performance for your career – it’s worth the effort 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.

Resumes generally don’t reveal much about the real “you”. Yes, it’s an historical snap shot of your work life.. but what does it say about your unique personality? What do you want it to “say” about you?

Want to stand out? Want your resume to get you to an interview? Then a simple  ELEVATOR speech or an “About me” statement is a great way to differentiate your resume from the rest!

Definition: An elevator spiel in job searching includes a 15-30 second overview of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and accomplishments. The term comes from the time it takes to complete a normal elevator ride from the top to the bottom floor. An “elevator speech” is an opportunity to sell you!

So it’s basically a spoken commercial that explains to people who you are, what you do and what kind of position you’re seeking. Most people don’t understand, though, that an elevator pitch should also be a crucial part of your resume.

Need help?

Then answer these questions in a “real” voice. Like you’re speaking to your mother, or a couple of friends (I even recommend that you speak into a voice recorder, or just go ahead and call your own voicemail, and answer these questions out loud. That’s the best way to get a conversational tone….)

• Why do you want to work in Retail/ Hospitality or Tourism?
• What is it that you find interesting about it?
• No, seriously, don’t talk to me like I’m your boss, what do you really find interesting about it?
• Why do you want to stay in this field?
• What do you like about this industry?
• When you’re in the shower in the morning, what types of challenges at work make you excited to get to work as soon as possible?
• When are you having the most fun?

It’s like establishing your very own personal brand allowing you to differentiate and position yourself from the competition and claim your job!

Here are some examples to help you get going!

A Marketing role

The Pitch: “I like to shine from behind the scenes. I am an office support professional with experience managing Marketing Programs and Initiatives for the manufactured consumer products industry. Being the people person that I am, I enjoy being hands-on in getting to know what the customer wants/needs and then working within company guidelines to make it happen. I’d be thrilled to share more about my background.”

A Sales Role

The Pitch: “A sales professional with solid track record of winning new and repeat business. I’d like to continue that success for a company that wants to generate more business. My background shows that I have exceeded sales targets and helped boost market share. I’m technological proficiency, particularly in web research. Being a great listener, helps me understand and address client needs. I’ve been fascinated by the sales process and am driven by the impact I can have on a company’s growth”.

A Barista

The Pitch: “Being a Barista is not just a job! I love serving customers and can operate various commercial coffee machines. I have speed and physical agility; I possess initiative and can think quickly on my feet. I’m creative and enjoy making each cup a work of art; I can distinguish qualities of a coffee such as body, astringency, bitterness, fruitiness, acidity, chew, under extracted, over extracted, and the texture of the milk, and last but not least – I love working under pressure!”

A Reception or front line role

The Pitch: “I like being the public face for a hotel. As the first person a customer sees or the first voice they hear, I know how important it is that I consistently act in a professional manner providing the customers with a great first, and lasting impression. I am also a great typist, and pride myself on my accuracy and administration skills. As well as this, I’m told that my smile is contagious!”

General Hospitality and Retail customer service roles

The Pitch: “I deliver a high level of customer service and I understand the importance of presentation and great communication skills. I like to be efficient and to provide t timely service. I adopt a very flexible approach to working various shifts, and can work a variety of hours. I enjoy engaging with Guests and customers and building repeat business”.

Explaining why you for the role?

The Pitch: “Currently I am seeking work for my gap year. I am keen on a role within………..?because….. …?

I am a personable, naturally curious person who is keen to further develop my communication and work skills. I know I will be working when others are partying, however, I enjoy helping others have a great event. I am available for any shifts and for week-ends”.

NOTE- 25 – 50 words IS ENOUGH… but make sure you do make it 100% about you! NO lies; no made-up stories! Still stumped? Try this free career Quiz… the results may help you describe your self in more individual terms!

http://www.carecareers.com.au/page/career-quiz Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

RESUME WRITING PORT MACQUARIE

Good luck!

The post Why you for this job? The elevator statement is a must! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Finding and keeping skilled staff in small regional areas can be a challenge. Often locals or people moving to area have decided to relocate for financial reasons, some are unskilled or semi-skilled,  or if not, the demographic statistics indicate that many move to more remote areas for retirement purposes. The general lack of major industry and employment opportunities does not always attract the best candidates. So how do employers in regional areas attract the best staff? Here are a few helpful hints that we have gathered from working with top employers who have managed to attract and retain their good staff.

• Offer an attractive “package” deal. This may not always be financial, there may be “other nice to haves” that will act as incentives, for example, help with re-location, finding accommodation options or subsidies. An inclusion of use of a car, petrol allowance, 9 day fortnights are just some ideas.
• Refer to employee and employer tax relief incentives that could benefit you and the employee
• Involve them in decsions that will affect them, ask for opinions and listen to suggestions
• Create and maintain a positive, warm work environment, praise often and provide opportunities for feedback and conversations on expectations
• Recognise effort and good work. A simple “thank you” or a small gift is always gratefully accepted
• Discover why they have moved to area or have chosen to live there. What will keep them there? What motivates them? once you have found out more about them, their family and their interests, you will be able to choose the best rewards! for example, if spending time with family is of great importance, an extra day off here and there may just do the trick!
• Learn to read between the lines in a resume. Many metro candidates have specialised and if you can read “transferable” skills, you may have found a great candidate!

These are just a few simple suggestions. Recruitment is an expensive exercise, so it is important that when you do get the best person for the role, that person feels valued.  There is no guarantee that they will remain, however, there is a higher probability that they will!

Most of all, your reputation as a great employer will grow, and with this, more quality staff will be attracted to your business! what goes around comes around!

Ivana Agapiou

Career advise and Resume writer

The post Looking for staff in Port Macquarie or within Regional NSW? 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]

The post Important job skills for a successful life appeared first on Eather Recruitment.