Being offered a job is undoubtedly exciting: not only do you feel relief at having secured the position, but you have a new challenge to look forward to as you start a different stage of your career. However, as tempting as it is to quit your current post and accept the offer on the spot, it’s vital that you have done enough research to be as sure as you can that the position is right for you. Switching jobs can be life-changing: after all, you spend a significant amount – if not the majority – of your time at work. Here are our top tips for deciding if a role is a good fit.

Practicalities

At the absolute minimum, check that you are genuinely satisfied with the working hours, holiday entitlement and benefits package before accepting. It’s also important to consider the location and any additional commuting time as studies show that longer commutes have a negative impact on health. Also factor in the cost of the journey, including petrol, public transport and parking. Other expenses – such as the need for specific workwear or an expectation that you will pay for equipment – are worth considering as these can easily eat into a salary.

Who will you work with?

Before accepting a job, you should have met – and felt that you can happily work alongside – the boss. Be wary of an interview conducted by someone from HR that prevents you from meeting the person that will set the precedent for your working environment. You should also know who your co-workers will be and ideally, have met them too. Pay attention to what they reveal: how do they speak about one another and the company? Do they seem happy?

How do they treat existing staff?

You can glean a lot about how you’d be treated as an employee from the way people in the firm behave towards you during the recruitment process. If you contact them, are they helpful and polite? Do they seem organised? Are people friendly towards you or are you unacknowledged as a visitor? Is there an element of openness- for example, are you offered an opportunity to informally discuss the role before applying and are you given a tour when you visit?

If you can find out information about the company’s retention rate, this will be illuminating. Try to establish why the vacancy for your position came about: expansion or promotion are good signs; the former post-holder walking out is clearly not.

Finally, use your network and research skills to find out what kind of reputation the company has. Does anyone know somebody who has worked there or had other direct experience of them? Sites such as Glassdoor can also give insights into a company from people who have worked there.

Workplace culture

Organisational culture – the behaviours, values, norms and beliefs of a workplace- permeates everything, so it is vital that it aligns with your core values and beliefs. For example, working in an environment that places high value on working long hours in order to make profit will energise and drive some people, but others would be utterly miserable. Firms often outline their own view of their culture in their mission statements, but none are going to admit to running a place like some sort of Scrooge. Instead, observe it through the actions of employees when you meet them. Consider how the environment feels to you and if it is comfortable.

Future prospects

Finally, remember that a new job can be a big upheaval. Is it going to offer long term prospects and opportunity for progression, or is the position only right for now? You should have a solid understanding of what the post entails from the job description and discussing the role at interview, but once you are settled and those elements become more routine, will it continue to satisfy and challenge you? Find out about the training available and the employer’s approach to supporting your educational and professional advancement. Also ask about the company’s structure and how that lends itself to promotional opportunities.

For more tips, see our other career advice posts.

The New Year is an ideal time for a fresh start and, as a result, more people decide to make a career move than at any other point. So, with companies likely to see a significant increase in the amount of applications from which they must shortlist, how can they ensure that they pick out the right candidates? Here are our top five tips.

1) Before you begin to look at the applications, it’s vital that you define your ideal candidate. Use your job description and person specification to create two checklists: the essential criteria and desirable criteria needed to do the job. The standards are likely to relate to all of the following key areas, plus any others that are relevant:  education, work experience, skills and knowledge, competencies and personality traits. Be very strict about the criteria you term ‘essential’: these should relate to the qualities and traits of top performing employees in the role.

2) The next step is to begin the shortlisting process. At this stage, some employers choose to utilise the services of a specialist recruiter that knows the market inside out: they can identify the right talent quickly and may already have people among their network of candidates that might fit the role.

3) If shortlisting in-house, do so in stages.

Stage 1: Go through the applications and discard any that don’t meet all of the essential criteria. You now have a list of candidates who can all do the fundamentals of the role. At this point, it is also worthwhile noting where applications have come from so that you know where to advertise future vacancies.

Stage 2: Decide how many candidates you want to interview. Go through the remaining applications, weigh them against each item in your list of desirable criteria and record the number of criteria they meet. Some recruiters like to use a spreadsheet as this helps them to rank candidates at a glance. During this stage, you should also check that there are no inconsistencies in their CV and that spelling, punctuation, grammar, presentation and attention to detail are in line with your expectations.

4) You can now decide who to select for interview. It is important to think outside the box here: you may have a list of desirable criteria, but it’s unlikely that an individual will meet all of them, so decide which combination will have the most impact. Also, if you are replacing a current post holder, don’t have a vision of replacing like with like: think about what they could do when they joined, rather than what they can do now.

5) In addition to notifying the candidates selected for the next stage, ensure that you also contact everyone who applied –even if there were hundreds- to thank them for their interest, but letting them know that, unfortunately, this time they have not been shortlisted for interview. A superior candidate experience is crucial in today’s skills short environment. After all, a candidate that isn’t the right fit for now might just be, in the future.

If you have a vacancy and would like to talk to us about how we can help you shortlist the right person for the job, contact our specialist team of recruiters.

It is very common for job seekers to wait until after Christmas and the New Year to look for their next career opportunity, perhaps assuming that the festive period will be quiet and employers won’t be looking for new staff. However, there are a number of employers currently seeking the right candidates, with particular opportunities for those seeking temporary seasonal roles, so don’t risk missing out!

Analysis from a recent study, which we conducted by comparing levels of vacancies across Lancashire, highlighted a number of key areas, where professionals are in particular demand.

Fork Lift Truck Drivers:

We have seen increased demand for professionals with a relevant license to operate forklift trucks in warehouses, and unload and load the vehicles. Drivers who are able to demonstrate an ability to pay attention to detail are particularly sought after as roles usually involve accurately allocating stock, before gathering and wrapping orders. The hourly rate for such roles is typically in the region of £7.50 – £8.65. We expect demand to rise further as Christmas approaches and businesses increase their stock levels: forklift operators will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth movement of these goods.

Purchase Ledger Clerks:

The continuing growth of business activity in Lancashire has resulted in many companies expanding their finance departments and hiring additional Purchase Ledger Clerks to help manage their accounts. Consequently, well-organised professionals who pay attention to detail and possess excellent communication skills are sought after by a range of companies across the region. Clerks with some prior experience can anticipate salaries in the range of £17,000 – £18,000 per annum.

Telesales Representatives:

We are seeing consistent demand for Telesales Representatives across the region as firms continue to need the skills of excellent communicators to reach customers via the telephone. There are vacancies across a range of sectors for positions operating from both within call centers and smaller offices. Employers are looking for professionals with excellent communication skills, persuasiveness and patience. Salaries typically range from £13,500 for entry level positions to £30,000 for Telesales Managers.

Heavy Goods Drivers / Multi-drop Drivers:

The trend for online retailing continues to drive demand for drivers to move goods from warehouses to consumers. Consequently, many employers are seeking additional drivers, particularly those who possess a Class 2 Heavy Goods licence and CPC card. This type of role often has a customer-facing element so interpersonal skills are a must. We are also seeing increased demand for drivers to transfer large industrial equipment safely and securely from many of the region’s employers.

Account Managers:

With more and more companies investing in Lancashire, rising competition means firms are increasingly seeking expert Account Managers to help them create strategies to secure the loyalty of existing customers and acquire new ones. Experienced B2B professionals can command annual salaries in the region of £30,000.

So, if you’re seeking a role for Christmas or looking for a new challenge in the New Year, get in touch today to see what opportunities we have available. And, if you’re a firm seeking talent in the festive season and beyond, we can help find your next hire.

You may also like to download our guide on How to Develop Your CV.

When an interviewer asks, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” many interviewees find themselves flummoxed. They haven’t thought that far ahead. All they know is that, right now, they want this particular job. Where it will have taken them in 1825 days is anybody’s guess. And, after all, how can they possibly say what they’ll be doing then when they don’t even know what they’ll be doing this weekend?

So, why do interviewers like asking this question? The aim of the interviewer is, of course, not to test your psychic ability, but to dig deeper and find out more about you as a potential employee. In particular, they want to find out what your mid-term career goals are to see if they align with both the role and what they are able to offer you as employers. Will you be satisfied with the position and prospects, work hard and stay in their employment for a long time? They want to hire someone who is genuinely excited about the job and who sees it as a great career move.

Let’s start with what not to say.

• Don’t joke about wanting to do your interviewer’s job. Nobody wants their own job prised from them by a competitive new hire.
• Don’t go into a very detailed plan about how you will get promoted. It can look over-confident and inflexible.
• Don’t mention unrelated dreams such as writing a novel or owning a business. An employer is interested in what you will do for them. Don’t joke about winning the lottery and retiring, either.
• Don’t ponder for ages, suggest a few different things or – worst of all – say that you haven’t thought that far. It will make you look directionless.
• Don’t make any references to their rivals. Some interviewees think that mentioning an aspiration to gain the skills to work for another notoriously selective or popular employer makes them look ambitious, but why would any firm invest in you just so that you can go to a rival?

When you give your response, the ideal answer will portray you as ambitious but not entitled; forward-thinking but adaptable; realistic but aspirational. The main thing to do is show that you are excited about this position and what you will learn over the next five years: you have a desire to succeed and be the best you can at it. The interviewer will be looking for evidence that this job will meet your goals for several years and that you will stay in it long enough to repay any investment – of both time and money – in you. Then, rather than focusing too much on where you want to go next, present a vaguer and more flexible desire to progress and develop, should opportunities arise. If you can do a bit of research into your employer’s long-term goals and show that your personal career goals align with them, even better. They’re looking for nurses to mentor new staff as part of a recently introduced induction programme? Great – that suits your ambition to guide and eventually train others.

Finally, be prepared for one or two follow-up questions which might be used to see if your answer is a rehearsed one or if it genuinely reflects who you are.

For more interview advice from the team, check out our posts here.

You’ve applied for a series of new jobs, and finally secured the all-important interview for your dream role. While it may seem like you are just steps away from hearing the words ‘you’re hired’, the hard work starts now. You need to be fully prepared for the interview to ensure you have every chance of success. Often candidates will have worked really hard on job applications but let themselves down at the interview stage by either not preparing adequately or presenting a bad image. So what are the top five interview mistakes you need to avoid?

Not doing your homework

With the internet at your fingertips, there is absolutely no excuse for not doing your homework before an interview. Despite this, however, clients often tell us that a candidate didn’t get the job because they didn’t know even the basics about the company and role they applied for despite having all the skills required. Take the time to thoroughly research the business – look at the website for information about the history, values, and culture. Seek out information on social media to glean an insight into the type of work and activity the business does. It’s also worth researching the person who will be interviewing you – you will be able to source information about their role and length of time at the business which will help you establish a rapport at the outset.

Too much talking, not enough listening

Another big mistake candidates make – often due to nerves – is talking too much and not listening to the questions being asked. Take the time to really take in each question and, if you are unsure of how to answer, ask the interviewer to repeat it. This will buy you some time and enable you to prepare an answer better. Candidates often go wrong by responding too quickly and going off on a tangent which means they haven’t given the interviewer the information they are seeking. Often this happens due to a combination of nerves and a failure to prepare. If you have researched properly you will not only be less nervous, but you will likely be able to answer the questions asked.

No questions

Another big no no is not asking any questions yourself. Almost every interviewer will factor in time at the end of the meeting for the candidate to ask anything about the role and company. Don’t make the mistake of not preparing questions in advance. Think about what queries will demonstrate that you are serious about the job and your progression within the company. Could you ask about the training and development opportunities or about the team you will be working with, for example? Don’t, however, make the mistake of asking about when your first pay rise will be or how many sick days you are entitled to!

Moaning about your current employer

Most interviewers will ask you about your previous role and employer. And regardless of why you left the company never make the mistake of criticising the people or business you worked for. No prospective employer wants to hear a potential staff member bad mouthing people they have worked with before – not only will it cause concern that you might do the same at their business, but it will also almost certainly move your application to the no pile!

Wrong attire

Even if you know that, if you secure the role, you won’t be expected to be suited and booted every day, don’t turn up to the interview in jeans and a t-shirt. Don’t however, go to the other extreme and turn up looking like you are about to go on a night out!

The interview is often the last stage of a lengthy application process. Don’t ruin your chances of securing the role you deserve by making the mistakes listed above. Preparation is key and remember, if you have been invited in for interview, it is because you have already demonstrated your suitability for the role. Good luck!

For more advice from the team, check out our other posts here.

As the New Year approaches, you might be one of the many professionals reassessing your career. Do you feel like you’re not motivated in your current job? Do you feel that your skills and experience are not being maximised where you are now? Or perhaps you are unsure about what career you should be embarking on?  If this all sounds familiar, you might want to consider recruitment. Not only is it an incredibly fulfilling career, but it is also varied – no two days are the same – and the rewards are endless. So if you’re seeking a new challenge, take a look at our top reasons to work in recruitment.

Changing lives

While many might see this as cliché statement it really rings true! A recruiter can literally change a person’s life. When you consider the big life events – such as buying a house or getting married – landing a great job that offers security and satisfaction is right up there at the top. And while you may not be able to place each and every person you meet, recruiters also have the opportunity to help candidates reassess their own career goals which can be instrumental in their quest for the illusive perfect job.

Varied

If you’re the type of person that likes variety and doesn’t like the idea of sitting in an office day in day out, then recruitment could be just right for you. Each day is different – you could be interviewing candidates, meeting new clients, or you could be at a conference or careers fair offering advice to jobseekers. Because of the varied nature of recruitment it is, however, very fast paced. Consequently an ability to multi-task and react quickly to client demands is crucial.

Career progression

While it might be true that the recruitment sector is a saturated market, individuals that are at the top of their game can climb the career ladder very quickly. If you can demonstrate that you are eager to progress and consistently meet your targets then the chance to move from consultant to management level in a short space of time is easily achievable. Furthermore, the very best recruitment agencies will give you the freedom to shape your own career path. So whether you want to rise through the ranks as purely a biller, or if you want to bill and manage people, your employer will create a path that suits your aspirations.

Huge earning potential

While money alone shouldn’t be the reason anyone goes into recruitment, it is a sales role and consequently the ability to earn commission and bonuses on top of your base salary are there for the taking. So if you’re keen to change people’s lives, while simultaneously taking home a lucrative pay packet each month, recruitment could certainly be right for you.

Perks

Many people incorrectly assume that because of the attractive earning potential in recruitment, there a few other perks to the job. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Good recruitment companies will ensure that their staff are rewarded in other ways than money alone. And here at Clayton Legal, for example, we offer an annual car incentive, raffles for super prizes, corporate days out and a company profit share system. However, we also strongly believe in the power of CPD and provide plenty of training and development opportunities – along with study leave – to all our staff.

If this all sounds appealing then the good news is that we’re looking for people to join our close knit team here at Clayton Legal. We’re seeking consultants to work alongside our ever growing team that works with some of the best firms in the market and the very best legal talent. So if you think you have what it takes speak to us today. Could you be the next member of the team? We hope so.

The first three months in a new job are largely viewed as a proving period. A time to get to know the team, the culture and – crucially – demonstrate that you are the right person for the job. However, starting a new role can be a daunting prospect for nurses. You’ll likely have lots of questions and concerns running through your mind: will I be able to manage the workload? Will I fit into the team?  Am I going to be able to learn the ropes quickly and effectively?  So how can you ensure this important period is a success? Here are our top five tips:

Understand expectations

Ensure you are in receipt of all the information you need about what your Manager expects of you.  Take the time to sit down with your boss to discuss what their expectations are in your first week. While you may have a job role on paper – talking it through will not only demonstrate that you are eager to understand what is required of you, but it might also bring to light anything else that your employer expects from you.  Crucially, don’t make the mistake of over exaggerating your expertise if asked – be honest and open about where you might need extra training or support. This will show your superior that you are keen to develop your skill sets.

Get to know the culture

A big part of your first few weeks and months will be getting to know the company, its people and demonstrating to your peers that you a good cultural fit.  Take the time to get to know people, the values and ethos of the company, so you can ensure you are a perfect match. While it stands to reason that you got the job, in part, because the hiring Manager saw something in you that matched their culture, be sure to prove them right.

Avoid politics

While it pays to be sociable at work and make efforts to get on with your colleagues don’t make the mistake of getting involved in office gossip and politics. Your first three months is a time to demonstrate your expertise – not to become known, or associated with gossip.

Ask for feedback

It always pays to be proactive in getting feedback and constructive criticism from your superiors. Be one step ahead of your manager by asking for feedback before they offer it. Not only will this help your professional development, but it will demonstrate that you are keen to make a success of your role. Don’t however, go too far by asking if you are doing things right on a near constant basis. Diarise a meeting weekly, or bi-weekly, where you can get feedback without alienating your Manager.

Show enthusiasm

Perhaps an obvious one, but ensure your show enthusiasm, positivity and a desire to learn new things during your proving period. Despite how busy you are, or if your day hasn’t gone to plan, projecting a positive image is crucial. The first 90 days in a job aren’t all going to be easy – it’s a big transition – but by showing positivity, they will be that much easier and your peers will warm to you far better.

Three months may seem like a long time, but in reality, they will fly past. And this is particularly the case in a fast-paced environment like the care arena. Make them count by following our top tips and you’ll be well on your way to passing your proving period with flying colours.  Good luck!

If you would like additional advice about your new job or are seeking a new role, get in touch with the team today. And for more insights from the team check out our other blogs and resources.

It’s that time of year when many assess their career and decide that it is time to move on. But before you jump right in and send your CV out, it’s vital to take the time to review it and update it with your latest skills and achievements. And while you might not need us to tell you not to use your megalad@gmail.com or goddess@yahoo.co.uk email address when applying, we do have some very useful advice that our many years of experience in recruitment tells us will pay off. And with the average recruiter spending less than ten seconds reviewing a CV before deciding whether to keep it, yours needs to stand out from the crowd. Here’s how:

Tailor it

Nothing stands out more than a generic CV that hasn’t been updated for the specific job you’re applying for. Recruiters and potential employers want to see how well matched you are to that position so it’s no good sending out the same application every time. Read the job specification thoroughly and ensure your skills match the criteria that the organisation is looking for and you’re likely to receive a lot more responses than your regurgitated CV would bring.

No photo

Opinions are mixed over whether you should include a photo with a CV or job application. Some people think you should, more people think you shouldn’t. We’re in the latter camp and from our perspective, it’s much the same as including your birthday and only leaves you open to some employers potentially discriminating against you through their unconscious bias. While it shouldn’t make a difference, if an organisation is that keen to see what you look like then they can look at your social media channels. Which leads us onto our next point…

Sort out social media

While this isn’t part of your CV, it may as well be in the 21^st century as you’ll be hard-pressed to find an employer that won’t carry out at least a cursory search of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like to see what you’re really like. You don’t have to delete all the photos of you on a night out, or dressed up for a friend’s birthday, but do hide them as they’re hardly likely to impress your next potential boss. All it takes is an update of your privacy settings and bang – the dirt is gone, or at least hidden.

Keep it simple

There’s no need to add in every single detail about your life achievements so far. Your 25m swimming badge isn’t going to make the difference between getting an interview or not, so the best advice is to cut the superfluous detail and only highlight what will actually help you get the job you’re applying for. Consider that the recruiter who deals with your potential job probably receives hundreds of CVs every day and is fairly unlikely to read all five pages of yours so keep it concise, put your most important information first and cut the waffle.

Check, check and check again

The final point is every recruiter’s bugbear and if there’s one thing likely to get your CV thrown in the bin, it’s bad spelling and grammar. This is barely even excusable anymore as, unless you’ve written your CV by hand or on a typewriter, you will have had access to a spellchecker. And if you’re reluctant to rely on technology, print it out and read it out loud to yourself to ensure it makes sense. And then ask a friend to check it. It may sound like a lot of effort, but if it makes the difference between your application being considered and being binned, it’s probably worth it.

Got a killer CV?

Once you’ve completed this checklist you’re ready to go!

And if you need a helping hand why not get in touch with us today to see how we can help you get the job you’ve been dreaming off.

For advice on nailing your interview, click here.

You may also like to download our guide on How to Develop Your Legal CV.

Have you been over performing in your current position, exceeding expectations, and being given glowing reviews by your employer? If the answer is yes, then you may very well be ready for that all important promotion. Clearly, though, the opportunity isn’t going to simply fall into your lap. So how do you get noticed and get that well deserved promotion?

Here are our five top tips.

Set goals:

Setting goals should always be your first step, if you aren’t clear about where you want to go or what you want to achieve you’ll find yourself stuck in the same role. Only once you’ve set yourself goals can you start to work out how to achieve them. Work out the specific position you want and then imagine yourself attending an interview and the kind of questions they might ask. What makes you the right fit for the position? Do you have the appropriate experience? How would you manage the responsibilities? If you aren’t already able to answer these questions then they should provide you with a good indication of what you need to work on.

Why do you deserve the promotion?

Consider exactly why you’re suitable for the new role. If you’ve developed skills beyond the ones required for your current position see how well they align with those required for a more senior role. If they overlap significantly then it’s likely your manager may already be considering you for a step up. Conversely, if your skillsets aren’t yet up to the level required, then make sure to demonstrate that you are proactively taking steps to improve key skills and are committed to continued professional development. The same principle applies for your relevant experience, do you have enough already, or are there new responsibilities you could potentially take on?

Shout about your achievements:

Make sure your manager is aware of your achievements. If you work in a fast paced environment you’ll likely find that smaller successes are brushed to one side fairly quickly, or that your input into team achievements isn’t fully recognised. However, being able to demonstrate your successes and contributions will be key when discussing a potential promotion with your boss, so make sure to document all of them, however minor they may seem.

Get a meeting in the diary:

Schedule a meeting with your boss. While it’s important to formally schedule a consultation with your manager to ensure they understand the importance of the meeting, it’s also vital that you approach the conversation with enquires rather than demands. Let them know that you are keen to receive feedback on your performance and ask about potential opportunities for you to move up. Explain why you want to take on a new role, and demonstrate why you are ready if given the opportunity. However refrain from being pushy – if you come across as demanding you’ll hurt your chances of promotion rather then come any closer to gaining one.

Be realistic:

Be patient and realistic. If there is a role already available it may be that your meeting highlights you as an obvious candidate, however you may find that the reason you haven’t been promoted yet is because there simply isn’t a position open. In which case it’s key that you continue to demonstrate your relevant skillset, enthusiasm and commitment to professional development. You may find that your promotion is just around the corner.

Take a look at some our other blogs to gain some more valuable career advice.

Or take a look at our current roles to find your next game-changing role.

Being a Recruitment Consultant is challenging, make no mistakes about that. While you have responsibility for one of the most potentially pivotal moments in someone’s life, you’re also open to criticism, will be expected to hit often challenging targets, and have to put in a considerable amount of hard work. At the same time, the rewards are plentiful, and the most successful Consultants have the opportunity to earn a huge amount of money.

Here at Clayton Recruitment, we’re constantly on the lookout for our next new hires. We like to think our Consultants, and the company as a whole, does things in the right way, which is why we’ve provided our top tips to be a better Recruiter:

Know your clients and candidates inside out

All Recruiters should focus on learning as much information as possible about their clients and candidates. If you have outstanding, deep knowledge of the people and organisations you’re working with, then you’re likely to be able to match the two together more effectively. For example, one individual, who may not initially seem like the perfect fit for a position, may be ideally suited to the culture of the organisation, but the only way of discovering that is to dig deeper and have a full understanding of everyone and every opportunity you’re working with.

Network, network, network

No top tips to be a better Recruiter list would be complete without some advice on networking. It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s an incredibly effective way of getting to know more people and therefore expand your potential candidate and client base. However, relatively few of us are entirely comfortable with speaking to a room full of strangers so it’s important to ensure you’re fully prepared. Check out our recent guide on effective networking for some top tips, and remember to keep the potential benefits it could bring to your current role in mind. Word of mouth travels fast, and it’s likely that effective networking could exponentially expand both your network and your client and candidate base.

Be clear with job specs

Clarity is also a valuable trait from the candidate’s perspective. Recruitment has developed a bad reputation in some quarters for misrepresenting opportunities, which most commonly occurs within the initial job specification. It’s critical to remember that the job specification is the main way you will attract candidates to roles, so it’s worth spending time on them to ensure you get them right. If you’ve struggled to source candidates it can be tempting to overstate the role somewhat, but don’t fall into the trap. This will only create issues in the long run and could erode any goodwill you’ve spent a considerable amount of time building up. It’s your responsibility to prevent this from happening and you must ensure you get a minimum of five hard and clear performance objectives that clarify real job expectations, rather than just a list of mildly desirable traits.

Don’t stop digging

Not everyone is a good interviewee, in fact, relatively few of us are. That means that a candidate might not always open up and reveal information that could show they’re actually a perfect fit for a role. Even if they are ‘a good skills match’ with the position, you may have concerns about their fit with the company culture, so it’s critical to learn as much you can and to find out as much information as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask probing questions as it may help you to identify characteristics that may not have been immediately obvious, and that could perfectly align the individual with your client.

Follow up everything

Just because a candidate didn’t get a role this time, doesn’t mean they won’t be a good match for one that you may be filling later. If you’ve worked long and hard to bolster your reputation with clients, it makes no sense to throw it all out of the window and forget about the person once the process has been completed. Post interview, a shocking 74% of the feedback candidates receive is little more than a standard template, which doesn’t exactly encourage them to apply for another role with you in the near future. Taking time to inform candidates about the decision and the reasons why it was made will bolster your reputation and is likely to increase referrals.

If you’re looking to join an organisation that can enable you to develop all of these skills, then check out our current vacancies.

Take a look at some our other blogs to gain some more valuable career advice.

Or take a look at our other current roles to find your next game-changing position.