Hot tips from Tanya Gray, Managing Director of Recruit NZ

DIY job hunting versus working with a recruitment consultant

When it comes to job hunting do you think it is better to “DIY” or work with a knowledgeable professional from within the industry? Do you know what your rights are, the process you should go through, and what is involved, or do you like to go solo? Here are some tips that weigh up the pros and cons for job seekers-you decide for yourself!

Pros

1. Consultants are familiar with the various legislation involved within the Employment Industry, can ensure you receive all of the correct documentation, and are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. For example do you know you are legally entitled to seek independent legal advice when you are given your employment agreement? This should be done before your first day of work- ideally a week before you start in case there is anything in there you would like to discuss/ amend before starting. And yes you do have the right to negotiate on your employment agreement’s clauses.

2. Consultants are there to manage the process for you. We are there to take the stress out of it for you and ensure that everything that should be done is being done.  At Recruit NZ we know the recruitment process inside out and if an employer was being unfair, discriminatory, trying to do something illegally, or was simply messing you about we would manage it.

3. We keep track of your job applications. At Recruit NZ we would not put forward your details to 2 employers at the same time. We will work with one employer at a time to ensure it is fair, honest, and ethical to both parties. Some agencies (not us) have strict KPIs in place and because of this your CV is being fired all over Auckland- not a professional approach and certainly not a good look on your behalf.

4. Contacts and databases. Once you work with us we keep your details on our database and send you regular emails and newsletters as well as facebook updates. Plus there are a number of jobs that do come through to us that do not get advertised simply because we know of someone perfect for the role off the top of our head! You would be amazed how many of our clients call or email to ask if we know of anyone..... Food for thought!

Cons

1. I have worked with Consultants and I simply don’t like them. I have heard that a million times. That is why I started Recruit NZ! You need to ensure that if you are going to work with a Consultant that it is someone that you feel you can communicate with, that you understand the recruitment process you will go through with them, they are efficient, and most importantly you can trust them. Ask them what is involved, ask them when they will reference check you- know your rights and if they are not providing the level of service you had expected then simply do not work with them!

2. What about fees? At Recruit NZ we do not charge job seekers fees for finding them work- it is the cost of the employer. We do however charge for consulting work, CVs, training, workshops, and career guidance. In some businesses through you will find you are charged a fee or part of your wages for the first few months will go back to the Consultant. Make sure you ask this question before working with a Consultant!

3. I feel like I lose control of things when I am working with a consultant. Well if that is the case you are not working with the right Consultant! You should be kept in the loop with everything that is going on with your CV, job application, and they should be asking you for your permission to conduct reference checks. If that is not happening do not work with them. At Recruit NZ we are transparent- we will tell you honestly of you are not suitable for the role; we will try and get feedback from the employers if you are not successful, and we will call, text, or email you to give you updates- even if we have had no updates. When you meet with your Consultant ask them the question and tell them if you want to be updated daily and by what method- they can do that for you- it’s their job after all!

5 tips on marketing yourself in 2010

There is so much competition out there at the moment for the jobs that are available. Advertisers are being swamped by applicants and only the strongest will win. You need to think outside the square, be fast on your feet, and really set yourself apart if you want to secure employment in 2010. Here are some insider’s tips on how to market yourself this year:

1. Social Networking sites-We all know social networking sites such as Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter are very popular within certain groups worldwide. They certainly are not about to lose popularity- if anything there will be more of these sites about over the next few years that will just see improvement upon improvement. If technology is not your thing perhaps it is time to get into it and realise the potential within these sites. PLEASE be aware though that what you post onto these sites may be seen by potential employers/ business contacts and we have all heard of the horror stories with these sites when used unprofessionally.

2. Re-look, Re-fresh, and Re-do!- Take a look at your CV you have been using-is it the same old template you and 10,000 other people have downloaded for free or does it stand out, project your level of professionalism, and make people want to take action? 90 percent of the CVs that come by my nose every day are a very boring; on a standard old template that every other person uses............. do you get what I mean? Do something for goodness sakes-this is your first point of contact with employers! Take the time, spend the money if you need some help, but please take this advice!

3. Think about your USP-I can hear you saying “My what......?” Your unique selling point! Your USP is what YOU are offering to your employer. It is what you want to stick in their heads when you leave to make the experience with them a memorable one! Why would an employer want to hire someone that is only average at what they do with no unique benefit? Surely they would hire the person that would add value to the business through their unique selling point as well as their great experience!

You must be able to fulfil your USP but think about why you are unique, and why they should hire you over all of those other applicants. A lot of people don’t know why they should get the job over the other 10 suitably qualified and experienced applicants. It amazes me-which is why I am sharing this with you now. So go, sit down and take the time to think about what makes you special! Just remember your USP needs to be relative to the role and industry you are applying for, articulate, and memorable!

4. Persistency is the key-Now I do not mean be a stalker to the poor Consultant or Employer because that is not a good look but what I do mean is ensure you follow up. I say it to people all of the time. YOU are responsible for YOUR job applications and YOU need to follow up! Keep a register of all of the roles you are applying for (email me for a free job applications register), the way in which you are applying, who you are dealing with, and the date you need to follow up. If you do not follow up, you do not show you are keen or set yourself apart- now be mindful that there is a fine line between being a stalker and showing you are interested. If you have applied for a role, I would suggest you follow up within the week with a phone call to see where things are at. Always be polite, friendly, professional, and ask when they plan to get in touch next.

5. Something is better than nothing- I know a lot of candidates at the moment want full time work on a permanent basis. It’s understandable because of the money, security, and the need to get life back to normal. You do need to understand that a lot of employers are starting this year off on the cautious side of things and would be open to hiring staff on a temporary / contract basis or perhaps in a part time capacity initially. If you are offered a role in one of the aforementioned contracts then why not? You never know where it will lead and who you will meet through the contract. Apply for temp, part time, and fixed term contract roles- there is no harm in doing that and like I said- something is better than nothing!

Contact Tanya on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone: (09) 280 3877 for any further assistance on the above topics