Tag: recruitment

HOW TO NAIL THE FIRST DAY AT A NEW JOB!

Posted on by Sprint Guest Author

So, I’ve just had my first day at my new job here at Sprint People and I’m pretty sure I nailed it!

I was put forward for the role of Recruitment Resourcer/Candidate Manager, through our lovely consultant Jessica. I had originally applied for an external role but when that didn’t work out, Jessica contacted me, asking if I’d be willing to interview for this role. Next thing you know, here I am, the newest member of the #SprintFam.

It all happened so quickly once I met the Sprint team and I was excited by the opportunities Sprint had to offer. Not only that, there was an Alice in Wonderland meeting room! Being a crazy Disney fan, you can imagine how excited this made me!

I received my contract and letter of offer. I signed, sealed and delivered it back to my new employer and before I knew it, the scary but exciting part arrived…

My First Day!

I woke up super early and went through my wardrobe (again) just to make sure the night before I did in fact pick the right outfit. Thoughts were swirling through my head “What should I wear? Comfortable shoes? Or tough it out in heels? What were the other girls wearing at the office? Did I buy enough corporate clothes on the weekend? What about my hair? What have I gotten myself into? SHOULD I WEAR PINK?”

Any of this sound familiar? We have all been there; starting a new job can be nerve wrecking and exciting. For me, so long as you are organised and prepared to learn and work, but also remember that most importantly you are human and need to take it easy on yourself, you can nail your first day!

Arriving on Time

Firstly, arrive early BUT not too early. I’m all about arriving as prepared as possible (this may also have to do with my father being in the navy many years ago) however, there’s a difference between arriving 10 minutes early and 30 minutes early. Why? Yes, arriving early shows you are keen, organised and ready to work, which is great, but too early can throw off your new employer and what they had planned for the day.

They’re preparing for you to arrive at a certain time and have your day planned out for you. Arriving considerably earlier can make them feel rushed because they weren’t ready for you. This could potentially mean your first day may not go as smoothly as they had planned. Another thing, it’s an annoying feeling to be conscious of someone waiting for you. Your employer does not want this feeling, and we always want to get off to a good start with them on your first day, right?

Now, if you’re like me and regardless you do arrive quite early, (just in case of train delays or you get lost, etc) wait outside the building or at least near the area. Grab a coffee across the road, or if you’re nervous call a relative, a friend, your partner, or watch cute puppy videos on YouTube to get your mind off your nerves, (trust me, puppy therapy really works). That way when you walk in, you won’t feel rushed you’ll appear more relaxed, happier and confident.

Be Accountable

Another thing that I find you have to remember is to make yourself accountable to what you promised in the interview and remember what it is your employer needs from you.

How horrible is it to say, “I’m going to give this role 150%,” and then only give it 70% at your best? So walk in ready to learn, take notes, and show initiative by asking your co-workers and your boss if there’s anything they need. Remember as much as your boss wants you to thank them for the opportunity, wouldn’t it feel just as great for them to thank you for working with them?

Embrace Being the Newbie

Finally, during this period, this will be the time and that you will be able to embrace being the newbie and not be afraid of questions or mistakes (however, if you are like Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way, then that’s amazing too and please teach me your ways).

Whilst we may be our harshest critic on this, as embarrassing as it may be at the time, QUESTIONS AND MISTAKES WILL HAPPEN!

Think about it, are we expected to be on the same level as our boss on our first day? OF COURSE NOT, and guess what? Your boss knows this too and has likely anticipated how long it may take for you to get the hang of things in the company, so give yourself a break as well.

Remember, asking questions shows you want to learn and are dedicated to doing things right. Mistakes are not ideal, however, mistakes are when you learn the most. Now if you are making constant mistakes, or even worse, the same mistakes, then you might run into some trouble with your employer, but you get my point.

I was highly fortunate to walk into a company that was so welcoming and made my first couple of weeks an incredible experience. It has been fast-paced and busy but I’ve learned an incredible amount and pretty sure I nailed the first day which set the benchmark for my career at Sprint People! I’m looking forward to meeting all of you overtime.

 

 

 

Part Time Jobs – The Low Down from Naomi

Posted on by Naomi Marshall

Part time jobs have always existed but in reality, they are usually few and far between. Whilst there has been a steady increase of candidates calling in over the past few years requesting part-time hours, I’ve certainly noticed a marked increase over the past 12 months. For any part-time advertisement that we place we are well and truly inundated with candidates and plenty being really top quality candidates.

Who is in the market for part time jobs?

There is a very high volume of Mums (and Dads!) keen to stay in the workforce, who are seeking flexibility with their working hours. Childcare costs are escalating and there is a fine line between what they can earn in a day versus putting the child in childcare. Working part-time often helps with this balance and means they keep one foot in the workforce (e.g. helps keep their skills up and in addition it can better their chances of being considered for full time roles down the track).

Additionally, there are a vast number of people studying and they too are requesting work around their study hours.

Let’s be blunt – Sydney is a rat race and it can be exhausting! I’ve had lots of people who have spent the majority of their working life in full time work (sometimes up to 50-60 hours a week). They’re still ready to give a lot to a business, but they are looking for a work life balance. Working either a 4 day week or even a 9 day fortnight will help with their well being goals.

People can be dealing with all sorts of personal matters – e.g. caring for elderly parents, which can affect their ability to commit to full time work.

So, what are the benefits to the employer?

One of the main aspects to consider is the financial side of things, as this can be dramatic, particularly for smaller businesses. When you take into account that for every day the person is not working the business saves 20% on the salary, it can be an attractive option. The wage bill for many companies can be one of their highest costs. Without a doubt, there are many roles that must be performed on a full-time basis. However, support roles are key ones that can, at times, be under taken part-time – often with virtually the same output as a full time employee.

Quality part-time work is hard to fine, so when I place a candidate in a part-time role, I find that they are generally extremely appreciative and therefore loyal to that employer for the opportunity; for that reason, the candidate often stays for the longer term. As all business owners know, longevity of a team pays off in many ways.

When a part-timer can be flexible with the days they work, it can be very beneficial for a company to have adaptive support for the business in line with the peaks and troughs.

Job share arrangements (e.g. sharing a week of work between 2 people) can be a fantastic solution for clients looking to bring two different skill sets into the business. E.g. 2 x Office Managers, one might be better with staff management, the other with business finances – between the two people they handle the main administration workload and also add value by bringing in additional skills (that are not required all day, every day).

Reception roles are perfect for a job share arrangement – particularly if there has been high turnover in the role. Truth be told, whilst reception roles are critical to a business, many are simply not that exciting, nor do they offer any career progression. So finding a candidate willing to stick it out for the long haul can be a challenge. Two great part-timers e.g. 2.5 days each or 2/3 days can be an excellent solution. A part-timer will often be happier to take on these types of duties, for a longer period of time and as mentioned earlier, will often be loyal and appreciative of the opportunity.

Ultimately what we find is that a candidate is willing to be more flexible on the actual role e.g. take on something that doesn’t challenge them as much as they may like because the option of part-time outweighs other aspects. For an employer, that may mean they are getting and paying for someone who has a lot more experience and skills that the job requires (on tap when, and if needed) for less money.

So as you can see there are NUMEROUS benefits for all parties involved when it comes to part-time employment. I can appreciate that it may not work for every role or every company; however, next time you are looking to hire a new support staff member maybe stop to consider all options.

Feel free to call Naomi Marshall directly on 9271 0011 should you have any questions – always there to help.

Naomi Marshall – Director
P: (02) 9271 0011
M: 0422 139 910
E: naomi@sprintpeople.com.au

Meet Emma

Posted on by Naomi Marshall

Hi There!

I am your new candidate care specialist, and the newest member to the #SprintFam.

Having studied media at uni and coming from a radio and PR background I am new to the recruitment game. While I did love the fast pace and the many fun and crazy times in my previous entertainment roles, I came to realise that it was not the industry that I loved so much, but the people! Wanting to steer myself in to a new direction, I came into Sprint People to interview for an external role – and I will admit, after having had a bad experience with a recruitment agency in the past I was somewhat tentative to do so – however my expectations were exceeded by not only the gorgeous office and the incredibly warm staff but with a job offer in the candidate care hot seat!

I have learnt in my short time here (as I am sure you have too in your experience with our agency) – that successful candidate care begins and ends with the small, simple efforts made by the consultants. Sprint People prides itself on the exceptional level of customer service provided to you from the beginning of your experience and beyond. I like to call it 720 recruitment – end to end, and back again!

No question is ever too small, no email ever too big! I look forward to working with you all and spending the time to hear about your career journey, your dream last night and maybe even what you have decided to name your cat 🙂

Chat soon,

Emma

How do you put your best foot forward?

Posted on by Naomi Marshall

Finding a new job takes time and you need to put your best foot forward. Not just when interviewing with your potential new boss but from the moment you hit “send” on your email with your CV.

Here are our Sprint Tips for “Putting your Best Foot Forward” & landing the job:

First Impressions
Your CV is your first chance to not only make a good impression, but to make an impression at all. Recruiters will look at hundreds of CVs every week. You need to make sure your CV stands out for the right reasons; no spelling or grammar mistakes (PLEASE!!) and if you are including a cover letter, take the time to address it to the right person.

To make a good impression and to secure an interview, your CV needs to match the requirements of the job. If the job ad is asking for experience supporting a large team, make sure your CV highlights your experience supporting a large team. If you have no relevant experience, you will need to make sure your cover letter addresses why you are applying for the job.

Preparation
You have to prepare for every interview, even the initial interview with the recruiter. The amount of times a candidate has said to me “I wouldn’t wear this to the job interview” or “I wouldn’t do this in front of the client”…GUESS WHAT…If you don’t impress us and demonstrate you’ve got what it takes, we won’t be recommending our client meets you. We will assume how you act in front of us, is how you will behave in front of the client. The recruiter is just as important as the hiring manager and preparing to meet the recruiter should not be underestimated.

Prepare for every interview (with the recruiter, the hiring manager, HR or anyone else). Take the time to research the company, know the job description and know your own CV. If you know whom you are meeting with, research them and their experience on LinkedIn. It doesn’t have to be hugely time consuming, but it is easy for an interviewer to recognise those candidates who have taken the time to prepare versus those who have not.

The more you prepare, the more you emphasise your commitment to the role, your willingness to learn and your enthusiasm to get the job. That is the person the hiring manager wants in their team.

Presentation
Do we sound like a broken record about this? Good. Presentation is so so so important. You cannot put your best foot forward if you turn up to an interview (at any stage of the recruitment process) and you are not immaculately presented.

Neat and tidy hair, appropriate clothing for the job and company you are interviewing with. Make sure your shirt is ironed, your stockings don’t have ladders and you have appropriate footwear on. Keep your perfume to a minimum; you don’t want to leave a lingering scent of you in the room.

Presentation is in the detail so take time out before you go in for your interview to make sure you’re looking at your best.

Positivity
Stay positive. We understand it can be draining but don’t give up hope and stay positive. The right job is out there for you.

As a recruiter, when someone becomes ‘Negative Nancy’ about the recruitment process, it is obvious and it doesn’t bode well. We want to see the best of you, and when we recommend our client to meet you, we want them to see a sparkle in your eyes. So even if you are feeling a little drained, keep it at bay and remember that a positive attitude is the type of person that a hiring manager wants to bring into the team.

Badmouthing a previous employer or the recruitment process is not professional or endearing to a potential new manager. No matter what your experience has been in recent times (even the world’s worst boss); keep your interview positive and focus on your skills and what you will bring to the job you are interviewing for.

Follow Up
You nailed the interview! Great. But even after the interview, you still need to put your best foot forward and stand out from your competition. Follow up! Send a note, drop a brief email or even send a LinkedIn connection with a thank you. Let the recruiter know how much you want the job and don’t be afraid to let the hiring manager know too. That said, keep it brief and professional (and only if they gave you a business card) and don’t bring up anything new. Short and simple = Leaving a lasting impression.

Landing the dream job starts long before you meet your potential new manager. You need to do your homework and be putting your best foot forward from the moment you decide you want a new role.

10 Steps to Finding your Dream Job!

Posted on by Naomi Marshall

Are you looking for your dream job? Are you waiting for it to land at your feet or are you out there, pounding the concrete on a quest to find it?

Did you know that more often than not, people are sitting back, passively, waiting for that opportunity? That means, your competition has already been halved, because they aren’t even trying.  So don’t be sitting in that group – follow our Sprint Steps below and be the one to stand out and secure your dream job!

  1. Have your CV & Cover letter ready to go:

Urgency is imperative in a job search. So often, by the time we’ve placed an ad on Seek, the client is already asking us for a shortlist of candidates from our database. The ad is often a recruiter throwing the net out to see who else is available but in actual fact, we could already have candidates interviewing! If you sit on a job you like the look of on Seek for a week before you actually apply, chances are, it will be too late. If you want the job, be quick and get in early, before the rest of the candidates trickle in over the coming days.

  1. Have a Seek Alert system

That way, you will be alerted to any new jobs and you can be one of the first to apply. With any job placed on Seek., we expect at least a hundred applications (sometimes it can be a lot more). Although at Sprint we go through each and every one of them, we start at the top and often as soon as the resumes come in we are calling those candidates and organising to meet them. Once we get a few good candidates, we often pause to interview them.  Be at the front of the line to be seen first! If you are one of the last, chances are, that ship will have sailed!

  1. Follow up with the Recruiter or Hiring Manager

There is nothing wrong with showing some enthusiasm! If your skills match the job requirements and it sounds like the role you want, make yourself standout! Call and introduce yourself to the recruiter. Let them know you are keen and let them know you believe you have the skills. HOWEVER, please send your CV in before you call! There is no point calling if the recruiter can’t visualise your experience and see first hand from your CV that you have what it takes.

  1. Tidy up your LinkedIn Profile

Does your LinkedIn profile represent the best of you? Is your photo up to date, professional and clear? Make sure your LinkedIn experience matches up to what you are saying in your CV because it is highly likely any recruiter or hiring manager will be checking you out online before they progress you forwards.  There is nothing more embarrassing than LinkedIn saying you’re one thing and your CV saying another.

  1. Check your Facebook Privacy & Profile Photos

Just like they are looking at you on LinkedIn, it is likely the hiring manager or even HR will be checking out what else they can find out about you online. Please remove all inappropriate photos from your Facebook and Instagram accounts and check your privacy settings. You don’t want to be looking like the perfect candidate on paper, proceed all the way to interview only to have it go down the toilet because of some inappropriate photos posted on social media 6 months ago!!

  1. Ask around friends and Family

Sometimes the role for you won’t even be advertised. It will be through a friend of a friend or an old colleague. Make sure you are letting your wider network of friends and family know that you are on a mission to find the job of your dreams.

  1. Do some research

Not 100% sure what the dream job entails? Ask around. Meet up with different friends, family and colleagues past and present. Find out what they do in their jobs, what they like, what they don’t like. What they do day to day! Identify what parts of their jobs you would be good at and start to see where your skills match up.  You never know where this exercise could lead by way of introductions and job offers!!

  1. Identify a Company Hit List

What type of company do you want to work for? Small, large? In the city or in the suburbs? Make a hit list of organisations you’d like to work for. Research them. Send your CV in to the HR team and let them know why you’d like to work for them and why you’d be a good fit!! It’s all about being proactive and getting your name out there.

  1. Don’t Give Up

We know. Believe us. We live and breathe it every day. Finding a job that you love is really hard and it takes a lot of resilience and perseverance. Don’t let a false start or a missed opportunity be a deterrent. There is a job out there for everyone and there is a career out there, one that you will love and prosper in. It can just take time, so keep going!!

We believe if you follow our Sprint Steps to your dream job it is only a matter of time before that perfect role is offered to you. Just remember finding a job is hard work. It isn’t meant to be easy and it rarely falls at anyone’s feet! If you want to chat more about how we can help you to finding your next role, please get in touch with us at Sprint People!!