August 05 Newsletter

Temp of the month

Outstanding performance from our temps doesn’t go unnoticed. We truly appreciate, and like to therefore acknowledge the great work they are doing for us.

Our August Temp of the Month award had to be split as the guys in question are friends at the same work place and doing an equally fab job. So congratulations to Nick Dooley and Mike Emery.

Nick and Mike are pictured here whilst on assignment at Regal Health. They get $100 from a store of their choice.

Be prepared! First impressions count!

It is well known that first impressions count, with many hiring managers (48% according to a recent survey conducted by Robert Half) forming an opinion of candidates within ten minutes of meeting them.

All too often, we see candidates who damage their chances even before they arrive for interview! Recruitment Consultants usually interview many more candidates than internal hiring managers. With this in mind we thought we’d impart some advice as to how to approach interviews and what to do and what not to do. Much of it is commonsense, some of it has been covered before, but here goes:

Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself
If an interview has been arranged and you cannot make it for whatever reason: change of heart about the position, the offer an alternative role, it is common courtesy to call and advise the person you’re scheduled to meet. If you don’t it does get noted and may compromise your chances of gaining employment through that agency or employer in future.

Try to avoid being late…though also avoid being very early
Leave early and allow for delays. If you are struggling to meet the scheduled interview time, call and advise, rather than simply turning up late. If you arrive any more than 15 minutes early, grab a coffee, walk around the block, relax in the knowledge you have arrived with plenty of time to spare! We get occasional candidates who arrive up to an hour early…Yes, you may be keen, though potential employers may doubt your ability to follow simple instructions and may get annoyed as they feel pressured to see you early when they’ve other activities or interviews scheduled.

Be presentable
Come suited and booted, but even more importantly, get the basics right. It can be easy to look unkempt even in a suit. Is your hair tidy, your shirt pressed, are your shoes clean and polished?

Listen…and speak clearly and concisely
Listen to the interviewer. Most interviews are structured, and while you will be expected to do most of the talking (up to 80%) ensure you listen attentively, particularly at the start of the interview when the interviewer will provide an overview of what to expect, and sometimes, valuable tips as to what they are looking for. When answering questions, speak clearly and concisely. Take into account the communication style of the interviewer. No need to mimic them, though adjust your style accordingly.

Be happy, don’t worry!
Easier said than done, but in truth people respond more favorably to people who are positive, can smile and build rapport. Some interviews can be very formal, others more relaxed. If going through an agency, ensure you find out what the person interviewing you is like. Build rapport where possible and enjoy it! If the interviewer is conversational, keep it chatty where appropriate.

Do your homework!
An easy way to get brownie points is by demonstrating you know something about the company you are being considered for employment. We live in a time of information overload. The Internet will in most cases provide a really good overview of the company. Larger companies usually put favorable recent press releases on their website. Ensure you know your potential employer well. Use your recruitment consultant! They should be able to provide you with a clear overview of the position, how is relates and fits in within that particular area and department, and an idea as to what to expect at interview. Some agencies are better than others, so if this information is not provided, ask for it!

Ask questions
Have between three and five questions prepared. You may find some questions you had prepared are covered off by the employer in the interview any way, which is why you should have at least a couple up your sleeve. Make sure they cannot be misconstrued. There is a world of difference in asking “What’s the salary?” compared to “Can you provide me with an overview as to how my performance will be measured and how it relates to the incentive scheme you mentioned earlier?”

Get feedback
Whether successful or unsuccessful, seek feedback. Only then will you know how to improve and increase you chances next time round. Appreciate honesty, and thank them for you time in considering you for the position.

Don’t dream it, achieve it!

More often that not we let our career dreams and goals fall by the wayside! By setting goals and following these simple steps you can start making your career goals a reality!

Do you really want it?
Firstly, take the time to seriously think about your career goals. How much do you want it? Why do you want it? It is also important to remember when setting your goals that they must be consistent with your values.

Visualise yourself achieving your goal
Learn how to visualize your goals. Imagine how it feels to achieve these goals and how your life will change once you have achieved your goals. By using the visualization technique and mentally picturing your goals you will positively alter your attitude and find achieving your goals easier. If your goal is a material object then keep a picture of it somewhere that you will see everyday to remind you of your goals.

Plan how you are going to achieve your goal
Create an action plan and identify those steps that you are going to need to take to achieve your goals. By doing this and taking small steps you will see that your short term goals play a part in the bigger picture.

Commit to achieving your goal
Make sure that you write you goals down, include an action plan (as above) along with a timeline for each individual goal. Remember, the more focused you are on your goal the more likely you are to accomplish it.

Review your goals regularly
Reviewing your goals on a daily basis is crucial to your success. If you are not making progress, hire a coach or find a mentor. Don’t let your goal slip away! Figure out what you need to do and accomplish it!

By following these simple steps we hope that you will be well on your way to achieving your career goals. Best wishes and good luck.

More new additions Beaumont Consulting!!!

Due to our recent expansion and continued growth of the business we are very pleased to introduce our 4 new fantastic consultants!!

From left to right - Sian,Vivian, Kristy and Anita.

Sian has joined us to help manage, develop and strengthen the Office Support Division after relocating to Australia from the UK.

Vivian completes the Office Support division and comes with a wealth of experience in the industry as well as working on the other side within a strategic HR role.

Kristy will be working alongside Neil Hanson specialising in both temporary and permanent recruitment within the Call Centre industry.

And Anita will be focusing on Office Support candidates within our new Chatswood office set to open in September.

Joke of the month

The Job Interview

Reaching the end of a job interview, the human resources person asked a young graduate fresh out of UTS, "And what starting salary were you looking for?"

The graduate said, "In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package."

The interviewer said, "Well, what would you say to a five-week vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching your retirement fund to 50% of your salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?"

The young engineer sat up straight and said, "Wow! Are you kidding?"

The interviewer replied, "Yeah, but you started it."

Quote of the month

"Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun." Colleen C. Barrett