Friday, 13 March 2015

Job search tips that make a real difference…

Whether you’re actively on the hunt for a new role or just passively looking at what’s going on in the job market, we've compiled a few tips to revamp your search to get the best out of your job hunting!



Network, network and network some more!
This is crucial - here at Specialty Fashion Group, the first thing our recruitment team do when embarking on a new search is to review who’s in our network/ talent pool. You need to network and create relationships with recruiters as well as directly with companies you are interested in regardless of job search status. You never know when you will want to tap into your network. Think outside of job hunting; you might want to call on some market intelligence, a consulting offer or competitor information!

You would be surprised at the amount of roles employers do not advertise; therefore don’t rely on your typical job boards, wishing and hoping your dream role will just appear! This is where your network is crucial - key relationships are at a core of how you tackle your job search and networking will be instrumental to finding and securing the perfect job for your career progression.


Follow-up
Do you want to leave a great impression? Do you want to leave a lasting impression? Then follow up!! Make notes of who you have contacted and when, then diarise a follow up with those professionals you want to keep in contact with. A quick phone call, short email or Inmail via LinkedIn means that you remain front of mind and demonstrates your interest in actually working for the company. Persistence is key and it definitely pays off! (Just don’t harass them!)


Get social
Like, share, follow & comment!! Social networking on various platforms is a great way of getting insights into the organisations you are interested in. Companies are increasing turning to social media tools to connect with talent. Sometimes advertising a role but more often than not showcasing what it is like to work for their business. Follow companies that interest you on LinkedIn, like their pictures on Instagram, share their content on Facebook! By becoming their biggest fan and a brand advocate you are demonstrating genuine interest and gaining knowledge about the business.




Identify yourself with a top-notch cover letter and resume
Show your skill set, abilities and accomplishments with a clearly organised and well thought out resume. Here are some tips:
  • Don’t over complicate it with fancy font’s and borders
  • Check  spelling grammar & syntax 
  • Do not include a photo
  • Make sure all your contact details are there 
  • Check that your work history is chronological 
  • Explain any gaps in employment that are longer than six months 
  • Keep the length of the document appropriate to the volume of experience you have – if you have two years’ experience don’t send us a seven page resume! 

It won’t be a sure successor to landing you the job, but a bad resume with errors and a poor layout will eliminate you.


Job Alerts
Not actively looking around but still curious to know what’s going on out there in the market? For all the passive job seekers, why not let the jobs come to you? Sign up to receive job listings by email from a range of websites that are tailored to what you are looking for. This tip is a great time-saver plus you can track what’s going on in the market & industry.

As a recruitment team, we encourage our candidates to keep in touch with any changes in their situation even if at the time we don’t have a suitable opportunity. By developing those professional relationships, along with persistence and interest in a company, you’ll be the first to be contacted when a new opportunity arises!

Best of Luck!!!

SFG Recruitment Team xx






Monday, 9 March 2015

Anything is possible.........

Knowledge is power 


This weekend 20 SFGer’s headed off to the Women on Top Conference held in Sydney. This was a forum for smart and savvy business women to share their secrets to getting on top in business and in life. The day was filled with learning & being inspired by women at the top of their game from all walks of life. We took something away from their stories and journeys - for ourselves personally as well as for our careers @ SFG.

Here are some of our key takeaways:
  • Amanda Gore introduced us to The Joy Project… remember that your thinking determines your story, which determines your beliefs & behaviours - be conscious of your thinking & what you say out loud. So be a spirit ‘igniter’ not a spirit ‘foofer’, eradicate fear, find your joy spot & leave joy bombs all around the office. 
  • Mia Freedman took us on the journey of remembering not to compare our behind the scene life with other people’s highlight reel. She wanted to change the conversation of women by women for women. Make sure you build strong foundations, so that when the wind blows you’re ok. Life balance is about setting boundaries & the art of delegating is about managing your ego. 
  • Louise Fowller & Loral Langemeier talked about having self-worth; looking for things to give yourself credit for, create a deep fulfilling life by selling from your souls rather than selling your soul (why do you come to work every day?). So live out loud, say yes & worry about ‘how’ later, find a person that knows how to do that thing better than you & then do as they say. Design a life/career you want.
  • Chloe Morello showed us that anyone can be successful if you’re passionate about your strengths & skills. We also learnt some interesting things about monetising social media.
  •  Lisa Messenger taught us to ‘know our why”. Have purpose, passion and say yes & figure out how later. Be a disruptive entrepreneur, be nimble flexible & fast. Feed your soul and your brain by talking, following & being inspired by others. Finally, get feedback - listen, shift your thinking & ask what you can do with it. 

           A big "Thank you" to all the lovely ladies for attending; we hope you all enjoyed it and left feeling inspired and empowered! If you would like further information on the event please go to their website http://womenontop2015.com/ 
      
      Team Member Testimonials:
      "It was a fascinating insight into how women who have overcome careers that had both turbulent times and amazing times but learnt from the two are still passionate about what they believe in and what/who they work for. It was lovely to see they are now living the dream with jobs that they love with values they believe in!" Laura, from Millers Marketing Team