It’s a unique job search and recruitment environment out there at the moment.
Low unemployment, the hangover of closed borders during the pandemic, skills shortages and a cultural shift in the way we work…all these [+ actually plenty more factors] have contributed to candidates for jobs being in a better position than ever before.
BUT…and that’s a big but…..that doesn’t mean candidates can expect to walk into a job without making sure the t’s are crosses and the i’s are dotted.
“The principles of recruitment and making sure a person is a cultural fit for an organisation still remain,” says Margherita Colley, owner of a local recruitment business.
“And while it’s what people are calling an ‘employee market’ right now, there are some key elements that anyone who has applied for a job and been asked to interview for a job can work on to increase their success rate.”
From school leavers to mature aged candidates, here’s some handy advice from Margherita about how to navigate your way through the job candidate process.
Candidate Interviews
Preparation is key. Find out as much as you can about the job, the company, people with leadership roles in the organisation, the history, and even research the person who will be interviewing you.
“We give a full detailed job description to our candidates prior to going to an interview and share as much information with them as we know,” says Margherita.
“Your research will also help you to come up with questions to ask in the interview too. It’s always good to have some questions prepared to ask the interviewer.”
Punctuality is super important too.
“We always recommend arriving at least 5 – 10 minutes before the interview. It gives you time to take a breath and have some quiet time before you go in,” Margherita says.
“And first impressions are everything so make that first meeting count.”
Introduce yourself, look them in the eye, smile, shake their hand – if you’re nervous meeting new people, practice doing this at home in the mirror or with a family member until it becomes second nature or less overwhelming for you.
“Dressing appropriately for the interview is part of the all-important first impression. Present yourself neatly and professionally and wear appropriate clothing for the job you’re going for.”
What about when you’re IN the interview?
Margherita says it’s important to stay on point and answer questions succinctly without ending up in some sort of monologue.
“A lot of us talk a lot when we’re nervous and that’s understandable, but you need to be concise and actually answer questions being asked of you,” she says.
“Keep the conversation flowing but don’t overshare, and make sure you stick to the topic.”
That’s good advice!
Body language is important – sit upright, maintain eye contact, don’t look out the window or up at the ceiling.
And always be honest but professional.
“And as tempting as it may be to be negative about previous job roles and organisations you’ve worked for in the past, it is crucial to keep it positive during an interview,” Margherita advises.
Communication
It’s not over when you walk out the door after the interview. Communication [from all stakeholders] is super important.
“A follow up email after the interview is something that’s simple, only takes a few minutes to do and will have a positive impact,” says Margherita.
“Drop them an email saying it was great to meet you, thanks for your time, the job is an opportunity you’d really love and you look forward to hearing from them. See? Simple but makes such a great impression.”
If the communication is not forthcoming from the company you interviewed with, follow up with a phone call or another email, this time confirming you’re still interested in the role, that you’re available if they have any more questions and it’s okay to ask about timelines regarding decisions being made about the job.
“Most companies are great at communicating timelines and it’s important that job candidates keep their communication channels open too.”
“It just helps everyone manage their time and expectations.”
“Communication is such a big part of any sort of job and you never know when you might run into somebody you’ve communicated poorly with in the past, and how that will reflect on you,” Margherita points out.
“You never know what opportunities lie around the corner so we always advise our clients and candidates to keep those communication channels open at all times.”
Counter-offers
Now, candidates receiving counter-offers after they’ve accepted a position is nothing new but it’s happening a lot more in the current employment market.
“It’s definitely a trend we’re seeing as employers try to hang onto their employees because it’s such a tricky candidate market at the moment,” Margherita says.
“In the past six months, we’ve experienced this a number of times. Contracts are signed and then a previous employer offers a higher amount of money and the candidate stays with their current employer.”
“It can be frustrating, but what I have seen as someone who works daily in this environment is that a number of months later that candidate reaches out to us again……the money was better but the job didn’t improve.”
It sounds tricky!
“It is but our team has always acted with integrity – we’re honest and transparent, take the time to understand what our clients and candidates want and need, and that’s how we work.”
Thanks Margherita! Some great advice and valuable insight into the current employment market there.
If you’re a local business looking for help with recruiting star employees into your biz, give Margherita and her team a call.
If you’re a jobseeker keen to find a fantastic job in the Illawarra or surrounding areas, reach out to the team and they’ll help you find a position that matches your expectations, experience and personality!
