Lloyd, Author at Star Personnel Recruitment

Never Give Up on Your Job Search – Target, Adapt, Succeed!

Posted on 6 September 2023 by Lloyd

Are you feeling discouraged in your job search? It’s essential to remember that landing the perfect job can be a challenging journey, but it’s also one filled with opportunities for growth and success. Don’t give up! Instead, let’s explore some strategies that will help you stay motivated, focused, and ready to seize those opportunities as they arise.

Target Your Job Search: Begin by identifying your strengths, skills, and passions. What do you excel at, and what truly ignites your enthusiasm? Tailor your job search to align with your aspirations and strengths. This focused approach will not only make your search more manageable but also increase your chances of finding a role that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.
Set Clear Goals: Define your career goals and objectives. Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, switch industries, or start your own venture, having a clear vision will help you stay motivated and on track. Break your goals down into smaller, actionable steps to make them more achievable.
Stay Informed and Adaptable: The job market is constantly evolving, so staying informed about industry trends, new technologies, and emerging opportunities is crucial. Be open to adapting your skillset and learning new things. This adaptability will make you more attractive to potential employers and open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Networking Matters: Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to colleagues, friends, and industry contacts. Attend events, join online forums, and engage with professionals in your field. You never know when a connection might lead to your dream job or provide valuable insights into your chosen industry.
Investigate Opportunities as They Arise: Sometimes, opportunities may present themselves when you least expect them. Keep your eyes open for job postings, even if you’re not actively searching. Your dream job might be just one click or conversation away. Be ready to act when an exciting opportunity crosses your path.
Stay Persistent and Positive: The job search process can be challenging and sometimes disheartening, but remember that rejection is a part of the journey. Stay persistent, maintain a positive mindset, and learn from each experience. Each setback brings you one step closer to success.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, mentors, or career advisors. Sharing your challenges and successes with others can provide valuable insights and encouragement to keep moving forward.

In conclusion, your dream job is out there, waiting for you to claim it. Stay focused, set goals, be adaptable, and never give up. Investigate opportunities as they arise, and remember that each step you take in your job search is a step toward achieving your career aspirations. Keep your determination high, and success will be yours. Your journey might be tough, but it will be worth it!

Embracing Retainer-Based Recruitment: A Paradigm Shift for South Africa

Posted on 19 July 202319 July 2023 by Lloyd

In today’s competitive and fast-paced business landscape, the “war on talent” has become an all-encompassing challenge for companies worldwide. The ability to secure top-tier talent is essential for sustained growth and success. Internationally, the recruitment industry has been adapting to this reality by shifting towards retainer-based recruitment, a practice that offers a myriad of advantages for both clients and recruiters alike. However, in South Africa, this trend is yet to gain the momentum it deserves. In this article, we will explore the benefits of appointing a recruitment firm on a retainer basis, rather than a traditional success fee (contingency) model, and how it can revolutionize the way companies secure top talent in the region.

Advantages of Retainer-Based Recruitment:

Enhanced Commitment and Priority: By engaging a recruitment firm on a retainer basis, companies foster a stronger commitment from the recruiters. Retained roles receive heightened priority, ensuring that the search for talent receives the utmost attention and dedication. Recruiters are incentivized to invest more time and effort in understanding the client’s specific needs and culture, leading to a more tailored approach in identifying the right candidates.
Focused and Selective Assignments: Retained recruiters take on fewer assignments compared to their contingency counterparts. This strategic approach allows them to focus on delivering quality rather than quantity. With the assurance of a steady income, recruiters can be more selective in the roles they take on, enabling them to invest the necessary time and resources in sourcing top-tier candidates effectively.
Professionalism and Transparency: Adopting a retainer-based model adds a level of professionalism to the recruitment process. Recruiters can confidently present themselves as retained partners of the client when approaching potential candidates. This transparency fosters trust and credibility, making the candidate feel valued and respected from the outset.
Improved Collaboration and Feedback: Retainer-based recruitment promotes better collaboration between the client and the recruiter. A consistent feedback loop is established, allowing the hiring manager to stay informed about the progress of the search and the candidates approached. This open communication ensures that the recruitment strategy can be fine-tuned throughout the process, leading to more successful outcomes.
Demonstrated Commitment: By opting for a retainer model, clients display their commitment to the recruitment process. This investment signifies that the client is genuinely interested in securing the best talent for their organization. It showcases a long-term approach to talent acquisition and sends a positive message to potential candidates about the company’s dedication to its workforce.
Shared Risk and Lower Rates: Retainer-based arrangements often involve sharing the risk between the client and the recruiter. This shared responsibility incentivizes the recruiter to work diligently to find the most suitable candidates. Consequently, recruiters may offer their services at a lower rate, making it a cost-effective option for companies seeking top talent.

Disadvantages and Mitigation:

Engaging the Right Recruiter: One potential risk of retainer-based recruitment lies in engaging the wrong recruitment firm, which might lack the capacity or expertise to fulfill the role effectively. To mitigate this, companies should conduct thorough research and due diligence before selecting a recruitment partner. Look for a firm with a proven track record, industry experience, and a solid understanding of your company’s needs.

Conclusion:

As the global marketplace for talent continues to intensify, the recruitment industry must adapt and innovate to meet the challenges of securing top-tier candidates. Embracing retainer-based recruitment offers significant advantages for both clients and recruiters, fostering enhanced commitment, professionalism, collaboration, and shared risk. While South Africa might be lagging behind in this trend, the time has come for companies to explore the benefits of this approach to gain a competitive edge in the “war on talent.” By strategically selecting the right recruitment partner and adopting a retainer-based model, South African businesses can revolutionize their talent acquisition strategies and unlock unprecedented growth and success in an increasingly competitive world.

Candidate Advice: Going for the interview.

Posted on 20 February 202320 February 2023 by Lloyd

Interviewing for a job can be nerve-wracking, but you can increase your chances of success with the right preparation and mindset. Here are some tips on what to do when going for an interview:

Research the company and its mission, values, culture, and products or services. This will help you prepare answers to questions like “Why do you want to work for this company?” and “What do you know about us?”
Research the people who will be interviewing you if you have their names. It can help to break the ice if you know their hobbies, interests or where they studied.
Prepare for common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses,” and “Why should we hire you?” Practice your answers to feel more comfortable with your responses.
Dress appropriately by wearing clean, ironed, and well-fitting business attire. Research the company’s dress code beforehand to make sure you’re on the same page.
Be punctual and arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to give yourself time to check-in and calm your nerves.
Bring copies of your resume and any other relevant documents like your portfolio or references.
Be engaged and enthusiastic during the interview by making eye contact, listening carefully, and responding thoughtfully. Convey your passion for the role and company, and ask any questions you have.
Follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email to show that you’re courteous and professional. Reiterate your interest in the position and ask if there are any next steps.

In summary, by researching, preparing, dressing appropriately, being punctual, bringing relevant documents, being engaged and enthusiastic, and following up, you can make a positive impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job. Good luck!

Candidates – Is your CV Internationally Ready?

Posted on 25 January 202320 February 2023 by Lloyd

When applying for jobs in other countries, it’s important to tailor your CV to the specific culture and expectations of the hiring company. Here are a few tips for South African job seekers looking to format their CVs for international job applications:

Keep it simple: Avoid using fancy graphics or layouts, as these can be difficult for international hiring managers to read. Stick to a clean, professional design that is easy to read.
Use the right language: Make sure your CV is written in the language of the country you’re applying to. If you’re not fluent in the language, consider hiring a professional translator to help you.
Highlight your international experience: If you have any international experience, make sure to highlight it on your CV. This could include previous work experience abroad, language proficiency, or international education.
Include a personal statement: A personal statement is a great way to introduce yourself to international hiring managers. Keep it brief and to the point, and focus on your skills, experience, and qualifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Follow the local format: Research the CV format that is commonly used in the country you’re applying to, and make sure to follow it. This will show that you’re familiar with the local culture and customs.
Check for errors: Proofread your CV multiple times before sending it. Check for spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors.
Clearly describe your previous employers: In the experience section of your CV, make sure to clearly describe your previous employers in terms of the size of the company, industry, and location. This will give international hiring managers a better understanding of the type of work you’ve done and the environment in which you’ve done it. Even if your previous employer is well-known in South Africa, it may not be as well-known in other countries, so it’s important to provide as much information as possible.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to formatting a CV that will help you stand out to international hiring managers. Remember to be honest, be specific and keep it simple and easy to read.

Candidates – 8 tips for a great cover letter

Posted on 10 January 202320 February 2023 by Lloyd

A cover letter is a critical part of every job application as it serves as an introduction to yourself and your qualifications. It is typically sent along with a resume, and should complement and add additional information to the information provided in the resume.

Here are some tips for writing a cover letter for a job application:

Tailor the cover letter to the specific job and company. Be sure to research the company and the job you are applying for, and make sure to mention specific aspects of the job or company that interest you in the cover letter.
Start with a strong introduction. The first sentence of your cover letter should grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read further. Use this space to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position.
Highlight your qualifications. Use specific examples from your past experience and achievements to demonstrate how your skills and qualifications match the requirements of the position. It will give a sense that you have done your research on company and position.
Show your personality and enthusiasm. Use a friendly and professional tone throughout the cover letter, and be sure to express your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Keep it concise and to the point. Cover letters should be no longer than one page (often less), and should be easy to read and understand. Avoid long-winded sentences and get straight to the point.
Include your contact information at the end of the letter. Be sure to include your name, phone number, and email address so the employer can contact you.
Proofread your letter. Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammar errors, as this is an indication of your attention to detail and professionalism.
If you are sending your CV via email, make sure that the cover letter is part of the email body (not an additional attachment). Don’t make the reader open extra documents if not necessary.

By following these tips, you will be able to create a strong and effective cover letter that will make a great first impression on potential employers.

It is also worth noting that some companies might be using an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) which is a software that will scan and analyze resumes and cover letters. Make sure your letter contain some of the key skills, keywords, qualifications and experiences as stated on the job advertisement. This will help to increase your chances of getting through the initial screening process.

Best of luck. Hope you land the job.

How important is recruiting to your company?

Posted on 3 December 202120 February 2023 by Lloyd

Ask 100 successful CEOs “what their company’s greatest asset is?” and 99% will tell you that it is their people, and they are right. This TED Talk explains it well.

Author: Lloyd