How To Ruin Your CV…

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Euro London

As a recruitment consultancy we have come across a number of CV’s, some of which have been rather peculiar (we’re sure active employee seekers can relate to this too). With so many factors which go into making “the perfect CV” it can be a hard project to get correct. Some people either try too hard or simply not enough, both of which can be frustrating. So here are a couple of tips to avoid unless you want to completely ruin your CV!

First of all standing out from a pile of CV’s is great because let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to get noticed? But make sure it’s for the correct reasons. We’ve stumbled upon some examples of some rather extremely over the top inflated job titles which included, ‘Digital Overlord’ and ‘Retail Jedi’. Now we’re fully aware that over the years job titles have been inflated but this is simply taking it too far. If you want to be taken seriously, avoid the Star Wars job titles.

Positivity counts for a lot in a job search so avoid any negative phrases within your CV these can even include ‘salary negotiable’ and ‘willing to do any work’.

Try to also avoid mixing dates up. Now it’s not the end of the world but it is important to pay attention to detail. Therefore it’s imperative you double check dates such as employment dates and your year of graduation.

Finally, unless you want to ruin your CV then try to avoid phrases such as ‘I like a fast paced environment’. Even though this isn’t in itself a negative thing it’s more or less expected by bosses and companies these days. Due to the economic situation which has spanned over the past few years companies have had to and still are cutting staff numbers so when it does come to recruiting they almost expect individuals to work harder and in a fast paced environment.

So if you’re looking to get your CV to the top of the pile make sure you’re avoiding all of the above and more. A CV is your passageway to the door of success so use it wisely!

Interview Tips

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Euro London

So, you’ve impressed with your CV and landed yourself an interview even though the odds haven’t truly been in your favour. As previously mentioned in our blog (Invest in Your Future Career By Using A CV Clinic); a staggering 53.7% of CV’s are thrown away [1] so ideally you want to continue in the winning streak by impressing your potential employer.

The next crucial stage is here – the interview! Now you may be confident in your approach when it comes to the interview process therefore leading you to have a successful interview. However there are some candidates that even though they have all the skills and qualifications needed for a job role they choke on the interview stage. The interview stage although initially positive can leave candidates to feel anxious, leave them with a blank mind or in some extreme cases even physically faint.

Is this you? Well don’t worry because we’ve decided to give you a few interview tips which will help you fly through your interview without all of the turbulence.

Do Your Research – Make sure you are entirely prepared for your interview. It’s almost a certainty that specific questions will be asked during interviews so make sure you expect these questions and you have a unique way of answering them in order to stand out. It is also important to know the ins and outs of a company before you attend an interview. Therefore why not look into the company’s history, what the company is currently up to and if there are any developments that are planning to become reality. Most importantly expect the unexpected. Employers can sometimes like to put interviewees on the spot to see how they cope in under pressure or in certain situations.

Practice Your Answers – As we all know interviews can be daunting leading us to develop a sudden case of temporary amnesia. However if you practice your answers you are more likely to remember what it is you want to convey. Remember to be careful though and do not make yourself sound like a robot, the interviewer will pick up on this and it won’t work in your favour.

Look The Part – Believe it or not your personal appearance does count for a lot in an interview. Just a few tips to take into consideration; tattoos should be hidden so your image looks professional, have a shower so you are looking and smelling clean and deter yourself from using too much aftershave or perfume as you don’t want to make the interviewer pass out. Further to this make sure you are groomed and dressed in a presentable manner (even if the job role you are applying for is informal).

Be Positive – Positivity will put you in a better frame of mind and can even alter your answers in an interview. If you go into an interview believing in yourself this will come across in not only your answers but your body language too which can have a positive effect on your interviewer.

Are there any tips that have worked for you in an interview, if so what?

[1] http://www.thecvclinic.com/

Why A Recruitment Consultancy Is Better Than Flying Solo.

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Euro London

Technology VS Human Interaction.

Technology, what would we do without it? The vast development of technology has enabled businesses to accomplish what was once considered unthinkable. With travelling being more accessible than it’s ever been, to the invention of the internet; the rise in global technology is allowing businesses to connect at an easier rate than ever. Nevertheless, the power of technology can be lost in value almost instantly in virtual space if you aren’t articulating human interaction alongside it.

As a multilingual recruitment consultancy we liaise with candidates and clients across the world so technology is something we value greatly. However, in saying this it does not detract our attention from having real human interaction. Whether communication is over the telephone, via email or face to face meetings with clients or candidates we as a consultancy can provide it.

There are further downfalls with the rise of technology which is automated services; having to speak to a robot like voice rather than a real person. Recent research from our candidate’s shows that they believe the ‘human touch’ is a necessity in today’s job market rather than CV’s collecting dust virtually online. If recruitment consultancies articulate the balance of technology and human interaction everyone (businesses and applicants) can benefit. Further to this consultancies can (particularly in the on going economic crisis) be a great asset to companies and candidates looking for the right person to hire. In August 2012 Eurostat estimates that 25.466 million men and women in the EU-27, of whom 18.196 million in the euro area (EA-17), were unemployed. [1] With the current economic crisis employment rates are at their highest in Europe making it very difficult to find a job. It could be argued that with the help of consultancies unemployment rates could drop as recruiters can filter the right candidates with the skills and attributes needed for job positions while the business hiring can focus on the interview process.

Top tips when working with a recruitment consultancy; be truthful about your experiences, credentials, income, career goals and reasons for leaving your prior employment.

[1] http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php/Unemployment_statistics

The complete guide to INTERVIEWS

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Steve Shacklock

A potential Ikea interview?

An important part of the service at Euro London is preparing our candidates for the interview process – a prospect that strikes fear into many and leaves others running for the door! By talking candidates through possible interview questions, as well as giving them tips on how to make a positive impression, we aim to make our candidates feel confident to tackle the real thing.

After all, interviews should be viewed as the perfect opportunity to show off your personality and make a positive impact.

Follow these simple tips and you may be one step closer to bagging your dream job…

Appearance – You’ve heard it all before, but it’s true! First impressions count. So, make sure to dress professionally. If you are unsure about the company’s dress code, always verge on the side of caution. After all, it is better to be too smart rather than too casual.

Timing – Set that alarm and find that watch, because being on time is essential. It may sound simple but lateness is the quickest way into the interviewer’s bad books. Plan your journey and familiarise yourself with the location to ensure that you arrive promptly. If a situation arises in which being late is inevitable, remember to keep the interviewer informed.

Research – Just like the well known Scout motto, always be prepared. Take time before the interview to research the company as much as possible. Information can range from the business’s main competitors to their core company values. The more clued up you are the better. Doing your homework will also highlight your enthusiasm and interest in the company, which can only be a good thing.

Mobile – Turn off your phone. It may seem simple but here at Euro London we’ve come across our fair share of interviews interrupted by bleeping mobiles.

Listen – Take time to consider your answers. Pacing yourself demonstrates thought and control, qualities the interviewer will value over rushed and confused answers. Keep information relevant and ask if you do not understand the question – this is particularly applicable if not being interviewed in your mother tongue.

Questions – Always ask questions. An interview is a two way process; not only is it an opportunity for the interviewer to find out about you but also for you to gain information about them and the available role. Being inquisitive demonstrates a thirst for knowledge as well as an interest in the role.

Finally, remember to stay positive and do your best!

London calling

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Steve Shacklock

There are a lot of reasons to visit the UK approaching – the Royal wedding and the Olympics to name a couple. But what about getting a job?

We have a lot of international candidates applying for jobs in the UK, but we have found that in order to beat off the competition for jobs, moving to the UK first is highly beneficial.

For graduate or junior to mid level positions, employers are receiving a high number of applications. How do they choose a shortlist? They look at experience and skills but also location. A candidate applying from Spain could have great skills but if the employer has a CV of someone with the same skills that is applying from the local area, they are more likely to get an interview. The truth is that businesses want someone to start as soon as possible and if a candidate has to arrange travel for an interview and then has to relocate for the job, the employer may not be willing to wait that long.

Our advice? Come join us in the UK and then start applying! Living here will mean you’ll be able to attend interviews at short-notice, putting you ahead of the competition living overseas. Getting a part-time job in the UK and living with English speaking people will also enable you to improve your English skills if it’s not your native language, again making you a more attractive potential employee. If you need some advice on where to start, check out the relocation guide on our website. Good luck!

Bad things to say at a job interview

Posted on May 7, 2010 by Steve Shacklock

I recently came across a funny video that someone had posted on Twitter about bad things said at job interviews. It certainly amused me and put a smile on my face at the end of what was a busy day.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DlR3AkCAd8]

Here at Euro London we spend a lot of time with our candidates going through possible interview questions and provide them with an interview guide so they are as ready as they can be when they come to the actual interview. This puts them in a good position for their interview – which – as we all know can be pretty daunting. Here are our top tips for success at an interview:

First Impressions Count – Dress professionally even if you know the company has a casual dress code. After all it is better to be too smart than too causal!
Time Keeping – Never arrive at an interview late, it is advisable to enter the building about 10 minutes before the interview.
Research - Ensure you know as much about the company as possible – it is inevitable that you will be asked. The more you know the better your chance of success.
Show Enthusiasm – ensure you smile and make plenty of eye contact with your interviewer and always speak clearly and in a confident voice, no matter how nervous you may be.
Body language – Sit up straight, avoid slouching and try not to fidget too much – this will make you appear nervous and distract the interviewer from what you are actually saying.
Listen – This is often forgotten as candidates are too worried about selling themselves. Make sure you listen carefully to the questions asked and don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat the question.
Ask Questions – many candidates fail to ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information about the company. Prepare some questions in advance – the questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job.

I hope these tips are useful and although they may seem obvious it is surprising how many candidates don’t get the basics right!