Pay rates have risen. Here’s what you should do if you’re recruiting.

Pay rates have risen. Here’s what you should do if you’re recruiting. We've been having lots of conversations recently, amongst the team and with clients, about pay rates. Rates of pay have been rising, particularly for skilled contractors. There are...

Pay rates have risen. Here’s what you should do if you’re recruiting.

We've been having lots of conversations recently, amongst the team and with clients, about pay rates.

Rates of pay have been rising, particularly for skilled contractors. There are huge shortages of skilled trades people in some sectors and locations across the UK. Where demand is high and supply is low increasing pay rates are inevitable. 

If you're an employer looking to recruit new staff or contractors then now is a good time to look at what rates of pay you can offer. It can make a huge difference to the response you might receive to job adverts. 

It’s also important to look at rates of pay for existing employees. If you are paying below market rates then staff retention could become an issue. if you have good staff that you want to hold onto then it makes sense to consider this.

If you aren't sure about the going rates for certain skilled trades/contractors or salaries for permanent roles then do get in touch. We'll be happy to have a chat and advise on market rates. It's worth bearing in mind that rates can vary quite a bit by location within the UK so whilst it may not be an issue on one site on another site the same work may command a higher rate. 

Getting your rates right before you start the recruitment process can really help with recruiting timelines and securing the right staff. It will help attract the right people with the skills you are looking for and will speed up the process.

If you need help or advice with this give drop us a message or give us a call.

How to prepare for a video interview

Preparing for a video interview Video interviews aren’t new. For senior level roles and positions where companies recruit from overseas they have been happening for years. More recently though the video interview has become the norm for all sorts of...

Preparing for a video interview

Video interviews aren’t new. For senior level roles and positions where companies recruit from overseas they have been happening for years. More recently though the video interview has become the norm for all sorts of roles. Lockdown regulations, home working and the increased use of Zoom, Teams and other video conferencing have all contributed to a change of approach for many recruiters and employers. 

Whether you’ve experienced a video interview before or are new to the idea, if you are currently looking for a new job then chances are you’ll need to prepare for a video interview.  So what steps should you take? How will it be different to a traditional interview? What should you do to prepare and make sure you bring your A-game? 

Time and place

For a traditional interview you probably only need to think about your own availability but if you are having a video interview at home you might also want to consider the rest of your household.  You want the interview to take place when you will have peace and quiet to concentrate and focus. If you have children, pets or housemates give this some thought when agreeing to a date and time.

If other people will be at home at the time of your interview make sure they know not to disturb you unless absolutely necessary. 

It’s also worth thinking about where you will position yourself. We’ve all seen the interviews on tv with celebrities and politicians in front of carefully curated bookcases. We’re not suggesting you need to go that far but you probably don’t want an overflowing laundry basket in the background! Make sure your background isn’t distracting and the space where you’ll be is light enough too.

What should I wear?

You might be in your own living room but you still need to create a good first impression. The right outfit will vary depending on the company and the role you’re applying for but you should wear what you would wear if you were attending an in person interview. 

Be on time!

There’s no traffic or parking to worry about but it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of time at home. Set an alert on your phone and make sure you are ready. You don’t want to join the call late or flustered. 

Check your tech

Technology fails all the time and most people will be understanding about this but  you should always if you check your camera and mic beforehand. It helps if you have a reliable internet connection but make sure you could potentially switch to your mobile as a backup plan if necessary. 

Familiarise yourself with whichever platform is being used. If you use Zoom all day anyway and that’s what is being used then great but if the organisation is using software you haven’t used before then it’s definitely worth making sure you look at it beforehand. You don’t want to find you’ve just given your best answer while on mute! 

Be ready

Before you join the get yourself a glass or water or cup of tea or coffee and anything else you might need such as a notepad and pen or any notes you’ve already prepared. 

Remember to look at the web cam

It can sometimes  be more difficult to connect with the interviewer via video than in person specially if you aren’t used to it. Smile and  remember to look at the web cam when you are talking. 

One final piece of advice. 

Don’t worry or overthink the situation because it’s video. Any other candidates will be in the same position. The questions will be the same as a more traditional interview.  It is important to remember that the interview process is as much about you finding out about the role and company as them finding out about you. A job interview should be a two way process. Just do your research and prepare answers and questions exactly as you would for a face to face interview. Good luck! 

Job Hunting? Here’s some advice on where to start.

Job hunting? Here’s some advice on where to start. If you are one of the many people on a mission to find a new job then you’ll want to find ways to stand out from the crowd.  It’s a challenging...

Job hunting? Here’s some advice on where to start.

If you are one of the many people on a mission to find a new job then you’ll want to find ways to stand out from the crowd. 

It’s a challenging time to be job hunting. Sadly, the pandemic and its widespread impact have meant high numbers of redundancies. 

Covid-19 has also led many people to reassess their situation. Being furloughed or working from home individuals have started to think carefully about whether their current role is really what they want, whether it fits in with their family life or their longer term aspirations. All of these factor are contributing to high volumes of applicants for some roles. 

The competition is tough, that much is true but it is important not to be swept up with all the doom and gloom in the media. The good news is that there are job opportunities out there. Many businesses are looking to the future. With the vaccination process now well underway employers are planning ahead, preparing for busier times and recruiting again.

So, where do you find the right opportunities? How do you make sure you stand out from the crowd? How do you get started on your search for new employment?

Stay positive and be proactive

Probably the most important thing right now is to be positive and take a proactive approach. Sitting back and waiting for your dream role to appear could result in a long wait. 

The best job seekers are dedicating time and effort to finding a new role. They’re focused and are actively seeking out opportunities.

There are some practical steps you can take straightaway.   

  • Set up alerts with job boards such as JobSite and CV Library
  • Get in touch with the right recruitment agencies. This might mean local agencies who are recruiting for jobs in your region or it might mean agencies which specialise in your specific industry. 
  • Send a CV but try to arrange to speak to someone too. A good recruiter will have a working knowledge of the relevant job market. They’ll be able to guide you and offer advice. It’s also your opportunity to create a good impression so you are the first person they think of when the right vacancy comes in. If you have skills, experience and expertise in a skills shortage area they will know. If you need to focus your CV in a particular direction they’ll be able to offer advice and guidance.  
  • Upload an up-to-date CV to job websites. Make sure you can be found by interested employers or recruiters. For many roles recruiters and large employers will search CV databases for relevant job seekers before even advertising a role. This means if you aren’t in the database you might not even have the chance to apply. Many jobs are never even advertised so definitely don’t wait around hoping to see an advert for your dream role.
  • Speak to contacts. Let family, friends, former colleagues and contacts know that you are looking. They might just hear about the right opportunity.

Spruce up your CV

Make sure your CV looks the part. Ensure it is up-to-date and relevant for the types of roles you’re applying for. Consider having more than one version and tailoring your CV to specific applications.     

Always look at what has been requested. If they’ve asked for an application form to be filled in then don’t ignore the form and just send a CV. Do however send supplementary information if it is relevant and might give you the edge. For example references you may already have, a portfolio or samples of your work. 

Consider your digital footprint

LinkedIn is the obvious place to start when looking for a new job but it’s also a good time to do an audit of your online presence and check your security settings. 

Often people make sure their LinkedIn is professional but forget about the image they portray elsewhere online. If a prospective employer saw your Facebook or Instagram profile would they like what they saw? Think about the impression your social profiles convey. Make them work to your advantage. Are you an expert in your field, do you blog or tweet? If so, these could help you to land your next role. 

Many jobs are now advertised on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Stay alert and look for opportunities and join local job groups or groups which relate to your industry. 

Remember although it might seem appropriate to be more informal if enquiring about roles via social media it is still important to make a good first impression. 

Stay focused

Finding a new job doesn’t always happen overnight. The process can be one of ups and downs.  Remember to stay focused. Job hunting can be time consuming so set time aside for your searched and applications but also time to relax and take a break. You’ll then be more focused and productive in your search. 

If you are currently looking for work then make sure you are following us on social media to find out about our newest job opportunities and please send us a CV along with details of what you are looking for. We're speaking to employers everyday about new roles. The perfect opportunity for you could be just around the corner. 

Job hunting in the midst of a pandemic

Job hunting in the midst of a pandemic Whether you’ve been made redundant, are concerned about your job security, are looking for career progression or have simply decided it’s time to move on it is undoubtedly a tough time to...

Job hunting in the midst of a pandemic

Whether you’ve been made redundant, are concerned about your job security, are looking for career progression or have simply decided it’s time to move on it is undoubtedly a tough time to be job hunting. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to redundancies for many and with so much uncertainty some  businesses are understandably holding back on recruiting.  With so many people sadly loosing their jobs the number of applicants for each job vacancy has risen sharply in recent months. 

 

Competition is tough and in many cases the hiring process has changed. Interview by zoom anyone? However it isn’t all doom and gloom. There are still opportunities out there and we are hearing from businesses everyday who are looking to strengthen their teams, bring in new skills and recruit new staff.

If you’re currently wondering how to navigate the “new normal” (yes, we hate the expression too) and find the right role then rest assured many of the things that have always been important in job hunting haven’t changed.  Here’s a quick overview of how to approach your job search at this time.

The application process

Applying for jobs requires time and effort but at the moment is it more important than ever to ensure you are focusing your efforts in the right way and improving your chances of the right role. 

Some of the following might seem obvious but here is a quick overview of things you can do in order to improve your chances and to stand out from your job hunting competitors.

  • Make sure you have a well written, well presented CV. It should be concise and where possible tailored to the role you are applying for.
  • Dedicate time to your search. There are jobs out there but unless you have experience and skills in a shortage area this is not a time to sit back and hope that a job finds you. 
  • Each individual will be looking for something different. If you have a job but are looking for progression then you may want to be selective about which roles you apply for. If you’ve found yourself out of work then you might need to look at different options. Consider your skillset and experience and if your ideal roles aren’t being advertised it you could try speculative applications to employers you’d love to work for. You might also need to think about jobs you’d be good at but weren’t previously considering. Speaking to people and seeking advice can help too.
  • Put yourself out there. Speak to friends, family, contacts, it may not be possible to do lots of physical networking but think carefully about the network you already have and how they might be be able to help you. 
  • Register with relevant recruitment agencies. Try and speak to a recruiter who specialises in recruiting for your industry, they’ll have a good idea of how much work is available and if you make a good impression on them they’ll want to help and put you forward for the right opportunities.  
  • Update your LinkedIn profile. Depending on the type of work you are looking for LinkedIn and other social media platforms can be incredibly useful.  Lots of companies now advertise vacancies on Facebook and there are local job groups you can join on Facebook too. Do look at all of your online profiles and your settings. Make sure you are portraying the right image to any potential new employer, if you apply via Facebook your profile picture will be the first thing they see so make sure it is appropriate. 

Interview 

At the moment video interviews via Zoom, Skype, Teams or other similar applications are proving popular and practical. There are certainly advantages. No worrying about finding the right building, public transport making you late, parking, issues or getting rained on on your way to the interview. A whole host of possible problems are avoided.

However, for those who are camera shy or not used to video conferencing the idea of this type of interview can be daunting.  

Minimise nerves and concerns by preparing thoroughly.

  • Do your research about the company and the role
  • Be ready with relevant information about your skills, experience, suitability for the role and any transferable skills
  • Think about any questions you might have 
  • Plan you are going to wear and get ready just as you would for a face to face interview
  • Check your tech is all working as it should. Technical issues can happen anytime but the last thing you want is to logon for a video interview only to find your webcam or microphone isn’t working. 

Post interview

If your interview was direct with an employer or through an agency send a follow up email to the person who arranged the interview thanking them for their time. If you don’t know the outcome of the interview this is another opportunity to let them know how interested you are in the role.

If you don’t get the job remember there will be other opportunities. It can be difficult not to be disheartened during such strange and challenging times but stay focused. Maybe consider temporary work instead of  only applying for permanent jobs. If you are considering a career change a temporary position can offer an opportunity to try a role and see if you enjoy it.

If you are currently looking for work, whatever your circumstances, then we’d love to hear from you. Send a CV or give us a call on 01244 456779 to have an informal initial chat about what you are looking for and how we can help.   

Recruiting staff post lockdown

Recruiting staff post lockdown The media is full of coverage relating to redundancies, doom and gloom and talk of higher unemployment. Whilst we’re not disputing the statistics and we know that these are difficult and challenging times for many we...

Recruiting staff post lockdown

The media is full of coverage relating to redundancies, doom and gloom and talk of higher unemployment. Whilst we’re not disputing the statistics and we know that these are difficult and challenging times for many we also know from experience that there are lots of businesses who are still hiring. 

There is no denying the fact that the landscape has changed. The UK is now officially in a recession.There are more people job hunting and some businesses are tentative about recruiting.  Others, though, are searching out talent to help them adapt and strengthen. 

So what has changed and how can we help? 

If you’re an employer looking for someone to join your team you might be thinking that with all the redundancies being made up and down the country finding the new recruits will be easy.  

It is certainly true that for some types of roles there will be a large choice of candidates. 

This can be good news when searching for the perfect new recruit but it can also bring with it its own issues. We’re hearing reports of employers receiving hundreds of CVs for some roles. The perfect individual might be in there but it can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. One thing is certain, recruiting in the current climate is time consuming.

Reading, sorting and shortlisting from a huge number of applications takes time, particularly if it is something you are not used to doing. The best candidates can easily be lost amongst reams and reams of CVs and covering letters. The whole task can feel overwhelming and that’s before the interviews have even begun!

Defining your search

A good recruitment agency can help you save time and avoid stress. Firstly by helping to define exactly what it is that you, as an employer, are looking for. 

All too often managers advertise for roles without deciding exactly what it is that their business needs. A recruitment consultant can help to pinpoint the key experience, skills and qualities that will fit an organisation’s needs. 

Having a clear picture of what your are looking for will potentially lead to fewer applications but definitely improve the quality and relevance of those applicants.

Understanding the jobs market

They will also already have a good understanding of the job market and will be in a position to advise on the availability of suitable candidates and the salary expectations. Having a clear idea of salary range before advertising can help to encourage the right calibre of candidates.

Knowing where to look

The other huge advantage of engaging a recruitment agency is that they know exactly where to look for individuals who match even the most exacting criteria. In some cases they may have the perfect match already on their books but if not a good recruiter will know where to look, where and when to advertise and how to open a dialogue with individuals who are a good fit.

At GoTeq Solutions we can make a short work of even the biggest mountain of CVs. Shortlisting and screening until we have a manageable shortlist of only the most relevant and best matched candidates to choose from. 

We know exactly where to look for the right skills and experience and can save employers and managers valuable time. Leaving them with time to focus on the business at a time when focus on the right priorities is key! 

If you need help with recruiting the next member of your team get in touch. We’ll be happy to find out more about any roles you are considering recruiting for. 

5 ways to stop your developer candidates slipping through the ‘.net’

5 ways to stop your developer candidates slipping through the ‘.net’ Over the past few years, I have filled roles in an eclectic mix of different industries, from call centres to engineering to hospitality. Each pose their own unique challenges,...

5 ways to stop your developer candidates slipping through the ‘.net’

Over the past few years, I have filled roles in an eclectic mix of different industries, from call centres to engineering to hospitality. Each pose their own unique challenges, but none more so than software roles and this will come as no surprise to anyone who has ever tried to recruit for a software development vacancy. 

Software is fast becoming a part of any business, it is needed in every industry, whether you are a hotel chain building your own booking platform, or a construction firm which wants to monitor inventory. Demand for these skills is high and competition for the best talent is tough.

That being said, with the right approach and proposition, those elusive developers who have ghosted, rejected an offer, or not even bothered to apply, should be in reach. So what can you do?

Stand out for the right reasons

Don’t be the same as everyone else. This might seem self-explanatory but is often overlooked. 

It is easy to believe that free lunch Fridays, employee gifts and flexible working are ‘token gestures’ however they can make a difference. 

Whilst it’s true that no one is going to take a job because they get a Fitbit when they start, it certainly gives the impression of a company who want to do things right and support their staff. 

It really doesn’t matter what you do to stand out, it just matters that you do and are consistent. 

Make it obvious that you go the extra mile and most importantly be authentic. Employee perks and benefits are great but the key is ensure they reflect the organisation’s culture and values.

Be Clear and Consistent 

Writing job descriptions is becoming a forgotten art. Yes, you will get applications on pretty much any advert with a job title. And yes, some of those applications may actually have relevant CVs. However, a really strong candidate won’t just apply for anything, because they know that they stand a good chance of getting the best jobs. 

Applying for jobs can be time consuming and no one wants to waste their time applying for a role which isn’t right for them.

To write the perfect advert is a balancing act, you want to be as informative as possible, without sounding like a robot. When writing your advert, try to include information that a developer would ask. Don’t waffle, you will be amazed how much you could take out. For example, a software developer knows full well that one of their responsibilities will be to ‘maintain clean and effective code’. But they have no idea how many people are in the team, what software stack is being used and what opportunities they will have to progress. This is what they want to know.

Act fast!

This is so important, but also the hardest thing to get right, as a species we are overthinkers but delaying a decision can lead to disappointment.

At GoTeq we recently recruited a talented Software Engineer, the situation was a perfect example of just how imperative speed can be.  Between his second interview and receiving an offer from us (just 36 hours later) he had been contacted about 40 different jobs!

You could have the perfect job, with above average salary, but if you take a week to make an offer in the current climate the candidate may have already started somewhere else. 

My advice; trust your gut. If someone ticks all the boxes, has the right experience and comes across well in an interview, don’t spend time trying to rule them out. Make the offer!

Remember You’re Not The One In Charge Here

As blunt as this is, you may need a good candidate more than they need you! Approach it with this in mind,  sell to the candidate, reinforce why you are the best fit for them as opposed to reciting the same pitch for the tenth time. 

Be appreciative of candidates diaries as well as your own, they may need evening interviews or maybe a meeting in an off site location, they may even just need a little bit of extra time on the phone to talk through the role.  Not being adaptable during the hiring process can reflect badly on an organisation and candidates will see it as a sign of what it might be like to work there. 

Know Your Onions

If you are the point of contact and are unable to answer a question that the developer has, alarm bells will sound. Once you know an individual is right for the role book a further call in when both have time to allow them to ask technical questions.

Accepting and starting a new job is an anxious time, make sure there are no doubts in their mind that they can do the job and that the role will offer enough of a challenge to teach them a thing or two along the way.

Whilst these are good pointers to follow, in reality it isn’t always that simple. If you are having problems bringing the right software developers into your business, please get in touch for a completely free, no obligation chat about how we can help. 

What is an outplacement service?

What is an Outplacement Service? Recently the team at GoTeq Solutions has been busy with our outplacement services. This service is something we’ve always provided but in the current climate we’ve seen an increase in interest. Unfortunately, many businesses are...

What is an Outplacement Service?

Recently the team at GoTeq Solutions has been busy with our outplacement services. This service is something we’ve always provided but in the current climate we’ve seen an increase in interest.

Unfortunately, many businesses are currently facing difficult challenges. The impact of corona virus and the recent UK lockdown has had a huge impact on businesses across almost all sectors. The UK media is full of stories about businesses falling into administration and companies making redundancies and whilst things are starting to return to normal for many for others the impact will be longer term.

For any organisation the decision to make employees redundant is a difficult one and from speaking to employers we know these are decisions which are not being taken lightly. Managing the redundancy process is hard but a good outplacement service can help both those making the redundancies and those facing redundancy. 

So what exactly is outplacement and how does it work?

The organisation making the redundancies contracts us to support their outgoing staff. Each organisation and each individual might need different support but once it had been agreed with the employer what is required we are on hand to try and support individuals to find new employment and move on in their careers. 

We do everything from reviewing CVs to giving advice and information on the jobs market. We can offer one to one consultations, help with specific job applications, advice on roles and experience as well as preparing for interviews. 

As recruiters we are working, day in day out, in the jobs market. We know and understand the market and can provide unrivalled insight into what employers are looking for. We have extensive networks in key industries such as manufacturing, automation and engineering and our links put us in a strong position to make relevant introductions. 

The benefits for those looking for a new role are clear but what are the benefits for the business making the redundancies? 

At a time when businesses are trying to cut costs it is easy to see why they might see this as an expense but we believe it should be seen as an investment in an organisation’s culture and its future. 

An outplacement service can help avoid negativity from staff who are leaving the business. It demonstrates a commitment to the wellbeing of employees, past and present. Disgruntled former employees can be damaging to a business’ reputation. By offering support at a time which could be stressful and helping them to move on and pursue other opportunities any potential is avoided. 

It can also go a long way towards reassuring staff who are remaining within the organisation. Redundancies can have a huge impact on staff morale but dealing with them sensitively and offering as much practical support as possible will help to avoid feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability. In turn this helps to reinforce corporate values and a positive culture as well as conveying a positive impression externally to clients and suppliers. 

If your business is making (or even just considering making) redundancies and you’d like to find out more about how we can help get in touch. We’d be happy to talk about how we’ve supported other businesses with this service and positive impact it has had. Just give us a call on 01224 456779. You can find out more about our Outplacement Service here.

How to find the perfect new recruit

How to find the perfect new recruit Finding the perfect fit for a role can be difficult particularly if you are looking for someone with specific skills, qualifications or experience in an area where there is a current skills shortage....

How to find the perfect new recruit

Finding the perfect fit for a role can be difficult particularly if you are looking for someone with specific skills, qualifications or experience in an area where there is a current skills shortage.

As recruiters we sometimes hear from employers who have all but given up. They feel they’ve tried everything and they just can’t find the right fit.  

This can be frustrating and time consuming not to mention the impact it can have on a business when a key role remains unfilled. However, the reality is that with the right approach and expertise the perfect candidate can almost certainly be found. Even for the most difficult to fill roles the right individual will be out there, the problem is finding them!  

Here is some advise on how to make the search easier and more effective.

Be realistic about salary 

When recruiting for a role where experience is crucial and there is a skills shortage setting the right salary range is incredibly important. 

If you aren’t sure then your recruitment consultant will be able to help guide you. Think about other things too that would be attractive to potential employees.  Do you offer private healthcare, a generous holiday allowance or flexible working? If you do then make sure you communicate this. It is amazing how often employers forget to sell themselves.   

Be clear on what exactly you are looking for

Think about the non-negotiable skills or experience that the new recruit must have.  Then consider the other aspects which are desirable but probably not deal breakers. What could you compromise on? If someone has the right skills, qualifications and attitude but less experience than you were ideally hoping for could they still be the right person for the job?

What else is important? For example does the role have to be full-time? Would you consider someone looking for part-time or flexible working hours?  This might widen your choice of candidates considerably but will obviously depend on the nature of the role.

Consider using a specialist recruitment agency

By using an agency with expertise in your specific sector you will save time and energy.  The agency will understand the market, the current climate and a good recruiter will know exactly where to look for individuals who meet your criteria. They will also be able to advise on matters such as salary level expectations.

If you think we could help you find the perfect new recruit then get in touch.

GoTeq Solutions has moved to a new home

Last month we moved to our new offices and we’re pleased to confirm that the team is settling in well!  We haven’t gone far and have moved down the road from Station Road in Rossett to our shiny new base...

Last month we moved to our new offices and we’re pleased to confirm that the team is settling in well!  We haven’t gone far and have moved down the road from Station Road in Rossett to our shiny new base at Rossett Business Park.  

We did love our old office but new staff and an increasingly busy office meant we simply needed more space. We were lucky enough to find a spacious, light and airy office on the Business Park which is tucked away just over the border in the North Wales countryside. 

We now have plenty of room for client meetings, holding interviews and space for our growing team to expand. Not to mention our own small but perfectly organised kitchen so if clients drop in we can make them a cuppa!

The location is perfect, approximately half-way between Wrexham and Chester, it is close to major road networks and amenities but feels as though we are in the countryside.  It’s a great environment to work in and is also really accessible for when we are out and about meeting clients and making site visits. 

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