CONTENTS

• My Favourites (Bob Clements of Generic Software Consultants)
• Article One (The Art of Networking by Gaynor Lowndes)
• Article Two (Recruitment Website Review – Joslin Rowe by John Harrup)
• Don't Miss This (Free Employment, Financial Services & Taxation Seminar - Top-Consultant.com's Annual Recruitment Channel report - New Personality Interview Profiler from PSL - Press Release: Prism has won Top Consultant award - Discussion Board)
• Statistics (Hitwise Top 10 Recruitment Sites)
• Subscribe/Unsubscribe
• Feedback & Advertising Information

Visit http://www.careersinrecruitment.com for the latest recruitment industry jobs.

My Favourites

www.findmeabnb.co.uk - An invaluable resource to assist contractors find short term UK accommodation while on contract for you, includes pricing info. Can make the difference when closing someone post interview

www.viamichelin.com - Accurate and fast route planning tool, can also assist when you need to know what commutable towns are close to your client as an aid to resourcing

www.specialistauctions.com - Niche online auction site for rare, vintage and collectable items - superb for finding something special or unique to give a loved one or for collectables in general

Sites submitted by Bob Clements, Head of Resource, Generic Software Consultants 

Why not submit your 3 favourite web sites. See the guidelines at http://www.ukrecruiter.co.uk/articles.htm

Advertisement

Top billing recruitment consultants: we offer a genuine opportunity to retain between 70% - 90% of perms fee's and contract margin

Work from home or an office and be free from KPI's and targets, commuting, etc. You will be well supported with a laptop, reduced rate telephone calls e-CRM recruitment software, personalised web site, centralised account's and factoring, plus much more.

If you have a minimum of 2 years within the recruitment industry, in any sector, permanent or contract recruitment we're interested in talking to you. Call 0800 195 8449 (9am-9pm), e-mail gary.keay@recruitmentcounsellors.com www.recruitmenthomeworking.com

Article One: The Art of Networking by Gaynor Lowndes

Networking is the art of building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships. It is the way we will do business into the future. Forget cold calling, become an expert networker and you won’t ever have to make a cold call again. In the definition above, it is important to highlight that the relationship must be mutually beneficial – that is, the relationship must provide a win for both parties. I think that’s where most of us get it wrong. We take the “spray and pray” approach when networking. That is, we give out and take as many business cards from as many people as possible without too much thought to each encounter. Networking is actually about helping others and allowing others to help you – it’s not about selling anything! (not at this stage anyway).

There are three types of people in this world; those who make thinks happen, those that watch things happen and those that wonder what has happened. Expert networkers make things happen. First impressions are important and your reputation starts with the first impression. Your reputation is what others think of you – it starts with the first impression and then builds as people get to know you. You can quite easily destroy your reputation if you act inconsistently or unpredictably. Remember that for networking to be worthwhile, you must GIVE as well as TAKE.

The interesting thing is that networking is actually about building relationships before you need them and then when you do, you can be sure that the person contacted will be willing to help. Diane Darling in her book Networking for Career Success says that “It’s a personal connection with people who may want what you have, know others who do, or play a role in the decision. Selling connects the solution and the problem. When marketing and networking have done what they can do, selling is much easier”.

There are many different types of networks – your family, your partner’s family, neighborhood; business and if you have children then there is also the school and childcare centre networks. Having said that, I know that many of you have outlook folders full of contacts, yet how much do you know about each of those contacts. A person is not in your network unless you know about them both personally and professionally and if called upon they would want to help you.

Personal Experience
I have always had a fear of networking. I am an extrovert, but would rather stick a pin in my eye than walk up to someone I don’t know and strike up a conversation. My brother on the other hand is an excellent networker. He, interestingly is an introvert, yet can walk up to any person in a room and make them feel special. He is a natural networker and when I considered his approach, I noticed the following things:
1. Approach those that are either standing on their own or don’t look huddled in an intimate conversation
2. Shake hands, make eye contact, smile and request a business card
3. Keep your hands out of your pockets and maintain a friendly body language
4. Keep your questions neutral, consider,
     a. What brings you here?
     b. How do you know the host?
     c. What made you decide to come to this event?
     d. What is your occupation?
5. Actively listen. That is, focus on what is being said and make a mental note of what is being said.
6. Make a note about each person on their business card so you don’t forget the encounter.
7. Always leave before the other person. Say “it was lovely to meet you and thank you for spending time with me”. 

Another important thing to remember before attending any event is to make sure that you have packed your kit (business cards; Paper for note taking etc) and that you are dressed appropriately. Remember that first impressions are very important so don’t risk standing out! 

Expert networkers know how to scan the room and get a sense of who is there before deciding who to approach. If you want to approach VIP’s, then do so early before they get swamped. Make sure that you have done some research on the person before the event so that you can strike up a meaningful dialogue. 

Always ask for a business card before offering yours. Make sure to focus on contacts not cards – the art of networking is about making valuable contacts who you can help and who can help you.

Successful headhunters know the importance of creating networks. Imagine how much easier your job would become if you knew where to go for help in sourcing your ideal candidate.

Follow up
Networking is about building relationships. Ask about preferences for follow up (e-mail; telephone etc) and use that method. If you invite someone to lunch or coffee, be clear about your expectations. Follow up on a regular basis. When phoning, know what you want and what you are going to say. Always return calls within 48 hours and answer e-mail promptly, always using e-mail etiquette. 

Once or twice a month, meet with someone you like and ask what you can do for them. Get involved with professional organizations and organize networking meetings within your company. A word of caution though – choose your causes carefully. Whether you choose a cause for business or personal reasons, it will reflect on both. Maintain your network and you will never have to start from scratch again.

Gaynor Lowndes, the Managing Director of The Recruitment Training Company, has over 18 years recruitment experience, gained in both Australia and the UK. If you liked this article, consider Gaynor’s highly successful book “The Art of Recruitment”. Visit www.trtc.com.au to place your order.

Advertisement

If you're reading this just think how many others of the 15,000 newsletter readers will also be...  so why not advertise here?"

For information email louise@ukrecruiter.co.uk

Article Two: Recruitment Website Review – Joslin Rowe by John Harrup

Website Address - www.joslinrowe.com 

Company Background 
Established in 1982, Joslin Rowe are now one of the UK and Ireland’s leading professional recruitment agencies specialising in the financial services sector and commerce & industry. The last 20 years have seen Joslin Rowe build a reputation within the industry as a reliable and dedicated recruitment partner. They now have offices in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin. 

Creative Design
The first thing that hits you about the Joslin Rowe site is the huge amount of text and information that is present. This may be all interesting and worthwhile, and great for search engine optimisation, but it detracts from the design of the site and overshadows it. The blue menu options coupled with the black and white imagery work well together, it is just a shame about the quantity of text.

Ease of Use
The menu systems are clear. Each section has numerous sub sections which are all easily identified and navigated through. Searching for a job could not be simpler. From the homepage you have the choice of running a quick search, searching by sector or going through an advanced search. All options offer quick results and you are able to view, apply or save your selection. 

Relevant Content
This is, rather unsurprisingly, Joslin Rowe’s trump card. They offer reams of information for all the sections on the site and this helps to make this a great resource for both job seekers and employers alike. 

Additional Services for Candidates and Clients
Candidates are given a wide range of information to keep them coming back to the site. Not only can they receive relevant job alerts but the candidates can also access example CV’s, get help with interview technique and see what they should be earning with the salary review! 

Employers are not left out either. They are able to view everything from company related news to Joslin Rowe’s working practices and a portfolio of the clients they have worked with. 

Summary
Overall the Joslin Rowe website achieves its aim to get information across to all of its visitors. Despite the vast amount of information there is no denying that this site is a great resource for both employees and employers. The surrounding text for all the sections are relevant and the only area for improvement in my opinion would be in the design of the site to make it appear less text heavy and give it a stronger look.

John Harrup is the Marketing Manager for G-Forces Web Management, a website design and software development company specialising in web based content management systems. You can contact him by email on john.harrup@gforces.co.uk or on 01622 609 707. To view all of G-Forces’ products and services go to www.gforces.co.uk.

Don't Miss This

Free Seminar, SEMREC ’06: The Employment, Financial Services & Taxation Seminar. 5th April 2006, London
Taking place at HMSBelfast, St Olaf’s Wharf, The River Thames, London SE1 from 9am until 12:30pm. Free to attend. For more information, including an agenda, email agency@pennlegal.co.uk or call 0870 043 4361 or visit http://www.pennlegal.co.uk/c_agenLaw_seminars.php  

Top-Consultant.com's Annual Recruitment Channel report - free
The latest edition of Top-Consultant.com's Annual Recruitment Channel report was released at Monday's recruiters event yesterday.  The Recruitment Channel Report includes data on application trends (newspapers vs. internet job boards vs. corporate websites vs. referral schemes vs. recruitment agencies), number of applications being submitted per candidate and reasons candidates do not respond to some online job adverts.  It can be downloaded, free of charge, from http://www.top-consultant.com/recruitment_report.asp

New Personality Interview Profiler from PSL
PSL are providers of personality assessment tools. They are in the process of releasing a new product and are offering ukrecruiter readers a chance to try it out for free. The interview profiler (which assesses eight key traits of your personality) takes about 5 minutes to complete and the results will be sent back to you by email. To get your unique URL for completing the questionnaire send an email to info@PSL.COM with the subject line of ukrec questionnaire. For more information on the questionnaire you can call Amber Darlington on 020 8585 2345.

Press Release: Prism Executive Recruitment has won the Top Consultant “Best Management Consultancy Recruitment Firm” award 2006
The award was presented at the annual Top Consultants Recruiters Conference at the Royal Aeronautical Society on the 27th February 2006 by Tony Restell, the Managing Director of Top Consultant.  Special congratulation also to three consultants from Prism Executive Recruitment, who received their own individual award for recognition of outstanding candidate feedback. - very well done to Chris Sale, Martin Hancock and Victoria Lack. 

UK Recruiter Discussion Forum - Are you using it? 
Don't forget to visit http://www.ukrecruiter.co.uk/forum. Current topics on the site include "are job boards profitable?", "Job Board Rate Increases" and "What do you get from your REC membership". It is free to use the discussion board and you don't have to register to view messages. Visit the site; ask questions and share your knowledge

Statistics

Hitwise top 10 Recruitment Sites, week ending 25th February 2006
The most visited UK recruitment sites last week, starting with the most popular, were Jobcentreplus.gov.uk, Totaljobs.co.uk, Jobsite.co.uk, Monster.co.uk, Reed.co.uk,  jobs.nhs.uk, TESjobs.co.uk, Jobsgopublic.com, friendsreunitedjobs.co.uk and jobs.guardian.co.uk. For more information about Hitwise, visit http://www.hitwise.co.uk

Subscribe

Don't forget to let your colleagues know about this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe - it's completely free of charge - all they need to do to receive their own copy of the ukrecruiter newsletter is complete our simple form 

Unsubscribe

To unsubscribe from the ukrecruiter newsletter please reply to this message with the subject line "unsubscribe".

Feedback

Please feel free to email me your comments on the newsletter: the sort of articles you like, the sort you don't read, new features you'd like to see, etc.  Feedback from everyone is always welcome!  

Advertising

If you are interested in advertising a product, service or internet site in the newsletter please contact me by email

If you want see back issues of the newsletter visit http://www.ukrecruiter.co.uk/recnet

NOTE: This newsletter may be copied and distributed free of charge in its entirety. Individual sections may NOT be copied or distributed without the prior written agreement of louise@ukrecruiter.co.uk.

Copyright (c) 2006, UK Recruiter Ltd