Answer your phone.

It seems so simple, but this is perhaps the key action to getting a job - especially if you are interested in temp work.

The Recruitment agent has to work at mind blowing speed when they are given a new job by a client, if they don't, another agent (i.e. another candidate) will get an interivew set up first. So when are you start interviewing with agents, un-block your phone, keep it on loud near you at all times, or alternatively, get the agent to SMS you and respond immediatley.

If we are unable to get hold of you we will have not choice but to send down the CV of another candidate, who did answer their phone....

In order to go forward you need to work backwards

Successful secretaries have a plan. First of all, decide what it is that defines “success”for you – work life balance ? Security ? Set work hours (i.e. no overtime)? Prestige ? Money ? Then figure out your financial timeline – how much do you want saved and when do you want that by ? Then speak to us about how to get there. Choyce loves these types of conversations and our consultants have a wealth of experience in order to help you get from where you are to where you want to be.

... TO RECRUITMENT AGENTS !

We at Choyce have built our business model around long term relationships. Whilst we know that we cannot place everybody immediately, we also know that at some point, at some stage a perfect job will appear just for you. That’s why we try to keep in touch with you and love it when you keep in touch with us. It is not unusual to place candidates that we maybe have met over 2 years ago – normally at a substantially increased salary. So just remember when you get a cold call from an agent at work or a warm call from an agent you met months ago – we are useful, and look after those who look after us !

Sad, but true. It’s our duty to work on behalf of our clients, not our candidates. Therefore you benefit from our services at no financial cost – so make the most of it! How often in life do you get something for nothing? Especially career advice, lots of attention and sometimes even cupcakes ?! Email us, call us, just keep in touch anyway you can especially when you get a new job – this way, you will always know what is happening in the job market so you can make sure you are in the best job role for you.

It’s all about the interview. Honestly. Why else do four people get interviewed but just one get the job? This is your answer.

Choyce are able to offer structured interview training in a formal setting, but in the meantime, start with this.

"She didn't seem like she really wanted the role"

We get this ALL. THE. TIME.

We are still trying to work out why candidates do not express enough interest during their initial conversation with the client – is it nerves? Are they worried that they might seem desperate (they won’t) Not sure, if you know – please tell us.

"Her answers did not have enough depth to them"

An easy mistake….

Client – “So why do you want to work for us?”

Candidate - “Well..because you are a large international firm and I want to learn lots”

It may sound satisfactory, but it is the equivalent of a client telling a candidate that they want to hire a P.A. “well, because, we need a secretary who can ..like ..type”

Exactly.

You need to make it detailed and you need to give honest and well thought out answers to all these atypical interviews questions. Need help? Call us!

"She didn't ask me any questions"

Bad, very bad.

You absolutely must come up with two intelligent questions to ask, either during, or at the end of the conversation. Not asking questions shows a lack of enthusiasm (see previous note). This is your chance to really get the interviewer to engage and notice you - show your interest and intelligence.

There are many questions that you can come up with, even if you think the interviewer has already answered them all;

“What do you think is the best personality fit for this role?”

“What is the company culture like?”

“What would be the best personality fit for you?”

Need more suggestions? Call us !

"She didn't really answer the questions I asked her"

This is particularly difficult if either interviewer or interviewee is not conversing in their mother tongue.

If this is the case you must pay special attention to body language, do they look confused ? Are they smiling when you are smiling? Are they nodding in agreement?

If you are in any doubt at all, have the confidence to say something along the lines of “have I given you the information you need on this question? “ or “I’m sorry, I am having a little trouble understanding what you mean, could you possibly rephrase the question ? “

Good luck ! Please tell us how you get on …