This week Kubo looked at how the process of finding a new job has changed in the last 20 years!
Technological advances and
discrimination laws have dramatically changed the way that people look for a new
role. Nowadays there are even apps
that allow applicants to scroll through vacancies and receive notifications
as new vacancies become
available. These apps also make it possible to apply for roles on the
move, all from a smart
phone!
In 1994 Robert J. McGovern began NetStart Inc the first online tool for job seekers and in 1995 six major newspapers joined forces to group their job listings online and created Careerpath.com. This new revolutionary idea of people being able to sit at home and see all the jobs available to them meant it was much easier and quicker for people to apply for a new role. Previously people had to look through the jobs pages of newspapers and apply by post or deliver in person!
As a result people can see roles all across the World now and apply at the
click of a button, does this mean that applicant are applying for everything
and anything because it's too easy to do so? Has this changed the way companies
need to whittle down candidates to find the perfect
person?
Kubo
Spoke to Julia
Bedford a Business and Finance
manager about her experience of looking for a new role recently. I firstly asked
Julia how she found applying for roles " there is a lot more emphasis on qualifications now
than 20 years ago. Companies want to see that you have qualifications
before they will even look at your experience". I went on to ask about
the interview process and how she felt this had changed, " Historically you would have a much less
informal one on one interview normally with a manager, but now you get interviews with panels. At my
last interview there were four
senior members of staff,
which followed a group interview with the
other candidates, during which we were given tasks
and had to research and prepare a group
presentation on a given topic".
Kubo also spoke to Kevin Gutsell a CEO of a trade association about his experience of finding a new role recently "The first interview nearly always involves some form of
presentation" Kevin said " which for some is quite daunting. The trick here is to stick to
the subject and stick to time! I have experienced 2,3 and 4 interviewers so the
more senior the position the more likely you will be presented with a panel
consisting of Board members and experts." Kevin went on to say "I was invited back for a second interview as other
candidates had been discounted, yet there was still a need to confirm the decision of
the panel who took the opportunity to put me under more pressure (akin to the
pressure I may experience in the job) After an hour I was asked to sit downstairs while a
final decision and subsequent offer was made"
In
conclusion, it seems the whole interview process has become more involved and companies are having to be more stringent during the
selection process.The simple one on one
interview just isn't enough for
some. It is also much easier for a company to do a background check on
a hopeful candidate using social media. All a
company has to do is type your name in and up pops your Facebook, Twitter and
Linkedin profile picture.
As mentioned in last weeks blog, Skype interviews are now very popular, so people don't need to travel miles for an interview and the company can have an informal interview with you first before taking it to that next step.
As it is so easy to apply for roles now, some companies will only use recruitment agencies as they act as a filter. Companies don't have to spend hours looking through CV's and having that first interview with a candidate. This is where engaging an agency like Kubo Recruitment can help with the process, by
ensuring that the candidate
and company are both suited before the first interview, reducing a lot of
wasted time on both sides.
It seems to me that the process of looking for a job has been helped and hindered by advances in technology. Its great that jobs are so easily accessible to everyone now, however the fact that more people are now able to apply means that the process of securing that position is a lot tougher now. Looking for a new job can be tough, but when applying for a role make sure you only apply for roles you are really suited for. Your passion and enthusiasm will come across to recruitment agencies and employees.
To make sure that you don't miss out on that dream role read through Kubo's helpful interviews tips
If you would like to share your experiences on finding that new role Kubo would like to hear about them!
MK Lightning have confirmed that Kubo Recruitment's sponsored player Tom Carlon is sadly leaving to pursue work commitments outside of the sport. He has been offered an unmissable opportunity which sees him and his wife moving to another country.
In a statement released by the club he said " This is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. It doesn’t feel like very long since I signed for Lightning…certainly not long enough. I wanted to become one of the core players of the club and saw myself finishing my career with MK, so I’m gutted that I can’t. But I really can’t turn down this opportunity – I wouldn’t want to let it go by and then always wonder ‘what if’. I would never have wanted to leave mid-way through a season, but I have to take the offer now, while it’s there – so I apologise for leaving everyone in the lurch.”
Kubo would like to wish Tom and his Wife the best of luck in their future endeavors and are sad to see such a talented player leave the team.
Although Kubo are sad to be saying goodbye to Tom whom we have sponsored for the last 2 seasons, we are pleased to welcome forward Leigh Jamieson to the Kubo team as we will be sponsoring him for the remainder of the season. Leigh was born in Milton Keynes and has played for his hometown since the start of his ice hockey career. This years ice hockey season has only just got under way and Leigh has already had 6 appearances and 8 penalties for the team!
Keep up to date with MK Lighting on Kubo's Blog and Twitter page @kuborecruitment!!
A latest survey by Right Management shows that 82% of hiring managers have used Skype and 18% of candidates have experienced a Skype interview, so as Skype interviews become more and more popular there are a few things you need to know before you make that Skype video call and potentially risk your chances of securing that new role!
Skype interviews have their advantages, for example you don't need to go into work suited and booted and have everyone asking you awkward questions like "oh you look very dressed up for work today, doing anything nice?". You can communicate across countries without the cost and hassle of travelling and for more local interviews you don't have the stress or worry of getting stuck in traffic and running late. There is also the advantage that a Skype interview is a good way of you getting to know the company and the employer getting to know you a little before you have a face to face interview, but even though this isn't the formal interview there are still a few pit falls that could stop you getting to that next stage!
Look and dress the part!
Even though you are behind a computer screen you still need to act as if you are meeting face to face. The interviewer may only be able to see your top half and unless you stood up wouldn't be able to see your Mickey- Mouse PJ bottoms, but to help you get in the right frame of mind always dress smartly and professionally. It is also recommended not to wear too much patterned or striped clothing as this may be distorted and come across badly on the camera.
Have a look at what they can see!
If you are conducting the interview at home or in a public place like a coffee shop, always have a look at what the interview can see. If you are sitting in your kitchen or home office make sure it is tidy. Have a look at what is behind you, is this what you want the employer to see? This is the first insight a company will get into who you are, so by presenting your surroundings professionally they will see you as a professional they can picture in their company.
Technical issues
We all have them from time to time
and sometimes no matter what you do, you just can't get your computer to do what
you want. If this does happen then you should be honest and open
about the problem, tell the interviewer if you are having trouble hearing them
and if things really are not working suggest the call is rescheduled when you have resolved the problem. To alleviate these issues
arising, make sure Skype is up and working before the call and try a test call
with a friend first. This way you know that you have done everything to make
sure you are ready for the call.
Timing
Sometimes when you are talking to someone over the internet there can be a time delay. Make sure that you don't talk over your interviewer and let them finish before you start to answer. It may feel awkward at first if there is a slight silence, but use the time to think about your answer. Better that than everyone talking at once.
Eye Contact and body language!
Its always awkward at first when you talk to someone over Skype because you are sat on your own in a room talking ever so slightly louder than normal to make sure the other person can hear you clearly, but remember this is their first impression of you, so eye contact and body language is everything! I know it doesn't always feel right and it can be tempting to look at your image on screen or down at your notes, but by looking straight into the camera and sitting up straight you are making eye contact and your body language is strong.
Use Skype to your advantage!
The fact that you are behind a computer screen doesn't have to be a bad thing. You can keep notes on the company or notes on what you want to say handy without the interviewer seeing them! Obviously you don't want to be reading your notes out like a robot word for word or looking down at them all the time, but it is good to have them there to jog your memory every now and again if required. Another bonus of a Skype interview is that you can easily attach your CV or files of previous work during your call, so there is no risk of you forgetting to bring that important file as everything is on your computer!
It looks like Skype interviews are becoming the new way for employers to speed up the interview process and are here to stay, so by making sure you have prepared yourself and your surroundings all you have to do now is win them over with your knowledge and experience! Oh and don't forget to smile!
