Spring is here! - Why not kick start your career!

 

The arrival of Spring signals fresh beginnings, regeneration and growth. Maybe your thoughts turn to spring cleaning your home or getting your finances in order?

Well have you thought about doing the same with your work life? There’s no better way to organise your work affairs than by looking for a new job? So why not dig out your CV, blow off those cobwebs and refresh it by making sure it’s up to date and reading well.

If you need any help in updating your CV or looking for your next job in Clinical Research or Business and Administration, just visit our website or contact us on 01280 811389, or through Twitter @KuboRecruitment  or  LinkedIn KuboRecruitment.

The good, the bad and the ugly side of using social media for your job search. Part 2

Facebook

In the last blog, Kubo looked at LinkedIn and how it can help your job search, but what about when something you have said or done online comes back to bite you! This week Kubo are looking at Facebook, and like many people, you probably think that LinkedIn is for professional use and Facebook is for personal use, but unfortunately social media doesn’t work like that. What you say and do on your personal profile has a habit of catching up with you when you least expect it.

Most employers will Google their prospective employees before their interview, so your chosen profile picture and past pictures are the first thing an employer can see in search results. This is probably a good time to check your privacy settings and make sure your profile is set as private and be sure to select an appropriate profile picture, because these are viewable to everyone!

Whatever is viewable on your Facebook timeline tells an employer about you. If you don’t want future or current employers looking at your recent posts then lock it down via your privacy settings, because what you post may well hinder your chances of getting that job! Below are examples of how Facebook has cost a few people their job!

• In 2009 a female employee had a bit of a moan on Facebook about her new job “first day at work. omg So dull!! Unfortunately for her this post found its way to her manager and 3 weeks later she was fired! 

 

• In March 2009 a Swiss women was fired after phoning her boss and telling him she couldn’t come in because she had a migraine and the lights and glare from her computer would make it worse. She was later seen on Facebook and it was presumed if she was well enough to be on Facebook she was well enough to be in work! She was subsequently let go!
• It’s never advisable to criticise your boss on social media, especially when you have them as a friend on Facebook! Below is the actual response that this young lady got from her boss! 

 

• A male employee in the UK wrote this on his Facebook page, ‘I work at [insert company here] and can't wait to leave because it's s***"." He quickly got his wish and was sacked!!

 In many cases, potential employers can find their way onto your Facebook page even if you have enabled privacy settings by going through other employees or friends. So be careful what you post on Facebook and who can view your profile.! The first thing most potential employers do is Google or Facebook their candidates. Start by doing a Google search of yourself and see if you are happy with results. Don’t stop yourself getting that perfect job by having incriminating evidence on your Facebook. Once you do have that job think carefully what you write as you may well find yourself without one!

Let us know if you have ever got into trouble over a post you have wrote?

 

The Good, the bad and the ugly side of using social media for your job search: Part 1

Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook are all great ways of networking and aiding you in your job search, but what happens when you’re personal life back fires on your professional one and hinders instead of helps you. With stories in the media about people being fired over posts that their work colleagues have seen, Kubo are looking at the 3 main social networking sites and advice on how to use them effectively for your job hunting.

Part 1 LinkedIn

LinkedIn is designed specifically for professional networking, and 89% of employers who were asked in a 2012 survey of 1,000 recruiters by recruiting-technology Company Jobvite, said that they have made a hire through LinkedIn so you should try to keep everything professional on your profile. Below are top tips on how to use LinkedIn effectively.

• Photo- Keep your photo professional at all times, no pictures of you pulling funny faces or nights out with your friends where you went dressed as a pirate. Try to look happy in your photo; no one wants to see a miserable person staring back at them when they are looking for a potential candidate it gives the wrong impression. A simple head shot of you looking professional is perfect.




• Headline-The headline is the first line under your name that people see when you come up in a search.　 This is basically your first impression to a potential employer, so sell yourself and stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for work then say you are and it’s also a good idea to put key words of your desired role as you will come up in more searches.




• Get Connected- LinkedIn is all about networking so the more connections you have the more connections you can make. LinkedIn works on a 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd connection basis so this means you are able to view more people and profiles the more connections you have.




• Join Groups- LinkedIn has groups for near enough everything, so find the industry and groups relevant to you and get joining. Groups will open you up to hundreds of new connections that are outside your network and also allows you to message other group members for free!




• Contact info- If an employer or recruiter is doing a search and you are their 3^rd or 4^th connection they will not be able to message you (inmail) without the specific paid version. So having your email address somewhere on the page gives them the opportunity to contact you directly so you won’t miss out on that new opportunity!




• Profile- Getting all the correct information across on your profile and in a clear and precise manner is key! Outline your current and past jobs leaving no gaps with a brief description of your job role is the best way, as it looks tidy and is easier for prospective employers to read! LinkedIn also has a step-by-step guide to help you complete your profile.



• Recommendations and Endorsements- having past work colleagues or customers recommending you and your work is a great way of showing potential employers evidence of your successes. LinkedIn recently introduced endorsements which allows your connections to endorse particular skills.




• Follow Companies-Companies usually list job openings on their company page which then show up in your news feed if you are following that company. Then you will never miss a job opportunity!

Are you following Kubo Recruitment on LinkedIn yet? We constantly list job openings on our company page in the life sciences and clinical research sector.

In part 2 Kubo will be looking at how you should be very careful about what you post on Twitter and Facebook because things may come back to haunt you!

　

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Slack off on your Job Search this August

We generally think of August as a slow period in terms of work and business, a period of vacations and holidays where most people and companies are not very productive. It may lead many job seekers to think they can slack off in August as well. It's time to get your head out of the sand and see why August can actually be an ideal period for your job search! Kubo Recruitment shares some thoughts on why August is not a time to slack off.

1. Companies and Hiring Managers are in a "Re-focus" period

While it is true that many people go on vacation at some point during August, many come back towards the end of August or beginning of September and look at this period as a "re-focus" time. This means they are re-evaluating priorities and goals for the second half of the year and getting back into work mode for the end of the year. It's a good time to catch them when they are highly motivated and re-focused. 

2. People are Generally in a Better Mood

It is estimated that 80% if jobs are found via referral. This means that networking is extremely important, and employers are generally in a better mood during the summer months due to better weather, more sunlight and thoughts of vacation. It could be the best time to ask your contacts if there are any job openings or if they can refer you for a job. 

3. Because August is Better than January

Many job hunters make the mistake of applying for jobs towards the end of the year, thinking that companies are looking to hire before the near year. The end of the year is the worst time to job hunt as companies are closing budgets and preparing for holiday periods like Christmas and New Years (and also Thanksgiving in the U.S.). On the other hand, many job seekers think right after the New Year is the best time to apply for a job. However, companies are still finalizing budgets. 

Besides the August/beginning of fall period, early spring is a good period to job hunt.

4. Everyone else is slacking off in August

Your fellow job seekers may be slacking off in August due to a slow business period. Use this to your advantage to do job research and contact those companies and employers who are working in August. Continuously check job boards and sites like LinkedIn for an idea of the job market and prepare and update your CV and cover letter. You'll be one step ahead of the slackers when that "re-focus" period comes around.

5. Not everyone is on holiday in August

While European countries might lead the way for summer vacations in August, keep in mind that not everyone is on holiday during this time. The French, Italians and Spanish are notorious for their long summer holidays and many businesses actually close for either 2 weeks or all of August. Many of these businesses tend to be operational (like factories and bars), so keep in mind that in a professional context, the company you are applying to may be open all of August. European Catholic countries celebrate a bank holiday on August 15th and usually take long weekends, but countries like United Kingdom are still open for business.

In the U.S., vacations in August are likely but don't expect the majority of employers to be on holiday like in Europe. Unlike the Europeans, most Americans do not take 2 week vacation periods - most just stick to one week at a time and likely check email during their vacation. August can actually be an ideal time for hiring in the U.S. 

Check out Kubo Recruitment's complete list of job openings and continue reading our blog for job hunting and interviewing tips. 

How to Tackle the Most Common Interview Questions (that you will get asked!)

Interviews are nerve-wracking enough, so make them a bit easier on yourself and go in prepared with unique answers to the most commonly answered questions.

Kubo Recruitment has put together a handy list of the most common questions and some helpful tips on how to best answer them.

1. "Tell me about yourself." 

While this is a very open-ended question, it does not give you free rein to tell the interviewer everything, including what you did over the weekend or the current status of your relationship. This is a chance for you to show the employer your personality, so they can see if you fit in to the company culture. Give the employer a brief history of your professional and academic accomplishments to give them an idea of how you got to the point where you are today. You can show the employer hints of your personality in your response by discussing your hobbies as well - like your passion for travel or sport. It's ok to have fun with your answer, but keep it professional.

2. "Why did you leave your last job?"

Number one rule: be honest. If you were laid off or fired, explain why, but always show that you have gained knowledge and growth from your previous role. No matter your response, demonstrate that the job you are interviewing for would be a stepping stone in your career. DO NOT bad mouth your previous employer, as it comes across as childish and unprofessional.

3. "Why did you apply for this job?" 

Similar to question 1, show that you have read up on the job role. Pick out points of the job description that suit you perfectly and explain why by giving examples. Focus on what you can offer the company in terms of skill set and personality traits. Point out positive aspects of the company you are applying to as well; for example mention that you would like to be part of a great work environment or a successful company. Show that you are not only passionate about the job role, but about the company you hope to join.

4. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Avoid discussing your personal plans when this question comes up. The employer is usually trying to find out if you're going to be a "flight risk" - e.g. are you someone who changes companies every 2 years, do you have trouble settling down, are you planning on starting a family in the near future? Be passionate and realistic about your answer. Demonstrate that you have the intention to grow in your field, but that you are also flexible and adaptable to change. 

5. "What are your weaknesses?" 

This question feels like a trap, doesn't it? Never say that you don't have any. It's simply not true, no one is perfect. Turn a negative into a positive - for example: point out that you are meticulous to detail or that sometimes you find it better to work individually. These are weaknesses that reflect more on your personality rather than your work ethic.

6. "Do you have any questions?" 

Always prepare some questions beforehand by looking at the company's website. Questions show you are interested in the role and the company. Bring up any questions or doubts you may have, but avoid asking about salary until the employer brings it up first. This is the time to show the employer you are genuinely interested in the job role. 

The most important aspect of interviewing you can bring to the table is confidence. Having confidence in yourself shows the employer you'll have confidence in the work you do as well. 

Job Crisis? Kubo has Job Openings in Life Sciences in the U.S. and Europe

Kubo Recruitment recently shared some tips for job hunting during the economic crisis. And just in case you weren't feeling so confident about the economy, Kubo is here to reassure you that there are indeed job openings out there! Here are some of our job listings in the U.S. and Europe! 

U.S.

ADaM Statistical Expert (Home-based)

For this role, we are looking for in depth knowledge and experience of data collection and reporting in drug development and clinical trial processes, design of ADaM datasets to support complex endpoint analysis, and experience with a variety of study designs. Qualifications include: Masters or PhD in Statistics and 8+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.

Lead Clinical Data Manager (Home-based)

We are looking for a Lead Clinical Data Manager who is knowledgeable on data collection specifications from all data sources, managing in-stream data flow activities and delivering a quality database in accordance with project plans. The ideal candidate has knowledge of Data Management processes and pharmaceutical industry guidelines such as ICH and GCP as well as coding dictionaries MedDRA and WHO-DD. 

EUROPE

Statistician (Location: UK, Italy, Germany or Home-based)

We have an immediate need for 3 Statisticians to work for a European CRO on a functional project for one of their major pharmaceutical customers. The indication is oncology but you do not need previous oncology experience.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced statistician with at least 3+ years of industry knowledge and experience in the clinical research industry. The candidate will be responsible for design, analysis and reporting of clinical trials and must have good communication skills. 

Don't see a job opening here that interests you? We have more job listings on our website. You can always upload your profile to our website, which is checked daily, and we will contact you should a new position open up that matches your profile. 

Advice on Job Hunting During the Economic Crisis

As Europe and the U.S. continue to face economic hardship including worrisome unemployment rates and job cuts, job hunting has become a job in itself - requiring a full time effort. 

In addition to unemployment, there are more and more people entering the workforce. In the United States alone, 1.7 million students graduated from university this spring. According to a recent study on employment, at least 4 people are competing for every job role, and in the United Kingdom as many as 20-30 candidates. Therefore, in some countries you really do need to be on the ball to secure a job these days.

Kubo Recruitment have put together some helpful tips to help those searching in this struggling economy:

• Network: They say it's not what you know, but who you know, and in this case it can really help you progress. Speak to your friends and family and use social media outlets to sell yourself. You never know what opportunity might be out there unless you ask.
• Customize: With cover letters, it is not a case of one size fits all. Read the job description thoroughly and show you have understood the job role and how your skills are relevant.
• Speak to someone: Sometimes sending applications online or in the post can feel like a dead end if you get no response, but speaking to an agency about your circumstances and experience is always advised. They can discuss your CV/resume and give you advice on your next steps.
• Options: Don't put all your eggs in one basket! It's always good to be open and see what is out there. You would rather have too many options than none at all.
• Research: When meeting your prospective employer, it is essential to have done your research. Know who you are meeting, read up on the company and know the job specifications like the back of your hand. It is always good to have a few questions prepared too.
• Appearance: Research from Careerbuilder.com shows that one-third of employers say that they make up their mind within 1 minute of meeting a candidate. So, to make the best first impression make sure that you look smart, presentable and confident.
• Attitude: Showing a potential employer that you are enthusiastic and interested in the job is half the battle, but remember there is a thin line between enthusiastic and desperate. 
• Accept rejection and learn from it: See every opportunity as a learning process, whether you get the job or not, get as much feedback as you can and apply it to the next opportunity. If you weren't accepted for a job position, follow up with the recruiter and ask why. 
• Follow-up: It's always good to call or write and find out if there is any feedback or an update. If you are working with an agency, you will always get feedback as they do their best to get as much information as possible.
• Stay positive: There is an average of 3 million open jobs in the U.S. per month, so if it's not this time it could be the next time! Don't get disheartened if things didn't go as planned. The next job opportunity is right around the corner!

Kubo Recruitment can help job candidates at any stage in the job hunting process - from recent graduates to professionals looking for a career change. Visit our website to upload your profile and browse our current job openings both in Europe and the U.S.

We post job openings weekly on our LinkedIn company page, so we sure to follow us there!