Ally is defined as a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose. In recruitment, job seekers and recruiters must realise they share the same goal, finding a dream job or filling a vacancy, like an ally should be.

On a daily basis, recruiters like myself ask job seekers questions like:

• What is your expected salary?
• Where have you been interviewing for the past 12 months?
• What kind of roles are you ideally looking for?
• What is your short and long term career development plan?

And the list goes on and on. But does anyone know the true reason why we ask questions like the above?

The ultimate goal for job seekers is to find a position where there is higher pay, wider job exposure/scope, promotion, better team dynamics, management responsibility, etc. However, professionals that come to us tend to be quite reluctant to tell us the full picture and all of their desires and expectations.

To be frank, it is impossible for recruiters to make assumptions for all professionals that come forth to look for a job. They should come to understand that recruiters do not know everything about you and in order for us to assist in looking for what you want, it is important to have an open and transparent dialogue.

Once the mutual ground is set, it is our task as recruiters to introduce you the right opportunity where your expectations and wants are met and for us, work accomplished!

Career advice, career plan, job seeker, recruiter, recruitment consultant

In an ever changing and highly competitive job market, staying relevant and focused on career planning has become crucial. Businesses are increasingly seeking employees who can add value to their operations.

Here are some of my top tips for staying relevant in an ever changing jobs market:

• Develop your key strengths: Identify and leverage your core competencies, for example your qualifications and other accreditations, work experience, expertise, talents and general interests.
• Self investment: To progress in any organisation and to give you an edge above others, upgrading and supplementing your existing skills and expertise is crucial.
• Knowledge is power:  In a dynamic and ever changing world, it’s important to be in tune with the changing market. Keep up with industry news and trends by reading relevant publications (on and off-line), keeping in touch with key contacts and attending networking events. Social networking is also a good way to connect with your industry and learn up-to-the-minute news.
• Fill the gap:  Identify your weaknesses and increase your worth by overcoming them through training and development.
• Nurturing relationship: In today’s networking age, fostering a good relationship with your colleagues helps to create a pleasant and efficient work environment. Furthermore, it will boost your career longevity in any organisation.
• Organisation goals: Identifying long term goals and objectives and fitting into succession planning will help you stay relevant within your firm.

adding value, career plan, competitive market, Networking, organisation goals, self development, strengths and weaknesses, training