THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR AN AMAZING YEAR

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my wonderful freelance creative community for and incredible year, without whom I would be unable to deliver that extra mile service.

This year has also been a great year for not just CR but for our wonderful clients too.  I would like to thank you all for your amazing support over the past year and would like to welcome our new clients to the CR Digital family.

I can’t wait for a super busy 2014 and am look forward to working with all of you in the busy time ahead.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.

Nice place for client meetings

If you are in need of a nice place for client meetings try out this place in London.

Easy service, friendly people and good prices.  

Providores on Marylebone High Street - check it out.

How to deal with job applications

It’s not uncommon for me to receive anything up to 50 applications per day and I pride myself on being fully committed to responding to all successful (and unsuccessful) applications, as painstaking and tasking as it is.

My responses are tailored to each individual, they are honest, but more importantly they’re designed to keep a lasting relationship with my potential applicant. I’m building my talent pipelines.
You see, keeping applicants on my radar is vital to my role. Everyday new positions and opportunities for candidates are popping, so if the job wasn’t right this time, next time I know exactly who to call.
But just today, I received the following feedback from one of my applicants:
“I'm really surprised that a multi award winning creative director with the work, awards, contacts, experience and clients that I have, just gets this automated response?? Can you explain why?”

If you’re an applicant and you’ve found been in this position, don’t give up! I know it’s frustrating, but you just have to take it on the chin. It’s all part of the process. If you’re seeing endless knock-backs start rethinking your CV or folios. Make sure what you send is appropriate for the spec.
And you should ask for feedback, but ALWAYS remain professional. If you’ve been left with your feathers ruffled, don’t let them know about it. You might ruin your chances of them asking you back in the future.

The job market is highly competitive –ferocious in fact. Recruiters, hiring managers and talent scouts get flooded with hundreds of CVs. It’s a quagmire and time for screening is limited. You’ve sussed it… this is exactly why you’ve had little or no feedback. So, perhaps a generic or  automated response is to be expected. Smart recruiters will do what I do, and keep you in their talent pipeline for future openings.

Make sure your CVs and cover note (if you do one) are clear, punchy and informative, bullet points, brand names and sector experience are the key highlights you need to include. People don’t have time to read reams of information. So, one last piece of advice for all the essay writers out there in you, give it a miss…

Good luck.

Do you love your clients?

This post is basically about asking yourself a question: "do you love your clients". 

If the answer is yes, then like me you will do everything you can to deliver and meet their resource requirements.

If the answer is NO, depending on your business needs you might have to be brave enough to turn their business away - thanks but no thanks.

I am going to post more about this topic soon so stay tuned for my top tips on client dealings.

Remember, egos don't impress anyone and manners cost nothing.