Paul Smith still going strong

The Design Museum held a live twitter chat with Paul Smith where you could ask live questions.

Was rather cool but I didn't get my RT :(

Here is a link of the great man!

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.

Best CV ever!

If you haven't already seen this wonderful link for a super cool cv then check it out :-)

CV link here

Thanks to James Pook for the link.

Market rates (Digital Design)

Hi all, I recently had a very high profile client invite me to assist them with their recruitment of a high level digital designer.

The requirement was straight forward:  I need a freelance senior digital designer who can work independently on both external and internal internet and intranet based projects to start asap.

Obviously the ideal candidate needed a commercial folio that showcased their understanding of design principles, use of colour, imagery and typography coupled with seamless usability. Add to this strong CS skills, people skills and a can do attitude and the match is made right?

Brilliant client, brilliant job, brilliant freelancer only one set back – the rate… unfortunately well short of going market rates!

Hopefully the following market data will help you if you find yourself in the same situation:

Freelance bench marking:

Junior Digital Designer: £120-£160

Midweight Digital Designer: £225-£250

Senior Digital Designer: £250-£300

Digital Art Director: £250-£350

Digital Creative Director: £350-£600

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.

How do I manage multiple agency representation?

Ever found yourself asking that question?

The truth is that all astute job seekers are going to get their credentials out there and begin dipping their toe in the water, as quickly as possible. And the way to do this is via multiple applications (which can often blur into one), numerous registrations with recruitment agencies and getting signed up onto as many job boards as humanly possible. 

This 3 tired approach is often fruitful, resulting in several avenues leading to roles that you’re applying for. Great, if you’re an active candidate eagerly seeking a new role.  Not so great if your details repeatedly land on the same hiring managers desk.

So, try and consider the following when using the 3 tier approach: 

Ask yourself when you last applied directly or via an agency to the potential hiring company?

If I was given a pound for every time I heard someone say “I can’t remember” or “I think I applied”, I’d be quids in. My point is you need to be diligent and pin this down. Keep track, make a note in your calendar or diary. In most cases a period of 6 months is suitable to be reintroduced to a firm and submit another application.

Ask your recruiter for the name of the company they’re sending your details to.

If they can’t disclose the name due to confidentiality then try to find out as much info as possible about the company and role. Common sense questions like ‘where are they based’, ‘length of contract’ and ’what market they’re focused on’, should stand you in good stead. This way you can use your powers of deduction and identify similarities, if briefed by another agency. If you think it’s one you’ve been to already, then tell your recruiter right away and they can decide if it’s worth putting you forward again.

Show loyalty.

For some reason this seems to be a quality lacking in today’s job seekers. Maybe this is down to the extremely competitive conditions of the job market at the moment, but as a senior recruiter, I can tell you that I’m naturally drawn to job seekers who show integrity and ones I can see myself partnering with. No one will hire you if they think you’re going to jump ship if another exciting opportunity presents itself. So try and be selective about where you’re sending your CV and go for top choices first when applying for roles.

Be honest.

This is my top tip for you. Recruiters always appreciate an honest approach, so don’t be afraid to be open and up front from the get go. 

If you have any questions about how to handle multiple representations, feel free to comment below or get in touch via twitter @deancousin 

Happy job hunting.

Recruitment vid - worth watching if you are into recruitment

Great vid here - worth watching if you are into recruitment.

Vid