September 2019 Blogs

The best candidate screening processes not only identify the people with the right skills for the role but those who share your company culture and values.  Candidate screening can be intensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to harness the right processes to find the very best candidates for the role. The most effective screening processes seek out informed candidates – these are the people who know more about your company, ask smarter questions, and are a better long-term fit for your organisation. But when you are faced with a pile of applications and limited time, it can feel tough to implement a smart screening process. Use these tips to identify the people who are the right fit for your business.  Learn to Recognise Informed Applications  Not all application forms are completed equally. Learning to recognise the signs of an informed applicant can help you to successfully identify potential hires at the very earliest stages of the search process. Informed candidates tailor their CV to match the skills required in the job description. They include a personalised cover letter that reflects on why they would be a good fit for the organisation, often with mention to values and mission. They may also identify a willingness to grow and improve their skills or come recommended through a high-value recruitment channel. Beware copy and paste CVs and application forms that are completed with minimal effort or specificity.  Ask the Right Questions  You are likely to have limited time with a candidate before you move to a face to face interview. Whether you have a short video or telephone call to screen a potential hire, it’s important that you make the most of it. These are the key areas you should focus on after identifying a potential new team member.  Do They Understand the Role?  The most switched-on candidates have done their research. They have a good grasp of the role and the skills they need to succeed. They can identify skills they may not have and outline their plans to improve.  Are They Aligned with Your Mission?  Informed candidates have done their research before they fill in their application form. Can candidates outline your values and mission and describe how their skills align to it?  Will They Be a Great Fit for Your Culture?  Questions about work style and career aspirations can help you get a good understanding of a candidate’s cultural comfort zone and identify those who are likely to be a match over the long-term. Where Do They Go From Here?  Informed candidates are thinking beyond the right now. They should have a working knowledge of the market and be aware of the likely challenges that your organisation may face.  What Questions Do They Ask You?  You can tell a lot about a candidate from the questions they ask. Do they ask specific questions about the role and the organisation? Are they interested in the company’s social presence and recent product developments? A genuine interest is the mark of an informed candidate.  The right screening process can transform the way you connect with candidates and help you to make better and more successful hires. Looking to discover informed candidates and expand your team? Speak to Henry Nicholas today.  

The Creative Industries Federation values the creative contribution to the British economy at £101.5bn. The sector now employs more than 2 million people and is the fastest growing industry in the UK.  Encompassing a wide range of specialisms, from marketing and PR to web design and television, the creative sector is expanding twice as fast as other industries according to data from Nesta and the Creative Industries Council. The South East is a vital part of this success story, home to 18% of all creative jobs in the country and second only in size to London at 29%.  The ancient city of Oxford and the surrounding county of Oxfordshire are two of the biggest creative employers in the South East, acting as the base for 3000 digital and creative businesses who contribute over £1.4bn to the local economy.  At Henry Nicholas, we are seeing a high demand for marketing and PR agency roles at all levels across Oxfordshire. Creative and communications professionals are seeking challenging roles with high-performing agencies, looking for the opportunity to grow their careers outside of the capital.  Berkshire is another rising star in the UK’s creative and digital boom. Towns like Reading and Newbury are seeing an influx of digital organisations. This is, in turn, driving a rise in specialist creative and PR roles to support a thriving tech industry. Reading was recently named the third-largest digital ‘city’ in the UK after London and Manchester in the UK 2019 Digital Technology Census. B2B agency professionals are sought after as tech businesses search for creative support to grow their brand presence. The creative economy shows no sign of slowing and the South East looks set to play a key part in this growth industry. Contact Andy Midgley, Senior Consultant, to discover your next agency role or to discuss expanding your creative team. 

HN Consultant, Andy Midgley, shares advice for those who are looking to build a career in Public Relations. PR is an incredibly exciting and diverse field to be a part of. One minute you could be shouting about a new technology and the next advising a client on how to craft a perfectly-honed social media message. But becoming a communications guru is tough. It’s a popular industry and getting that all-important first foot on the ladder can be difficult, particularly if you haven’t been able to get any previous experience in the field. If you’re set on becoming a PR superstar, explore the advice below and discover how you can brush up on your skills and improve your chances of success.  Polish Your Communication Skills  It sounds obvious but succeeding in PR is all about being a brilliant communicator. With that in mind, your writing skills need to be strong if you want to stand out from the crowd. Some of my clients tell me that they would rather see a candidate with an English or journalism degree over a specific PR degree. It’s vital you can demonstrate that you have a flair for the written word.  Get Qualified  A degree in a relevant field like English is going to help you to get your foot in the door. It’s also useful to explore the professional qualifications on offer from the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations). An industry qualification can help to demonstrate your commitment to the field.  Be Socially Switched On  PR has evolved enormously in the last few years and the pace of change shows no signs of slowing. One of the best ways to understand the way this world works is to immerse yourself in it. Consume as much digital media as you can and be conscious of the way this information is being shaped to target you and the wider online audience. Understanding the digital landscape is key for anyone who wants to make their mark in PR.  Build Your Own Brand  There is no greater shop window for your PR skills than you. Make sure your social media and online presence is clean, cohesive, and projects the type of image that you would like to create for your ideal client. Prospective employers will consider this stuff, so you should too.  Get Experience  PR is one of those industries where experience is key and that can make it hard to get your very first opportunity. Work experience and internships can make all the difference when it comes to applying for your first role, so make sure you approach as many agencies as possible to get even a small amount of exposure on your CV.  If you're looking for your first steps (or next steps) in PR then contact Andy on LinkedIn or drop him a line via email.