Category: Blog

Deciding On A Job Offer

Posted on | by admin

Negotiation is a critical skill to possess during your job offer. It cannot be overlooked as it is the one time you will have the chance to lay out agreed terms and conditions that both you and your employer agree on. Getting it right is crucial. It is imperative that both parties are happy from the beginning, establishing good rapport and working towards the mutual benefit of the company.

Find out extensively the particulars of employment and the job offer:

Be sure to get these in writing. It’s standard practice and not an unreasonable request to ask for these to be clarified. Some of these particulars will include:

  • The salary
  • Exact location of the job – If travel occurs, can you accrue travel reimbursement and of how much?
  • Is there local reimbursement if relocating specifically for the job
  • What exactly are the ‘other benefits’ that were stipulated in the job advertisement and mentioned in the interview
  • What is the starting date
  • What is the pay pattern (weekly, fortnightly, monthly..?)
  • Is there a signing on bonus..?

To some it may appear quite brazen of someone to ask these request after only securing the job. Once they are addressed diplomatically, they will alleviate any miscommunication that may fall into place further down the line. It is in the employers benefit that you are made aware of them.

Negotiate a time frame for giving a definitive answer

When you are laid out with an offer take time to process it. Although it is sometimes hard, particularly when you are moving up the career ladder in terms of progress and salary, you need to understand the intrinsic value of the offer. Give yourself enough time to seriously think about it rationally. Any employer who has made the conscious effort to put you through often extensive interviews will be ok with someone taking a few days to ponder over a decision. Again having decorum and diplomacy will serve you well when questioning it.

‘I appreciate your offer and I’m very excited about starting. However I’m currently still waiting to hear back from other organizations. Can we discuss the offer again in a week?’

‘Thank you so much for the offer. I would like to take a day or two decide and discuss the particulars with my husband / wife / partner.’

Don’t be afraid to talk with the Hiring Manager to gauge the company’s expectations for hearing back and try to reach a middle ground. Don’t start the negotiation process over the phone, or worse, over email. It’s harder to say “no” to someone in person than it is over the phone. If the position is to be filled immediately, you may want to give them an answer sooner rather than later. A reasonable amount of time can vary from anywhere between a day to a week.

Think cohesively. Does this package encapsulate what you expected and also what you need to succeed and transition easily in the company? These factors include:

  • Individual Needs
    • Does the job satisfy your intellectual needs, creativity, and natural curiosity?
    • Do you think you could fit in with the company culture?
    • Would you be motivated about and excited for work?
  • Family Needs
    • Is the job likely to be compatible with your family duties and interests?
    • Is the job geographically close enough to give you enough time to spend at home?
    • Can you imagine your family interacting with other families in the company?
  • Career Goals
    • Can you imagine furthering your career with the organization?
    • Is there room for growth? Do they offer competitive training, job experience, and pay to make this a “step up” from where you were before?
    • Is there job security?

Tips for Final Round Interviews

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Hiring Managers won’t schedule a final round interview without a genuine desire to have you in their company. You are legitimately in the running to procure the job in question. At Excel Recruitment, we prepare candidates week in week out, and have been fed back some of this information from the companies we recruit for. Final round interviews are always the trickiest. Candidates often feel they have exhausted themselves, having already identified and sold themselves and their attributes.

In most cases final round interviews will take place in-store/on site. You will have illustrated that you have the skills for the job, now is the time for them to gauge mannerisms and your cultural fit, two very important facets that determine your success in a new job.

Whilst we recruit for a variety of positions and industries, these were the areas of focus that appear pertinent to any job.

Confidence

Confidence is incredibly important in most situations, but particularly in interviews and especially in the final round.

  • Going into the interview don’t show any self-doubt.
  • Know your CV upside down, know your numbers, (KPIs, targets, profits, turnover) and know your capabilities with regard to this job.
  • You have been impressed with your CV to be called for interview in the first place. You were invited back after meeting you; there is no reason why you shouldn’t be confident.

Know when to brag about your strong attributes, what positive and progressive changes and what you’ve achieved previous. Contrastingly, know when the right time to address your weak point is. Self-awareness isn’t arrogance, nor is it self-doubt. One thing to remember is to spin any weaknesses positively. An example that prevents you from sounding overconfident might be

  • Acknowledging any weakness and showing tangible steps you’ve taken to improve.

Preparation

ALWAYS prepare beforehand. This is one thing that couldn’t be emphasised by clients and consultants enough. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. A phrase that typifies what will happen if you fail to do sufficient research.

Always have a back-up plan going in case something doesn’t go as planned. (One thing that is more popular over the last few months is a SWOT analysis by candidates.)

  • Practice your presentation/answers and get feedback from friends and family about the language you are using.
  • Don’t undervalue paper presentations. Be prepared for any glitches on the day, and back up such presentations to your email, drop box, google drive etc. so they are accessible on any device. Should all these fail, go old school with it printed out. It leaves you well prepared in terms of content and adequately prepared for every technical eventuality.

*One thing you need to be aware of at all times is that this is not your first interview. Unless you are meeting with totally different people, don’t bore the interviewees by talking about the same things you did in your first interview.

Your Talk

Companies want positivity. Speaking well of your past and current employers and showing excitement about the prospects of working with your new potential company, should be premise for all answer. Always focus on framing and presenting things positively. Potential employers expect you to really shine in a final round interview. Having said that, they also expect nervousness; you are human and they know that.

Other noteworthy things.

Ask Questions

More specifically, ask thoughtful questions. Often candidates can be consumed by nerves and appear too enthused at things that aren’t important in the interview. Things like being shown the office, or fire escape. Always keep the focus on the job in question and always use this focus to build thoughtful questions. An easy one that illustrates your team awareness and fit into the team would be

  • Have members of the team come from similar backgrounds to myself?

Focus on You

In final round interviews it is easy to run away with enthusiasm. Talk about potential projects you’ll be working on is naturally exciting. As is being shown all the office perks. Don’t let this be a distraction that takes away from you making your case for the position.

Remember

Put your personality across. Don’t let the severity of a final round interview deter you from building rapport. Hiring Managers appreciate a laugh (when relevant) too.

Takeaway point

If you are unsuccessful in getting the job DON’T let it shatter your confidence. You have the skills, experience and determination to have got to final round. There are likely to be various factors that led to the decision to hire someone else; it doesn’t necessarily bear negatively on you as person or as a professional.

 

 

Aislinn Lea, Head of Fashion & Non-Food, Excel Recruitment

My Journey Into Recruitment – Aislinn Lea

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

What titles did you hold while working in Retail?

Retail Store Manager

Area Merchandising Manager

How does it compare going from working in Retail to a Recruitment environment?

Retail and Recruitment are very different industries. With Recruitment, you are confined to the one spot in an office, it is a very administrative business and you are only really measured on your sales which is driven through your relationships with your Clients and your Candidates

With Retail, you have a wide range of duties and accountabilities, it is far more creative and commercial where you are constantly looking to drive business through a variety of areas, People, Product, Merchandising, Standards and Costs. However once you have loved retail, recruitment taps in on this as you will thoroughly enjoy learning about a company, understanding their business requirements and passing this knowledge and understanding of a business to your candidate.

What was your favourite part about working in retail?

Visual Merchandising and Commercial success

What is your favourite aspect of working in Recruitment?

My favourite aspect of Recruitment is when I found myself really busy with a lot of live roles. I love filling roles and achieving that goal of finding the right candidate for the client.

Are you seeing any difference in applications over the last 12 months?

Yes, there is a lot more quality candidates however there is also a lot more jobs therefore I am finding that candidates are often out for 2/3 interviews at one time.

What do you favour most when a CV comes into your inbox? What must haves does a candidate need in order to be considered?

Not too many jumps on their c.v is the main thing I would be conscious off.

 

What has been your most favoured candidate placement and why?

I have had a few great placement that I would consider memorable for a variety of reasons.

Gary. I placed as a Territory Sales Manager with a relatively new client. Why, because he listened to all my feedback and took everything on board, he researched, practised and proved to our client that what he didn’t have in experience he had in enthusiasm, energy and ambition.

Fran. I placed Fran as Regional Manager with one of the largest mobile telecomm. operators in Ireland. I spent 6 months on this placement and was up against 3 other agencies. Fran was fantastic, she showed her enthusiasm and energy time and time again through each assignment asked of her throughout the interview process

Mari. I placed Mari as Department Manager with the a luxury Irish retail group. Mari has being trying so hard to get into the Retail Fashion Industry. She is an award winning grocery retailer however was finding it very difficult to get an interview with any Fashion house, that is until the our client group offered her an interview and ultimately loved her and offered her the position.

A young sales assistant aspires to be a Retail/Area Manager – Buyer/Senior Buyer. Describe what they should do in 4 sentences?

I think for a Young Sales Assistant looking to progress to Retail Area Management I would suggest you put in the work, studies, long hours and be as flexible as you can with regards to location when you are young and energetic therefore availing of all the opportunities and training afforded to you at the beginning of your career.

Listen and take on board any criticism, compliments and training offered and always be looking to improve yourself and let your employer know where you see yourself down the road.

My Journey Into Recruitment – Sarah Hurley

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Sarah Hurley oversees Head office and Buying roles. Below, Sarah takes us through how she got into recruitment.

What titles did you hold while working in Retail?

Trainee Buyer, Assistant Buyer, Senior Assistant Buyer, Junior Buyer.

 

How does it compare going from working in Retail to a Recruitment environment?

Coming from a buying perspective it’s not as fast paced and probably more service focused.

 

What was your favourite part about working in retail?

Developing product and analysing sales performance were my favourite.

 

What is your favourite aspect of working in Recruitment?

Keeping candidates and clients mutually happy.

 

Are you seeing any difference in applications over the last 12 months?

Perhaps more Ecommerce candidates are applying and also more Ecommerce jobs are being registered with us.

 

What do you favour most when a CV comes into your inbox? What must haves does a candidate need in order to be considered?

Keep it simple/ My ideal CV has a short personal profile that sums the candidate up and describes main objective for their career, followed by career summary, education, IT skills (computer programs and systems you can use well) and then any relevant interests. CV’s on Word are preferred as PDF’s can often at time be difficult to format if we need to.

What has been your most favoured candidate placement and why?

One candidate we worked with wanted to get into a trainee merchandiser role. She had great experience but was struggling with nerves at interview and her relevant skills and knowledge weren’t getting across. We spent time with her going through her CV, practising interview questions and any potential difficulties she might come across. Long story short – she got the job and we’re all delighted for her!

 

A young sales assistant aspires to be a Retail/Area Manager – Buyer/Senior Buyer. Describe what they should do in 4 sentences?

If the company they work for has a head office here in Ireland then it would make sense to see if they offer any entry level buying or merchandising schemes depending on which function you wish to get into. For any head office roles, it is pretty imperative to gain some office experience so you can brush up on your IT skills and work in a fast paced environment.

Nikki Murran, Excel Recruitment's Director of Grocery Retail Recruitment

My Journey Into Recruitment – Nikki Murran

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

What titles did you hold while working in Retail?

I started my career working in our family Spar stores, so my first title was probably floor sweeper or shelf packer! I worked up to Junior Manager and Store Manager there and then moved to Lidl as a Trainee District Manager and then spent 5 years with Lidl as a Sales Operation Manager.

 

How does it compare going from working in Retail to a Recruitment environment?

It actually has so many similarities that I was very surprised when I made the move. Both are very customer focused, fast paced and target driven! Obviously the main difference for me was the move from being out on the road to being stationed in an office! But between client visits, head hunting trips and away recruitment days I’ve never felt too stagnant! I used to miss the buzz of a shop floor on a busy morning, getting the store prepared for opening but that has been replaced by the buzz of placing great candidates in great roles!!

 

What was your favourite part about working in retail?

I loved my staff. I loved developing them and recognising talent and growing it. Another one of my favourite things in retail was achieving KPIs across my stores and growing sales by focusing on trends, standards and displays. I also loved the customers!

 

What is your favourite aspect of working in Recruitment?

Well I love my team! I love seeing how much they have grown since joining us. I love dealing with clients and still getting those snapshots into the retail world and see how the market is moving and changing all the time. And obviously I really enjoying identifying talent and bringing that talent to our clients knowing they will make a real difference to their bottom line.

 

Are you seeing any difference in applications over the last 12 months?

I think the applications are pretty consistent this year versus last year. But I have noticed a lot more counter offers coming back to candidates – something that had been pretty non-existent in the last few years!

 

What do you favour most when a CV comes into your inbox? What must haves does a candidate need in order to be considered?

This is a difficult one as a CV really only tells half the tale. I do look for strong brands, progression and longevity in each role.

What has been your most favoured candidate placement and why?

My very first one of course! He was a Baker from New Zealand who had just arrived in Ireland. Some of the most rewarding ones have been where clients have asked me to garner them really top talent and I was able to do this but also being able to secure a role for a candidate who had been out of employment for a while.

 

A young sales assistant aspires to be a Retail Area Manager Describe what they should do in 4 sentences?

Ask questions – Lot and lots of questions! I never stop doing this. No matter how long in a role or company you can always learn more.

Educate yourself – if you’re not in a position to go get a degree or qualification, then read everything you can about the market and industry – keep yourself up to date – again this is something I always do!

Be the master of your own destiny! Don’t wait around for training, go get it, ask for it, do it in your own time, approach your managers, friends, neighbours, relatives in the industry and get as must knowledge as you can.

Be reliable and consistent. Even as you start out as a sales assistant it’s so important to start working on your professional reputation as a hardworking, reliable employee from the very beginning.

Use Excel Recruitment when it’s time for each move! We are the No. 1 Retail Recruitment agency in Ireland and are very good at what we do!

A little more advice than 4 sentences 🙂

Retail Jobs | Open Day | I BELIEVE Christmas Market Jobs

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

*Update. Excel Recruitment are the exclusive recruitment partners for the I BELIEVE Village and Event taking place this Christmas in CHQ Dublin. The event will run from November 26th to December 23rd. With the best of Irish Shopping, dining and entertainment in one location it is the place to be and the ‘go to’ event this Christmas.

As part of an extensive recruitment drive, Excel Recruitment are holding an open day in the CHQ Building on Tuesday November 17th. Anyone interested in these jobs are asked to attend, with 100+ jobs currently available, full and part time.

Applicants should bring with them a current CV, working visa (if applicable) and any Manual Handling / HACCP certs. The open day takes place between 1pm – 4pm in CHQ Building. Walk in applicants are also invited.

The I BELIEVE Recruitment Team at Excel.

CHQimage (6)

My Journey Into Recruitment – Sean Thomas

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

What types of jobs did you work at in grocery retail?

I started as a sales assistant in Supervalu Hartstown then joined my local Dunnes Stores for 4 years. I re-joined my old Supervalu as a Trainee Manager when I was 19, which had turned into a Eurospar by then. I became an Assistant Manager for Eurospar for 3 years and then later join Superquinn as a department manager.

 

How does it compare going from working in grocery to a recruitment environment?

Not much has changed, it both requires a passion for what we do and strong inter personal skills.

 

What was your favourite part about working in retail?

I enjoy the fast paced atmosphere, the customers and the sense of achievement when completing my job.

 

What is your favourite aspect of working in recruitment?

I enjoy the pressure! We’re constantly striving to go above and beyond, keeping up the high expectation of candidates we send out and preparing candidates for interviews.

 

Are you seeing any difference in applications over the last 12 months?

I’m seeing excellent candidates come through, with excellent level of management experience with good education backgrounds behind them. More than ever, I’ve noticed that this year.

 

What do you favour most when a CV comes into your inbox? What must haves does a candidate need in order to be considered?

  • Good longevity
  • Career progression with good company brand names such as Eurospar and Supervalu etc.

 

What has been your most favoured candidate placement and why?

I had a candidate who had been made redundant by his local Supermarket, like many others. He was an experienced manager, had excellent references and a qualified butcher, with good length of service in each job. Due to not having a brand named supermarket behind him we initially found it hard to place him. But due to us having good relationships with our clients, he was given the chance to become a fresh food manager with this large branded supermarket and has been in this store the last 7 months. I have been in touch with him quite recently and he stated that he can’t believe he did not find this place sooner, as the professionalism and store set up is much far advanced as to what he dealt with in the past and is loving his new role. There is a big sense of satisfaction when you know you get the right fit for both parties!

A young sales assistant aspires to be a retail/area manager. Describe what they should do in 4 sentences?

  • Get a Degree in some related business course
  • Get on the job management experience in a large fast paced environment
  • Always be professional in everything you do.
  • Be nice, it’s nice to be nice!

 

Tips for waiting staff

Posted on | by admin

Whether you have just entered the industry or have been employed in it for some time waiting staff are persistently caught in a whirlwind, in one of the busiest, hands on professions whose primary focus is on the customer. Working effectively and efficiently is the core purpose for all waiting staff, whereby the customer is left satisfied. A massive burden falls on waiting staff and they are constantly thrown queries and questions that which aren’t always relatable to their job title. If a customer is left dissatisfied at the presentation of their food, its taste, the restaurant environment or waiting time, waiting staff are the first people who have to deal with these concerns. Thus the tenets of their job stretch far beyond simple serving food and cleaning plates. Here we have compiled useful tips for those employed in the industry.

 

Always look presentable

  • If your job requires a uniform make sure it is always in good condition. This meaning that it is clean, neat and ironed. If you work full time you are obliged to be provided with a certain allocated uniform allowance so if your employer is slow to give you them, push them for it as ultimately it will serve them better when you are presented well. Naturally, working in a hospitality sector is a fast paced environment and things can get heated. Check your appearance periodically to make sure you are presentable or that you haven’t picked up unnoticed stains.

 

  • Keep nails clean and tidily cut
  • Keep jewellery and make up to a minimal
  • Try not smoke directly before a shift or if you do cover the scent well as it is a noticeable and obnoxious smell.
  • Wear suitable footwear

 

Know the menu thoroughly

  • Having an adept knowledge of the menu and familiarising yourself with all the dishes will save you time when taking orders or dealing with queries regarding ingredients or specific dietary requirements. Study the menu if you feel you could acquaint yourself better as it will mean you will avoid mistakes and slow orders.
    • Become familiar with every option for each order. If a customer orders a sandwich be aware of which breads are available, which sides come with it and if substitutes or additions can be made.
    • Know which dishes contain meat, dairy and common allergens like peanuts. Similarly be able to recommend an alternative for customers.
    • Be able to differentiate between whether a menu item is actually suitable for a customer. For example something that is vegetarian may not be vegan. Similarly a food that is presented as vegetarian may actually contain beef stock in the cooking process. Mention this to the customer as they will appreciate your honesty in looking out for their needs.
    • Familiarise yourself with daily specials before each shift.

 

Have an ability to Multi Task

  • Work will become easier if you can have the ability to multi task. Take empty dishes from tables whenever you’re on your way to the kitchen. Fill up a tray when several tables want condiments, drinks, or similar items instead of carrying them out one by one. These are things customers greatly appreciate as it cuts down waiting time and gives them a more efficient service experience. If a customer requests more water, bring a jug and check on nearby customers, topping them up if needs be. They will be impressed at your ability to foresee their request without it being addressed.

Never do nothing

If you have no customers to take care of, clean! There’s always work to be done in a restaurant. Show your employer that you’re able to take initiative and work hard.

  • If your current tables do not require attention, look at the other customers as well. Some of them may be trying to flag down a waitress for a small request that you can fill without stepping on their toes.

Excel Recruitment | Salary Survey 2015 | Retail Industry Management

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

You will find the 2015 Salary Survey from Excel Recruitment at the link attached Salary Survey 2015 – PDF.
We have compiled this guide which is supported by data from the best Retail Managers across the country. I remain confident that the Grocery, Non-Food & Fashion, as well as FMCG Industries will continue their resurgence and 2016 will be a year of continued growth. Barry Whelan // October – 2015

How to become a Merchandise Planner

Posted on | by Aisling Rafferty

Do you get annoyed when you walk into a shop and can’t find a pair of jeans in your size? Merchandise Planners or Merchandisers are responsible for ensuring that the right amount of stock and enough of each size is available for the store in question. They must recognise the selling potential in products that buyers want to sell in the department. A Merchandise Planner will plan sales in accordance with this to drive profit. Find out more about what they do here.

The aim ultimately is to achieve better sales results than the previous year. Merchandisers essentially hold the purse strings of a department, responsible for having the right stock, in the right place at the right time to maximise sales and to minimise mark down. With the buyer, they will look at past performance and future trends, to predict what items will sell best and plan accordingly. Because of this Merchandisers need to be highly numerical, commercially minded and analytical. They must possess the ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing retail office environment.

As a merchandiser you’ll be an integral part of driving the bottom line results and sales by making commercial decisions about stock positioning and quantities. With your numerical expertise, ability to analyse sales data and ability to work closely with stores, suppliers and distribution teams in the business, you’ll ensure the best sales performance is consistently achieved.

Merchandise Planners will think and solve logically – they will have reasoning and an ability to come to commercial and financial decisions based on accurate information accumulated from analysing reports and figures.

Merchandiser’s skill-set

  • Identify trading priorities, opportunities and challenges
  • Relevant work experience and/or business related degree/course
  • Ability to analyse & interpret data
  • Commercially aware with a trading focus
  • Good communication and organisational skills
  • High proficiency using Microsoft Office programs – Excel in particular

As a recruiter, the type of people we put forward for trainee merchandising roles ideally would have the following key things on their CV….

  • A Fashion buying & merchandising course or a business/finance related degree – there are a lot of these available so shop around. Some are affiliated with the major retailers so it can be a good way to gain an internship and perhaps a job. Do your research and explore which is the best one for you. Try and speak to ex-students if you can and see what they are up to post course.
  • Retail experience (even if part time during school or college)
  • Office experience – this can show your IT skills, using internal systems, proficiency using Microsoft Office programs – Excel in particular – can you use Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs?