How do I know a recruiter is working for me?
A recruiter's number-one goal is to get you a job. We want to get you out working as much as you want to work. With the current economy it is challenging to reach out to every candidate in our database. When we contact you and send you out to a job, whether it's freelance or full-time, we need to be sure that you are the right person for the job. Our clients rely on us to provide them with "top talent" and we strive to match all candidates to the job order specifications. We not only want to place you based on your skill-set, but also based on the company's culture. Remember it's a buyer's market and employers are being very selective.
How often should I contact my recruiter?
24 Seven recommends that you send us an email once a week when you are doing your weekly follow-ups. Email is the best way to reach us. Keep us posted as to when you are available and let us know if you have updated any of your skills, etc. If you did get a freelance job on your own and are coming off an assignment, it's wise to highlight that in your "checking in" email. In addition, if you went to any workshops or classes and feel that you have a new skill, this email is the perfect time to tell us about it.
What's the best way to follow-up with an employer I had an interview with?
Be creative. Send your contact a hand-written note. Hand-deliver samples of your work. Email them an interesting article about the company to show your interest. Above all, stay positive throughout your follow-ups and remember to highlight why you are the best person for the job.
How does 24 Seven work internally? Do account managers share jobs and candidates?
We work as a team. We share all information. We have one database that alerts and communicates to the entire company. When you register with us, we upload all of your information into our system including your resume, samples, pay rate desired, availability, history, etc. This database is shared with everyone.
Are pay rates declining? If I'm working, will I need to take a pay cut?
This largely depends on the employer. Some companies are asking their employees to take pay cuts while others are trying to maintain their pay rates. This will not be a year of large bonuses or increases. What happens over the next few months will determine how companies approach the rest of the year; everyone has a "wait and see" attitude. Again, it's about being flexible and maybe taking less pay to get a job. When the market begins to rebound, job seekers will be in a better place to negotiate.
Tell me more about freelancing? Why should I freelance and how does it work?
Freelance work is a great alternative during tough times. It allows you to be employed, collect a paycheck, keep your skills fresh and network. An assignment that starts out as a one-week project can turn into a six-month project or a full-time job. There is nothing like showing an employer your skill-set versus talking about it in an interview.
It is easy to begin freelancing with the help of 24 Seven. After you interview with us, we will begin to match your skills with a job order. We then contact you and give you the details of the assignment. This is where you need to be open and flexible and look at the assignment as a new opportunity.
How do I stay current in this kind of job market?
Network, network, network. Say, "yes" to the many invitations that come your way. Attend workshops, join an organization in the fashion industry, read the daily papers, stay current with the trends, talk to people in the industry. Make looking for a job a full-time job.
Where are the best places to network?
Workshops, seminars, organizational events, industry job fairs, social networking sites, etc.
Is social networking the best place to network online?
We find that many employers are looking online for job seekers. Social networking is another way for you to stay connected and network. It's not the only way, but it's a great way to connect with your base of co-workers, friends and past employers. Make sure you let your network know you are looking for work and make sure you send them details. We think social networking is a great tool to help you find a job.
|
