We believe firmly in the principle of placing candidates into a working environment that suits them.  We are therefore always totally truthful about the suitability of candidates and clients and only arrange meetings when there is a strong likelihood of a successful outcome.  We believe it is unproductive to waste our clients’ and candidates’ time on unsuitable meetings.  Our selection process is meticulous to ensure we understand your requirements and are able to place you in the right position and environment.

All candidates are required to forward a CV to the office in the first instance and our booking desk will then contact you to arrange a suitable appointment for you to meet with one of our consultants.  In order to comply with current regulations, all candidates must bring their passport and qualification certificates (photocopies will not be accepted) with them for this first appointment.  We will not be able to proceed with this if these are not available.

At this meeting candidates will be required to complete an application form and office skills (where appropriate) tests.

Due to the extensive local knowledge of our consultants – details of employers, working culture and work requirements, we are able to give guidance on interview techniques, full company information and detailed job specifications together with notes on what a specific employer looks for in a potential employee.  We will be able to give tips on the sort of questions you should ask and the things that impress individual firms, please look at Your CV section.

This service is free to all registered candidates.

Please note our selection methods for permanent vacancies are normally processed within three days of receiving details of the position to be filled and temporary assignments will usually be filled within an hour of receipt.

A good CV should get you an interview. The interview is when you meet face to face with a potential employer and for you to present yourself as the best candidate for the job.

The firm has read your CV and obviously consider that you have the potential to be just what they are looking for – they would not have asked to meet with you otherwise!

An interview is not a test, it is a chance for the interviewer to assess whether you will be right for their business but it is also a chance for you to decide whether they are right for you.

Preparation is of vital importance. You need to know about the Company, its business and its history (envisage answering the question “What can you tell us about our company?”).

• Check the Company’s website if they have one,
• Check available company literature – the company’s reception should be helpful here
• Speak to current employees if you know any

It is important not to be passive in the interview eg

• Be ready with some questions of your own.
• Think about the potential job, ask about duties, training, relationships within the department, between departments, controls etc
• Think about what you want from the job, how does it fit into your personal aspirations
• Show the interviewer you have prepared yourself well and fully intend to make the most of your opportunity.
• Show the interviewer how well you have planned as this will indicate how well you will carry out the duties when appointed

Part of your preparation must also include anticipating some of the questions you are likely to be asked and how you will answer them eg

• Why do you want this job?
• What do you think you can bring to this company?
• In your working life, what are the things that you hold most important?
• What are your future ambitions?

In the City a good, smart suit is the best thing to wear and more formal colours such as navy blue or grey are far better than bright colours which should be restricted. Clean, formal shoes should be worn and jewellery, accessories and perfume/aftershave should be understated. It is also vitally important that your personal hygiene is good.

Arriving around ten minutes early for your interview gives you time to relax and prepare yourself. It is important to be polite and friendly to everyone you meet. Secretaries and other staff you may encounter are often asked for their input about you.

Body language also speaks volumes about you. Be positive. A smile and a firm handshake when first entering the room will get you off to a good start. Always appear respectful – sit up straight, maintain eye contact and avoid fidgeting.