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Month: June 2023

Q&A with Sonja, Recruitment Partner at Jigsaw

Posted on by robin
Meet the team: Q&A with Sonja, Recruitment Partner at Jigsaw Specialist Recruitment
The key to happiness is – enjoying and appreciating little things in life as those are in reality BIG things
What inspires you – Seeing kindness in people, emotional intelligence and summer breeze 😊
Where would you be in the world right now if you weren’t sat at your desk – definitely Cuba, dancing Salsa and actively participating at their delicious Rum degustation 😊
Favourite band/singer – don’t have a favourite band, but I am a bit of a cocktail between rock chick and summery Latino vibes 😊
All time favourite movie – Eat, Pray Love …nothing can’t beat good old Julia Roberts 😊
Interesting fact that people don’t know – I am a ski and swimming instructor in retirement 😊😊😊
If you could meet anyone for an hour who would it be – Ehhh….I wanted to say Nelson Mandela, but then it struck me – that would be a bit hard, so I’ll go with Keanu Reeves 😊😊😊
What is the best thing that has happened to you this year – I count my blessings daily as there are some many, but getting to be so fortunate to be able to travel, definitely stands out 😊
What is the favourite part of your job – I am absolutely addicted to that special buzz that you get when you make a placement (fellow recruiters will know what I am talking about) 😊
What makes you a successful recruiter – I believe a genuine desire to help others to achieve. This is something people pick on and that is what makes me good at what I do 😊
#meettheteam #jigsawjourney #recruitment #recruitmentagency

The Jigsaw Story, written by Natalie Brian

Posted on by robin

7.5 years ago, Robin and I handed our notices in at our respective jobs to start Jigsaw Specialist Recruitment. We both had a great deal of recruitment experience and good jobs within our respective companies, so we were comfortable. But we had a burning desire to own our own business.

We had a baby and a toddler, we had just taken on a bigger mortgage and we had building work going on at our newly purchased home.

Also, as husband and wife, we knew what it was like living together but what were we going to be like working together?

So taking this all into account, this was not the ideal time to start our own business…but was there ever really going to be the ideal time?

Looking back, the hardest thing about starting up the business was walking through that “black door”, without really knowing what was on the other side. We liked to think that we had built up good reputations, but I am not afraid to say that taking that risk caused us a few sleepless nights.

During the last 7.5 years, we have been through Brexit, family illness, bereavements, an office fire (!) and a worldwide pandemic! But thankfully, we have never regretted making that decision.
We have seen our business grow from strength to strength and have many wonderful relationships with clients and candidates and a fantastic team.

My advice to anyone looking to start up their own business would be to prepare for it financially, know your market, your unique selling points and your competitors. Also, make a detailed plan on how to grow and never rest on your laurels.

Thank you to everyone that has supported our business so far. Whether you have liked our social media posts, followed our page, trusted us to help with key recruitment hires or enabled us to help shape your career path.

Here’s to the next 7.5 years!

Myth or Fact…

Posted on by robin
Myth or Fact: Social media profiles can significantly impact a candidate’s chances of being hired.
Fact: Social media profiles can indeed have a significant impact on a candidate’s chances of being hired. In today’s digital age, many employers and recruiters turn to social media platforms to gain additional insights into candidates beyond their resumes and interviews. Here’s why social media profiles matter in the hiring process:
1. Professional Reputation: Profiles reflect a candidate’s professional reputation and online presence. Inappropriate behaviour or controversial posts may raise concerns.
2. Skills and Expertise: Platforms like LinkedIn allow candidates to showcase qualifications, work history, and achievements.
3. Cultural Fit: Profiles provide insights into a candidate’s personality, values, and interests, aiding employers in assessing cultural fit.
4. Communication and Networking Skills: Active participation on social media demonstrates communication skills and networking abilities.
5. Red Flags and Background Checks: Employers conduct social media background checks to uncover potential concerns or red flags.
Candidates should be mindful of their online presence and its impact on their professional image. Regularly reviewing privacy settings and being mindful of shared content can help present a positive online presence.

5 tips for job seekers to make your CV stand out by Jigsaw Director, Natalie Brian

Posted on by robin
Hi job seekers! If you’re looking for ways to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, you’ve come to the right place. Hiring managers prioritise several key elements when screening resumes and CVs, so it’s essential to know what they’re looking for.
1) Relevant experience is crucial. You need to show that you have the skills and knowledge required to excel in the role. Tailor your resume or CV to the specific job you’re applying for and use keywords and phrases that demonstrate your experience in the field or industry.
2) Education and qualifications are essential. Include evidence of these qualifications in your application, so the hiring manager knows you’re ready to take on the job.
3) Achievements and accomplishments can make you stand out from other candidates. Make sure to include awards, promotions, or other recognitions that demonstrate your abilities and potential for growth within the company.
4) Attention to detail is also critical when it comes to your resume or CV. Hiring managers want to see that you’ve taken the time to carefully craft your application and that it’s free from errors and inconsistencies.
5) Cultural fit is important to many companies. Hiring managers want to see that you’ll be a good fit for their company culture. This includes factors such as your values, personality, and work style. Be sure to demonstrate your fit through your application.
By taking the time to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, provide evidence of your achievements, and showcase your values and work style, you’ll be able to create a CV that catches the attention of hiring managers and increases your chances of securing your dream job. Good luck!

Flexibility in the workplace

Posted on by robin
👋 Let’s talk about flexibility in the workplace!
🏢 Flexible work arrangements have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. At Jigsaw Specialist Recruitment, we understand the importance of flexibility in the workplace and the positive impact it can have on productivity.
💼 Employees who have the flexibility to work when and where they are most productive are often more engaged and motivated, leading to improved performance and output. Flexible work arrangements also promote a better work-life balance, reducing stress and burnout among employees.
🤝 We work with our clients to develop innovative recruitment strategies that cater to their specific workforce needs.
📲 We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on how flexibility in the workplace has effected your business, whether it has been negatively or positively.

Self confidence is a super power!

Posted on by robin
Let’s talk about something truly incredible – your self-confidence! 🌟
You know what’s amazing? Once you start believing in yourself, that’s when the magic really starts happening! 🎩✨ When you have faith in your abilities and trust in your own unique powers, you become unstoppable.
Picture this: you stand tall, shoulders back, with a beaming smile. You start embracing your strengths and owning your talents. Suddenly, doors open, opportunities arise, and the world becomes your playground.
So let’s make a pact to believe in ourselves wholeheartedly. Let’s unleash that inner magic and create the life we’ve always dreamed of! 💪✨
Remember, you have something special to offer that no one else does. Embrace your quirks, trust your instincts, and watch as the world is captivated by your incredible journey.
Are you ready to let your self-confidence soar? Because the magic is waiting, and it’s time to make it happen! ✨🌈

What Is Most Important as an Employee

Posted on by Mainboard1210

Thank you to all those that completed our poll asking what is most important when looking at a potential employer. There was a mixed bag in terms of results, with some saying that the financial package was most important and others that working culture was most important. But, the overwhelming majority selected flexible working which is in line with what we are seeing on a daily basis.

In 2022, around 4.3 million employees in the United Kingdom had employment contracts that allowed for flexible working hours, making it the most common flexible working practice in that year. The second-most prevalent type of flexible arrangement was an annualized hours contract, whereby an employee works a specified number of hours over a year, instead of working the same hours every week or month. There were approximately 101,000 employees on contracts that involved job-sharing, making it the least common type of flexible working contract.

We have seen a real shift over the past few years with employers that didn’t previously entertain their workforce being based from home, needing to adapt their approach due to Covid. It seems that a lot of these practices have remained in place as normality has resumed.

A survey undertaken by the department of national statistics showed that most employees found their work life balance had improved as a result. The second most popular result was that employees found there were fewer distractions with working from home. This in turn is thought to have improved job satisfaction.

Not all employers agree that flexible working brings more productivity from their workforce. We would been keen to hear from anyone that would like to share their thoughts on this.
Thank you.