We have all made blunders when it comes to recruiting new staff.
There are some things to avoid, making work life easier for everyone.
The first rule …
… of recruiting is never employ someone recommended by another member of staff. If it does not work out, you could lose two members of staff, not just one!
The second rule …
… is never to recruit either a patient or a patient’s family member. Again, if things don’t work out you run the risk of losing a patient as well as a member of staff.
Thirdly …
… never recruit someone who is passionate about their hobby…it will always take second place to work. Imagine someone is a mad keen surfer and the best waves were to be found in Portugal. Would their mind be on the job or on the surf board?
Fourthly …
… and potentially most importantly, references. Taking references on every new recruit is imperative. This goes without saying really, but assess the quality of the person giving the reference. Exclude references from family members (you’d be surprised at how often this is offered!) and previous teachers/lecturers as these cannot reflect work ethic other than attendance in class. You want your younger staff to do much more than just turn up for class. A great way of getting references is on the phone, but if this is not possible, then by writing. Make sure to ask specific questions about dates worked, roles the candidate was employed in, what did they bring to the role that made them stand out. This is your opportunity to ask specific questions about the person you are about to trust your reputation with, so accuracy is vital.
And Finally …
… never hire anyone if you could do their job better than them. This applies right across the board, including non-clinical staff. Let your new recruits lead the way at reception, in treatment planning, in managing your practice or assisting you at chairside.
Each role in a clinic requires a special skill set and not everyone can do every job in your practice. Try to place yourself in their position and ask if you would do anything differently. Dentists should try being a dental nurse or a receptionist for the day so as to appreciate fully the role requirements.
Good luck in recruiting your next staff member. Don’t forget to post your next vacancy on BlueGloveJobs so that you attract the cream of the crop!
How to influence them in their views of working with you.
Interviews are stressful for everyone concerned. This blog looks at the interview process through the eyes of a candidate. We want to increase your chances of attracting the right dental talent. We look at what they perceive rather than what you portray, so you will get an insight into how you could attract the right dental talent.
Step 1 – The job advertisement.
Have a look through other job descriptions and ask yourself
if you would apply for that job? How well is that clinic describing the role
you may be interested in? As a candidate, how would you like that information
presented? What details do you want to see? What is going to motivate you to
apply for the job?
Let’s look at a few examples. Many agencies have a standard format which they load up on their websites. Job descriptions seem to be identical. Candidates do not get a feel for individual clinics, the clinic principal, or even the style of the clinic. An example may be you appearing too needy. Do you seem desperate to entice the right person. Some adverts hold back on information and seem guarded about the job being offered. This would most likely raise suspicions. Attract the right dental talent is your aim.
An easy way of defining your advertisement is to describe yourself as a boss or employer. Clear, concise, professional, engaging, supportive, intelligent, motivating, are all words you could describe yourself as. Reflect these in your advert. Are you the quirkiest, funniest dentist on the planet? Your advert should reflect this. You get the picture.
Fact – 72% of employers feel their job description is
perfect and only 36% of candidates agree.
Step 2 – The interview
Set the right tone for the interview.
You have attracted a bunch of like-minded candidates and you are planning initial interviews. Abide by a simple rule and your results will improve immediately. Candidates should be told of your 2 interview approach. Now they know what to expect. The first interview is all about them selling to you. The second interview is about you selling to them. You also need to give more details on the role.
To get past the first stage and find a few ideal candidates, you must apply the one mouth, two ears approach. Using this ratio, listen more than you speak. This allows you to learn more. You will note both positives as well as negatives, giving you a final score. The end of the interview should err on one side or the other. If you have an equal balance of positives and negatives, you do not have the right candidate. Your candidate will feel that they have impressed you. Now you can try to gauge if they have impressed you as much as they think they have.
The second stage is where you have each other on the hook. However, you have not yet attracted the right dental talent. This is when you can assess if the culture you have created in the clinic is conducive with the candidate’s personality and work ethic. Assess whether they will work well with the support team and your administrative procedures. How excited are they about learning and does this fit in with your own enthusiasm? The second interview you must adopt two mouths and one ear as you both try to sell to each other. Show them around your clinic with pride. Describe your aspirations for the clinic and let them feel part of that.
Having convinced yourself and your ideal candidate that you have discovered the dream team, follow through as swiftly as possible. Make your offer, shake hands on it, get contracts to them the next day. The ball may be in the back of the net, but a goal is not a goal until the referee blows the whistle.
Step 3 – The first day
Attracting the best dental talent.
This is where you and the team have to deliver. New
candidates have been at other interviews and possibly have other job offers. If
the smiling interviewer suddenly turns into a dragon, your ideal candidate will
run to the hills (or around the corner to take up that other job offer)!
Make the candidate feel welcome and at ease. Ask someone to take them around the clinic again so they can buddy up from the first instance. Make sure everything is in place in their clinic, ready for the first patient. Prime your support staff, so that they all make the new start feel part of the team.
At the end of day one, take time to have a chat about how things went and invite an open discussion on your new talent’s thoughts on the clinic. First impressions count. This not only applies to new staff, but also for new patients. Feedback is vital so absorb everything that is said. Maybe now you have attracted the right dental talent Attracting the best dental talent.We wish you every success in hiring your next big talent. Blue Glove Jobs will help you every step of the way, ensuring that your advertised role is promoted across our various social media channels and through our neork of contacts in the profession.
Post your job vacancies by clicking here.
Have you made full use of your clinic’s listing on DefactoDentists.com? This is an ideal way to promote your clinic to the public and to prospective staff. You can check your clinic’s listing by clicking below.
Looking for a new job? January is the busiest month for recruitment.
New year, new you, new job? A new study has shown that January is the busiest month when it comes to recruitment. The busiest days for recruitment websites are anticipated to be the 3rd & 4th of January, when most businesses are back in the office after the festive period.
Why do so many people look for new jobs in January?
People are always looking for the ‘next best thing’ when it comes to their career. But why do so many people wait until January to look for a new job?
New Year = New Challenges. Maybe it’s just the right time for a new path!
Post holiday ‘back to work dread’. If you can see going back to work far enough, it might be time to find a job you actually enjoy going to…
More businesses post their vacancies in January than at any other time of the year. Pickings aren’t usually as slim as they normally are!
Those who were in temporary Christmas roles are on the hunt for a new job.
Many university students graduate in either summer or November. Those who graduated in November will likely still be on the hunt for a job.
Are there any downsides to looking for a new job in January?
Looking for a new job at the beginning of the year is a good idea, but it does have its downsides too. If you’ve been applying directly to companies, you’ll no doubt have received copious amounts of out of office emails in response. Applying for jobs in January means that employers might take longer to get back to you about your application, because they’ll be getting back into the swing of things after the new year.
Applying for a new role this year?
If you’ve decided that 2019 is the year of the new job, good for you! There is nothing like a new challenge to kick off a new year! If you’re thinking about applying for new jobs, be sure to check our other blog posts all about application tips. Like we said, January is the busiest month when it comes to new jobs. You’ll need to make your CV stand out from the rest. We’ve written about how to make your CV Stand Out & Appeal to Employers, how to dress for interviews and what questions you should ask potential future employers at interviews.
If you’re a dental professional and you want a career change for 2019, why not browse the vacancies on our website? It only takes a few moments to apply and you can track all of your applications easily! We don’t spam you with annoying emails either!
Succeeding in today’s competitive job market depends on a good CV. It’s a dog-eat-dog world when you’re looking for a job. There are hundreds of applications, usually for a single role, where only a handful of CV’s will be considered. Today on the blog, we’re discussing how to get your CV noticed by employers, to ensure that you will always stand out and (at least) make the shortlist of candidates for interviews. From the CV basics, to getting the employer to actually read it, we cover it all.
Remember to Cover the Boring Basics.
We’re not going to hit you with the obvious, be sure to spell-check, update your contacts, and ‘keep it brief’ speech. We’ve gone into more detail about those boring (but very important) factors in this blog post: Is Your CV Application Ready? Refer to that blog post before you send your CV anywhere. It makes for a great last minute check-list to make sure your application is the best it can be.
Match the Job Description & Person Specification.
Sounds simple, but it’s the main reason that most CV’s get deleted or put in the bin. It’s an idea to freshen up your CV with ‘buzzwords’ from the company’s job description. Are they looking for a ‘confident and forward thinking’ individual? Why not slip ‘confident and forward-thinking’ individual into a short description of yourself/the skills section on your CV. Have they mentioned any specific experience requirements? If you meet them, add them in and make them stand out. The job description is there to help you determine whether or not you’re a good fit for the role. Use it to your advantage.
Get Your CV Noticed By Employers by Adding a Covering Letter.
To get your cv noticed by employers, it is a good idea to write a cover letter. Even if it doesn’t ask for one. It creates a softer landing for your CV. Your cover could be the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your CV ignored, so it makes good sense to devote some time to writing at least a short paragraph to accompany your application. Don’t copy and paste anything from your CV. A cover letter should be you expressing your interest in the role, and a few lines explaining why. Mention a little about your experience, but don’t give everything away. That’s what the CV (and hopefully the interview) is for!
The design is key, and you don’t have to be super-skilled to nail it.
You don’t need to design your CV on an expensive software programme. Basic is best when it comes to CV’s but that doesn’t mean the design isn’t important. Make the font simple and a reasonable size. Use bullet points, and keep it looking clean. Add a border if you want to, make headings stand out by under-lining or using bold. Don’t go crazy, and don’t try to over-complicate it. The employer doesn’t have time to scour an overly-designed CV.
So there you have it, our best tips for getting your CV noticed by potential employers! Let us know if you put them to the test!
Ever feel like you’re the only one with the get-up and go attitude?
Everyone has bad days. Work isn’t always sunshine and rainbows and sometimes, the motivation can be hard to find. However, if you’re the one who is constantly picking up the slack of your colleagues, this blog post is for you. Today, we’re discussing how to be an effective team player, but noticing when you’re being taken advantage of. We’re also looking at ways to tackle these types of problems in the work place. Sound like something you’d like to know more about? Read on.
Being a Team Player isn’t always easy.
Just because you might prefer to work alone, doesn’t mean you can’t be a good team player. After all, you all work for the same company, and therefore should have the similar, if not the same goals for your company. Working in a team isn’t always easy though. It is often made challenging by other workers doing the bare minimum or doing nothing at all and tiding over on the graft of others. This is when problems start to arise and persist if not addressed.
Being an effective team player means that you lift each other up instead of holding each other back. It means helping each other achieve collective goals. Being a team player means not watching anyone struggle. Being a team player means refusing to rely on others to do your assigned tasks for you. It means knowing when to get the head down and get the job done!
When your colleagues don’t pull their weight, try to get the motivation going.
If you know that your colleagues aren’t pulling their weight, try to tackle it positively. Try to boost the motivation of your co-workers. Encourage them genuinely, not condescendingly. Let them know that they’re doing a good job. Everyone likes to hear that once in a while! If you need them more hands-on in a task, ask them to help you carry out the task together. That way, you have another pair of hands on deck. You never know, inviting them to join you on a task just might be the kickstart they need, once they start, they might not want to stop. We’ve also written a blog post on motivation boosting at work – check that out here for more tips and tricks!
Address The Situation.
Although it can be frustrating, try to keep calm. If you need to, you can always go and speak to superiors about staff who are not pulling their weight. Nobody wants to be seen as the ‘tell-tale’ or ‘the office grass’ but it’s important to know when enough is enough and put your foot down. If you don’t address the situation, the problem will continue and leave you being the one who is picking up the slack consistently. If you are always the first to arrive and the last to leave because you’re finishing off the little left-over tasks, that’s a problem. Speak to the culprits individually if you are confident enough to. Speak to your manager, or raise it at a staff meeting. A problem shared, is usually a problem halved. And, the chances are, you’re not the only one noticing the problem.
So there you have it! Our top tips on dealing with co-workers who slack off and leave you to run around making sure the jobs get done. Have you ever had to deal with a similar situation? How did you deal with it? Let us know in the comments, or hit us up on social media! We’d love to hear from you!
You either know fashion, or you don’t. -Anna Wintour.
But does it really matter in a job interview?
A job interview can be daunting enough, without having to worry about what you’re going to wear. We know it sounds trivial. But, did you know that 60% of people say they worry about their appearance before attending a job interview? Some people even admit to going out and buying an entire new outfit for each job interview they go to.
Your clothes shouldn’t matter, but in some cases, they do.
Your clothes act as a communicator. It is a communicator about who you are and what you want to say about yourself. It also sets a nice first impression. If you go into an interview, appropriately dressed in a smart outfit, it can often be the decider on whether you get the job or not – particularly if there are two candidates who the interviewer can’t choose between. It seems trivial, but it can sometimes make a difference.
An old-fashioned outlook?
Some people argue that you should be able to wear what you want and that your clothes don’t determine your capabilities. And honestly, we agree. Your clothes shouldn’t matter. You could go into a job interview dressed in a full suit, and another applicant could walk in in a tracksuit. You might both be qualified for the job and have some great experience behind you.
People are arguing that employers need to look past the appearance of applicants. However, we can see why employers want their employees to present themselves professionally. After all, the employer is looking for people to represent their business. A hair salon owner wouldn’t hire someone with dirty, dishevelled hair. A tailor wouldn’t hire a salesman with an ill-fitting suit. It makes sense to make the effort.
Setting the right impression can be the difference between being hired and heading back to the job search.
So what should you wear?
Well ultimately, something smart, but something that fits well that you also feel comfortable in. Colours are important too. Conservative colours, such as black, greys and blues seem to be the the safest bet when meeting someone for the first time in a professional environment. Bright, bold colours such as reds, purples, pinks and orange can sometimes be seen as too ‘loud’. But that doesn’t mean you can’t let your personality shine through and you need to wear all black.
What else should you consider?
Well, thinks like personal grooming is important too. We don’t mean you should go and get a hot towel shave or a blow-dry the day of your interview, just make sure that you look your best. Nails is a big one too, regardless of if you are a man or a woman. You’re most likely going to be shaking the hands of your future employer. Make sure your nails are clean and a good length. If you’re a woman and you want to paint them, go right ahead.
So there you have it! Our top tips for what you should wear to an interview! What do you think about dressing smartly for an interview? Do you think you should be able to wear whatever you want? Let us know!
The rise of remote working has many causes, one major cause is that nobody enjoys commuting!
If you say you enjoy running for expensive yet unreliable trains, crammed subways or slow busses, you’re lying. You roll out of bed and rush to get ready to find out you’ll be late regardless of if you got up twenty minutes earlier. You leave the office at 5pm, looking forward to getting home but there’s travel disruptions…again!
A long commute can make or break your working day.
Maybe your office is a five minute drive away or an easy ten minute walk. Or maybe you’re over an hours drive away, and are all too familiar with the motorway traffic jams. A nightmare journey can put a dampener on your day. No wonder people look for jobs that allows them to work from home. Some people will avoid applying for jobs if they don’t like the sound of the commute, and honestly, we don’t blame them!
LinkedIn are looking to give you a heads up…
LinkedIn, the social networking site, not only lets you connect with other professionals, but we all know it’s a great way to find a new job. Whether you actively search for jobs on the site, or whether you check out your weekly job recommendations, LinkedIn, will now tell users how long their commute would be before applying for new jobs. Pretty cool, right? This new feature could save you from hellish commutes!
How do I use the feature?
Well, it’s pretty simple. Log in to LinkedIn, and click on the “Jobs” tab. When you find a vacancy that’s appealing, click on it and scroll past the job description until you see the new section, “See your commute.” From here, all you need to do is input your home address, and LinkedIn will tell you how long it takes to commute to this job’s office by car, train, bus, or on foot. On top of that, you can also input a commuting time to see whether the dreaded rush hour will cause problems for you.
How far would you go for a job?
Well, if you had your dream job, we don’t doubt you’d be happy to travel as far as you needed to for it. But, long commutes really can take their toll on our physical and mental health, relationships and family life. A long commute occasionally is fine, but if it’s taking over your life, maybe it’s time to take a step back and re-evaluate. Speak with your superiors, can you work a few days from home? Maybe you could switch up your shift pattern? Your health and happiness is more important than making it to a job that you don’t love, that is too far from home.
How far do you travel for your job? Do you dread a daily long commute? What do you think about LinkedIn’s innovative commuting calculator? Let us know in the comments or on our social media channels – we’d love to hear from you!
At the end of a job interview, how often have you said ‘no’ when the employer asks if you have any questions for them?
Well, today on the Blue Glove Jobs blog, we’re looking at why you should say ‘yes’ when they ask you if you have any questions, and the questions that you should be asking.
Why should you ask questions at the end of an interview?
Well, mostly simply to iron out any queries or curiosities you may have about the position. Ultimately, asking a few questions at the end of an interview can help you decide whether the position suits you or not. Asking questions at the end of an interview can also show that you’re interested in the position and that you’re not afraid to dig a little deeper. Showing that you’re interested and keen can be very appealing to employers.
Let’s take a look the questions you should ask at the end of an interview:
Can you tell me a little about the team I’ll be working with?
You shouldn’t ask this simply to decide on who you like and dislike in the team before you’ve even met them. It’s always nice to have a rough idea of the team you’re going to be working with. This question also show your confidence. The “I’ll” (instead of “I’d”) plays even more on the assumption that the job is already yours. Of course, you don’t want to overplay your hand here, but confidence (not arrogance) is always an attractive quality.
What do you think is the best thing about working here?
As someone looking to hire, the interviewer should at least be able to name a few of the things they love about their job. If they can’t stop talking about all of the aspects of their job, it’s probably a good sign. Your job is a big part of your life so it’s crucial that you’re going to be in an environment where you can work hard but enjoy yourself too.
Can people develop quickly here?
Nobody wants to work in a job where there is no chance for progression. You should constantly look to build on your skills. It’s important to find out what opportunities there are for promotion, progression and rewards going forward. It’s also allows you to ask without coming across as if you want to leap into a more senior job before you’ve even got the first one.
Do you have any big plans for the business in the next five years?
This is a great question to ask to find out where the company is headed. Is the company looking to progress and adapt? Can you see yourself being a part of the progression and the adaptation of the business? Showing your interest in the company shows the potential employer that you are keen. It shows that you are interested in the future of the business.
Have I answered all of your questions/is there anything else you’d like to know about me?
f they say, “No, you answered all of my questions very well,” then this may tell you you’re in good shape. If they respond with, “Actually, could you tell me more about X?” or “Would you be able to clarify what you meant when you said Y?” this is your chance for a redo, or to elaborate on what you’ve already said.
So there you have it, the five questions you should be asking at the end of interviews.
Are you looking to take the next step in your career? Or are you looking to fill a vacancy? Find a new job or hire a new member of staff in just minutes with Blue Glove Jobs. Click below to begin your job search or list your vacancy!
Maybe you’ve got all the right qualifications, the relevant experience and you fit the person specification. Maybe the hours suit your lifestyle and the salary is appealing. But if your CV isn’t up to scratch, you could find that your quest to find a job could take a lot longer than you’d like.
Your application is the first interaction with an employer. It’s the thing that can set you apart from other applicants so naturally, you want to make a positive and lasting impression –
Make sure your CV is application ready – Here are some top tips for making sure your CV shines!
Keep it brief.
Employers are less likely to spend their time reading a CV that is pages and pages long. You need to keep it brief. If it is too long, there’s a chance it will go straight into the ‘no’ pile. Like we said, your CV is your first interaction with an employer and you need to get down to the nitty gritty right away. Don’t list every qualification, every educational institution, every other interest you have in detail. Insert only the most important details that are relevant to the position you’re employing for.
Don’t give it all away.
In line with keeping it brief, it’s not a good idea to give everything away. If you are too descriptive and tell the employer everything beforehand, it limits what can be discussed in an interview. Give just enough information to impress, but then impress further with more in-depth details during the interview. If you give too much, your CV will also become too long, and like we said, it will end up in the bottom of the pile!
Does it look good?
A well-presented CV is more likely to attract the employer to not only read your CV but to pick it out of the pile first. Make sure the font isn’t too big, or that it isn’t too small either. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors – mistakes like this are very off putting to employers. Have a friend or relative read through it for you, and correct any errors that you’ve missed.
Correct Contacts.
You might have a CV that makes you stand out, but if your contact details are wrong, you are creating a barrier between you and the employer. If they can’t contact you, it’s likely your CV will get put to the bottom of the pile, or even in the bin. Double check your telephone number and professional email address and make sure they’re correct before sending it away.
These small tips can really make a difference to your application. If you’ve followed the steps above, it’s more than likely that your CV is application ready! If you think you’re ready to go ahead and apply for a job or two, head to our homepage, where you’ll be able to search all of our current job listings.
