Sunday 19 January 2014

January 2014

Living on the Edge
by Allegra E. Klein, Head of Training and Development, Mselect

Have you ever wondered what the key is to a successful job search?  The answer is living on the edge – the cutting edge, that is – of all the latest technology that is available to Recruitment Agencies and Job Seekers nowadays.

The first step for Job Seekers, of course, is creating a “killer” online resume or CV for high profile recruitment websites such as MSELECT’s, while the first step for Companies is to develop a spot-on JD (Job Description) detailing everything they’re looking for in the perfect employee.

But beyond that, what can you do to ensure the right match with the right job?  Check out some of the latest, cutting edge recruitment and development methods below to gain an “edge” on the competition!

Career Development for the 21st Century
Times have changed.  Recruitment has changed.  Job searching has changed.  Are you ready for the
Courtesy of behiring.com
21st century?  Whether you’re an Employer or a Job Seeker, you need to keep up with the most current trends in staffing, and part of that is knowing how to present yourself (or the job you want to fill) in the best possible light.

It used to be that all you needed was a great CV, a cover letter, and a sharp-looking business suit.  Well, not anymore!  Recruiters are no longer following these “old school” methods, so if you want to compete with the thousands of other hungry Job Seekers out there, you need to stay one step ahead of your competition.  Employers will be looking for the “perfect” candidate, and they want someone who knows what it takes to land and keep a great job.

So how do you get this edge?  One place to start is MSELECT’s Career Development Center.  Here you will find great resources, such as the “8 Steps for Career Success” which you can watch as a video or download as text in English, Kurdish, or Arabic.  You can also get advice from Employers, instructions on how to create your Elevator Pitch, learn the 9 strategies for a successful job search, and of course, get professional tips on networking for success, CV writing, job interviewing, and much more.



Video CVs
Congratulations!  Now that you have successfully posted your CV online, you will join the ranks of the millions of others looking for that perfect job.  So how can you make yourself stand out from the rest? Try creating a video CV!

Employers receive dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications for each job they post, and they often don’t have time to review every single CV.  But imagine if they could watch a brief (30- to 90-second) video that sums up everything they need to know about you.  They could also see your personality and the way that you present yourself.  Suddenly you have “the edge” over everyone else!

MSELECT has thousands of registered CVs for Job Seekers in its database, but up to now only a small number have taken advantage of this unique opportunity to create their very own video CV.  All it takes is an iPhone or other smart phone, or a webcam on your laptop, and you are on your way.  Check out this helpful blog on how to make a video CV for more information, and set yourself apart from the crowd.

Application Tracking Systems
Okay, so now you’ve registered online, created a video CV, and read all the tips and techniques for conducting the perfect job search.  What’s next?

Well, first you need to see what jobs are out there.  Using the latest internet tools (search engines, recruitment sites, job boards, etc.) will give you that crucial edge.  MSELECT has hundreds of jobs listed on its website, and you can narrow down your search by keyword, location, sector, and type.  Once you find a job that interests you and seems like a good fit with your background and skills, you should submit an online application.

Second, you should be aware that your application can be tracked by Employers who sign up for a
recruitment website service.  For example, MSELECT uses the most advanced applicant-based database technology to track its CVs and online job applications.  This Applicant Tracking System (ATS) allows Employers to see who has applied for their open positions, and to view the complete application online.  So be sure to optimize your resume using action keywords and other techniques to maximize your exposure through this system. 

In fact, nowadays many large Companies and recruitment agencies use ATS software to sift through the huge number of CVs and applications.  As one ATS software executive advises, however, be careful not to overuse this technology: “Do not become a serial candidate — one who skims through job descriptions and applies to every position a company has available. Read descriptions more than once and get an understanding of what a company wants from you.”

Online Tests and Evaluations
Another revolutionary recruitment technology is the use of online tests and evaluations to determine a Job Seeker’s suitability for a particular job or company. 

Employers love these tests, as they measure just about every possible qualification – from computer skills and language ability to psychometric and specific vocational topics, such as accounting, engineering, industrial, medical, customer service, and much, much more.



To keep your competitive edge – either as a Job Seeker or Employer – you should take full advantage of these online tests. MSELECT offers all its Employers this exclusive service, which includes over 1,600 validated tests online, as an added benefit. 

With so many features and benefits, online testing is a must for all Companies (and employees) who will accept only the very best in their staff.  Most tests range from 10 to 30 minutes in length, and Job Seekers should follow these few simple test-taking guidelines to prepare for them.

The Training Edge
One of the most important tools for both Job Seekers and Employers to utilize is training.  Training can mean the “edge” between a successful candidate or employee and a non-successful one.  MSELECT offers a wide range of training courses in hundreds of subjects, all designed to improve the workforce. 

One such training solution, which is effective for both Job Seekers and Employers, is the world-
renowned Business Edge™ training program.  Created by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a division of the World Bank Group, Business Edge™ provides 52 separate 1- and 2-day course modules in Marketing, Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Quality & Operations, Personal Productivity, and Hotel & Hospitality Management.

Since 2002, over 170,000 individuals have been trained using Business Edge™ in 30 countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.  Delivered by certified local trainers through accredited training providers such as MSELECT, Business Edge™ sets a new standard in management training in developing countries.

So Job Seekers and Employers alike, be sure and get the edge – the “Business Edge” – by signing up with MSELECT for one of these new courses, which will be offered starting in March 2014.


… And don’t forget to take full advantage of the rest of MSELECT’s cutting edge technology, from our online Career Development Center to our Video CVs, Application Tracking System, and Online Testing Service – and give yourself an edge!