a + a recruitment are proud to announce their most recent award from Investors in People. Investors in People (IiP) is an award granted to select companies who show outstanding commitment to detail and development of their employees.
This is the third consecutive occasion a + a recruitment have been granted the prestigious award. It marks a decade of continued good practice and improved performance under the investors in people standard.

By achieving the IiP award, a + a recruitment proves that the determination to be ‘Simply the Best’ within their field is still as paramount as when the company was established back in 1986. – This is also evident in the fact that Angela Masters, an a + a recruitment director has been elected the first female chairman of the ‘Recruitment & Employment Confederation.’

With Britain’s economic downturn showing no immediate sign of improvement, ensuring the business is run as efficiently as possible will breed confidence within the office environment. Absenteeism and staff turnover has always been minimal thus giving solid foundation to provide the best quality service to clients & candidates in terms of placement and continuity. “Ultimately, we want to be viewed as a professional recruitment agency with scrupulous ethics and the best reputation for providing the right candidate for the right job and vice versa.”

Overall, a + a recruitment have had a Positive Year. Along with the success of the IiP award two of our consultants, Michelle Thompson & Leon Poyser have gained the MREC qualification, they are now members of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation. Our congratulations go to them both.

The New Year always brings new opportunities, and we at a + a recruitment believe the local market has a great deal to offer. With continued expansion of local Business Parks, East Midlands Airport, & Donington Park, the local community could be in a position to buck the trend of economic downturn predicted by a number of experts.

With this in mind, we would like to share a few interview techniques that will help when applying for your new ‘Dream Job’.

First Impressions Count – You only get one chance to make a first impression – with these simple steps we can help you along the way!!!!!

• Prepare Yourself – Interviews are a two-way meeting. As well as the interviewer being able to determine your suitability to work for the company, it is also an opportunity to find out if the position will provide the challenge & Job Satisfaction required. – Think about your skills, qualifications, & experiences. If it is on your CV you must be able to talk comfortably about it. – Prepare questions to ask at the interview about the job but DON’T speak about Salary or Benefits until the second interview
• Homework – Research the company as much as possible, a good starting point would be the company web page.
• Dress Code – Always dress for business unless explicitly told not to. Ensure you are well groomed and hair is tidy. Clean shoes & clothing is a must. Do not wear too much perfume / aftershave and keep make-up, jewellery and nail polish simple.
• Travel & Timing – Plan your journey to the interview beforehand. Allow for any possible delays. Remember the interviewers have had to get there on time. Excuses don’t wash at this stage.
• What to Expect – Interviews can come in many forms. Panel – one to one, & group, etc. You may be asked to complete tasks before the interview, these may consist of psychometric or aptitude tests.
• Two – Way Communication – Make sure the interviewer knows the benefits of employing you. This may be the only chance you get to sell yourself by telling the employer about your skills or knowledge. Try not to monopolise the interview, let the interviewer talk. Show that you have done your research. Finally, do not give negative information or bad news and do not criticise previous employers.
• The Next Step – Agree what the next step will be. Who is to make the next contact and by what date it will happen.
• Finally – If you are interested in the position after the interview, TELL the interviewer.

Employers are also able to benefit from our vast experience in the coming year. Using the industry leading ‘Prove-It’ testing system, we are able to discuss exact requirements with our clients in terms of what they are looking for in a candidate. If your administrator requires advanced levels of particular software such as SAP, PAYROLL, and EXCEL, or if you are looking for professional Web Developers, Data Base Designers, or CAD Engineers, we are able to tailor a test to your specific needs. a + a recruitment are able to design exam based testing on your behalf with detailed analysis and results. This can be provided FREE of CHARGE with all candidates who meet employment requirements.

In a move which confirms the buoyant mood of the company a + a recruitment are currently looking for professional candidates for placement within the local area. If you are interested in finding a new position, or a change in career direction, then call and speak with one of our fully qualified consultants on 01530 416 770.

To discuss all recruitment requirements as an EMPLOYER please call Matt on 01530 416 770.

Antoinette, Angela, and the staff at a + a recruitment would like to wish everybody a very happy & successful year in 2009.