Careers in Marketing News

Strangest interview questions unveiled

26 May 2011 13:52:11

The strangest interview questions of 2010 have been compiled in a list by Glassdoor, proving that even the best sales recruitment candidates need to be ready for the unexpected.

Among the choice quotes attributed to some of the planet's biggest employers are 'how many basketballs could you fit in this room' (Google) and 'how do you weigh an elephant without using a weighing machine?' (IBM).

In many cases, companies asked by Glassdoor refused to reveal when and where the questions were asked, but no company denied asking them either, simply stating they were "not part of the standard interview questions".

However, many of these questions – including Capital One's 'rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 how weird you are' – were likely not designed for the candidates to work out the answer, but rather to think outside the box and consider what the employer is trying to ascertain from their response.

The number one strangest interview question of 2010 stretches even the boundaries of existentialism, however, with Goldman reportedly asking one set of candidates: "If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out?"

Taryn Grossman, a senior recruiter at Siemens Energy Sector, recently told the Recruiter that recruitment agencies help to ensure candidates are fully briefed on the role and screened properly before going for an interview – something many candidates would fail to do on their own.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Job market 'has grounds for optimism' in 2011

06 January 2011 15:05:05

The UK jobs market has grounds for optimism in 2011 as more positions become available, one sector expert has observed.

Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, made the comments after the Reed Job Index for December revealed that the number of job opportunities in the UK rose by four per cent last month compared with the year before.

He noted that certain sectors in the private sphere will be more in need of new workers than others, despite public sector cuts, which may include new positions being created for sales recruitment staff.

"Job sectors as different as consultancy, marketing, banking and engineering have experienced accelerating demand. Salaries have stabilised and in key areas increased, threatening the reappearance of skills shortages," he explained.

Mr Warnes added that the private sector will lead a "steady recovery" in 2011, particularly as the threat of a double-dip recession was avoided in 2010 and now looks very unlikely.

For marketing jobs and marketing recruitment services visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by John Oak

Marketing industry 'is in good health'

23 December 2010 14:35:46

The marketing industry is currently in "good health", according to one industry expert, who has noted that this bodes well for people hoping to enter the sector, which includes sales recruitment candidates.

Chris Combemale, executive director of the Direct Marketing Association, said that although some companies cut their budgets during the tough economic times, others have increased spend as they saw an opportunity to gain market share.

He said it will come as "no surprise" to anyone working in marketing that the industry is in good health and is currently growing.

"Employment in our industry has continued to grow during the recession as companies have invested in measurable communications. A large number of our members work within the digital channels, which have seen strong growth," the expert noted.

Mr Combemale's comments follow the publication of research by eMarketer, which found that total newspaper spending, including advertising in print and online editions, will fall to $25.7 billion (£16.7 billion) in 2010, a decline of 6.6 per cent.

For marketing jobs and marketing recruitment services visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk

Posted by John Oak

Recruiters 'must focus on added value'

28 September 2010 12:08:23

It is important that companies in the sales recruitment sector focus on establishing best practice and demonstrating the added value they provide to employers in the sector, one industry body advised.

Hamish Pringle, director general of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, said that there is a need for sales recruitment firms to "continue raising the bar", particularly when it comes to the marketing creative industries market.

He explained: "The focus now has to be on raising the real and perceived value of recruitment agencies, through increased professionalism. In the current day and age, agencies cannot just know the price of everything and the value of nothing."

Mr Pringle added that this is one of the key factors in securing long-term growth, adding that recruiters should be encouraged to become long-term "brand guardians".

For marketing jobs and marketing recruitment services visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Continuous career development 'is essential'

02 September 2010 12:13:04

It is vital that people in sales jobs undergo continuous career development in order to benefit both the company and the workers themselves, it has been claimed.

A report from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising stated that marketing firms in particular will find that embracing continuous career development through more proactive talent management will be fruitful in the coming months.

Liz Nottingham, chair of IPA People Management Group, said that HR directors should "take the initiative" with staff, by developing them as they go through various life stages so that they continue to be effective.

"With these findings we have the opportunity to start the journey now by offering step changes that can make a real difference to the workplace going forwards, by listening to the needs of the managers of the future," she explained.

The report follows a study carried out by Hays Senior Finance which shows that while multi-millions of pounds are being spent on staff training across the UK, nearly one in seven organisations admit that they have no measurements in place to assess the impact of their programmes.

For marketing jobs and marketing recruitment services visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Skills shortages 'hampering marketing efforts'

12 August 2010 15:04:25

A shortage of skills in the marketing sector is preventing many firms from expanding following the economic downturn, a new report has revealed.

Research carried out by Accenture for a study entitled Onward and Up - How Marketers Are Refocusing the Front Office for Growth, found that executives are blaming the lack of expansion on not having staff who are equipped with the tools to drive their firms forward.

To achieve their growth objectives, the majority of marketers said that mastering customer analytics, offering innovation and improving customer engagement and marketing operations should be the key aims.

Dave Rich, managing director of Accenture Customer Relationship Management consulting group and Accenture Analytics, commented: "The insights that can be gained from the data will help marketers identify what customers want and predict how they need to act differently to help steer corporate innovation that can drive improved business outcomes."

For marketing jobs and marketing recruitment services visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Marketing 'a key factor' in escaping the recession

11 August 2010 14:08:25

Companies struggling to escape the effects of the recession should place a key focus on their marketing strategy in order to boost revenue, one expert has said.

Tim Campbell, founder of the Bright Ideas Trust and a former winner of The Apprentice, pointed out that smaller firms in particular cannot afford to wait for the economic situation to resolve itself and instead have to be proactive in their approach.

He advised firms to focus on their marketing strategy, with any recruitment in that area conducted with a view to getting the most out of their employees.

"Particularly now that times are harder, a big thing is marketing and using all the tools that are available at your disposal to market," Mr Campbell explained.

His comments follow the publication of a report by the government's Insolvency Service last week, which showed that there has been a 19.1 per cent fall in company liquidations compared with last year.

For marketing jobs and marketing recruitment services visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Marketing sector gets ready for staff demand

22 July 2010 15:59:00

People looking for sales jobs in the world of marketing could be set for a positive time, according to one report, which suggests that demand for the workers is set to increase.

Marketing Week reported on recruitment consultancy Aquent's Market Eye paper which found that around half of marketing firms plan to increase their headcount before the end of the year.

In addition, 29 per cent of companies stated that they think their salaries will increase in the next six months, with the positive stats being put down to demand for advertising, design and digital agencies.

Peter Geary, Aquent's UK regional director, told the publication: "Marketing is always one of the first areas to see cuts when budgets are tight, but it seems that firms are beginning to invest in brand awareness again and the jobs market reflects that."

In other marketing news, social media site Bebo is trying to fight back against competitors like Facebook by introducing product-placement themed original content on its site, according to Marketing Week.

For marketing jobs and marketing recruitment services visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk. Aaron Wallis offers a unique recruitment service that includes psychometrics and specialist marketing skills testing tools. Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Anxiety can be a friend for sales jobseekers

20 July 2010 15:59:00

People trying to hunt down their perfect sales jobs need to use the anxiety and stress which come along with having an interview in order to do well, according to one website.

Helium.com reported that being stressed means that people going for an interview will be more motivated to research a company and ensure they are correctly prepared.

"The preparation starts the moment you know you have an interview ... go on the web and research the company. Find out what they produce and where, who do they sell to and how, how big they are and how many offices are there," it stated.

Not being overwhelmed by stress and anxiety was recommended by the website which stated that the feelings need to be turned into a positive in order to do well at interview.

A survey of more than 4,000 workers by Which? found that 26 per cent of employees only "skim read" their contracts after being successful at an interview.

Aaron Wallis are a specialist sales recruitment agency that offers hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales professionals.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

Interview blunders can happen to the best

22 June 2010 15:25:31

Putting your brain in gear before speaking might seem like an obvious step at a sales jobs interview, but according to one source, this is not always the case.

AZCentral.com stated that a lot of candidates do all the hard work, secure an interview and then panic when they are asked questions, often answering without thinking their response through.

"Listen to what is being said and asked, digest it and then make sure you have a thoughtful answer to all of the questions. Answer calmly, with conviction and most importantly, don't ramble," it stated.

Other blunders which the website advised against are being negative about current employers, being vague and general with answers, and candidates failing to review and if necessary edit social media sites they are a member of.

The Guardian's employment guru Jeremy Bullmore recently told one reader to ensure he made himself attractive to potential employees by getting as many impressive references as possible and developing his self marketing.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by Nikki Barrister

TEFL can lead to sales jobs skills

16 June 2010 15:55:00

People returning to the UK after time spent abroad could be in a great position to start and succeed in sales jobs, according to an expert, who said getting to know another language and culture can pay dividends in the work place.

Marie Eichler, director and co-founder of Appointments Bilanguage, told the Guardian that for people coming back to the UK, having command of another language can make them a more effective sales person.

"Spend as much time as possible getting to know the culture of the country, possibly doing another job that isn't teaching so you can practice the language. You can also build up commercial knowledge and sales skills that give you an edge when you come to get a job back here," she said.

The Guardian's employment guru Jeremy Bullmore recently said that being able to market yourself well is a key part of being successful in a job search.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Expert: Art of persuasion can be learned

03 June 2010 15:39:26

People gearing up for a sales job interview will need the power of persuasion to convince a potential employer that they are the right person for the role and one expert thinks the skill can be learned.

The Guardian's Steve Martin stated that although some people naturally have the power of persuasion he thinks it can also be a learned skill which can give applicants an edge in the interview room.

He said: "The ability to influence and persuade others is not gifted to a chosen few. Persuasion can be learned and researchers who study it have uncovered a set of rules for improving your powers of persuasion and moving people in your direction."

The employment guru added that to persuade, applicants need to admit weaknesses and try to find common ground with interviewers in order to win them over.

Being able to present impressive references from previous employers or clients will help jobseekers get that dream role, according to the Guardian's employment guru Jeremy Bullmore.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by John Oak

Self marketing is vital for employment success

02 June 2010 15:36:37

Experienced professionals looking for sales jobs need to ensure that they market themselves in the right way so they are as employable as possible, according to an expert.

The Guardian's employment guru Jeremy Bullmore told one reader, who found that his experience was stopping him getting job offers, to ensure he made himself attractive to potential employees by getting as many impressive references as possible.

"Make sure you've obtained as many glowing references from them as you can; they should more than compensate for the absence on your CV of any permanent role in a well-known company," he advised.

The expert also told the reader to hone in on his specific skills when writing a covering letter, which could be a good idea for people looking to get into sales jobs in a certain sector, like medicine or engineering.

When workers do find their perfect sales jobs they will not have to wait long until a pay rise, according to Duncan Brown, director of HR business development at the Institute for Employment Studies, who said that pay freezes are starting to be relaxed.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by John Oak

Mixed media marketing 'is perfect marriage'

17 May 2010 15:57:15

The combination of print and digital mediums could be a perfect marketing marriage, according to an expert, who thinks that the two are both moving forward together.

Liz Love, managing director of Z-CARD Ltd, said that people think paper is a dead medium for marketing, but he believes that digital can help to breathe new life into the format.

People working in sales jobs could soon become familiar with 3D magazine covers and marketing campaigns, according to the expert, who thinks the combination is logical and effective.

"In the last few months, the interactivity has been really developed and that's where the key lies, as it is now becoming like a 3D brochure. It is a phenomenal tool and is a great cache for brands," she said.

Earlier this month, Selfridges revealed two touch-screen window displays that allow shoppers to try on virtual products using augmented reality technology.

Aaron Wallis offer hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales jobseekers. Achieve the sales career you deserve.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Forthright approach 'could be the way to get into sales jobs'

19 February 2010 13:04:39

People looking for sales recruitment success should tear up the CV and walk into the managing director's office asking for a job, according to an author.

Chris Pires, writer of Shred Your CV and Find a Job Fast, told the Independent that the book is based on his own personal story of meeting people who were struggling to find employment.

"I got tired of bumping into people who said, 'I went to university for four years and I can't find a job. I sent out 4,000 CVs over the last few years and still nothing'," he said.

Mr Pires added that after finishing university in 2004, he sent hundreds of CVs off, along with applying for positions online without getting anywhere.

He then began going to management events and demanding 15-minute chats with people, making friends with people, before being recommended for his dream job – one which he had not even applied for.

Annie Stevens, a managing partner at ClearRock, recently told CNN.com that enthusiasm is the key to a successful interview.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Online reputation warning given to sales recruitment hopefuls

29 January 2010 16:03:46

Those looking for sales recruitment success have been told that they need to keep a close eye on how their online profile reflects their image.

Recruiter.co.uk reported that new research from Microsoft showed that almost half of human resource managers have chosen not to hire a candidate as a result of a negative online profile.

The data showed that 41 per cent have rejected a candidate, while 64 per cent believe that it is appropriate to consider personal online reputational information while going through the recruitment process.

Microsoft also said that, despite the serious implications of having a negative looking social media profile, only 37 per cent believe that it is their responsibility to look after this.

British sales recruitment hopefuls are more likely to have their online profile checked by human resource departments, ahead of those in Germany and France.

Last week, The Star reported that a South Yorkshire fireman was sacked over alleged abusive comments that he made on a social networking site.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Manager ordered to pay costs after lying on CV

22 December 2009 15:49:54

A senior NHS manager who lied on her CV has been fined £9,600 and given a suspended prison sentence, people hoping for sales recruitment have been told.

PersonnelToday.com reported that Kerrie Devine, of Devon, claimed that she held a degree in human resource management and said she was also part way through a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development course when she applied for a promotion with the Devon primary care trust.

Exeter Crown Court heard last week how Ms Devine pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation, with a further 150 hours of unpaid community service also added to her sentence.

Debbie Lloyd, operational fraud manager at the NHS Counter Fraud Service, said: "This positive outcome to our investigation is a reminder that fraud against the NHS can be committed by people in well paid, senior positions. The NHS Counter Fraud Service will impartially investigate all suspicions of fraud and wherever appropriate will pursue prosecutions."

Last month, Sally Bercow, the wife of House of Commons speaker John, faced allegations that she also lied on her CV about Oxford University qualifications.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Posted by Wayne Bly

Thief caught minutes after applying for sales jobs

04 December 2009 10:13:18

A thief was caught stealing tracksuits from a sports shop just moments after handing in his CV.

STV.tv reported that the teenager went into the JJB store in Aberdeen hoping for sales recruitment success and gave a member of staff his CV.

The youth is then understood to have changed into two tracksuits in the locker rooms before fleeing.

Staff spotted the youngster leaving the store and passed his details, which were printed clearly on the CV, onto the police who easily tracked him down.

A source told the source that this was a "brazen attempt" to steal something from the store.

"It's unfortunate for the kid that he left his details before he went. It did not take police long to trace him at all. Perhaps he thought he had a better chance of getting a job if he sported some of JJB's own merchandise at the interview," the representative added.

Jobmob.co.il added that CV mistakes are not uncommon, with one person stating the reason for his three-month gap in employment was to get over the death of his cat.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk

Posted by Wayne Bly

Sales recruitment: Test the water before dressing for an interview

10 September 2009 15:57:20

People looking for sales jobs should do their homework on the dress code of a company they are applying to and make sure they do not go over the top, according to one expert.

Steven Rothberg, of CollegeRecruiter.com, told Examiner.com that candidates wanting to make the right impression when going for sales jobs need to get their attire just right.

He said: "Find out what current employees of the workplace at which you're interviewing typically wear and then dress as they do or slightly more formal."

The recruitment expert added that if the dress code is jeans and T-shirts then a candidate should not wear a suit.

Concluding, Mr Rothberg said that it is important jobseekers are not dressed too formally or too informally as a candidate's clothes could end up being a distraction for an interviewer.

Michael Erwin, a senior career adviser for CareerBuilder.com recently told the Charlotte Observer, that sales jobs candidates should ring a company ahead of an interview to make sure they wear the right clothes.

Aaron Wallis are a specialist sales recruitment agency that offers hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales professionals.

Sales jobs need 'intense focus'

03 September 2009 14:03:57

People who want to impress companies when applying for sales jobs need to make sure they are properly prepared, according to one newspaper which added that during the recession being ready is even more important.

The Mirror said that getting a sales job is a job in itself and it highlighted tips given by the Careers Advice Service, which included researching the company and standing out from other candidates.

It stated: "Find out as much as you can about the company you have your interview with. Check out its website to get the lowdown on what it does and how it operates."

The newspaper added that body language is also very important and that candidates should try to avoid fidgeting in their seat and should try to maintain a good level of eye contact.

Michael Erwin, a senior career adviser for CareerBuilder.com, recently told the Charlotte Observer that wearing the right clothes to a sales jobs interview can stand a candidate in good stead.

Aaron Wallis are a specialist sales recruitment agency that offers hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales professionals.

Being authentic will help in sales job interviews

12 August 2009 15:58:41

Being genuine and honest in your approach to sales job interviews will help you come across in the best light, according to one expert.

Jim Camp, founder of the Camp Group which provides advice for interviewees, gave Examiner.com his top tips for succeeding when being interviewed and said that getting too anxious beforehand can make candidates perform poorly.

He told the website: "Don't try to impress them with your dress, attitude, or speech. It will backfire. Be honest, direct and authentic. Look decent and be comfortable in your own skin."

Other tips included researching the company, asking direct questions about the position and not coming across as too desperate to secure the position.

James Caan, who appears on the BBC show Dragon's Den, recently told the Telegraph that techniques have changed in sales job interviews and as a result mean that candidates need to be better prepared and more impressive.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Dressing the part can help with sales jobs

04 August 2009 15:50:44

Applicants going for sales jobs should ensure they are wearing the correct attire as interview fashion faux-pas are plentiful, according to one expert.

Ann Israel, who has worked in recruitment for more than 30 years, told Law.com that every little counts at the interview stage especially what candidates wear.

She told the website that: "The job market is so tight right now that the slightest mistake really makes a difference. You want to make certain that you are at your very best on an interview, in every possible way. And that does come down to that first impression."

People applying for sales jobs should avoid dosing themselves in too much perfume or aftershave, according to the recruitment specialist, who said a skirted suit is the best thing to wear for interviews.

Celebrity hairstylist Wendy Iles recently said that choosing the correct hairstyle is important for people wanting to impress at sales jobs interviews.

For CV hints and interview advice together with one of the largest information portals available to UK sales jobseekers visit www.aaronwallis.co.uk Aaron Wallis is a leading UK based marketing and sales recruitment agency.

Sales jobs 'need a strong team ethic'

31 July 2009 15:13:53

People wanting to succeed in sales jobs need to be team players who enjoy meeting people and learning from others, according to one expert.

Ren Kapur, deputy chief executive of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management, told the Daily Mail about the team-orientated attitude which is needed to do well in a sales jobs.

He told the newspaper: "To be successful you have to want to sell and enjoy meeting people, be a team player and [be] able to learn from others."

The executive added that hard-selling products has gone out of fashion and instead people in sales jobs are encouraged to be customer friendly and less aggressive when trying to get a purchase.

Trying to get temporary sales jobs as a way of seeing if the sector is right for you is something the newspaper highly recommends.

Candidates applying for sales jobs should make sure they do their homework on any company they are applying to, according to the Mirror, which also said work experience is a good way to add to a CV.

Aaron Wallis are a specialist sales recruitment agency that offers hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales professionals.

Professionalism is key at interview stage

21 July 2009 06:39:48

Turning off a mobile phone and making the most of previous experience will stand sales jobs applicants in good stead during interviews, according to one expert.

Fred Whelan and Gladys Stone, authors of business advice books, wrote in the Huffington Post about the essentials to succeeding in interviews, which may interest people looking for sales jobs.

They said that basics like turning off a mobile phone can sometimes be forgotten in a stressful interview situation but that potential employees in sales jobs need to make sure they do not make mistakes in order to make a lasting, positive impression.

Speaking about a candidate who answered a phone call in an interview, the pair wrote: "We kept glancing at each other and the cell phone, wondering if it would ring and, if so, whether the young man would actually stop the interview to answer it."

Business mogul James Caan, who appears on the BBC show The Dragon's Den, recently wrote in the Telegraph about the importance of raising the bar when performing in interviews during the economic downturn.

Aaron Wallis are a specialist sales recruitment agency that offers hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales professionals.

Expert: A mistake on a CV is one too many

15 July 2009 15:51:24

People applying for sales jobs should make sure they cut out typographical errors, according to one recruitment firm, which said that three-quarters of employers would not consider applicants with more than two mistakes on their CV.

Accounting and finance firm Accountemps revealed that 76 per cent of respondents to its survey said they would rule out mistake-heavy candidates.

The report asked 150 senior executives from some of the world's largest companies about what they found most annoying when reviewing CVs.

Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, said: "If you make errors on your application materials, the assumption is you'll make mistakes on the job."

Some of the most common errors included "hope to hear from you, shorty", "have a keen eye for derail" and "I am a rabid typist".

Constantly updating your CV is the best way to make sure it remains accurate and displays your best features, according to the columnist Sathnam Sanghera, writing in the Times.

Aaron Wallis are a specialist sales recruitment agency that offers hundreds of sales jobs together with some of the most comprehensive sales tips and career advice available to UK sales professionals.