Editorial

Although it is clear that the UK economic climate has taken a serious downturn, it is often at times like these when long-established businesses are able to cope.  Fame Recruitment Consultancy is a case in point.  Being a landmark in Golders Green for over two decades and having survived previous recessions, its name has long been synonymous with placing people in jobs.   Whilst businesses are streamlining, there are still jobs coming through keeping Fame busier than ever.

Anne Abraham, managing director of Fame, attributes this to Fames long term reputation in the industry.  “There is no doubt that our loyal client base understands that the benefits of using Fame, outweigh the costs of using other sources and are therefore still reverting to Fame when they need an extra member of staff.”

That said, clients are fussier than ever before.  Sending your CV does not guarantee you an interview even if your experience does fit.  Hence the need for your CV to sell you on paper in order to secure you an interview.  This is where Fame can help if you are a candidate on the lookout for your next career move.

Some people are still convinced you need to include every bit of work experience you’ve ever had, never mind the relevance to the role they are applying for.  Candidates also seem to adopt the approach, ‘more is more’.  Rather than rely on a few key points for each previous position, they are prone to include every single responsibility thereby making their CV too long and verbose.

Once you get an interview, you have to ensure you perform to your best advantage.  That means practising good interview techniques which is again something on which Fame can advise.  It seems obvious but you need to present a good first impression so a smart appearance is essential as is direct eye contact, firm handshake and informative but concise answers.

Anne Abraham explains, “There really is no point in going for an interview these days, if you haven’t done your own thorough research.  This means reviewing the company’s website, if they have one and preparing some questions.    Remember, as well as interview you, the interview is your opportunity to see whether the company would be your preferred employer.”

Again, this demonstrates the importance of working with a long-established and reputable agency like Fame.  With a faithful and plentiful client base, many of whom have used the agency for several years, Fame is familiar with the company profile of each of its clients and is able to identify straight away if an applicant will suit their culture and therefore be a viable candidate.

From a client’s point of view this with Fame’s ability to advise on current market trends, salary markers, reference checking prior to interview and short-listing means that if you are looking to recruit, in any market, you really need to use an expert agency to do so cost-effectively.

After all, time is money and it can be a lengthy process to find the ideal person for any role.

If you are looking for to recruit a new member of staff, or if you are looking to find a new position, contact Fame on 020 8209 1858 or www.famerecruitment.com.

With all the recent negative press about an economic down-turn and credit squeeze, you’d be forgiven for thinking that employment agencies were having a tough time of it and that things were slowing down.  However, according to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation’s (REC) Industry Research unit, monthly tracking research results for the last quarter of 2007 show continued strong performance and increased employer optimism about growth prospects for the temporary agency workers and permanent staff.

Fame Recruitment Consultancy is a case in point.  “Whilst it’s true that some clients are tightening their belt accordingly and considering budgets perhaps more than before, I haven’t noticed a slow-down in number of new jobs in a week and that’s with increased competition.”  explains Anne Abraham, Managing Director of the long-established agency, based in Golders Green.  “If anything we have become busier because the number of people, often mums returning to work has increased significantly, perhaps to subsidise their household’s income given the increased monthly bills.”

Fames specialise in recruiting staff for secretarial, accountancy and office personnel as well as candidates for charities, marketing and sales positions.

It is more important than ever to have a strong and loyal workforce in place and if that means using an expert agency, with over 20 year’s experience and a robust database of clients and candidates alike, it appears that is what companies are happy to do. Anne continues along the same theme “Admittedly, a high proportion of our business is repeat, probably in the region of over 50% but there are plenty of new clients who have approached us either through recommendation or just because we are so well-known in the area, we have actually become synonymous with recruiting.”

Indeed, whilst it is a growing trend to recruit temporary to permanent staff, thereby ensuring both parties are happy before committing to a formal contract, employers are happy to make that commitment when they know they have found the right person.

Equally, the agency’s temporary division always enjoys a buoyant episode during these coming summer months.  People taking time out in between jobs and students on summer break means the Fame temporary database is more plentiful than ever.  The fact remains that if you are going to recruit and want to enlist the help of an agency to assist you, you want to use an agency with longevity.

“Obviously, when you read the press and figure we’re in for a rough ride, it’s very tempting to think of offering a promotion or gimmick to encourage business but when the telephone is already ringing and briefs for new jobs are being sent in consistently, you realise just how much long-standing relations count for.”  Having recently recruited a new Executive Assistant for the Chairman of JNF, the Chief Executive of JNF Simon Winters had this to say on Fame:

“JNF have worked with Fame for many years.  Fame have recently successfully recruited our Executive Assistant to the Chairman and we have found them to be extremely professional and efficient. Fame always takes the time to carefully listen to our requirements and have supplied us with only excellent candidates and I would highly recommend Fame to any employer seeking high quality office personnel.”

Equally, the incumbent, Michelle Amery Executive Assistant to the Chairman of JNF, Samuel Hayek added her views; “

"I can only say that Fame stands out above all other agencies. Anne and her team dealt with my application with warmth, confidentiality and professionalism.  As a senior executive assistant Fame fully understood the type of position I was looking for and they only offered me positions that suited my profile.  This is the second time Fame has found a position for me and I can not rate the service they provide highly enough. I would recommend Fame as THE agency to all my colleagues and friends.

Whilst nobody can predict what the future holds, it appears that Fame Recruitment Consultancy intends to continue with what they do best – placing people first.