Blogs

Changes to our website…

Hi everyone,

We’re in the process of moving over to a new CRM system which will enable us to work better and help you in more efficient manner. We’ve also got a new website in the works too.

As a result of this you’ll no longer be able to register. If you’d like to apply for any jobs then all you need to do is email jobs@nucreativetalent.co.uk and put the job title in the subject line.

If you’re already registered then you then you can still login and apply through the site.

These changes won’t impact on applications from job boards.

If you’d like to register with us for future reference please email enquiries@nucreativetalent.co.uk with your CV (and portfolio/samples) along with a brief summary of your skills, experience and what you’d like to do next. This mail box is checked regularly.

I can’t give you an exact timeframe of when everything will be done but we’re working to get things done as quickly as possible.

Last week I met with a candidate who was looking for some advice. She’s in a permanent role and is considering going freelance, but wanted to discuss the market and what she can expect as a designer who’s never freelanced before. It got me thinking about the challenges that freelancers face, and weighing up the pro’s and con’s. What would I do if I were in her position?

Many people choose to freelance, and there’s no doubt that this style of working has its bonuses. Freelancers can expect higher pay, greater flexibility and more variety of work. You’re essentially running your own business, and can be your own boss. But as Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, ‘With great freedom comes great responsibility’.

We are recruitment CONSULTANTS

Securing a new job is a big step and we appreciate this. It has to be your decision and you should have as much information as possible.

If we think you’re suitable for one of our jobs we will…
• Tell you as much as we can about the job AND the employer including their name
• If we have a job spec we’ll send it to you
• Help you with your CV and portfolio
• We may also give you additional material that will help you find out more about the job and the employer
• In 99% of cases we will meet with you in person to further discuss the job, the employer, interview tips and answer any questions you may have

We will NEVER send your CV or any other information to a client without your permission.

What do you think about this? Could we do more?

If you've ever tried to write a cover letter you'll know it can be a pretty tricky business. There are lots of different websites out there giving lots of advice so I thought I'd have a go at simplifying things. It's important to get all the relevant information in your letter whilst keeping it as short as you can. Doing so will ensure that it's read, as people often have little time and lots of applications to go through. Here’s a really simple template that will hopefully provide the basis for a great cover letter -

1st Paragraph - Start by stating the job you’re applying for and where you found it.
2nd Paragraph - Explain why you’re interested in that particular line of work and what appeals to you about the company. Talk about your strengths/skills and relate them to those required for the role.
3rd Paragraph - Thank the emloyer for considering your application.

In Defence of Recruitment Consultants
By Ed Scrivener

In recent weeks there have been some rather scathing attacks on the recruitment industry. It is a vocation that most people hold only slightly higher than Estate Agents. Much of this vitriol is well deserved, however, the reality is that it is the minority giving the majority a bad name, but as an industry we are determined to shoot ourselves in the foot and not expel these thoughts. I would like to break the stereotype of a recruitment consultant and clearly communicate how an agency works, why you need them and how to use them to your advantage.

Firstly, before approaching an agency it is important to understand exactly what they do, namely:

An agency finds people for jobs, not jobs for people

The Importance of Enthusiasm at Interviews

It’s that time of year again when a fresh bunch of graduates leave education eager to enter the world of employment. I've compiled some basic tips for grads, please add a comment below if you feel there are any tips we should add.

1) Get your CV and portfolio up to scratch. Think of yourself as a brand and really take some time to get it right (check out our blog/CV tips further down).

2) If you haven’t already done so, try and get some professional work in your portfolio. Whether it be work experience in an agency or freelance work off anyone that’ll give you some. Any professional work will strengthen your portfolio, and experience in an agency environment is great to have.

3) Do some research. Have a look at what type of agency you'd like to work for and build up a knowledge of the agencies that are out there. What type of work do you want to be producing and for what kinds of clients?

As a designer it’s imperative that your CV and portfolio showcase your skills and represents the best of your ability. Here are a few simple tips that could help:

1. Your portfolio is all about giving people an idea of what you’re like as a designer and showing off your work, so let your work speak for itself. Tip number one is to keep the format and layout simple – no fussy backgrounds or zaney colour schemes.

2. Don’t put too much work in your portfolio, there’s no real need to go over ten pages. The person recruiting can always ask to see more if they need to. If you’re sending a PDF over try and tailor it so you’re showing the work that’s the most relevant to the role you’re applying for.

3. A really great way to make your work look professional is to show it in context – if you’ve designed a layout then show it within the magazine. Use high resolution images.

...And it's all thanks to YOU.

No, really, we mean it.

We were recently nominated in the upcoming Marketing & Advertising Recruitment Awards (http://www.ukmara.co.uk) and, thanks to your votes, we are now finalists across three categories:

Best Newcomer (we're 18 months young, but wise beyond our years)
Best Social Media Strategy (some would argue Twitter was invented specifically to spread the world about our fantastic jobs)*
Best Recruitment Website (admit it: it's gorgeous).

We've got this far because you voted for us. The fact that we're now finalists for three different awards, against stiff competition, tells us that the connections we've made - be they clients or candidates - have taken the time to lend their support, and for that we are seriously grateful.

And now?

We've been nominated for MARA 2011 in a number of categories including Best Newcomer, Best Recruitment Website, Best Small Agency and Best Social Media Strategy.

“NU Creative Talent is one of the most innovative and trusted Creative & Media recruitment agencies in London. In only 18 months, we’ve successfully sourced talented creative, marketing and sales professionals for a range of blue chip and SME clients, many of whom are global brands. As a result, we’re expanding at a phenomenal rate; we’ve outgrown our humble roots and are about to relocate, as well as increase our headcount. The secret to our success is simple: a cunning mix of cutting-edge solutions and good old customer service that ensures that everyone is treated as an individual.”

Please vote for us by clicking on the link below. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
http://www.ukmara.co.uk/nu-creative-talent
Thanks,

Subhan & Dan