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Swiss roll with it - Think Global Recruitment's online charity auction & bake sale!

Oasis Signed Vinyl & Book - Click to place your bid!

We all know that Christmas is a time for giving and here at Think Global Recruitment we feel it is of fundamental importance to give back to charities both at home and across the world. This festive season, we are honoured to be supporting The Teenage Cancer Trust by holding an online auction from the 15^th to the 25^th of November. We will also be hosting a bake sale at our offices at 93 George Street, Edinburgh from 12-2pm to mark the closing of the auction. We have pulled out all the stops this year and have managed to get our hands on Oasis memorabilia signed by both Gallagher brothers! This includes a signed vinyl of ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory’, the second studio album by the British rock band and a signed copy of the accompanying book. We are extremely excited to be able to have been given the opportunity to auction such ‘wonderwall’ memorabilia and to be raising funds for such a worthy cause!
 

What does Teenage Cancer Trust do?

 

 

Teenage Cancer Trust create world class cancer services for young people in the UK providing life changing care and support so that young people don’t have to face cancer alone. With 7 people between the ages of 13 and 24 being diagnosed with cancer every day in Britain, it is important that patients receive the expert treatment and support that they need. Teenage Cancer Trust works exclusively as the only charity dedicated to providing this support and treatment from the moment they are diagnosed.  

How will this money help?

Throughout the year we have worked with several charities both locally and globally, raising awareness and funds to assist these charities on their mission.

‘It is absolutely incredible that we can support such amazing charities and continue to improve the lives of others throughout the globe! We are honoured to be hosting this silent auction for such an amazing charity and we know the money will mean a lot to a lot of people’. – Abigail (Managing Director of Think Global Recruitment) 

The money raised from the auction of the signed memorabilia and from our in-house bake sale will go towards research directed towards why young people develop cancer and how best to treat it. This will help improve diagnosis, treatment and survival rates. It will also help to fund youth support workers, expert nurses and family support sessions for those in need.  

 

So get bidding to make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity and improve a few lives this festive season!


 

Oasis Signed Vinyl & Book - Click to place your bid!

 

 

The Most HORRIFYING things to ever happen in a job interview...

We all know how scary job interviews can be - the sweating palms, the heavy breathing, the fear that they might find out you know nothing about the topic you’re talking about. Having recruited all over the world for the past sixteen years Think Global Recruitment has seen it all. As we approach Hallows Eve the team here has wickedly decided to share some of the most horrifying incidents they’ve ever heard or witnessed during an interview.

They know how the prospect of facing a recruitment panel can be more daunting than saying Candyman in Mirror three times, they also know how the fear can be shared both parties, like two people using a Ouija board- unaware what will happen next and hoping they both make it out alive. So sit back and read these stories if you dare.

*Disclaimer these are not incidents which occurred at Think Global Recruitment but rather a collection of scary stories circulated around the industry, keeping candidates awake in their beds at night*

The Black Eye
 

After a particularly frightful night a candidate once turned up with a black eye to an interview. When asked about it by the interviewer the man declared he had been out with other people in the same company the night before and they he had got drunk and ‘fell over’. He felt that the bonding session with their existing staff would have saved him from his fate, however, it ended with another knockout blow as the gentleman was shown the door.

The Twirl

We all know someone that should never be put into the powerful interviewer position. Many evil villains have plotted their way to the top of the ladder only to say something that would dare not pass a normal person’s lips- in this case blatant sexism. The ‘request for a twirl’ makes most shudder but thankfully these cases have mostly disappeared (unless you present the US Apprentice).

Rest In Peace

The fear of a job interview can drain the human soul but it can also just be really exhausting. One of our team shares the tale of a man, a Director of a global firm, who fell victim to his own exhaustion and collapsed on his interviewer like he was a padded coffin.

From CV to obituary

It can seem easy to lie on a CV, many are tempted but few are bold enough to go through with it. There was one candidate who will go down in horror folklore, having asked their spouse to write their CV and used their grandparents contact details as references. The lies spouted on this CV ranged from degree modifications to ghost employers, all of which the candidate knew nothing about. Ironically, theses lies left the candidate writing his own interview obituary when the horrid truths were unveiled.

One foot in the grave

Perhaps we left the scariest of all to last, this one can make anyone jump back in disgust. Once a candidate felt they were in the comfort zone a little too much in an interview when they decided to do something that no one was prepared for. Their shoes slipped off under the table and went on the hunt for one of the interviewers. The interviewer still gets flashbacks to this day of this from the event, insisting those in close quarters to wear socks just in case.

So there you have it, the most horrifying situations we have ever heard of in recruitment. We hope this hasn’t put you off interviews for life, just make you wary to wear your shoes and use the STAR technique.

Happy Halloween!

Evaldas's Story: Moving to Mongolia and getting back into big business!

It's not everyday you hear about someone moving to Mongolia but last year Think Global Recruitment assisted Evaldas in making the move from Lithuania to the country's capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Evaldas previously had spent a total of five years as Senior Manager working for EY in Kazakhstan and a further two and a half years as Audit Director at Deloitte before becoming self employed as a Financial Consultant. After working independently with small businesses for three years, Evaldas came to the realization that he missed big business and the high profile clientele.

After contacting Think Global Recruitment to explore his options working overseas and after speaking with one of our consultants, was offered the opportunity to work for EY in Mongolia. After living and working in neighboring Kazakhstan for a number of years, Evaldas was already familiar with the  Mongolian culture and fluent in Russian and therefore knew what to expect upon moving. This combined with the irresistible offer to work alongside prominent clients such as Central Bank, State Bank and leading mining companies lead to Evaldas accepting the role.

Life in Mongolia
 

Evaldas describes the move as a very positive one, stating that he ‘received great support from both EY and Think Global Recruitment’. He further characterizes Think Global Recruitment as ‘highly professional’ and decribes the transition from Lithuania to Mongolia as smooth and controlled.

Moving with his wife in December 2015, Evaldas spent only a week searching for flats before coming across the perfect apartment in the center of Ulaanbaatar, within walking distance of the office, restaurants and shops. Initially he was concerned with the timing of the move as winters in Mongolia can drop below -25 degrees Celsius. The move further coincided with the busy season for mining companies, however due to previous experience and expertise, Evaldas was already familiar with EY methodologies and the audit role so move was smooth. With the support of both EY and Think Global Recruitment, he describes feeling ‘fully supported throughout the move’. Evaldas was also surprised to discover that many native Mongolians were fluent in Russian and that there were many Lithuanian expatriates living in the city.

The Role
 

Now in his new audit role Evaldas is working with the Central Bank of Mongolia, the largest state bank and the largest mining companies in the country. He enjoys the exposure and describes being well respected within his industry. Providing advice to senior managers, he is already saving the company vast amounts of money and has already had extremely positive performance reviews. Furthermore, the role provides exciting opportunities to work within Asia and to build relationships with China and Hong Kong through work with clients.

 

Main advantages of working overseas.
 

 

Firstly Evaldas emphasizes the importance of learning and experiencing different cultures; ‘You can move from one location to another more easily and can adapt to other cultures quickly, which is a very good personal trait’. Secondly; ‘from a company perspective, multinational employers will look for international experience’.

There are many benefits to being an expatriate including higher salaries and excellent financial packages ‘My company pay for my apartment in the center of the city so my living conditions are ideal for both myself and my family’.

Additionally, ‘working in an international outward facing firm in Mongolia allows the opportunity to spread further into companies in the Asia region such as Hong Kong and China. Opportunities you would not get working in a smaller firm’. Evaldas states; ‘when I moved from Lithuania to Kazakhstan, I was working with huge international clients, however if you are working in a small market or if you are a small member of a bigger team, that you just don’t get those opportunities’.

Finally, he says that ‘moving out of your comport zone allows you to develop new friendships and relationships through meeting new business contacts.’

‘My advice would be to not be afraid and to try new things, and if you do, you shall succeed.’

Our service
 

‘The company was very professional, I wanted to move to a bigger firm and a role with either EY or Deloitte. Think Global Recruitment provided lots of options and opportunities and consultant put me in touch with EY’s Mongolian partner and we got along very well and now I am living here.’

‘I also received excellent aftercare support from one of your consultants which I really appreciated as it made the move a lot easier.’

We would like to wish Evaldas all the best in his new role. 

Think Global Recruitment's Charity Pub Quiz - Come along!

On Friday 28^th October we will be hosting a Spooktacular Pub Quiz in Lulu’s bar, Edinburgh, where you can come along and test your wits against the living and the (brain) dead!


In keeping with our mission to help charities both at home and abroad we have picked another two fantastic causes Old MacDonald's Farm & Vintage Vibes!

Old MacDonald’s Farm

Fifteen years ago we assisted Don MacDonald and his family make the move of a lifetime to Zambia. Fast forward to 2016 and after contacting accountants that we had helped to move overseas, we discovered the charity project they had set up all those years ago.

Don and his wife Christine began helping street children in Lusaka back in 2001, inviting them in every Sunday for a shower, a home cooked meal and to get some clean clothes. Noticing the sheer volume of street children in the local community, they felt something needed to be done to help. Old MacDonald’s Farm was born and has since combined several projects on the same site including a home for vulnerable children, a community school and a teaching farm. Over the years their family have grown rapidly with the addition of more young boys staying with them, and at one point they had 40 extra children! In 2013, the BBC made a documentary about the farm which highlighted just how appreciated the charity has become within the Lusaka community.

Vintage Vibes

For our local charity we have chosen one which a member of our team (Tilly) volunteers with. Vintage Vibes is a service that pairs up volunteers with people in Edinburgh who are over 60 years old and are feeling isolated or lonely. The aim of the charity is to encourage friendship between all generations and provide companionship to those who need it most.

“I come from a big family and have always been very close with my grandparents who were always surrounded by many friends and family but many other older people are not as lucky... Vintage Vibes are making a real difference to over 60s in Edinburgh who are lonely and isolated – visiting them in their homes or going out for a walk or a coffee. For me, they were the obvious choice for a charity for us to support at our TGR Charity Quiz Night!”- Tilly

So do you have the intelligence of Dr. Frankenstein or his monster? Come along find out whilst supporting the fantastic work of these two charity projects!

Think Global Recruitment's Spooktacular Halloween Quiz

Location: Lulu’s Bar, George Street, Edinburgh

Date: Friday 28^th October

Time: 6.30pm

Tickets: £10 - can be purchased by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com

Tickets are £10 each, which includes:

- Participation in our 5-round Pub Quiz

- VIP Entry to Lulu nightclub

- A refreshment of your choice on arrival - option for bubbly, beer or non-alcoholic drinks available

- Nibbles to enjoy during the quiz

- Exclusive access to VIP area and table reservation when the club opens to the public at 10pm

There will also be a Spooktacular Photo Booth with props and costumes, and a Raffle on the night

Fancy dress is optional, but encouraged, as of course it is Halloween weekend!

Teams will be up to 5, so please bring along your friends and join in!

Over 18s only.

We look forward to seeing you there!

A letter from one of our accountants - from South Africa to Newcastle, Australia!

 

Sometimes in work you receive emails that brighten up your day.

 

We assisted Annelo make the move from South Africa to Newcastle, Australia and we were delighted  when we received an email from her telling us about her experience. Annelo has very generously offered to share this story for any other any other people who might be considering making an international move.



 

 

 

 

 

From all of us here at Think Global Recruitment we would like to thank Annelo for this lovely update and wish her and Wessel the best of luck with their new life in Australia!

 

 

Back to Uni- Two accountancy & finance students share their thoughts.

It’s September which can only mean one thing- the new beginning of another university year. The dust (sand) from the summer has settled, course books have been purchased and people have been reacquainted through the usual fresher's weeks antics.

For this week’s blog we thought we would talk to two budding future accountants, Ciaran & Jessica, to get their perspective on their subject choices and international career prospects.

Jessica has just started her 2^nd year as an accountancy and finance student, whilst Ciaran is about to embark on his final year at university. So how do their views differ?
 

What made you want to choose to study accountancy & finance?

Jessica: I studied Accounting in 5th year at school and I found it really interesting, so it was a no-brainer when choosing what to study at university.

Ciaran: I didn’t really know what I wanted to do to begin with, I just knew accountancy & finance was a solid investment as a subject with a clear career path.

Did international opportunities in the future impact your university or subject choice?

Jessica: International opportunities are easily available and regularly suggested at university, so I am glad that I have the option to go abroad if I wish to do so in the future. However, this didn't have a great influence on my decision on where I chose to study.

Ciaran: My university has a lot of international ties so that did definitely impact my choice. When I chose accountancy & finance I did so knowing that it was a universal subject that could be very useful for a career at home or abroad.

Which country would you most like to work in and why?

Jessica: I would love to work in London and to experience the fast-paced life of an accountant living in the City. I've been down to visit a few friends there already and love the place!

Ciaran: Most of the people I know who’ve left to go abroad have recommended Australia or New Zealand, so I’d probably go out there to travel for a year after I’ve finished with my degree, then see what I think.

 

Would you like to specialise in any particular sector and why?

Jessica: Luckily I'm only starting second year so have plenty of time to still decide what I want to specialise in.

Ciaran: I’m doing my dissertation in Corporate Financing the areas it covers really interest me, so hopefully I'll be able to find a job in that field after I graduate/become qualified.

What companies/company would you like to work for and why?

 Jessica: I would love to work for one of the Big 4 because they have offices all over the world allowing for lots of travelling opportunities. They seem like great companies to work for with a big variety of people from different backgrounds.

Ciaran: I’m quite keen to run my own business one day, but before that I would love to get the chance to work for one of top ten firms and learn from some the best. My best mate works for Mazars UK and is really enjoying it there.

Do you know any other accountants that have been overseas and if so, what was their experience?

 Jessica: Yes, I know someone who travelled to Italy and lived there for two years while working as an accountant. He had a great time as he was able to learn some Italian and loved the culture there.

Ciaran: Most accountants that I know tend to stay in the UK but after the whole Brexit result people have started to consider other options.

What do you think would be the biggest challenge in an international move?

Jessica: I think the biggest challenge would be overcoming an language barriers or trying to fit in to the local culture.

Ciaran: Biggest challenge would be leaving friends and family behind. It’s easier these days with Skype and WhatsApp but it could still be tough when you need support.

What would be the most exciting thing about an international move?

Jessica: For me, the most exciting thing would be making connections and becoming friends with lots of people in a different country. Also being able to possibly speak a different language and communicate with the locals would be an amazing skill to pick up as you work.

Ciaran: Getting to test yourself in a different environment and that buzz of arriving somewhere new, where you don’t know anyone. I would say I'm quite confident so would revel in the opportunity to move abroad.

From all of us here at Think Global Recruitment we would like to wish Ciaran and Jessica the best of luck with the year ahead, we know they'll do great!

 

Dave’s Story: Conquering the fear of the unknown!

Think Global Recruitment helped David make the move from Zimbabwe to Perth, Australia in 2007 where he still lives today managing his own accountancy business. We recently caught up with him to find out about his experience and any advice he would offer to others.

How did you feel before the move?

 “At that stage it was really just a fear of the unknown. I’d never lived away from home so I didn’t know how it would turn out. I had it in my head that I was just going to make the move overseas and see how it goes. I knew that it was going to be unchartered territory”.

How long did it take to settle in?

“It took six months to a year to really settle in. You find yourself calling home frequently at the start. You then get to experience the new culture, new people and meet new friends.”

With multicultural societies like Perth you have such a vast range of nationalities. There is such an acceptance of cultures that makes it very easy to fit in quickly”.

So with so many cities in Australia why from why did you choose to settle in Perth?

“I’ve been to visit other places like Sydney and Melbourne but I’ve found that those cities are too busy for me.  I really enjoy the lifestyle here and have built up a good client base for my business."

And what about the professional experience?
 

 “Having had previous Big Four experience it was building upon what I had learnt already. I was working with clients in oil and gas, the work was demanding but it did meet expectations. The professional ethics on the work side lived up to expectations”.

And the biggest benefit?
 

“Career progression- The sky is the limit depending on what someone wants to do. If someone wants to start their own business in the future, it would be really worth doing!

Even if somebody wanted to go into commerce, the companies here are bigger and you can get exposure to their main head offices”.

Advice to other accountants think of making the move?

 "If someone isn’t sure, give it six months and see how it goes. If it doesn’t work there’s no harm in trying, it’s definitely worth it. I would really encourage people to go out there and see how they get on”.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you ?

 

“A mate of mine gave me your contact details and when I called up the lady she asked me which country I want to go to, I said, 'Australia, then Canada and maybe the US'. A few days later she comes back and says ‘I’ve got an opportunity for a Big Four firm in Australia, and then she talked me through the process. She was really good and when I got the job she helped with the onboarding process.  Even a few months later she called up just to check how I was doing and sent me a Think Global souvenir”.
 

What would you say are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

“The guidance that you give, the preparation…you would ring up before the interview, after the interview, finding out how it has gone and following up with it with the employer as well.
Highly recommended.”

 

It's fantastic for us hearing people's stories after we have worked with them. From all of us at Think Global Recruitment would wish like to wish Dave and his family the very best for the future!

If this story has inspired you and you would like to hear more please get in touch by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com

 

 

Market Update: Where are we Post-Brexit?

The results of Markit’s recent PMI (the Purchasing Managers Index) survey has the put the minds of the British public at ease (for now) as the unexpected rebound of the service sector adds to a string of positive market news on exports, jobs and houses.

Markit recorded the biggest month on month increase in the survey’s history and shows figures increasing from 47.4 in July to 52.9, far exceeding the 50 mark needed for growth.The service sector makes up a staggering 80% of the UK economy

 

From these results it is now clear that Britain will avoid the expected recession many thought would follow after the June's historic vote.

"The services PMI completes a triple-whammy of good economic data for the UK in the last three trading sessions and indicates that businesses are returning to normal after the initial shock of the vote rocked confidence," said Neil Wilson, a financial market analyst at ETX Capital.

 

Britain’s economic situation is looking brighter with the value of the pound going up on a seven week high against the value of the dollar - $1.3375, and the value of the pound beginning to steady.

Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley have both 'rowed back' on their predictions after the better than expected results. Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, has described himself as feeling 'absolutely serene' with the banks preparations and actions which he says allowed Britain's economy to 'sail through' the shock impact following the referendum.
 

The City of London, however, is not sitting on its hands and has already stepped up lobbying efforts with the new Chancellor Philip Hammond to ensure that processes are not rushed and to stress the importance of access to the single market. The Financial Services industry accounts for more than 12% of the UK's exports, contributing £60 billion in tax and employing 1 million people.

How are the Big Four after the Brexit vote?

Deloitte

Deloitte’s UK revenues have grown at the fastest rate in a decade, according the latest figures.The company experienced a “landmark” year in Scotland, strengthened its Transaction Services practice in the North of England and Group revenue for Deloitte has increased by 11.2 per cent for the year to May 2016 to £3.1bn.

Managing Partner, David Sproul, has suggested that the government should not reduce hiring skilled migrants: “The government must recognise that further restricting skilled migrants could be detrimental to the UK’s ability to attract global investment and the diverse pool of international talent that has supported our country’s growth”.
 

KPMG
 

KPMG continues to be the preferred UK's auditor for stock market clients, having created six new contracts in the last quarter. The Head of KPMG's deal advisory practice in the Midlands has stated that there is still a healthy appetite for deals in the region describing the environment as conducive.  

 

PWC
 

PWC remains in second place behind KPMG with 369 total clients and has come out confidently stating that London's dynamism means that it would remain agile and resilient to any potential fallout from Brexit and that the City had managed to  'pull away' from other global rivals this year.
 

EY
 

 EY has noted the opportunities for businesses that will come as a result of any renogiations and has stated that due to UK's strong performance in the past year it has retained it's spot as the number one place in Europe for foreign investment.

 

The future is looking a lot brighter than many experts initially thought, we now await to see how the new government intends to take Britain forward.
 

If you'd like to hear more about our market updates then register for our newsletter by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.

Jordan's Story: From a hectic life in Chicago to a happy life in the Netherlands!

 

Last year Think Global Recruitment assisted Jordan in securing a role in the Netherlands with a Big Four Firm which he says has offered him offer endless opportunities ever since.

We recently got in touch with him to tell us more about his new life.

Jordan began his career in Chicago, USA but now lives and works in the sunny Netherlands as an Audit Senior, living in the multicultural capital Amsterdam and making the daily commute to his job in Zwolle.

 

"I was driven by the opportunity for international exposure, especially with the Big 4 in Europe. I wanted a better work life/balance than I had in Chicago and wanted the challenge of working in a new continent."

At first Jordan felt concerned about how his wife would feel in their new home and how long it would take for both of them to settle in, these fears quickly dissipated by the warm welcome they received when they moved in.

 “Once my wife arrived, everything fell into place. I’m really enjoying life in Europe and I think everyone should make the move. My firm is fantastic, I am busy but feel motivated and happy in my new role. I feel like the move is all I could of hoped for.”

Life in Holland

Jordan is making use of Holland’s central location by taking advantage of the travel opportunities having spent the New Year in Italy and visiting other cities that are near to his home in Amsterdam. With a notably improved work/life balance, this has freed him up to make the most of his surroundings in central Europe, and is enjoying his new sunnier climate.

So what does Jordan think about the people in his new found continent?

 "Europe feels much more culturally diverse than the USA. People are much more tolerant and welcoming here". 

 

 

Working overseas

 

“I have advised all of my colleagues and work mates in Chicago to spend time working abroad as it improves their CVs and they can grow as people. Learning new methodologies and ways of working are just some of the advantages gained from an international move as well as exposure to different cultures and languages."

 

 

 

Our Service

“My consultant really listened to me and my wishes. He understood what I was looking for in my international move and really guided me through the process. He gave me lots of time and information so that I could make an informed decision. Think Global Recruitment gave me honest advice, helpful interview preparation and an impressive list of potential roles. Clearly you have well-connected consultants with lots of industry knowledge.

This move definitely helped to enhance my career, allowing for the opportunity for me demonstrate my adaptability and willingness to challenge myself."

We wish Jordan and his wife all the best with their new life in the Netherlands!


If this story has inspired you and you would like to hear more please get in touch by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.