A weekend in Lisbon!

Back in July 2014, Think Global Recruitment sponsored an end of exams pool tournament for soon-to-qualify chartered accountants in the Bierkeller (a Bavarian bar) in Liverpool.

Two of our consultants travelled down for the night to network, present and most importantly of all, share a well-deserved drink with Liverpool's top professionals!  Between July and December, we were running a prize draw at all of our events and the lucky winner attended this one!

On Christmas Eve, 2014, our managing director got in touch with Nick to deliver an early Christmas present in the form of exciting news about his free trip to Europe!  As you can imagine, Nick was delighted and in the New Year, Abigail's PA got in touch and they began to organise his trip with his fiancee Kelly.

Nick and Kelly chose Lisbon because it was never really somewhere they had thought of visiting before and they had been to all of the other cities that were on offer.  They planned to head off in April but due to some unforeseen passport complications the trip had to be postponed to later in the year.  Between April and October, Nick and Kelly got married so it worked out the trip was perfect timing for a second honeymoon for the newly-wed couple!

On the 23rd October, we flew them from Liverpool to Lisbon and put them up in the Corintha Hotel where they were lucky enough to be upgraded to the Executive Club with a room on the 21st floor and exclusive breakfast in the Executive Sky Lounge with fantastic views over Lisbon - Nick said it was great to stay here because they never normally book themselves into 5* hotels, never mind get upgraded!

Nick and Kelly spent most of their time wandering the streets of Lisbon and soaking up the culture, stopping in quaint cafes and restaurants for food and drinks.  It was a really chilled weekend and some Nick's highlights included, taking a ride on the tram (which is over 100 years old) and witnessing the wonderful sights of Lisbon.  He and his new wife also enjoyed some drinks in the Sao Jorge Castle which has mesmerising views over the city. 

It was great to catch up with Nick after his trip and we wish Nick and Kelly all the best with their future.  If you are an accountant and want to hear more about the opportunities overseas, current events or jobs for accountants then get in touch: mail@thinkgr.com 

We are also giving away the opportunity for anyone who is either a trainee accountant or recently qualified and based in the UK or Ireland, to enter this years' prize draw for a weekend away for two in Europe!  All you have to do is send an email to Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com with the following information:

You Name, Email, Telephone Number, Job Title, Current Firm, Year of Qualifying Exam.

We're having a great time using Periscope!

Last week we trialed Periscope, a live video broadcasting app that you connect to your Twitter account.  We recorded a live video, introducing ourselves and what we, at Think Global Recruitment, do and what we intend to talk about in the coming weeks.

It was a huge success and great fun recording!  You can see who is watching your video and people have the opportunity to join in a live discussion.  We have decided to broadcast a short video three times a week to try and gauge the best time for our audience.  This week we will be live:

Tuesday 17th at 7am GMT - Funniest CV Mistakes

We'll talk about the worst things to put on your CV, the most embarrassing CVs that we've seen and the worst stories we've heard over the years! 

Wednesday 18th at 12.30pm GMT - CV Tips

We thought since the last broadcast was all of the bad things about writing a CV that we had best share some serious CV tips.  We are experts in recruitment and therefore, have the knowledge and experience to provide you with information on how to make your CV stand out.

Thursday 19th at 7pm GMT - What is it like to live and work in the Channel Islands?

We often assist people in moving to the Channel Islands, Jersey and Guernsey.  Here, we will discuss the best reasons to work and live on these fantastic islands!

We are aiming for our videos to be a bit of a laugh but also to share some useful information.  We will be using the account @ThinkGlobalRec so give us a follow if you'd like to join us this week.

We look forward to seeing you!

Abigail's Top 10 Tips for Recruiting Internaitonally

Thinking of Recruiting Someone from Overseas?
Expert Tips for Ensuring your
International Recruitment Goes Smoothly

By Abigail Stevens, international recruiter for 20 years

Recruiting internationally is essential for so many roles now.  With the economy picking up, post the longest and deepest worldwide recession we have seen, many new jobs are coming onto a market that is exceedingly candidate short.  For those that have not recruited internationally before, and those that have, but not always successfully, it can cause concerns.  However, these concerns are easy to overcome and should not put you off.

In the 20 years that I have been moving professionals around the globe I have, as you would imagine, picked up many tips on best practice to ensure everything goes smoothly.  Here are my top 10:

1. Market Testing - Do your research, make sure you will be able to get a visa for the ideal candidate to make the move from overseas for the role you have in mind.  As a rule of thumb, if the person you need has to have a professional qualification and you can't find someone suitable within the country of the recruiting firm, it is probable that you will have an immigration case to sponsor someone to take the role.  This is likely to involve "Market Testing", which means advertising the vacancy for a certain number of days, prior to offering someone who will need sponsorship.  Don't leave this until after you have found the person because you could lose that person again during the testing time.

2. Keep Momentum Going - When someone applies for a job they are generally most excited about the prospect during the early stages of the application.  It is a big move for them to relocate overseas and they need to feel comfortable with the process and their choice.  As time goes on, they may start to have concerns about the efficiency of an organisation, doubts about making a move, a change in personal circumstances and a whole range of other issues that make them pull out of the process.  Statistics show that you are 53% more likely to get a positive answer to an offer made in writing within 21 days of the recruitment process starting, than one made 30 days plus.  Even higher odds if made within 2 weeks.

3. Help the Individual Visualise the Opportunity - Often, it is not practical to meet someone face to face or show them around your offices when recruiting from overseas.  However, individuals need to feel comfortable that they are making the right move when it is such a big one.  Providing information such as number and backgrounds of people they will be working with, what the office looks like, what people do socially, values and culture of the organisation, what it is like living and working and cost of living in the location, will go a long way towards helping the person visualise themselves working there.

4. Disclose Likely Salary Package Early - Whilst the best recruits will put career ahead of money motivations, there is no point on holding back on this information until an offer is made, it is a waste of everyone's time. 

5. Do Not Think You Can Pay Staff From Overseas Less - If you are hiring them to do the same job as others they are likely to do as good and in many cases a better job than your local staff.  They will find out if you are paying them less than others and they will become unhappy, unproductive employees, or even leave.  Or if a competitor offers them more money you will lose them.

6. Offering a Relocation Package Will Save You Money! - Research shows, if you provide an allowance for moving, initial flights and other assistance such as immigration agents, information of the area they are moving to etc., the individual is more likely to 'hit the ground running' and be far more productive from the start.  They are also more likely to be loyal to the company and stay longer.

7. Include a Clawback Clause - It is more the norm now for international employers to include a clause in contracts that allows them to reclaim back a proportion of relocation costs, in line with how long they have stayed with the company, for the first 2 years.  I.e. if someone hands their notice in after 1 year and hasn't really met expectations, then the company is able to claim back 50% of the relocation costs.  This helps towards replacing the individual.  It can be used at discretion if say someone has to leave to return home due to close family illness.

8. Keep in Touch Post-Acceptance, Pre-Start -  If someone has a long notice period, or a visa is being applied for, a lot of time can elapse between the person accepting the role and actually starting.  It is normal for that individual to be really excited when they first secure the role.  However, as time goes on, the individual can sometimes start to lose that initial enthusiasm.  After all, they are going to be surrounded by their colleagues, friends and family who will start to say things such as 'we are really going to miss you'.  Keeping in touch with the individual will really help with this.  Maybe through sharing internal communications, announcements, exciting news in the media, giving them a buddy pre-start date or introducing them to others who are about to join the company and moving from the same area.  Whichever way, it is nice for them to receive written and verbal communication from their new employer during this period.  

9. Help Them Settle In - Provide them with information on areas to live, how to set up a bank account, how to get a mobile phone, interesting places to explore in their new location and anything else that they may not be culturally aware of.

10. Catch Up Regularly Post-Start - You have spent a long time building a relationship with this person and helping them make one of the biggest moves of their life.  It's great to meet informally and sometimes formally to ensure they are settling well and help with any hiccups there may be.  It is also rewarding to hear, first hand, how you have improved someones life!

This is a topic that I have grown to know a lot about over the last 20 years.  I will be covering all areas of international recruitment on Periscope moving forward.  Please follow me on Twitter @AbigailStevens & @ThinkGlobalRec to find out more about dates and times!

Abigail

THINK Charity

Here at Think Global Recruitment, we take corporate social responsibility very seriously.  With a vision of improving lives, we are always looking for ways to help others.

This year, we have already sponsored a number of events and last month, six, brave members of our team took part in a 135ft abseil off Murrayfield Stadium.  It was a great day and with a target of £600, they managed to raise £790.50 for the Stroke Association.  That is 132% of the original target and all for a fantastic cause!  Here's a photo of our team suited and booted in their abseil gear - hair nets included!

Over the next year (we have all split up into small teams) we are hoping to raise £2,500 for a charity called B1G1.  This is a micro-finance charity that supports people starting their own business.  It operates in many countries around the world and we have already donated enough money to provide 240 days of education support to disadvantaged children in Zimbabwe, hired a rickshaw for a month for 30 drivers in India, provided a lady in India with a sewing machine to set up a tailoring business and provided 1 life education program to a disadvantaged person in South Africa.  We will be running a number of events to raise money and more than likely take part in some silly activities (like climbing the dizzying heights of Edinburgh's rugby stadium and jumping off)...

We are really hoping to make a difference and improve some more lives this year so wish us luck!!

15 ways Think Global Recruitment show our staff we care

Lately we have been rejoicing the fact that for the last 15 years, we have been finding jobs for accountants and professionals across the world.

To celebrate internally, our entire team enjoyed a summer barbecue and a long weekend in Amsterdam (which remained a mystery location until we reached the airport - and what a fantastic time we had!) Our team makes our business. Celebrating our success from the past 15 years has been great fun!

Roger and Kevin in South Africa

Roger, Senior Recruitment Consultant – “If we reach £60,000 in a quarter, we win our Object of Desire which really promotes success and is a great perk!  I have recently been to Marrackech which was amazing!  I have actually had the chance to travel to Africa twice this year with a business trip in Durban last month.” 

Here at Think Global Recruitment, we value our staff and we work hard to create a successful, professional environment that people enjoy working in. We are currently expanding our team and would love some more, bright, driven recruits!  Here are the top reasons to join us:

We are global

• Our founder is passionate about travelling and discovering different cultures. Her love of adventure is part of the reason Think Global Recruitment became an international recruitment company – Abigail understood the many advantages of working internationally when she started out!
• Our staff get to see the world and work with people from many cultures. In the past month our staff have ventured to London, Dublin, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Zurich and Geneva. On these trips we get to meet people we usually only speak to on the phone, and we always make sure to explore the local culture.
• In our super connected world working with people all over the globe is incredibly time efficient. Because of the time differences, we can catch accountants out-with their working times but within ours.
  
• Helping accountants to make an international move is very rewarding and we know Think Global Recruitment makes a real difference to people's lives. So many people who we have helped to move to another country do keep in touch and it's great to hear from them.  Sometimes they will even come back to us, ready to take on another adventure!
• Declan, Recruitment Consultant – “Every day is different, you have the opportunity to not only build relationships but improve the lives of people from different backgrounds and cultures”

We value training

• Helping ambitious and focussed people achieve is important and we run the Think Global Recruitment Training Academy to facilitate this. We recruit and develop young people and gained Investors in Young People accreditation in recognition of this.
• Training begins in our academy when new recruits join. It provides a comprehensive 12 hour induction and their education continues with individual, ongoing modules. Our training library and on the desk training from our team offer support too. We know having a buddy helps when you're starting out too. It gives you somewhere to direct the inevitable questions you have in the early days, so all of our new recruits are paired up with one.
• We give our people external training too because, while our fantastic team know our sector well, developing the skills within our business is vital.
• Many of our team have worked their way up through the business and we offer real opportunities to progress. We use our appraisal system to set goals together with each member of staff so we can evaluate their progress together. This means everyone, from reception to senior consultants, know what it will take to get to the next level.
• Dan, Senior Recruitment Consultant - "You can progress as fast as you like here, if you put the work in, no one will hold you back. The training offered is excellent"

Our 15th birthday celebrations

Our staff have great benefits

We offer staff benefits from the day our staff start with us.

• We have fruit in the office, offer long lunches and subsidised gym memberships as well as a bike to work scheme. Staff who stay with us are rewarded with long service holidays as well as healthcare and a stakeholder pension scheme after two years, and there's a chance to set these benefits up in advance of that two year mark too.
• Every quarter our team have opportunities to get great rewards just for going over their targets– we've given away luxury holidays all over the world, Gucci handbags, Tag watches and surround sound TVs.

Our Christmas party celebrations

We play hard too

• Every year we have two events that gather everyone together for fun, one in Summer and another at Christmas, which partners can come along to too.
• We have an optional 'casual smart' dress code – business dress is only required for client meetings and formal events.
• Katherine, Office Manager & PA to Directors – “My work varies each day but I always have a good time with my colleagues and there is a great energy”

Everyone gets involved

When new recruits join us they're joining a team who have established business relationships and accumulated knowledge over the years, but we know that keeping those conversations going is the key to building our business.

• The people who know our business best are those working here and we value them and their opinions. Each year when we review our vision, mission statement and key values, all of our staff have the opportunity to contribute if they feel that changes to these are necessary.

• 

  Our charity abseil

  It's not just our staff who we listen to, we get feedback from the people that we help to move every year and that feedback is invaluable to everyone.
• Jill, Customer Care Consultant – “I get to spend a large part of my day helping accountants with one of the biggest moves of their lives and I laugh a lot at my witty colleagues while doing that”
• We love helping charities!  In the past we have raised over £10,000 for Kenyan schools and recently we have done an abseil for the Stroke Association and sponsored a charity football match for the Edinburgh Sick Kids.  We are currently working on raising money for small start up businesses in less developed countries.

We have openings in recruitment and accounts so if you are a bright, ambitious and this sounds appealing - get in touch with your CV: mail@thinkgr.com

From Dublin to Bermuda- making a dream come true!

Last year, Amy attended one of Think Global Recruitment's Worldwide Presentation & Drinks Evenings in Dublin.  Nearly a year later she is living the dream in the tropical paradise - Bermuda!

We spoke to Amy last week to find out how she is getting on...


Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

I wanted a change, I wanted to get out of Dublin and leave home - I don't think it would have happened otherwise!

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

Yeah, going alone and being by myself, Bermuda is so far away from home.  I originally wanted to move to London so that I could fly home easily but Bermuda is really great.  My first day was a bank holiday which I spent on a boat.  There are so many ex-pats and everyone is so welcoming and friendly!

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take you to settle in?

It was really quick.  I was lucky enough to find my house within two weeks and I think once you have found your house, you are settled.  I managed to get my driving test done in the first month too.

Did you have any expectations and do you think the move has met them?

Well not really.  I didn't plan to go to Bermuda!  I was open to anything but yeah, it has absolutely exceeded them!

What has been the biggest benefit of moving? 

There's no commute - I live a five minute walk from my work.  The island is completely different to any city.  It's so small and laid back.  The weather too, the weather is amazing!

What are the highlights of your location?

Definitely spending a lot of time on boats!  Spending the weekends drinking and floating on boats!

Are there any cultural differences?   

There's nothing really that different...  There are so many ex-pats here that everything is kind of geared towards them.  No, I don't think there really is anything that stands out as different.

What advice would you offer to accountants who are thinking about working overseas?

Just do it!  Don't think about it, just be brave and everything will fall into place.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

You have the best contacts and jobs, I had no intentions of moving to Bermuda before my consultant told me about the opportunities there. You were really helpful all the way through the recruitment process.


There are still spaces left for Wednesday so if you fancy spending your weekends floating in the Atlantic Ocean and relaxing on the beach then register by emailing emaloy@thinkgr.com 

 

How I Made Partner

London - New York - London

Have you heard?  Think Global Recruitment will be visiting London tomorrow to deliver a presentation outlining the options open to you and amazing benefits if you take your CA qualification overseas!  We will take a tour around the globe, outlining what it is like living and working each location and the types of opportunities available for qualified accountants. 

While we have been working away, organising this fantastic evening, one of our colleagues got in touch with Nassim who Think Global Recruitment assisted in her move back in 2003.  Nassim, originally from London, moved over to New York and has now returned to the Big Smoke where she has made Partner (Head of Valuation Control Group) at PwC!  Here's what Nassim said when we caught up with her:

Can you confirm your original location and current location?

I'm originally from London, I moved to New York and now I am back in London.

Why did you originally move overseas?

I was a junior at the time, 25 years old and had just qualified with my ACCA at Deloitte in London.  I wanted to have international experience, learn as much as I could and join my sister over in New York.

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

Yes, I was young and naive.  I had established bonds at home, I was worried about leaving relationships - my family and friends.

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take to settle?

At first, I struggled with the clash of ideas, I had a volatile six months where there were ups and downs and I didn't really feel like I fitted in.  However, after that passed, I felt a sense of belonging.

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

I met my husband!  I loved PwC and I would not be in the position I currently hold in London without the experience.

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

My expectations were surpassed.  I loved New York and PwC.  There was a strong internal network and once I was part of that, people believed in me, it was exciting to be trusted.

Did you feel that your move improved your standard of living?

Yes, there and subsequently.  I do not think my career would have been nearly as successful without my time in New York.

What were the highlights of your location?

I loved the city, the people, and the "work hard -play hard" attitude.  My firm was an amazing place to work.

What cultural differences did you notice?

Similar to London but they worked harder, longer and then socialised hugely.  It was a very mixed cultural team, less old school hierarchy than London.

When and why did you leave New York?

I was there for seven years and it was a very difficult decision to come back to London but I wanted to be near my elderly parents.  I had built up a strong network in New York and was concerned at the prospect of building up another one in London.

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas?

Experiencing a different culture is invaluable, makes for well-rounded people, increased business acumen, I would not be as good at my job without my time in New York.  For someone who is driven and ambitious - working abroad is now part of who I am.  I am a better Partner because of my ability to understand cultural differences which have given me insight and different views.

What advice would you offer to other accountants who are thinking about working overseas?

Absolutely no hesitation in advising anyone driven enough and with enough support from family and friends to make an international move.  An international move gives an adrenalin rush and a real buzz of learning and being challenged. 

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

A friend of mine recommended Think Global Recruitment to me, I knew exactly where I wanted to be and which firm I wanted to work for - Think Global Recruitment got me everything I was looking for.

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

They have a network of contacts with the best employers, excellent screening and interview preparation and support all the way through the process.

Do you believe the original move that you made with Think Global Recruitment has enhanced your career?

I categorically know, I would not have the role I have today and would not be as good at it without Think Global Recruitment and my time in New York.

Nassim has done an incredible job getting where she is today.  If Nassim's story has inspired you, please contact Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com to register for our event.