Our Top 10 Things to do in the Channel Islands!

As you may know, our Managing Director has been touring the globe this, so far with stops across the UK, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Germany to name but a few!  The other week, she packed her bags again and headed down to the beautiful islands of Guernsey and Jersey in the Channel Islands and returned with a ton of jobs!  We thought that we would share with you, our top 10 things to do in these less-well-known accountancy hubs!

1. Explore the surrounding islands

There are a number of small islands that make up the Channel Islands.  Full of breathtaking landscapes, a mixture of British and French culture and the best seafood you'll find in the UK, the Channel Islands are the perfect destination for a spot of island hoping!  Ferries are regular between the islands and there is so much to explore.  From Herm - the island with no cars, to Jersey and Guernsey - the two most populated islands, steeped in history and vibrant bars.

2. Soak up the history of WW2 in Jersey's War Tunnels

Learn about the dark history of the German Occupation of Jersey during World War 2.  The deep tunnels have been converted into an underground collection of galleries and information about the truly horrifying events that took place in the 1940s.

http://www.jerseywartunnels.com/

3. Don your wetsuit and take to the sea! 

Test your resilience at Jersey Seasport Centre where you can choose from a range of activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana rides and many more!  The Channel Islands are infamous for their range of water sports.  Book your spot here: http://www.jerseyseasport.com/ 

4. Splurge at the shops!

There are many well-known high-street shops in Saint Heilier and a handful of local shops.  There are two main markets in Jersey so there really is something for everyone!  You will find souvenir and gift shops on just about every beach with lots of homemade treasure for you to take away.

5. Relax on one of the Channel Islands' many sandy beaches

Guernsey beaches are said to be the nicest within the British Isles.  Vazon Bay has won the title of 'Britain's Cleanest Beach' so is definitely worth a visit.  With warm temperatures in the summer, these beautiful landscapes are the perfect locations for building sandcastles and enjoying an ice cream! 

6. Indulge in a scrumptious meal in Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a walled city, ideally located in the north western corner of France and has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants in Europe!  Being a seaport city, the food is mostly-as expected- locally sourced seafood!  There are frequent ferries from both Jersey and Guernsey over to this fantastic city in France.

7. Come face to face with Orangutans at Durrell Wildlife Park

This zoological park is a must visit to anyone on the island of Jersey!  The park does tremendous work to protect endangered species and is an excellent day out!  The zoo is home to a gorilla, lemurs, meerkats, frogs, iguanas, snakes and many more!  Find out more here: http://www.durrell.org/wildlife-park/

8. Watch the sunset at Corbiere Lighthouse

Take in the stunning views from Jersey's most south west coast.  At certain times of the year you can experience a guided tour around the inside of the lighthouse which is iconic to Jersey's landscape.  Or, if you're not feeling brave enough to cross the causeway before the tide comes back in, there is a nearby car park which the locals say is the best place to watch the sunset and get a bag of chips!

9. Party the night away in Jersey

For quite a compact island, Jersey has a surprisingly vibrant array of nightlife,  There are plenty of local bars and nightclubs in the island's capital Saint Helier.  Big name DJ's have been known to visit the islands.  One of the most popular hang outs is said to be Chambers Bar which is known for having live music, good food and plenty of wine!  http://www.everyoneschambers.com/

10. Pray at the Little Chapel

Guernsey's Little Chapel is said to be "the smallest functioning chapel in Europe, if not the world".  It was created by Brother Deodat in 1914 and based on the Grotto and Basillica at Lourdes, the Rosary Basillica.  This beautiful chapel is decorated with seashells and small pieces of broken china.  It's so small that there is only room for around eight people, it's perfect for a photo opportunity while exploring the island!  http://www.thelittlechapel.org/

Have you heard about our Workshop?

Want to know what can go wrong in the interview process or even at the beginning when you first apply?  Here is a short video that may explain more.

By request, we already have a workshop organised in Southampton for Monday 15th June.  If you think this is of interest for Southampton or any other location (we like to go on tour), then please contact us.

Filming and editing was carried out by one of our fantastically, multi-talented consultants - Roger Edwardson, see more of his work here: redwardson.tumblr.com 

If you would like to register, please contact Emma Maloy on emaloy@thinkgr.com or 0131 260 5850

We can't wait to see you there!

The Outcome of Living and Working in Thailand

Following on from our previous post from Daniel who lived in Vienna, we've asked another one of our team to get involved and tell us about his year-long adventure living and working in Thailand!  From the locals walking their pet elephants to the enhanced career opportunities, Kevin had a fantastic time and now that he's back, he wants to encourage others to go overseas.  Talking about his experience he said:

"Gaining that information from each country on how their cultures and how their businesses work, and how people interact with each other...  It definitely grew me as a person and the experience that I gained was incredible"

See what else he had to say here:

Don't forget, you can submit your own video for the opportunity to win the prize of £1,000 (or equivalent in your currency)!

See the below post for guidelines on how to enter the competition or alternatively email Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com for further details!

What is a move, to live and work in Vienna like?

Think Global Recruitment does Videos!

We don't know if you've heard but we are very excited to be launching a brand new website in the summer!  While the designers are working hard on pulling ideas together and doing all of the technical stuff, we have opened our first video competition!  Video is the next big thing and we'd love to share your overseas stories through this medium on our new site.  By doing this short video, you will be inspiring other accountants to improve their lives by making a move too!  So if you want to scream and shout about what a fantastic time that you've had, living and working overseas, please do enter our competition (did we mention that you'll also be in with a chance of winning £1,000?)!

Maybe you're a bit shy or don't know what to say?  We've listed questions and guidelines below and asked one of our very own international experts to record a video about his time overseas.  Here's Daniel, telling us about his time in Vienna:

How do I enter? 

Simple, just set aside ten minutes to answer the following questions (in 3 minutes or less please - we know that there is so much to say!):

1. Where did you move to and from, and what made you make this international move?
2. What are the best things about your new location?
3. How has the move assisted your career?

Then what?

• We will be using the best videos to inspire other accountants who are thinking of making an overseas move
• Once you have recorded your video (can be done on a webcam, tablet, smartphone) use Dropbox to send the compressed video to emaloy@thinkgr.com and we will send a receipt once we have received it!
• The winning video will be judged on how innovative, inspiring and informative it is

We can't wait to see your videos!

If you have any questions, feel free to email, Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com 

*By entering this competition you are consenting to the use of your video on our soon to launch website and social media.  Normal competition rules apply.

WHO BETTER TO PROVIDE TIPS ON YOUR JOB APPLICATIONS?

Next Stop... Southampton!

Abigail Stevens, Managing Director, Think Global Recruitment, will be visiting Southampton next month to provide a free workshop to trainee and qualified Chartered Accountants on how to make the very best job applications, from CV submission to interview preparation and follow up.  Abigail has almost 20 years' experience in assisting accountants to secure new positions throughout the globe.  In our video interview (below) she provides an overview of what attendees will get from the workshop and why she is doing this.  It's all about Improving Lives!

What? - A CV and Interview Preparation Workshop

Where? - Hotel Mercure, Southampton Dolphin Centre

When? - 12th May 2015 - 6pm-8pm

Cost? - FREE to all trainee and qualified Chartered Accountants

Drinks and nibbles will be provided.

Places are limited so please contact Emma Maloy at Think Global Recruitment: emaloy@thinkgr.com to reserve yours and please do spread the word! 

..............................................................................................

FAQs
The workshop will answer the following and more!

• How long should my CV be?
• Should I include experience that I have that is irrelevant to my chosen career?
• How do I make my application stand out?
• What are the differences between a face to face, video or phone interview?
• What is a competency question and how do I deliver my answers?
• What is a technical interview question?
• What do prospective employers look for at interview?
• How do I come across better and win the role over other applicants?
• What messages should I make sure I get across at interview?
• What questions should I and shouldn't I ask at interview?
• What reasons do employers typically give for rejected job applications?

And many more!  We look forward to seeing you there on the 12th!

A NIGHT AT S1 JOBS RECRUITMENT AWARDS – APRIL 2015

Last night I attended S1 Jobs Recruitment Awards at the Crown Plaza in Glasgow.  It had the makings of an interesting night, where many recruitment people from all over Scotland congregated together.  I was delighted to have been invited as a guest on Bull Horn’s table and would also like to thank Martin Kay or Route 2 who also offered me a place on his table.   There is only one of me, so I went with the first invite and enjoyed the good company of the lovely people from Bull Horn, James Fleming from Jimmy Red, Hazel from Gillespie People Solutions, Tori Long from Head Resourcing IT Recruitment, Niel Rafferty of NSK Recruitment, Graham Cross from Mazars and Michael Young of MBN Recruitment Solutions/ Chairman of APSCO amongst others.  The evening started at The Grand Central Champaign Bar at Central Station, courtesy of Bull Horn.  At 7pm we jumped in taxis to the Crown Plaza.

I was slightly disappointed to hear that the dress code was ‘casual smart’.  I am a believer that if you are giving out awards, it should be an auspicious occasion to honour the winners which merits a black tie event.  However, it seems I wasn't the only one and many of the attendees had ignored the dress code and made the effort.  Mostly, everyone looked great all glammed up.

On arrival to the Crown Plaza we were handed a lovely glass of champagne, courtesy of Fire Fish (the glass even had a fish on it).   We were quickly called to take a seat at our tables.   The first thing you saw on everyone’s table was a stress bull, these bulls quickly had pictures taken in various poses which were tweeted out for the world to have a giggle.  What great publicity for Bull Horn!

The evening was compared by a comedian, a little too obvious for my taste of humour, but many of the crowd found him funny, in particular those that must have had a few more pre dinner drinks than I had.  S1 Jobs got on the stage and started well by speaking about how recruitment companies Improve Lives, but then the speech went down hill by becoming a very long sales pitch for a) a tool that could be a competitor to the recruitment consultancies b) a tool that is a direct competitor to their main sponsor for the evening and c) well I have not idea because I had switched of by that part.  The speaker had not read the audience at all and carried on to finish his entire speech regardless to the fact 90% of the audience had started chatting amongst themselves.  What a shame!

Steven from Bull Horn with Myself (Abigail)

It seems that because Mr S1 Jobs hogged so much of the time, the 18 awards were rushed through quickly.  I would have loved to have seen the 3 shortlisted web sites, recruitment videos etc.  Hopefully they will publish links for us. 

Despite a few grumbles, I would like to thank S1 Jobs, where their speech was terribly boring, they did a great job of laying on a good evening with Music, a band, good food and wine.  I had an amazing night and will definitely be back for next year!

Graham Cross from Mazars with Myself (Abigail)

And the winners were………

Firstly, a huge well done to James Fleming, MD of Jimmy Red, who I am proud to say was on our table and had already impressed me with his story of building his niche recruitment company from 1 to 14 people in on year.  Jimmy Red won Best Small Recruitment Agency.  

James Fleming being 'cool' when they announced Jimmy Red won!

Also a huge well done to one of our favourite clients, EY, who swept up 2 awards - Best Graduate Recruitment Strategy and Best Graduate Recruitment Campaign. 

Gordon Smith, EY with Award

Best Large Recruitment Agency

• Reed - Winner

• First People Solutions
• FPSG
• Office Angels
• 9-20 Recruitment

Best Small Recruitment Agency

• Jimmy Red Recruitment - Winner

• Titan Global
• Total Recruitment Group
• Cathcart Associates
• Enigma People Solutions

Best Recruitment Consultant of the Year

• Alison Miller - Reed - Winner

• Alan McVey - Reed
• Kirsty Lloyd - FPSG
• Yvonne Kelly - Total Recruitment Group
• Carol Duncan - Office Angels

Best Employer Brand

• Clydesdale Bank - Winner

• NHS Scotland
• Sky
• Skyscanner
• Scottish Canals
• John Lewis
• Google

Best Recruitment Campaign

• MSL Group - EY - Winner

• TMP - Coventry City Council - Commendation

• Tonic Agency - BNP Paribas

Apprenticeship Award

• GAP Group Hire Solutions - Winner

• West Dunbartonshire Council Employability Service - Commendation

Best Employer Training & Development

• Mediacom Edinburgh - Winner

• Renfrewshire Council - Commendation

• Thistle Healthcare Ltd - Commendation

Best Recruitment Website

• CA3 - Avis Budget Group - Winner

• Chatter - First Group
• Havas People - Tesco
• TMP - Rental Cars

Best Recruitment Innovation

• Tonic Agency - Shell - Winner

• Havas People - Ab Inbev
• Sensée Ltd
• TMP Worldwide - Virgin Money

Best In House Team (under 1000)

• Peninsula Business Services - Winner

• Golden Charter - Commendation

• NHS Orkney - Commendation

• Sodexo Prestige Venues and Events

Best In House Team (over 1000)

• Calgary Communications - Doosan - Winner

• GAP Group Hire Solutions
• MSL Group - EY
• National Oilwell Varco

Best Graduate Recruitment Strategy

• MSL Group - EY - Winner

• Chivas Brothers
• Havas People - Deloitte

Best Recruitment Campaign Government/Public Sector

• TMP - Coventry City Council - Winner

• Scottish Canals

Best Use of Social Media as part of a Recruitment Campaign

• Andsome - Boots - Winner

• Havas People - Deloitte
• Solutions Driven

Most Effective Brand Development

• Andsome - The Original Bowling Company - Winner

• Casual Films - AB Communications
• Casual Films - Rolls Royce
• MSL Group - EY

Best OnBoarding Strategy

• CA3 - RBS - Winner

• Maxwell Bruce

Best Recruitment Video

• Casual Films - Sainsbury - Winner

• Casual Films - DAH University
• Casual Films - Rolls Royce
• QA Apprenticeships

Best HR Team of the Year

• Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa - Winner

• Scottish Canals - Commendation

• GAP Group Limited

Chairman's Award

• Jim McColl OBE

THINK International Women's Day

First of all, what is International Women’s Day?  A quote taken from the official website states,

“International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.  In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women’s Day is a national holiday.”

Here at Think Global Recruitment, we love to get involved with as many international days as possible!  Because International Women’s Day falls on a Sunday, we will be celebrating on Monday 9^th with all of the men in our office looking after us ladies! 

We've been conducting a spot of research to see how other countries around the world celebrate.  Though traditions are very similar in some places, we thought we would share our findings! 

Armenia

The Eurasian country that borders the likes of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran was officially guaranteed gender equality in 1991.  Since then, women are now, actively participating in entertainment, politics and working life.

Instead of International Women’s Day, the Armenians celebrate ‘Women’s Month’ (the celebration of beauty and motherhood).  During this time, problems that concern women are given special attention, events and activities are organised for women, there are special shop discounts and most women even get a bunch of flowers a day!  A few years ago, the women of Armenia were given free gynaecological and surgical services for the full month!

Russia

International Women’s Day is widely celebrated throughout Russia, in fact, many businesses close for the day and women are given the day off work.  The day usually involves a festive meal and drinks along with television programs that pay tribute to famous Russian women that have achieved great things.

Men and their children usually spend a long time queuing on the morning of March 8^th so that they can buy their loved ones flowers.  Postcards with pictures of women with children are often given out on this day.  The day was introduced in Russia after a protest in St Petersburg for women’s right to vote in 1913.

China

Instead of celebrating the day for women’s achievements, it is a day for men to show their appreciation for women and express their love.  Women’s day is seen very much the same as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day in China.

Women are given the full day or a half day off work, with their employers often buying gifts, one of the most popular is cinema tickets!  Men tend to buy gifts for their wives, children and any other ladies in their lives.

Interestingly, Girl’s Day is also celebrated in China, this is held on the 7^th of March and was introduced by university students.  The day is in place for the single women in China – the term ‘woman’ is generally associated with someone who is married.  The universities hold all sorts of events on this day (make up / dancing competitions).  Additionally, there is the tradition of a ‘wishing tree’ where the girls are encouraged to attach cards with their written wishes.

Poland

It is quite common in Poland for women to demonstrate in some of the bigger cities.  However, they usually receive the special gift of a carnation and quite commonly, a pair of stockings!

Taiwan

Taiwan sees International Women’s Day as a huge occasion, there are public tributes to the Ten Outstanding Young Women of the Year and Dimond Lady Awards.  The achievements of women are celebrated widely across Taiwan.

On the flip-side, the government release an annual survey on March 8^th on women’s waist sizes and warnings on how weight gain may pose a danger to their health!

We would be here until March 8^th next year if we even attempted to cover all of the countries around the globe.  Though it is an international day, there are still quite a few countries that don’t take part in International Women’s Day.  Here at Think Global Recruitment, we think it’s incredible the achievements that women have made over the past 100 years.  And we can’t wait to be treated by all of the men in the office on Monday!

_____________________________________________________________________________

References:

www.internationalwomensday.com

http://vipa.kvinnatillkvinna.se/regioner/kaukasien/womens-month-in-armenia

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/russia/women-day

http://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/women-day.htm

http://polishpresents.com/Polish_Holidays.html