Recently by Carolyn Hyams

Aquent's International CEO recently said to me: "Job boards don't find people jobs. People find people jobs".

Never a truer statement!

Have we all forgotten how important personal connectivity is? Why do so many HR people and recruiters go out of their way to be un-contactable - hiding behind job reference numbers and email addresses that read dontreply@cyberspace.com? (Another pet hate of mine).

Surely in order to place the best talent in the best job, it is important to personally find out about that person, talk to them and ultimately meet them face-to-face to assess their suitability? What are their goals, personal aspirations, what makes them tick? Would they enjoy the culture of a specific work environment? ... Not to mention assessing the usual things like their skills, communication, problem solving abilities etc.

So at Aquent, we're breaking convention a little ... we're dropping our job board function from our web site altogether - with the main purpose being connectivity and visibility between our talent and our consultants. Now talent can search and connect directly with an agent who specialises in their area of expertise via the website. (Each agent even has a personal profile and photo on the web site.)

At Aquent we want to be available to chat, we want our talent to see who they are talking to, and we want to find them the best job possible.

Fingers crossed, this strategy will lead to better communication, better turnaround time in achieving results and more successful job placements. Being a true marketer, the proof will be in the results ...

Image courtesy of: labspics

I was reading the latest advertising, marketing and media news on the Australia's B&T web site the other day and saw an announcement that up to half of the companies within STW Communications Group's stable may introduce a nine day fortnight for staff in a cost cutting measure.

The CEO said it was a more creative way of trying to manage through tough times and could help prevent job losses across the group which includes companies like Singleton, Ogilvy and Mather, Massive and Ikon Communications. Other companies like Network Ten, ACP Magazines and News Magazines are considering similar options.

I think it's an interesting concept. Yes, you get less pay, however every fortnight you get one day off. Perhaps this may be quite appealing to some. Things like a haircut, a facial, lying on the beach, or seeing a movie during the day (very indulgent!) come to mind. Never mind the fact, that this type of initiative could prevent hundreds of staff cuts in these tough times.

Anyway, that's my opinion, but I'd be really interested in yours ...

Image courtesy of: Joe Lanman

Aquent announces the key acquisition of leading recruitment firm Professionele Consulting in India. Read more...

No matter what country you live in, if Aquent has an office there and you have advanced digital skills, whether in marketing or if you are a web designer, flash animator or web developer... we need you! Full-time, part-time, contract and freelance work available.

Here are some examples of the talent we are looking for:
User Experience Designer
User Interface Designer
Flash Guru
Flash Designer
Senior Flash Developer
Senior Web Designer
Mid-weight Web Designer
Interactive Designer
Digital Media Specialist
Digital Art Director
Online Producer
Digital Marketing Manager

Search for these jobs here
or apply online here

This blog, brought to you by Aquent, focuses on the career challenges and choices facing people in marketing professions. By marketing professions I'm referring to marketing, advertising, and design (of the print, web, and product variety). While you will find here discussions of trends, innovations, and big ideas in the relatively vast world of marketing, the common theme will be: What does this mean to marketing organizations, the people running them, and the people who aspire to work in or for them? To that extent, you will also find information regarding career development, job-hunting, recruiting, and all things associated with doing the work of marketing.