EMPLOYMENT Different paths taken to successful careers
WHATEVER career path they follow, recruitment consultant Mel Barton said that employees just want to be rewarded by their role.
“Most people that want a job want it to be challenging, stimulating, and a great work environment,” she said.
“Some jobseekers are just ticking boxes. There’s a certain demographic that want a job. Location is important and if you hate the people you work with and are not challenged by what you do, it doesn’t matter how much it pays.”
Mrs Barton said recruitment agencies aim for the best fit between employers and applicants.
“We look at what the job description is and match it as closely as we can.”
According to Mrs Barton, there is a trend towards young people moving away from their home environment to work elsewhere, before returning again.
“In regional areas, people are more settled and less inclined to move around. Young professionals, they might move to the city and then come back home. That trend is growing.
“There’s a push in regional centres to get them to get life skills and then come back.”
Mrs Barton said that mature-aged candidates and those looking for a career change can rest assured they will be given even footing in the job market – or the employer is breaking the law.
“It’s illegal to ask anyone their personal status such as their age, although you can stipulate physical fitness. There is often a reluctance to put someone on at a later age, but they often have a world of experience.
For applicants aiming for different roles than what they are currently doing, it’s possible for employers to try and mitigate their level of employee openings or gain a greater understanding on employing people with more skills than they are looking for.
And if you’ve applied for a job and haven’t heard any more, Mrs Barton said it’s well within the applicant’s right to follow it up.
“So much is done at arm’s length these days. It’s really common not to hear back, so follow up with a phone call if you’ve applied and haven’t heard.
“But there’s no point ringing before the closing date; try a week after closing date or a week after it was posted. It can’t hurt.”