Archive for 2012

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Manage the process well when you hire

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

There are some mixed messages coming from the London job market . With the number of new assignments taken on the rise, you would think we were in a booming / upturn, however clients are still slow to make decisions and although some jobs are advertised many which are are still under review.

Our advice to companies who are considering recruiting new people this year is to think carefully how you manage the process. There are a number of your competitors who will be quick to move on good candidates and these high demand candidates will be impressed at the speed of how their application is dealt with in comparison to how other businesses are handling things. Indecisiveness and indifference can be a real put off and can also have a huge impact on .

 

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Personality of the week: Julia Praslova : Linguist / Translator

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

This week we feature a language specialist with experience working in translation, proofreading and adminiastration. Fluent in English,  Russian and Ukranian Julia has always been able to maximise her skills in a work enviornment and has had a vast array of work experience using her language skills.

How did you get into translation/ interpreting and proofreading , where did you learn your skills?

From a young age I was always interested in languages and was brought elementary English language books to read. This interest followed on throughout my school years, culminating in gaining a BA degree in English in Ukraine. Since then I have constantly worked either as a translator, interpreter or proofreader.

What do you think are the most important skills you need to do a job well?

I would say the skills should involve a high degree of experience in working in your mother tongue and chosen foreign language, attention to details, accuracy and the ability to work under pressure; knowledge of culture and traditions of the foreign country whose language one practices as well as mentality of its people. 

What are the key challenges?

One of them is to combine accuracy and speed. Another is constant development and improvement of one’s skills.

Why did you decide to come to London and how does the London job market differ from the Ukraine?

I moved to UK because I got married. When I arrived I found the whole system of recruitment is completely different in the UK from what I was used to. While there is plenty of work for me in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev, the London market is much more aggressive and without validated qualifications or recognised work experience job opportunities are dramatically reduced.

What advice would you give someone who was looking to start a career in translation, proofreading?

The best way for somebody from outside of the EU looking for a language career is for a start to work as a language volunteer within their community. If that is not possible because you are not located near your diaspora working as a freelancer is another option which is more profitable andwill provide you with references and an opportunity to develop your skills. Whatever your situation, gaining additional qualifications will aid in your pursuit for employment.

What advice would you give someone who is considering moving to London for work?

I would advise them to find a job first or at least make several attempts. One should have a clear understanding of the job market and recruitment system here. This way you’ll save yourself a lot of time and trouble.

What is the highlight of your career to date?

I am still to achieve this goal. Currently I’m working on broadening my opportunities and gaining new skills and have enrolled on a Business and Administration and Community Interpreting courses.

Do you have any career regrets and if so what would they be ?

I have no regrets since I don’t see myself as a career person. I’m sure though there’s a place for me in the future job market and I will find a role that will provide me with a daily challenge and ultimately job satisfaction.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in your career so far ?

Constant improvement is a key to success. And failure is not an option…..

What do you do in your spare time, when you aren’t working?

I privately teach Russian and English (as a foreign language) and extending my work based experience through volunteering at my local Adult Education College.

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Interview of the week : Market Research Project Manager

Monday, April 16th, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week our featured job is for a market research project manager. Elika has been working in the industry for a number of years and now features specifically within the Online arena.

Why is your role is important to the business?

Project management is the defining factor of an organization’s success. Every company has to carefully plan to accomplish predetermined goals and objectives. There’s never one-size-fits-all plan that can be blindly followed. It is the difference in planning and execution of project management that yields the desired results.

How long have you been doing what you have been doing?

 I’ve been a Project Manager for the past 3 years but have been working in Market research industry for the past 5 years.

How did you get into this: what did you do before?

I started as a telephone interviewer while I was studying at university.

What was the interview process like to get this position, or how did you start your career in this sector?

While working as a telephone interviewer I was promoted to a team leader after a year I was moved up to senior Team leader position and finally project management.

What tips would you give someone who was interviewing in your company?

Be prepared to answer any question!

What do you do on a daily basis?

  • Project set up- Review project proposal, set the project up in the system and inform internal teams and outsourcing
  • kick off calls- Go through the questionnaires and quotas with the client.
  • Mark up the questionnaire- adding programming instructions
  • Send final questionnaire to programming
  • Script/link checking
  • Sampling/Monitor fieldwork
  • Data processing and checking

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

The ability to work independently (trust from employers). It’s great to work with people that care about their company and doing a good job.

 

What are the challenges faced in your  role?

  • Managing deadlines and sometimes unrealistic deadlines
  • Vague, Ever-changing Requirements from clients
  • Project Scope changes

 

What 3 adjectives would you use to describe the type of person/ skills needed in your job?

  1. Excellent Communicator
  2. Good Organizer
  3. Problem Solver

What do you most value about your employer?

Good management; open communication and feedback (positive & negative); and the organization offering career support and development.

What three adjectives would you use to describe the culture of your current employer.

  1. Customer-focused
  2. High accountability standards
  3. Strong trust relationships

Do you have any career regrets and if so what would they be?

No regrets so far!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in your career so far

There’s always room for improvement

Who has been your biggest influence on your career to date?

My Mentor

 What are your predictions on how your role will evolve in the next 5 years?

My role could be come a team leader or manager, or I could move into more of a research, analytical role.

What do you do in your spare time, when you aren’t working?

I really enjoy swimming

 

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Interview of the week : Head of Scheduling and Programme Planning

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week we have chosen to feature Adam Russell : Head of Scheduling and Digital at a London based TV broadcaster and content provider .
Alfra TV setup TV channels worldwide and give customers a platform to distribute their content via digital networks.

My career background is in presentation scheduling and programme planning working for a range of broadcasters including Setanta Sports, Balance TV, Virgin Media and BBC.

 

 How long have you been doing what you have been doing?

I have been in my current role for 2 weeks. However, I  have been working in the broadcast and media industry for coming up to 10 years. 
  

How did you get into this : what did you do before?

My career has primarily been in television scheduling and programme planning. I have worked for major broadcasters including Virgin Media, BBC and Setanta Sports whilst also with a few niche channels including Body in Balance Television.

How did you start your career in this sector?

After finishing Uni I knew that I wanted to work in television. Whilst temping I continued to look for a job in the media and applied for any job that would allow me to get a greater understanding of the broadcasting industry.

What tips would you give someone who was interviewing in your company?

Be yourself and be prepared. You must be prepped to answer the questions asked of you, but equally be prepared to ask questions of your employer. If you haven’t got questions about the role, are you sure you really want it?

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the trust and confidence shown in me by my employers. I am given a task and trusted to get on with it. All ideas are welcome and considered. In terms of presentation scheduling, you know that your actions will play a big part in what the viewer sees on screen. It’s a big responsibility.

What are the challenges faced in the role?

Being a small company you have lots of responsibility. You must trust your own judgement and courage in your convictions. Things can change very quickly and you need to adjust quickly.

Why do you think some people are more successful than others when they do your job?

In scheduling, primarily you are the last link between the broadcaster and transmission. Scheduling can be monotonous but it is imperative that you have a high attention to detail and you can cope under pressure. Everybody makes mistakes, but it is ensuring that it doesn’t happen again. The successful ones are the ones that can meet deadlines whilst minimising and correcting mistakes.

What 3 adjectives would you use to describe the type of person/ skills needed in your job?

Composed
Attentive
Relaxed

What is the highlight of your career to date?

Negotiating a new Satellite and Playout including new scheduling software with increased functionality

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in your career so far?

Not everything will go according to plan. Its how you deal with the challenges that you are faced with at work that will make your career. Keep a level head and prioritise. Enjoy what you do and the people you work with. It becomes much harder when you don’t enjoy it

Who has been your biggest influence on your career to date?

My biggest influence on my career so far has been my MD. He gave me the opportunity to work on projects on my own and allowed me to define my own path within the company. 

What are your predictions on how your role will evolve in the next 5 years  ?

I think that my role will be more about putting content onto Connected TVs as opposed to traditional broadcasting methods.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into your sector?

Don’t give up…There are plenty of jobs out there…. Boyce get a lot of them :-)

 

 

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Interview of the week : Presentation Scheduler Thomas Archibald

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Getting a foot into the London Broadcast and Media  job market can be quite daunting, especially if you don’t understand how to get into the sector and what kind of opportunities are on offer.

This week we have asked Thomas Archibald, a Presentation Scheduler within the London TV industry to give us the lowdown:

Why is a Presentation Scheduler important to the business?

The role of a presentation scheduler is important to the business as we are the people that ensure channels go to air looking as good as they possibly can and ensuring that programmes go out on time. Without the presentation scheduler there would be no channel to watch!

 What do you do on a  daily basis?

On a daily basis the role of a presentation scheduler includes paying attention to detail and making sure every commercial break is the best it can be before being sent to transmission. Duties such as loading in Asruns, viewing new promos and reviewing previous days transmission reports can all be part of the daily life of a scheduler.

How long have you been doing what you have been doing?

I have been in and out of presentation scheduling for roughly 9 years now.

How did you get into this? What did you do before ?

I studied Media Writing at University and came out with dreams of being a journalist. When that didn’t materialise I looked for any opportunity within a media company and that’s when through a friend of a friend I heard about a presentation scheduler role at Discovery Channel and that’s how my career in tv began.

What was the interview process like to get this position, or how did you start your career in this sector ?

I had to go through two interviews to get my first role. It was the most comfortable I had felt in interviews and that was down to the people involved and probably why Discovery is still my longest permanent role to date.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

You are always part of a team in scheduling and that is one of the aspects I enjoy the most as you help each other out to produce the best results. Creating a schedule quickly and efficiently to the best of your abilities is always a good feeling.

 What are the challenges faced in the role?

The challenges are promos being dropped or changed meaning that you have to either go over work done previously and change it or contact transmission to swap out a promo with another. You are challenged to meet deadlines on a daily basis.

Why do you think some people are more successful than others when they do your job ?

I think some people are more successful than others in my job is down to communication. When scheduling it can become a solitary experience so the ability to communicate and make friends in other departments can always lead to other opportunities sometime in the future.

What 3 adjectives would you use to describe the type of person/ skills needed in your job ?

Quick, intelligent and vocal

What is the highlight of your career to date?

The highlight of my career to date is my time spent as a promo producer at a company called GTV. It’s where I was given the ball and told to run with it in a creative department that allowed my skills to shine in the best way. The company going into liquidation was tough and always grateful to have scheduling to fall back on but certainly in 2012 I am making every effort to get back into a more creative area.

Do you have any career regrets and if so what would they be?

If I had any regrets it would probably be not making enough of the roles or situations I found myself in at the many companies I have worked for. Being a people person and the ability to make friends with the right people can be a struggle sometimes when you stick to your own principles.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in your career so far?

The most valuable lesson I have learnt in my career so far is never take anything for granted and make the most of every opportunity you are given as you never know when the next one might come along.

 Who has been your biggest influence on your career to date ?

The biggest influence on my career to date has probably been the director of programming at GTV and gave me the chance as a Promo Producer, something which I will always be eternally grateful for.

 What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into your sector?

To anyone that wants to get into my sector I would say do an internship/work experience at one of the many broadcasters and if you shine in that role then once your studies are over there’s every chance you will be asked back for a permanent role.

 What do you do in your spare time, when you aren’t working?

When I’m not working I have various things going on. I like to stay active by going running and playing Badminton. I’m a big football fan , Liverpool are my team and watch a lot of sport in general. Films are a big passion of mine so regularly visit the cinema. I love to socialise with friends over dinner and drinks. And I like to give something back so do sponsored activities whenever I can to raise money for charity.

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