Marker Consulting

How to find the best possible recruitment company to work for.
How do you determine if this is the right firm for you? You have to ask questions. Use these guidelines to make sure you don't make a move you could regret....

So you are new to recruitment and wonder what the formula for success is?
Or maybe you want to go back to basics and start planning for your success. Recruitment is not for everybody and it takes hard work and determination to become the best, but the rewards are outstanding, both personally and financially.

Like a garden, the results often come after consistent tending to the major elements:-

Clients
Candidates
Industry Knowledge

Seeds need to be planted in each of these areas and nurtured until they bear fruit, and bear fruit they will if the effort is consistent.

So how does a successful recruitment consultant spend each day? Nurturing their business in a planned manner.

Over the years, gathered statistics have shown that a formula for activity lead to results; focusing on these activities and not the money has proven time and time again that the money will come. This formula will vary from industry to industry and from consulting firm to consulting firm, but here is an indication ....

If you know what you want to achieve on a daily basis, you can schedule your day around those activities. This is important in recruitment as the fruits of your labour are often not immediately obvious. To set activities for the day like:

Place that brilliant candidate you met last week with your newest client.

Obtain a PSA (preferred supplier agreement) with the potential client who will not return your calls.

Secure a retained assignment from the client you know is dealing with 50 other agencies.

Gain exclusive representation of candidate you met yesterday, who is currently being sought after by 10 companies.

Sets you up for failure.

These are major goals that are certainly achievable, but come through following an activity formula that will develop relationships, create an understanding of your industry and build your reputation. Following a simple activity formula allows you to celebrate success each day. You can ask yourself at the end of the day - Did I achieve everything that I set out to do today?. If the answer is yes, you know you are on the path to achieving those major goals mentioned earlier.

Have a look at the Daily Planner of our successful consultants.

Daily Targets:

1. Min 5 floats a day per consultant
2. Min 2 headhunt calls a day per consultant
3. Min 2 candidate interviews ( face to face ) a day
4. Min 1 old / new client visit a day
5. Min 10 outbound sales calls a day
6. Min 5 old candidate - catch up calls a day ( for referrals )
7. Min 2 reference checks (these can be used not only to support your candidates' details, but also develop new client relationships. (We will be covering how to turn referees in to clients in our weekly training updates - register for your FREE subscription now.)

Always plan your day the night before. This will enable you to really evaluate what needs doing and give you a clear picture of how your day is looking. Make sure you prioritise and you can change the plan if required.

8.00am
Get to work and have a quick look over your plan for the day.

8.15 - 9.15am:
Write 4 fresh, new ads. Decide on what ads to write by determining your most important jobs. Do not repeat old ads unless essential. Make your ads detailed, attractive, professional and give them a "wow" factor. (We will be covering how to develop adds with that "wow factor" in our weekly training updates - register for your FREE subscription now.)

9.15 - 10.30am:
Client visit, old or new. We try and see at least one client a day, old or new. This is imperative to keep the "spark" alive. Do not be afraid of staying in touch with clients who you are not doing a great job for. The fact that you are making an effort will impress them.

10.45 - 12.30pm:
Office based. Catch up on all interview arranging, admin, feedback, closing and answering ad responses. Do all your grunt work now so you have a clear afternoon to concentrate on new business, headhunting, cold calling and referral name gathering. Use this time to get your floats out ( min 5 pp ) and arrange new interviews.

12.30 - 1 / 1.30pm:
Lunch, if you can. Try and leave the office if possible. Clear your head  this is imperative. It makes you far more proactive and re-fuels you for the afternoon. Get some fresh air.

1.30 - 3.30pm:
New business calls ( at least 10 ), existing client catch up calls ( tell them how you're getting on / not getting on with their vacancies ), headhunt calls ( at least 2 a day ), old candidate calls ( call at least 5 old applicants and see what they are up to ). Use this time to network. Ask everyone you speak to who they know in the industry that you specialise??

3.30 - 5.00pm:
Candidate interviews. If possible try and do 2 a day as a minimum. As well as the obvious use these interviews as a way of sourcing info  ie. So you used to work at 'Company XYZ'  Who was the highest billing Finance sales person there? Do you have their number?
If you don't ask you don't get - we all love giving away information.

5.00 - 6.00pm:
Use this time to make sure everything is done for the day and you have tied up all loose ends. Take 15 minutes to plan your next day.

GO HOME - and use this time to call your headhunted candidates back who could not speak at work.

Our weekly training updates will cover most of these elements in depth and teach you how to turn these activities into those major goals that will ensure your success as a recruitment consultant.

Diane Marker - Managing Director
Diane Marker, the Managing Director of Marker Consulting, has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of the recruitment industry, and can demonstrate a successful track record in Australia and the UK. She has been widely recognized and rewarded for her contribution to the Recruitment industry.

Contact Diane - dmarker@markerconsulting.com 

Max Marker - Operations Director
Max Marker has 15 years experience within the Hospitality industry in Scandinavia/Northern Europe, where he held positions of CFO and MD of a number of individual hotels. This gave him a strong financial / operational background in the day to day management of 4 to 5 Star properties.

After relocating to Australia in 1993, he transferred his skills to a National market leader within the Recruitment industry. In early 2002, with his wife Diane Marker, they established  Marker Consulting. As Director of Operations, Max is responsible (together with a team of highly skilled professionals, led by National Administration Manager, Caroline Martin) for the Financial, Information Services and back office of the business.

Contact Max - mmarker@markerconsulting.com

Tegan Sax - National Manager, Employment Services Division
Tegan's impressive career in the Employment Services sector includes managing a Job Placement Organisation, managing a Job Network site and a statewide management role with a New Apprenticeship Centre in Queensland. Over the past seven years Tegan has managed a variety of businesses and recruited staff to work within all facets of the Employment Services industry, across varied geographical locations.

Tegan brings to Marker Consulting a working knowledge and a deep understanding of the complexities of working with government contracts and meeting KPIs. She has a background in recruiting staff who have the right mix of the ability to balance their commitment to helping others in their local community, meet expectations of quality and compliance, exceed KPIs and achieve outcomes.

Tegan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Management).

Contact Tegan - t.sax@markerconsulting.com    

Roxana Rafsandjani - National Account Manager
Roxana joined Marker Consulting in August 2004 as a Principal Consultant, after experiencing success in the Sales, Marketing and Recruitment industries across Australia and Austria.  Since commencing with Marker Consulting, Roxana has enjoyed success in placing professional and executive staff across all levels of the Recruitment industry in Victoria and throughout Australia.

Roxana delivers expert service and consultation to her candidates and clients.  Holding a Bachelor of Psychology and currently completing her MBA, Roxana is adept at understanding the needs and motivations of people and has an excellent ability to identify growth sectors within a given industry and, as such, has expanded the focus of Marker Consulting’s commercial business to encompass a National Account Team.

In October 2007, Roxana moved into her new role as National Account Manager which sees Roxana and her team servicing selected key accounts nationally.

Contact Roxana - r.rafsandjani@markerconsulting.com

Caroline Martin - Business Administration Manager
Caroline is originally from South Australia, and moved to Melbourne to commence with Marker Consulting as their Administrator in February 2004. Since then, her role has expanded in line with the growth of the company, and she now holds responsibility for all Administrative, Quality and IT functions nationally. Prior to Marker Consulting she had 6 years experience with an international recruitment organisation as their SA/NT Administrator within their engineering division. Her background also includes administrative roles within the electronic gaming industry, hospitality and newspapers.

Contact Caroline - c.martin@markerconsulting.com

The recruitment industry in Australia is absolutely booming and with a national skills shortage in a range of professions and industries, companies are in desperate need of quality, professional services to facilitate their search for top quality candidates. The natural spill over effect has the Recruitment industry here needing more Recruitment Consultants than ever before.

Marker Consulting has extensive experience in helping you make the transition to working in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Requirements
If you have at least 5 years (or a degree) experience in the following areas of recruitment you will discover that Australia has a range of opportunities to offer:

• Banking
• Finance
• Engineering
• Office Support
• Accounting
• Supply Chain
• Construction

Salaries and Money
Salaries differ from state to state as does cost of living, but as a guide we have put together some average salary ranges to give you an idea of your earning capacity here in Australia. The ranges are large as salary not only differs from state to state, but also between industries and running either a perm or temp desk will also impact on your earnings.

• Consultant with 5 plus years experience: $45k to $90k base, OTE $80k to $150k
• Team Leader managing a small group: $55k to $120k base, OTE $80k to $150k
• Branch Manager: $60k to $150k base, OTE $100k to $180k

To get a true understanding of the purchasing power of the Australian dollar we have included links to sites that will provide the cost of groceries, homes and cars. (See links further down this page.)

Visas
Marker Consulting, together with their Visa Application partners are experienced in helping qualified candidates make the transition into the Australian workforce. Feel free to contact us by phone or email or through our blog to ask any particular questions.

Where should you live and work within Australia?
A fantastic place to live and work, Australia has a high standard of living, terrific education and health services and world class entertainment and leisure activities.. Each state is unique and offers a different tempo and lifestyle. Check the links below to determine which state suits your needs the best.

HELPFUL SITES

Living in Victoria
Join the thousands of people who have immigrated to Victoria. With a safe community, world-class education system, seasonal climate and strong economy, Melbourne is one of 'the world's most liveable cities'. This website offers everything you need to know about living and working in Victoria. From where to live, where to work, and how to get around, to cost of living.
http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/

Living in Queensland
Queensland welcomes people from interstate and overseas with ideas, skills and initiative to share a quality of life that ranks with the best in the world. A relaxed lifestyle, affordable homes and easy commuting make Queensland one of Australia's most attractive places to live and work. Queensland?s capital, Brisbane, is bustling with employment opportunities.
http://www.sdi.qld.gov.au

Living in New South Wales
Bursting with character, Sydney is a vibrant city catering to all your desires whether you seek exhilaration and exploration or 100% relaxation. Discover Sydney's unique blend of dining, shopping and recreation options in one of the world's most attractive city environments. Working in Sydney is fast paced and exciting. Use this site to find out all you need to know on working in New South Wales.
http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/living.asp

Living in Western Australia
Given its temperate climate and large expanses of unspoilt coastline, Western Australia's lifestyle is largely oriented towards the outdoors.

This provides for a healthy, relaxed and informal way of life with many Western Australians making their home by the sea.  Sailing, swimming, surfing and fishing are just a few of the recreational activities many Western Australians enjoy.

Quality of life is highly valued and much of the State's efforts are directed toward making recreational activities accessible and enjoyable for all Western Australians.

It should be noted that in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2005 Most Liveable City Survey, Perth was ranked equal fifth.  This survey assessed the living conditions in 127 cities around the world by looking at 40 individual indicators which were weighted across the categories of stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

Apart from the metropolitan area there are nine regional areas which offer a variety of lifestyles.  All of these regional areas also border the coastline.

One of the great things about Western Australia is that you can usually find a pace of life that suits your tastes.

http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/default.asp

What is AskAnOwner.com?
AskAnOwner.com enables you to send questions directly to people who have hands-on experience with exactly the product, the service, the place, or the choice in lifestyle that you are interested in - for free!
This site has a forum called "Living in Australia and New Zealand". Get the answers to your questions from those who have experienced before you.
http://www.askanowner.com/qa/browsequestions.asp?lid=11592

Poms in Oz ? Migration to Australia Forum
The newest discussion forum on the internet that is totally dedicated to discussing migrating to Australia and living in Australia for poms!
It's free to register and you can use the forum 24 hours a day to ask or answer any questions you may have.
It's open to everybody to discuss everything down under, from living expenses to migration issues.
http://www.pomsinoz.com/

What does it really cost to live in Australia?
Coles Supermarkets.
Coles is a full service supermarket operating over 480 stores throughout Australia.
Coles offers customers convenient shopping that aims to fulfil all of their expectations and requirements under one roof. A major focus for Coles has been to tailor store product ranges and concepts to meet the needs of the local residents.
Choose to browse the aisles with this link and get a true understanding of cost of living.
http://www.coles.com.au

Real Estate
With in excess of 300,000 properties listed both in Australia and New Zealand, this web site is a great place to start your search for your Australian home.
http://www.realestate.com.au/

Cars
Australia is a big place. Although it has fabulous public transport systems that will get you to work every day, you will really need a car to get around and see this magnificent country. How much should you be paying, what makes and models are the most practical here? Find out at drive.com.au
http://www.drive.com.au/

 

Jenny Bradley - Team Leader, Commercial Team
Jenny commenced with Marker Consulting in July 2007, as a Principal Consultant.  She has over eight years experience within the recruitment industry, having worked across all sectors (including Banking & Finance, Office Support / Volume Recruitment and Engineering).

Jenny's experience includes successfully developing and maintaining some impressive key accounts within her previous roles, together with leadership of consulting teams. Jenny's hands-on experience and depth of understanding of the recruitment industry ensures she will add value to our clients and candidates by way of delivering a consultative, solutions based service. Jenny is a polished professional who prides herself on building sustainable long term relationships with clients and candidates, and is committed to providing an outstanding level of service.

Contact Jenny - j.bradley@markerconsulting.com

Natasha Kumar - Consultant
Natasha commenced with Marker Consulting in March 2008, as a member of their National Account team. After taking a 2½ year break from the workforce, Natasha has returned hungry for a new and challenging role that will see her improve on her past successes. The majority of Natasha's career has been within Banking and Finance. After working for eight years for one of Australia’s largest financial institutions, Natasha has been privileged to acquire not only impressive people skills, but also learn the art of sales. She has had some of the most influential people in the industry take her under their wing, and guide and mentor her to be successful. Natasha is confident that she can use these skills to ensure both her clients and candidates achieve their goals.

Contact Natasha - n.kumar@markerconsulting.com

Karen Iles – Team Leader, Employment Services Division
Continually seeking new challenges and directions in which to use her abilities, Karen commenced in Marker Consulting's Sydney office in March 2007, placing her focus on the Employment Services and Vocational Education and Training sectors.

Karen has joined Marker Consulting having extensive experience in the Vocational Education and Training sector. Starting her career as a VET sector Trainer & Assessor and progressing into client and account management, before moving into major management roles. Karen has managed Registered Training Organizations and Group Training Organizations to success, leading her teams to successful outcomes in these fields - placing a focus on client satisfaction and the drive and motivation to succeed at all challenges placed before her.

Karen holds a number of Certificate IV qualifications including Human Resources, Business Management and Workplace Training and Assessment.

Contact Karen - k.iles@markerconsulting.com

Tatjana Zuna - Team Assistant
Tatjana joined Marker Consulting in August 2007, as a Team Assistant. Her primary role is to provide administrative support to both the Commercial and Employment Services teams in the Sydney office.

She brings with her extensive legal administrative and organisational skills. She currently holds Diploma qualifications in Legal Business Studies and a Certificate II in Business Services. Tatjana commenced her career in the legal sector, and is using her professional knowledge and skills to kick start her recruitment career.

Tatjana has high aspirations and interests within the recruitment industry and therefore plans to commence future studies in Human Resources and related subjects, to enable her to expand on her recruitment career with Marker Consulting.

Contact Tatjana - t.zuna@markerconsulting.com

If you are not sure what roles you should be looking at next, just send us your resume and we will be happy to give a confidential appraisal of your future opportunities.

Send to markermel@markerconsulting.com

Whether you are new to the recruitment industry or an old hand, everyone has an opportunity to grow and refine their skills.

Marker Consulting offer the opportunity to be constantly reminded of the basics, to share in tips of the most successful recruiters and receive up-to-date knowledge on the latest recruiting techniques.

Each FREE weekly training update will build to form a comprehensive recruitment guide.

Listed below are just some of the topics that we will be covering ? delivered FREE to your desktop every week.

Ethics
The recruitment industry makes an impact on the lives of its candidates and also the bottom line of its clients. Can such a huge responsibility be undertaken without clear ethics? Do you know what yours are?
A guide to defining ethics in the recruitment industry.
Do you want to work with every organisation out there? Our training updates will assist you identify the companies that you wish to work with based on their culture, values and vision.

Negotiation
Get the inside story on how to negotiate rates, margins and terms of business. Bundling and unbundling, giving clients what they want so they will use your services time and time again.

Exclusivity
How to get it and keep it. Become part of your client?s recruitment process as a trusted partner.

Interviewing
Learn the 3 types of interviewing to extract the information you need to present your candidates positively every time.
Get your candidates' entire inside story with just one question. The most powerful interview technique available.

Sign on the dotted line
Manage client and candidate objections like a pro. Learn closing techniques and assist your candidates over those counter offers.

Build your reputation
Make sure that clients and candidates are talking about you and saying the RIGHT things.

Subscribe NOW to this amazing opportunity. Fill in your details on our subscription form on the left and start making your mark in this industry!

Everyone at Marker Consulting has made themselves available to assist you become more successful in your career.

We offer a FREE training update every week that will cover the most basic and the most advanced topics.  To subscribe, just enter your details in the subscription form on the left.

Our blog allows discussion not only with us, but with those in the industry who want their questions answered as well.

All staff at Marker Consulting can be contacted confidentially by selecting our email addresses found in "About Us".

Give it a try, we guarantee to respond.

"Nemo me impune lacessit"

The Latin motto of the ancient Order of the Thistle is also the logo of Marker Consulting. They take seriously their responsibility to protect, respect and represent with pride the motto, traditions and passion of the people of an era in Scottish history that rallied to the 'skirl of the pipes' to defend their honour and country.

With offices throughout Australia and the UK, this is an incredible success story. Marker Consulting is an international Search and Selection Career Management Firm specialising in recruiting recruiters at all levels, throughout Australia, Asia and the UK. The demand for our services has generated remarkable growth over the past 2 years (due to their consultative, solution based methodologies) and there is no doubt that Marker Consulting is now a dominant player within the recruitment to recruitment sector. Such is our growing reputation, that we have recently been approached with offers by two European competitors who are keen to break into the Australian market.

Marker Consulting commenced operations in January 2002. The philosophy of our company is to strive to be the best provider of quality recruitment, consulting and training services rather than to simply be the biggest in the Rec to Rec industry. To support this philosophy, Marker Consulting operates on five main principles of ethics, honesty, integrity, responsibility and service. Marker Consulting has experienced remarkable growth. We are proud to state that this growth has evolved by way of recommendation based on our philosophy of partnering our clients with a view to developing long term, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships. Marker Consulting are not interested in winning the "quick dollar" but they ARE determined to deliver value for money and to be measured on quality, service and yes, their passion and integrity.

Diane Marker, the Managing Director of Marker Consulting, has over 20 years experience in all aspects of the recruitment industry, and can demonstrate a successful track record in Australia and the UK. Diane has experience in all sectors (including Industrial, Office support, HR, Sales and Marketing, Engineering, IT&T, Accounting, Banking, Finance, Legal, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Executive Search) and has recruited at all levels from blue collar to C.E.O. She has been widely recognised and rewarded for her contribution to the Recruitment Industry. There is no doubt that her passion, experience, ability and willingness to transfer her knowledge, whilst leading by example, inspires staff to exceed their own expectations.

Diane states that the focus of Marker Consulting is to retain and expand their customer base in a selective, strategic manner, by providing clients and candidates with a continuously improving service related to their specific needs.

Our aim is to be recognised as "The Best" supplier of services to the recruitment industry. Our people are the key to achieving our objectives. We have been fortunate to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre; our staff reflect the values of the founders of the business. We strive to maintain a culture and environment which ensures that we are all proud to say that, as individuals, we are key members of the Marker Consulting business. The rec to rec industry has a major role to play in ensuring the continued success of the recruitment industry within Australia. I believe that a dramatic change to face of the recruitment industry will become evident within the next two years. Companies are becoming even more demanding as to their expectations of recruiting firms. We will see a more sophisticated approach to methodologies applied in the recruitment process - recruiters will need to become true consultants who offer solutions, as opposed to simply producing short lists?.

A career in the Recruitment industry is fast paced, challenging and extremely rewarding.

If you love sales, working with people, not being tied to a desk all day every day, and seek a career that could take you all over Australia and with overseas opportunities also - recruitment may just be the industry for you.

Marker Consulting will continue to publish articles on this page to assist kick-start your career, give you an understanding of the Recruitment industry, and prepare you for the success to follow!