An introduction

Leigh Johnson

"Welcome to the first newsletter from The Johnson Group."

“As recruitment specialists to the public sector, we believe our role is more than getting the right candidates the right jobs. By providing ongoing advice and support to everybody we deal with, we can help you make the most of your career opportunities.

We hope you’ll find this newsletter a useful and interactive resource, providing relevant news, information and advice - as well as the opportunity to 'bend the ear' of our specialist team.”

In the news

Public services capability survey released…

The 2005 survey of people who work for the public services has been released. It found that: 

·       Public service employment increased by 6%
·       The average pay movement was 5%
·       Unplanned turnover rates in departments equalled 14%
·       The occupation and age adjusted gender pay gap was 8%

Unemployment in New Zealand hits new low…

Unemployment in NZ has fallen to its lowest point since the Household Labour Force Survey began in 1986. 

The official unemployment rate has fallen to 3.4 percent; meaning New Zealand has the lowest rate of unemployment in the OECD – the club of economically developed nations.

Bearing Point Innovation Awards…

We would like to congratulate all the finalists at the 2005 BearingPoint Innovation Awards, especially New Plymouth District Council who won the Supreme Award for their Real Service, Real Time service request management system.

The annual awards are jointly sponsored by BearingPoint and the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ), who the Johnson Group are proud to be a part of.  IPANZ is a voluntary, non-profit organisation committed to promoting the highest professional standards and the fullest understanding of policy development and public sector management. For more information, visit www.ipanz.org.nz

Christmas appeal

The Johnson Group is a proud supporter of the Wellington City Mission's christmas appeal. If you can donate food or toys then please e-mail karen@wgtncitymission.org.nz or phone Karen Doucas on 04 477 5980.

Meet the team

Like a jazz band, a company should comprise of individuals who are specialists in one area – but complement each other when they work together. 

We pride ourselves on having a team of recruitment experts who combine experience and knowledge of the public sector with a friendly, warm and honest service. We understand the jobs you do and the talents you have.

Charmaine, Julie, Jo and Leigh

Just one Look

Whoever said ‘first impressions last the longest’ had obviously conducted many an interview. A survey from the US found 45% of employers believed appearance was the most influential single factor when interviewing a candidate. 

“It may seem obvious”, says Leigh Johnson, “but how you present yourself when you walk into an interview room has a real impact. A potential employer has already read your CV, so first up they just want to like you.” 

So here is our advice for making that first impression count: 

Get to the interview on time by taking into account traffic, parking and those extra few minutes you’ll spend polishing shoes and rechecking what you are wearing

Make eye contact, SMILE and offer a firm handshake

Garlic mussels for lunch are not the most appropriate pre-interview meal - and neither is having a quick shot of ‘dutch courage’

Acknowledge your own value. You've been asked to the interview because they believe you could be a great asset – so they want to make a positive impression as well 

As simple as it seems - be yourself

Job Doctor

Each newsletter, you’ll have a chance to put your questions to one of our recruitment specialists.

I’m currently looking for a new job, and was wondering who makes the most effective referee? I want to ensure that I have someone who can communicate effectively with potential employers, and knows which parts of my character and career will be of most importance to them.

Rachel, Wellington

A referee is an important part of any CV, as they are there to validate the facts you have given about yourself. Therefore building them into your job search is valuable. 

Firstly, select referees who know you well and you think will provide a positive and honest opinion. Be sure to include at least one person that has been your direct manager. 

Importantly - ask their permission. A survey in the UK found that 43% of candidates had not gained the consent of their referee before adding their names to their CV. The better prepared a referee is, the more considered and the more valuable their answers will be. Also, please make sure that you provide their up-to-date contact details.

Once you have been advised that your referees are going to be contacted we suggest you let your referees know when to expect a call, the details of the position and who will call them.   You can really help the process by making sure they are going to be available when the call is made. It is in your best interest to make it as easy as possible to contact your referees. This can hold up your job offer!