Quantum News

As the sun begins to shine again, a feeling of general optimism hovers in the air. Plans for the year ahead are considered, both in terms of expanding career aspirations and (perhaps even more importantly) planning that special holiday to give the overworked brain a rest.

This air of optimism is being mirrored by the UK recruitment industry as a whole, with demand for employees continuing its upward trend as Company confidence builds. It has to be said, however, that some sectors are faring better than others.

Within the local actuarial sector, there does seem to be an increase in recruitment activity, although not all fields of work are showing this to the same extent. The pensions market is still very quiet, with many companies consolidating their positions following reductions in headcount towards the end of last year.

Movements within the life insurance sector are looking healthy, and this is one area where there seems to be a good balance between demand and supply. Non-life insurance also appears to be experiencing a reasonable level of movement, although perhaps slightly quieter than was the case in the last portion of 2003.

Details of our current UK vacancies are given on our website at www.quantumselection.com.

When looking at the international side of the actuarial sector, it appears that the Asia Pacific recruitment market is showing strong signs of a turnaround, with the first big demand emerging from life companies in Hong Kong. Its not all good news though, as mergers, run-offs and unwindings are still playing a large part in slowing the turnaround. However, watch our website, as we expect new vacancies to be arising here more frequently over the next few weeks.

A lot is happening in the market in India, with several joint operations and overseas reinsurers looking for key actuarial staff (ideally local, but also with overseas experience), to become involved in the development of their new local offices. This is one of the few locations where demand currently seems to be outstripping supply of suitable candidates and even pushing up salaries!

After an initial flurry of activity in the South African market at the start of the year, new vacancies are now very few and far between. With a strong line up of candidates looking for new positions, this makes it a very difficult market for anybody new considering a career move within South Africa or a return after their overseas experience. The work permit situation means that companies are still not very keen to consider applications from non- citizens or residents. Our local contact, Wendy Hinson, is based in Cape Town, and available to chat about any queries you may have. She can be reached on 021 556 6058 or wendy@quantumselection.com

The Australian and New Zealand markets remain quiet for overseas candidates, as companies prefer to look for their talent locally. However, those with special skills to offer, such as strong property/casualty experience or extensive knowledge of the banking sector, are still always in high demand!

Did you know ............

As the holiday season approaches it is interesting to note that a recent survey by Virgin Travelstore, has suggested that as many as three in five of you will have returned to work this year without taking your full holiday entitlement for 2003! In fact one in five of you will not even have been allowed to carry your time over into 2004. Not only are you missing out on holidays, but lunch breaks also seem to be given a miss. Results show that just over half of those surveyed work through their lunch break at least once or twice a week and that almost one in three of those surveyed worked through lunch on between three to five days a week. 12% couldn’t even remember the last time they had a full lunch break!

Interview Preparation

In our last issue of QuantumNews, we looked at getting your CV out and about in the most effective way. However, getting your CV in front of the employer is only the start. Should you reach interview stage, from the moment you walk through the door, the interviewer will be assessing you. As first impressions tend to be based on your appearance through the door, consider the following: are you punctual and what do your body language and your clothes say about you? By being aware of this, you can put across a positive message right from the start.

How can I prepare for an interview?

Obviously you are who you are and it would be inappropriate to try to change this, particularly as employers will want to get a picture of the ‘real’ you from the start. You cannot try to bluff your way into a position for which you are either unsuitable or under qualified– you can be assured that a good interviewer will see right though this. But by doing a bit of preparation you should be able to present the best possible picture of yourself.

Firstly, try to find out as much as you can about the company and the job that is on offer. You can do this by checking out the company website or if there is time, asking the interviewer’s secretary to send you some of their company literature. Try to consider the qualities that are needed for the job by carefully reading the job specification. This should help you to feel confident and can help you to make that important ‘good impression’.

Take some time to review the contents of your CV. Mentally reliving past experience and strengths will build your confidence and ensure they are easy to recall should such questions arise in the interview. It is also acceptable to take a copy of your CV along to the interview as a point of reference.

Make sure that you are clear on the date, time and location of the interview. It would be a shame to turn up on time at the front desk of an office block, only to find that in fact you have to be on the seventeenth floor and you’ve only got two minutes to get there!

Choose your mode of transport to the interview and finalize your departure time. Check the route you intend to take and ensure you have allowed plenty of time. Make sure to take contact telephone numbers, so that should you be held up by some previously unforeseen circumstance, you can advise your interviewer in plenty of time and give an impression of a person in control at the same time.

Arrange to have some reference letters to take to the interview with you, so that you can provide them on the off chance that they are asked for. Also consider taking along a notepad and pen. This is useful for several reasons. Firstly, they will demonstrate your organisational abilities and your interest in the job and will give you something useful to do with your hands during the interview.

Consider the types of questions they may ask you during the interview. For example, you walk into the interviewer’s office looking clean and smart, shake hands confidently, while deliberately making eye contact. You are invited to sit down whilst your interviewer chats casually about your trip in. Then suddenly you are asked ”What are you looking to get out of this role?” or “What are you hoping to
bring to this role?” or even “Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?” There are many websites that currently offer advice on interviews and interview questions, so have a look at a few and consider your responses to some of the more commonly asked questions. Talk to friends who have been interviewed recently to discover the types of questions they were asked and, consider the role you are to be interviewed for and think about likely questions that would relate to the role and how you will answer them.

Make a list of job related questions that you may wish to ask. You will have time to gather information about the role and the company during the interview, but at the end, you will be given a change to ask any questions that you have come up with whilst the interview took place or any that have not so far been answered. For example “How does this job relate to the other departments in the company?” or “where does this job lead?” if you are considering your career aspirations. Or if you are considering future training “Do you offer study assistance and what form does this take?”

For some interviews, you will be required to complete some type of test. This could be in the form of an aptitude, personality, psychometric, technical, intelligence or situational test. Prior to the interview, try to find out if you are likely to have to do any of these tests. Armed with this information, you will be able to have a practice at the type of test you will sit, which will help boost your confidence and give you the ability to pace yourself efficiently.

By giving consideration to the above, you will (hopefully) be able to give the right impression, feel confident and know what you want to gain from the interview.

Now, breathe deeply and slowly to dispel any physical tension, remind yourself that the interview will be a success and the interviewer will wonder how the company ever managed without you and smile as you head for that next interview.

Just for Fun

Have a go at the following brainteasers I recently came across. You have to answer them instantly without the use of pen, paper or calculator. Let’s find out just how clever you really are. Answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?
2. If you overtake the last person, then you are...?
3. Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30. Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total?
4. Mary’s father has five daughters: 1.Nana, 2.Nene, 3.Nini, 4.Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?

Answers to brainteasers

1.If you answered that you are first, then you are wrong! If you overtake the second person and take his place then you are second!

2.If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. How can you overtake the LAST person?!

3.Did you get 5000? The answer is actually 4100.

4.Did you get Nunu? Wrong! Her name is Mary. Read the question again if you didn’t get it.

UPDATE

We would really appreciate your keeping us up to date on new exam passes, recent work experience and any other changes in the details we hold on file for you. If we have not heard from you for some time, please take the time to update us, either by using the link below, or by contacting your recruitment consultant directly.
Email: update@quantumselection.com

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