Blog - Barlow Search

July 14, 2023

Simplify and Succeed

World Simplicity Day

In recognition of our US counterparts we are recognising World Simplicity Day (WSD). WSD encourages us to embrace simplicity in our lives, even in the realm of technology recruitment.

Let’s explore how simplifying the recruitment process can lead to greater success in attracting top tech talent.

Simplified Job Descriptions:

Craft clear and concise job descriptions that focus on key skills and qualifications. Avoid complex jargon and buzzwords, opting for straightforward language that communicates core responsibilities effectively.

Streamlined Application Process:

Minimise steps and eliminate unnecessary paperwork in the application process. Utilise user-friendly systems and leverage technology to automate tasks, creating a seamless experience for candidates.

Clear Communication:

Provide candidates with transparent communication throughout the recruitment process. Clearly define stages, expectations, and timelines to build trust and enhance the candidate experience.

Core Competency Focus:

Simplify candidate evaluation by focusing on core competencies. Identify essential skills required for the role and assess candidates accordingly, avoiding excessive technical assessments.

Technology Integration:

Leverage technology tools such as applicant tracking systems and AI-powered solutions to simplify candidate management and identify top talent efficiently.

Conclusion:

On World Simplicity Day, let’s celebrate by simplifying our tech recruitment strategies. By embracing simplicity in job descriptions, the application process, communication, evaluation, and technology integration, we can attract top talent and build successful tech teams. Simplify and succeed!

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General

June 14, 2023

Father’s Day: Celebrating Dads, Honouring Role Models, and Recruiting Great Talent!

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s time to show our appreciation for the amazing dads and father figures out there! But let’s not forget that this day can be bittersweet for those who have lost their fathers or never had a father figure in their lives. So, as we dive into the celebrations, let’s keep their feelings in mind and be sensitive to their experiences.

For those fortunate enough to have a dad to celebrate with, let’s make this Father’s Day unforgettable. Thanks to the wonders of technology, there are countless ways to make it extra special. Consider setting up a heartwarming video call with your dad, where you can reminisce about old times and share laughter across the miles. Or send him a personalized card that captures your love and gratitude, reminding him of the impact he’s had on your life. And if your dad is a tech enthusiast, you could surprise him with a fancy gadget that he can spend hours trying to figure out how to use—hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Now, let’s take a moment to acknowledge those who may not have a dad around. It’s important to recognize the positive male role models who shaped our lives when we were younger. Maybe it was an uncle who patiently taught you how to fish or a family friend who let you break all the rules and stay up past your bedtime. These individuals may not be your biological father, but they played a vital role in your upbringing, and their impact should not be underestimated.

In the spirit of Father’s Day, let’s spread some love and support to children who are growing up without a father figure. Consider donating to a charity that focuses on empowering and nurturing these children. By doing so, you’ll not only be making a difference in their lives but also experiencing the joy of giving back. It’s a win-win situation that will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

In conclusion, Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the dads and father figures who have touched our lives. Let’s remember to approach this day with humour, sensitivity, and generosity. And here’s a twist—this occasion can also be an opportunity for businesses looking to recruit exceptional talent. Consider the valuable skills that many dads and father figures possess: experience, patience, and a unique perspective shaped by raising children. Who knows, by incorporating some “dad jokes” and fresh insights, they might just inject a new dynamic into your workplace. So, alongside celebrating Father’s Day, let’s embrace the chance to welcome these remarkable individuals into our teams.

Wishing all the dads, father figures, and aspiring recruits a truly memorable and fulfilling Father’s Day!

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General

May 30, 2023

Be brave. Find your solution.

Technology is developing rapidly. Yet, the shortage of talent with the right skillset is growing. There are products being launched without the right people to implement and manage the software on company sites.

How can products succeed without the experts to drive home results?

If you are looking to improve your salary or career options, then research skills shortages. You can do this here: https://www.comptia.org/blog/top-it-skills-in-demand or here: https://learntocodewith.me /learn/skill/

Don’t be scared to upskill. In life, if we are sick, we seek out a cure. Doctors try new treatments, or new medicines that might help diseases that there is currently no cure for. To do this, they have to upskill.

It’s important to keep improving yourself. So, if you’re looking to find your niche, or if a better salary or working environment sounds appealing, then do your homework.

Find the source of the problem – look for skills shortages and successfully plug a gap in the talent pool with your new, improved skillset.

Go on. Be brave. Find your solution.

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General

May 10, 2023

Crowning Achievements: UK Coronation Transformed by Technology

As the UK proudly presented the coronation of a new monarch in 2023, it’s worth reflecting on how technology has impacted the grand event. From the way we watch it to the way it’s planned, technology has transformed the coronation in many ways.

Firstly, the way we watch the coronation has changed dramatically. Gone are the days of fuzzy black-and-white images and poor sound quality. Now, thanks to high-definition cameras and live-streaming technology, we can watch the coronation in stunning detail from the comfort of our own homes. Whether you’re in London or Los Angeles, you can tune in and feel like you’re right there in the crowd.

Technology has also made planning the coronation easier and more efficient. With sophisticated project management tools and digital communication platforms, planners can collaborate across time zones and continents to ensure everything runs smoothly. They can use virtual reality simulations to visualise the coronation venue and test different scenarios before the big day. And they can rely on artificial intelligence to analyse data and make predictions about how the event will unfold.

But perhaps the most interesting way technology has impacted the coronation is in the use of virtual reality. With VR headsets, viewers can experience the coronation in a whole new way. They can feel like they’re actually there, standing in the crowd and watching the procession. And they can explore the coronation venue in detail, seeing every nook and cranny in stunning 3D. It’s a truly immersive experience that brings the coronation to life in a way that was once impossible.

In conclusion, as you will hopefully agree, the 2023 coronation was a grand spectacle, made all the more impressive by the role of technology in bringing it to life. From high-definition cameras to virtual reality, technology has transformed the way we watch and experience the coronation. So, as we all reflect on the big day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible impact technology has had on this historic event.

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General

April 20, 2023

Springing into Recruitment Agency value.

A humorous connection between Spring and Recruitment Agencies!

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Technology

February 6, 2021

Mind The Gap… Engagement Through To Filling The Gaps?

Currently ‘Women in Tech’ is a real buzz phrase, however, it is important to make it clear that it shouldn’t be about ticking a box; who you are or where you are from, it should ALWAYS be about how good you are at your job. The current and future workforce needs to be supported and encouraged to work to their strengths and skills, building a career around these in order to drive innovation forward.

Start At The Start

Years ago, when I was at school, a computer system informed me that I was going to be either a nurse or a teacher – neither of which were careers I had any desire to explore further. However, that was the end of the conversation, and there wasn’t any further consideration for skills I had already developed or interests I had. Whilst it is clear that career guidance has advanced since then; there is still an expectation that you make your career choices at 14 years old through the GCSE’s, A-Levels, and the degree you study at University. This is an unfair expectation for a child to know what job they want to do in ten years’ time; when we don’t even know what jobs will look like in two to three years.

There needs to be a comprehensive engagement process for our future workforce – sparking their interests and exploring how their skills and hobbies will be vital to future industries – a future that without a doubt will include technology.

As per McKinsey’s 2018 report on Employee Experience, Millennials are certainly a factor. They comprise ‘30% of the population and by 2025 will represent 75% of the global workforce ’. Interest will surely spark innovation for our future workforce and innovation is now a vital tool in technology.

Don’t Fall Behind With Technology

By 2030, the UK faces the potential of three million jobs being left unfilled (Consultancy UK). This stems from an aging population, the disruption Brexit may cause to the workforce coming from Europe; and a general lack of skilled workers. In addition to this shortfall, McKinsey states that ‘by 2030, we will be spending 41% more time using advanced technology skills compared to what we use at the moment’; and that the ‘need for advanced IT and programming skills could grow as much as 90%’ in that time
(McKinsey report). Therefore, in order to try and combat this shortfall, and demand for specific skills; it is imperative that technology becomes part of the school curriculum alongside more traditional subjects.

Another thought is that Artificial Intelligence and Automation will provide a way of filling some of this shortfall (Consultancy UK) – however it is claimed that ‘over a third of IT decision-makers in the UK’s largest financial services companies are not ready to implement the technology into their business’ ( World Finance ). Organizations need to invest and focus on re-training and up-skilling the current workforce to make way for the future way of working.

So Where Are The Biggest Skills Gaps?

Having recruited across the tech sector for the best part of a decade, Barlow Search has been able to become experts within the technology space and understand what organizations are looking for in their candidates. Marek Brazier-Kobus, MD at Barlow Search, regularly discusses with clients the skill demands companies are facing “Technology is moving so quickly, it is an almost impossible task for humans to keep up. Clients are constantly looking to blend the incredible skills of the next generation with the
experience and knowledge of implementation that the current workforce has. Connecting our clients with the next Johanna Konta of the tech world, someone to combine both strategy and skill is always a challenge for us”.

It is also about expanding skills to cross-connect industry or interest areas, combining hard and soft skills “More often we see highly skilled technical candidates learning a foreign language, alongside specific project management training in a bid to move into global strategy, a wise move in my opinion as technology is allowing global working to be much more accessible”.

According to LinkedIn who recently analyzed hundreds of thousands of job posts to find the top in-demand skills; ‘creativity, persuasion and collaboration’ are the top soft skills; and ‘cloud computing, AI and analytical reasoning’ are rated as the top hard skills in 2019 (CNBC report).

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Personality Development

February 6, 2021

Does Your Future Have To Be Futuristic?

For many of us who grew up in the 80’s ‘The Future of Technology’ has always meant one thing….the hoverboard. As a child and Back To The Future fan, the hoverboard replacing the car represented to be the most exciting use of technology and innovation. It was the beacon for all things futuristic and technologically advanced.

Fast forward 35 years, and although we still live in hope for this childhood dream to become an everyday reality, in the ‘real world’ we have to look at the technological advancements that have been made, and the exciting potential yet to come.

As a recruitment consultant, working within the world of emerging technology and digital change, every day provides an opportunity to speak with candidates about the work they are doing, research next generation tech and innovation, and see examples of how healthcare, manufacturing, research, and automotive industries are ever-evolving. It is easy to picture the future of technology as one where robots rule, and human interaction somehow becomes less efficient, important, and desirable. Images of robotic production lines, fully self-serviced shopping experiences, automated customer support systems conjure up mixed emotions where the desire for speed and efficiency compete with the emotional need for human interaction and personalized service.

We all want, and have now come to expect instant, efficient, ‘one-click’ style access to goods and services and because of this technology has to meet these demands. Although this expectation now seems to be a societal standard, many still worry that advancements in technology will eventually create a world where robots rule. The thought that we will somehow be
stuck in a real-life sci-fi movie, surrounded by machines has again called on another of the ’80s most famous films, where Skynet and The Terminator got us thinking (and for many of us, worrying) about what the future would look like.

If we stop to consider and remove ourselves from the over-excitement of cinema, we can really appreciate technology and the unbelievable benefits it could provide in the future. A recent report predicted, “Robots will displace 75 million jobs globally by 2022, but create 133 million new ones” (World Economic Forum ). Advancements, particularly within healthcare are offering life-changing and life-saving opportunities for future detection and treatment of serious medical conditions. Automated processes within the workplace are streamlining processes, to ensure repetitive tasks are completed quickly and efficiently to allow the staff team to utilize their
time and skillset on more technically challenging, thought-led roles.

Advancements in cybersecurity are ensuring our financial safety, personal data protection, and physical safety in terms of national and international defense. These advancements may not appear to be all singing and dancing, tangible technology that we have seen on the big screen, however,
this does not diminish their planning, design, purpose, and potential. We rely on amazing technology and those at the forefront of research and development, and although we may not ‘see’ it, we reap the benefits every minute of every day.

For us at Barlow Search, the future of technology holds exciting prospects. We do not worry that candidate selection and recruitment will be a process defined by algorithms and automation, and the role of the recruitment consultant will become obsolete. We want to embrace new technology to efficiently source the best candidates for our open roles, therefore allowing us to dedicate our time to interact with both clients and candidates to build our professional relationships, improve industry expertise………and above all, time to daydream about our future hoverboard commute to work!

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General

February 6, 2021

How To Write A Winning CV

Make your CV stand out!

Your CV needs to stand out for the right reasons: Ensure it is clear, no fancy font, and easy to read. Read through the advertised Job Spec, identify what is required and how your experience and abilities match those required. Whilst your CV will list out your work history with details of your role and what you did, any relevant projects or clients worked for, you should also reference the requirements listed in the Job spec where you have the relevant experience.

Keep note of any training and key events!

Ensure that training in specific tools such as Blue Prism or UiPath and the accreditation is recorded, and how this knowledge or skills was then applied in the role. If you have attended conferences or seminars, or gained experience or knowledge of new technologies like RPA and AI provide details and how it has supported your development and provided benefit in the role.

Highlight some key achievements

If you have been involved in projects requiring teams working across departments, locations, or multiple organizations, provide details, employers are looking to see if you would fit into their culture, do they see any synergy, and can you demonstrate the necessary interpersonal skills required to succeed in delivering projects to a timescale, budget and business objectives. Also, don’t forget to highlight a few achievements from past roles so that you can demonstrate what you personally achieved and contributed towards the wider project.

Lastly...

Always check for spelling, don’t just rely on a spellchecker, and get someone to read it through and comment on whether it makes sense. Don’t overemphasize your abilities or experience, you are likely to be found out at the reference stage and it adversely affects your integrity which may cause employers to doubt your credibility.

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General

February 6, 2021

How To Succeed In Your Job Interview

You have been invited to an interview, so how do you prepare?

Look at what information you have about the role and organization. Gather together the job advert, job specification and go through again, making notes of key elements of the role, cross-reference with your own experience. What information do you have about the organization, do your research, it gives you a better idea of their business and activities.

Always attend on time, suitably dressed, impressions are important. Everyone gets nervous, the recruiters will expect that, however, if you have prepared as much as you can, this will help you settle. The interviewers are looking to see if you are a good match for their requirements, do you have the right and relevant experience, can you do the job, would you bring benefit and add value to their business. Do they see potential in you fitting into their culture and organization?

Be prepared to go into detail!

Be prepared to answer questions about the information you have provided, this may be in-depth questioning around a specific role or skill, this is to test out your knowledge and whether it is appropriate for their needs. It will also test out whether you have over emphasised your involvement or abilities. Be confident in talking about your current or past role, your experiences and what successes you have achieved and how you believe you can add value to their team and organisation.

Demonstrate your interest, ask about the scope of the role, what is required and ultimately does the organisation offer progression opportunities to their people. The interviewer may explain what they enjoy about working there, if not ask what it is that people like, what is the culture like, do they offer in-house training.

Lastly, one thing to never do!

Even when things have not gone well in the past never bad mouth a past employer, or your current company. Be positive, usually, an interviewer will explain an organizations employee benefits and remuneration, our general advice is don’t ask about money, if they are interested and make an offer, that is something that can be discussed at a later stage.

Go prepared, be positive and enjoy the experience.

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Women

February 6, 2021

Spotlight Session – Female Tech Focus

Barlow Search attended the ‘Reframe – Women in Tech’ event this week, an event that brought together a community of like-minded technology experts and future tech talent to ‘reframe’ the narrative around women in technology through positive action. Attendees heard positive journeys from leaders in the field, celebrate successes, and access practical tools and advice. It is designed to empower women in technology to develop, succeed and inspire others. With too many superb speakers and presents to name, the event energized and inspired attendees to aim high and pave a legacy path for the next generation of females. Stacey Copeland ended the event highlighting her outstanding sporting success and left the audience in awe of her passion and drive to succeed, continually fighting for equal treatment for females.

To follow on from this fabulous event, we wanted to highlight three females (although we could have an endless list!) within the Technology industry that we think should be recognized for their success, or are the future tech stars and ones to watch. Not only are they leaders in their fields, but they also trail-blaze the success of women in technology, supporting other women to do the same.

Sarah Burnett Sarah is an Executive Vice President and Distinguished Analyst at Everest Group. She set up and developed a program, that focuses on process automation based on Artificial Intelligence and robotic process automation. Sarah has helped many technology companies successfully formulate their product innovation and go to market strategies for growth. She also advises enterprise clients on automation technologies, sourcing, competitive strategies and market trends and their commercial significance.
Sarah’s other accolades include:
• Named one of 50 most influential women in UK IT by Computer Weekly from 2016 to 2019
• Digital Leaders’ Champion for the UK South East in 2017
• Finalist in STEM leader of the year by Forward Ladies in 2019
• Shortlisted for AI leader of the year by Information Age in 2018

Carmina Lees: Managing Director, Accenture Financial Services Technology Consulting Lead. Carmina is the Accenture Financial Services Technology Advisory lead for the UK & Ireland, focusing on helping C-suite clients articulate, plan and implement transformational agendas. Carmina has been an active supporter and ambassador for promoting the presence of women in IT since the start of her career. She is the Executive sponsor for Accenture Security Women’s Program across Europe and is driving the D&I agenda within Accenture and externally.

Vimla Appadoo @ThatGirlVim: As a Service Designer at DigitalBridge, Vimla brings her passion for Service Design and user-centered services to the forefront of tech innovation. At 21, Vim co-founded Experience Matters consultancy, winning the NHS CCG as her first client. Since, Vim has also founded Northern Collective: Women in Public Spaces, co-founded SheSaysMCR, managed DrinkaboutMCR, and managed Manchester Social Entrepreneurs. She has been an advisor to the Youth Charter, the Big Youth Group, and is a Regional Ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Vimla has been an advisor on international government tech missions and a mentor for various startup programs as well as an international keynote speaker. In 2016, Vim was voted on to the Northern Power Future List, in 2018 won the Young Digital Leader of the Year award at Digital Leaders and in 2019 won the We Are The City Rising Star in the public sector and was voted as one of the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech. Throughout her career, Vimla has remained conscious of her decisions and focus on bringing passion into her work, to make a continuous difference.

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