Europe's most popular communications, PR
and media conversation

This week's chat

Latest CommsBlog

Tags

April 9, 2013 Transcript of #CommsChat on recruitment

The times are a-changing in comms recruitment as an ever-growing pool of hopefuls seeks a limited number of vacancies. Recruitment expert Alice Weightman (@aliceweightman) weighed in.

Some highlights of the hour:

  • aliceweightman back drop of recession, budgets squeezed, now looking for growth – was their an investment in junior talent, is there a pipeline
  • lethal_weapon graduates looking for a role in #PR need bags of personality, a willingness to learn and a good grasp of the English language
  • aliceweightman social media should help to catch on but uni’s need to support giving right skills and advice
  • digiconvs Job hunting is tough, not because “job seekers”doing anything wrong but because employers aren’t sure what they want!
  • WandP I think a lot of people expect any applicant under 25 to be a digital expert…not all are/want to be
  • ncardwell Agree 100%. Knowing the ‘how’ isn’t the same as knowing the ‘why’ in comms.
  • adamrubins I’d like to see job specs/CV’s change as well. We haven’t moved on since the 80’s
The full transcript:

   Quality depends on accuracy of applications. Some people very good at their own PR.#commschat -9:00 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  that made me laugh out loud 🙂 It’s healthy to have debate, world would be a quieter place without it! #commschat-9:00 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 As always, the transcript will be up tomorrow morning. Good night everyone! #commschat -9:00 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 So our hour has come to a close. Thanks to for sharing her thoughts on comms recruitment and to all who tweeted. #commschat -8:59 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  the quality & quantity of applicants will rise, people will be competitive to gain more experience & qualifications #commschat -8:59 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  So, I’m a bit sceptical. But, the way things are, it’ll prob catch on. 🙂 #commschat -8:59 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Those people who don’t get it created this economy; maybe time to review & scrutinise what they’ve done. #commschat -8:59 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Hi Ehsan. What you know will always struggle, which is why it’s imp to constantly evolve, particularly re: skills#commschat -8:58 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   that is when I hire headhunters. Also for very senior positions where a filtering process is required #commschat -8:58 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  In other economies, that’s a HUGE factor, and people do hate it, coz skills are not even taken into consideration.#commschat -8:58 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : LinkedIn will continue to grow, help people connect and build a relationship before interview…not just cv on paper#commschat -8:58 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : In our last ten minutes, let’s tackle T5: Where is recruitment headed over the next five years? #commschat-8:58 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Afraid it’s the way of things. Safer option for everyone, even if it’s exclusive. Shame. #commschat-8:57 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : Who you know is what destroyed ethics in comms & #recruitment while what you know is struggling to survive.#commschat -8:57 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  LinkedIn will continue to grow, help people connect and build a relationship before interview…not just cv on paper#commschat -8:57 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Not that many people get it. The economy can be a reason for it? #commschat -8:56 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Who you know is what destroyed ethics in comms & #recruitment while what you know is struggling to survive.#commschat -8:56 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Agree. Let’s be more creative / engaging / inclusive about how we find and develop people#commschat -8:56 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  how so? I see it as alongside rather than completely replacing traditional methods #commschat -8:56 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    My word, that’s refreshing to hear! Probably won’t catch on though… #commschat -8:55 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 A5) As recruitment budgets get smaller, focus will shift to sourcing new talent via network, based on personal recommendations#commschat -8:55 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 MT : A5) Future recruitment will focus on connections: who you know as imp as what you know, part to find roles#commschat -8:55 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  That can be so detrimental… #commschat-8:55 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  I’d like to see job specs/CV’s change as well. We haven’t moved on since the 80’s #commschat -8:54 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  more use of networks to find the right people#commschat -8:54 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   What is in it for me has to be forgotten & replaced with how can we make life better for each other.#commschat -8:54 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 A5) Future recruitment will focus on connections: who you know as imp as what you know, particularly to find roles #commschat-8:54 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  recruitment will also focus more on internal business culture and more on delivering against expectation#commschat -8:53 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : Let’s move on to T3: Do specialisations within the industry – content, SEO, social media – present a challenge? #commschat -8:53 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT :  you find employees with limited work/life experience demanding high wages which the market is driving #commschat -8:53 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Hopefully the market will expand#commschat -8:53 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  #commschat  agree good pros adapt, creative, push boundaries, develop skill sets. -8:52 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  very true #commschat -8:52 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  A guess – candidates outnumbering roles even more than today. Hopefully improving economy means brighter times (?!) #commschat -8:52 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : In our last ten minutes, lets tackle T5: Where is recruitment headed over the next five years? #commschat -8:52 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  depends on the economy. With further belt tightening in mind, many will turn to networks be it their own or social#commschat -8:52 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT :    theyll soon find out its not easy! Certainly think its becoming more fashionable #commschat -8:51 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    they’ll soon find out its not ‘easy! Certainly think it’s becoming more fashionable #commschat-8:50 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : In our last ten minutes, let’s tackle T5: Where is recruitment headed over the next five years? #commschat -8:50 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    I sometimes see that they find it hard to do. Tech work can be very involved. #commschat-8:50 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 In our last ten minutes, let’s tackle T5: Where is recruitment headed over the next five years? #commschat -8:50 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Tech industry has evolved and new jobs have emerged, I agree with  (Hi Steve) – solid comms focus essential#commschat -8:49 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Ah yes. Do you think it might be because they think it’s cool and easier to get into? #commschat -8:47 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   There are slightly more techie people now, but they still need to think with comms hat on! #commschat -8:47 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  This can all be described as content marketing. AKA digital PR. Competence in these areas are a basic requirement.#commschat -8:46 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  yup. As in techie minded people taking on comms roles just to be in tech sector #commschat -8:45 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  It’s made our role even more varied which can attract people to the industry who wouldn’t have considered it before#commschat -8:45 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 A4) What do you mean by different kinds of people? As in different career backgrounds – non-comms? #commschat -8:44 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   tomorrows talent are equally ambitious but unwilling to go through the process to achieve their goals #commschat -8:44 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Sometimes yes. But some fledglings are still getting to grips with the basics. Learning quick essential! #commschat-8:44 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT :   That’s how search has been seen up to now. And social media. Not good.#commschat -8:43 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   That’s how search has been seen up to now. And social media. Not good. #commschat -8:43 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : T4 Has tech industry in Britain created different kinds of jobs & encouraged different kinds of people into comms? #commschat -8:43 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Sometimes you don’t have luxury of waiting until later to specialise. As teams are cut, you get learning – quick#commschat -8:42 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    Some – not all – simply take CVs, spin a yarn and go silent. Lacking common courtesy. #commschat -8:42 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 T4: Has tech industry in Britain created different kinds of jobs and encouraged different kinds of people into communications?#commschat -8:42 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Yep, that can add pressure on more experienced people too. A collaborative approach is essential here. #commschat -8:41 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Evening, thanks very much #commschat -8:40 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Thanks and good evening Rachel, it’s nice and lively tonight #commschat -8:39 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Only if they are seen as silos. Breadth/depth of comms should be opportunity to hire/develop diverse range of talents#commschat -8:39 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 A3) Specialisms do present a challenge but that’s always been the case. IC pros constantly adapt, learn and evolve #commschat-8:39 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   This relates to Q3 in that there are many specialisations and that can add pressure up #commschat -8:38 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : Lets move on to T3: Do specialisations within the industry – content, SEO, social media – present a challenge?#commschat -8:37 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Hi Rachel, good to have you on #commschattonight #commschat -8:37 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 T3: specialisms feel like a luxury cash-strapped teams can’t afford – add ’em to the list for multi-tasking IC professionals!#commschat -8:37 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Sorry I’m so late, duty called. Good to see  here – Hi Kate, glad your first week on Twitter has gone well #commschat-8:37 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  you find employees with limited work/life experience demanding high wages which the market is driving#commschat -8:36 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 A3  – to use a journalism analogy, you don’t become political editor straightaway. Specialise later. Play to strengths#commschat -8:36 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  I think it creates an opportunity to help develop people in role and build new departments to focus on business need#commschat -8:36 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Evening all 🙂 Note to followers: I’m taking part in#commschat for the next 30 mins. Come and join in! See for info #commschat -8:36 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  many challenges! Its an under developed landscape with the power in the employees hands. Supply vs demand#commschat -8:35 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Interested in others’ experience of breaking through to Head of IC – feel stuck at snr bus partner level. Advice/tips to share?#commschat -8:35 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   True. Suspect pressure on people to adapt life to work may increase, not a positive development IMHO#commschat -8:34 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    With respect, hope not to have to for a while! Found perfect job through networks.#commschat -8:34 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Let’s move on to T3: Do specialisations within the industry – content, SEO, social media – present a challenge? #commschat -8:34 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    Reading no substitute for meeting f2f though! A rare thing. #commschat -8:31 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Absolutely, you change when it is needed otherwise it will be waste of time & energy; strategic thinking.#commschat -8:30 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    Many want to say stuff just for the sake it as opposed to communicate & collaborate! #commschat -8:29 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    To some, it is just a paper exercise. Not . Never tried them to be fair! #commschat -8:28 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : Comms professionals need good comprehension skills. The ability quickly understand unfamiliar topics and simplify. #commschat -8:28 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 MT : You put it better than me. Was really meaning both ind/jobseekers need to actively embrace change not hide from it #commschat -8:28 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : Comms professionals need good comprehension skills. The ability quickly understand unfamiliar topics and simplify.#commschat -8:27 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  You put it better than me. Was really meaning both ind / job-seekers need to actively embrace change, not hide from it #commschat -8:27 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   in my opinion you should never stop looking at how you can change, the moment you do…you get left behind! #commschat -8:27 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Comms professionals need good comprehension skills. The ability quickly understand unfamiliar topics and simplify. #commschat-8:27 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   recruiters have to work a lot harder to earn their fee, just like all of us #commschat -8:27 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    Poor soul. She learned a hard lesson there. But her employers should be guiding too.#commschat -8:26 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    common sense is a must along with respect for peers and a strong desire to succeed #commschat -8:26 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Change is not complicated, it’s possible at any stage in life; only those lack courage & commitment oppose to change.#commschat -8:26 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    Often done by HR with no clue on comms. Value of specialist agencies becomes clear. #commschat -8:25 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   that’s true but you need people that are open to change. That is not something that can be taught #commschat -8:24 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    Common sense is what missing in recruitment & comms; time to acknowledge this. #commschat -8:23 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    True also showed how much they need someone in SM role if they don’t look at Twitter before hiring #commschat -8:22 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 aliceweightman   Agree 100%. Knowing the ‘how’ isn’t the same as knowing the ‘why’ in comms.#commschat -8:22 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 That segues into T3: Have the rise in apprenticeships and comms qualifications changed recruitment for employees and employers? #commschat -8:22 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT :  #commschat also uni’s should give grads skills for future working life, real need to get #workexperience -8:22 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Oh yes! Theory is wonderful in a lecture theatre. The workplace can be a steep learning curve. #commschat -8:22 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   That poor Youth PCC in Kent knew how to Tweet etc. Not that it helped her in her fledgling career…#commschat -8:20 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   #commschat also uni’s should give grads skills for future working life, real need to get#workexperience -8:19 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Spot on! Sadly many biz including those in comms, tend to concentrate on buzz words than hiring talents. #Commschat -8:19 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Same for social. Most young-uns know how to tweet, use Facebook and snapchat, but a social comms role requires diff skills #commschat -8:19 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   True. A more fundamental understanding of the full comms mix is of greater importance.#commschat -8:19 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 T2: Change is challenge. For industry, defining skills they’ll need now / in 5 yrs. For jobseekers, showing adaptability etc.#commschat -8:18 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   I think a lot of people expect any applicant under 25 to be a digital expert…not all are/want to be#commschat -8:18 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  wouldn’t argue with that. They just need to roll up their sleeves and show commitment to the role#commschat -8:17 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Hi Laura, I’m in IC in energy – we’re in with corporate affairs. Have been Marketing and HR in other org.#commschat -8:16 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  I’d hate to be starting out now in my career. It’s a real maze to negotiate. Difficult for new starts to get experiece#commschat -8:16 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 T2 looks at obstacles to recruiters/jobseekers: What are the challenges facing the UK communications industry? And in Europe?#commschat -8:15 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   Sadly some employers bring in “overqualified” candidates just to get some ideas as how to do their business. #commschat -8:15 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Interesting… RT :   are they over qualified, or are the job specs just not detailed enough?#commschat -8:14 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   what does qualified for comms mean?As an industry we don’t have a standard of qualification across theboard #commschat -8:14 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   also do recruiters prefer to employ candidates with better qualifications or better/ more experience? #commschat -8:13 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  its a challenge to find versatile talent. Comms is an industry that is evolving and many of its candidates are not #commschat -8:13 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   are they over qualified, or are the job specs just not detailed enough? #commschat -8:13 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT :2013 start of year where clients are looking for industry specific knowledge but broad skill set across comms #commschat -8:13 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  If look at the length of job adverts, salary & number of ppl nterviewed you’ll see how unfair job seekers are treated.#commschat -8:13 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 MT : the question is how are businesses finding talent to support that growth in such a competitive market?#commschat -8:12 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : I’ll be tweeting from  for the next hour in #commschat! If you work in comms, get involved -8:12 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  so i guess the question is how are businesses finding talent to support that growth in such a competitive market?#commschat -8:11 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  I also feel like employers have too many options, too many qualified/over qualified applicants, especially in comms #commschat -8:09 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  So true. Get so many applications with typos. Lack of passion evident. #commschat -8:09 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : Happy Monday all. Tonight’s#commschat is with  on recruitment in communications. Join in at 8pm! -8:09 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : #commschat 2013 start of year where clients are looking for industry specific knowledge but broad skill set across comms -8:09 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : #commschat  2013 start of year where clients are looking for industry specific knowledge but broad skill set across comms -8:09 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  plus lots of experience in the industry#commschat -8:08 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  Job hunting is tough, not because “job seekers”doing anything wrong but because employers aren’t sure what they want! #commschat -8:08 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 I’ll be tweeting from  for the next hour in#commschat! If you work in comms, get involved -8:08 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : 2013 start of year where clients are looking for industry specific knowledge but broad skill set across comms #commschat -8:07 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 #commschat  2013 start of year where clients are looking for industry specific knowledge but broad skill set across comms -8:07 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  but comms people work across different industries. Where do you go? Sector specific or PR/Comms specific? ‘#commschat -8:07 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Hi, Laura, int comms at BT. Q – I’m interested to know if comms is usually grouped with HR or marketing or on its own?#commschat -8:07 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 graduates looking for a role in #PR need bags of personality, a willingness to learn and a good grasp of the English language #commschat -8:06 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 I find a lot of recruiters don’t differentiate between internal and external. Skill sets are different and don’t always match #commschat-8:06 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

   IMHO recruitment agencies are a bit hit and miss. From the perspective of candidates and employers. #commschat -8:05 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  I suppose I meant people who work across multiple industries. #commschat -8:05 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Hi all, I’m , I’m the Digital Insight Leader here at Words and Pictures #commschat -8:04 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  I work in comms for an int’l manufacturer. What’s a generalist recruiter? Thought all were targeted…#commschat.-8:04 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : . #commschat thanks so much for inviting me to talk about the recruitment in coms….please ask plenty questions! -8:04 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 RT : . #commschat thanks so much for inviting me to talk about the recruitment in coms….please ask plenty questions! -8:03 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  #commschat looking forward to plenty of questions about securing a great job in coms! -8:03 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

    Without a doubt the current approach to #recruitment needs reconsideration & restructuring. #commschat -8:03 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 So let us know what your thoughts are on recruitment, job hunting, comms roles, etc. #commschat -8:02 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 Our 1st topic is: How is recruiting for comms specifically different than acting as generalist recruiters? #commschat -8:01 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 A reminder to all to use the #commschat tag when posting and introduce yourself in first tweet #commschat -8:01 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 . #commschat thanks so much for inviting me to talk about the recruitment in coms….please ask plenty questions! -8:01 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

  follow #commschat – I use the ‘tweetchat’ platform to take part. Yes, was planning to. Are you? -8:00 PM Apr 8th, 2013

  

 

 Hi all, Brittany here, from Communicate. Today’s guest is from  search who’ll chat about comms recruitment #commschat -8:00 PM Apr 8th, 2013


See what others are talking about "Brittany Golob"

: , , , , , , , , ,

Comments

No comments yet.

Leave a comment

 
#CommsChatGet updates