Ecom Recruitment Blog

R.I.P Steve Jobs

One day after Apple showcased the birth of a new product (the iPhone 4S), a long standing member of the Apple family unfortunately passed away. A co-founder, ex-CEO and chairman at Apple, Jobs has undoubtedly left his mark on the world; be it through his words, actions, or inventions. One of these is sure to have touched us at some point.

His influence was so great that hours after his resignation was made public, Apple’s share prices dropped by 3%. Everyone in the world knew what Jobs meant to Apple – he was the driving force behind their innovation, and it comes as no surprise that their success started when Jobs had returned to the company after a hiatus to rival firm (that was eventually bought by Apple) NeXT, reigniting the brand.

The iPod started off a string of products that had never been seen before. Critics speculated that no one would buy something that they didn’t know if they needed, but time after time, first with the iPod, then the iPhone and now the iPad, Apple seem to be experts in creating a new market in technology for products we seemingly had no need or desire for previously. It’s not that portable music players didn’t exist, but the way Apple innovated with iTunes and then the App Store differentiated the Apple products from the rest – seamlessly delivering outstanding customer service.

Even now the rest of the market seems to be behind. Apple release the iPhone, and other smart phones inevitably follow. The iPad is unveiled, and then the Blackberry Playbook, Motorola Xoom and Amazon Kindle follow. The App store, which is a driving force behind the success of Apple products, is followed by the Android app store.

All the while, it seemed somewhat painfully inevitable. After news emerged that Jobs had a long standing battle with pancreatic cancer (the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the world), and then his later resignation, the worst was feared, and unfortunately realised, this morning.

A world without Steve Jobs would be a different one. Would we have smart phones? Tablet computers? Would portable music be where it is today, being able to buy music with the click of a button? Would designers be frustratingly distressed, and subsequently balder, with the speed of Windows at work?

A driver of change, not only in what we do, but how we think, he inspired Apple employees company-wide and his fans alike. I’ll leave you with a quote from Jobs himself, which sums up his approach and the type of person he is perfectly:

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me… Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful… that's what matters to me”

Rest in peace.

 

Ascot Retro Diary

Continuing our celebrations for the best month ever in ECOM’s history, we went to Ascot for what proved to be a (very) wet yet sensational day enjoyed by all. Let’s take a look back at some of the events of the day, right from the beginning…

8.43am -- The office starts to fill with the guys wearing their suits, and the ladies mostly opting to get dressed at work. This did not bode well, since we had to leave at 10am…

9.39am -- The party moves outside. After warming up with a great hip-hop selection on Spotify, the coach arrives and we move outside for the “before alcohol” pictures, when everyone is still smiling and can stand up straight.

 

9.45am – Quick moment of panic – the bus driver goes missing. There is initial worry after it was revealed the driver didn’t think we were leaving until 10.30am. The lads are sent out to local cafes in search of said driver.

9.49am – Bus driver shows up. Phew. Just nipped to the little boy’s room…

10.01am – The bus gets going! Into the Hammersmith traffic…the bus is roughly ¾ full as some of the team are going straight there. Talk of bets and tips is bounced around. Only later would we discover how inaccurate some of these tips were to be…

10.07am – We are handed an envelope, containing: a pass to the restaurant, grandstand admission, voucher for free race guide and…£20 to bet with! Result!

10.34am – Chat on the bus quickly circulates back to betting...including some of the more “dedicated” looking up odds on our iPhone’s...

10:56am – As we near Ascot, we start seeing lots of scarecrows in the local’s front lawns. I wasn’t entirely sure what this was about but apparently the locals do it every year to raise money for charity, with the aim that race goers stuck in traffic will be amused by the figures and donate money. It certainly kept us entertained! I felt the Alan Sugar mannequin with “You’re Attired!” was the favourite, but chime in with pictures if you have any more!

11:09am – Even closer to Ascot we encounter a horse drawn carriage full of men in elaborate top hats and tails and ladies in their decorative hats. This is when it hit us we were at Ascot!

11:23am – Arrive at Ascot. Step off the coach and it begins to rain...

I feel now is a good time to explain some of the competitions we had going through the day. First off we ran a photo competition. See details below:

Picture of the Queen = 20 points

Picture of you with a jockey = 10 points

Picture of you with a celeb = 10 points

Picture of a celeb = 5 points

Picture of a winning horse = 5 points

Picture of jockey or dress in ECOM business card/website blue = 2 points   

Picture of a horse= 1 point

I can reveal that the winners were Sinead (Accounts) and Olivia (PM/IA), due in part to their strategic detour to the Royal enclosure where they capitalized on the 20 point picture of the Queen which accounted for most of their points! For their troubles, they received a case of champagne, to help relive the experience!

 The second competition reveals ECOM’s softer side. The biggest bet of the day (with accompanying bet slip) would be doubled by ECOM and donated to a charity of the winners choice. Vincent took this one home with a massive £153 on the last race to snatch victory from Tim, who held the biggest bet prior with £135. Massive congratulations and good betting! The money will be donated to WWF Save The Tiger.

 The third was a little less merit-oriented….most orange! Inspired by the Jersey Shore-like tanning spree the girls (and some guys…no names mentioned…) went on, it only seemed fair to award the effort they went to. Kelly (Client Services) took home the prize with a slightly deeper than normal shade of orange to leave the competition in the dark. (Edit: It was later revealed Kelly won because her dress was orange…whoops).

 

11:29am – The first timers were awestruck at the sheer size of the grandstand as those who had been before headed straight to the bar! We were greeted with a champagne reception which certainly marked the occasion. The Sandringham restaurant where we were sat was luxurious, large and extravagant.

11:35am – Everyone settled in and mingled, as ECOM welcomed some new faces, it was good to get them on a more social level and to really become part of the ECOM team. As such, the customary photos began, a whole selection of which can be viewed at our Twitter stream.

12:31pm – The 4 course meal had started! First up was the starter – as described from the website:

Starter 
Involtini of Lightly Smoked Speck Ham, Peppadew, Artichoke, Grelot Onions
Courgette Ribbons, Beetroot and Balsamic Reduction

Which proved a hit with everyone. The champagne continued to flow, as did the fine wine which some of the more mature members definitely appreciated.

12:57pm – The main course. Once again, the website description does it more justice than I could:

Main Course
Warm Ballotine of Corn-fed Chicken, Slow-roasted Tomato, Shiitake and Cep Mushrooms
Cracked Wheat, Summer Pea and Soy Bean Salad 
Poached English Asparagus with a Truffle and Rocket Dressing

Which again was magnificent. The photos continued as the girls in particular found as many excuses as possible to show off their dresses!

1:38pm – Dessert, you know the drill:

Dessert 
Burnt Orange and Vanilla Tart 
Chocolate Turritella and Wild Strawberry Dressing

However what the menu failed to mention was the chocolate token denoting the 300^th year of Ascot – a classy touch for a big occasion! Some people’s dessert was cut short by the Royal Procession (where Sinead and Olivia picked up all those points). The anxiousness for the first race for building with every passing second...

2:15pm – The mad rush to the betting facilities started. As did the questions from the non-betting folk among us of “What does 16/1 mean?”, “How much will I get back if I win?” and “What does each way mean?”

2:30pm – The first race began. Some of us opted to watch from the security and dryness from the restaurant porch whilst the more adventurous went for the grandstand. We were perfectly situated to see the finish line, and the countless TV’s helped clear up any confusion that arose!

2:41pm – 16/1 Samitar comes in first much to the delight of Katie (Creative) and Jack (Creative) who were some of the early winners. Soon after, all betting questions are directed their way for horses in the next race! Steve’s optimism proves short-lived...

2:53pm – The bar staff start to tire of topping up champagne, and instead just begin leaving whole bottles on the tables. A win-win situation.

2:54pm – With the 3.05 looming, the betting rush began again. The favourite, Nathaniel, was tipped by many and was a favourite amongst the ECOM betters. Some of the more risk averse members decided to pocket the betting money ECOM gave us...which would turn out to be a great decision for the majority of people!

3:20pm – Race favourite Nathaniel (11/4) romps to victory to the delight of everyone (apart from the bookies). Outsiders Fiorente and Alexander Pope came 2^nd and 3^rd respectively to tease the gambling folk but certainly helped a few people with the each way bet.

 

3:28pm – Sinead and Olivia return, slightly damp but smiling after another photo spree.

3:31pm – Most of the ECOM lads regroup and try to figure out a “sure-fire” betting strategy moving forward, frustrated by their lack of success to this point.

3.32pm – Numerous girls reveal their “My Nan/Mum/Dad told me to bet on xxx horse” strategy.

3.33pm – Anticipation is rife for the biggest race of the day, the 3.45 Coronation Stakes. No clear favourite here so it really becomes a guessing game.

3.59pm – 8/1 Immortal Verse wins to make a few of the ECOM lot happy, followed by Nova Hawk (9/2) and Barefoot Lady (16/1). A really exciting race that went right down to the wire and lived up to the billing. Vincent with a massive £114 on this race!

4:02pm – Afternoon tea! And some welcome food for some of the people that “took advantage” of the free bar. A mix of tea and coffee, scones and jam, cucumber and salmon sandwiches were all part of the tea which was very Ritz-like. Just even more fabulous food from the restaurant!

4.22pm – Everyone frantically looks at the race guide in search of a name they like the look of before betting...

4:33pm – The Wolferton Handicap. 12/1 Beachfire took home the honours in another close race which saw anyone with odds better than 10/1 finish at the back end of the pack, and some ECOM’ers very rich!

4:41pm – At this point, the mantra is very much “go big, or don’t bet”. MDs Tim and Vincent ramp up the betting along with the few people actually up money for the day. The 5pm Queen’s Vase is shaping up to be massive with the charity prize still very much up for grabs.

5:12pm – Favourite Namibian brings it home, and Tim takes home £135 surely for the charity prize?

5:23pm – With the last race around the corner, and the massive 25 horse field in the Buckingham Stakes, the day is coming to a close with a scintillating end. A lot of the lads put big money on the last race in hope of a big return...and the non bettors take advantage of the last half hour of the bar!

5:53pm – Manassas (12/1) comes in to make Vincent very happy as he pips Tim to the post (excuse the pun) for the charity prize. He would later go on to donate to the WWF Save The Tiger with a massive £153. Congrats!

5:59pm – The bar closes as an end to a great day comes. Those who live locally get cabs or trains, the majority jump back on to the coach for the drive home, and the bookies smile as they see us leaving...All in all a really great day! The food, the fun, the company, and of course, the drink! Everyone had a great time and just to say a massive thanks to our MDs Tim and Vincent for making all of this possible!

What are Android serving up?

If I said to you, Donut, Cupcake, Éclair, Honeycomb, Gingerbread and Ice Cream sandwich, what comes to mind? Delicious desserts? Gluttony? Well the team down at Android seem to think Operating Systems.

 

Android have taken to naming the newest versions of each OS after a sweet or dessert, which is perhaps an attempt to initially spark interest in the Google owned Apple competitor.

 

The video below is an exploration of the new features on 2.3 “Gingerbread”, with “FroYo” still being run by the majority of Android subscribers, although “Éclair” is also still prominent, still being used by some of the older devices.

 

 

 

The Nexus S was one of the first devices to run Gingerbread, with overall good reviews, but it has been described as refinement more than an overhaul.

Devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which has come under fire recently for not selling as well as expected, are running Android 2.2 FroYo. The problem seems to stem from the fact that it is simply too expensive, hence the incentive package, and that FroYo is predominantly a mobile OS (run by the likes of the Samsung 551 and HTC Magic mobiles) and not fully optimized for tablet use. 

 

Following the theme, some updates coming include Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich (notice the alphabetical progression), but nothing has been released past that. My guesses will go to Jellybean, Lemon Meringue, Mousse and Neapolitan, although I will be interested to see what they come up with for K.

 

Android seem to be going from strength to strength and continually gaining steam on the market leaders, Apple. This comes as news leaked from the top of Nokia indicate they will be reducing the output of Symbian as it simply can’t keep up with Android and Apple.

 

Talking of Apple, their OS were named after big cats, with names such as Cheetah, Puma, Jaguar, Panther and Tiger holding the older systems, and Leopard, Snow Leopard and the newly named Lion set for release in the near future, being the newer versions.

 

If you had to ask me, the Android names certainly take the biscuit.

 

Wow!

http://tiny.cc/4h4jp

 

ECOM ARE TEN!!

 ECOM ARE TEN!!

 You may have seen the yellow banner on our site or elsewhere…ECOM are 10 years old this year!

Here are 10 things about ECOM you should know:

 1 Date of Birth 01/01/00

2 We started in a tiny basement bedroom & now we are in a massive (but light & airy) basement office.

3 The Dot com crash happened & was way worse than the recent recession

4 We have made over 6000 placements

5 We have recruited for 85% of the NMA Top 100

6 ECOM recruit for ALL Permanent & Freelance Digital jobs

7 ECOM are no1 on Google for Digital Recruitment

8 ECOM are the 1st Digital Recruiter to launch a fully optimised site for the mobile platform

9 ECOM are the 1st Digital Recruiter to develop an iphone app

10 Over the last 10 years the Digital Market has changed enormously. ECOM has evolved unrecognisably too & we will continue to stay ahead of the game, embracing Digital Technology to improve our service. Coming out of the worst recession for 75 years, we are stronger & better placed than ever to help with all Digital Recruitment needs.

Word of mouth

Posted by Dan de Lord.

Word of mouth drives everything these days.  Whether it is a literal spoken word or whether it is something emailed or tweeted to you, other people influence the perceptions we as individuals have and the decisions we make.  It is also something Ecom, as a company but particularly as a service partner, relies heavily on to be successful.

Marketing messages are prime candidates for being spread in this way, between relevant and connected network members.  So when an award-winning creative director (whom we knew by stellar reputation) approached us (who he knew as being clued up on anything and everything digital) about putting together our own viral campaign for Ecom we couldn't help but jump straight in.

Have a look at the first instalment of our series below.  It's a light-hearted look at at what we all do and getting people to talk about that.  For us as a company too it's about talking to people about more than just the next job role; we're always keen to get closer to the work our contacts do and also to our contacts who do that work.

So feel free to comment on it, link to it, let us know what you'd do next, but most of all just talk about it with anyone you want!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgZUAKdzCc

.

ECOM Recruitment launch an iPhone App

ECOM's new iPhone app is a unique tool within digital recruitment which
allows candidates to easily find the perfect permanent or freelance role. 

Download for free at the app store now
http://itunes.com/apps/ecomdigitalrecruitment

Watch the video to see the app in action
http://vimeo.com/10867610

Permanent security or freelance freedom?

The dilemma for User Experience Architects

The recent downturn in the global economy has lead to a huge amount of flux in the UX market place in the last 18 months, with contract rates dropping, a drying up of permanent positions and even some (unenlightened) companies questioning the need for what some still see as a “fluffy” skill-set that shows no ROI and that any old designer should be capable of doing.

We have had freelancers who have worked solidly for years at good rates, asking us where the work is, why they can’t find anything, and most shockingly of all were considering looking at the few permanent roles that were available.

We have seen excellent permanent candidates become disillusioned, with that promised pay-rise not materialising, or extra responsibilities being forced upon them with no reward offered. Many have been unable to find something better, or have been unwilling to look for fear of losing their job as a result of being caught searching for something new and many have stayed put due to concerns about the stability of a potential future employer.

However the last few months have seen a dramatic turn around and things are very much on the up. This is now leading to an interesting question being asked amongst those in a permanent UX position – is now the time to go freelance?

Obviously there is no right or wrong answer to this question as it is clearly a hugely personal decision based on so many different factors, but there are several pointers that suggest now might just be the right time:

Freelancers are finding work immediately.

Demand is now consistently high, meaning the level of risk associated with leaving a permanent job is now much lower.

Rates are significantly up on 12 months ago, with the very best candidates now enjoying the highest rates seen for several years.

Freelancers get to work on a huge variety of projects, so not only is the pay and lifestyle better, the projects are often more interesting.

Also, there are loads of permanent roles available, both agency and client side, so should the worst happen and you do find yourself unable to secure a new contract, landing a new permanent role shouldn’t be too difficult.

Perhaps now is the time to seriously consider the freedom of a freelance lifestyle!!

The Christmas Crunch

It seems bleak, bleak, bleak, wherever you look this Christmas.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics tell a familiar story – unemployment is at its highest level for 12 years, up by 232,000 for the three months to April. Job vacancies, which peaked a year-and-a-half ago at 700,000, were down to 444,000 in May 2009.1

It's easy to believe things are, indeed, as bad as they sound but are they really that bad?

The smell of negativity, self pity and lack of hope lingers in the air but this Christmas seems to endure a sparkle of change. Forgive me for being sheltered but when was the last time you heard the latest job cut update on the news? Early 2009 oozed day after day updates of the economic downfall being what we eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but what about now?

For those of you abiding by the stereotype that Christmas is a quiet time for recruitment and plan to sit back and wallow it then what can I say, your loss! This Christmas is a great time for those wanting contract work in the digital arena at great daily rates and proactively showing interest in companies before the January job boom. A large amount of clients are taking on extra help over Christmas which is a blooming period compared to the dark times of 2008.

Advice to Graduates launching their career in digital? Start off with a smaller employer, as opposed to trying to get a place on a graduate scheme with a large corporate; it is a very competitive time. Often this attains faster results and can offer a broader overall experience.

On the whole be proactive and use December wisely. January will be as busy as the January sales. It is the busiest month of the year for recruitment and this 2010 has a smell of promise and optimism for the digital job market. So guarantee you are fully equipped, so that you can take advantage of whatever job opportunities crop up.

Don’t forget to party too! Parties are perfect venues for getting on your networking hat because networking is all about making connections with people, sharing interests and finding common grounds, you never know where this may lead you and your career!

One final important tip to all: Get in touch! We speak to specialist digital candidates all day/every day which means we have immediate access to the crème of the digital crop that is available now when you need them along with the top agencies and digital clients in London. It’s all about the right people in the right place. And the right place for the right people.

Merry Christmas to you all. Minus the crunch.

By Katrina Maratheftis

1-Dave Cohen (The Guardian Website 2009)

 

Are Recruitment Consultancies in trouble?

Following on from Annabel's previous post about a candidate finding work for himself using Twitter it leads nicely to the question: In these days of Social Networking, why do we need Recruitment Consultancies?

Recruitment agencies pride themselves on being able to offer their clients access to databases jam packed with talented individuals looking for work. Whilst for candidates there is the opportunity to gain access to companies offering work.

Now that everyone has a presence on at least one, if not all of the famous Online Networks; Facebook, Linkedin & Twitter...now that we are all connected to everyone in the world it seems through the power of linking & following...now that clients can easily find candidate profiles on the internet & people looking for work can search to find companies who are on the look out for employees….

If it isn’t a question of facilitating access to loads of talent because our clients already have direct access? If it isn’t a matter of simply being able to offer introductions to a list of successful businesses because individuals can make contact themselves? Where does that leave Recruitment Consultants? What is it that they offer?

Clients

CV Filter

We submit the most suitable candidates for the role.

Shortlist Individuals who are actively looking for work, not just connected on a social network but actually in the market for a job right now.

Submit Candidates that have already been interviewed with their skills & experience assessed

Personalities that are a good fit for the client’s particular culture & environment

ID & visa status that has been checked

Freelancers that are reference checked who have often worked for other clients of ours means we have a good grasp of their strengths & weaknesses   

Payroll service for all Freelancers saving time, money & hassle for you the client     

Quick turnaround; we are speaking to specialist digital candidates all day/every day which means we have immediate access to the best Digital talent that is available now when you need them!!!  

Candidates

Job Filter

Clients that we have already met so we can help you decide where you are best suited

By working with us, candidates are offered a selection of roles with several companies from one point of contact.

Consultancy & advice, saying this is not right for you can be as important as shouting this is the perfect role!

Freelancers get paid by us quicker, it’s then down to us to collect the money from the client.

YOU get paid even if the client doesn’t pay us! In these days of controversial prepack administration, we have had several instances where our clients have put themselves into administration owing us money for freelancers that we have already paid. We take the risk!

Quick turnaround, by keeping in touch with the leading names in Digital all day every day, it means that we can get your job search up & running immediately. Whether you’ve been let down at the last minute by a cancelled freelance booking or if you’ve been unfortunate enough to be made redundant, one call to us & we can brief you on a multitude of roles all in one go…no need to send multiple applications, or spend hours searching job boards, or firing out countless messages to your Linkedin connections or Twitter followers in the hope that one of them just might have a job for you right now when you need one!

Recruitment is about people not online connections. Building up a massive network on Linkedin is not an end in itself, although you could easily think that there are recruiters out there whose focus is building up connections for the sake of it rather than focusing on bringing together talent & business.

 

Yes we can & should use digital channels to facilitate the recruitment process but it’s about how we use it that counts…it’s the combination of technology & the human touch that works best.

 

Recruiting is about relationships.

 

It’s about people.