Author Archives: Louise Hjorth

The Best Way To Quit Your Job

It can be emotional quitting your job, and the feeling can be like breaking up with your partner since you are letting go of a company where you have spent time and created connections with colleagues. As for the manager, having an employee quit on you can generate a lot of negative emotions. Which is why it is important for you as an employee, to keep your professional relationship intact and focus on the best way to quit your job. 

Talk to your boss 

The first thing you must do when focusing on the best way to quit your job, is to schedule a meeting with your manager and let them know your plans. Make sure to give your manager a few weeks’ notice depending on your contract. In this way you avoid surprising your boss and it gives the company time to find another employee to fill the role and offload your work. 

If you are not comfortable telling your manager where you are going to work, you can let your manager know that you have not figured out all the details yet, but once everything is in place and set you will be happy to chat about the role. If you are taking some time off, you can mention that you want to take some time to reset before figuring out your next step, but you will be sure to tell more once you know what is coming. After your meeting make sure to send a resignation email, to resign in a formal way. 

Have an attitude of gratitude 

Perhaps you might be struggling with a negative attitude towards your manager, but always remember to show an attitude of gratitude, even if this is the last thing you feel like doing. Think back to when you had the first interview for this job and how much you wanted your manager to hire you. Think about the connections you have built with your colleagues or some of your great achievements, to change the negativity with thankfulness. 

The reason for this is that managers tend to respond more positively to resignations when the employee expresses gratitude in their resignation meeting or email. Make sure to keep the meeting or email to the point mentioning your leave date and then express some gratitude for all the experiences you had in your role. In this way you ensure to be on the best possible terms with your manager which is the best way to quit your job. 

Create a transition plan 

The last couple of weeks in your job is your last chance to leave a positive impression both in regards to your work and your colleagues. Perhaps you already started thinking about your next job and you are getting tempted to reduce the amount of workload. But keep in mind that you leaving your role affects several individuals and it most likely takes time for your manager to find and onboard a new employee to take your role. 

Therefore, the best way to quit your job is to be more engaged and helpful to set the next person up for success. You can give your manager a concrete suggestion when having the resignation meeting, that you are open to a flexible notice period or to train a replacement for your role. In this way you can put your managers mind at ease and you ensure the best way to quit your job. 

How Recruitment Companies use Social Media

Is it possible to use social media other than LinkedIn to recruit new employees? The answer is yes! We have put down the platforms and tools you can use in your recruitment and information about how recruitment companies use social media. 

Everything you can find is searched for!

The most effective tool for the search and selection process in recruitment is search strings. You can use search tools to find the right candidate for a role, by entering the most important information into a search engine you will find candidates with the desired qualifications. Whether you are on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or similar. Boolean search strings is a great way to find qualified candidates and is the most preferred process when searching for candidates for recruitment.

If you are a recruiter, this method is often your starting point. It is a great way to get an overview of how many people match the job description and where they are located geographically. It is also a great way to create a quick list of relevant candidates you can contact. Who knows, maybe you can close the recruitment process quickly. At the same time, as a candidate, you need to make yourself attractive on LinkedIn for potential employers to recruit you. It is important to update the profile with relevant information and keywords to increase your visibility. You can read more about how to optimize your LinkedIn profile here.  

Recruitment on all digital platforms

LinkedIn is the preferred platform for recruitment. Everyone is using LinkedIn today. This is the platform where all recruiters and HR managers operate when looking for candidates they want to recruit. You may have noticed that people working in HR or recruitment have looked through your profile every now and then, or you may have been contacted by someone with an exciting job offer. But LinkedIn is not the only digital platform recruiters use when looking for the right candidate. 

Some recruiters also use Instagram or Facebook, especially when searching for a candidate within a specific industry. Facebook has countless of groups and pages of which recruiters and HR managers are members. Typically, recruiters place job postings in the group and thereby reach relevant target groups. Instagram is an effective tool for recruitment companies to develop their brand identity, authenticity, and trust. Some recruiters might also use Instagram to search and select candidates for roles within specific industries. 

Take advantage of recruitment on social media

So, if you are a recruiter there is no reason to limit yourself. Instead use all the opportunities on the different social media platforms. Do not expect that the right candidate will come from one single job post, instead search for candidates yourself and post the job in different groups. In this way you can be lucky to close the recruitment process in a short amount of time. 

If you are a job seeker, make sure to optimize the relevant digital platforms and use the right keywords to create more visibility. You may not see the result in one week, but in the long run it will make a difference. There are no restrictions when it comes to recruiting on social media and you can go a long way by recruiting or applying for jobs in a different way than everyone else!

5 Tips For The First Working Day

Starting a new work in a new environment and with new faces, can be nerve wracking. But the changes can also be exciting, especially when you know how to tackle new challenges and learn more skills. 

Plan the day 

The first and most simple tip, is to make sure to plan the day. To avoid a stressful and frustrating morning, you can plan your outfit, the night before the first working day. It is also a good idea to check the route for your workplace and find out how to get there and how long it takes depending on the traffic. Perhaps you can drive earlier from home, which gives you a little extra time if there are traffic jams and you avoid getting stressed. In this way you are sure to arrive to work in time with a peaceful mindset. 

Do not come to work empty-handed 

If you haven’t been giving any instructions for the first working day, it is always a good idea to bring your own computer. Even if the company will give you a work computer, you never know if it has been delivered for the first working day. It is also a good idea to bring a book to write down notes and any documents about the company or employee manuals you have received from the company. 

Practice how to introduce yourself

One of the most important things to practice for the first working day, is how to introduce yourself. On the first working day, you will meet and talk to your new colleagues, and you will probably be asked a lot of questions. A good work environment between colleagues is very important, therefor it is essential to make a good first impression. With a little preparation, you are ready to answer all the questions your new and curious colleagues ask during the day. 

Listen and ask questions

When starting the first working day, it is important to listen and learn from your colleagues. You most likely don’t know everything about the company, the systems, and the processes, which is why you must be humble, instead of having a “I know everything” attitude. Pay extra attention and write important information in your notebook. Ask questions about everything from the system and tools to colleagues’ projects and experiences. 

Be yourself

You made it through the recruitment process by being yourself, so why start being a different person now? It is normal to be nervous the first working day, but do not doubt yourself. Remember that they chose you for a reason and you are the right person for the job. Therefor the last tip for the first working day is to be yourself when you talk and interact with your new colleagues. Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.

How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn has never been more important when it comes to job search. If you follow our steps on how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, you will increase your chances of making a good impression when searching for a job. Your LinkedIn profile is your professional branding profile and the more you optimize it, the better chances you have to get your dream job. 

1. Upload a Professional Photo 

First thing to do is to upload a professional photo. The photo must have been taken recently, be professional and have a neutral background. Your background or cover image should associate with your professionalism. This could be a picture that shows that you are hardworking, positive, or motivated. It could also be a picture that reflects the industry you are working in perhaps shipping, hospitality, or whatever industry you are working in. 

2. Create a Great Headline 

Your LinkedIn headline can help boost your profile and create more brand awareness. Even though this short description is mostly used for job titles, you can take it a step further and add even more details about your current role and your personality. You can mention that you are result-driven, creative, passionate or whatever you feels describes you professionally.  

3. Tell your story

If you want to know how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, the about section is a good way to start. Some people might use this section to list their recent job titles or achievements within their professional career. Others might use it to tell a small story about themselves or to mention their most valuable skills. The about section is a way for you to brand yourself in a few sentences, so make sure to focus on what you believe is your most important asset.

4. Work Experience and Education

Now comes the most important part. You must add relevant work experience and educational experience. Create a short description of your role and write the most relevant selling points about what you experience and what you achieved during the specific job or education. Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is consistent with your experience in your CV. 

5. Competencies

If you want to get noticed on LinkedIn, you must add all your competencies and skills. Most of the content on your LinkedIn profile works as keywords, as well as the competencies. Which is why it is important to add the most relevant competencies on your profile. This is a great way for you to brand your competencies and skills, as well as a great way to get noticed by recruiters or other relevant people. 

6. Grow your Network 

Now your LinkedIn looks great, so now it is time to make yourself visible. It is great to have a big network, however if your network gets too big it can take away focus from the primary focus of your profile. Make sure to connect with like-minded and skilled individuals to expand your industry and potentially advance your career. If you are looking for a job, it is a good idea for you to connect with relevant companies or recruitments agencies.    

5 Ways To Attract And Retain Good Employees

The recipe to attract and retain good employees is simple. Your future employees and current employees needs to be happy and motivated. Employees who are happy and motivated with their jobs stay longer in companies and they are the key to a healthy and successful company. 

Here are 5 ways to attract and retain good employees. 

1. Create and sustain a culture of recognition 

When looking at ways to attract and retain good employees, a culture of recognition can be a considerable game changer. Such a culture engages and empowers employees, making them feel like the work they do has a meaning and purpose. But how do you create a culture that will make your employees eager to work in your company. The short answer is employee recognition. Focus on recognizing your employees and give them positive feedback. Most people respond positively to recognition, and it can provide them with renewed energy. Many people work even harder when their efforts are recognized by their manager, since they feel valued in the company. It gives the employers motivated and happy employees who think positively about their manager and the workplace. 

2. Make feedback a keystone of your culture

Creating an environment in which honest, open, and two-way feedback is supported and embraced is one of the most effective ways to cultivate a workplace culture that attract and retain good employees. Constructive feedback is one of the best things a manager can give to their employees. When feedback is delivered properly it can strengthen positive behavior and ensure a strong culture in your team. Feedback also involves in discussing growth opportunities. At companies where managers discuss growth opportunities with employees, the impact of retention is increasing. Employees consider growth as a core value and having opportunities for development may be a deciding factor in whether they will choose employment in your company. 

3. Give responsibility and trust your employees

Responsibility gives motivated employees. Most people want to develop professionally. It can be through new work assignments, new areas of responsibility or courses and certifications. Many people see promotion as an important factor for professional development and motivation. One thing is certain. The employers must create an environment where employees can have more responsibility and the professional motivation must be supported to keep efficient employees.  Responsibility and development is key if you are looking for ways to attract and retain good employees. If there are no clear signs of development within the company, the employees will be more likely to look for new opportunities.

4. Offer a flexible schedule 

A flexible schedule will allow an employee to work hours that may not correspond with normal working hours. Not all good employees will have the availability to work standard hours. There might be circumstances that cause conflicts with a standard work schedule. Therefore, having the possibility to be flexible will help attract and retain good employees. A flexible work schedule can include flexible work hours, compressed workweek, job sharing and allowing employees to work remotely. 

5. Treat your employees fairly 

Employees are the greatest assets in a company. If a company want to attract and retain good employees, the company should treat them well. When an employee knows that their company cares about them, they may be more willing to take care about the company. Motivational variables are different for each person, which is why it is important for the employer to understand what motivates each employee. Once the employer understands the motivational variables of their employees, they can start to create more retention benefits within the company. By making sure that you treat your employees fairly and equally based on their qualifications and efforts, you can improve employee satisfaction and retention. 

How To Find The Best Candidate For Your Company

At Scancruit, we value people and this underpins everything that we do. We believe that the right people make the difference between success and failure. Our decision is based on research and knowledge. We go the extra mile to understand our clients’ values. We focus on how to find the best candidate for your company. 

1. Do your research about the candidate 

When doing a job interview you can get a good impression of the candidate and ask questions about their experience. But the candidate might look perfect for the role on paper and did great to the job interview. But is the candidates really who they pretend to be? To be sure that you find the right candidate to join your team and to grow your company. It is important to secure references from others who have previously worked with the potential new employee. 

2. Ask the candidate to resolve one or more tasks 

When focusing on how to find the best candidate for your company, it is a great idea to create one or more tasks relevant to the job. In this way the candidates get a chance to show their skills and it is a great way for the company and the candidates to see if they are suitable for the role. It takes time to create a good task, but it is a good investment. 

3. Be sure to test the candidates 

Thirdly it is a good idea to do a personality test, to get a better understanding about the candidates’ personality and get a better idea of how they will fit into the company. It reveals the candidate’s general behavior and action patterns. Though it is important to mention that the personality test is an additional tool to use, and your decision should be based on other factors as well. 

4. Let your team meet the candidates

The dynamic in the team is crucial when finding a new candidate. It is a good idea to let the most relevant team members meet the potential candidate, to get an idea how the future candidate will fit into the team and the values of the company. To ensure that you take all the above factors into consideration, you can work with a recruitment company. They will make sure to match your companies’ values with the new candidate.  

4 Good Tips That Can Ensure You A Higher Salary

There are many ways to prepare for a salary negotiation and different ​​approaches, where the result depends as much on your preparation as the employer’s willingness to negotiate the salary. The question is just which way leads to a pay rise. 

1. Preparation is Key

Regardless of the reason for the pay negotiation, you must always be well prepared for the meeting. Be aware of how much you want in salary for the job you perform or must perform – it is especially relevant to know when you are going to a job interview. 

There are several factors that help determine where you land in the payroll. The recruiter or your immediate manager also comes into the meeting with an estimate salary. The way to negotiate is a minor “mind-game” where you start high and then calmly and surely hit a number that both parties are happy with. 

Though it is not a good idea to start the negotiation with an amount that is incredibly high and completely out of the employer’s reach. It can, if it goes completely wrong, end up with both parties leaving the meeting with a negative impression of each other – which must be avoided. 

2. Compare salaries for your position

If you do not have much knowledge about your expected salary, you can research what others in the same position earn. There are so many resources available online to find the average monthly Package for a given position based on seniority, geography, and other parameters – you can find statistics on everything from software developers to key account managers. Once you have an overview, you can put your work tasks and results in comparison and in the end, you will have an idea what salary you can expect. 

3. Get an overview of your results

Now we mention results again, because in the end the results are the ones you are measured on. It is very important that you are aware of your results in your previous or current company since this is your selling points. You must clarify what value you have added to the company over the last year, and it makes you significantly stronger during the salary negotiations.

4. Talk about salary with colleagues

It is still a controversial and sore point when the theme falls on salary in companies. Some people might say that it is allowed while others will say it is forbidden. But it is always a good idea to get an understanding and an overview by talking internally with colleagues or externally across organizations about salary conditions. The knowledge you gather can ultimately help you get a good salary than you had expected. 

3 Reasons To Trust Your Employees

The secret to employee productivity and happiness is according to research, as simple as trusting your employees. Trust in the workplace can have far reaching benefits on everything from performance to the work environment in the workplace. 

1. Better performance

When trusting your employees, they are more likely to work their full potential and perform better. If the management is not trusting the employee, it hurts the employee morale, which will turn into lower productivity. Which is why the hiring process of hiring an employee is very important. Whether you do the recruitment yourself or through a professional recruitment agency. You must ensure that you choose the right people to grow your company and to make a positive impact. It is up to the management to take a step back and show confidence in the employees that they have hired. 

2. Independent employees 

Micromanagement is harmful to both employees and managers. Managers will waste a lot of valuable time on supervising, instead of spending time on leading the employees. In the same time the employees lose their productivity and they start to believe that they need the management approval for every activity. Making them unlikely to think of any creative solutions to problems by themselves. If you trust in your employees, they are more likely to be more independent, creative and bring better value to the company.  

3. Improved work environment 

One of the last reasons to trust your employees is that you will create a better and improved work environment. Managers who give their employees the opportunity to work independently will create more productivity and a happier atmosphere. Trusting your employees creates a better sense of community and it helps building a better team spirit. That is important for your team to be successful and for your company to grow. Finally it will automatically give your company a good reputation. Since your employees are positive and you have reduced the employee turnover.

4 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring


1. You skip the preparation

Perhaps your company is growing or one of your employees have resigned and you suddenly need to find a skilled replacement. Maybe you can already post the job description this afternoon if you just create one quickly or reuse an old job description? But it is right here you must take a step back and take yourself time to find the right candidate. Because it requires a longer process to hire the right employee.

It is important to make a thorough job analysis and a competency profile, so you know exactly what person you are looking for to join your team. In the job description you must describe what the job is about and what competencies the position requires. When the job description is accurate, it also becomes much easier to find the right person for the position. 

2. You do not include relevant employees 

When looking for a new employee, it is important to include relevant employees in the decision making. They might not have the final decision, but they can be a great support when trying to find the right fit for the team. Perhaps the employees have some important requirements for the candidates’ personal profile and working profile which you have not taken into consideration. 

Perhaps the current employees can be helpful when it comes to creating the right job description and when creating the job advertisement itself. The job advertisement can pose many challenges that require time and careful consideration, both in relation to the template and where the job advertisement shall be posted. 

3. You talk more than you listen

Now you have finally received a lot of applications and have decided which candidates who are suitable for your company. You have also prepared a lot of questions, that you are looking forward to asking the different candidates for the job interviews. On one hand it is good to be prepared, but on the other hand it would be wise to just be quiet. 

One of the many mistakes you should avoid when hiring is to talk too much, which is a mistake too many interviewers make. Your primary role is instead to listen carefully and ask questions to what the candidate has to say. 

4. You do not check references

The last point of the 4 mistakes to avoid when hiring, is to avoid to not check the references. Perhaps the candidate looks perfect for the role on paper, and she did great to the job interview. But is she really who she pretends to be? To be sure that you find the right candidate to join your team and to grow your company, it is important to secure references from others who have previously worked with the potential new employee. 

When contacting the reference person, you should only ask questions that have a significant impact on the applicant’s ability to hold the current position. It could also be an idea to work with a recruitment agency, who can help you verify the specific candidate or help you through the entire recruitment process, so that you ensure that you find the right candidate for your company. 

Benefits of Working With A Headhunter

If you decide to meet with a headhunter and hear more about the job offer, you can be sure that it will remain between the two of you. The headhunter avoids revealing any confidential information. 

What does it mean?

In headhunting, it is not yourself who actively sends an application related to a job opening. The headhunter will contact you if they find you interesting for a specific position. 

The headhunter is able to contact a candidate even though the candidate is not looking to change job. Perhaps they want to know more about your competencies. A reason for this could be to find out if you are suitable, for a specific role or to know if you want to change job. 

If you have been talking with a headhunter, it is often possible for you to upload your CV to their database. As a result, if they find another position that could be interesting for you, they will contact you again.

How will the headhunter notice me?

Visibility is crucial for whether a headhunter will find you. There are several things you can do to get visible.

LinkedIn is a channel that many use to find qualified candidates for a specific position. If you have a LinkedIn profile, it is important that you have updated your work experience, education and skillset. For example, it is good for visibility if you are making LinkedIn posts and commenting on other people’s activities.

Some recruitment agencies, have the option of putting your resume in their database. But it is far from all headhunters that you can find yourself. Often this is only possible if they have already contacted you themselves.