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Bringing Careers to the fore
Firmly established on the retail, hospitality and leisure events scene, this February sees the 14th Career Forums event come to London's Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel. Here, we take a look at what the event has to offer attendees and profile some of the key exhibitors.
Career Forums has gone from strength to strength since its first live event in 2005. Now a multi-channel events group, the annual schedule of events features live shows as well as virtual events throughout the year covering both retail and hospitality careers.
At the live London events, exhibitors are looking to recruit at all levels from retail sales assistants through to operations management and a range of roles in head office functions, whilst at the Virtual Events, exhibitors are purely looking to recruit the very best operations and head office professionals with a background in retail and hospitality.
However, even for candidates not actively seeking out a new job, Career Forums provides a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow professionals and get advice and tips from professional recruiters thanks to a seminar programme that covers all aspects of the career path from interview technique to the use of social media, geared towards professionals in hospitality, leisure, fashion and retail of all levels.
In addition, one of the top attractions for candidates is the CV doctor, a free service provided by consultancy Retail Human Resources that aims to talk potential candidates through their CVs and offer advice and changes if necessary.
Commenting on what 2012 holds for the brand, Career Forums organiser Adam Tomkinson said: "There is no getting away from the fact that 2011 was one of the worst years on record for many industries. However, for companies that are willing to invest in top-quality candidates at this time, there is a wealth of talent out there and this in turn means that talented retail and hospitality professionals have a great variety of choice when it comes to their next career move.
"This February's event will be a real boost, not only for jobseekers but also for people who just want to come and improve their skillset to keep them ahead of the game."
Exhibitors at the next event, which is being held in the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, Central London, include TJX Europe, which operates the TK Maxx and Home Sense chains, as well as big fashion names Banana Republic, Gap and Topshop/Topman.
Meanwhile, Greggs, Pizza Express and Whole Foods will be seeking great candidates for their businesses alongside Makro, Screwfix and Wilkinson. Meanwhile, for candidates seeking a variety of options across the sectors, specialist consultancies Fashion & Retail Personnel, Retail Human Resources and Hospitality and Leisure Recruitment also have stands manned by professional recruiters who can offer advice and of course a wealth of new opportunities.
Screwfix Direct
Describe the working culture of your company in one sentence.
An organisation which is forever exceeding our own ambitions, growing at a phenomenal rate and employing individuals who are able to grow and develop their careers with us.
How would you describe your perfect candidate in three words?
Open to change.
Connecting with the customer.
Building customer rapport.
What are you hoping to get out of Career Forums?
The chance to let candidates know we are a fast-growing and exciting organisation and encourage people who wouldn't previously have thought of Screwfix to consider us for their future career.
Who's going to be on your Career Forums stand?
Our recruitment team and some managers and colleagues from our stores.
Whole Foods Market
Describe the working culture of your company in one sentence.
It reflects what is truly important to us as an organisation, based around food, people and the planet.
How would you describe your perfect candidate in three words?
Foodies.
Professional.
Empowered.
What are you hoping to get out of Career Forums?
Candidates for building bench strength as the company grows in the UK.
Who's going to be on your Career Forums stand?
Our regional HR team, store-based recruitment team, store-based trainers and store leadership representation.
Gap
Describe the working culture of your company in one sentence.
Gap offers a dynamic, fast-paced and values driven culture that supports both professional and personal development.
How would you describe your perfect candidate in three words?
Customer-focused.
Has a passion for fashion.
Energetic.
What are you hoping to get out of Career Forums?
An opportunity to meet with talented people who are passionate about a retail career, who love Gap and would like the opportunity to become a part of an established and global brand.
Who's going to be on your Career Forums stand?
Our recruitment specialist and central London head of store management team from both Gap and Banana Republic who will be able to share their knowledge and experiences of working for the Gap Inc brand and give the candidates an opportunity to speak directly to the managers who run our stores every day.
Greggs
Describe the working culture of your company in one sentence.
Fast-paced and friendly, forward-thinking and driven to succeed; our family atmosphere makes Greggs a great place to work.
How would you describe your perfect candidate in three words?
Enthusiastic.
Hardworking.
Passionate.
What are you hoping to get out of Career Forums?
To meet people who are passionate about retail, who want to produce the quality Greggs products that customers enjoy and provide great customer service.
Who's going to be on your Career Forums stand?
Kat and Christina from the London region recruitment team and Rob and Andy, area managers.
TK Maxx
Describe the working culture of your company in one sentence.
TK Maxx is retail at its most exciting - we encourage entrepreneurial spirit and a simple operating model; put simply - if you can think it, you can do it!
How would you describe your perfect candidate in three words?
All about attitude!
What are you hoping to get out of Career Forums?
Career Forums represents a fantastic opportunity for TJX Europe to become accessible to retail-savvy managers - we're more than happy to swap retail stories throughout the two days, but what we're really interested in is securing the best talent so that our success story can continue to grow across UK, Ireland and Europe.
Who's going to be on your Career Forums stand?
The TJX Europe stand will be hosted by representatives of both TK Maxx and HomeSense, with hosts coming from HR, Talent Acquisition, and most importantly, some of our retail management team will be on hand to answer any questions.
Seminar Programme
Thursday, 16th February
Interview skills
12:30 - 14:30
An interactive session aimed at candidates of all levels looking for some advice and inspiration with their interview techniques.
How to present yourself in an interview
14:30 - 15:30
How colour, style and even make-up can help you look appropriate, on-trend, and stand out from the crowd without standing out like a sore thumb.
Working with agencies
15:30 - 16:30
Retail Human Resources discusses how working with recruitment agencies can aid with your career search.
Hospitality & leisure
16:30 - 17:30
Ever thought of running a pub, restaurant or hotel? This seminar will give you a bite-sized insight into the world of leisure and hospitality and may whet your appetite for a new and exciting career move.
Working in head office
17:30 - 18:30
An outline of the structures and roles available in head office, followed by a Q&A session.
Friday, 17th February
Working with agencies
10:30 - 11:30
Consultants from recruitment company Fashion & Retail Personnel discuss how working with recruitment agencies can aid with your career search, what to expect and how to get the best out of the relationship with your consultant.
Buying & merchandising: a guide
11:30 - 12:30
A look at what these careers entail including your chance to see if a career in buying or merchandising could be for you.
Interview skills
12:30 - 14:30
An interactive session aimed at candidates of all levels looking for some help and inspiration with their interview techniques.
Social media
14:30 - 15:30
A new seminar for this year. Find out how social media can assist with your job search.
Career Forums FAQs
Who should attend?
Our exhibitors will be looking for people who are pursing new management, head office, and sales-based challenges.
Whether you have been working in retail for 10 months or 10 years, we would love to meet you. And with exhibitors covering all sectors of retail and hospitality, we're sure to have a job that appeals to you.
What happens at the event?
Career Forums is run over two days, and with the UK's leading retailers exhibiting, there is plenty to do! All of the exhibitors are at the event on both days, meaning you can visit the event at a time that suits you, and have a choice of which day or time to attend.
As well as talking to the exhibitors about current opportunities and potential vacancies, we also have a comprehensive seminar programme giving you the skills you need to stay ahead in the fast-moving retail industry.
Plus, we have a team of CV Doctors on hand to make sure that your first impression with a new employer isn't your last!
To make the most of your time, why not familiarise yourself with our exhibitor list and seminar timetable then plan who you want to see, what you want to do, and when? And remember... don't be shy; everyone at Career Forums will be delighted to speak with you.
What do I need to bring with me?
After registering for one of our events, you will be emailed a fast-track entry ticket which you need to print off and bring with you on the day.
Alternatively, just make a note of your unique reference number on the email, and bring that along with you.
It is also a good idea to bring multiple copies of your CV to give to employers as well as a pen and notepad to note any additional information regarding the next step in their recruitment process.
If you are hoping to really impress a potential employer on the day, why not do a little research beforehand too? Look up their website to find out some background information on the company and their vacancies on offer.
Adam Tomkinson,
Event Organiser
