Seltek Launches New Mobile App!

With the recent launch of our new website Seltek had already become "mobile friendly". However, we've gone one step further and are launching our new mobile app - today!

We've been working hard with developers for many months to create an app that will enable you to easily search for jobs, be notified of vacancies that match your specifications, upload your CV, apply for jobs and much more ... all from your mobile device.

Here are some screen shots to whet your appetite:

Home page	Vacancy filters	List of job categories	Job details

It's free, easy and puts you in control! Just download it from your favourite app store.

Alternatively just search for "seltek" in the store on your phone!

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How to Delete Your Digital Life!

In our September 2012 Hotsheet we advised you to remove pictures and information about yourself (which might be detrimental to your purpose) from the internet, in advance of entering the job market.

http://www.seltekconsultants.co.uk/HotsheetArchive/201209.htm

But how to achieve this?! It's commonly acknowledged to be extremely difficult to do this, but here's some advice on how to successfully wipe out your online past:

Wiping away your digital life means getting rid of the traces you've left – the mistakes you made, the embarrassing photos, the unwise comments, the flawed social media profiles where you've left too much visible.

But how easy is that? The following steps provide a start to reducing your digital footprint and taking back control of your online life.

1) If you have a Facebook account, change every setting in the Privacy tabs to "private" or "not shared" or "off" (there's a special "privacy settings" shortcut in the blue bar near the top).

2) Find out what photos you're tagged in on Facebook. These should appear in the Photos tab on the left hand side. If you hover over the picture, a star and a pencil appear in the top right. Choose "Report/remove tag" and pick "I want to untag myself" from the list.

3) If you have a Google Blogger account, delete your profile there. That means that blogposts or comments you've made there will vanish.

4) If you've got a Tumblr or Wordpress blog, delete that too.

Now start using a search engine, and begin searching on your name (put the first name and surname together in quotes; this works in pretty much all search engines to identify that as a phrase you're after). Note that some sites, such as newspapers, generally won't agree to removing your name if you've appeared in a news or other story.

5) If you've posted in forums, go back and see if you can delete your posts. If you can't, try asking the administrators of the sites (nicely) if they can remove your post. Have a very good reason. You should always bear in mind the Streisand Effect, which can have the reverse effect – spreading what you don't want to draw notice to around the  internet, with the equivalent of a klaxon attached to it. (In 2003 the singer Barbra Streisand tried to remove some aerial pictures of her California beach house from a collection, via a lawsuit. The outcry meant the pictures were more widely spread, rather than the reverse.)

6) Remove any photos you've added to sites such as Flickr or, of course, Facebook. Try searching on your name in Google Images (put quotes around your name) and see what comes up: then visit those sites and ask if they would remove the photos. Again, be aware of the Streisand effect.

7) Keep doing searches on your name and finding out what turns up, and getting in touch with the owners of the sites. Be prepared to get rebuffed, especially if the site is in the US.

8) Be aware that anything that you've posted outside Facebook, Blogger or Wordpress might still live on in the Internet Archive – which aims to crawl the entire web again and again and store what it finds, for ever. The Internet Archive doesn't have an explicit way to remove sites once they're in its index – which is colossal. And as it sees itself as a repository of the web, which would otherwise be short-lived. It does take a case-by-case approach to requests for removal.

9) Be aware too that even if you remove explicit mentions of your name, a determined searcher may be able to dig up your past through leftover postings and hints of whatever sort. Mentions by other people, photos where even though you're not tagged, you're mentioned in related information.

In this, we've not taken the more extensive move of deleting your Google web search history – though if you don't want to be (silently) tracked by Google, then stop using Google's search (there are plenty of other search engines that won't track you, such as DuckDuckGo.com or Blekko.com. DuckDuckGo is improving all the time, and saw a big jump in traffic with the change in Google's privacy policies last year.

Expunging yourself from the internet is very, very hard. As far as is known, nobody's succeeded – though of course if they had, how would we know?

Link to Source

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The Importance of The Handshake!

We don't touch people very much, do we? Apart from our nearest and dearest, we do our best to avoid physical contact with others. Even in a crowd, we breathe in, twist and turn our bodies, do anything we can to avoid the horror of human contact. No wonder we like stroking cats!

Almost the only time when it is 'permissible' to touch another person is when we greet them: the handshake! It's an almost universal custom amongst the human race. OK, there's a bit of nose-rubbing in the igloos, and some Europeans seem to like performing all sorts of unspeakable rites, but generally, it's the handshake.

It should come as no surprise therefore that the whole panoply of The Human Condition is reflected in this brief (sometimes not-so-brief!) moment. There are many different handshakes, and every one of them carries hidden meaning.

For a lot of interesting (and often humorous) information about all this, type 'different handshakes' into Google, and take your pick!

In our business, we meet a lot of people of course, and we think about these things carefully. More importantly, we send a lot of people to job interviews, and we are very conscious that those interviews may well be truly golden opportunities in our candidates' lives. How sad it must be therefore, for people to lose those golden opportunities because they gave the wrong impression in the very first moments of meeting their potential employers.

In our advice about how to prepare for interviews, and how to do well in interviews http://www.seltekconsultants.co.uk/candidates/interview-advice-and-tips/

we advise: To create a good first impression – stand up straight, walk briskly towards the interviewer, smile and shake their hand with a firm, dry handshake. Do not crush their bones, do not hang on too long, do not use both hands, and do not clutch the end of the fingertips. Use the interviewer’s title and surname: How do you do Dr. Jones, I’m pleased to meet you.

With a bit of luck that should equip you to present yourself as a confident, amiable person. But a bit of research will help you to understand more about the person standing opposite to you!

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The Top Ten Handshake Types ...!

...and what they reveal about you, your clients and your candidates

Recruiters are meeting people all the time (or they should be anyway!), and one thing we all do as a matter of course in the greeting is shake hands with people. Wouldn't it be great to actually know more about the person you are meeting? A sales expert called Dr Gregory Stebbins has written a book that helps us understand the people side of sales. So primed with this new found information you will be able to learn the hidden messages with your clients or your candidates.

Below are the Top 10 Handshake Types - and what they reveal about your client or your candidate:

1. Sweaty Palms – When a person is nervous their sympathetic nervous system often becomes overactive, sometimes resulting in sweaty palms. Do what you can to put this individual at ease.

2. Dead Fish - Indifferent handshakes that feel like the person has no bones in their hand often indicate a passive or reserved personality. This handshake ranks as the number two least favoured. Individuals with this type of clasp are generally not people-focused. Knowing this, you can tailor your presentation to de-emphasize the people aspect and focus more on the mechanical or thing-focused benefits. Exceptions to this rule might be musicians and surgeons whose livelihood depends on sensitive hands and who are therefore reluctant to open up to a bone crusher.

3. Brush Off – This handshake type is a quick grasp and then a release that feels like your hand being shoved aside. This handshake is a statement of “it’s my turf and my agenda that matters, yours doesn’t.” Listen first to what the person wants before talking about your ideas for them.

4. Controller – You feel your hand being pulled toward the person  or strongly guided in a different direction, perhaps towards a chair. People who do this are controllers. This means they want to dominate any inanimate or animate object in the room (and that would include you). If your goals are different than theirs there may be challenges ahead. Do more listening than talking and see if you can find common ground so these individuals can control the situation toward your desired objective.

5. Politician – Your hand is firmly grasped as in a normal handshake. However, their other hand may cover yours or be placed on your forearm or shoulder. Unless the two of you are good friends, this is a form of false sincerity. The person is attempting to communicate that the two of you have a deeper relationship than you actually have. After receiving this kind of handshake, I recommend you check your pockets or purse to see if anything is missing. Similarly, be cautious about relying on this person’s word for anything and be attentive in your dealings with them.

6. Finger Vice – When someone grabs your fingers and not your entire hand it is meant to keep you at a distance. These people are often insecure. If they also crush your fingers they are adding a show of personal power, which is also designed to keep you at a distance or at least create some fear of challenging them. I wouldn’t recommend becoming submissive, however it will serve your purpose to be somewhat deferential to them.

7. Bone Crusher – The message of squeezing your hand until you cringe is clearly designed to intimidate you. Even when the person may not know how strong they are, there is still a message of intimidation and power behind the grip. You don’t have to pretend to be a wimp with them, and, in fact, they may respond positively to you if you present yourself with strength. Just don’t get into a hand-squeezing contest when you shake because then it becomes a competition and even if you win, you’ll lose.

8. Lobster Claw – Like the claw of a lobster, the other person’s thumb and fingers touch the palm of your hand. The person doing this fears connecting at a deep level and may have challenges building relationships. Take your time. Allow them to open up at their own pace. As they become more comfortable with you their handshake may actually change. Once they fully accept you, they can become a client for life.

9. Hand Wrestler – Your hand is taken normally and then twisted under the other person’s. This is usually done aggressively. Be very careful in your own presentation as this person is absolutely committed to being on top, regardless of what they say they want.

10. Teacup – This handshake feels normal except that there is no palm-to-palm contact. The other person’s palm is cupped, like a teacup. This handshake indicates that the person is hiding something from you. It might just be a serious case of shyness or it could be something more substantial. Always check for missing information when working with this individual.

Thanks and acknowledgements to Andy Headworth of Sirona Consulting who wrote this excellent piece:

Link to source

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Hot Jobs

Good news and bad news!

The bad news is that Britain is not experiencing a world record beating, first time in all of human history, treble dip recession! Shame..we like to be the best at things.

The good news is that Britain has avoided falling into a treble dip recession!

George Osborne has welcomed news that Britain's economy expanded by a stronger-than-expected 0.3% in the first quarter of 2013, avoiding a triple-dip recession.
As the first estimate from the Office for National Statistics showed that a healthy performance from the services sector helped GDP growth to beat the 0.1% expected by City pundits, the chancellor said it was evidence that the coalition's policies were helping to "build an economy fit for the future".

Guardian 25th April 2013

Whoopie-doo, is the phrase that leaps to my mind!

Still, irony and cynicism set aside, and hotter than the raging inferno that is the British economy, are the Hottest of Seltek's Hot Jobs:

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• Summary: A globally recognised life science company is keen to recruit a European Sales Director to lead their continued commercial success across Europe within the academic research sector. The role will have direct line management of a number of country sales managers who in turn have sales teams reporting to them.
  
  Contact Scott Peacock now for a free confidential discussion on 01279 657716 or email scott@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: You will implement corporate strategy and within a broader framework develop your own sales strategies to grow the business; sales are measured in the hundreds of millions!

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€70,000 basic salary

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€100,000 OTE, uncapped bonus, pension, healthcare

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• Summary: This international, leading manufacturer of scientific instruments is looking to recruit a European Product Specialist to be based in their German offices in south west Germany. This company manufacture instruments used for material science analysis, and are sold to a variety of markets throughout Europe. You will be responsible for managing the sales of your product portfolio throughout Europe. The majority of the sales will be completed through the field sales team and distributors, but you will be responsible for influencing their sales as well as selling and promoting directly to key customers and at conferences.
  
  To discuss this further please call Mrs Kristina Wraight on 01279 657716, or email kristina@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

• Why you should apply for this job:   This relatively new product range has already had great success, and is expected to continue on this path for this new financial year.
  

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Senior Engineer : Electron Microscopy

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£55,000 basic salary

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Private healthcover, company pension

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• Summary: Do you have experience managing a team of people? Have you taken a scientific instrument from concept through the product development cycle? Are you looking to join a world class organisation? If so we have a rare opportunity for you based in the heart of England. A world leading manufacturer of electron microscopy instruments and accessories is looking for a Senior Engineer to lead their product development site. This role will focus on their scanning electron microscopy (SEM) range. Those with experience or technical knowledge of electron optics, vacuum and cryogenic systems are invited to apply. This role would have a range of responsibilities from approving projects, managing the product development cycle, budget and man-management. With seven direct line reports, experience of managing a team of engineers and development scientists is essential; those without this experience are asked not to apply.
  Innovation and the ability to deliver projects on time are essential for this role as will be your experience in developing high tech, scientific equipment and instruments.
  
  
  
  
  Contact Tom Dolton now for a free confidential discussion on 01279 657716 or email tom@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

Why you should apply for this job: With a market leading position in the field of electron microscopy accessories this business is looking to promote their advantage by developing and introducing new products to the market. Although the emphasis of this role will be on physical instruments, experience in this field isn’t essential; the priority is experience of leading a team and a track record of completing product development cycles.

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£45,000 basic salary

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• Summary: Do you have product management experience?· Do you have clinical diagnostics experience? Would you like to work for a global leader and make a huge contribution to the success of their products? This global leader is looking for a Product Manager for their diagnostics and healthcare division. You will work closely with the commercial team to plan the strategy to get products to market, targeting the customers with the marketing communications team and training the sales people on the product features and benefits ready for launch. You will also look for and develop relationships with partners who you could work with to increase product sales.
  
  
  For more information about this exciting opportunity, please call Caroline Searby on 01279 657716 or email caroline@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  
  
• Why you should apply for this job: This is a key role within this company. You will be a real interface between R&D, the commercial team and the customer. This will enable you to take ideas and requirements from the customer to the R&D team to improve and develop products which the customer base will want to buy.

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• Summary: One of the most well respected life science companies is looking for a Key Account Manager to cover the highest spend key accounts in the London area. If you have key account experience from the chemical or life science sector and are looking to take this further within a market leader then this is the role for you.
  The role is to fully manage the London area key accounts in the academic sector which will involve mapping the client, assessing current and future growth opportunities, co-ordinating specialist support from colleagues as required and producing and implementing a strategic plan for the client in conjunction with management.
  The role is field based from a home office set-up.
  
  
  Contact Jon Pearse now for a free confidential discussion on 01279 657716 or email jon@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

• Why you should apply for this job: The company has a friendly and supportive culture with training and career development. They have one of the most well recognised life science brands and are the supplier of choice for many research institutions.

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• Summary: A leading life science company that is enjoying significant sales growth across the UK is keen to recruit a Technical Sales Specialist in the London region to manage a territory that will cover key academic customers including UCL and Imperial colleges. This territory consists of academic and not-for-profit research centres, and it is well mapped out yet has lots of potential for further sales growth.
  
  
  Contact Scott Peacock now for a free confidential discussion on 01279 657716 or email scott@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

• Why you should apply for this job: The company manufactures a range of genomic research kits, consumables and instruments and is a globally recognised brand offering extremely high quality products to the research market.

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• Summary: The leading servicing business in the UK healthcare industry is expanding its operation to support new areas of advanced medical imaging equipment. With a particular focus on servicing diagnostic ultrasound equipment this role would suit an engineer looking to move away from the bureaucracy and red-tape you are burdened with whilst working for an OEM (original equipment manufacturer).
  With an established business of selling & servicing medical imaging systems into the NHS and private hospitals this company is expanding to offer aftersales technical service and support, including planned preventative maintenance and critical repairs for a range of ultrasound products.
  
  Contact Tom Dolton now for a free confidential discussion on 01279 657716 or email tom@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

• Why you should apply for this job: With a flexible work schedule this role would suit an engineer who wants to spend their time focusing on the impact they can have for end users and patients rather than on paperwork and administration. Offering autonomy you will be trusted to plan and execute your own work schedule whilst being fully supported by the company’s head office. Given the business expansion this role represents, there is a degree of flexibility on your home location: any candidate with experience servicing diagnostic ultrasound systems is invited to apply.
  

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• Summary: Are you interested in joining a well-established company with niche instrumentation and a global customer base? Would you enjoy the opportunity to travel internationally? Approximately one third of your working time will be spent travelling. This will include Europe and international destinations such as the US or Asia. For long-haul destinations, up to two weeks could be spent in the field so you will need to be comfortable travelling on your own and managing your travel itinerary.
  You will be supporting users with specialised spectrophotometry instruments, including installation, servicing and upgrading the instruments and training customers. You will travel globally as this company has customers worldwide. In addition you will be supporting the office staff technically and will promote the aftersales service contracts to the customers.
  
  
  For more information about this exciting opportunity, please call Caroline Searby on 01279 657716 or email caroline@seltekconsultants.co.uk
  

• Why you should apply for this job: This role is a varied one, combining field applications, servicing instruments, office based technical support of both customers and the office team and some promotional work. If you enjoy travelling to meet customers but also like to have a team environment in the office to work with then this is a rare role combining both.
  

Hot Candidates

Congratulations to everyone who competed in the London Marathon this year, and of course to the winners!

I was amazed at the vast number of records associated with this event. Here are a few:

• Fastest marathon run whilst skipping with a rope -
  4h 28m 48s
• Fastest marathon dressed as a cartoon character
  (male) - 2h 46m 40s
• Fastest marathon dressed as a cartoon character
  (female) - 3 h 28m 26s
• Fastest marathon in an animal costume (male) –
  3h 4m
• Fastest marathon in an animal costume (female) -
  3h 18m 9s

Link to source

Still, hotter (probably) than the dude who ran round dressed as a chicken, are the Hottest of Seltek's Hot Candidates:

This Month's Hot Candidates

* Account Manager (Scientific Software) * Home Counties * £84/120K * Ref: 18083

* Senior Global Marketing Manager (Healthcare) * Live Anywhere! * €85K * Ref: 49148

* Product Manager (Healthcare) (Trilingual) * Netherlands * €85K * Ref: 122796

* Technical Manager (Nutrition PhD) * West of England * £75/95K * Ref: 122736

* VP of European Pharma Sales * Live Anywhere! * £75/85K * Ref: 65488

* Senior Business Manager (Genetics) * M4 Corridor * £70/80K * Ref: 76661

* National Sales Manager (Medical Devices) * Live anywhere * £45/54K * Ref: 122730

* Regional Account Manager (Scientific Services) * Live Anywhere! * £35K * Ref: 122659

* Technical Sales Specialist (Biology PhD) * Live Anywhere! * £33K * Ref: 122663

* BDE (Antibodies) (Molecular Biology PhD) * North West * £30K * Ref: 122626

* Clinical Product Specialist (Echocardiology) * Live Anywhere! * £30K * Ref: 120248

* BDM (Biological Sciences Graduate) * London * £20K * Ref: 112368