Online recruitment | Caren Portelli

What made you decide to launch your new website?

"VacancyCentre.com, which is operated by CSB Group revamped its website - now its 5^th version - to streamline the way career seekers search for an increasing number of employment opportunities, both locally and now also internationally, while keeping tabs on the latest openings across the VacancyCentre.com network.

"The site now boasts over 1,000 jobs and is thus the job board that offers the largest number of jobs in Malta. 

"The decision to launch a new site was taken due to our vision of taking VacancyCentre.com further. Not only is this a recruitment portal; We are moving towards our site being a Job Board too, whereby we can help our clients further promote their company and candidates enjoying a simpler, more flexible and mobile access to job vacancies.

"Having become more of a job board, the likelihood is that VacancyCentre.com will continue to be the portal that most reputable firms in Malta would utilise."

What is the story behind VacancyCentre.com? How long have you been operating and what did you learn along the way?

"VacancyCentre.com is operated by CSB Group who have operated within the recruitment industry for the past 25 years.

"VacancyCentre.com has always been an innovator, in as far as online recruitment goes - and was the first recruitment portal to be taken online in 1999. It is thus celebrating its 12^th year."

You are offering a free Job Posting service - how does this work?

"Recruiters and employers can now benefit from free job postings and hence advertise their vacancy for free for a limited time period. Those using our Job Postings offer will benefit from 45,000 monthly page views and target communication to the 24,000 subscribers to our interactive JOBm@il service, who receive job alerts on new incoming positions within their selected category."

The VacancyCentre.com Job Board is now offering candidates the ability to browse for international career opportunities. Can you brief our readers about it?

"The increased functionality gives VacancyCentre.com a competitive advantage, providing both the employer and career seeker a more engaging experience, allowing for an efficient recruitment process across a number of industries.

"This is backed by VacancyCentre.Com JOBm@il service. The portal also offers career seekers the option to browse for jobs outside Malta via our network partners - across a wide range of countries, within and outside the EU. The site in fact offers more than 1,000 job opportunities which include roles across a number of different countries.

"Our visitors shall now also be able to browse for jobs by country - countries with representatives who are also fellow members of The Network - one of the world's largest recruitment associations.

"We aim to broaden horizons for our visitors, thus offering our site visitors the opportunity to consider and apply for career opportunities outside our shores."

What tips could you give career seekers when changing job?

"We would suggest a number of things. Primarily, it is important to get your online professional/social network profiles up and running and completely updated. This is due to the fact that this medium has become a primary tool for prospective employers and recruitment agencies both locally and internationally.

"The next thing we would recommend would be that one registers with reputable recruitment agencies and ensure they contact you and request your consent before putting forward your CV to any potential employer.

"Registered candidates have a legal right to ask any recruiting agency where your CV is being sent therefore avoiding your CV being sent to a company related to your current employer or a company you have no interest in working for.

"It is important to clarify that a local recruiting agency has no right to send your CV without attaining your prior consent.

"We would also suggest that the career seeker keeps an eye out on various job boards; newspaper classified ads and social networks.

"It is also crucial that one's CV is updated, with all relevant and important factors included, yet in a concise manner. Take the time to evaluate opportunities and avoid wasting time on considering positions that are not quite what you're after.

"We would also suggest one remains realistic, avoiding applying for roles that clearly ask for those certain skills, qualifications and experiences that you can't offer.

"Finally, we always suggest one keeps calm and stays positive; changing job may be a lengthy process, so don't let your job search stress you out."