This document provides tips for applying to an entry level position at Attacat. It outlines the application and interview process, including that 576 people viewed the job description, 79 applied, 30 passed an initial review, 12 were invited to a first interview, 3 to a second interview, and 1 was offered the job. It recommends tailoring the cover letter, having relevant experience and education on the CV, and being prepared to discuss the company and role for interviews. The hiring process focuses on enthusiasm, common sense, achievement, and fit with the company culture.
1. How to get a job with Attacat Entry Level Position
2. The Stats 576 Viewed the job description 79 Applicants 30 Passed the “Quick Review” 12 Invited to First Interview 3 Invited to 2nd Interview 1 Job offered & accepted 14 savvy enough to pitch up tonight
3. The Application Form At the top to try to put the non-serious people off A very rough gauge of ability to use the web
4. The Application Form - cont Best answers gave reasons It’s brilliant It’s Crap I like X,Y & Z but I’d improve A,B & C (“tact”)
5. The Application Form - Cont Don’t under or oversell yourself Opened if completed all required fields & Attacat website comments good Opened if covering letter good Very optional but one or two good entries
6. The All Important Covering Letter Tailored Enthusiasm Proof of having read up about us Blah,blah,blah English Spell check If we’ve met before, say so! Willingness to relocate – worth noting if not already in Edinburgh
7. CV – Confirming Initial Impressions What Degree? First 2:1 Desmond Third No Degree Evidence of Maths? No Gaps Evidence of achievement (including beyond academia) Personal Statements
8. Worth noting E-mailing the application to get to the top of the pile (but not applying through the form as well) Tweeting about being gutted about dream job applications being closed Informed comment on the Attacat Brain 4 page report submitted with application on “I knew nothing about PPC or SEO but here’s what I’ve found out” Inevitable inconsistencies in review process – “luck”
9. 1st Interview Nerves – try to be yourself. Get as much practice as you can (use recruitment consultants?) What we look for: Check that you have taken the time to learn a little about what we do e.g. “Explain difference between PPC and SEO”(the sort of things you should do before going to client meetings) Enthusiasm Ability to apply common sense to unfamiliar situations Record of consistent achievement “Fit” – Very difficult to put finger on. Again a good degree of “luck” involved in ticking this box as will depend on time of day, how good previous candidates were, kids etc Basic mental arithmetic & stats exercise Focus in your job applications Not as interested in your experience of internet marketing as you may expect
11. 2nd Round Exercise that tests Ability to learn & research Gives an insight into what we do Communication abilities Interview about the Exercise References Minimum 3 – we decide who All done by phone where-ever possible Very much part of the recruitment process
12. Taking Proactive Steps Targeted door drops? Twitter? Blog? Comment on target companies blog Local events Edinburgh Coffee Morning New Media Breakfasts Internet Marketing Meet-Up Rename yourself to Jamie or Amanda It is a numbers game to an extent but don’t let the quality of your applications fall