TOP TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR APPRAISAL

Meet our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists

Why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? Sharp Consultancy is Yorkshire’s largest, most experienced and best-connected independent company committed exclusively to financial recruitment. We’re the true specialists. Unlike so many other firms, financial recruitment is all we do - so we’re probably the most focused and knowledgeable company in the region. And in Yorkshire, no other specialist Temporary and Interim Finance Recruitment team enjoy as many years of combined finance sector experience. Therefore, both our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists divisions are the most knowledgeable in the region. Karen PitchforthKaren Pitchforth has over two decades of recruitment experience, dedicating more than half of that to Sharp Consultancy and is pivotal to our Interim Specialist division. Dedicated to South Yorkshire businesses, Karen has a vast network of part-qualified, fully qualified, or qualified by experience interim finance specialists in the region.Karen's Company ProfileKaren's LinkedIn ProfileColin MolyneuxColin Molyneux’s career spans almost 25 years and now in his second stint with Sharp Consultancy has been a key component in our Interim Specialist division. His expert focus on sourcing and placing Qualified Interim professionals across West Yorkshire and has a concrete commitment: whether it’s days or hours, he’ll meet your deadlines. Colin's Company ProfileColin's LinkedIn ProfileStuart DouglassStuart Douglass has been an integral part of our Interim Specialist division since 2016, building on a career spanning over 25 years. He focuses exclusively on senior interim roles within West and North Yorkshire and covers Part Qualified, Qualified by Experience and Qualified requirements. His deep understanding of the finance market means he is a trusted advisor to many clients. Stuart's Company ProfileStuart's LinkedIn ProfileDeanna CrosbyDeanna Crosby has established herself as a leading Transactional Temps expert in South Yorkshire. She focuses predominantly on the Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham areas supplying variety of Transactional Temps including, Finance/Accounts Assistants, Credit Controllers, Sales and Purchase Ledger Clerks and Payroll. Dee provides a rapid response to meet her clients’ needs. Deanna's Company Profile Deanna's LinkedIn ProfileLiam O'FlahertyLiam O'Flaherty has over 20 years of finance recruitment experience. Now in his fifth year with us, Liam specialises in Transactional Temp recruitment throughout West Yorkshire. His deep understanding of the local market, combined with his consultative approach, ensures that both clients and candidates receive unparalleled service and support. Liam's Company ProfileLiam's LinkedIn ProfileTom TurnerTom Turner is now in his sixth year in recruitment, and entering his 3rd year with Sharp Consultancy, where he has quickly established himself as the go-to transactional temp specialist in the Sheffield market. Covering all aspects of transactional finance, Tom is the person to find the right fit when it comes to temp Finance Assistants, Accounts Payable Clerks, Accounts Receivable staff and payrollers. With shrewd judgement, he makes precise recommendations.Tom's Company Profile Tom's LinkedIn ProfileSo, with circa 100 years of combined Transactional Temps and Interim Specialist recruitment experience, and more than a third of that within Sharp Consultancy itself, the real question is not why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? But more why would you choose to go anywhere else? Our aim is to earn your trust by providing a superior experience. To discuss how Sharp Consultancy assist you and your business speak to one of these leading experts in their field on 0113 236 6300 or 0114 261 1700.

Read article

Love them or loathe them, the annual performance appraisal is a crucial part of your career development. A well-structured and managed review will not only enable your employer to provide feedback on your performance, but it is also a great opportunity for you to set out your goals and aspirations for the future and put in place a plan to achieve these.

Here’s our tips and suggestions for how you can make the most out of your appraisal:

Review your previous appraisal and any interim meetings that have taken place. Look at the objectives that you were set and make sure you can confidently talk through what you have done to achieve these, the results and if necessary, the reasons why any have not yet been met.
Do your preparation. As well as reviewing your previous objectives, make sure you consider your overall progress since you last appraisal. Your line manager may not know about all your accomplishments in detail so have a list of key highlights to talk through and try to emphasise how these contributions have made a difference to your team, department or company.
View your appraisal as a positive opportunity. Even receiving negative feedback on certain areas of your performance can provide the opportunity to request further training and development which will lead to improvements.
Consider your expectations. Do you feel that you have achieved what was needed to gain further responsibilities or a promotion to the next level? Make sure you gather your evidence and clearly communicate your goals for the future.
Demonstrate what you can offer. If there are skills which you feel will be beneficial to develop and will add an extra dimension to your role, outline how these could have a positive impact and talk through any additional training or courses that are available.
Listen to criticism. Nobody is perfect so be prepared to discuss areas where your performance may not be as strong. If you have previously been made aware of these be sure to communicate what steps you have already taken to improve and outline what you plan to put in place in order to continue to make advances.
Stay focused. This is your opportunity to discuss you and your career so make sure you are clear in your responses and keep the conversation on track.
Money money money. If your appraisal is combined with your salary review make sure you have researched benchmark salary levels for your role and level of experience. Bear in mind that these will provide you with a guideline and consideration will need to be given to market conditions and regional variations which could affect these figures.
Show your ambition. If you want more responsibility or to step up the career ladder, make sure that this is communicated at your appraisal. However, if it appears clear that the opportunities you seek may not be available, consider if it may be time to move on. Remain professional and don’t be tempted to try and impose your own deadlines or offer ultimatums.
Review your review. Gain the most benefit by regularly reviewing what was discussed in your appraisal; ensure that any training courses that have been recommended are set up and work with your line manager to agree what support you will need to meet your objectives. Put progress meetings in the diary to give you both the opportunity to make any adjustments or discuss changes in line with business development.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today for expert advice on your next career move.