With the right support great things can happen
We are privileged to work with some of the communication industry’s leading lights both in the consultancy and in-house world. We believe in working synergistically, to enhance the search process for both our clients and candidates alike.
A unique offer & service
An important part of our service is to understand our candidates well. Many we will have known for many years, but all will have been thoroughly interviewed, so we fully understand the not only the skills they have to offer, but their key drivers, desires and career aspirations.
Search and Selection
A retained search tends to be the most effective method to utilise for in-house/client side roles where there is a very specific need and a small talent pool.
The process is generally follows a tight timeline and split up into stages: research, longlisting, shortlisting, interviewing and offer.
Fees are also structured differently, with a third of the estimated fee charged at the beginning and the remainder on delivery.
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The overall cost of a search is no higher, but the upfront fee means that we can guarantee to prioritise your assignment which can result in a shorter process.
Contingency Recruitment
Can work best for clients who are looking to hire regularly and make several hires over the course of the year. The method is most effective for consultancies, who are having to constantly respond to the changing and growing needs of their clients, as well as fill gaps creates by promotions or leavers.
As we get to know a business, it becomes possible to identify potential talent on an ad hoc basis as well as respond to a specific need and to a build a pipeline of candidates that may become relevant as the business grows.
Recruitment Advisory
For clients, we not only facilitate the tactical elements of recruitment, but are always on hand to give market insight when it comes to salaries, benefits and trends. In addition we can advise on things such as candidate experience, process management and onboarding.
For candidates, we offer support and guidance on to how to approach your search, plus insights into the options available that will help you realise your career goals.
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We will guide you through every step of the process.
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Long term partnerships lead to lasting careers
While we are continually growing our network, we have worked with many of our clients and candidates for over a decade. We believe it is a privilege to be part of another's success story and watch them progress and flourish.
Career advice & support
We treat all our candidates as individuals and while we may have roles in mind before we speak to you, they won’t be suggested if they are not in line with your career objectives.
It is not unusual for candidates to have no knowledge of what their options are at an given time, so a large part of our role is to educate. There are constantly changing trends and desires for particular skills sets/knowledge, so we can advise you what these are and how this might impact your search.
While the majority of our candidates already have some experience within communications, we are always keen to speak to those looking for a career change. We have worked with many candidates with backgrounds in business journalism, banking, professional services and politics and are often able to assist with their career transition.
CV Presentation
While we will never re-write your CV or transfer it over to a ‘one size fits all’ template, we can give advice and guidance.
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When we introduce you to a client, we accompany your CV with a cover note which will provide additional insight into your career goals and ambitions, so your CV just needs to be a short professional document which is no more than 2 pages long.
Introduction Process
Once we have had a conversation by phone, video or in person (although sometimes it can be all three!) we will then provide as much information and insight as possible into the options available. This can include job specs, notes from meetings and website addresses.
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A CV is only ever put forward to a client after a candidate has expressed interest and given their permission.
Interview Preparation
An important part of our role is to help you to prepare for any interviews.
You will already have some initial insight into the firm and role you are interviewing for (gained before the introduction was made), but we will always have a call with candidates so they are aware of what to expect from each interview and the process as a whole. It always varies!
We're committed to helping you have the career you want & deserve
Like many other sectors, the corporate communications industry is still learning how to diversify its work force and be more inclusive. While there have been many positive steps in the last 20 years, the industry is still discovering how it can empower and support the careers of not only those from minority ethnic backgrounds, but individuals with disabilities, as well as both women and men with childcare and similar personal responsibilities.
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Tokara Associates is committed to helping individuals have the career they want and businesses diversify their work force. To achieve this, we are equally devoted to building our knowledge and understanding of the challenges our candidates face, so we can work empathetically.
A Bit About Us
We specialise in recruiting roles within financial and corporate communications advisory, digital communications, reputation management and public affairs.
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We have an established yet continually growing network of contacts, which has been built organically over many years.
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You can find out more about our company, our values and our mission over on the about us page.
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About the founder
After graduating from Durham University, Melissa stumbled across a career in Consumer PR, as was the tendency back then, if you didn’t end up on a grad scheme in a bank, law firm or management consultancy!
Melissa made the move across to recruitment, after struggling to find a consultant with a deep knowledge of the sector to help her with her own search. Her career has included working with comms recruitment legends like Vicky Mann, to leading strategic communications advisory business Brunswick.
Melissa is also a qualified Nutritional Therapist, so believes in taking a holistic approach to her work and looking at the many components that make up the bigger picture.
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Melissa Hosken
Founder of Tokara Associates