Many companies now use recruitment consultancies. tim cook, managing director of hays building services, offers advice on how to get the best out of them
Given the shortage of quality building services professionals, companies can no longer afford to be complacent about recruitment procedures. How would you feel if you offered a job to a candidate, only for them to take a position with a competitor? As a result, many companies now turn to a recruitment consultancy for help.
Working Together
The relationship you have with your recruitment consultant is paramount. Be honest with your consultant and help them understand the culture of the company and the reality of the role. Make it clear if you want the candidate to have gained their skills within a consultancy or contractor, or whether they could have been working 鈥渃lient side鈥. Don鈥檛 assume anything 鈥 a comprehensive brief and open communication will increase the likelihood of finding a suitable match. It is also important that the recruitment process is carried out effectively and quickly.
Interview Preparation
The hard work is by no means over when the consultant has sourced suitable candidates and interviews have been set up. According to Mike McNally, UK manager of Hays 黑洞社区 Services, 鈥淔irst impressions can make the difference between a job offer being accepted and a good candidate choosing a competitor. Shabby surroundings or a disorganised interviewer reflects badly on the company. Also, make sure that you have thoroughly analysed the candidate鈥檚 CV prior to the interview.鈥
Offer Feedback
Provide interview feedback promptly. Your recruitment consultant will ascertain the candidate鈥檚 opinion, and you can discuss their potential. Your rapid feedback may prevent them from accepting another job.
The Employment Package
Consider whether there are aspects other than the salary which could add value and make the role more enticing. A clear path for career progression is important to many employees, especially graduates, and it may actually be more attractive than a higher salary.
Making the offer
If possible, ensure the decision maker is on stand-by to meet suitable candidates at the first interview. Alternatively, feed back to your consultant shortly after the interview so the next stage can be decided upon quickly. When you make an offer, don鈥檛 cut corners. Offer an appropriate employment package to start with, as this can save a lot of time.
Combat counter-offers
If the candidate wants to accept the offer, their current employer will then be informed. The problem of counter-offers is prevalent, and this is why the initial offer should be made quickly. Your consultant will work on your behalf to secure the candidate as soon as possible. You can help by responding quickly and having a clear and realistic final offer in mind. If a clear path of communication exists between the employer and the consultant, a recruitment consultancy can be an extremely effective tool in the recruitment process. Employers should appreciate the competitiveness of the industry and take steps to ensure they appear attractive, resulting in the pick of the best candidates.
Source
黑洞社区 Sustainable Design
Postscript
For further information on how Hays 黑洞社区 Services can help with your recruitment needs contact Mike McNally, UK manager, on 0191 222 0044 or visit www.hays.com/engineering