10.02 – Exploring Other Recruitment Options
Recruiting employees doesn’t have to be a task you handle entirely on your own. Recruitment consultants, government job centers, and other agencies can assist in finding the right candidates for your business. In fact, research indicates that recruitment consultants are often twice as successful in filling vacancies as entrepreneurs on their own. You might also consider outsourcing specific job roles. The following sections explore these options in detail.
Using Agencies
There may be times when handling recruitment yourself feels overwhelming or impractical. In such situations, a recruitment agency can be beneficial. While the costs might seem high initially, consider the internal costs and time you save. Recruitment can take several days of your time and your team’s time, which can be a significant distraction from other essential tasks, especially if you’re running a small operation.
The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (www.rec.uk.com) offers a searchable database of recruitment consultants, which you can filter by location, sector, or company name. Additionally, the Online Recruitment Resource (www.onrec.com) provides information and resources on various aspects of recruitment.
Recruiting And Selecting
The fastest-growing method for finding job applicants is via the internet. Numerous websites now offer employment opportunities, providing a fast, immediate, and cost-effective service compared to traditional recruitment methods. Some notable recruitment sites include:
- Korn Ferry (www.kornferry.com): Covers all job functions and industry sectors.
- Monster (www.monster.co.uk): Attracts approximately 100,000 visits per month and contains over a million resumes, covering every industry sector and region.
- Web Recruit (www.webrecruit.co.uk): Offers a fixed-fee service for filling vacancies, so you know your costs upfront.
Traditional recruitment agencies often charge fees as a percentage of the recruit’s starting salary, while fixed-fee recruitment agencies charge a one-off fee, usually lower and irrespective of the number of appointments made.
Another option is to include a job-listing section on your own website. This solution is free, though it may attract a smaller pool of candidates. However, applicants visiting your site already have some knowledge of your products and services, potentially increasing the quality of applications.
Effective communication during the recruitment process can significantly impact your company’s reputation. Acknowledge receipt of applications promptly with a courteous email, and keep applicants informed about their status. Sending a polite rejection email, or providing feedback after an interview, can leave candidates with a positive impression of your business, even if they don’t get the job.
Outsourcing Jobs
You can outsource nearly every aspect of your business operations if desired. External companies can design and host your website, manage your technology needs, warehouse your products, handle transportation, and provide customer service through third-party call centers. Online banks offer payment processing, and services like accounting, payroll, and human resources can also be outsourced. For more detailed information on outsourcing, see Chapter 12.
Outsourcing can help you focus on your core business activities while leveraging the expertise of specialized service providers to handle various functions efficiently.
