During prosperous times, businesses can tolerate occasional mistakes, but imperfections become evident when growth slows down. In essence, rapid growth often leads companies to prioritize speed over hiring quality. This trade-off becomes apparent when the pace decelerates, revealing recruiting inefficiencies and inadequate hiring practices through metrics such as cost per hire, turnover, and retraining expenses. To enhance processes, companies turn to data. Valuable insights can be gleaned from various stages of the recruitment process. Operating without a data-driven mindset can lead to increased costs, reduced retention, and unsustainable retraining expenses. Lori Sylvia, CMO of Smashfly, underscores the significance of measuring talent data, stating, "If you can't measure it, it didn't happen." The goal isn't to construct complex data models, but rather to consider how data can inform hiring decisions and candidate appeal. Recognizing the ubiquity of data, the pivotal question is, "Which data points are most relevant for my process?" Here are some guidelines for recruiters at all levels to seamlessly harness the power of data: Delve deeper into your candidate pool for business suitability: Evaluate factors beyond a candidate's qualifications, such as cultural fit, training level, multitasking abilities, and teamwork skills. Success hinges on understanding candidates beyond their resumes. Microscopic analysis of outreach efforts: Experiment with different messaging, subject lines, and timing to optimize candidate outreach. Test one variable at a time for reliable data, and shift focus to..
Read MoreThe trend of remote work is increasing currently, and as companies push for employees to work from home, they're encountering challenges related to isolation and maintaining company culture. Collaborating, staying motivated, and fostering a sense of belonging can all be affected. Although the surge in remote workers is recent, remote work itself isn't new. LinkedIn identified work flexibility as a significant talent trend in 2019, and it has become more common over the last decade. Numerous companies have successfully managed remote teams for years, finding ways to overcome obstacles and establish strong, inclusive cultures. Here's how four such companies have ensured remote employees feel like part of a close team, even when they're geographically distant. GitLab promotes socialization among remote team members through virtual coffee breaks and random video calls. They utilize tools like Slack and Google Hangouts to facilitate connections, helping employees socialize across 65 countries. Help Scout organizes themed "Troop Talks" and encourages employees to share videos of their home workspaces. This fosters a stronger remote culture, enabling better interaction and connections. Workswell suggests incorporating playful elements into meetings, such as sharing "aha" moments or appreciations, to enhance engagement and prevent remote employees from feeling isolated. Clevertech builds a united culture through online video game sessions, encouraging collaboration and trust-building among remote employees. Shared content like TED talks and books further strengthens connections. In conclusion, remote work doesn't..
Read MoreDealing with troublesome colleagues or team members can be quite a task. At some point, you'll likely encounter a challenging employee, a situation that many leaders dread. The drain on your energy due to their behavior not only affects your morale but also diminishes your team's productivity. Leaders need to swiftly and efficiently tackle such challenging personnel. Let's explore the traits of difficult employees and proven techniques to address them. Disengagement Breeds Misbehavior Unengaged employees often display disruptive behavior driven by frustration. For business owners, problematic staff members spell trouble. They create a hostile work atmosphere that negatively impacts customer relations, reduces performance, and escalates staff turnover. Here are three examples of how a difficult employee might manifest at work: Unmet Expectations: Poor job performance might stem from lack of motivation, skills, or other factors like communication issues, resource limitations, or misalignment. Negative Attitude: A toxic environment can result from a difficult employee's pessimism. This attitude may manifest subtly through eye-rolls, lateness, or lack of focus. Challenging Authority: Employee productivity suffers when a colleague challenges your authority, potentially leading others to doubt your leadership. Addressing Difficult Employees: Practical Steps Behavior Over Personal Critique Focusing on specific behavior rather than personal opinions is key to managing a challenging employee. Your role isn't to criticize them; instead, work on ending inappropriate behavior and helping them rectify it. Uncover Root Causes Identifying underlying..
Read MoreTransitioning into a managerial role for the first time is no small feat. In our recent series, we delved into the common blunders often made by new managers, pinpointing one particular challenge that warrants a deeper exploration: the process of hiring. Dispelling Misconceptions While it's easy to relegate hiring to the realm of recruitment or HR, as a new manager, you must recognize that hiring is now squarely your responsibility. This is where you play a pivotal role in sourcing and selecting talent. Given the paramount importance of personnel to a business's success, it's imperative for managers to grasp the hiring process's significance. Let's Dive In... Establish Clear Hiring Criteria Top-tier hiring managers possess a crystal-clear vision of their desired candidate attributes. Defining this criterion is the cornerstone of the process. Beyond superficial requirements, providing specific guidelines empowers recruiters or talent acquisition teams to unearth candidates who genuinely match the role's demands. Renowned hiring expert John Vlastelica identifies four facets for evaluation: Skills and expertise Personal attributes Achievements Motivation. While skills are often well-defined, honing the ability to identify soft skills, personality traits, and instances of capability can distinguish strong contenders from weaker ones. As a manager, absolute clarity on these requirements is essential. Craft a Refined Job Description Job descriptions can easily devolve into unwieldy compilations of details when not approached thoughtfully. New managers tend to pile on excessive..
Read MoreThings can only get better, right? Whether you're seeking a new job or considering a career change, keeping an eye on the UK job market is crucial. Despite a turbulent period due to the pandemic, recent data from the Office of National Statistics reveals positive changes. Let's explore some highlights that might inspire your job search. Employment is steadily improving After the initial blow of COVID-19, unemployment surged. However, as life returns to normal and businesses reopen, employment is on the rise. According to recent statistics, payrolled employees increased each month leading up to June 2021, indicating a positive trend. Job vacancies are increasing Between March and May 2021, there were over 700,000 job vacancies in the UK, almost returning to pre-pandemic levels. As industries recover and the holiday season approaches, job availability is likely to increase further. Average weekly earnings are rising The average weekly total and regular pay in July 2021 were £578 and £542, respectively. Wages have been climbing since early 2020, although inflation and living costs also play a role. Earnings vary across sectors impacted differently by the pandemic. Total worked hours are up Shift workers' hours have increased, likely due to relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. Sectors like hospitality are bouncing back, leading to higher demand for staff. Redundancy rates are down Redundancies have decreased, reaching pre-pandemic levels. This provides better job security for workers, encouraging career..
Read MoreIn the world of recruitment, fostering strong client relationships remains paramount even during periods of slow activity. This becomes especially crucial in unprecedented situations like the ongoing pandemic, where maintaining connections can lead to future business, valuable referrals, and positive online feedback. The challenge lies in engaging clients without appearing pushy or intrusive, particularly when business is slow. Striking the right balance is key to avoiding the risk of alienating clients through aggressive sales tactics. Recruitment leaders can utilize this downtime to strengthen ties with clients and keep them invested. Even if clients aren't actively hiring now, it doesn't mean they lack significant hiring plans for the future. To ensure they don't turn to competitors, here are a few strategies to consider: #1. Personalize the Interaction Remember that clients are individuals with preferences and opinions, even in professional relationships. Keeping notes on specific client details can help you engage on a personal level, leading to more meaningful conversations and increased trust. #2. Leverage Social Media Stay connected through social media by engaging with clients on their platforms. Commenting on their posts and articles not only keeps you informed about their business but also showcases your support, which can be reciprocated later. #3. Offer Referrals and Recommendations Continue referring suitable professionals within your network to help clients access top talent. Ask for their input on unrelated matters to demonstrate the value..
Read MoreThe primary focus of your recruitment agency website should center on the visitor's experience, often referred to as user experience (UX) in the web industry. For job seekers, navigating career changes or securing new positions can be both exhilarating and daunting. Your website's role is to simplify this process for your clients. Employers, on the other hand, desire a website that attracts top candidates and appears professional, making it easy for their HR department to engage. With the overarching objective of enhancing your website's impact (attracting superior talent, satisfying clients), here are seven strategies to optimize your website: Ensure Mobile-Friendliness Make your website mobile-friendly, as it's now essential. Given that the average UK consumer owns numerous portable devices, mobiles have become the preferred tool for job searches. Google also rewards mobile-ready sites in search results, influencing site traffic and applicant volume. Implement Clear Calls to Action Guide visitors with distinct calls to action as soon as they arrive on your site. Provide explicit instructions, whether it's applying for a job, contacting your office, exploring your blog, or downloading content. Offer Refined Search Functionality Enable a comprehensive search function for job listings with filters like location, industry, skills, and more. Such functionality accelerates the search process, leading to higher application rates. Publish High-Quality Content Showcase your expertise through original, valuable content. Regularly updating your blog with pertinent topics not only attracts..
Read MoreHere are some reflections based on recent discussions with leaders in the recruitment industry regarding sales and business development... Mindset Embrace Opportunity Over Pessimism Shift from negative to optimistic perspectives Profit from new market shares in various return scenarios Drive rapid evolution and initiate the change you seek Take Charge of the Controllable Factors Minimize distractions and stay on track Transform challenges into unique approaches Position your role as a strategic partner, moving beyond transactions Craft Your Vision of the "New Normal" Define the desired post-pandemic state Avoid stagnation and reshape your work methods Create offerings that are easy to adopt, use, and retain Focus Prioritize the top 3 core drivers and disregard distractions Engage in strategic meetings to drive progress Conduct interviews effectively to move forward Focus on profit and maintain sound business practices Address Low-Hanging Opportunities First Discover overlooked opportunities within reach Tap into existing and dormant customer relationships Leverage network connections and relationships Adapt to emerging market trends and shifts Identify those negatively impacted by Covid-19 and adjust strategies Address those likely to face challenges and develop support plans Target those benefiting from Covid-19 with dedicated efforts Convert non-customers into customers by aligning products with their future needs. Cadence Maintain a consistent pace despite uncertainties Continuous momentum sets winners apart Establish a daily routine of activity and adhere to weekly standards No excuses – maintain commitment Set..
Read MoreCreating a positive work environment and achieving long-term business success relies on embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The benefits of DEI are numerous, including enhanced creativity, improved employee retention, and better financial performance. As awareness of the advantages of DEI grows among businesses, employees, and customers, it's crucial to integrate these values into the recruitment and interview process. DEI-related interview questions are instrumental in identifying candidates who align with a company's commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Addressing DEI during interviews helps employers select candidates who can contribute to a supportive environment while leveraging diverse perspectives. Here, we'll delve into ten DEI interview questions, explaining their significance, and discussing the qualities recruiters should seek in candidate responses. DEI interview questions 1. Why does diversity, equity, and inclusion matter to you? It’s often useful to start the DEI section of an interview with an open-ended question to gain insight into the candidate’s understanding, values, and commitment to DEI. It can help you determine if the candidate shares the hiring organization’s vision for a diverse and inclusive workplace. The response will reveal their level of DEI knowledge and awareness of DEI issues as well as their ability to recognize and respect differences among individuals. Response assessment criteria A strong answer might include acknowledging the importance of appreciating and embracing diversity, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, and creating an inclusive environment..
Read MoreGlobal talent recruitment is on the rise for many companies in recent times due to factors like the global economy, skill shortages, and remote work technologies. HR professionals can tap into international individuals with the needed expertise for various business needs. Here are the top five advantages of global hiring: Expanding Talent Pool: Access a diverse range of highly skilled candidates, enhancing creativity and innovation for problem-solving. Cost Savings: Employ international talent at lower costs, with potential savings on salaries, benefits, and office expenses. New Markets: Gain insights from local employees about markets, regulations, and practices, leading to successful expansion. Risk Management: Distribute operations across time zones for continuous operation, enhancing resilience and efficiency. #RiskMitigation Enhanced Reputation: Cultivate an inclusive image by embracing diverse employees, fostering a positive brand and higher job satisfaction. #InclusiveWorkplace Challenges Overcoming Language Barriers: Implement communication systems and language training to bridge language gaps. #LanguageBarriers Navigating Cultural Differences: Adapt to diverse work styles and attitudes through cultural training and cross-cultural support. Ensuring Compliance: Comply with local labor laws, permits, taxes, and regulations while recruiting international employees. Despite challenges, the benefits of global recruitment outweigh the hurdles. LibertyLoom Recruitment offers you the chance to hire a diverse population of talents. #GlobalRecruitmentSuccess #CulturalAdaptation #NewMarketOpportunities #CostEffectiveHiring #UKRecruitment #JobOpportunities #TalentSearch #CareerAdvancement #HiringUK#JobSeekers #WorkInUK #JobPlacement #ProfessionalDevelopment #LibertyLoomTalent
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