Stop paying expensive Recruitment Fees....

It’s always a nightmare you hear those dreaded words...... “Have a you got a minute”? That coupled with a look in their eyes of being caught in the headlights...... You know what’s coming.....

There are lots of things going through your head at this point:

• Why didn’t I get in there first...
• If I am honest - I knew this was coming....
• I can’t believe they are doing this to me right now..
• What is your problem - I thought you were happy?
• You weren’t really part of the companies future anyway....
• OMG - Who is going to do your job now?
• How quick can we get someone to replace you?
• Will this stop me from having my time off?
• Who can we promote?
• How dare your leave me...

Basically, lots of knee jerk reactions to a situation which could most likely be easily solved by the use of effective planning...

The modern role of a recruiter now takes on more and more “Talent Mapping” and it really is the essential part of the job... A good recruiter will know everyone in their niche and in the geographical area, and they are sat waiting to see where they can place everyone to get a fee... Very clever and highly rewarding for those who take the time to get to know everyone and everything.... Recruitment is like a jigsaw - but we don't get all the pieces at the same time...

But what recruiters love more than anything is a “Retainer”. It’s basically the holy grail - and demonstrates that you believe in their ability to get the right person - on demand!!! When you meet a recruiter - they can’t wait to tell you they work on retainers, and when they speak to candidates - they also slip that in - along with an early introduction about your company to demonstrate credibility for both the company and the recruiter..(WIN WIN)

You see, the thing is - all we ever want to feel is a sense of belonging, a sense of being valued, and ultimately- we want to feel like we are good at what we do.... That’s what’s retainers do....

It allows the recruiter to feel loved and appreciated and ultimately - that makes them work even harder... More emails are sent, more phone calls are made, more video interviews for first stage interviews and ultimately - wider search criteria to make sure no stone is left unturned!

Talent Mapping is exactly this, but it’s proactive and across the board... it’s not reactive to someone leaving, or your team being too busy - it’s about staying in control of the direction your company is going, and making sure you know where to look for any suitable candidates...

It’s essentially marketing for you future team, and identifying the type of people and skills that you as an organisation can benefit from in the future.

This can take into account future products and services you want to offer, and new divisions.. It can also be a way to see who you can take from your biggest competition and put a dent in their progression....

I have seen entire companies fold and develop virtually overnight - because people target staff to fulfil contractual work, and win it based on the fact that they have the abilty to complete the work, and competitors don't. It only takes a few key people to leave - to create a big enough hole to create uncertainty. If this happens and you have a talent map - you can use this to your advantage and grow with confidence. Your recruitment partner will be well placed to be able to get interviews lined up straight away...

At some point, it becomes a game of skill and the one with the best plan wins...

So instead of paying contingency recruitment fees - try working with an expert in the field you need to hire on a retainer... Effective Talent Mapping can provide you with the names and skill sets of the ideal replacements you need... PSL’s are great but from experience - they are not as personal as we would like them to be - and don’t get me started on recruitment portals!!!

Consider finding an expert, and pay them to do a fantastic job - after all, they have earned the right.... There is plenty of work out there for people... But in today’s ever changing digital world - it’s all about timing... Don't wait until it's too late, and you have to go out to every agency in the area.

Hiring on the back foot does not always lead to the best candidates being put in front of you... Look at the people you have worked with recently, and see which ones have gone above and beyond. As them if they would work on a retainer - sit down and plan the ideal person - "Create a Unicorn" and then work together to find them... If you work in partnership - paying a fee to a recruiter is definitely money well spent as it allows you and your team to get on with your jobs in hand, and maintain the efficient and profitable running of your business...

Business As Usual!

"Pro-active" beats "Re-Active" any day of the week.

Have a good day,

Simon

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