Cameron Clarke
Plan Ahead for Your Business Needs
18th March 2009
Employers have more choices than previous years when it comes to finding the right employee according to one Launceston recruitment firm.
"The skills shortage is not what it was six months ago," Searson Buck's Launceston recruitment consultant Cameron Clarke said.
"Employers have more choice and choosing the right employee can be easy, and cost effective, if you plan for what your business will need both now and in the future.
"Soft skills are the most important attribute to look for these days. For example, a candidate's ability to multi task or cross skill across different role types; adaptability and flexibility for roles that change to keep up with the demand of the job; transferable skills and the right attitude."
"Planning before you start the recruitment process is also essential as it helps you understand:
- The role: specialist with specialist skills, or multiple roles in one requiring transferable skills?
- The culture: what type of people fit into your organisation at the moment? Have some behavioural questions ready to find out more about the candidate, the culture of their previous workplaces, and how they fit into those organisations.
- The future: what will the role look like in six to twelve months when the economy settles down? Will the same role be needed? Will the tasks be the same? Wil lthe same person fit then? If the person is no longer required do you have a plan to transition them out without damaging your brand-reputation?
- Loyalty: how will you retain the person later when the job market picks up to ensure you recoup the costs of your investment? Will there be opportunities for promotion or further training-development? Is the salary competitive?
"It also helps to keep an open mind and ask the right questions of a candidate," Mr Clarke said.
"What are the small things they take for granted but do every day (at work or outside work) and what are their life experiences? These also give an indication of skill."
