By Alexandra Zatarain
2012 has been a great year for us at Creative Solutions Services. Our recruiters have done a great job at finding the best talent for our clients. It’s not always easy, but the science/art of recruiting is capable of bringing great satisfaction not only to us as a staffing firm but also to our candidates who are matched to a great job opportunity, as well as to our clients who benefit from the talent of new employees.
The following is an overview on some of the lessons learned during 2012:
- Recruiting is not about matching keywords. To find the suiting candidate, there are other aspects that must be considered. The most relevant one is culture fit.
- If a candidate doesn’t fit the culture of the client organization, he or she is more likely to quit in the short term.
- Being a good recruiter requires knowledge and perseverance. But perseverance is 80% of the formula.
- Staffing for MSP programs requires an understanding of the model. The key 2012 lessons on MSP staffing are:
- Abide by the rules
- Establish good professional relationships with program managers that foster communication
- Track stats on program performance to make projections and identify points of weakness
- Give hard to fill positions a try
- Advise your candidates that, if selected, they will undergo a background check. If a drug test is needed, make it clear that it is a requirement to be hired.
- Get this in writing. But even writing doesn’t guarantee that they will accept to take a drug test, so speak to your candidate and understand if there will be any resistance.
- Beware of too many discrepancies on a background check report. Communicate with the candidate to understand if there were mistakes reporting the information or just plain lies.
- Keep key contacts on speed dial: program managers and background screening companies.
- Consistent and prompt communication is key to achieving better results. But don’t overdo it.
- Build open communication channels with candidates, eager job seekers, and successful placements.
- Gather feedback from placements as to how they felt while working with you on the position and what you could do better.
For a great 2013 to come and the lessons the new year will bring!