To meet the challenges of tomorrow's workplaces you need to partner strategically with recruitment company's whether you are an employer or candidate.
At Pohlen Kean we focus on developing closer, long term arrangements with clients and individuals who are aligned in values and style so we are an extension of their world.
Your recruitment partner needs to understand your business, company culture and goals to execute sourcing strategies which are ongoing. They can impact on your employer brand leading to greater attraction and retention of your talent. This is also emerging as the most important criteria for financial success and is the second most important measure in a candidates decision to join a company, the first being the quality of their manager.
In terms of who you are hiring, a future trend is to look for the added value someone can bring to an organisation rather than for the role that exists. This leads to focussing on assessment of aptitudes and attitudes outside the skill area. In food technology you still need the basics but often employers will need to think more broadly about where relevant experience may have been gained, particularly at a management level.
When there is internal movement impacting either a team or individual, a professional recruiter is an invaluable resource in providing objective assessment, an independent ear, or a career discussion.
How a company attracts and assesses prospective employees says a lot to candidates. If you link with a reputable recruitment company and take care in a robust assessment it indicates you value people highly. Candidates, look for these organisations!
As a candidate, align with a recruitment company who will be a real advocate for you and advise on what you need to be doing to protect and advance your career. Sometimes that may mean staying put. A good recruiter will partner with you and coach you giving constructive, honest feedback to improve your performance and gain that role you are keen on. You need to be realistic about the environment that brings out the best in you and listen to salary and market information they provide.
We are finding that more people are keen to go through a structured career management process before embarking on looking for a new role. This reviews your core values and career motivators which then channels you to search for the right next position.
In summary, in the contemporary world your relationship with a recruitment partner needs to be similar to that with your other professional service providers such as legal and financial advisors. Whether you are in the client or candidate seat, you need someone who is inside your business or head; understands your challenges and strengths; can provide insight into the industry; give sound advice and is interested in your domain.