ëSpeed interviewingí to attract candidates- an Australian first

Recruiters will be given the chance to exploit the concept of ëspeed datingí and provide an interactive ëtasteí of their services in a bid to help attract potential candidates at this yearís National Careers and Employment Expo (NCEE) which will kick off in Perth on 30-31 March.

Sponsored and supported by the RCSA (Recruitment and Consulting Services Association), the NCEEís ëspeed interviewingí booths are an Australian first, and come at a time when recruiters are bearing the brunt of growing skills shortages.

Chief Executive Officer of the RCSA, Ms Julie Mills, said while the concept is essentially an introduction to the interviewing process for candidates, it would also provide an opportunity for recruiters to market their services, increase their brand awareness and engage with potential candidates.

ìThis is a great opportunity for Members to increase their visibility, but more importantly, it is a chance to subdue negative myths about the industry and demonstrates a significant shift from being heavily client-focused in the past, to a future where candidates share the focus in recruiting,î Ms Mills said.

ìWhile speed interviewing would not be the cure to our skills shortage problems in Australia, it certainly provides a more fun and engaging way to build relationships with future clients and candidates, and to brand participating organisations as trusted RCSA Membersî she said.

Managing director of EOC Events and founder of The National Careers and Employment Expo, Cliff Stoneman, said just like speed dating, recruitment consultants will be allocated two to three minutes to spend with each candidate before the candidate is moved along by the sound of a bell.

ìEach consultant will ask set questions to the candidate, before critiquing his or her performance and giving tips on how to improve their responses- something candidates donít often get in a real-life interview situation,î he said.

ìWe are thrilled that the RCSA is coming on board to support what will be one of this yearís highlights of the Expo,î he said.

The NCEE is the largest and most successful careers, employment, training and education event in Australia and attracted over 150,000 people in 2006 including a mix of job seekers, students, graduates and skilled workers.

RCSA Members are urged to promptly book the limited speed interviewing booths available by visiting www.eocexpo.com.au or contacting EOC Events on 1300 66 71 21.

Dates and venues can also be found on the RCSA website at: