K2 Resourcing Advises Businesses To Use Their Recruitment Budgets Prudently

K2 Resourcing, an independent recruitment company based in Bath and Bristol are encouraging businesses to beware of false economies in recruitment. Current industry trends show that whilst some businesses are choosing to work with smaller recruitment agencies others are trying to cut costs by using online recruitment portals or undertake the recruitment task themselves.

Bath, England (k2 Resourcing) 13th November, 2009. The current economic climate has led many companies to review their current outgoings and isolate areas where savings can be made; one such area is recruitment. However, experienced recruitment consultants warn that these cut backs can be a false economy. Whilst inexpensive portals may be an excellent way to advertise current vacancies, the lack of quality control, candidate screening, advice and support can realistically turn the activity into an expensive mistake.

Kim Powell from K2 Resourcing, a recruitment agency who works with clients in the South West of England clarifies the situation, ìWhen you employ an experienced small recruitment company you receive so much more than a list of candidates who may be appropriate to be considered for the role you are trying to fill. A good recruitment agency will take the time to get to know your company and supply you with a list of pre-qualified, appropriate candidates. At K2 Resourcing we gain a clear understanding of the cultural fit that is required of a new employee, as well as the qualifications and experience that is needed. The preparatory work, usually with the line manager, will also provide the opportunity to advise on the type and style of interview and provide useful tips for the person who will eventually be talking to the candidates.î

It is not only the quality and appropriateness of candidates which should be considered when recruiting new staff. A recent survey of 2,000 individuals found that no less than one third of candidates walk away form an interview with a bad perception of a company. Even in these tough times a candidate will walk away from a business rather than complain about a bad interview, straight into the hands of a competitor who is better prepared. Businesses are seemingly still unaware of the damage that a badly held interview can give to their brand and their reputation.

Kate Short from K2 Resourcing; ìIt is important to remember that anyone who has contact with your company is a prospective customer or referrer. If you employ a good recruitment consultant they should work with you not only ensure that candidates are accurately screened for the job in hand but also to ensure that your company is correctly represented. At K2 Resourcing, we feel we are an extension of our clientsí PR Department, representing them positively is vitalî.

K2 Resourcing has produced a checklist for businesses outlining what is needed to ensure a smooth recruitment process:

ï Do you have the necessary internal resources to screen prospective candidates? Due to the current economic climate there are plenty of candidates for each vacancy, the down side is that processing these applications can be time consuming and expensive.

ï Do you have the right system in to place to shortlist the candidates for the job? This is a crucial step in determining who might be appropriate to invite to interview for your role and will allow you to focus on the key skills, experience and qualifications that are needed by your candidates.

ï Do you have the time to interview all of the prospective candidates who fulfil your short list criteria? When working with a recruitment consultant they should always arrange to meet any candidates before they recommend them to you, this will automatically eliminate any candidates who do not present well, saving you valuable interview time.

ï Are you looking to save on relocation fees? An excellent way to cut back on costs is to find candidates who are local to your business. Using a local recruitment agency with a database of local and appropriate candidates can save on relocation costs.

ï Do you have time to ensure that your company is represented in the ideal way? Placing professional adverts for your job role, replying to candidates in a timely and professional manner, conducting professional interviews and giving appropriate feedbackÖ These things all take time but are invaluable for the reputation of your company; sometimes it makes sense to employ an expert!