Over 400 Applications for One Job

Whilst the economic slowdown is affecting us all, whether personally or professionally, companies in the region are still taking on new staff, albeit in a new way.

According to Crewe-based Absolute Recruitment UK Ltd, many companies whose overall budgets have been reduced during the downturn are undertaking their own recruitment in an effort to reduce recruitment costs.

But with so many companies making redundancies, the higher number of available candidates means that companies are being inundated with literally hundreds of applications for positions. One company contacted by Absolute sales staff had received over 400 applications for a single position.

ìTimes are tough for everyone at the moment,î says Absoluteís Managing Director, Jessica Marshall, ìCompanies are operating in ever-changing market conditions that are really testing their ability to change and adapt in order to survive. Whilst saving money by reducing their spend on recruitment is an attractive way of keeping overheads down, companies are increasingly finding their time is being taken up sifting through dozens of applications in an effort to find that one person who will add value to their operation.î

The key to survival during these uncertain times is concentrating on building customer relationships to develop business opportunities. Sourcing a new member of staff may be essential but also bites into valuable business development time.

Historically, Absolute Recruitment UK Ltd has always been reactive to changing market positions, and their response to current climate is no exception.

In February, the company added a modular ëRecruitment Managementí service to clients who would not normally recruit through an agency (or those whose budgets have been reduces to the point that they cannot), which costs considerably less than standard Recruitment fees. More importantly, in most cases it works out cheaper than in-house recruiting.

Under the new service clients advertise their vacancy as usual and then hand over to Absolute to deal with the response. Depending on the level of involvement the client wishes Absolute to take over, Absolute will deal with all telephone enquiries, email or postal applications, vet all applicantsí CVs against the clientís job description, pre-screen suitable applicants by telephone and arrange interviews for those that make it through to the shortlist. If necessary, the company will even source references for successful applicants.

All that is left for the client to do is conduct the final stage interview and select who they want to employ.

ìThe new service is proving very popular as it allows business owners and managers to concentrate on what they are good at – managing their business,î Jessica says, ìWhilst we still offer the traditional fee-based recruitment service to all our clients, the ëRecruitment Managementí service offers an alternative for those companies whose recruitment programmes have been affected by worsening economic conditions. As fees for the service depend on how many or how few modules the client wants us to undertake, it can be tailored to suit every clientís budget regardless of how big or small their operation is.î

For more information on the ëRecruitment Managementí service, or to enquire about current vacancies, contact Jessica Marshall at Absolute Recruitment UK Ltd on 01270 509 266.