Recruiters to play pivotal role in national productivity, says RCSA CEO

The recruitment and on-hire industry will play a pivotal role in helping business and government navigate their way through the issues of record low levels of unemployment and a growing skills shortage ñ all of which pose a threat to Australiaís productivity.

This was the message delivered by the Recruitment and Consulting Associationís (RCSA) CEO at the RCSA Victoria/Tasmania Region Consultantís Conference last Friday, which focused on the theme of ëAchievement- Be the Best You Can Beí.

ìHow successful we are in meeting the challenges of a tight labour market will determine how we are seen in the future by those outside the industry - from candidates to clients, government and media,î CEO of the RCSA, Ms Julie Mills said,

ìOur industry has gone from strength to strength in recent years. However, itís the way in which we meet the coming trials that will truly define the industry, and I am sure we will meet them head on,î Ms Mills told the conference delegates.

She said although the industry and the nation is facing plenty of challenges, this comes plenty of opportunities.

ìWe are a unique position ñ with the labour market as tight as it is ñ to assist businesses in finding the staff they need to remain productive and profitable. And if we do this well, we will prove our true value to business. This means finding the right balance between client and candidate service,î Ms Mills said.

In terms of clients, Ms Mills said what they are looking for in a recruitment consultant is someone who understands their business or industry well.

ìYou can only get to know your client by taking the time to build relationships. But another key area where we can really contribute is by being one step ahead of our clients in workplace rules and regulations. This is where your continuing professional education is vital,î she said.

Building candidate relationships is equally important, Ms Mills said.

ìWith so many job seekers aware that the market is tilted in their favour, they will be expecting a lot from you. Some demands will be unrealistic. But itís up to you to manage their expectations properly. Clear and timely communication is the key here.

ìOften the complaints we receive are a result of candidates being frustrated at the deafening silence they hear from recruiters. Addressing this aspect solves a lot of heartache for candidates and a lot of headaches for you,î she said.

The conference was the first in a series of regional conferences aimed at recruitment consultants. The series will continue in 2007 around Australia and New Zealand.