We speak to manager Kylee Russon about the challenges of working in recruitment.
Working in recruitment has many benefits, one of them being that it is an opportunity to meet lots of different people. It can be a very sociable environment, focusing on communication. An employment agency provides a service to both employers and job seekers, which means you are constantly dealing with a variety of clients. Many businesses and companies use the services of agencies to find suitable employees, whilst candidates search for jobs through the same service.
Working with a range people is very rewarding, however can also bring a lot of challenges. Many people have unrealistic expectations about what a recruitment agency can do in a minimal amount of time. Results don’t happen overnight and it is important to be patient. As an employer, you may have a dream candidate in mind. If you have your heart set on a certain type of person however, you may be setting yourself up for a disappointment. You should be open-minded about your potential new employee, as someone may come along who is different from what you first wanted, but would in fact be a better fit for the role.
It is also a challenge to work with people who don’t invest in their own time. Recruitment is a two-way process, and the employer must also put in the effort to be part of it. Reviewing applicants is crucial and setting aside time to do so can make all the difference. You don’t want someone to slip through the net because not enough time and care has been taken.
It is also a challenge when employers haven’t done the correct research and preparation. If you are seeking a candidate, it’s crucial to look at what other companies in the same sector are paying their staff. In 2018, a survey found that 42% of employers are worried they won’t be able to find the talent they need. You may only be prepared to pay a certain amount for the role you are advertising, but you need to be competitive in the market. Top class candidates won’t go for a job that is underpaid.
Despite the challenges, the recruitment industry remains one of the most positive and sociable industries to work in. If you are prepared and realistic, the results will speak for themselves.
