Recruitment is time consuming, and if it is done poorly it can lead to massive turnover and employee instability. According to a past Stats Canada survey employee turnover across all industries has ranged from 10% - 16%. It has been estimated that the cost of turnover can range anywhere from 30% to 150% of an employee’s annual compensation. Finding the right people, for the right positions, is a pivotal aspect of reducing employee turnover.

Effective recruitment strategies include prioritizing. Maybe someone on your team has the time and resources to dedicate to locating the cream of the crop - sifting through resumes, interviewing, conducting employment and behavioural assessments, checking references. For the best results, work with an organization whose main goal is finding you the top talent effectively.

If you work with a recruitment firm to acquire talent it is important to remember that they are representing your brand and are working as an extension of your human resource department. Here are some tips for sourcing the right recruitment firm and how to achieve optimal results when recruiting:

1. Use a firm that knows the local area. This will help when it comes to networking, as well as when it comes time to checking references. It may also mean a more advanced understanding and knowledge regarding companies where applicants currently work (a multinational company likely doesn’t have this).
2. Ensure that the firm has an opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager. This will allow both parties to better grasp expectations, styles, etc.
3. Keep the lines of communication open – frequent progress updates are crucial. Additionally, make sure that you communicate with candidates, providing feedback. This works to protect the brand (negative feedback can be damaging to your reputation).
4. Work with a firm that has good knowledge of your industry. Knowledge is key, and so understanding how your industry functions is critical when searching for someone to work within it.
5. Remember that this is a partnership, and the best recruitment strategies benefit from the trust you place in your firm to secure leads and find the perfect hire.

You have a hand in having the most successful partnership with your recruitment firm. Provide your recruitment firm with the most accurate job description that best reflects your expectations. Be honest – if there is something that you want, but do not vocalize it, you may not get it.

It pays to hire the right employee the first time. Don’t let an inefficient recruitment strategy lead to a substandard hire. Instead, take these tips with you to the bank and cash in with a potential hire that will garner the results you want.

For more information about productive recruitment strategies please contact Permanent Search Group/PSG by calling 905-276-2006 or visit us online at www.permanentsearch.com