Recruitment agencies- how to hire the right one for your company

December 14th, 2010

When it comes to choosing a recruitment partner, companies have a wide variety of choice. Whether or not these recruitment agencies will offer the best service to that company however is a different story. Hiring a recruitment agency offers companies the extra edge over competition. There is more to a recruitment agency that just sifting through CV’s and then presenting companies with the best possible options.

The recruitment agency is fast becoming a huge demand in today’s workplace. There are many reasons for this.

  • Hiring the best person for the job
  • Experience in hiring, roles, positions, packages etc.
  • Contacts within the field
  • Saves time therefore saves money/ production time

As a company, finding and hiring the right recruitment agency can be difficult. There are many different aspects to consider when deciding which recruitment company to use. At the end of the day, the recruitment agency that a company decides to hire will be assisting with its future. A good recruitment agency will be able to assist a company in putting together packages that will attract the best candidates for the job.

When a position becomes available within a company, the recruitment agency that is hired to fill the position will put together a number of candidates that best suit the role. These people will have the best experience for the job title. The variety of choice allows a company to filter through the group and decide on the person that they feel will adapt to the company and bring the most to the table. This is determined through experience, track record, personality, goals and the attitude that the candidate has.

When deciding which recruitment agency to hire there are certain things that should be considered.

  • What sort of staff does the recruitment company have?
  • Talk to the customer support
  • Do research on the recruitment agency
  • Talk to other companies using this recruitment agency- success rate
  • Experience
  • Expertise
  • Quality of services

Hiring a recruitment agency may save a company time but that doesn’t mean that companies should not play an active role in the process. Companies should inform the recruitment company about important aspects that need to be considered when trying to find candidates for a job. They also need to share with the recruitment agency what their goals are and the standards that they have. It is important that the relationship between a company and a recruitment agency is developed early on in the process so that there is trust and understanding between the two parties.

Contact ProTem for your recruitment needs. Click here to view the services offered.

Call 011 518 4600 or

Mandy Clark
082 688 4337
mandy.clark@protem.co.za

Justin Williams
083 677 2844
justin.williams@protem.co.za

Jako Duvenage
083 675 7783
jako.duvenage@protem.co.za

Successful recruitment tips for employers

December 13th, 2010

Recruitment can be a long and tedious procedure. For any company looking to employ new staff, the lengthily steps that need to be taken should be done so by employers who have the correct experience and knowledge in hiring staff.

Employers are always concerned about hiring the right person for the job. Not only do they need the right qualifications and experience, but they also need to fit into a company, personality wise. This is an important part of the recruitment process because when employers hire someone, they do so for the present time and the future.

There are usually two types of recruitment processes.

Internal recruitment

This applies to people who already work within a company. These staff members are given the opportunity to apply for the position and put their experience and knowledge to the test in order to either change profiles completely or advance.

There are advantages to recruiting internally

  • Less time consuming
  • More economical
  • Candidate already knows about the company and products/ services
  • Company has a good idea of who the candidate is

External recruitment

This process involves candidates from outside the workplace, applying for the position. This process is certainly more time consuming for a number of reasons.

  • More applicants
  • Employer needs to do a history check etc.
  • More resources spent

Usually at a large company the Human Resources Department will handle the employment of staff into a position. It is usually the responsibility of the HRD to advertise the information to the public through a variety of different media. It is of utmost importance that these adverts are clear with regard to job titles and required skill and experience.

There are a number of things that employees in the HRD or employers need to do whilst going through the recruitment process.

  • Filter through the CV’s received
  • Prepare for the interview process- there are 3 common questions that employers ask candidates during the interview process

-      Tell me something about yourself?

-       What is your work experience and how it is related to this job?

-       What made you to apply for this job?

  • Prepare for psychometric testing of short listed candidates

Although these steps may seem as if they are simple tasks, it is important that employers know how to handle the process correctly. Employers need to be confident and show both leadership and team building skills. Recruitment can be difficult for employers who do not have enough experience in the handlings and details of recruitment.

For more information on recruitment or to hire a recruitment agency to assist your company with the hiring of new, qualified and experienced staff, contact Protem directly on 011 518 4600 or contact:

Mandy Clark
082 688 4337
mandy.clark@protem.co.za

Justin Williams
083 677 2844
justin.williams@protem.co.za

Jako Duvenage
083 675 7783
jako.duvenage@protem.co.za

Visit www.protem.co.za

Psychometric testing determining if you are in the right career

December 8th, 2010

A job should ideally be something that you love. For many people however, it’s something that they dread on a daily basis. Choosing the right career and enjoying it is something that not many people unfortunately get to experience in their lifetime.

There certainly is no way to ensure that every day spent at the grindstone will be pleasant. There are however ways to ensure that before you start studying or even once you have a degree but wish to pursue further studying, that you are heading or are in the right industry.

Psychometric testing examines individual differences on a variety of different levels. It is most commonly used to match a person to the most ideal career suited to them. These psychometric tests are quick and simple and the results give insights into a person’s work personality.

Individuals are not the only ones who use psychometric testing. Many companies, who are looking at hiring new staff, use this popular evaluation process to help them make their decisions about who is most suited for the job.

Psychometric testing evaluates a number of different areas and provides insightful information that is useful in the career decision process.

  • Evaluates personality
  • Character description
  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Compatibilities
  • Which route to pursue

Many people enter into a career without any real idea of whether or not it is suited to the kind of person that they are or more importantly if they will enjoy it or not. This kind of insight will ultimately determine if a person will be happy and successful in what it is that they decide to do and which career they settle down in.

What exactly does psychometric testing include?

There are a variety of different psychometric tests that can be done. They will measure either:

Personality

  • Interests
  • Emotions
  • Ethics
  • Behavior
  • No preparation is required
  • Honesty is essential

Aptitude and personality

  • Tests greater general knowledge
  • Mathematical equations
  • Vocabulary
  • Manual dexterity
  • Speed assessments
  • Test ability to perform

Neither of the above psychometric testing methods are considered on a pass nor fail basis, they are merely used to help a person or a company understand and highlight talents, skills and strengths.

It is important to remember that the work place is where many people spend the majority of their time. Enjoying your job contributes tremendously to enjoying your day and ultimately your career. Psychometric testing is just one of the ways in which you are able to assess whether or not you are in or you are entering into the correct career.

For more information on psychometric testing or to enquire about which industry would best suit you, contact Protem on 011 518 4600 0r email skill@protem.co.za

Alternatively visit www.protem.co.za

Recruitment agencies- find the right one when looking for a job

December 8th, 2010

Finding a respectable recruitment agency is often a much safer and more reliable route to take when applying for a new job. It is however recommended that when looking for the right employment agencies to send your CV to, that you do your research and know a bit about them first.

Using an efficient recruitment agency is one of the best ways to find a suitable job. With the experience and knowledge in the job hunting sphere, recruitment agencies have many trusted contacts to make use of. When job hunters are looking at employment agencies to use, it is important to make a list of agencies first. Some specialize in certain fields, such as Finance, IT support or Engineering, so sending a CV to a recruitment agency that only works within these niche markets may be a waste of time if you have no experience in the industry. Expert recruitment consultants however are a great help for those looking at specific areas.

Once you have chosen a recruitment agency you need to know exactly what it is that you want. It’s advisable to spend time thinking about what sort of package you are looking for, what skills you have and then polishing your CV so that it best represents who you are, your experience and has good references. This not only improves your chances but it also gives the recruitment agency a good idea of who you are so that they can then assist you in moving forward.

It is important to ask a recruitment agency all the questions that may be floating around in your mind regarding an industry, interviews etc. Just as you ask questions in an interview, it is vital that you ask your employment agency the same sort of questions so that you know as much about the position (should you be short listed for an interview) and job spec as possible.

There are a few other points that may be important to consider when trying to find the right recruitment agency for you.

  • How long has the company been around? (Do not overlook new agencies, they may have the most experienced staff)
  • Enquire about agencies fee (this is mostly applicable to companies who are using recruitment agencies)
  • Look at the recruitment agencies terms and conditions

Taking advantage of each and every interview that a candidate has is a great way to learn about the ins and outs of the interview process. Although recruitment agencies assist job hunters in setting up interviews with the relevant companies, it is important that the candidate is ready for the interview.  Recruitment companies can only go so far in helping you find a job. Ensuring that your CV reflects who you are is of huge importance.

For more information on finding the right job contact ProTem on 011 518 4600 or email your CV to skill@protem.co.za

CV formatting how to impress a recruitment agency

September 17th, 2010

It is vital that a person’s CV is perfect. You only get one chance to impress a recruitment agency. Your representation is what carries your know- how and talent into the right hands. If something appears to be unprofessional to the recruitment agency or company, your reputation and chances are put on the line. There is no patience for sloppy work.

Only the very best and most impressive CV’s get short- listed. It is for this reason that your CV needs to be well written and to the point. A CV is like a personal brochure, giving you a chance to show off all your attributes without a recruitment agency or company actually meeting you. What is important to remember is that for every job that you apply for, there at least 100 other people who have applied too. There are various basics that are important when putting together a CV.

  • Name
  • Contact information
  • Education
  • Employment history
  • Awards
  • Reference list
  • Letter of motivation

The details of CV should include no more than this. It is important that you keep it as short as possible. The more concise and to the point a CV is, the better chance you have of recruitment agencies and companies reading through it. When putting together a CV, always use formal and well- written language. Writing needs to be simple and clear.

  • No abbreviations
  • No slang
  • Show off your unique qualities
  • Use a clear, basic layout
  • Keep your CV relevant to the receiver
  • Error free
  • Up to date

What not to include

  • Photo
  • Salary history
  • Reasons for leaving previous job

Unless this information is requested in the job specs, you should not worry about including it into your CV.

CV formatting and cover letters

Keeping details in a basic and easy to read layout will benefit you. Concentrate on the basic details rather than the impressive layout of the CV.

A cover letter could make the difference between you being short listed and ignored. It shows devotion to your application and also provides a first impression of your personality. Cover letters should be kept as simple as possible.

  • Address the company and person by name (if possible)
  • Position you are applying for
  • Basic qualifications for position
  • Strengths
  • End off by requesting an interview
  • Include the date
  • Sign in blue or black ink only

It is a good idea to have targeted and focused CV’s for each job that you apply for. Double checking for spelling mistakes and errors will assist in providing a great impression on the recruitment agency. A CV represents you. Candidates should be as proud of this formal representation as they are of themselves. Updating and maintaining a CV is as important as taking care of yourself.

Send your CV to ProTem. Email skill@protem.co.za

For more information on ProTem, visit www.protem.co.za or call 011 518 4600

A recruitment agency interview tips on how to impress

September 17th, 2010

Interviews are not only a scary process; they are also hard to come by these days. Making a great impression is vital in order for the candidate to even stand a chance.

Being interviewed by a recruitment agency is the first step to being on your way to the second stages of the interview process. With much know how, recruitment agencies know what companies are looking for with regards to experience and the type of person that will best suit the position.

Recruitment agency- tips and preparation for an interview

There are various things that a person going for a job interview can do to best prepare themselves for the process. Recruitment agencies are busy and if candidates want to impress, they need to be 100% prepared.

  • Research the company
  • Practice questions
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses
  • Bring extra information i.e. Driver’s license
  • Confirm interview the day before
  • Allow for extra time to get to interview
  • Always be friendly towards the receptionist
  • Use firm handshakes and smile
  • Use eye contact
  • Be aware of your body language- do not cross arms, don’t slouch
  • Listen to the information and questions asked carefully
  • Think before you speak
  • Don’t exaggerate or lie about any details

Recruitment agencies filter through piles of CV’s on a daily basis. If you are chosen for an interview, it means that your experience and qualifications are suitable. It is up to you, the candidate to show in the interview that you are the right person for the job. Personality often plays a big role in the decision making process. Many companies want to hire staff that fit in with their team.

Questions asked by the recruitment agency during an interview

When being interviewed by a recruitment agency, there are many questions that the recruitment agency will ask the candidate. Grooming for this will help you come across as being confident. It also prevents you from being put on the spot during the interview.

  • How do you handle criticism?
  • How do you deal with stress?
  • Why do you think that you will fit in with this company?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
  • Do you prefer to work alone or in a team?
  • Why are you interested in working for this company?
  • Why should the client hire you?

Questions you should ask the recruitment agency during the interview

It’s also a good ides to prepare questions of your own when going for an interview at a recruitment agency.

  • Is there space for growth?
  • Will I work overtime?
  • Who will be my immediate manager?
  • Where do you see the company in 5 years time?
  • After I have settled in, can I take on more roles to increase learning?

Being prepared for an interview at a recruitment agency will give you maximum benefit. It will also assist you and the recruitment agency in deciding whether or not you are best suited for the job.

Send your CV to Protem. Email skill@protem.co.za or call 011 518 4600.

Social Recruitment – the hype vs. the reality

September 14th, 2010

Recruitment can be a long process if it is not approached in the right way. There are many ways in which companies look for candidates. However some of these methods do not always prove to be successful.

Over the last year there has been a lot of hype around social networking. Along with this “new” form of communication has arrived the idea of social recruitment. This form of recruitment can be very beneficial if it is used in the correct way. As useful as this method of recruitment can be, there is much hype around it.

Read the rest of this entry »

Internal recruitment- could it stunt the growth of a company?

September 14th, 2010

Filling a position can be a difficult task. There are many things that need to be considered before someone is hired to join a company. For this reason many companies choose to recruit internally. This however does not always prove to be the best route to take. Read the rest of this entry »

The importance of using a recruitment agency

September 14th, 2010

When the time comes to replace or hire a new employee, it’s often a tough decision. Many companies prefer to spend more time buying state- of- the- art equipment and less time preparing themselves for the hiring process. A company’s employees are an investment. It is after all, the people that work at a company who keep the wheel turning. Without their innovation and dedication, a company would not succeed. Read the rest of this entry »