Month: December 2023

Setting effective recruitment goals for the year ahead

I Keep Six Honest Serving Men by Rudyard Kipling

I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
I send them over land and sea,
I send them east and west;
But after they have worked for me,
I give them all a rest.

We can use Rudyard Kipling’s poem to help set clear and effective recruitment goals for the year ahead. Here’s how you can apply each question when setting your recruitment goals:

What? Define your specific recruitment goals for the year. This could involve targets such as the number of positions to fill, reducing time-to-hire, improving the quality of hires, or enhancing diversity in the workforce.

Why? Understand the reasons behind each recruitment goal. For example, if the goal is to reduce time-to-hire, it could be to secure top talent before competitors do or to enhance the candidate experience, ultimately improving employer branding.

When? Establish timelines for key recruitment milestones. This could include setting deadlines for posting job openings, conducting initial interviews, and finalising offers. Having a clear timeline ensures that recruitment efforts stay on track and align with broader business objectives.

How? Develop a recruitment strategy that outlines the approach to finding and attracting talent. Consider the use of technology, social media, networking events, and other channels. Also, include strategies for screening candidates effectively and ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the hiring process.

Where? Identify the specific areas or markets where recruitment efforts will be concentrated. This could involve targeting certain geographical locations, industries, or demographic groups. Understanding the “where” is crucial for tailoring recruitment strategies to different contexts.

Who? Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the recruitment process. Assign tasks such as sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding to specific individuals or teams. Collaboration between recruiters, hiring managers, and other stakeholders is essential for successful talent acquisition.

Regularly reviewing and adapting these questions throughout the year will allow you to stay agile in response to changes in the job market, industry trends, and organisational needs. Additionally, collecting and analysing relevant data, such as candidate feedback and hiring metrics, can provide valuable insights for continuous improvement in the recruitment process.

Our experienced team are here to support you in achieving your 2024 recruitment goals. Get in touch and speak to one of our specialist consultants today:

Call: UK +44 1606 212020 / Germany +49 8954 195 924

Email: [email protected]

Take some time to reflect on 2023 and set your goals for the year ahead

Career self-evaluation is something we should all consider at this time of year. Taking a step back to reflect on the year can provide some excellent insights and be essential when updating and planning for your future goals. 

We have put together a list of key questions to consider as part of your self-assessment, they will help you to make informed decisions about your career path and professional development.

Accomplishments and contributions

• What were my key achievements and contributions to projects or initiatives?
• Did I meet or exceed the goals and targets set at the beginning of the year?

Learning and development

• What new skills or knowledge did I acquire during the year?
• Did I participate in any training programs or professional development opportunities?

Challenges and solutions

• What were the major challenges I faced, and how did I overcome them?
• Did I seek help or collaborate effectively with colleagues to address challenges?

Team collaboration

• How well did I collaborate with team members and other departments?
• Were there instances where I provided support or received support from colleagues?

Feedback and recognition

• Did I seek feedback from supervisors, colleagues, or clients?
• Was I recognised for my contributions, and if not, how can I better highlight my achievements?

Work-life balance

• How would I rate my work-life balance throughout the year?
• Did I take enough breaks and vacations to recharge?

Career goals and aspirations

• Did I accomplish the career goals I set at the beginning of the year?
• Are my long-term career aspirations still aligned with my current role and organisation?

Professional relationships

• How have my relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and direct reports evolved?
• Are there relationships I need to nurture or improve?

Leadership and decision making

• Did I have opportunities to take on leadership roles or make significant decisions?
• How did I handle challenging decisions or situations?

Job satisfaction

• On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied am I with my current role and responsibilities?
• What aspects of my job bring me the most satisfaction, and which areas could be improved?

Career alignment

• Does my current role align with my skills, interests, and values?
• Are there areas where I feel misaligned or unfulfilled in my career?

Networking and professional visibility

• Did I engage in networking activities within and outside the organisation?
• How can I improve my professional visibility within the industry?

Future planning

• What are my career goals for the upcoming year?
• Are there specific areas for improvement or skills to develop?

Job market trends

• Have I kept myself updated on industry trends and changes in the job market?
• Are there emerging skills or areas of expertise that I should focus on?

Overall well-being

• How has my overall well-being been impacted by my career this year?
• What steps can I take to enhance my well-being in the coming year?

Set yourself professional goals for the year ahead

Take some time to consider these questions and set yourself some professional goals for the year ahead. After the holidays is the perfect time to start taking action on your goals. You’ll be refreshed from your break and motivated to make change.

If after your time reflecting you decide it’s time for a career change, Delve are here to support your career aspirations.

Call: UK +44 1606 212020 / Germany +49 8954 195 924

Email: [email protected]

Season’s Greetings from Delve Search 

The team at Delve Search wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This year we are donating to our local toy appeal instead of sending Christmas cards. It also helps to reduce our carbon footprint. 

We look forward to working with you in 2024!