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How recruitment has changed: 2011 > 2023

How recruitment has changed: 2011 > 2023

Gareth Foden, Director and head of our Life Science team, takes a look back at how recruitment has changed since his first placement back in 2011, to now…

“Back in 2011 the first person I helped a company hire was an Electronic Technician for a medical packaging business. I remember it well, largely because I had no idea what I was doing but the candidate who got the job was such a nice guy. He took the time to give me an overview of his skills, how he achieved the knowledge he had and how that clicked into the wider engineering industry – which really helped me at the time.

At that point, recruitment tech stacks (software) were pretty much just job advertising and their associated platforms, alongside paper-based interview cards that were kept in a “top box”!

If I put that in contrast with my most recent hire, the world of recruitment has evolved in many ways but stayed exactly the same in others.

I would say that the people aspect is identical. Being able to listen to what someone is saying, and interpret that in the right way, hasn’t changed. Reading between the lines to make conclusions and challenge where needed has stayed throughout – although my skills have gone up significantly!

The real change is in the technology & ability to reach people via multiple channels, utilising things like automated tools and AI to help along the way.

I am sure that recruitment will continue to evolve in the future, but in my view, the people element will always remain!”

Get in touch to see how Gareth could support you with your next hire:

Linkedin: Gareth Foden

Email: [email protected]

 

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Candidates Clients

Golden rules for a timely recruitment process

Golden rules for a timely recruitment process

Time kills deals when hiring, always has and always will. Check out my golden rules for a timely recruitment process…

No matter how attractive your job/business is, taking longer unnecessarily will lower your chances of hiring the best person.

1. Plan and stick to your process where possible

It’s easy to go rogue (I’ve done it in my own hiring where I get excited) but the best hiring is often from consistent processes. Different hires may require a different approach but the structure of the process does not change. If you have a consistent process you can then communicate bottle necks early which is imperative. See no.2…

2. No surprises

Candidates will become disengaged if they feel you have moved the goal posts. There are things in your process which can delay or not be ideal but people are generally far more understanding if you tell them from the start. Otherwise as humans we do like to ‘throw our toys out of the pram’ over sometimes trivial changes.

3. Be clear on what you want

Sounds simple but even if you don’t know the exact role, be clear on what the values, behavioural, and personal fit should be. Don’t compromise on this. If you are not clear nobody can make a decision.

4. Prompt feedback

We as recruiters get it in the neck but often its feedback from the clients that’s missing. If someone has taken the time to interview we should always feedback. If you give prompt feedback the candidate will likely do this too. It’s contagious.

5. Prompt decision making

Your benchmark is your recruitment policy – once you have the right person don’t wait. Benchmarking against other candidates isn’t always possible. If they are not right move on, quick.

6. Once you’ve made the decision be quick to close the offer and contract

The peak of interest is at the point of offer. The longer it takes to confirm the deal the more interest can drop and competition comes into play…

If you need advise around hiring, don’t hesitate to reach out..

Rob Bemment

Email: [email protected]

Tel:+44 (0)1606 664 198

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Breaking barriers: Empowering success through female hires in the corporate world

Breaking barriers: Empowering success through female hires in the corporate world

In the ever-evolving landscape of the corporate world, gender diversity and inclusion are taking center stage as critical factors for success. The inclusion of female employees in leadership positions and across various roles is no longer just a moral imperative but has become a strategic advantage. Embracing and empowering female hires in the workplace not only fosters a more diverse and inclusive environment but also fuels innovation, creativity, and overall business growth. In this blog, we delve into the significance of breaking barriers through female hires and how it can lead to empowering success in the corporate world.

Harnessing diverse perspectives: One of the primary reasons why female hires are crucial to corporate success lies in the inherent differences in perspectives and experiences they bring to the table. Embracing diversity in the workforce enables organisations to access a wide range of ideas and insights, leading to more effective decision making and problem solving. Women often possess unique viewpoints and can provide fresh approaches to challenges that might have been overlooked in a homogenous work environment.

Creating inclusive and empowering work cultures: By promoting gender diversity through female hires, companies have an opportunity to create more inclusive and empowering work cultures. When women feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to the organisation’s goals. This positive work environment not only boosts employee morale but also attracts top talent from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the company’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Nurturing future leaders: Female hires in leadership positions serve as role models and mentors for aspiring women in the workforce. Their success stories inspire and motivate others to break barriers and pursue leadership roles themselves. By nurturing female talent and providing them with opportunities for growth, organisations can build a robust pipeline of future female leaders who can drive the company’s success forward.

Enhancing customer understanding: With women making up a significant portion of the consumer base across various industries, having female employees in decision making positions can lead to a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences. Female hires can contribute valuable insights that can inform product development, marketing strategies, and overall customer satisfaction, thereby giving the company a competitive edge in the market.

Embracing the future of work: As the future of work continues to evolve, businesses must adapt and embrace change to remain relevant. This adaptation includes harnessing the full potential of their workforce, which entails recognising and utilising the skills and abilities of female employees. Organisations that actively invest in gender diversity and equality are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace successfully.

Conclusion: Breaking barriers through female hires in the corporate world is not merely about achieving gender equality; it is about unlocking the vast potential that diversity brings to an organisation. Embracing female employees in all aspects of business empowers them to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives, insights, and skills, thereby fostering a culture of success and innovation. As companies continue to prioritise diversity and inclusion, they pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future in the corporate landscape.

For information on how we can help you in your search for your next female hire, call us on +44 (0) 1606 212020 or email [email protected].

 

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The importance of cultural fit in the workplace: A key ingredient for success

The importance of cultural fit in the workplace: A key ingredient for success

In today’s highly competitive job market, recruiters and hiring managers often face a challenging decision: should they prioritise technical skills or cultural fit when evaluating potential candidates? While technical skills undoubtedly play a vital role in job performance, the significance of cultural fit should not be underestimated. In fact, cultural fit can be the differentiating factor that determines long-term success within a company. Here are a few reasons why cultural fit is key in the hiring process.

Fostering a harmonious work environment: A strong cultural fit ensures that employees share similar values, work ethics, and goals. When individuals align with the company culture, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, communicate seamlessly, and build positive relationships with their colleagues. This harmonious work environment boosts morale, enhances teamwork, and ultimately contributes to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

Enhanced employee engagement: Employees who feel a sense of belonging and alignment with the company’s mission and values are more likely to be engaged in their work. When there is a cultural fit, individuals are passionate about their roles, demonstrate greater commitment, and exhibit a higher level of job satisfaction. They are motivated to go the extra mile, contributing to a more innovative and productive work environment.

Reduced turnover and increased retention: Hiring an employee with excellent technical skills but poor cultural fit can lead to significant challenges in the long run. Such individuals may struggle to integrate into the team, feel disconnected, and become disengaged over time. This can result in high turnover rates, which are costly for businesses in terms of recruitment, training, and lost productivity. Prioritising cultural fit during the hiring process helps ensure that employees are more likely to stay and thrive within the organisation, reducing turnover and fostering long-term retention.

Positive impact on organisational reputation: Employees who are aligned with the company culture not only perform their roles effectively but also become ambassadors for the organisation. They reflect the values and ethos of the company in their interactions with clients, partners, and the public. This positive representation enhances the company’s reputation and strengthens its brand image, contributing to its long-term success.

Adaptability and team dynamics: Cultural fit enables individuals to adapt more seamlessly to the company’s work environment, processes, and values. While technical skills can be developed over time, cultural fit is often more challenging to cultivate. Employees who already align with the company’s culture can integrate more smoothly into teams, adapt to changing circumstances, and contribute to a cohesive and productive work dynamic.

While technical skills remain important, prioritising cultural fit in the hiring process can lead to a more cohesive and high-performing workforce. Striking the right balance between technical skills and cultural fit ensures that employees not only have the necessary expertise but also possess the values, attitudes, and behaviours that align with the company’s mission and vision. By fostering a work environment where employees feel connected, engaged, and motivated, businesses can unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable success in today’s competitive landscape.

Get in touch to find out how we can help you find the perfect fit:

Call us on +44 (0)1606 212020

Email us at [email protected]

 

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The impact of psychometric profiling in recruitment: Unveiling the perfect match

The impact of psychometric profiling in recruitment: Unveiling the perfect match!

We are diving into the intriguing world of psychometric profiling and its significant role in the search and selection process. If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to finding the right candidate for your business and team, join us as we explore the ins and outs of this powerful tool!

Let’s begin by understanding what psychometric profiling entails. Simply put, it involves gaining insights into an individual’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses, going beyond what can be gleaned from qualifications and a CV alone. It offers a deeper understanding of a person’s traits and behaviours without the need for extensive competency-based interviews or personal assessments.

So, why should you consider psychometric profiling during the recruitment process? Well, a job is more than a checklist of skills. It’s about finding a mutual cultural fit, aligning personalities, and creating a cohesive team. Psychometric profiling helps achieve these goals.

By utilising psychometric assessments, recruiters gain valuable insights that surpass what a resume can reveal. These assessments provide a glimpse into a candidate’s hidden potential and behavioural patterns. They shed light on work preferences, leadership styles, and how individuals handle pressure, which is often indicative of their character during demanding situations.

Now, let’s explore the practical benefits of psychometric profiling:

Cultural Fit: Companies have distinct cultures and values. Psychometric profiling allows recruiters to match candidates based not only on skills but also on personality traits that align with the company’s culture. It helps identify individuals who share the vision and values, fostering strong connections within the team.

Uncovering Hidden Talents: Resumes may not fully capture a candidate’s true potential. Psychometric assessments unveil hidden talents and strengths that might not be immediately apparent. It enables the discovery of exceptional abilities and helps place candidates in roles where they can thrive.

Enhancing Team Dynamics: Successful teams rely on effective dynamics. Understanding the personality traits and preferences of team members through psychometric profiling helps create well-rounded teams. It ensures a complementary blend of skills and fosters collaboration, leading to outstanding results.

Reducing Bias in Hiring: Acknowledging our inherent biases, psychometric profiling offers an objective approach to evaluating candidates. It focuses on their true potential rather than superficial factors. By minimizing bias, organizations can promote fairness and inclusivity in their recruitment practices.

It’s important to note that psychometric profiling is just one piece of the puzzle. It does not provide a definitive forecast of future success, nor does it replace human judgment. Instead, it should be used alongside other assessment methods, forming a comprehensive evaluation approach.

Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer seeking the perfect fit, keeping an open mind and embracing the possibilities that psychometric profiling brings can unlock tremendous potential. It’s about finding that ideal match and embarking on a fulfilling journey of growth and success together!

Get in touch to see how Delve Search can help you find your next perfect match!

Call us on +44 (0)1606 212020

Email us at [email protected]

 

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UK Engineering: The ongoing war for talent

UK Engineering: The ongoing war for talent

In the UK, the field of engineering accounts for 18% of the nation’s workforce with a staggering 5.5 million people working within the sector. Recognising the importance of this industry, the UK Government has identified its growth as crucial in achieving the nation’s economic and environmental goals. However, we are currently facing a daunting challenge – a substantial surplus of vacancies, with over 170,000 unfilled positions as of mid-2023, which is costing the UK economy approximately £1.5 billion per year.

This gap in talent has been partly created by the perfect storm of a Covid/Brexit hangover, placing tremendous strain on the existing workforce, and leading to an increasingly competitive market for candidates. Additionally, the soaring cost of living exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for businesses that cannot compete at the highest level to attract the skilled workers who are indispensable to an organisations success.

Advancements in robotics, AI, and the rapid transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 promise alternative solutions to our staffing problems. Furthermore, the noticeable increase of 7.1% in apprenticeships from 2021/22 to 2022/23 indicates a positive trend within the sector, albeit a slow-burning one.

In the interim, the burning question is; how can we attract top talent? Or rather, how can we effectively bridge the staffing gaps?

First and foremost, businesses should look inward. Organisations that can provide internal progression pathways, possess a well-defined employee value proposition, and adopt a proactive approach towards their workforce will undoubtedly experience lower turnover rates compared to those that neglect these crucial aspects.

When considering external recruitment (whether driven by growth or internal changes), organisations must adopt a proactive stance to secure the finest talent available. It is highly unlikely that vacancies for niche-skilled, high-demand roles will be filled through traditional advertising methods. Typically, the most desirable candidates or top performers are happy with their current employers and are unlikely to browse through job boards or similar platforms.

At Delve Search, we understand these challenges and approach them with expertise. As a specialist at sourcing talent in the Engineering sector, we work closely with our clients on a consultative basis, offering a proactive approach to the market. Each engagement is treated as a unique project, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of our clients’ specific requirements through our “Beyond the Paper” methodology.

We not only understand your recruitment needs but also pay meticulous attention to cultural nuances, ensuring the perfect match between an organisation and top talent. 

Get in touch with Andrew Ellis to discover how we can advise and support you with your hiring requirements. 

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)1606 212020

Mobile: +44 (0)7377 955 045

LinkedIn: Andrew Ellis

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Attracting the best employees

Attracting the best employees

What do candidates want?

Many companies are assessing their hiring requirements and looking to grow their workforce. Whilst this is great news for candidates seeking new opportunities, it also creates a lot of competition for hiring companies to secure new team members. Not only do hiring companies have to battle with potential counter offers from candidates’ current employers, but they also must ensure they are the candidates’ first choice as a new employer.

As much as salary and compensation are key factors in almost all job searches, companies cannot rely on remuneration alone – they need to go above and beyond to be a desirable workplace. Companies need to look at what they offer beyond salary, and how they can support employee wellbeing.

When we speak to candidates, we always talk to them about their motivations and aspirations; not only does this help us understand them as an individual, but it also helps us better understand what they’re looking for with potential employers. One of the main things they seek is not just what the day-to-day purpose of the job is, but also what the future progression within the company is. Companies who are willing to train, develop and support their employees and have a clear progression pathway are more appealing to the most ambitious and skilled candidates.

For our clients who have been successful in attracting top talent, they have been able to showcase the plans and initiatives they have in place that develop the hard and soft skills of employees and are able to explain how this will put potential employees in good stead for future promotions. Ultimately, candidates want to see a ‘promote from within culture’ and a clear pathway within the business.

One major selling point in the eyes of many candidates is flexibility. Whilst it’s understood that some hands-on, technical roles need to be operated from within the lab, many roles can be operated on a hybrid basis. Ever since COVID-19, candidates are used to working from home offices. Many feel that reducing their weekly travelling time means they’re less fatigued and more productive.

Not just working locations, but working hours are important to employees. We speak to so many candidates who have family commitments (such as picking children up from school). Showcasing flexibility and autonomy for candidates is an important step in the recruitment process for successful employers and can often be what gives them the edge over other opportunities a candidate may have.

If you’ve been struggling to recruit the best talent or would like to discuss how you can better sell your business to candidates, reach out to us today and we’d be happy to share our expertise.

Call us on +44 (0)1606 212020

Email us at [email protected]

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How to get the most out of your recruitment partner

How to get the most out of your recruitment partner

If you have already engaged a recruiter partner to support you with those difficult-to-hire positions, then you could be off to a great start. If you have taken the time to select the right partner and done your due diligence, they will have experience hiring in your sector, a strong network built from similar successful searches, and various strategies and techniques to headhunt the right people for your organisation. But how do you ensure they prioritise your search assignment over the other organisations they also represent? What can you do to help increase the likelihood of a successful hire?

These questions of even more prevalent when you are under time pressure to have this hire in place, to coincide with wider business objectives or to take pressure off other members of the team. Bearing that in mind, here are a few ways to get the most out of your recruitment partnership.

Effective Communication – This sounds straightforward but ensuring clear and concise 2-way communication throughout the hiring process will help to strengthen the relationship between yourself and your recruitment partner. Regular communication is key to ensuring any possible problems or challenges are discussed and overcome swiftly before they delay the hiring process. This is even more vital when hiring in a candidate short market where your competition is looking to hire similar people and moving quickly.

Full job briefing – Taking the time to provide a detailed job briefing for the position you are hiring for will not only give your partner a better understanding of the position, but it also helps them to understand the culture of the team this person will be joining and what type of personality would best fit. 

Making this job profile as detailed as possible will help the recruiter make accurate assessments when screening and interviewing candidates on your behalf. Make sure you give tangible insights to your company to help them understand what makes your business great and why someone should join your team.

Where possible it is always good to go through the briefing in person, invite your recruitment partner to your office so that they can see things first-hand for themselves. Providing a full and detailed brief instils confidence in your recruitment partner that you are invested in the process and greatly increases the chance of you receiving suitable, well-vetted applications from someone who truly understands your business.

Exclusive search assignments – Offering a period of exclusivity on a search assignment is a good way to ensure your search is given preference over others being worked by your recruitment partner on a contingent basis. This means that for an agreed period of exclusivity (typically 6 weeks for a detailed search process) you agree to fully commit to working with this partner and no other. This option gives you the benefit of knowing your search is being given the time it requires and your search partner the confidence that you are invested in working with them to achieve a successful hire.

And let’s face it, you have a day job to do as well as hiring, so only communicating with one recruiter, saves you time. Working exclusively means your partner has dedicated time to carry out a detailed interview and screening process as well as providing you with useful feedback on each candidate’s application and suitability, meaning you don’t receive duplicated or poorly matched CVs.

Retained search assignments – Similarly, agreeing to partner with your recruiter on a retained search basis also means your hire will be prioritised over other contingent searches and hugely increases the accountability to deliver a successful search. In this instance, you agree to some financial commitment upon commencement of the search with the residual being invoiced when a successful candidate has been hired. Working in this way offers all the benefits of an exclusive assignment as well as weekly update calls with your recruitment partner and a clearly communicated and agreed timeline of key milestones throughout the search and selection process.

Delve Search has over 30 years’ experience in sourcing talent for the life science, engineering & semiconductor communities worldwide. Get in touch with our team to see how we can support you with your next hire.

Call us on +44 (0)1606 212020

Email us at [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn

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The best strategies for retaining your employees

The best strategies for retaining your employees

Keeping your current employees engaged and motivated can be hard, especially in larger organisations. In such a competitive market employees can be approached many times for new opportunities, so it is important to have your employees emotionally engaged to their work. Here are a few pointers on how to increase employee retention.

 

Leadership – Engagement starts at the top, management affects how engaged employees are, in turn effecting how likely they are to stay at the company. Leaders might underestimate how much of an influence they have on their company’s retention levels. They need to be engaged with their teams and provide a safe space for them to share their honest opinions. Employees work for people not companies.

 

Work-life balance – It is important to provide a work-life balance for your employees, stress and long hours can be detrimental to someone’s work ethic as well as mental health. There is now a demand for a new cultural focus on health and wellbeing and employees are less likely to tolerate such conditions. Moreover, if someone is overworked their productivity in the long run declines and their job satisfaction will decrease. Employees often feel pressured to work longer hours and not take vacation time, so making an environment where time off is encouraged will make them feel relaxed and increase productivity.

 

Flexible working environment – Employees are more likely to consider opportunities with a great work life balance, big factors to this are flexible working hours and environment. Now more than ever, people are working remotely or are looking for a hybrid position. It has been known a bad commute can be a big factor into employees quitting their job. Giving your employees control over their work and flexible schedules, will increase their productivity and likelihood to stay with a company. If you give your employees a little trust and leeway, you’ll get trust and loyalty in return.

 

Pay attention to feedback – Communication is important within a company and in developing a team. Regular one-to-one meetings gives an employee opportunity to really say how they are feeling and highlight any issues they might be having. You can really gauge their happiness and job satisfaction. It’s an opportunity to see if their expectations are met and what you can do to rectify this is not.

 

Inclusive culture –  An inclusive culture can positively affect an employee’s performance as well as their well-being. A diverse work force increases creativity and provides them with a sense of belonging to a company. It is important for employees to feel appreciated and get recognition for their hard work. A way to do this is publicly showing recognition by presenting an employee’s accomplishments or creating annual awards, where they can be appreciated in front of management.

 

Employee growth opportunities – One of people’s main motivators within a job is career growth and development opportunities. If employees remain stagnant in a role, they will want to seek new challenges outside their current organisation. It is important to set out a clear development plan and structure that employees know they can work towards. It doesn’t always have to be a new title and pay rise, but small things like new projects or responsibilities that offer a challenge can make a difference.

 

Even little changes can make a big difference to how appreciated an employee feels.

 

To find out more about how we can support you with your hiring strategy contact our experienced team.

Call us on +44 (0)1606 212020

Email us at [email protected]

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Offer acceptance – managing the risks

Offer acceptance – managing the risks

Picture this, the candidate has verbally accepted the position, anyone would think it is all done and dusted.

However, there are so many factors to bear in mind in the time between the offer being accepted and the new team member starting in the position in the new company. 

Diligence and attention to detail is key, as the earlier you know about any potential issues, the more time you have to find a solution. 

Here are some of the risks to be aware of:

  • drop in communication beyond what is usual, usually means there is an issue
  • Any other interviews and applications candidates have ongoing pose a significant risk, so it is important to ask about this throughout the process
  • We have seen a stark rise in counteroffers recently, we follow up with candidates after they have handed their notice in to see if the company produces a counteroffer whether it be monetary, progression or anything else persuasive enough to stay in the company 
  • Personal circumstances can change out of the blue, so building up a good relationship with the candidate is key to having transparent communication should issues arise
  • If the candidate has a longer notice period e.g. 3 months, this poses more risk for anything to occur in that time.

Essentially, clear and regular communication is key in preventing factors to hinder the offer acceptance not only at this latter stage, but throughout the process.

Delve Search maintain regular contact with clients and candidates throughout the recruitment process to establish good relationships and maintain clear communication. To find out more about our strategic approach to your hiring process, get in touch with our experienced team.

Call us on +44 (0)1606 212020

Email us at [email protected]

Follow us on LinkedIn