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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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Why you shouldn’t wait until January to make your next hire

Why you shouldn’t wait until January to make your next hire

As we approach the end of 2022, the winding down for the festive period begins and businesses have started the planning and preparation for the new year.  

However, before the year draws to a close, there is still a great opportunity to make one final push and secure your candidates now. Here are for 3 key reasons to start ahead of the festive period.

1. Get ahead of your competition

Since your competitors will likely start interviewing in January, hiring in advance gives you an opportunity to attract a pool of talent that isn’t being engaged. They’re open to new employment, available to be picked up for their array of skills – and you’re the only one looking for them. You can capitalise on the delayed approach of your competitors by being active now, be the early bird that gets the best worm. 

Companies hiring in January must also be extra-competitive with job offers and move very quickly to even get a shot at securing their preferred candidates. Come January, you’ll be calmly conducting inductions while they’re frantically finding time to interview. You also won’t be competing with newly released budgets in Q1!

2. Budgets – use it before you lose it

Something to bear in mind, companies keep their budget close to their chest throughout the year, they predominately do not like spending it until they must, due to this you likely haven’t hired as aggressively in Q1, Q2 and Q3, which could mean you have some budget left. 

If that’s the case, then even more reason to make the most of remaining budget and use it now before you lose it and the year ends – make your hires by the end of December and start 2023 with a fresh budget intact.

3. Time – now is the best time to act

As the end of the year approaches and businesses begin to wind down, you can make use of the time as a great opportunity to complete your hiring objectives, interviewing and hitting that target you’ve been eager to reach, finally over the line. 

With a new year comes new responsibility, new targets, and new tasks to add to our list. Why not focus your attention on hiring now, instead of leaving it for the new year rush when you have new priorities to tackle after the Christmas break.  

Speak to our team to see how we can support you with your recruitment needs, whether it’s an immediate hire or to get the ball rolling for 2023, we are here to help.

Call us on +44 (0)1606 212020 or email [email protected].

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Candidates

Best practice interview prep

Best practice interview prep

Sometimes the big obstacle can be getting the interview in the first place, but now you have one or maybe multiple interviews lined up, what is the best way to give yourself the maximum chance of getting the job? Here are our key pointers, based on our experience over the years, to help give you the best chance…

Preparation is key – The age old ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. It may sound so obvious, but I can’t stress how important it is to research the company so you can answer the almost guaranteed question of ‘what do you know about us?’ Use the information to think about why you want the job too, employers tend to want to know what has drawn you to their company.

Check the route – Even do a trial run if required, and check there are no issues with the roads on the day. If something unexpected does arise, make sure you have the contact number of the company or recruitment consultant in your phone to call ahead in a worst-case scenario.

Wear appropriate interview clothing – Unless told otherwise, always go in smart wear. In some instances, it may be relevant to wear casual wear dependant on the role, but you are better to be overdressed than underdressed! This may seem obvious, but I’ve seen people turn up in casual wear despite being advised that smart wear is appropriate, and it will usually be a dealbreaker from a first impressions point of view.

Attitude – Many companies we work with will hire on attitude rather than putting skills first, so how you come across based on your attitude, work ethic, body language and interpersonal skills can be more important – you can teach skills, but you can’t teach a good attitude…remember to smile!

Ask questions – This shows you are interested in what they do as a company and gets the conversation flowing in terms of what is familiar to you, from a transferability point of view, or what is new, to show interest. Also, be verbal on company/shop floor tours. Remember, this is a two-way assessment, you need to make sure you have the information you need to decide if it is the right fit for you not just the other way around.

Avoid being negative about previous employers – We all have our own reasons for leaving a company, just make sure it is delivered in a way that doesn’t come across negative to a future employer. In life there are always positives that come from negatives so focus on the positives e.g., the new skills learnt. 

Avoid asking directly about salary – It can come across that motivations perhaps aren’t aligned, plus you should have this information from the recruitment consultancy in advance. If the interviewer asks the question though, have the conversation and answer with honest expectations, don’t let it catch you off guard.

At Delve, we work closely with our clients to be able to support our candidates as much as possible about what to expect in terms of the interview format etc but also crucially gather feedback post interview. If you feel like you haven’t got the information you need, don’t be afraid to ask!

For further information contact Louise Shorrock, Client Manager at Delve Search via LinkedIn or email.

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Recruiting women into STEM roles

Recruiting women into STEM roles

The STEM industry has become a much more inclusive and diverse market, with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures studying and working in the industry. However, there is still more to be done to make STEM more appealing for women.

Early exposure – As with most things, early exposure is crucial to sparking interest. One step to attracting more women to STEM is creating environments in schools that invite young women into STEM subjects. Schools and colleges need to advertise STEM to boys and girls equally, creating a balanced environment for all to start their STEM journey.

Positive role models – As well as this, ensuring that young women have positive role models from within the STEM community will showcase the future opportunities and help them to visualise a career in the industry. Having positive female role models and mentors who are working in STEM is a great way for prospective STEM employees to learn, explore and develop through advice and inspiration.

Gender pay gap – The industry needs to do more once women are in employment. Closing the gender pay gap is still an important topic in most industries and although STEM is one of the leading industries for equal pay, there is still a gap that needs bridging between male and female colleagues’ pay. There also needs to be a more balanced representation of women at the top – companies don’t just need to pay their employees equal wages; they also need to open opportunities for women to take higher positions at the top of businesses. By showcasing routes to the top, women can enter the industry with the confidence that they can progress and have equal opportunities to their male counter parts.

Our team would be happy to hear your challenges in recruiting women into STEM roles and support you with potential solutions. For further information call us on +44 (0) 1606 212020 or email [email protected].

 

 

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Candidates

How to kickstart a career in engineering

How to kickstart a career in engineering

The engineering industry is always adapting as new technologies are developed making way for some interesting job opportunities. Check out our guide on how to kickstart your career in engineering!

Do your research 

If you know which type of company you want to work for, make sure you research them. Find out about their company values, what products or services they provide and what development opportunities they offer employees. 

Follow the types of companies you want to work for. If you’re going for an interview, it’s always a plus point if you know your facts! 

Look beyond the pay packet 

It’s not all about the money you’ll be earning. At the end of the day, money doesn’t always make you happy! It’s a lot more than that. For example, are there progression opportunities available, will you receive training and development, are the employees nice and easy to get on and work with? 

 These are all important questions that are sometimes overlooked. Think about what you really want out of an engineering job – and what’s most important to you. This will make it easier to find a role that ticks all the boxes.  

Make your skills and personality stand out 

Here at Delve, we have a beyond the paper approach, we’ve seen thousands of engineering CVs and most of them look exactly the same. What we are looking for is something that makes you stand out from the rest. 

What key skills or achievements do you have? The key skills that recruiters are currently looking for are team players, curiosity, ambition, good communicators, problem solvers, adaptability, and creativity. If you can show a recruiter that you have these skills, then make sure you shout about it! 

Get your foot in the door 

If you know of a particular company that you want to work for, call them! Put yourself out there, be a bit cheeky and ask them if they need volunteers. Gaining work experience can really help to kick start your career in engineering. 

After all, you could see what it’s like working there and which areas of engineering you might be interested in. This is a really good way of developing skills and building a network of useful contacts, and it looks good on your CV too! 

Keep your head up 

Finally, don’t give up! If it’s something you really want, then keep going. We all get knock-backs in life, but what makes you stronger is how you get up, deal with it, and move on. 

Engineering can be a very exciting sector to work in, so why don’t you give it a go? 

To find out more about how we can support you call us on +44 (0)1606 212020 or email [email protected].

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Where is the young talent?

Where Is The Young Talent?

The BBC have reported what I believe most of us suspected and that is that manufacturing is growing at a fast rate. Activity in the manufacturing sector has actually grown at its fastest pace for three years according to the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

This is great news for all of us who operate in the sector, but it’s also not without its problems. There is still an important question to be asked: will there be enough skills to allow the growth to continue? Trade skills, specifically electrical and controls engineering are at a real premium, with companies fighting over experienced talent. With many people leaving the sector through retirement or progression into other, more lucrative areas, maintenance engineering has struggled to attract the right amount of talent. Data suggests there is a current shortage of 69,000 engineers and technicians entering the sector. I’d argue that there are not many better learning opportunities for a young engineer than working in the manufacturing sector – the degree can come later, should you so wish.

Apprenticeships are on the rise – but is enough being done to ensure we have the talent? With so many different degrees available costing thousands of pounds and with little vocational experience gained at the end of the four years, isn’t it now up to the government to convince more companies and young people with the relevant abilities to consider starting their careers with manufacturing apprenticeships?

Employers and recruiters have a responsibility. We need to ensure the proposition is attractive and is sold to the right people. If all we do is continually search and move the experienced candidates in the industry around, we will not create the environment needed for young people to succeed. We must actively work together to provide young people the opportunity to learn.

There are no quick fixes. However, we as stakeholders in the industry can make a difference if we stop chasing the short-term wins.

Delve work with candidates and clients to create realistic expectations and improve succession planning with our clients. To find out more, feel free to contact a member of our team.

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Candidate onboarding – where to start?

Candidate Onboarding - Where To Start?

It’s reported that one in three people experience poor onboarding when they are joining a new business. One in three. Wow. As someone who is hiring, just think about all the pain that goes with finding that person. All of the time, money, and blood, sweat and tears. Then they start, and due to bad onboarding you have already given them reasons to think that this isn’t right for them.

As a recruiter, I hear great onboarding stories and hear horrendous onboarding stories. I hear vanilla ones as well, the ones that people forget the moment they leave the room. So, how can we combat this and put our best foot forward, I hear you say? Well, say no more…

It all starts with the interview. This will sound crazy, and you may think this is so obvious that it’s pointless to even write it. But here goes… Don’t lie. If you lie to get someone through the door, you are setting yourself up for failure. Simple. Now, understand this: I’m not saying be critical of your business to the point that they think it’s the worst place they have ever seen and would never step foot in the door again. But do tell them about the opportunity to address challenges within their role. “Yes, our business isn’t perfect and we are aware of some of the challenges. We see this role solving some of those challenges by implementing X, Y and Z”. No lies. Just honest, transparent opportunity. 

Right. You operate with transparency and honesty and the candidate accepts your challenge. This is where your induction starts. As a recruiter, I will tell you first-hand that time kills deals. Resigning from a job can be the most daunting thing many people will do. So please, please, please try to be there for your new employee. Give them a call and ask them how they are doing. Ask if they would like to pop in and meet the team? Tell them you’re having a couple of drinks on Friday and it would be great if they could come along. Do anything that would suit you and your company, but keep in contact. The chances are that after a resignation, your chosen candidate will be asking themselves if they have done the right thing – show them that they have.

Next, get your tech and merch ordered ASAP. Laptop, phone, keyboard, pens, papers, phone list, brochures, merchandise, employee profiles, chocolates, mug, business card holder – you name it, get it ordered. There’s nothing worse than turning up on day one and nothing being ready. Then, send diary requests to the people you want your new employee to meet on day one. Plan it in, and make sure you talk to people face-to-face to check that they know what you need from them and that they understand the plan.

Once everything is set, sit back, grab a brew and phone your future employee to check they are okay (again), and then confirm the start time with them. It’s also worth pointing out dress code and what people typically wear. It may sound silly, but people worry about these things.

Day 1, 10.00am, they arrive (always ask them to arrive later than you). Their desk is set, laptop waiting, phone plugged in, and there’s merchandise everywhere. Show them to their desk. Introduce them to people. Walk them around and make them known to everyone who is available. The more the merrier. Remember your first day in a job? You will forget 99% of the names but the face is at least familiar. Show them where the tea and coffee is, how to work the annoying vending machine and the best sandwich shop in town. Make them feel like you actually want them there.

Execute your well-planned induction covering the history of the business, future growth plans, and in what way their role and team is crucial to your success. 

The small details count. If you’re a line manager, give them your mobile number, take them for regular one-to-ones and set an appraisal date three months from now. Engage your new super hire. Create the environment where they will motivate themselves.

The detail behind the actual onboarding is a different blog all together, but hopefully this highlights that you have the power to make that candidate journey brilliant from the second they sit in that first interview, or even beforehand.

If you’re keen to ensure your onboarding runs like clockwork then I’d be delighted to hear from you[email protected].