Matters - Getting ready for growth

Many companies have been cautious about growth or expansion during these uncertain times, however it seems we are about to emerge from the downturn.

In this climate it remains very much an employer’s market and therefore being primed and ready for increased business activity could now put many companies in a much stronger market position than their competitors. Taking advantage of the market at the beginning of the upturn could prove to be a very lucrative long term move.

But with a large pool of potential candidates to choose from, how do you go about getting the best? Recruitment experts Pfau and Kay in The Human Capital Edge state that you should hire a “sure thing” when recruiting, that is someone who has done the same job in the same industry from a similar business culture. Doing this means you are more likely to recruit candidates that fit and can also be more effective more quickly.
Another commonly overlooked option by many companies is the development and/or promotion of internal candidates. You get a candidate that understands your organisation and has already formed effective working relationships within the company.

In order to attract the best candidate, your company should not only be a great place to work but it should also be known as a great place to work. The best employees are likely to be in work and not actively looking, therefore your company will really need to have something to offer to attract top quality new recruits. Internally, the company should be providing a good working environment that keeps current employees happy and loyal.

Then they will resist the urge to explore greener pastures and you will keep the brightest stars in your organisation.

Firms hiring should also not limit themselves to taking the best of the applicants in a round of recruitment. If the best applicant does not really have the skills, qualification or fit that you are looking for, then it is better not to hire at all than hire the wrong person. Temporary or interim cover will cost you less in the long term while you concentrate on finding the right person.

While economic recovery brings about renewed hope for our business futures, it also brings about the opportunity to refresh our organisational approach to recruitment. This will bring long term sustainable improvements to a company’s structure and operation.

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