Get the Inside Scoop:  Recruiting Tips for Businesses from a Professional Recruiting Consultant

September 15, 2014, by HR à la carte | Recruitment

HR à la carte sat down with Fatima Kanji-Chagpar, a professional recruiting consultant who has been working with the company for the past 4 years, to get the inside scoop for our clients on what it takes to find and hire great candidates.  Fatima has been a stellar resource on the HRAC recruiting team, particularly in sourcing candidates.  She took the time to let us in on her top recruiting tips for businesses.

HRAC:  What is the first thing a corporate recruiter does when a client employer approaches them with a job opening?

Fatima:  The first thing is to sit down with the Hiring Manager(s) to best understand the role, the company, the industry and the ideal type of candidate that is required for the position. It is always a good idea to have the corporate recruiter meet the key players who will be involved in the hiring decision and tour the company facility to get a sense of what the ideal candidate would look like. This discussion should be focused on the qualities of a good hire.

HRAC:  What are some of the key strategies you use to find the best candidates for a client employer?

Fatima:  The strategies that I use include searching the database of candidates I have built over time, mining candidates on specific databases relevant to the industry that I am hiring for and headhunting candidates.  I post the position on various industry specific job boards and utilize key Association job boards in order to attract highly qualified candidates for the role.

HR à la carte does not operate like a recruitment agency - we offer our clients personalized service and ensure that all candidates are treated with respect and dignity. This involves ensuring the lines of communication are open at all times, regardless of whether the candidate will be selected for a position or not. This has allowed us to build a good network of candidates who in turn refer top talent to us on an ongoing basis.

HRAC:  What is your advice to employers when engaging a recruiting consultant?  What should they be looking for in a recruiter?

Fatima:  Ensure that the recruiting consultant has experience in the field of recruitment and is confident conducting searches in the industry you work in. It is essential that the recruiter sees him or herself as an integral part of your company and looks out for the best interest of the firm. This person should be dedicated to learning as much about the role and company as possible and ideally spend some time meeting with the Hiring Manager and other relevant staff before beginning the recruitment assignment. It is essential to feel comfortable asking the recruitment consultant any questions throughout the process about finding the right candidate.

HRAC: Based on your experience, what are the top 5 key things employers can do to attract the best talent?

Fatima:

1. Provide a competitive salary and benefits package program.

Conduct research about what the top performers in your industry are specifically looking for and tailor your salary and benefits to reflect this.

2. Offer both physical and emotional rewards.

This can include fitness reimbursements and flexible work arrangements as an example.

3.  Provide opportunities for growth, advancement and innovation where the opinions of employees are valued. 

Top performers want to be engaged and challenged at work and the value of firms providing this cannot be underestimated.

4. Good top-down communication and an open door policy with senior management.

Ensuring that the CEO, Managing Director and other senior staff respect staff junior to them and are visible on the shop/office floor is appreciated by staff.

5. Respect diversity.

This includes the diverse cultures and international work experiences that candidates bring to the table. The ability to think differently and the expertise gained in different parts of the world is truly an advantage in today's global marketplace.