I read with interest the article on recruiter.co.uk, 17th March 2010, & its opening paragraph ….. “Recruitment agency and employer websites are missing out on traffic from online searches. How can they get more people to their pages? The internet is often a jobseeker’s first port of call and website search engine rankings are crucial to reaching potential candidates. However, a new report indicates that recruitment agencies and employers’ websites lag far behind jobs boards in generating traffic from employment-related search terms.”
Having worked in the job-board industry since 2004 and given that the majority of companies advertising on job boards are recruiters, you would think that it would be ‘obvious’ for recruitment agencies to develop their own websites and ‘beat the boards at their own game’! In my opinion it is virtually impossible to compete with the generalist sites and their top keywords – they will naturally hold thousands more vacancies, have dedicated online marketing professionals increasing their site visibility including highly targeted search engine optimisation (SEO) campaigns.
For large recruitment firms with highly generous candidate attraction budgets then I am sure that with the right strategy in place, long-term, they will definitely see the benefits of a well-optimised, content rich and dynamic website. Competing directly with job boards on broad based terms such as “solicitor jobs” or “nursing jobs” is a losing battle. However a well optimised website that targets terms such as “recruitment agency” or “recruitment firm” with a geographical qualifier can still bring in traffic from both candidates and potential clients.
If your agency covers a fairly small geographical location you can also have a degree of success when using the location in your SEO and terms such as “jobs” and “vacancies”. It’s also a given that you should claim your Google local business listing as this is free and is triggered by the term “recruitment agency” and the location.
As it says on recruiter.co.uk “The selection of keywords by careers sites and recruitment agencies’ is often more selective than the job boards that are achieving higher levels of visibility online.”
For small to medium size agencies they can have a good quality, well-thought out website and candidate attraction plan covering social media to increase their direct applications, but I do believe that trying to compete against the job-boards really isn’t worth the effort & that your money would be far better spent on a monthly subscription to the job-boards that are most effective in your sector/region etc.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Are you inundated with jobseekers?
It was reported in the February 2010 edition of the Recruitment Consultant magazine that “businesses have seen a 130% increase in applications in the past two years” and on average they receive ”c120 CVs for each newly created advertised vacancy according to a survey of 872 businesses”.
It is true that most vacancies are attracting far greater numbers of candidates, a natural process in such times of high unemployment. I am currently running an advert for an Administrator and in 8 days have received 150 applications! It takes lots of time to view each application and make a judgement as to whether they are suitable for the role/client. It is difficult as probably at least 50% of those applicants could do the job, but we have to be harsh and cut it to a min of 10% to take it to the telephone interview stage. The benefit to clients of course is they can literally cherry pick the best applicants for their role.
The Recruitment Consultant also reported “Shortlists have also doubled and candidates face a one-in-ten chance of passing the interview process”.
If you are a business looking for help to relieve the burden of the extra administration now involved in the recruitment process, then we at e-recruitment buddy would be delighted to hear from you. Our Vacancy Management service could be ideal for you.
As a candidate if you want your CV to stand out from the crowd to stand a chance of being shortlisted, then take advantage of our CV Writing Service.
It is true that most vacancies are attracting far greater numbers of candidates, a natural process in such times of high unemployment. I am currently running an advert for an Administrator and in 8 days have received 150 applications! It takes lots of time to view each application and make a judgement as to whether they are suitable for the role/client. It is difficult as probably at least 50% of those applicants could do the job, but we have to be harsh and cut it to a min of 10% to take it to the telephone interview stage. The benefit to clients of course is they can literally cherry pick the best applicants for their role.
The Recruitment Consultant also reported “Shortlists have also doubled and candidates face a one-in-ten chance of passing the interview process”.
If you are a business looking for help to relieve the burden of the extra administration now involved in the recruitment process, then we at e-recruitment buddy would be delighted to hear from you. Our Vacancy Management service could be ideal for you.
As a candidate if you want your CV to stand out from the crowd to stand a chance of being shortlisted, then take advantage of our CV Writing Service.
Monday, February 22, 2010
REC response to latest jobless figures
As reported on OnRec, 22nd February 2010
Responding to today's ONS unemployment figures which show a fall of 3,000 to 2.46 million, Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) says;
"This is good news and supports the feedback we’ve had from members who have reported an increase in recruitment activity over recent months. Improving employer confidence is resulting in a more positive outlook on hiring intentions over the coming year, but the UK jobs market remains fragile. There are real concerns that the squeeze on public expenditure will counteract some of these positive trends, particularly in regions that are heavily dependent on public sector jobs."
Commenting on the TUC argument that the UK jobs market looks "deceptively healthy" because of an increase in temporary and part-time work, Kevin Green concludes:
"There is nothing 'deceptively healthy' about the fact that temporary work provides an important bridge back into employment and helps to develop the skills, experience and confidence to access permanent job opportunities. Flexible working options provide real benefits for job-seekers as well as for employers; they must be recognised not stigmatised. With regards to part-time jobs, it is true that some employers have reduced hours rather than make redundancies. In these cases, employers will increase the hours of existing staff before they recruit new staff which is another reason that the road back to full employment will be long and tortuous."
The REC's latest JobsOutlook survey, also published this week, confirmed the trend of increasing employer confidence with only two per cent of businesses saying they expect to make further cutbacks. This is the lowest number seen since the monthly survey began last year. Overall, 94 per cent of employers expect either to maintain or grow their permanent workforces over the next 12 months with one in four employers planning to increase their temporary workforce in the next year.
The survey also highlights specific attributes which employers are looking for from new recruits as they start to lift recruitment freezes with communication and interpersonal skills topping in the list.
Responding to today's ONS unemployment figures which show a fall of 3,000 to 2.46 million, Kevin Green, Chief Executive of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) says;
"This is good news and supports the feedback we’ve had from members who have reported an increase in recruitment activity over recent months. Improving employer confidence is resulting in a more positive outlook on hiring intentions over the coming year, but the UK jobs market remains fragile. There are real concerns that the squeeze on public expenditure will counteract some of these positive trends, particularly in regions that are heavily dependent on public sector jobs."
Commenting on the TUC argument that the UK jobs market looks "deceptively healthy" because of an increase in temporary and part-time work, Kevin Green concludes:
"There is nothing 'deceptively healthy' about the fact that temporary work provides an important bridge back into employment and helps to develop the skills, experience and confidence to access permanent job opportunities. Flexible working options provide real benefits for job-seekers as well as for employers; they must be recognised not stigmatised. With regards to part-time jobs, it is true that some employers have reduced hours rather than make redundancies. In these cases, employers will increase the hours of existing staff before they recruit new staff which is another reason that the road back to full employment will be long and tortuous."
The REC's latest JobsOutlook survey, also published this week, confirmed the trend of increasing employer confidence with only two per cent of businesses saying they expect to make further cutbacks. This is the lowest number seen since the monthly survey began last year. Overall, 94 per cent of employers expect either to maintain or grow their permanent workforces over the next 12 months with one in four employers planning to increase their temporary workforce in the next year.
The survey also highlights specific attributes which employers are looking for from new recruits as they start to lift recruitment freezes with communication and interpersonal skills topping in the list.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
News, News, News – the recession!
You can’t avoid the most recent news that we are ‘out of recession’, but what are your thoughts in the sectors you work in? Are you feeling a positive move out of the slump? A few headlines have caught my eye ……
The Guardian’s headline, which I love, read “UK economy: out of intensive care but still confined to bed”. Having had a hubby in intensive care several years ago I am well aware of the long & painful road to recovery!
Reuters headline was “Britain crawls out of recession”. Matt Falloon from Reuters wrote “The Office for National Statistics said on Tuesday gross domestic product rose by 0.1 percent between October and December, well below analysts' forecasts for growth of 0.4 percent and lower than all the predictions in a Reuters poll. For 2009 as a whole, the economy shrank by 4.8 percent -- the worst yearly performance since records began in 1949. The Labour government has been banking on a strong bounce back to growth to help overturn its poor opinion poll ratings before an election expected in 100 days, but these weaker than expected figures make a political comeback even trickier.”
The Telegraph’s most recent article regarding the recession was headed “Bumpy road ahead as Britain limps out of recession”. It then went on to say “Although Britain’s 18-month recession has now technically ended, the lacklustre recovery alarmed financial experts amid fears of a further slump and prompted a political storm. The weak economic figures undermined Government assurances that the economy would bounce back strongly from the worst recession since records began in 1948 and raised questions over the plans drawn up by both of the main political parties ahead of the imminent general election.
British families, meanwhile, were warned that interest rates are now unlikely to rise in the coming months, which means their savings will suffer. The value of the pound also fell which will make holidays abroad more costly. The weak recovery also threatens to derail the improving housing market – and the recent fall in unemployment - as companies become concerned about the country’s economic prospects.”
Personally I haven't yet seen an upturn in the recruitment business as a result of the return to growth. This is no major surprise as employment usually takes longer to recover than other economic indicators. It is good news we are out of recession and lets hope the growth rates sprint ahead in the next couple of months.
The Guardian’s headline, which I love, read “UK economy: out of intensive care but still confined to bed”. Having had a hubby in intensive care several years ago I am well aware of the long & painful road to recovery!
Reuters headline was “Britain crawls out of recession”. Matt Falloon from Reuters wrote “The Office for National Statistics said on Tuesday gross domestic product rose by 0.1 percent between October and December, well below analysts' forecasts for growth of 0.4 percent and lower than all the predictions in a Reuters poll. For 2009 as a whole, the economy shrank by 4.8 percent -- the worst yearly performance since records began in 1949. The Labour government has been banking on a strong bounce back to growth to help overturn its poor opinion poll ratings before an election expected in 100 days, but these weaker than expected figures make a political comeback even trickier.”
The Telegraph’s most recent article regarding the recession was headed “Bumpy road ahead as Britain limps out of recession”. It then went on to say “Although Britain’s 18-month recession has now technically ended, the lacklustre recovery alarmed financial experts amid fears of a further slump and prompted a political storm. The weak economic figures undermined Government assurances that the economy would bounce back strongly from the worst recession since records began in 1948 and raised questions over the plans drawn up by both of the main political parties ahead of the imminent general election.
British families, meanwhile, were warned that interest rates are now unlikely to rise in the coming months, which means their savings will suffer. The value of the pound also fell which will make holidays abroad more costly. The weak recovery also threatens to derail the improving housing market – and the recent fall in unemployment - as companies become concerned about the country’s economic prospects.”
Personally I haven't yet seen an upturn in the recruitment business as a result of the return to growth. This is no major surprise as employment usually takes longer to recover than other economic indicators. It is good news we are out of recession and lets hope the growth rates sprint ahead in the next couple of months.
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
It’s Snow Joke (again!)
It feels like only yesterday that I wrote a similar blog post …. an already suffering economy is really going to feel the pinch as ‘snow absence’ rates in the UK reach almost 14% and cost economy £0.5bn a day (according to Firstcare). Despite being predicted snow and this fairly lengthy cold snap we still seem to be unprepared and able to cope with carrying on as normal. We appreciate that blocked roads, dangerous driving conditions and cancelled public transport means that commuters are unable to get to work, but its does completely amaze me how little effort some people make to get to work. I do understand though, as a parent that many schools are closed, forcing working parents to stay at home. My Son’s nursery was closed yesterday but has reopened today and I take my hat off to them as they are one of the only ones in the area to open!
I have an old school friend that lives north of Glasgow, she experiences 2-3 foot of snow on a regular basis and is always amused by the chaos snow causes south of Brum!!
I noticed on twitter yesterday that Peter Jones (aka Dragons Den tall man) said that he had just ranted “where’s the commitment” at an employee who didn’t make it to work, but then got stuck himself!! He then went on to tweet “on a serious note, if you are driving today, please be careful. It is quite bad out there, goodness knows how Santa does it each year!”
That brings me on to Rebecca Clake, organisation and resourcing adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). She has said: "Employers should make clear to employees that they should not risk life and limb to get to work, and be understanding if employees need to leave early to avoid getting stranded unnecessarily on their way home - particularly if conditions worsen during the working day."
Fair enough. Anyway, back to business - whilst it is fun for many, having a day at home or venturing out to sledge or build a snowman – many SMES will suffer a back-lash from the fact that their workforce are absent. The cost to businesses across the UK due to lack of production is immense.
p.s; that’s my gorgeous Son in the picture!!
I have an old school friend that lives north of Glasgow, she experiences 2-3 foot of snow on a regular basis and is always amused by the chaos snow causes south of Brum!!
I noticed on twitter yesterday that Peter Jones (aka Dragons Den tall man) said that he had just ranted “where’s the commitment” at an employee who didn’t make it to work, but then got stuck himself!! He then went on to tweet “on a serious note, if you are driving today, please be careful. It is quite bad out there, goodness knows how Santa does it each year!”
That brings me on to Rebecca Clake, organisation and resourcing adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). She has said: "Employers should make clear to employees that they should not risk life and limb to get to work, and be understanding if employees need to leave early to avoid getting stranded unnecessarily on their way home - particularly if conditions worsen during the working day."
Fair enough. Anyway, back to business - whilst it is fun for many, having a day at home or venturing out to sledge or build a snowman – many SMES will suffer a back-lash from the fact that their workforce are absent. The cost to businesses across the UK due to lack of production is immense.
p.s; that’s my gorgeous Son in the picture!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Build your own talent pool – excellent case study
Reading the Recruiter magazine this morning I was delighted to see an excellent example of a company building their own talent pool, without having to use ‘traditional’ external sources. The Park Plaza (Westminster Bridge) due to open early 2010 has been attracting candidates through its own career site where all vacancies are advertised. They are looking to recruit c800 staff and to date have received 4500 applications through its own website. They also held a jobs-fair which saw c650 people attend. This has been led by HR Director, Sarah Hegarty, who has also been building a pool of fully-trained casual labour made up to students and local residents to cater for big events.
Sarah says “There are a lot of people out of work at the moment and it is important that we have a real core base of people from the local community for our key positions. At breakfast, you need people ready for 5.30 in the morning who can get to work in all kinds of weather.”
Despite their career site not being the most user friendly and I would personally make many changes, I’d have to say hats off to them for looking to secure their new personnel through direct routes.
Sarah says “There are a lot of people out of work at the moment and it is important that we have a real core base of people from the local community for our key positions. At breakfast, you need people ready for 5.30 in the morning who can get to work in all kinds of weather.”
Despite their career site not being the most user friendly and I would personally make many changes, I’d have to say hats off to them for looking to secure their new personnel through direct routes.
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