NPA’s Independent Recruiter Blog has been added to a list of the 50 best blogs for recruiters, as compiled by the folks at www.onlinemba.com. We’ve been working hard for the past year to create valuable content for independent recruiters and global recruiters alike. It’s nice to be recognized for our effort! Read the rest of this entry »
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by Veronica BlattGlobal Recruiting Growth in Europe
by Dave NerzSo maybe I’ve been reading the newspapers too much and watching those depressing business news programs too often. I was surprised to learn that recruitment growth in Europe is happening. Europe is growing at a year-over-year growth rate of 14% for November, a growth rate that mirrors October’s result. I thought that Europe was in a bad spot and getting worse. I was under the impression that all of Europe was in a recession and that recruitment growth was on the same trend line. Monster indicates that is not so. In fact, consider the following from the December 2 Monster Index:
- Germany is up annually 30% year-over-year
- Engineering is the star performer of the industries tracked
- Engineering, transport, telecommunications, and production are all up over 25% this year
- UK is up 8% year-over-year
It is true that some markets are negative and trending more negative. For example Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands are all negative year-over-year. France and Sweden are relatively flat.
There is opportunity for those who are connected to make placements with employers and perhaps do international splits with recruiters working in Europe. If you are not asking your clients about what they do internationally, this may be the year to start paying attention to the opportunities for cross-border placements. If you are recruiting in a flat or down market in Europe, ask your clients what they are doing in Asia, North America, or South America. The more you grow your market coverage area, the more you can make your business immune to the constant gyrations of a local market.
Independent Recruiters and LinkedIn: Corporate HR is taking over!
by Dave Nerz
A year ago when I opened LinkedIn Group pages, the number of recruiters and recruiter offers was overwhelming. It seemed that LinkedIn was the playground of recruiters and that others didn’t get it. I would like to see the actual metrics that LinkedIn keeps on usage and audiences. It seems to me that things are changing quickly. Read the rest of this entry »
Linkedin Lesson for Independent Recruiters
by Veronica BlattIf used correctly, Linkedin can be a great resource for independent recruiters. Because most people use Linkedin strictly for business purposes, you don’t have to worry about your newsfeed and inbox filling up with things unrelated to your professional career. Linkedin allows recruiters to identify and contact candidates based on their work history, industry skills and specialization. It is very easy to target candidates, whether they are active or passive, if you know the basics of Linkedin. Since not everyone is familiar with Linkedin and how it can be used as a resource to identify candidates and publicize positions, here are five basic tips to help you survive on Linkedin. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Ways Independent Recruiters Can Use Twitter
by Veronica Blatt
Lately, it seems people are all atwitter over Twitter. Twitter, the popular microblogging tool, asks users to answer the question, “What’s happening” in 140 characters or less. A lot of recruiters seem to wonder if Twitter is an actual recruiting resource or simply another new fad destined for the “time waste” trash heap. I believe Twitter CAN be a valuable tool for independent recruiters, and I’m going to share some ideas to get you started. First, though, some Twitter basics: Read the rest of this entry »
Job Boards: Recruiter Revenue Tool or Time Waster?
by Dave NerzA 2010 CareerXroads study of major companies found that 25 percent of all jobs were found as a result of job board applications. This was second only to employee referrals as the source of job candidates and placement. Even with these strong facts supporting the success of job boards, it is interesting to see the varied opinions the recruiting community has regarding job boards. (Disclosure: NPA launched its own recruiter job board in August 2011.) Read the rest of this entry »
Tips for Hiring Within Your Recruitment Agency – Part 3
by Veronica BlattPart 3 is finally here! Thanks to industry trainer, Mark Whitby, see tips 11 -15 for How to Hire Top Producing Recruiters.
11. Look for proof of achievement
Add a competitive element to the interview process. Any good sales person will be able to provide proof of their sales history so ask about achievement awards or industry recognition they’ve received. Also, ask for relevant references and follow up with them diligently. Ask performance-based, work-style and attitude questions. Candidates are on their best behavior during interviews so their references might be able to provide good insight into past performance. Read the rest of this entry »
Tips for Hiring Within Your Recruitment Agency – Part 2
by Veronica BlattI know you’ve been anxiously awaiting the next 5 tips for How to Hire Top Producing Recruiters. So, I give you what you want! See tips 6 through 10, compliments of industry trainer Mark Whitby, below.
6. Create a Compelling Sales Pitch
What are the benefits of working for your recruiting firm? Take a second to write down the incentives, financial and non-financial, that you offer your staff. What is your work environment like? In order to get the top recruiters, you need to have a great pitch about why you are a great person to work for, and how you provide an environment that fosters development and success. Now, look at what you’ve written down and based on the information ask yourself one question – Do you want to work for you? If there are areas lacking, either think of ways to improve them or be able to explain how you make up for it by compensating in a different area. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Tips for Independent Recruiters to Resist Lowering Their Fees
by Veronica BlattIt turns out that recruiters like to talk about money. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Last week, we had a dynamic discussion on the Independent Recruiter Blog about whether independent recruiters should refund their fees. Today, I’m going to follow up with some tips about how to resist the pressure to reduce recruiting fees.
One of my favorite sessions from the 2011 Big Biller Summit was Gary Stauble’s presentation about how to increase recruiter profits. One way to maintain or increase your profit margin is to protect your recruiting fees. Here are some pointers to help you avoid lowering your fees: Read the rest of this entry »