Resourcing new candidates is always difficult, never more so than in the construction industry where the skills shortage is verging on critical with the news that civil engineering students entering university has fallen again by 5.3% compared to the previous year.
Whilst the tried and tested methods of advertising, open days and mailshots still attract a good response from new candidates, it is credit to the Hill McGlynn Resource team and Lara Bull, Corporate Services Manager that they have become Hill McGlynns most successful candidate resourcing tool.
The team has grown in the last three months to six Resource Centre advisers, with each individual taking ownership of a branch and its requirements. The Resource Centre is now perceived by all Hill McGlynn consultants as the first port of call when looking for new available candidates.
However, the Resource team is not just satisfied with aiding the businesses growth.They have been appointed by the Directors to find out how Hill McGlynn can improve its service to its most important asset - the customer.
Customer Service surveys will be undertaken by the Resource Centre advisers on a monthly basis and will focus on key aspects such as initial contact with Hill McGlynn, interview and placement communication, payroll procedures for freelance candidates and aftercare service by consultants.
The findings will be submitted to the Board and Sales Managers on a monthly basis and for any areas receiving a poor response which is perceived below standard, a development programme will be implemented to improve customer service. Follow up surveys will take place six months later to observe if the implemented changes are working. The first survey will take place in January 2002.