Business that depend largely on recruitment agencies could end up with a much smaller talent pool as one recent New Zealand study reveals most job seekers have been put off by past experiences.
According to the 2016 survey – conducted by Talent Propeller – more than half of New Zealand job seekers (51 per cent) have had a negative experience with a recruitment agency and would rather apply for a position directly.
The gripes expressed by the survey’s 250 respondents include a lack of transparency around the hiring company, suspicion that the recruiter is more interested in filling the role quickly rather than appropriately, and poor support overall.
“Common feedback was that there seemed to be little communication between recruitment agencies and candidates,” revealed founding director Sharon Davies.
“Agencies fail to return calls and candidates often never receive feedback as to why they didn't make the grade, or recommendations for how to improve,” she continued. “Most jobseekers just want honest advice on ‘what am I doing wrong?'".
Worryingly, the survey revealed that 90 per cent of candidates said if they had a bad experience with a recruitment agency, it would then affect their opinion of the business advertising the job they had applied for.
Jane Kennelly, director of Auckland-based Frog Recruitment, admits employer brand has become much more important to many jobseekers.
"Looking at a job listing with recruiter branding on behalf of an anonymous client simply isn't enough information,” she said, advising HR professionals to “look for recruitment solutions that allow you to present your employer brand and promote your company as a great place to work.”
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