When it comes to recruiting new employees, now is a more important time than ever to be cautious of not only who you’re hiring, but how you approach the hiring process as a whole. With tight budgets and an unstable economy, there is little room for hiring the wrong “fit” at your agency. So, what should an agency be doing in terms of recruitment? Understanding that the recruitment process is a candidate’s first impression of the agency is a big part of it, as you’ll see in the second of this five-part series designed to help you recruit top talent.

First impressions
We’ve all heard the saying “you can never get back a first impression,” but not just the candidate needs to make a positive impact during the recruitment process. It is just as important for you as the employer to show every potential employee why your agency is where they want to invest their career future.

“The recruitment process is the candidates’ first impression of the agency,” said Heather Gaengel, recruiting manager at Zywave. “Making this impression great is the first and foremost thing that you can do to attract a candidate to your company,” she said. But how do you portray your entire agency in a positive light? Every step of the way.

“From the waiting area, to the testing center, to the person greeting or interviewing the candidate, make a great first impression,” Heather said. “And always be selling,” she added. Always be selling your company’s culture, work ethic of your employees and everything in-between. A recruit can tell if you are enjoying your job, even from a short meeting or interview. This is one of the key aspects candidates are looking for in a job during this economic downturn.

Defining the recruitment process and managing expectations
“From the get-go, it is important to define the recruitment process so candidates know exactly what’s coming next,” said Heather. Alleviate some of those commonly asked questions from recruits, and minimize your time returning these calls and e-mails by laying out the hiring process upon your first meeting with the candidate. This will undoubtedly alleviate some of their stress as well.

“Candidates appreciate being informed of their possible future with your company,” she said. Because of this, it is crucial that you follow up with recruits when you say you will. Regardless if it’s a decline or a request for a second interview, portraying your company as responsible and dependable starts during the recruitment process.

This is part two in a five-part series on recruitment at agencies.

©Copyright 2009 Zywave, Inc.