Category: Blog

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3 ways a Recruitment Agency can support your business!

3 Ways a Recruitment Agency can support your business.

When it comes to recruitment and hiring it can often become a stressful and time-consuming process with some businesses not knowing where to start or simply not having enough time to sift through applications, arrange interviews and ultimately find the right person for the job.

This is where an agency comes in, an agency will work with you in finding out exactly what you need in terms of candidate skills, experience and personality fit. Taking the stress away from the recruitment process and freeing up your time to focus on your business.

Here are just 3 ways a recruitment agency can add value to your business.

Candidate Attraction – giving you access to a higher pool of candidates.

Direct Response will manage the whole process on attracting candidates for your job role. We will create an eye-catching job description, showcase what you have to offer and advertise these across a wide range of job boards and social media channels ensuring your job is seen by those looking for new opportunities.

At Direct Response we all have established a large database of candidates over the years meaning we have access to candidates who may not be active on the job market but could have the skills you are looking for, giving us a greater pool of candidates to approach on your behalf.

We Manage the process for you.

Having to sift through a large number of applications can be time consuming, but here at Direct Response we will handle all that for you. We will manage all applications and short list candidates who are suitable for the role. We will pre-screen all candidates, discussing the role in detail, salary expectations and so on before sending all suitable candidates over to you attached with a CV and profile detailing their suitability for the role.

Once you have selected which candidates you would like to interview, we will manage the interview process for you, scheduling and assisting with the all-important interviews.

Offer, Rejection and Negotiation.

So, you have found a candidate you would love to join your business and its time to make an offer, we will support your business in making that all important job offer.

Direct Response will assist with the whole offer, negotiating salary, carrying out references checks and supporting with the onboarding process of your new recruit.

We will also ensure any candidates you have been declined during your recruitment process   are informed within a polite manner so you can concentrate on what you do best within your company.

If you would like to find out more about how Direct Response can support your business, then get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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Mental Health in the workplace.

World Mental Health Day At Direct Response

Mental health can affect us all at different times in our lives and with work being here we spend a lot of our time during the working week, its important that employers and colleagues alike to be able to support those who may be experiencing mental health in the workplace.

Its important that your employees are aware they can come to you should they be struggling or generally just need some time out or someone to talk to and it’s an employer’s job to ensure you have that open door policy to allow employees to do this.

However not everyone feels comfortable when it comes to talking about their feelings or asking for help, so how do we recognise if someone is struggling within the workplace.

Is you employee / colleague struggling with mental health and what are the tell tell signs to look out for.

  • Isolating themselves from other workers and being very quiet or not talkative. Now there are some people who generally are just not that talkative but if an employee or colleague who was once very talkative and social becomes distance and starts isolating themselves from how they normally behave it could be a sign they are going through some troubles.  
  • Having increased absences from work.
  • A person may become more aggressive and suffer from increased mood swings.
  • Having difficulty concentrating at work and no motivation to complete tasks.

Sometimes it can be easy t spot a change in someone’s behaviour or if someone is perhaps not in a good mood, we can pick these up easily but there are times where people who may be struggling and out on a go mask so to speak.

Which brings me on to what can we do in the workplace to encourage mental health awareness and what support can you provide?

  • Encourage employees to talk, ensure employees know you are there for them to discuss any problems they may be facing and ensure they feel welcomed in being able to express any feelings.
  • Have regular one to one’s with employees, it’s a great way to build a bound with employees, find out how they are getting on in the workplace and gives them the opportunity to express themselves to you.
  • Encouraging mental health support within the workplace such as mental health awareness training or workshops or having dedicated trained individuals or councillors or mental health champions being available, so employees know where to turn if they need that extra support.
  • Respect confidentiality. Remember mental health information is confidential and sensitive. Don’t pass on information unnecessarily – not least because this breach of trust could negatively impact someone’s mental health.
  • Offer flexibility or a free space employees can go to and take some take away from the workplace to have a breather and gather their thoughts.
  • Offer a 24/7 employee assistant program, which is an outside service which employees can access for a range of advice or support.

It is important to remember that an employee who is struggling can feel vulnerable or may be embarrassed to ask for help, so its important to raise as much awareness within the workplace.

Create a supportive and open environment and ensure mental health is not frowned upon and that your door is always open.

If you would like to take a look further about what training or work shops surrounding mental health which may health your organisation, then check out the links below.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-support-mental-health-work

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Is it all about the Salary?

Is it all about the Salary?       

The ball is very much in the candidate’s court at the moment as we are in a candidate driven market, so you may be wondering what you can do to keep current staff engaged and attract new talent?

There once was a time where it was very much all about the salary, candidates went where the money was and even though this is still high on a candidates list, there is so much more to it.

With the ever-changing market, working from home and the increase in the desire to have that work life balance, candidates are looking at the overall package as opposed to what they would take home at the end of the month.

So, what exactly are candidates wanting and view as high or musts on their check list when looking for a new position?

We have asked the question and created a list of what candidates have said are important when looking at their next role.

Number one on the list…… Flexibility!   

Work life balance is key and what was the norm a few years back, working 5 days a week 9-5 has changed, having that flexibility is a must, especially when it comes to the working family.

So what flexibility are they looking for?

Working 4 days a week.

Having school hours or the flexibility to start a bit later or finish early.

Early finish on a Friday.

The flexibility to work from home if they have the technology / capacity to do so.

For the working parent having a company that is understanding when it comes to childcare, such as doing the school run, having time off if the child is poorly or generally being flexible with working around school holidays, school performances is a real must.

If it has been a while since you looked at how the company views flexible working, it may be worth having a look at what your company can do to support your workers.

Company Culture:

That’s second on the list. What is your company culture like? Do you have an open-door policy? Are employees made to feel they can express feelings / ideas and do you offer a friendly working environment?

The last thing you want is an employee that dreads coming in to work, so what can you do to build that team spirit and ensure employees are happy?

Listening is key, try not to micromanage and let employees have the freedom to complete their job knowing they have support if needed.

Create team building exercises, make the office / workspace fun and have a laugh while you work. Yes, get the job done but nobody wants to work in strict environment.

We spend a lot of time with our colleagues so having a team which feels friendly and supportive makes employees enjoy being in work.

Salary:

Here it is, Salary! Third on the list as being the most important when looking for a new opportunity.

Candidates need to feel they are being paid what they are worth and offering a fair salary for the job is just as important as the other added additional benefits.

There are a number of points that companies can do to make sure they are remaining competitive.

  • Regular bench marking, have a look at what your competitors are paying.
  • Regular salary reviews, if a candidate is doing well then why not show appreciation and offer that pay rise.
  • Bonuses and commission, is this something you could offer employees?

At the end of the day, if an employee feels valued they will go the extra mile and productivity is key with business performance.

Holiday Entitlement

Fourth on the list is Holiday entitlement, a lot of companies are still offering the standard 28 days (Normally 20 days plus 8 bank holidays) holiday, which is the minimal legal entitlement. So, can this be classed as a benefit when you are offering the standard, as let’s face it, legally you have to give this amount to candidates, so where is the added benefit?

While most companies will offer an increase with years of service, perhaps it is worth looking at offering an increased entitlement from the very beginning of the candidate staring work.

Having enhanced holiday, is a must for companies to look into, along with some companies offering the option to also buy or sell additional holiday.

Additional Benefits:

We have also listed some additional benefits below which may make the package a little sweeter for your employees.

  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Health Insurance / Free Gym membership.
  • Discounts on products / vouchers / money off on the high street / perk box.
  • Rewards for service / performance such as money, holiday vouchers etc.
  • Training and Development.
  • Enhancing skills and qualifications with paid courses.

So, whilst salary is an important factor when a candidates employee looks at another job or is considering leaving, Employers need to be looking at the whole benefit package.

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How to Register with an Agency

Production Operatives

 The job market is changing. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS)*, job vacancies are reaching record highs.

With employers recruiting again following the impact of COVID-19, many employers are leaving the recruitment process in the hands of the recruitment agencies. This means it is a great time to register with a recruitment agency so that you’re first in line to hear about a new job.

Direct Response Employment Services is your local recruitment agency, finding the right people for the right jobs in Wiltshire, somerset and nationally. We recruit for permanent and temporary positions from warehouse, production, and industrial, transport and office and technical jobs.

With lots of people realising that recruitment agencies are the best way of job searching, how can you make sure that you are the first person that springs to mind for a recruiter?

The key is in a successful registration.

 A registration with Direct Response Employment services includes a 45-minute appointment with one of our friendly Recruitment Consultants. We also need some necessary details to be able to help you on your job search like your personal details, ID check and GDPR form so that we’re complying with our legal requirements. It doesn’t take long to complete online.

This is an opportunity for us to meet you face to face and have an informal conversation with you. This enables us to get a better feel for the types of jobs and employers that would be the best fit for you and your interests and skills. We are looking for the right person for our clients and a job for you that you will be happy in.

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Choosing the right agency

Choosing the right agency

Most employers do not have the time or resources to find the right employee for a certain jobs within their company, they resort to a recruitment agency.

Go online and check out your local agencies. Look at their reviews and once you decided who to register with make an appointment.

Give as much information as possible upfront about the kind of role you are looking for. Expect to be asked about the type of organisation you want to work for. How far you are willing to travel and your salary expectations.

Make sure your CV is accurate and up to date. This will save you a lot of time in the end. Your recruitment consultant can give you advise on how to improve your CV, based on what they know their clients are looking for.

Be proactive! Keep in regular contact with your agency to stay at the top of their mind.

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Looking after your Mental Health

LOOKING AFTER MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK

In the UK each year 1 to 4 people are affected with Mental health. With the country slowly easing its way back to some sort of normality, taking time to prioritise your mental health is as important as ever.

Work can make us feel good about ourselves and give us a sense of purpose, but for some it can also have a negative effect on mental health. To cope with the stresses of work and overcome what life can throw at us, it is important we stay on top of our mental health.

Five ways to boost your mental health at work:

TALK.

It is important to remember that you can talk about your feelings at work. This can help you maintain your mental health and deal with times when you feel stressed or troubled.

KEEP ACTIVE.

Taking regular exercise can really help boost your self-esteem, not to mention help you concentrate, sleep and feel better. Experts say that we should aim to do 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week.

EAT AND DRINK WELL.

What we eat and drink can affect how we feel both immediately and in the longer term. It is important to bear in mind that a good diet that benefits your physical health is also good for your mental health.

TAKE UP A HOBBY.

Enjoying yourself is an excellent way to combat stress. At work, you may have a hobby that you would like to share or join in with colleagues. For example, a work running club or crafting group can be a great way to share a skill with others and enjoy yourself.

MAINTAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.

Maintaining relationships and collaborating in a supportive team is important for mental health at work. If working relationships break down it can lead to tension. Seeking out a friend or trusted work colleague with whom you can share your feelings can help you work through any challenges you experience in your workplace.

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Agency Worker Regulations

What are Agency Regulations  How Can They Help You?

All recruitment agencies must abide to two key regulations, these being the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and  Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. The agency regulations were put in place to ensure the rights of agency workers and to prevent agencies from exploiting their workers in the jobs they carry out

 Important Agency Regulation – Candidates Cannot be Charged  

The following points are included in the Employment Agencies act but here is a summary of some of what these agency regulations are and how they help. As an agency it is illegal to charge job seekers for being a candidate.

 Important Agency Regulation – Written Contract 

When it comes to an agency hiring a worker, the worker must be provided with a Key Information Document. This document includes important details such as pay, holiday leave, legally required deductions (such as Statutory deductions (Tax and National insurance) and also whether they are under contract for services or a contract of employment. This is just a verification for the Agency and worker to make the engagement official and have all the important details noted on a Key Information Document which helps both parties.

Important Agency Regulation- Worker’s Suitability

Agencies are legally obligated to assess the suitability of a candidate for a particular job role. This benefits job seekers as agencies should never expect you to do a job that you are not suitable for.

Important Agency Regulation – Workers Must Be Paid 

The Agency shall pay the Agency worker for all hours worked regardless of whether the Agency has received payment from the client for those hours.

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Spot the Signs of Modern day Slavery

Direct Response Employment Services, have zero tolerance towards modern-day slavery. This is why educate are workers and staff in prohibiting human trafficking and slavery in any of the sectors we supply. 

Forced Labour

To assess if someone is undergoing forced labour there are some really obvious signs, someone who looks extremely tired or overworked has most likely worked more hours than the allowed amount. A person may be getting underpaid compared to the hours and amount of work they have done, they may be facing threats from their employer and so carry on working in fear. Even something as simple as getting your staff to work late consistently without extra pay would classify as forced labour.

Child Abuse

This is again quite easy to spot as a child undergoing extreme abuse will be showing some concerning signs, these include dark bruising on their face and limbs, going off with unfamiliar people, they may even be intoxicated in some cases as they may have been coerced into drinking. We understand how morally wrong the act of child abuse is and strongly encourage people to come forward if they have experienced or witnessed it in the workplace.

Sexual Exploitation

This range of modern-day slavery tends to happen in the residential housing sector, this is because it is out of the way of the public and private, notify the police and your employer if you notice any of the following: Someone sleeping on work premises, being subjected to sexual abuse or harassment. The persons pay getting given to someone else if they are abusing substances. When noticing these signs, you can help in the global effort to call out workplaces that engage in sexual assault and ensure people can safely go about their working day.

Criminal Activities

In some jobs people may not be getting their desired pay, this may be due to their role and position or employer. This could lead others to try and make money a different way and undergoing illegal activity. Some signs to look out for when looking for criminal activity are; damaged windows being covered up on the inside, people using machinery to produce and grow illegal drugs, someone who is acting unordinary and suspicious.

Direct Response Employment Services are registered members of the GLAA. Our membership enables us to legally supply temporary workers into the aforementioned sectors. In line with GLAA stipulation towards agency workers, we ensure that all workers are paid and receive all benefits that they are entitled to.

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Video Interviewing – How to make that great first impression.

If Covid has taught us anything, it is how quickly people and organisations can adapt to new ways of working with a lot of employees adapting to working from home, offices being out of bounds which has meant new ways in conducting and carrying out interviews for open vacancies.

With the current technology surrounding us and the various applications such as Zoom, Microsoft teams, Facetime and much more video interviewing has become a normal part of the interview process and it is here to stay.

Video interviewing and face to face interviews are very similar in the sense that you can both see each other face to face and carry out normal questions and answers as part of a typical interview, but what are you missing and what should you pay attention to, to ensure you make a fantastic first impression during your video interview.

We have conducted a quick guide on things you should be considering when preparing for your Video Interview.

Dress Code:

Dressing smartly for an interview is an absolute must in any interview circumstance and more so when video interviewing. We appreciate being at home, you feel comfortable and let’s face it we often want to sit around in our PJ’s or our comfy clothes so its easy to feel like this when attending an interview from the comfort of our home.

Ensure you would dress the same and present yourself smartly as if you were attending a face-to-face interview on site, Suited, and booted as they say.  It not only gets you in the right frame of mind for your interview but also sets a fantastic first impression.

Technology:

No matter what equipment you are using for your interview computers, laptop, phone etc always ensure you test your equipment before the video interview.

Ensure the appliance is amply charged or plugged in, check your internet connection, and ensure you have the right apps downloaded for your interview.

It is also a good idea to check your camera is in working order and positioned well so the interviewer can see you clearly.

Room Lighting and background:

This is an important factor to ensure you are in a bright space for your interview, you want to ensure your interviewer can see you clearly and that the room is not too dark.

Its also important to make sure you have an appropriate background, so check there is no offensive posters or pictures behind you.

If you are using Zoom or teams and the various backgrounds, you can set may seem like a good idea but during an interview its best to keep it simple.

Remove Distractions:

Make sure you are clear from distractions, if anyone else is within the household advise them you are not to be disturbed and to try and ensure any voices, music and TV are kept low for the duration of your interview.

Ensure any pets are left outside of the room to avoid any unwelcomed guest appearances.

Last but not least, Relax and enjoy your interview and if you follow the above you are sure to make a great first impression.

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Skills Vs Attitude

Skills vs Attitude:

When searching for that perfect new hire to join your team you of course want to ensure you make the right decision but is recruiting on skills and experience more important than hiring on attitude?

So, what is the difference?

From a hiring perspective, skills reflect the expertise and knowledge of a candidate whether this be from an educational background or experience and skills they have gained through previous employment. Such as an engineering business may be looking for candidates who have qualified with a certain technical qualification or engineering experience with a niche field.

Attitude is all about the candidate, their personality, and their willingness to learn, develop and passion for the product or the company. For example, a candidate may not have the right skills and experience but offer commitment and the eagerness to learn.

Looking at the statistics:

So, on average latest statistics show that only 20% of new job hirers are successful in the long run and actually commit to the job role and company long term.

60% of the new hirers who do not last long term is down to personality and cultural fit within an organisation. 

Whereas 14% of candidates actually leave or lose their job due to lack of experience or skills.

So, what is best?

There is no straight answer here as it is very much dependable on the role that the hirer is looking to recruit in, for example health care professional such as nurses or those within a certain discipline it will be essential that they have relevant qualifications and experience to fulfil the role and duties.

However, there is a significant benefit for hiring on attitude, Employees with the right attitude, positive mindset and passion in their personality means a better culture fit for your organisation.

Skills can be taught and anyone with the right attitude who is willing to learn and potentially moulded often prove to be more successful and more long term.

Personality and culture fit is crucial in any business, someone may have the right skills and experience on paper but having a bad attitude can prove a negative impact on your business.

Organisations will have their own methods of recruitment with each organisation taking a different approach and like above there are some roles where skills and experience is crucial to the job role, but always bare in mind that stats suggest outing attitude above skills and experience is more successful in the longer term.

If you would like some assistance with recruiting or struggling to find the right candidate please give us a call for a general chat and we would be happy to share some of our experience, advice and tips.