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Industry News
Is the future of the IT recruitment sector client-driven? The market for attracting and retaining experienced, skilled IT staff remains highly competitive despite the recent economic turbulence throughout the world. While many IT projects requiring short term contract resource have been put on hold while the global economy finds a solution to the credit crunch, organisations are still struggling to source the best permanent staff for their vacancies. This issue remains particularly prevalent for regions outside of the South East. The IT recruitment sector was hard hit in 2001 following a combination of an economic slowdown caused by the end of the dot com boom and the completion of lucrative projects to prepare for Y2K. Since late 2002 and early 2003 the sector has staged a marked recovery but recruiters have faced a very different challenge – namely a shortage of quality IT talent throughout the UK. There is no shortage of applications for entry level and junior IT roles, however organisations rightly seek the best candidates for their vacancies in terms of skill set, attitude and cultural fit. Demand is high for the very best candidates on the market and this is where CPC chooses to focus it’s search activity – at the top end of the market. Whilst many in our sector adopt a key-word search attitude of “throw as many broadly relevant CV’s at the wall and hope some stick” our philosophy remains consultative in approach and our aim is to work with the very best national & international organisations whilst maintaining strong relationships with the top IT candidates in the market. Of course, our ideal scenario would be for 50 good candidates to declare an interest in a client vacancy of which 10-15 would be short listed for thorough telephone screening interviews. Of these the best 3-5 would make the grade and would be submitted to the client with a strong recommendation for first interview. The client would select 2-3 good candidates for second interview and would offer to the best suited individual for the role confident that their decision has been validated by a comprehensive selection process. The reality unfortunately remains very different and a considerable proportion of the modern recruiters’ time is dedicated to sourcing good candidates via an ever increasing number of channels. The days where candidates would identify themselves in an advert and apply are far behind us and the future sees the best candidates being identified by good recruiters before they actively seek a new role. At the same time the competition for the best candidates in each area of IT remains intense. The bottom line is that it is not always possible to present a shortlist of 3-5 suitably qualified candidates with an enthusiasm for the opportunity presented. This does not mean that the recruiter is not working hard in the background – quite the opposite in many cases. The very best recruiters will be working hard on their clients’ behalf in the background to identify candidates they know will represent a good match to the clients’ requirements. On the flip side it is always worth remembering that enthusiasm for the opportunity, although perhaps a fantastic role in the clients’ eyes may not always be shared by potential candidates! So back to the question – Is the future of the IT recruitment sector client-driven? The future of IT recruitment should not be considered client-driven or candidate-driven but must be regarded as a collaborative experience. Recruiters have an obligation to educate clients and candidates alike as to the realities of the modern day process. It is a fact that candidates of any real quality and substance remain few and far between – clients must understand this and respond quickly to applications from suitable candidates. The processes and procedures must be in place to ensure that, where necessary, a decision can be made one way or the other, on the basis of a solitary application. Trust is the key and strong client – recruiter / candidate – recruiter relationships are central to this philosophy. CPC Recruitment Ltd is a leading Information Technology recruiter servicing the contract and permanent IT requirements of blue-chip clients throughout the UK. Under the guidance of a highly experienced senior management team, the organisation promotes a philosophy of collaborative working. Understanding clients, candidates and the overall IT market we are in a stronger position than most to offer genuine, honest advice to all parties in the recruitment process. To discuss how we might be able to assist you in sourcing a new permanent employee, hiring short term contract / interim management resource or finding your next IT role please contact us on 0121 764 4717 for a private & confidential discussion.
CPC Recruitment Ltd – Excellence in IT Recruitment Since 1992 Copyright 2008 - CPC Recruitment Ltd
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