As a follow up to your articles on the recruitment agents in the freight industry (FTW September 6 and 20, respectively) you may find my list of requirements for a professional, ethical and effective agent interesting. 1. Is the company registered with the Department of Labour (show copy of certificate) as this is mandatory? 2. Is the company a member of APSO (Federation of African Professional Staffing Organisations)? This protects the ethics of our industry and has a process for dispute resolution between two agents, should there be a conflict. 3. Are the consultants academically qualified i.e. diploma / degree in Human Behavioural Science / Human Resources? 4. How many years has the company been in business? We suggest a minimum of five years – to establish how they operate, are they ethical, are they a tried and tested recruitment company for our industry. 5. Are they VAT registered for billing purposes? 6. Do they work from a back office at home or have a registered presentable office? 7. Do they have references from corporate companies that they have worked with? 8. Are their taxes up to date, do they have a Sars clearance certificate? 9. Are their Terms and Conditions of Trading (i.e. rates, guarantee periods) acceptable and in writing? 10. Do they have clearance from Occupational Health and Safety? 11. What processes do they engage in when sourcing candidates - are they head-hunters? What other processes do they use to find candidates? Is this considered an ethical or unethical practise? 12. Do they use an exclusive recruiter form which candidates sign to say that they will only use their agency (unethical practise)? 13. Do candidates sign a candidate liability form? (unethical practise) i.e. if candidates accept a counter offer they are then liable for the full recruitment fee? 14. Does the company interview candidates faceto- face or telephonically only – do they show “telephone interview only” on the curriculum vitae? 15. What is the standard of the curriculum vitae which is presented i.e. thorough, no gaps in the employment history, no spelling mistakes etc (are references attached)? Is it a professional document? 16. Can you build a partnership/ have a relationship of trust with this agent? Dr Lynn Ribton-Turner, Ribton-Turner Recruitment
