From a recruitment point of view technology has changed the nature of the business – and not always for the good. When I started this business, a candidate’s word was the truth and it was on a gentleman’s handshake. Now we are required to confirm all the information given to us and credit and criminal checks are the norm. Focus on the candidate and care for their interests has definitely been on the decline with the recession. Our candidates often express their frustrations in applying for jobs. They respond to adverts online, as often there is no contact number, but an email address to which details must be sent. If they have had no response within a specific time frame, they can consider themselves unsuccessful, yet they have not had a discussion to determine whether they could be suitable. We have come across instances where candidates’ details are submitted to a prospective client without being interviewed or any discussion about where their confidential details are being sent. They also commit to heavy transport costs to attend the interview, only to get no feedback from the company. INSERT & CAPTION Candidates apply on line, our clients respond on line and the personal touch has diminished. – Lee Botti
