first impressions count!
By Mary Strain, National Learning and Development Manager

As business confidence jumps to its highest level in months, job advertising has increased and now is the time for companies to ensure that they are ready to attract potential new recruits.  Ask yourself:

• does our website reflect who we are and what we offer employees aligned with what we know our target market is looking for?
• is our online application process visually appealing and technically user friendly?
• does our recruitment process include a speedy review so that we don't miss out on the best applicants?
• are applicants contacted by a recruitment professional who promotes our company and brand?
• does our response for unsuccessful applicants support our future talent attraction strategies?
• do we offer flexible interview times to assist applicants who are currently working?
• do we need to provide interview training for our management team?
• do we have the resources to recruit ourselves without losing productivity?
• and do we need to contact our RossJuliaRoss consultant!

This could be the start of a successful long term relationship, you only get one chance to make a good first impression and first impressions count!

In terms of talent development, Deloitte has found that programs for employee development are a big plus in a downturn. In companies that foresee no additional layoffs, 60% of executives plan to increase programs for developing high-potential employees. This means that the ability to offer talent development to top employees can be a differentiator for companies in a downturn. According to Deloitte, in companies that plan still more cutbacks in the next few months, just 34% of executives plan to increase the availability of programs for high-potential employees.