When a 360 Recruiter has to pull a 180

In this tight job seeker market in New Zealand, reading a great resume is sometimes like a needle in a haystack, so it is imperative to snap up those quality job seekers before they disappear.

Just recently, I was super excited about a job seeker’s resume I had come across. There were great qualifications, solid tenure and great experience and I knew I had to ring her straight away.

Over the phone she was confident, knew what she was talking about and successfully highlighted the relevant experience from her resume. Unfortunately, she resides outside the Auckland region, further down the North Island, with no definite plans of moving to Auckland yet. Additionally, her work visa was set to expire in three weeks. Despite this information, with my rose-coloured glasses on, I had booked her in for a face to face interview the next day. As soon as I hung up the phone, I thought: “uh oh, did I make a huge mistake?”

When I discussed the situation with my colleague after a few minutes of simmering in my inner turmoil, she confirmed my exact gut instinct, which was: yes, yes I had. See, having only started in recruitment this year, I know I have yet to learn many things and knowing how to backpedal on a promised interview was definitely one of them.

She kindly highlighted to me that even if we were able to successfully interview her and secure the role for her, how quickly would she be able to relocate and moreover, with her impending visa expiry, will she even be able to renew it in time? I had put myself in a bit of a pickle, really. Maybe for a more seasoned recruiter this could have been an exciting new challenge to take on board to test one’s skills, however even so, the chances of following the entire process and succeeding is very, very slim given the time frame. We need to avoid setting up unrealistic expectations and instead look at the bigger picture with clearer lenses.

So, I had to swallow my own words, pick up the phone and call her right back to let her know the reality of the situation. Coming from a call centre background, I’m accustomed to receiving the worst and most negative reactions when customers don’t get their way, but miraculously she was very understanding and even wished me a good day! She realised that it wasn’t a lack of desire on my part to help her, but that realistically it would have been a waste of her time and she appreciated me for being so upfront.

As recruiters, in an ideal world, we could help everyone and anyone, but realistically, that is not always the case. We have to remember that we are humans too and have our own limitations.

You have to be realistic, and most especially always be transparent with job seekers. They will respect you the most when you are honest with them.

Get in touch

Shell Bongares • August 22, 2018

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: