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Please stop the PSA madness in Canberra – it’s a joke!
I’m sorry if I’m going to sound like a stuck record but can someone remind me, again, why all levels of government persist with recruitment panels and PSAs? I need reminding because recent news reports would appear, yet again, to raise the obvious question ‘do all these very lengthy processes deliver benefits that exceed their…
Read MoreFull steam ahead: A conversation with Hays Aus/NZ MD, Nick Deligiannis
Just over three months ago, long-time Hays Aus/NZ Managing Director, Nigel Heap was announced as the new MD for the troubled Hays (UK & Ireland) business. At the same time it was announced that 19 year Hays veteran, Nick Deligiannis would be moving from his regional directorship position into Heap’s old role. Deligiannis gave me…
Read MoreFifteen things about the Australian labour market you probably didn’t know: 2012 update
Each year the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) releases a variety of reports that provide an overview of the state of the labour market. One of the most comprehensive, and interesting, of these reports is their annual Australian Jobs report. Here are my fifteen random extracts from that report: 1.…
Read MoreVale Stephen Covey: One of the greatest leadership educators of our time
On Monday last week (16 July 2012) Dr. Stephen R. Covey passed away due to the residual effects of a bicycle accident he suffered three month earlier. He was 79. Dr. Covey made teaching principle-centred leadership his life’s work. His most famous work is the international 20 million-selling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. …
Read MoreThe MOST important difference between the best and the rest
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive in coaching, training and speaking sessions is ‘What makes the biggest difference between a high performing recruiter and the rest?’ It’s a good question, and one without an easy answer. There are many factors that assist a high performer accomplish more than their peers. I have…
Read MoreHold Harmless: A ticking time bomb for the ignorant
Contracting or temp recruitment has traditionally been viewed as a more profitable service line for recruitment agencies, compared to permanent recruitment. If you talk to any reputable person in the recruitment agency broking market, they will confirm that a strong ‘temp/contract book’ is viewed very favourably by potential acquiring companies due to the temp business…
Read MoreMBAs: Last century learning for last century business models
Many years ago when I was much younger, single, and making my way in the world of recruitment as a desk-level consultant, I carefully considered what type of education would help me develop my career. I had concluded that my economics degree may not be sufficient to take me where I wanted my career to…
Read MorePersonalities don’t conflict – people have communication issues
Consider the following interview exchange, which any recruiter with more than a few weeks experience will be familiar with: Recruiter: “Why did you leave your role at XYZ company?” Candidate: (Stony-faced) “I had a personality conflict with my boss” Recruiter: (Awkward Pause) “Okay” What happened next? Did you probe to discover more information or…
Read MoreOur ageing population and workforce: The role of recruiters
You probably missed it but earlier in the month Age Discrimination Commissioner, Susan Ryan presented the Federal government with a paper calling for an overhaul of state and commonwealth laws to protect older workers against structural discrimination that stops them working past retirement. The report, Working Past Our 60s: Reforming Laws…
Read MoreThe ‘dreaded’ performance review: tips from a veteran
As we are about to close out the 2011/12 financial year, there will be plenty of performance reviews/appraisals/evaluations undertaken throughout this month and next month by recruitment agency owners and managers. Some of these reviews will demonstrate preparation, will use valid and objective criteria, will be effectively communicated and the outcome will be highly valued…
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