How Recruitment Agencies Work

How often do you hear “a good employee is hard to find?”, while job hunters say “I cannot find a decent, well payed job”. No matter whether you are an employer or an employee, finding good workers and work is a very difficult process.

If you’re an employer and advertise a post, you may receive hundreds and thousands of job applications, most often half of them are not qualified for the job, and sifting through hundreds of these applications is no easy task for an employer. On the other hand if you are a potential candidate for a job and send out many resume’s you may finding yourself thinking if your outbox or the mail never sent out your resume’s or have they disappeared altogether  as you never to a response.

Well how can employers and employees avoid this red tape in the hiring process? Today most employers and employees seek the help of a recruitment agency. These agencies help companies and individuals seeking jobs with their needs. They find people to suit all the job profiles of the employer, from permanent jobs to temporary jobs and in various different industries. Whether it’s a construction worker, a personal assistant, a nurse and carpenters, the recruitment agency will find the best qualified individual for the job.

Public and private recruitment agencies help with the staffing process. Some of the fields that these agencies specialize in are, a personal and customized placement services, setting up temporary staffing facilities and executive search or headhunting firms.

Here is a look at some of the general functions of a recruitment agency,

·         Take the away the hassle and stress of human resources. Employers will no longer need to spend time going through resumes and the interview process to recruit staff; the agency will look after everything from the interview process to the recruitment process.

·         The agency will look after the entire process from matching the correct person for the job and line up potential candidates for the company to interview, if the company requires candidate to be interviewed.

·         A senior level candidate can also be hired through an agency that specializes in executive search firms.

·         The agency is also able to provide for temporary staffing needs of the employer.

·         For a job hunter the agency can be the only sources of getting an all inclusive full time job. These agencies can introduce job hunters to job openings that they could not find on their own. These agencies are a great way of looking for a new job in a new industry or a long term or short terms job as well.

·         These agencies are a good source for obtaining free training. They offer a variety of free training and skill building and development from how to face a successful interview to the use of computer software or hardware.

Job hunters and employers value a good employment agency. Even though the agencies are not in a position to always guarantee a successful job or a good job match they will always give you  the opportunity to find the right job or the right employee.

If you are seeking the services of an employment agency you will need to follow these steps,

·         Find the right agency and register with them, you may need to pay a onetime fee or a retainer if you’re an employer, you can also register with multiple agencies.

·         Complete the application along with the correct and relevant information

·         Provide a detailed and professional resume

·         Sit for the qualifying test or evaluation process

·         Face an initial interview so that the agency can see what your strengths and weaknesses are and your requirements

·         Follow a training program if you feel that it is necessary and you can benefit from it

·         As a job hunter you need to choose the best agency that specialize in and industry or field that is related to your job function.

·         Make sure that the agency you choose a reputed one.

·         Signup with more than once agency. Since it is rare that two agencies will work with the same firm, chances are that you will be able to have a better opportunity at securing the right job with a reputed employer.

·         Never rush the agency as they will need to take their time with placing you with the right job. 

FAQs of a labour hire company

Q: What do Labour hire companies specialize in? 

A:Labour hire companies specialise in providing labour for clients in a host of organizations from different trades or businesses. This arrangement is pigeon-holed by a formal agreement between the client and the employer for the payment of wages and the performance of the contract to the full. Some of the job categories that a labour hire is commonly providing is for pick packers, store-men, forklift operators, production workers, tradespeople, administrative staff, customer service and sales representatives.

Q: What services does a labour hire company provide?

A: Labour hire agencies would provide casual labour hire, temporary to permanent placement, contract fulfillment, permanent placements, training services and pre–employment screening services.

Q: What does the hourly rate include?

A: An employee’s hourly pay rate will be based under the relevant payroll, superannuation, workers compensation insurance and administration costs. Also pay will be made based on the submission of the relevant time sheets, which should be submitted by the worker on time. Payment will made every month or every two weeks depending on the payment cycle of the establishment.

Q: What are the duties of the agent and client?

A: The duties of the agent will include the verification and matching of training, skills and experience of the job hunter to the needs of the task, provide an induction in relation to the tasks to be undertaken and the job function,  make sure that any change in duties does not pose as a hazard to the worker , provide training to make sure the workers know how to carry out their job safely, make sure the work environment is safe , mare sure that enough supervision is provided on-site and report any injuries or safety hazards.

The duties of the client will include, ensuring the work environment meet all safety standards, provide necessary training so that worker knows how to carry out his or her activities, report any significant injuries, provide supervision on site and  make sure protective equipment is provided to the worker.

Q: What are the duties of a worker?

A: Labour hire workers have the same duties that are applicable to all employees. They should make sure to perform their job to the best of their ability and as per the responsibilities set out in the contract.

Q: Is there a guarantee on permanent placements?

A: The guarantee for permanent placement is about 2 – 3 months. This will again depend on the Labour hire agencies that is retained by the company.

Q: Is the fees paid to the labour hire tax deductible?

A: Yes the fees that are paid are tax deductible.

Q: If I am an employer, how long will you take to provide a worker?

A: Labour hire will ask for a 24 hour notice period. In certain instances workers can be provided within one hour’s notice.

Q: Can an employer recruit a worker from the agency to the company’s permanent cadre?

A: After 2 – 3 months a company can recruit a worker to their own company once the agency fees are all settled in full.

Q: Are the reference of the workers checked by the agency thoroughly?

A: Reference checks are conducted prior to employment of the worker and can be provided to the client on request.

Q: Can you guarantee the reliability and performance of your worker?

A: It is very difficult to provide a guarantee when there is a human person involved. However since there are standard rules in place then there could be a higher success rate or reliable workers.

Q: What happens if there is an injury by a casual worker?

A: The incident is investigated and an incident report is filed. Medical costs and claims will be bourne by the labour hire company.

Q: Is the labour hire agency contactable at any time?

A: Usually Labour hire agencies do have a call center and will provide 24 hour customer service.

Q: Does the labour hire agency have experienced workers?

A: All our recruits are screened for prior experience, good reference,  proven track records and with industry related qualifications.

Q: Who will be responsible for the workers compensation?

A: The labour hire agency will take responsibility for the Workers Compensation Insurance and included in the agency rates.

All you need to know about a franchise recruitment agency

Most franchise labour hire NSW agencies provide support to recruiters that want to start up on their own and start earning financial benefits and making profits from all their hard work.

Here’s a list of some of the standard functions of a franchise labour hire NSW:

• Provide back-office support which includes credit collections and  processing the payroll
• Funding of all debtors accounts
• Establishing a good brand and providing marketing support
• Use the latest technology especially industry-specific software
• Set up connections with existing national recruitment and labour hire franchisees
• No restrictions on geographic or a market segment
• Continuously maintain and updating operations manuals.

A franchise will initially provide the recruitment business with initial training, ongoing support and business coaching. This sort of franchise can even be started up from home as you have the ability to manage your own time to run the business successfully.

The objective of a franchisor is to support recruiters to take a chance and start up and run their own recruitment agency. Usually franchises are for the benefit of the business and to assist business owners to succeed. This attitude is the sole reason for the basis of the support systems as the franchisor.

Franchise programs are able to give the recruiter the freedom and flexibility of owning their own business, with the support and assurance that there is someone to ‘watch your back’ and provide support as you progress.

Here are some of the benefits of starting your own franchise:

• Back office support is available so that you can focus on sales and servicing clients
• Franchises offer a very low initial investment
• You can start your business from the comfort of your own home
• You can set up and run your own business within 30 days
• Funding for all your temps.
• Collecting your funding, drafting invoices and handling you are funding.
• No territory restrictions.
• Offers ongoing training
• Access to industry-specific software.
• Be interested in providing human resources services to a plethora of industries

If you are interested in a franchise, then you need to check if you qualify for it, here is a look at some of the attributes that one needs to posses to qualify as a franchise,

• You need to have experience working in a recruitment firm, a human resources firm, or any other employment or head hunting company. If you do have this sort of experience and knowledge of how a basic recruitment company works, then the franchise is able to offer an upfront investment and offer a franchise opportunity. If you are inexperienced in the human resources sector, then you should obtain the relevant experience and qualifications in order to qualify for the franchise opportunity.
• Passion, energy and a can do attitude is needed to run a franchise business and drive sales, manage a team and service client promptly.
• Have relevant knowledge of the sector or industry that you hope to supply labour and recruitment.
• You should understand and identify your target market and the clientele that you will be servicing.
• You should be enthusiastic and willing to support the establishment of a brand.  
• You should be able to work together with the existing support team of experts, network and build up a good communication channel with the existing recruitment franchisees, share and swap information for the benefit of all and  promote the  franchises way of thinking and doing things
• You should be able to take a chance and a risk to leave your employment and becomes a business owner. You should be able to commit yourself 100% to the business in order to take it off the ground and see that it succeeds.

If you are ready to take that leap of faith and drive your recruitment business in a new direction and develop your very own client and managing your own business then register with a viable franchise so that you can make your dream of owning your own business a reality.

Labour hire franchises rarely stumble and run into financial problems, therefore you don’t have to worry about losing your money on such an investment. 

Choosing a good employment agency

Traditional recruitment companies only assist a job seeker find the right job for a nominal fee. Some agencies may charge the recruitment company but it’s always best to find a recruitment company that the jobs seeker has to pay, then you are sure that the employment agency will find a job that suits your criteria and requirement.

These agencies, function on two levels, one is when they provide low or mid-level candidates with a choice of employees since they do maintain a large data base. They also provide a retainer service where the employer will only source employees from the particular employment agency, due to its good quality service and relationship. The agency is paid a percentage of the employee’s salary even if the employee has not been hired.

If you are looking for the right job you will have to work with the recruiter, headhunter, and search consultant. You will most often be approached by headhunters who will try to convince you to apply for a job with the firm they are working with and provide manpower to. This can be very beneficial to you if  are looking for a good break with a reputed firm.

There are also temporary recruitment agencies as well, they provide jobs for those who are looking for temporary work. This is often in good demand during the seasonal months or during periods where workers are on sabbatical leave or maternity leave.  These temporary agencies also provide permanent jobs as well.

If you have just lost your job or want a career change and is looking to change your job then you should broaden your horizons in your job search by seeking the services or professional head-hunter or recruiter.  This is especially a good choice if you are looking for a senior managerial or a high level position as those jobs don’t get advertised but are often headhunted. A recruitment company can help you market your resume to companies you never thought of approaching.

These recruitment and headhunting agencies often spend time looking for good employers. Some employers are highly convinced when a resume is being sent through them through a formal recruitment agency as opposed to a candidate applying on their own. The headhunter or the recruitment agency will also be in better position to offer you very competitive compensation package.

If you seek the services of may recruitment agencies, you should make sure that you inform them prior about the recruitment company they are working with, as in instances where your resume is sent to same employer by two recruitment agencies, there may be an issue with the collection of the recruiters fees.

You should select a recruiter that can effectively work with you. If you are looking for a company in a certain industry then you should contract a recruitment company that specializes in that industry. Usually professional association will be able to give a list of recruitment companies they work with, so that you can enlist them in your job search.You can search for online recruitment agencies as well as to make direct contact with colleagues or acquaintances for any jobs opportunities.

At the interview make sure that you do ask as many questions from the recruiter as well, so that you know you are not wasting your time on a company that cannot deliver or provide a quality service. This relationship is really important. Questions you should ideally ask are , how long they being in the industry , how many employees they have recruited, what sort of companies they deal with, what sort of fees are involved and do they provide you with another option if the job does not work out after a couple of months. Check the reference of the recruiter and make sure you pursue those references to find out the type of employment agency you are dealing with and its authenticity.

Check on the process, from the time you register and handover your application to the point where you secure a job with the employer. Make sure you are extremely happy with the company and the individual as the type of people that represent you can also give your potential employer some insight into the person you are and your style.

Using recruitment agency brings you one step closer to finding a job, but it does not guarantee a job. 

How to reduce labour hire contractor risks

Safety is the most important element

Safety should be the most important element when it comes to your workforce. It does not matter if your workforce consists of direct employees, contract labour hire workers. It applies to everyone in every industry. In order to mitigate risks the proper risk management guidelines need to be identified and implemented to make sure the workplace is safe and accident free.

Inform and train your employees on labour hire & contractor risks

There is wealth of resources when it comes to training labour hires on safety related issues and responsibilities of supervisors in the workplace. Special officers should be appointed within the organization to overlook safety related matters.

The general perception is that it is not the host employer’s responsibility to cover contract labour hire  worker accidents and injuries as they do not belong to the permanent cadre of employees. Due to this the company will not care much about the safety matters of its staff leading to almost ignoring risk management practices. However, this is not true, you should provide labour hire workers with the same amount of safety at the work place, like you would do with your own employees.

Document your contract terms and maintain a record

You should draft a contract and have it signed and dated so that in case something goes wrong you always have a document to prove that all terms and conditions were mutually agreed upon by both parties and that the workers understands their rights and obligations very clearly. These contracts are also useful to prove that the responsibilities were agreed upon in case there is a claim. Not having proper documentation, can prove fatal when it comes to making a claim.

Agree on a documented indemnity clause

Adocumented indemnity clause is designed so that one party agrees to indemnify the other, when it comes liabilities that areincurred by various circumstances. The most effective outcome from this should be to shift the risk onto the contract labour hire. These clauses should always be drafted by a lawyer and legal counsel should be sought should a problem arise.

Discuss other terms relating to the contract based on the labour hire worker’s fitness and work capacity

Other than the indemnity clauses, other clauses such as that the labour hire company warrants the fitness of the workers should be agreed upon as well as the capacity of the worker to complete the assigned task accurately and in a timely manner, should also be agreed upon. This becomes very beneficial when you have a hugelabour hire workforce. It is viable to have your workers assessed for fitness and medical performed, then  you know they can take on jobs that requires being physically fit. Having this document is very important.

Encourage the labour hire company to be responsible for safety

You should ideally have the labour hire company be responsible for the safety of the workers.

You should make the labour hire company commit to take on the task of maintaining and upholding all safety regulations in the workplace or the work site. This will help to establish that the labour hire company should take on most of the liability, should something go wrong in the workplace.

Look into any risk or safety issues that is raised by the labour hire company

The Labour hire company should conduct an inspection on the ‘host’ work sites, and have an open discussion on health and safety issues. This will help to improve safety in the work place and the well-being of the worker. This helps when there is an accident as it will help the labour hire company protect itself against claims by injured workers. Make sure to act on any safety issues or health hazards that are raised by the labour hire company and have it documented. Always maintain a regular report with dates, facts and figures as to when the inspections were done and the action taken to mitigate work place accidents. Have regular feedback and communicate with the labour hire company so that you build up a good relationship with them.

Make sure that you establish good risk management practices.

This becomes very helpful during an accident as you know what to do and what protocol should be followed such as the filling of the relevant forms related to incident reports, retention of worker and witness details, collation and preservation of evidence through  photos etc. Make sure to provide all copies of the relevant documentation related to the worker.

Finding employment in the construction industry

The construction industry is blooming with the promise of employment opportunities and vast development in many areas in the world. The employment opportunities in the construction industry are wide and varied. From the inception stage all the way to the completion and maintenance, jobs are available in a range that offers something for just about anyone.

Should we look at high level jobs, architects and engineers are at the very top. These are highly skilled professionals who will determine the aesthetic appearance and the structural integrity of a construction project. Both professionals are important for construction projects and they are most often involved from the beginning until the end. In order to enter this level in the construction industry, one has to have the right educational background. In most cases, it is important to have the aspiration to become an architect or an engineer from a young age. This way, the right curricula along with the right supporting educational backing can be chosen to make way for the future. In addition to the educational qualifications, a candidate will also have to have the right mindset. Born talents such as design skills, mathematics and problem solving will have to be possessed and developed at an early stage to allow the journey to be a success. Most commonly, it takes close to a decade to become accredited and employed as an architect or an engineer with a substantial annual income.

Construction projects need to be properly costed and managed. For this, it requires the assistance of land surveyors, quantity surveyors and construction managers. These are highly specialised jobs that require special educational qualifications and the right professional skills. If we take a quantity surveyor, they will have to have a degree or a higher diploma in building management which covers quantity taking off, law and building procedures to become employed. Preparing the costing of a construction project is a huge responsibility. Without the right skills, the amounts can come out incorrect and thus create problems for the project. As for construction managers, their job is once again, a massive responsibility that requires the right experience and educational backing to succeed. Most often, employers prefer to hire well seasoned professionals rather than newly qualified graduates to make sure that the responsibility is handled with care. A project manager has to work with a budget, limited resources and workforce and use what's available carefully to complete the projects to which he or she is assigned.

Of course, we all know that the construction industry is not necessarily a white-collar trade. Without the blue collar workers who carry on the hard work that is done with complex machinery and with human hands, the construction industry would certainly come to a halt. Most large scale construction companies pay a great deal of attention on construction labour hire as, without labourers, the work will not go on. In fact, there are whole agencies dedicated for construction labour hire where they find skilled workers and direct them towards building projects. In order to enter the blue collar level of the construction industry, you don't really have to have a lot of educational qualifications. Of course, this depends on the type of work. For instance, if you are applying for manual labour such as machine operation, wood work or something that requires a certain skill, then you do have to prove your eligibility for the position by paper qualifications or with past experience. However, for most positions, on the job training is provided at the construction site itself.

Finding employment to suit your requirements in the construction industry is not difficult if you plan your career early. Entry level jobs often don't require much experience as the construction industry is a practical trade. As for entering in to the blue collar level, it is quite easy if you know where to seek employment. Most construction work for blue collar workers is available seasonally when projects are available and working conditions are favorable. It is advisable for labourers to be registered with a construction labour hire company to gain access to new job opportunities as most construction companies are likely to contact them when new projects are commenced. 

Blue Collar Employment Options

The term 'blue collar workers' apply to a wide range of professionals who deal with manual labour. In other words, blue collar employment options are for those who work with their hands. While different people may have different opinions on blue collar employment, the fact remains that they make a good living with decent work. Various labour hire agencies and employers for large scale projects are often on the lookout for workers with the necessary skills and physical capabilities to handle this sort of jobs.

Below are a few different types of popular blue collar employment options.

Construction labourers - Construction work is probably the most popular form of blue collar employment. Construction workers are hired mainly for their ability to use speialised equipment. For instance, operation of fork-lifts, water trucks, cement mixers, saws, blow torches and drills are among the most sought after skills in the construction industry. In addition, skills such as bricklaying, wood work and painting are also required at certain construction projects. In the majority of cases, blue collar labour hire agencies don't expect for any specific educational qualifications for workers of this sort. Since on-the-job training is offered for most construction workers, past experience is not always a pre-requisite. Some blue collar labour hire agencies and construction companies offer apprenticeship programs for long term workers.

Machinists (machine operators) - Machinists are employed at large scale manufacturing plants and factories. Their specialty is the ability to operate highly specialised equipment according to the employers' specifications. The likes of lathes, drills, navigational instruments and other electronic equipment along with certain vehicles require special knowledge for correct operation. Unlike construction workers, machine operators need to have the right vocational training to be eligible for these positions. The complexity of the machines and the various hazards associated with the slightest mishaps requires those who are specially trained to handle the work safely. For those who wish to be employed as machine operators, there are special training courses and apprenticeship programs available in many places. Employers and colleges do offer vocational training programs for hopeful machinists at affordable costs.

Assemblers - Assembly work also takes place in various manufacturing plants and factories. While somewhat related to machine operating, assembly workers use their hands as well as various machinery and tools. Their task is to literally 'assemble' products at manufacturing factories. Since factories often operate on tight deadlines, the work is carried on for long hours and even during weekends. In many cases, employers expect workers to be experienced or in possession with the right paper qualifications. Unlike construction work, the assemblers' jobs are often quite stable as long as the factories they work for continue on with manufacturing contracts. While some construction workers may not have as much to do during the colder months, assemblers have plenty of work in factories throughout the year. However, the workload may increase seasonally depending on the type of product.

Welders - Welders are a type of blue collar workers who can find work on permanent and temporary basis. Needless to say, due to the dangers involved with welding, welders need to have a certain set of skills and specialised knowledge to do their job correctly and carefully. They need to be able to operate the welding tools as well as to read and understand plans and blueprints to perform their task successfully. Just like assembly workers, welders will also have to work as per the workload permits. Since most welders will have to work with a deadline, there will be long hours and weekend work during certain times of the year depending on the type of company they work for. Of course, welders are not only limited to factories. Construction work such as cladding, steel work and interior work will require welders to join metal parts together.

Aside from the above mentioned options, blue collar workers have many other choices available all through the year. Some may require higher education and training while others will simply provide paid on the job training. The best way to obtain this sort of employment is to register with a blue collar labour hire agency. This will allow you to be put in the pool of candidates for many temporary and permanent work opportunities.