Working in recruitment means you’re constantly juggling multiple tasks, from sourcing candidates to looking for new business.
However, some tasks are notorious time-wasters that drain valuable resources and slow down productivity!
From working with recruitment agencies for over 20 years we’ve seen the tasks that really hold back agency growth. Let’s take a look at the top 5 and a few ideas on how to eliminate them.
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Manual Data Entry and CRM Management
Many agencies still rely on manual data entry for candidate information, client details and job posts. This is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors.
Bringing in a robust Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) can help to reduce some of this admin. You can completely automate the whole process, streamline communication and have all the information in one place.
Certain systems can also be used to do some of the legwork for you when it comes to reviewing CVs and organising interviews. It’s effectively one version of the truth which can be beneficial as your agency grows.
It’s worth nothing though that managing a CRM is a task in itself to keep everything up to date!
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Spending Too Much Time on Candidates You Can’t Place
You want to give all candidates your time, as though they might not be suitable for the role in hand, they may have potential for future positions.
However, recruiters can often end up investing a significant amount of time screening and interviewing candidates who ultimately don’t fit the brief.
Take the time to refine your candidate review process, using pre-screening assessments and video interviewing tools to quickly assess applications.
Also be really clear in the job ad about the requirements and salary expectations, so you’re not wasting the candidate’s time either.
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The Drain of Back Office Admin
Tasks like invoicing, payroll and credit control can take up a big chunk of a recruiter’s day, particularly if you’re working on your own. Plus, it distracts you from growing your business!
Consider outsourcing your back office admin tasks to a specialised provider like New Millennia.
We have over 20 years of experience offering back office support services to recruitment agencies to ease the burden of admin work.
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Keeping Candidates Updated!
When you look at any research exploring how candidates view the recruitment process, the criticism is always a lack of communication.
From a recruiter’s perspective, it can be really time-consuming, but to not do it can damage your agency’s reputation.
Try using automated email sequences to provide regular updates to candidates or use a candidate portal so users can log in to track the status of their application.
Also be realistic about timelines and stick to them, so candidates don’t feel like they need to be on your back.
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Unclear Client Briefs
Constantly changing job requirements from clients are all part and parcel of life as a recruiter. Yet it leads to time wasted as you’re sourcing candidates who ultimately don’t fit the moving target.
Set clear expectations at the outset, by using a standard template to capture all critical information. This includes specific skills and experience levels. Also take the time to communicate the potential impact of changes to the brief.
Sometimes, clients have unrealistic expectations regarding candidate availability or skillsets. Gently educate them on market realities and suggest alternative solutions.
Save Time, Make More Money!
At New Millennia we’ve seen firsthand, and heard from many agency owners, that there are just never enough hours in the day.
We get it. If you’re a recruiter working alone or in a small team there are so many different balls to juggle.
That’s why we created a back office solution to take some of the work off your plate.
Our comprehensive system includes payroll management, invoicing and credit control. Our funding solution can also be useful to keep money moving around your business.
You can find out more about the back office services we provide here.
