Vanilla Recruitment (UK) Ltd – Quarterly Newsletter - Autumn 2009

Welcome to the quarterly edition of Vanilla’s Newsletter where we aim to provide our clients with good news stories, best practice techniques for employing new staff, new legislation and exciting up and coming events.  To meet the Vanilla team please go to www.vanillarecruitment.co.uk/meet_the_team

National Online Recruitment Awards Finalist 2009 Vanilla Recruitment is extremely delighted to have been nominated as a finalist at this years National Online Recruitment Awards 2009. We are very proud to be shortlisted for the award within the category of Best Small Recruitment Agency Website. Thank you for all your support and for voting for us in this years national awards. www.norauk.com

Attracting Passive Job Seekers : How Vanilla Can Add Value

Passive job seekers; your potential employees who are not actively searching for a new job role, but may just have the skills your company needs.

• The True Picture - Passive job seekers aren’t moving roles, whether the position is recruited by a business or via an agency. The recession has fundamentally changed people’s attitudes toward employment and most are sticking with the devil they know unless forced to change.
• Confidence is Key – Every vacancy needs to be positioned in a way that a prospective job seeker feels reassured to apply.  The traditional incentives such as pound signs and even brand names aren’t enough of an enticement anymore.  For many the promise of job security will carry more weight.
• Be Transparent – The economy has never been such a hot topic. Passive job seekers are watching market movements avidly so the more information you share about your plans for the future the more confident they will feel about your business.
• Partnership is the Answer – Vanilla can spread messages on behalf of our clients to the widest possible audience affecting not only the job seeker’s sentiment but the market’s perception of your business too.

Temp of the Month Award

Temp of the Month is awarded for outstanding performance within the individual’s role, including excellent reliability, punctuality, standards of work and for going the extra mile within the temporary contract.  Nominations are taken from Line Managers and Consultants of the temporary workers. So, if you have a Vanilla temporary employee you would like to nominate contact srice@vanillarecruitment.co.uk

Nominated for the month of September was Helen Farrell at Wireless Infrastructure. Photographed from left to right – Sophie Rice (Vanilla), Gemma Archbutt, Helen Farrell and Lauren Preece.

Nominated for the month of October was Norma Tebbutt at Bray & Bray Solicitors . Photographed from left to right – Martin Hill, Norma Tebbutt and Sophie Rice (Vanilla).

Recent Changes – National Minimum Wage Increases!

Employers are being reminded that National Minimum rates needed to go up on or after 1st October 2009 :                        

Previous Hourly Rate New Hourly Rate Workers aged 22 and over £5.73 £5.80 Workers aged 18 – 21  £4.77 £4.83 Workers aged 16 – 17   £3.53 £3.57

Vanilla Top Interview Tips for Businesses

Ask the right questions - Effective interviews are largely dependent on the skill of the interviewer to ask the right questions. If you do not ask the right questions, you will not get the right information. Remember the details - Ensure you make some notes on the interviewee’s answers to questions – it can be difficult to remember the detail after interviewing a number of people. Give a little time - Give people a chance to think about their answers to more complex questions or examples. Interviews can be stressful situations and it is common for people’s minds to occasionally go blank!

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday 18th November 2009 – Business Buffet Luncheon (£12.95) - Managing Difficult People - Are you taking control of your staff during this period of economic insecurity? With guest speaker the well respected Employment Law specialist Ian Lewis from Leicester’s leading law firm, Bray & Bray Solicitors. The event will be based at The Oathill, 31 Kettering Road, Little Bowden, Market Harborough, LE16 8AN  12.30am – 2.00pm.
  As a Business Owner, Director or HR Specialist do you know how to confidently manage:

  Difficult people in the work place Employee warnings and grievances Sick leave especially extended sick leave Disability Discrimination

Email admin@vanillarecruitment.co.uk now. The event is likely to be fully booked so it is important to register your place early to avoid disappointment.

• Wednesday 27th January 2010 – Free Seminar – No Money No Problem with the inspirational Ben Kench ‘The Can Can Man’ based at The Angel Hotel, 37 High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire.  9.30am – 12.30pm.
  The Can Can Man (Ben Kench) is a professional business coach and motivational speaker who provides businesses with the motivation to overcome today’s tremendous business pressures and seize upon and maximise opportunities.
  At the seminar Ben will give you real, affordable and practical sales techniques and ideas that can make a real difference to your business today so you can flourish during this economic storm!

Email admin@vanillarecruitment.co.uk now to register your interest as places are limited. Only 2 people per business can be accommodated.

Staff News

On the 22nd July 2009 Jacob and Daisy Shelton were born safely into the Vanilla family.  Thank you to all those who have popped into the office or emailed their congratulations and words of wisdom on how to cope with twins!