Knowledge Center
Question
What challenges do recruiters face while trying to identify the right talent for vacant job roles?
Responses to the question
User Response: Lack of job claity impacts process of identifying, shortlisting and assessing the right candidates.
Purplestar: The importance of a well-documented job description can not be over emphasized! As recruiters, we owe our clients the ethical and professional obligation to advice them (internal and/or external clients) that in to attract and recruit the best candidate for a vacant job role, a detail the best candidates for a vacant job role, a detailed and well documented/structured job description is a must have.
User Response- Using the right sourcing channels to connect with the right candidates.
PSL Feedback: One of the best wsys to tackle this challenges is to understand the target audience and thri prefeerred communication channels,
For instance, if the target audience are Millennaians or Gen Zs, social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter may be more effective in reaching and attracting them. On the the other hand, if the target audience are GenX and above, more traditional communiation channels such as newspapper publications, business magazines etc. may be more effective.
User Response: Unrealistic time to source and recruit
PSL Feedback : I can totally relate. what i do is strongly advice my clients of the implications of settings unrealistic targets (time lines)and why we must be practical and realistic. As recruiters as well, we need to appreciate the urgency(on the part of our clients) to fill some vacancies and find a way to deliver value in the shortest possible time.
Additionally, recruits and leverage the use technology and collaboration with other recruiters of recruiting firms to improve the project (recruitment) turn around time.
User Response: Eliminating bias in hiring. Some hiring managers may impose their preferred candidate and this doesn't make the process fair or objective.
PSL Feedback: It is important to ensure that the hiring managers are either provided with clear job descriptions to guide and assessment mythologies to guide their recruitment process, or that the ones developed/proposed by the hiring managers are approved by their client before they are utilized. This would limit the chances of bias in the candidate selection process, and at the end of the day, the chances of the most qualified candidate being recruited is very high
Question
As a job hunter, What are your biggest challenges?
Responses to the question
User Response: "Lack of company benefits – Some organization do not provide benefits for their employees such as HMO, flexible work, paid time off, life insurance, mental health benefits"
Purple Star: Working for a company that does not offer the type of benefits you want can be difficult. However, when considering job offerings, it is important to look for all the things that are important to you e.g. the benefits you have listed. That said, while benefits can be an important part of a job, they are not the only indicators of a great job or great place to work. I would advise that you create a checklist of all your requirements for a job (include your benefits, office location(s), working arrangements, training opportunities, etc.). If you get at least 80% of the items on your list, would you consider it?
User Response: "Unreasonable requirements for the position – Some organizations want you to be less than 25 years old but have 2-5 years’ experience, which most times is not reasonable"
Purple Star: This can be very disheartening. Are there some individuals who are less than 25 years of age and have about 2 years work experience? the answer is Yes. That said, when you come across such advertisements for jobs you are interested in, you may consider contacting the recruiter to ask if they are willing to consider someone who has less experience. Whatever the case/out come, keep applying for jobs that you have at least 95% of the advertised requirements, you never know, you might get a call!
User Response: "Bureaucracy (not knowing someone who works there sometimes limits your chance of getting the job. Some employers ask ‘who do you know?’"
Purple Star: Bureaucracy can be a major hurdle for job seekers, especially if you have no connections. I would advise that you amass for yourself noteworthy referees who would be willing to vouch for you (professionally) and recommend you, by building/expanding your professional network, attending career events/programs, job fairs, alumni meetings, get a mentor(s) etc.
User Response: "Lack of Confidence (stems from the requirements though) – When I not meet the requirements listed, it makes me lose confidence in the job I want to apply for."
Purple Star: It is understandable to feel less confident when you don't meet all of the requirements for a job you want to apply for. However, the fact that you do not meet the requirements simply means that you may not be equip (yet) to undertake the responsibilities of the role. Job requirements are designed to ensure that the must qualified candidates are attracted and selected for the vacant role(s). So, use the requirements as an insight to the skills etc. that you need to develop in order to qualify for sure roles in the future, be sure to deliver value when you get it.
User Response: "Getting a remote job is not so easy"
Purple Star: Yes, remote jobs are not easy to get in Nigeria, as it is still a relatively new concept in our Country. However, before looking for remote jobs you need to ask yourself if you have the right skills, tools and infrastructure to work remotely should the opportunity arise. I would encourage you to keep searching for remote work opportunities (if you are really interested in them) but do not limit your search to just those, you never know what the available opportunity would bring.
User Response: "Red flags e.g. company emails that end in gmail.com"
Purple Star: I understand your reservations, and see how this can be a redflag. However, you should conduct some research/ do a due diligence check on the company to confirm its' legitimacy; You maybe surprised that it is a startup and not necessarily a scam.
User Response: "Lack of working arrangement flexibility (work from office and remote work on some days)"
Purple Star: This maybe as a result of the nature of the business, the working conditions for the role you want to apply for or the business operating model the Company utilises. If remote work is a priority for you, then search for vacancies using words like "remote work". Or reach out to the recruiter and ask if remote working arrangement is a possibility; you maybe surprised
User Response: "Age factor: if you’re above 27, finding a job becomes a problem For example in banks, more of young people are employed cos they are termed not to have as much responsibilities as those older than 27"
Purple Star: This is a very tricky situation. Could it be that you are applying for entry positions that must likely are open to those who are 25years of age ?
User Response: "There is no guarantee of success in job interviews, I have had to be persistent and flexible to accepting any role"
Purple Star: That is the right attitude! Well done and keep at it!!
User Response: "Payment range – often times some organizations do not disclose the pay range for the job(s) posted, which is an important factor for me"
Purple Star: If you are interested in a role and the pay range (remuneration) is not included in the advertisement, you can reach out to the recruiters and ask. Don't let the absence of the remuneration in the advert deter you from applying for the job you want.
User Response: "Lack of working arrangement flexibility (work from office and remote work on some days)"
Purple Star: This maybe as a result of the nature of the business, the working conditions for the role you want to apply for or the business operating model the Company utilises. If remote work is a priority for you, then search for vacancies using words like "remote work". Or reach out to the recruiter and ask if remote working arrangement is a possibility; you maybe surprised
User Response: "Zero Feedback from the company "
Purple Star: This can be quiet frustrating! When or if this happens, you should reach out to the company or recruiter and ask for feedback.
User Response: "I remember facing nepotism. A friend of mine tipped me on a vacant position they had in their firm (radio station). The vacant position was put out and I think I passed 2 stages (tests and interview). Only to be informed months after that the boss' nephew was employed to occupy the position"
Purple Star: This can be frustrating and disheartening. I do not know when or if this can ever be abolished; however, that does not make it right. I hope you never have such experience again. Do not give up on your career progression plans, you never know!