Outstanding Recruiters Are Rewarded
What makes a good recruitment company in the eyes of a job seeker? The response to the 2004 SEEK Annual Recruitment
Awards (SARAs) indicates that service, commitment and passion are just some of the key factors.
The SARAs are a peoples’ choice award with job seekers across the country voting for their favourite recruiter. The best
recruitment consultancies in New Zealand, as judged by hundreds of job seekers, were honoured on Tuesday, 21st September
at the Sheraton in Auckland and the recruitment industry turned out in force to find out who would be successful in
2004.
Established by SEEK in 2003 to support the recruitment industry, the SARAs highlight the value recruiters provide to
both clients and candidates, and the range of award categories covers the diversity within the industry.
The 2004 winners
The 2004 SEEK Annual Recruitment Awards, or SARAs, were presented in the following categories:
· Generalist Recruiter – Large Winner: Kelly Services Runner up: Stratum Consulting Group
Job seekers believed Kelly Services excelled with their communications. One candidate commented that Kelly Services are
superior with their “never ending contact, newsletters etc” whilst others remarked on the organisation’s “informative
adverts and prompt replies.” Kelly Services website was another popular feature as it is “user friendly and well
designed,” whilst others voted because they felt the team at Kelly Services “go that extra mile.”
· Generalist Recruiter – Small to Medium* Winner: Hughes Consulting Group Runner up: Alpha Personnel Recruitment
Nearly every job seeker voting for Hughes Consulting Group highlighted the company’s exceptional customer service –
“great personal follow through, you are really treated as an individual.” Candidates felt the team at Hughes made a
committed effort to provide personal service when assisting in the job search process, with one candidate commenting,
“Hughes Consulting really listen to you and make informed judgments on great career alternatives and job prospects.”
· IT Recruiter Winner: Elan IT Runner up: Lloyd Executive
Elan IT’s “valued added services” were a key factor contributing to their success. One voter remarked on the outstanding
“support and help given when going to interview”, along with their providing “a list of possible questions and
scenarios” and that Elan IT even “offered to do a practice interview.” This was a popular theme for Elan IT, with many
others commenting on the training provided to job seekers.
· Niche Recruiter Winner: Retailworld Resourcing Runner up: Lawson Williams Consulting Group
One job seeker summarised Retailworld Resourcing’s success, “they are professional, forward thinking (and) dynamic.” The
first winner in the newly established “niche” category, Retailworld was commended for knowing the “retail market really
well” and being “enthusiastic about their jobs”. Their success in their specialised field was reinforced as voters
recognised the company’s expertise, “Retailworld offer a personal and professional “retail sector” focused service.”
· New Zealand’s Favourite Individual Recruiter Winner: Jane Kara Company: Elan IT
Elan IT’s “valued added services” were a key factor contributing to their success. One voter remarked on the outstanding
“support and help given when going to interview”, along with their providing “a list of possible questions and
scenarios” and that Elan IT even “offered to do a practice interview.” This was a popular theme for Elan IT, with many
others commenting on the training provided to job seekers.
What candidates’ value Job seekers’ comments in support of their nominations identified a few key themes.
These were consistent among people in all types of industries and stages of their career.
Candidates continued to emphasise the importance of the service levels delivered by their recruitment organisation. One
candidate complimented Elan IT as throughout the entire process of the job placement, the company was “extremely
helpful, informative and friendly”, whilst Retailworld Resourcing’s service was applauded - “you are made to feel wanted
and important.”
In 2004 there was an emerging trend evident as more job seekers than ever commented on the significance of placing the
right candidate in the right job. Kelly Services were commended for their detailed job ads, allowing candidates to make
an informed decision, and Hughes Consulting were praised for the time they spent ensuring a correct candidate placement
- “they take the time out to understand what I am looking for and make sure that I fit the organisation.”
Supporting the recruitment industry Developed following extensive research into international industry award programmes,
the SARAs have undoubtedly been embraced by the industry. In the second year of the SARAs, job seekers voted in their
hundreds, and recruitment firms swung in behind the awards, with many organisations promoting the SARAs to candidates on
their websites, by email or in print materials.