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| Sunday, 1 February 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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What's involved when a professional search finds you by Hemantha Sapumohotti Receiving a call out of the blue offering you the opportunity to consider a position with another company is a welcome surprise for most people. It's reassuring validation of your worth as a professional, and may open up a totally new career path should you accept the invitation to explore it. But how many people know what the process involves? Updating your CV is the easy part, but there will be a thorough assessment of your suitability and fitness for the role before a firm offer is made. However, the candidate also has certain rights. In essence, these rights come under the heading of honesty, objectivity, accuracy and confidentiality. At the heart of this ethical consideration is the recognition that each candidate is at a certain risk with their current employer: knowing that you are looking around for a new post, or even considering an unsolicited approach, could jeopardize your existing prospects if you decide to stay or find that the position offered is not what you want. Confidentiality is the overriding consideration, and the Recruitment Agency must obtain your specific permission before submitting your name and a report on you to the client company. It should also not contact your referees without your permission, and should not discuss your candidacy with anyone outside the Agency. It should also notify the hiring Principal to safeguard your privacy. Even though the client firm will normally absorb the cost, the Agency should act as an honest broker, paying due heed to the needs of both candidate and client. Hence, the candidate should know as much as possible about the position being offered, and the client. This ultimately means full and open disclosure about the nature and requirements of the position, the complete package, and any pertinent information about the client company. While you are still being evaluated as a potential candidate, the Agency is under no obligation to divulge confidential information about the position or the client organization. Only after it has been agreed that you are a short listed candidate, should you expect the Agency to disclose more pertinent or sensitive details. Based on their understanding of the position and the client's needs, the Agency should give you an honest appraisal of where you seem to fit. If, at any point in the process, the client decides not to proceed with your candidacy, the Agency should provide feedback and an explanation of the client's decision. Search Agencies are expected to comply with all the employment laws that apply to the normal hiring process, and should also demonstrate a high level of professionalism with each candidate. This means that the Agency has a clear understanding of the position, and of the client's expectations for it; that they conduct an organised, well thought-out interview; that they demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the market; and that all questions are answered in an honest and forthright manner.The candidate should be prepared at any stage in the proceedings to ask: How long will this take? Whom shall I meet before a decision is made? What time frame is the client working on? What is the next step? The Agency understands that, as a professional, your current position demands your full time and attention, and so should show utmost respect for your time and responsibilities when scheduling appointments and interviews. Keep in mind that while the Agency represents the clients, they do not have complete control over the client's communication with you during the process. If changes occur that contradict the information given to you by the Agency you should ask for clarification. If these principles are observed, the result should be a Agency/candidate relationship that is open, above board, and based on trust. If for any reason you do not feel you can trust the Agency or the client, then you should withdraw from the process. Keep in mind that the best search Agencies strive to exceed client expectations and an element of that is to ensure this is the right move for you, your family and career, so that there is a smooth transition to the new position. The writer is Chief Executive Officer of the Emerald Isle Manpower and Travel Services Mount Lavinia. |
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