Local
newspapers are still the most preferred way for attracting new recruits,
according to the annual recruitment and retention survey from the CIPD.
Specialist
trade press are also popular though this recruitment method has decreased by
over 10 per cent over the last 12 months.
The
use of national newspapers to advertise vacancies has also decreased by nearly
20 per cent over the past 12 months. Imogen Daniels, CIPD resourcing and
development adviser, said: "The current economic climate means that
organisations are trying to make savings in certain areas, and recruitment
advertising has been affected considerably.
"Organisations
appear to be using the technology available to them in the recruitment process,
though, clearly, job hunters still prefer to browse through vacancies in their
own time at their own pace. While e-mail and electronic media certainly
encourage more people to apply for positions, corporate websites and internet
job boards have some headway to make."
The
survey findings also reveal that informal methods such as word of mouth or
personal recommendations through family and friends are also favoured by over
60 per cent of UK companies. Over half of employers also recruit through speculative
applications where jobs have not been advertised.
Daniels
says: "Personal recommendations can enable employers to tap into a wider
pool of candidates – though they need to be aware of the dangers of cloning.
Generally speaking, we tend to be drawn to people who have similar interests
and views to our own, the same goes for recruiters who also take to people who
are like themselves. This can prevent fresh perspectives from coming into the
work setting and can cause stagnation."
The
research also shows that employers have placed increasing emphasis on
diversity, with nearly 75 per cent of them taking account of a broader range of
qualities; nearly 65 per cent of employers are monitoring recruitment and half
are advertising vacancies beyond mainstream media.
Daniels
says: "It’s heartening to see employers recognising the value of
difference. A diverse workforce means more creativity and different approaches
being directed towards business goals. In an economy where weightless qualities
such as brand and values enable organisations to compete, diversity is crucial
for survival."
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