Company web sites are failing to generate applications for secretarial vacancies at City firms, a survey found.
The research by recruitment consultants Joslin Rowe showed about 15 per cent of employers see staff referrals and internal applications as valuable means of attracting new recruits. But none of the 376 companies surveyed regard their own web site as an effective recruitment tool.
Eleven per cent of the 385 secretaries also questioned as part of the research said they had visited company web sites when looking for a job. Only 4 per cent said this resulted in a job.
Employers said they relied on recruitment consultants, which 95 per cent described as the most reliable source of staff.
The survey also found 60 per cent of secretaries feel undervalued some or all of the time. A similar proportion (68 per cent) regard their remuneration package as average or below average.
And although 98.5 per cent of employers said they had a formal appraisal system in place, a fifth of secretaries said they had never had an appraisal or an opportunity to discuss their concerns.
Thirty-five per cent said they left their last job because of a lack of prospects, while 27 per cent moved for a better salary.
