SMEs in record-breaking hiring growth, says CBI report

 

Small businesses are increasing recruitment at the fastest rate since 1998, according to the CBI SME Trends Survey.



The survey of more than 500 SME business leaders reveals 34% increased their headcount in the three months leading up to July. Only 9% said it has decreased.

This is driven by optimism about the wider economy. Almost one-third (31%) of SME employers feel more confident about their business' economic position, while only 11% are less optimistic than three months previously.

The manufacturing SME sector was particularly strong in the second quarter of 2014. This was largely driven by a rise in domestic orders. More than one-third (36%) saw domestic sales grow, while only 19% suffered a decrease.

At Key Appointments, we understand how important it is for SME's  to recruit only the right candidates to fit into their business and our full recruitment services ensures just that. For those on a budget, our KeyStart packages offer a fixed fee recruitment service.

Here are our Key Tips to ensure that your budget delivers the right candidates for your company:

Tip 1 – Choose your recruitment method wisely – will you DIY or will you use a recruiter?

Tip 2 – Put a value on your time. Can you afford to spend days advertising, sifting and interviewing yourself?

Tip 3  - choose your suppliers carefully – do they understand your business? Prevent repeat recruitment costs!

Tip 4 - If you want to attract and keep hold of high calibre candidates, your offering needs to be competitive!

Tip 5 - Before advertising, prepare a detailed job description – give as much detail as possible

Tip 6 - Don’t forget the Job Centre for advertising, but be prepared to handle a high number of applications!

Tip 7 - Prepare a tick list of essential and desirable skills to help you with CV sifting

Tip 8 - Newspaper advertising may reduce your pool of potential candidates especially if it is only for a day

Tip 9 - Consider online advertising as it allows you to reach a much wider pool of candidates

Tip 10 - we recommend carrying out two interviews – interviewees are often more relaxed and likely to be themselves

 

 

See more at: http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/news/1145770/smes-record-breaking-hiring-growth-cbi-report#sthash.hrQIv728.dpuf