Responsiveness tops contractors’ and freelancers’ wish list for recruitment agencies
7 May 2014
Responsiveness is the trait that contractors and freelancers value most in a recruitment firm, new research has revealed.
Wed, 7 May 2014
Responsiveness is the trait that contractors and freelancers value most in a recruitment firm, new research has revealed.
In a survey by employment services provider Parasol, 38% of respondents named responsiveness as the number one quality they look for in a recruitment consultant.
The ability to offer a personal service also ranked highly with 20%, along with a good network of contacts (18%).
Parasol’s Contractor Barometer May 2014 report states: “For recruiters, the key to being seen as an invaluable ally by a contractor is to respond quickly and efficiently to his or her calls and emails.”
The survey found that almost three-quarters (74%) of Parasol contractor employees feel well placed to address national skill shortages in their field.
Most contractors working in sectors widely thought to be worst affected by the skills crisis – such as engineering, IT and digital media – believe their expertise and experience will be of use to clients struggling to recruit permanent employees with the right skills.
However, according to Parasol’s findings this sentiment is most pronounced among contractors specialising in legal and insurance services (80%), sales and marketing (80%), and project management (78%).
Parasol managing director Derek Kelly says: “Our research suggests that the skills shortage could be more widespread than previously thought, spanning professional services and the creative industries, as well as IT and engineering.
“While this is a cause for concern for employers and UK plc as a whole, it undoubtedly represents an opportunity for members of the professional flexible workforce.”
Responsiveness is the trait that contractors and freelancers value most in a recruitment firm, new research has revealed.
In a survey by employment services provider Parasol, 38% of respondents named responsiveness as the number one quality they look for in a recruitment consultant.
The ability to offer a personal service also ranked highly with 20%, along with a good network of contacts (18%).
Parasol’s Contractor Barometer May 2014 report states: “For recruiters, the key to being seen as an invaluable ally by a contractor is to respond quickly and efficiently to his or her calls and emails.”
The survey found that almost three-quarters (74%) of Parasol contractor employees feel well placed to address national skill shortages in their field.
Most contractors working in sectors widely thought to be worst affected by the skills crisis – such as engineering, IT and digital media – believe their expertise and experience will be of use to clients struggling to recruit permanent employees with the right skills.
However, according to Parasol’s findings this sentiment is most pronounced among contractors specialising in legal and insurance services (80%), sales and marketing (80%), and project management (78%).
Parasol managing director Derek Kelly says: “Our research suggests that the skills shortage could be more widespread than previously thought, spanning professional services and the creative industries, as well as IT and engineering.
“While this is a cause for concern for employers and UK plc as a whole, it undoubtedly represents an opportunity for members of the professional flexible workforce.”
