Referral schemes are a must for recruiters: for a minimal cost the results can be outstanding, Global ERE Expo 2006 attendees heard.

Stephen Carr, manager of recruitment resourcing at T-Mobile UK, said: "Referrals, referrals, referrals — it's so easy. It doesn't cost a lot but the results can be phenomenal." Carr said that 62% of Britons have been referred or have been referrers. However, 89% of Britons were not financially rewarded for this. And only 47% of large UK companies have a referral scheme, he told the conference.

"You should make use of new starters before and after they join and also talk to those candidates who don't make it," urged Carr.