Use a Recruiter

30 May 2024

Why Use a Recruiter?

Why Use a Recruiter?

I remember when a large manufacturing company in regional NSW was overwhelmed with applications for a job vacancy. They had been looking for a specialised Toolmaker, and while they received plenty of applications, most of them were from candidates overseas. It’s like being in a candy store and not being allowed to eat anything!

This company wasn’t alone. Many businesses in regional and rural Australia face similar challenges. They post job ads and get swamped with applications, but the majority of the skilled applicants are not in Australia. The process of sifting through these applications, verifying qualifications, and navigating visa requirements can feel like an insurmountable task.

At a regional industry trade show, I met with the hiring manager of this manufacturing company. They were desperate for help, not knowing where to start or how to proceed. They needed someone who could guide them through the maze of international recruitment and ensure they found candidates who were not only qualified but also ready to migrate and integrate smoothly into the Australian workplace.

In this blog, I’ll share why using a recruiter can be the key to unlocking the potential of international talent. We’ll explore how recruiters can streamline the hiring process, ensure candidates meet all necessary criteria, and ultimately save you time and money. Let’s dive into how a recruiter can transform your hiring process and help you build a strong, skilled workforce.

The Role of a Recruiter 

When you’re faced with a mountain of international applications, the first question that comes to mind is, “Where do I even start?” This is where a recruiter steps in as your strategic partner. Let’s explore the critical roles a recruiter plays in turning that overwhelming pile of resumes into a streamlined hiring process.
 

Expertise and Experience

Recruiters bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. They understand the nuances of the job market, both locally and internationally. With years of experience in matching candidates to roles, recruiters know what to look for in a resume and how to spot the best talent quickly. They can sift through applications efficiently, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates make it to your desk.

Vetting Candidates

A key part of the recruiter’s role is vetting candidates. This process goes beyond simply matching skills and experience with job requirements. It involves:

  • Qualification Verification: Ensuring candidates possess the qualifications they claim to have.
  • Work Experience Validation: Verifying that the candidates have the relevant experience, backed by credible references and documented proof.
  • Language Proficiency: Assessing English language skills to ensure candidates can communicate effectively in the workplace.

Navigating Visa Requirements

One of the most daunting aspects of hiring international candidates is navigating the visa requirements. Recruiters, especially those who are also Registered Migration Agents like us at You Solved, have a deep understanding of the visa process. We ensure that candidates are eligible for a work visa for Australia and can meet all visa eligibility and grant criteria with the required evidence of their work experience.

Filtering and Presenting Top Candidates

After vetting candidates, recruiters apply a rigorous filtering system. For instance, when I worked with the manufacturing company in NSW, we used the You Solved filtering system to streamline their candidate pipeline. This resulted in presenting the company with five strong candidates, all eligible for a skilled sponsored visa and ready to migrate. This level of filtering ensures that you only spend time interviewing candidates who are highly likely to be a good fit.

Ensuring Qualifications and Visa Eligibility

One of the most significant challenges in hiring international candidates is ensuring they meet all the necessary qualifications and visa requirements. This process can be daunting and time-consuming, but a recruiter simplifies it by handling the intricacies for you.

Qualification Verification

Ensuring that candidates have the right qualifications is crucial. This involves more than just a quick glance at their resumes. Recruiters delve deep into candidates’ backgrounds to verify their educational credentials and professional certifications. They check the authenticity of degrees and certifications, contact educational institutions, and ensure that the qualifications align with Australian standards.

Work Experience Validation

It’s not uncommon to receive applications where candidates have embellished their work experience. Recruiters take the necessary steps to validate this information:

  • Reference Checks: Contacting previous employers to confirm the duration and nature of the candidate’s work.
  • Document Verification: Reviewing official documents that substantiate the candidate’s claimed experience.
  • Performance Reviews: Where possible, obtaining performance reviews from previous employers to gauge the candidate’s capabilities and work ethic.

Navigating Visa Requirements

The Australian visa process is complex, with strict criteria that candidates must meet to be eligible for a work visa. A recruiter, particularly one who is also a Registered Migration Agent, is well-versed in these requirements. Here’s how they manage this process:

  • Eligibility Assessment: Evaluating whether the candidate meets the basic eligibility criteria for a work visa.
  • Documentation Preparation: Helping candidates gather and prepare all necessary documentation, such as proof of work experience, qualifications, and language proficiency.
  • Application Assistance: Guiding both the candidate and the employer through the visa application process, ensuring all forms are correctly completed and submitted on time.

Ensuring Candidates are Ready for Migration

Beyond qualifications and visas, it’s essential to ensure that candidates are financially and emotionally prepared for the move to Australia. Recruiters assess candidates’ readiness to migrate by:

  • Financial Preparedness: Ensuring candidates have the financial resources to support themselves during the initial transition period.
  • Emotional Readiness: Gauging candidates’ commitment to relocating and adapting to a new culture and work environment.

Case Example

Take the example of the manufacturing company in regional NSW. By applying the You Solved filtering system, we presented them with five candidates who were not only qualified but also ready to make the move to Australia. These candidates were thoroughly vetted, met all visa requirements, and were financially and emotionally prepared for the transition. The company conducted interviews and offered positions to two candidates, who arrived in Australia just six weeks after their job offers.

Streamlining the Hiring Process

Hiring international candidates involves navigating a complex landscape of applications, qualifications, and legal requirements. A recruiter’s role is pivotal in streamlining this process, ensuring that you can focus on your business while they handle the details. Here’s how a recruiter makes the hiring process efficient and stress-free:

Vetting Candidates

The vetting process is rigorous and ensures that only the most qualified candidates are considered. This involves:

  • Pre-screening Interviews: Conducting initial interviews to assess candidates’ skills, experience, and language proficiency.
  • Background Checks: Verifying the authenticity of candidates’ work history and educational qualifications through thorough background checks.
  • Skill Assessments: Administering tests or practical assessments to ensure candidates possess the necessary skills for the job.

Handling Visa Applications

Navigating the visa application process can be daunting, but recruiters, especially those with expertise in migration law, streamline this process:

  • Expert Guidance: Providing detailed instructions on the visa application process and required documentation.
  • Liaison with Authorities: Communicating with immigration authorities to ensure all legal requirements are met.
  • Application Management: Handling the submission and follow-up of visa applications, ensuring a smooth and timely process.

Facilitating Interviews

Arranging and conducting interviews with international candidates can be challenging due to time zone differences and logistical issues. Recruiters manage this process by:

  • Scheduling Interviews: Coordinating interview times that work for both parties.
  • Video Conferencing: Setting up and facilitating video interviews to ensure clear and effective communication.
  • Interview Preparation: Preparing candidates and interviewers to ensure productive and focused interview sessions.

Success Story

Returning to the manufacturing company in regional NSW, after presenting them with five strong candidates, we facilitated several rounds of video interviews. The company was able to interview three candidates in-depth, resulting in two job offers. The entire process, from initial application to the candidates arriving in Australia, took just over two months. This streamlined approach saved the company significant time and resources while ensuring they found the right fit for their specialised role.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Recruitment Choices

In conclusion, while both domestic and international recruitment have their costs and challenges, the benefits of using a recruiter for international hiring are substantial. By leveraging the expertise and experience of a specialised international recruiter, you can ensure that you save time by only interviewing eligible candidates, and money by avoiding an expensive nomination or visa refusal.

If you are considering hiring internationally a great place to start is with our ULTIMATE REGIONAL EMPLOYERS CHECKLIST TO HIRING INTERNATIONALLY.

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