Client: Alifabs – a design and manufacturing company specialising in the creation of complex product ranges for the construction, aviation and telecommunications industries.

Challenge: The business wanted a new Operations Director. They had never recruited at such a senior level before and knew it was vital to get the right person in such a key role. They considered handling it internally but discounted this primarily due to time constraints. They also dismissed using a recruitment agency because of cost, and the workload for the business.

How we solved it: Working with the management team we really honed down on the skills and characteristics needed for the role. From there creating a role profile enabled us to own the whole recruitment process for Alifabs.

Having researched media we placed a recruitment advertisement, and reviewed applications as they were received. After screening CVs we conducted robust telephone interviews, to further refine the list of candidates. Using one of our psychometric testing experts we devised appropriate testing for the shortlisted applicants and reviewed the results.

Having created a final list we compiled candidate summaries, and devised appropriate and challenging competency based interview questions. At this point we introduced the management team at Alifabs to the shortlist, before conducting the face to face interviews with them. After second interviews with a presentation, the management team chose the applicant they wanted to appoint. We ran reference checks, before issuing an offer to the successful candidate.

Throughout the process we gave Alifabs weekly progress reports outlining the number of applicants, how the shortlisting was progressing and the outcomes. The management team did not need or want to get involved until it was time for the face to face interviews.

Matthew Pactat, Financial Director at Alifabs, sums up: “Having already worked with HR Solutions they knew our business well – this really showed throughout the process. They were very professional, creating a plan and strategy explaining the stages they were going to follow, and then stuck to it, and it worked! By outsourcing the process, we were able to let HR Solutions carry on and run the whole recruitment campaign for us, knowing it was in safe hands. Their business knowledge enabled them to identify the best applicants and shortlist appropriately. In the end, it was an easy decision for us, and the management team were unanimous in choosing the right candidate.

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