DEPARTMENT FOR
INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS News Release (028/009) issued by
COI News Distribution Service. 10 March 2009
-New Guide
Launched for Graduate Level Recruitment in the Professions-
Businesses will get a helping hand to ensure they reap the
benefits of employing the best people at graduate level, with a
new online professional recruitment guide launched today.
The guide aims to help employers in the professions look outside
of their usual practices in recruiting staff, to make sure they
are open and fair and they are reaching the most talented people
they can.
It is in the best interest of all employers, especially in the
professions, to look as widely as possible when recruiting. Narrow
searches could mean that they miss out on valuable talent and
their business does not expand as it could.
The step by step guide shows employers how to:
* Write job adverts and place them where they will have the
maximum effect
* Sift applications and screen suitable candidates
* Choose the most appropriate way to assess applicants, and one
which will enable them to showcase all their talents
* Tell successful candidates they have got the job whilst letting
unsuccessful candidates down gently
David Lammy, Minister of State for Higher Education, said:
"Recruitment to the professions must be open and fair for
all applicants, regardless of their background. It is talent and
hard work that should determine success.
"Employers are making good progress, but there is still more
to be done to make sure we are getting the best people for the
best jobs.
"Our new website provides businesses and professionals with
an effective handbook to the whole process, from how and where to
advertise jobs, to how to find the most impressive applicants."
The guide provides practical advice and guidance from
professionals already involved in the recruitment process, as well
as templates for job descriptions and any relevant legal issues.
Visitors to the site are then shown how to contact independent
bodies, education providers and local communities to offer them
support and guidance in adapting their recruitment process.
It also recognises that there is no one size fits all route to
fairer recruitment, and that different businesses will have
different needs depending on their size, location and which sector
they are a part of.
This is part of the Government's commitment to improving
social mobility, and is supported by the recently formed panel on
Fair Access to the Professions, chaired by Alan Milburn MP. The
panel is aimed at helping people from all social backgrounds to
secure jobs in the professions.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Professional Recruitment Guide is available on the
new-look website for the Department of Innovation, Universities
and Skills at: http://www.dius.gov.uk/professionalrecruitmentguide
2. More information on the Panel Fair Access to the Professions
is at:
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/work_areas/accessprofessions.aspx