Employing a Candidate
Deciding which candidates come to you for interview can seem like a complex process; however, it is a thorough one and a process designed to give you the best available candidates for your vacant position.
Don Thomson, Team Leader Service Delivery at Jobmatch talks us through the process of employing a candidate:
Q: How does Jobmatch gets it pool of candidates?
Don: Firstly clients are either referred to Jobmatch through Centrelink or are self-referred applying directly to Jobmatch. They must pass an eligibility test which requires that you are registered with and endorsed by Centrelink through a Job Capacity Assessment (JCA).
Q: What happens in a Job Capacity Assessment?
Don: The JCA process is undertaken by Centrelink or an authorised organisation which determines level of assistance that an applicant needs. This in turn will reflect what service will be able to help them find work.
Q: So once that is done Jobmatch finds them a job?
Don: Not quite, next there is an interview with the intake officer (Intake Meeting) where Jobmatch determines if we are able to provide suitable job search services and support.
Q: Does this process take a long time?
Don: It is a very thorough process, so that we can get the best outcomes for employers and clients. A second meeting is arranged as soon as possible but definitely within 2 weeks. This meeting is with their Employment Consultant. The Employment Consultant does an Individual Employment Plan. This plan details the type of jobs, the targeted industries and the skill development required to get the desired employment outcome. We don’t send a candidate that is not suited to or doesn’t have the right fit for a workplace.
Q: What is the first day like for an Employer?
Don: The first day at work is the most important. If required, Jobmatch are available to attend alongside the new employee to do job training, where the Employment Consultant teaches or helps the new employee achieve their tasks. Jobmatch also provides learning on the job, where a candidate needs to gain new or brush up on old skills, social support, WHS checks, and disability awareness training for co-workers and managers.
Q: What type of support is provided to the Employer?
Don: In the first 4-6 weeks there will be ongoing assessment in the workplace this includes a visit by a qualified Occupational Therapist, who will make recommendations. Job analysis and task analysis are done and Jobmatch works on the new employee’s strengths and weaknesses to make sure they are a productive team member as quickly as possible. There is always support in resolving new issues arising like addressing punctuality, deportment or grooming if they arise.
Q: So do problems always come up?
Don: No, most candidates integrate and adapt to their new workplace very well; however, you need to remember that sometimes candidates have been out of work for a while and need an extra bit of coaching, which Jobmatch provides. Jobmatch regularly contacts and meets with the new employee, intervening where necessary if there are any workplace difficulties. This support lasts as long as the employee requires it based on Jobmatch and Employer observations and feedback.
Q: Employer has a new employee, job done?
Don: At Jobmatch we pride ourselves on our ongoing support for the length of employment. Jobmatch has a client who has been in a workplace for over 8 years that we still keep in contact with. The important thing is that everyone has a mutual understanding of who does which tasks and how the employer, the employee and the Employment Consultant work together. If Employers have any questions or concerns they should call me on (02) 9890 0970 in Parramatta or (02) 4720 4415 in Penrith or email jobmatch@northcott.com.au. Employing one of our candidates is a partnership and many things can be negotiated.