Too many options?

By Wilamina Falkenhagen, Senior Consultant at Stellar Recruitment on 19 Oct 11

Candidates in today’s mining sector have options, lots of options. This can be a good thing, and sometimes a bad thing. Working with candidates and employers I am seeing the effect of this market on both parties, and all of this choice, is not always all positive.
There are so many options available to candidates these days that they are starting to become overwhelmed. Candidate’s perception of what they want career wise is starting to become blurred as opportunity after opportunity gets presented to them. They are attending site visits and interviews for roles that aren’t necessarily what they are looking for, but because it could be a good option. On the flip side, employers are starting to become very frustrated at this. They are investing time and money to take candidates through the process, only to feel they are being used as a bargaining tool against other options. Employers are trying to get commitment from candidates that they are genuinely interested and lock candidates into roles.
I see both sides. Candidates want to make sure they are thoroughly investigating all opportunities and taking advantage of the buoyant market. Employers want to be sure their time and money invested in interviews and site visits is well spent and candidates are genuinely want to join their organisation.
My advice for candidates is to be clear and focused on the type of opportunity they are looking for. Work out where it is you want to take your career and try not to get distracted from that direction. Companies are investing their time and money in trying to secure you and can get upset if they get the feeling candidates aren’t genuine. Equally, employers need to realise that in this market, candidates are going to have multiple options. All prospective employers can ask of candidates is to be up front with their intentions and try to provide as much information about their role so candidate has all the information they need to make an informed decision.

Wilamina Falkenhagen - Principal Consultant
Stellar Recruitment