Embarking on outsourcing with an offshore staffing provider in the Philippines is a significant step towards global expansion and operational efficiency. However, assembling the right team is the key to unlocking its full potential.
This guide delves into the critical aspects of the recruitment process, providing insights and strategies to ensure you build a team that aligns with your business objectives and cultural values.
“People are not your most important asset. The right people are. Jim Collins, Author of Good to Great
Initial Alignment with Your Offshore Staffing Partner
Understanding and Communicating Your Needs
It’s essential to have a calibration session with your offshore staffing provider. This step ensures that not only the recruitment managers but also the recruiters on the ground clearly understand your requirements.
To achieve this:
- Provide Clear Job Descriptions: Detail the role, expectations, and required skills and experience.
- Conduct Observation Sessions: Let recruiters observe and interact with your on-shore team to understand the daily work requirements.
- Review Job Ads: Ensure they accurately reflect the job, benefits, and company culture.
Investing time and effort in this phase significantly improves recruitment outcomes.
Evaluating Candidate Backgrounds
Navigating Cultural and Educational Differences
When recruiting from countries like the Philippines, you may encounter unique patterns in candidates’ work histories and educational backgrounds that need to be identified and understood.
Qualifications and Career Choices
Many candidates might have degrees in Teaching or Nursing but apply for roles like Customer Service Representatives. This phenomenon often results from family-influenced educational choices and the economic allure of the BPO industry. Understanding these dynamics is crucial:
- Degree Completion: Check if candidates have completed their degrees and discuss their future educational plans. There may be pressure from the family to go back and complete the degree.
- Long-Term Commitment: Assess their commitment to the BPO industry despite their educational background. If their qualification allows them to work overseas, then that is a risk.
Addressing Employment Gaps
Employment gaps can be common. It’s vital to understand the reasons behind them:
- Family Care: Taking time off for family care is a common reason. Understand what commitments they may have toward this and what the support structure is like both for their immediate and extended family.
- Health Issues: Some may have taken breaks for health reasons or to start small businesses. This may be a sign that the stress of full-time work got the better of them. They may also have underlying health issues that may result in excessive absences.
Discerning the genuine reasons behind these gaps helps in making informed hiring decisions.
Understanding Family Dynamics
The Role of Family in Applicant Lives
Family plays a significant role in the lives of potential team members, especially in countries known for offshore staffing solutions.
Single-Parent Dynamics and Support Structures
Many candidates might be single parents or primary caregivers. Understanding their family support structure is crucial for anticipating and managing potential absenteeism. Also, be aware that single parents can often be awarded additional annual leave days each year. A great initiative, but you need to be mindful of the impact that may have on your business.
Assessing Communication Skills
Importance of Pronunciation and Written English
Communication skills are paramount in offshore staffing:
- Pronunciation: Ensure candidates can correctly pronounce key terms, including your company’s name.
- Written English: For roles requiring written communication, assess their proficiency through tests and evaluations.
Conducting Aptitude Assessments
Identifying Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
Incorporate basic aptitude tests in your screening process to evaluate candidates’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and general knowledge capabilities.
If the role is technical, let’s say it requires programming language competencies; adjust the testing accordingly.
Conclusion: Building Your Dream Offshore Team
Leveraging the Talent Pool Effectively
Remember, when working with a quality outsourcing company, they handle much of the screening process. However, your involvement is crucial to avoid common pitfalls and ensure the recruitment of top-tier talent.
By following these guidelines and maintaining active involvement in the recruitment process, you can assemble an offshore team that meets and exceeds your expectations, setting the stage for business growth and success.