Class People Consultants Overcome the Most Common Misconceptions Surrounding Recruitment Agencies
Overcoming Common Misconceptions Surrounding Recruitment Agencies
Being the leading independent education recruitment specialists in Gloucestershire, Class People match education professionals with opportunities in local schools and other settings for long-term roles and day-to-day supply. With education at the heart of everything we do, it's no wonder that we have become both our schools’ and our teachers’ best friend.
Despite the constant positive service Class People provide to local schools throughout Gloucestershire and the South West, education recruitment agencies still face ongoing challenges due to the negative stereotypes associated with both recruitment agencies and the consultants themselves. Though these stereotypes may be apparent amongst some recruitment agencies, Ellis Thorne (Senior Consultant) and John Hooley (Recruitment Consultant) reveal the three most common misconceptions about the industry and how Class People have overcome these stereotypes.
Misconception 1: ‘Education Recruitment Agencies are looking to earn as much money as possible; they don’t really care about our school’
This may be true of some education recruitment agencies, however being a Gloucestershire-based SME, Class People pride ourselves on offering cost effective solutions for schools and settings to manage their cover. With further restraints on school budgets this year, Class People continue to maintain a transparent reputation by supporting local schools, with local teachers, at a great cost. At Class People we do not ‘put square pegs in round holes’. We pride ourselves in assisting schools through every step of the process to ensure the placement is perfect for all parties involved. As consultants, we work hard to guarantee both teachers and schools are fully satisfied; we believe this is the best way to recruit.
Similarly, Class People are no strangers to corporate social responsibility and giving back to the community. We have now run a host of charity raising events to support the schools we currently work with. Last term, Upton St Leonards Primary school in Gloucestershire were the proud owners of a new sports kit sponsored by Class People.
Caption: Senior recruitment consultant Ellis Thorne meets the team sporting their new shirts
Misconception 2: ‘We’ll be bombarded with calls and emails which are not relevant to us’
After regularly taking feedback it is apparent that there is an appropriate way to communicate with our schools. Competitors have been known to bombard schools with numerous phone calls each week which can interfere with your day-to-day schedule. Ultimately this can damage potential relationships with schools and tarnish all agencies with the same brush. This may be how some recruiters go about their day, however at Class People we work differently.
Class People consultants look to offer a bespoke service to you and your school where we will only contact you when it suits you. Furthermore, we acknowledge how there is nothing worse than having a never-ending list of unread emails sat in your mailbox, so the only email, news and information we will send out to you will be specific news that may be of interest to you and your school. Here is a recent testimony that Ellis received from one of the school business managers he currently works with:
‘I would like to thank Ellis Thorne for his help in always securing staff for me – even at quite late notice. He always does his utmost to send the teachers I request, who always fulfil our wishes to a high standard. I really value the fact that he doesn’t bombard me with phone calls and emails – he knows if I need anything I will ask. The school office is a very busy place and the fact that he doesn’t waste my time asking if we need cover is a real plus. He is always professional, courteous and we have built a good business relationship over the last 18 months – thank you very much, I do appreciate it.’
Misconception 3: ‘When my designated consultant is out of the office, no one else seems to know anything about our school’
It is clear that the best recruitment consultants are those who have a deep knowledge and understanding of the schools in the areas in which they cover and know exactly what works with each individual school. However, what happens when your designated consultant is out of the office?
Fear not, Class People work as a close knit team ranging from the recruitment consultants all the way up to our CEO, Lynis Bassett (a qualified teacher who has worked in a variety of primary schools throughout Gloucestershire herself). So rest assured, in the absence of your designated consultant, a wide array of employees at Class People can pick up any requirement or questions you may have regarding your you and your school.
If you are interested in finding out more about Class People and our service ,please get in touch with me at the Cheltenham Office on 01242 898 124 or my direct email address ellis@classpeople.co.uk
