Peter Neal, founder of The Experience Bank Group, specialises in recruiting exceptional people to crucial leadership roles within charities in the North East. As we hit the start of summer, Peter gives hints and tips on how to best recruit at this time of year and what the benefits are.
“Recruiting to a charity’s leadership team during the summer can present unique opportunities and challenges. Many think that this isn’t the right time of year to advertise or start a search, due to holidays and family commitments when the schools are closed. But actually, in my career experience, it is exactly opposite to that and I am happy to share my thoughts why.
“Lighter nights and warmer weather generally lead to people feeling happier. With end of year financials concluded, new budgets and KPI’s set and no pressure as the festive season or end of year approaches, people tend to feel lighter, have more breathing and thinking space; and be more aware of their own personal needs. What can be a more perfect time to get their attention with a potential new and exciting role?
“With that all making sense, how do you get the most out of the search then? Start early! Campaigns to find the right people to start in the roles in September generally should start in June. Timing is everything, especially as responses at leadership levels tend to be lower and slower than say, mid management appointments. People at this level will also have longer notice periods, so that should all be factored into your timeline.
“Messaging is also key. This is a great time to drive home the impact of your charity and the difference that the role will make to your goals and mission. It is impactful to include statistics, goals and purpose in the job description as well as what you think someone of the right standing could bring to the organisation.
“A good recruiter will ensure that your messaging will resonate with the right audience as well as being seen in the right places. They will not just rely on their own pool of contacts, they will also have ways of diversifying their outreach to find you the best possible candidates. As well as professional platforms and their own LinkedIn, they will be well enough connected to make sure other leaders and charity experts share the role opportunity or make recommendations.
“A good recruiter will also take the time to get to know your organisation and make recommendations on exactly what you need from your new post from qualifications, to personality to lived-in experience. This will also include thinking about whether this recruit is a chance for you to tap into underrepresented groups to broaden the diversity in your leadership team.
“I always recommend that as well as a formal interview process, there should an informal meet in a relaxed setting too, perhaps with the Chair, and the summer is a perfect time for this. A coffee shop is the ideal place and many have out door settings in the summer, which allows for privacy as well as getting to know someone better.
“I always recommend that clients keep the application and onboarding process as simple as possible being clear and focused in your search. This is particularly relevant in summer months as family time, sports and other hobbies are important at this time of year, so to attract the best candidates you need ooze professionalism but with little bureaucracy.
“Hopefully this has you thinking that you won’t wait until September to start your search and has you fired up to get going as soon as possible. If so, do give me a call and we can get the ball rolling!”
Contact Peter on peter@theexperiencebank.co.uk for all your senior level recruitment needs from CEOs, CIOs, CFOs, Chairs, Trustees and more.
