Local government recruitment case study

Our client required a communications executive to assist on the development, management and implementation of an effective communications’ strategy to promote a positive image of the Council and ensure effective internal communications.

It was imperative that candidates possess a strong public sector background from either local council or central government. The position required a candidate who was immediately available with experience in communication strategy development and implementation.

The deputy head of communications was seeking a broad skill set across the communications mix – a creative, strategic and concise writer with press relations addressing issues and crisis management.

After thoroughly discussing with the client the exact kind of candidate they were looking for, we looked through our database and our candidate referrals. We also offered advertising solutions in order to maximize our search.

In order to attract relevant candidates we posted an ad on the Michael Page website. We then advised the client that premium advertising would be a good solution to attract passive candidates, should the database or Michael Page website not return relevant candidates.

We began the screening process initially by discussing previous experience and position compatibility over the phone with potential candidates. Meetings were then set up for the shortlisted candidates to assess suitability and reference checks were made.

Personal meetings were organised for all candidates. This enabled us to brief the client about their strengths and weaknesses and also relay back to them any additional information from the reference checks.

We secured a placement and received good feedback from the client. They reported that all candidates interviewed were relevant and could effectively fill the brief. The placed candidate is reported to be performing well and to have had their contract extended.

From client brief to the actual placement took just one week.

100 % success rate on the first attempt.