Local Jobs For Local People – The Employer’s View

It’s an industry maxim that few would disagree with. Hiring the right people is a crucial decision whether you are a small business or a multi-national corporation

Yet for smaller businesses in particular, the recruitment process can be a large strain on two of the most precious resources: time and money. One option available to employers is to utilize the services of online recruitment sites, a method which is becoming increasingly popular as it is often fast and relatively cheap. However, large national sites are arguably too general, and too widespread, to produce a high yield of relevant candidates for employers.

Just Jobs Peterborough, the latest Just Jobs online recruitment site, could be the answer. Like many online sites, it claims to fill your job vacancies swiftly with a low cost recruitment solution. But it also offers something extra; it’s the only jobseekers website that focuses exclusively on the Peterborough and Fenland Area.

Our message is local jobs for local people. Employers are often looking for local team members with the right skills and experience, rather than paying for relocation or having the expense of using wide advertising to attract the right candidates. We know the local geographical area very well and our marketing and PR covers the local region quite extensively. We provide social media coverage three times a day, advertising the job roles and promoting local businesses, and also send monthly email newsletters to our business database of over 400 contacts

says Managing director, Steve Copeland.

According to Steve, the benefit of focusing on the local community – as opposed to a national approach – is an increased rate of success. Rather than receiving applications from candidates who are applying for a wide range of positions across the country, Just Jobs Peterborough matches businesses with more targeted candidates who are genuinely interested in the specific role and company.

Another positive element of the organisation is the focus on publicising news and events from local businesses. A dedicated section on the website allows companies to share everything from their latest developments to recent successes. This information is further promoted through social media and the monthly newsletter. Steve claims that even if a company does not have an immediate vacancy, they can still benefit from this method of free promotion and stay up to date with the latest industry news.

Ultimately, the site aims to become a key part of the local business community, not just by bringing together jobseekers and employers, but by fostering a climate of skill-sharing and advice:

We want to become an integral link between individuals, schools, colleagues and companies who have something to share that is in any way work related. For example, those who provide services such as CV writing or training can use our news and events section for free

The site offers a one-off payment structure, starting from £149 (plus VAT) for a 28-day job advert plus the aforementioned marketing and promotional services, with no added commission charges. Recruiters can register and upload vacancies directly through the site, which are then posted immediately. Just Jobs Peterborough has been designed to make the process as fast and as painless as possible. An online PDF shows the four simple steps to registering an account and posting a job. A range of packages are also available for businesses that have more than one vacancy, and can be tailor-made to suit specific requirements.

Each client is assigned to an account manager who provides a human point of contact for technical support. If clients wish, the account manager will even create the job advertisements from scratch. Practical advice on producing good advertisements (for example with tight person-specifications) is also available to help businesses get the most out of their listing. Steve shares some of these top tips with The Business Moment readers:

Make sure that you are specific with your job descriptions and person specification. Distinguish between the skills and experience that are essential, and those qualities that are desirable. If the job has benefits, then make sure you list them. By stating a salary range you will also appeal to the relevant candidates. Also, always be aware of the wording of your advert to make sure that it doesn’t contravene legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act or the Equal Opportunities Act

All positions are catered for, from temporary placements through to permanent contracts, and from junior or apprentice roles right through to senior management appointments. So far, over 50 businesses have signed up from a range of sectors including hospitality, retail, administration and sales and the site receives over 5,000 unique visitors a month. And it’s not just direct employers that have shown interest – a number of recruitment agencies have also registered in order to be able to list all their vacancies in one place.
Launched earlier this year, Steve is proud to admit that the site has received very positive feedback:

Our clients feel they have a cost- effective solution for advertising. Their vacancies are filled fast and they have good account management support from Just Jobs Peterborough

If you feel this service could benefit your business visit www.justjobspeterborough.co.uk or call 0845 519 5782.

The site currently has a special offer available:
For £99.99 (plus VAT) clients will receive a 28-day job listing, a logo on the home page and use of the social media package.