The ARS Recruitment Web Site

Candidate Advice
These pages have been provided to assist candidates in successfully looking for a new position.

Progressing Candidate Applications

Preparing An Effective Resume

Making A Success of Your Interview

Privacy Policy

Progressing Candidate Applications

Your application for a position through ARS Recruitment may be your first dealings with us. We believe that candidates should have a full understanding of the process we follow and the likely timing of contacts and decisions so that you can stay abreast of progress on your application.

We recognise that we have obligations to both clients and candidates and we are proud of the success we experience in meeting these obligations. Specifically, we have an obligation of confidentiality to both parties. If there are any employers who you do not want your information passed on to, please let us know. Our clients will usually not wish to be identified until the initial selection stages are complete.

How We Work:
We normally work on a retained basis for our clients, that is, they have a specific vacancy which they want filled and we seek out qualified candidates. We do not maintain a general database of candidates looking for new positions. When we receive any such applications which are not in respect of a specific position, they are circulated to all consultants. If there is a suitable position becoming available then the consultant will make direct contact with the applicant.

Our Selection Process:
You will find that our process ensures a high level of objectivity for the benefit of both candidates and clients. As a result, those candidates who best fit the needs of the client will be progressed promptly through to the interview stages based on objective evaluation.

A step by step guide to our process is shown below for your information and to allow you to understand which stage in the process you have reached and what is next.

The Interviews:
The Consultant Interview is a critical part of the selection process and our consultants will try to make it a pleasant experience rather than a stressful one. Our objective is to ensure that we have all the information we require about your background, education, skills, experience, achievements and behaviour and to give you the opportunity to ensure that you have all the information you need about the position.

Client Interviews have similar objectives and you should remember that you should be ready to ask questions to confirm that you wish to maintain your interest in the position for which you have applied.

From Here On:
We hope that the above information has given you a clear understanding of our processes from the candidates' point of view. Please keep it to hand as the application is progressed.

It is a fact that only one applicant, out of perhaps 40 - 50, will be successful for any particular position. If your application is not successful first time, do not despair. Please contact us again should we be advertising a position for which you are qualified.

The Candidate's Perspective on Our Selection Process

Stage 1 - Detailed Assignment Specification

We establish a clear statement of skills, experience and behavioural workstyle required in the job. This is the selection template.
We establish a clear statement of the candidate opportunity, including new skills, career opportunity and package.

Stage 2 - Advertising the Position

We must reach a wide selection of qualified applicants.
We encourage telephone responses to avoid wasting your time and materials on formally applying for positions where you are unlikely to be successful due to the need for specific competency requirements.
We also provide for fax, e-mail, and mail applications to suit you.

Stage 3 - Telephone Interviewing
Within 2 days of receiving application.

All candidates are interviewed to establish their specific fit with the skills and experiences required for the position.
This ensures that you are guaranteed objective consideration and that the first contact will be within a few days of the application.
If we are considering progressing your application you will be asked to forward a resume.

Stage 4 - Consultant Interviewing
Within 5-8 days of the advert.

We use behaviourally based structured interviewing processes so that we gain an in-depth understanding of your achievements in your career to date. The emphasis will be on what you have achieved, not just where you have worked.

Stage 5 - Behavioural & Reasoning Assessments
At the Interview.

Job satisfaction and productivity are closely linked to ensuring we put you forward for a job which is a fit with your attributes.
We undertake a series of assessments of shortlisted candidates at the interview. We do not want to put a square peg in a round hole.
You should allow up to 2 hours when an interview is scheduled.

Stage 6 - Shortlist Report to the Client & Client Interview
Report targeted for 8 to 10 days after the advert but variable. Interviews are targeted for 10 to 15 days after the ad.
We provide our clients with a comprehensive report on each candidate put forward for client consideration. This includes a photograph, the consultant's comments on your match with the needs of the position, your resume and the assessment results.
By the time you meet the client, he will have been briefed about you and the client interview should be in-depth and taking the selection process forward and not just a superficial 'first meeting'.
Regrettably our clients are not always able to promptly see all the shortlisted candidates due to other business. We understand that you prefer to keep the application moving, we seek to do so as well.

Stage 7 - Reference Checking
Before or after the client interviews.
We undertake reference checking on behalf of the client, usually of each of the shortlisted candidates, before a final offer is made. Our interest is to confirm your relevant achievements, skills, experiences, and qualifications etc.
We will approach you for referees in the first instance.

Stage 8 - Managing The Offer Process

With most of our clients we act as the facilitator at the offer stage, seeking to ensure that the offer is satisfactory to both parties, and that any outstanding uncertainties are resolved.

Stage 9 - Providing Induction Assistance
Up to six months after you start work.

We stay in touch with both the candidate and the client for up to six months after the commencement to ensure both parties are happy and that any issues which could unsettle this situation are resolved. The above timing information is provided only as a guide as it can be materially affected by the timing of the receipt of applications and the availability of clients to progress the shortlisted candidates.

We undertake to keep you informed of the progress of your application at each critical stage.