Crystal Recruitment Ltd

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the HR manager of Oxygène Marketing Communication. We operate in the PR and marketing space. Essentially, we’re an integrated agency that does end-to-end services. Besides the usual PR, we also do crisis management and advisement services to clients on whatever they may need, for example, financial help.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Crystal Recruitment Ltd?

My company hired them for recruitment services. We recruit a lot in our business in direct client management areas. Crystal Recruitment helped us in our search for individuals to fill our head of mobile services and account director positions. We use Crystal Recruitment specifically for their direct headhunting approach.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we internally identify the needed position and ask ourselves if we can upscale someone within the organization. If we can’t, then we venture outside and have Crystal Recruitment search for candidates. When we approach them, we provide a description of the caliber of candidates we'd like to interview. We provide details about years of experience, preferred credentials, and so on.

After communicating our needs to them, they go to the market and find individuals who match the criteria. From there, they come back to us with five good candidates. That’s when we start the fast but thorough vetting process. Crystal Recruitment gives us the top three candidates. Then, we hold in-house interviews and select the best person.

For the head of mobile services position, we wanted to develop a mobile app and sell it in the market. We got an individual on board, and they came in and pushed the product into the market. The account director position was for very high-level work in PR. Crystal Recruitment helped us fill both of these positions.

What is the team composition?

I only work with Justine (Managing Director).

How did you come to work with Crystal Recruitment Ltd?

Justine and I belong to an HR network. She was referred to me by someone who worked with her before. This network contact was happy with Justine’s service so I asked to meet Justine in person. Before this engagement, I previously worked with Justine when she was at another firm.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $5,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the engagement in March 2018, and it’s ongoing. Recruitment is always ongoing. As a company, we’re constantly growing and looking to venture into new business. We work with Crystal Recruitment on a needs-basis, dependent upon when positions open up.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We have our own performance metrics within the organization that are based on targets. If the candidates meet our targets and can bring in new business as well as build on existing business, then we’re pleased. All our new hires should be able to sell the same high standard of service to our customers.

One thing that Crystal Recruitment does particularly well is that they approach our competition. They look at our competitors and see which individuals fill their positions and then select candidates from the market who emulate those characteristics.

How did Crystal Recruitment Ltd perform from a project management standpoint?

Crystal Recruitment was able to recruit individuals for the two positions within the allotted time. By nature, recruitment occurs on an urgent timeline. Most of the time, managers needed someone to fill the position and do the work yesterday.

Crystal Recruitment started on the process immediately. Within a week they had identified three candidates and by the second week, we were looking to interview. In terms of meeting timelines, I can really vouch for their good work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their two most impressive attributes are efficiency and time. I’ve worked in recruitment myself, so I have a lot to compare them to. Recruitment is all about speed, it’s vital to get someone who fits the criteria and will be a good resource for the company. Crystal Recruitment possesses that efficiency.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything. In terms of communication, they were very open and receptive to feedback. For example, if they found someone who’s a good fit for skill but not culture, they’d go back to the drawing board and find someone who fits both. Crystal Recruitment handles feedback in a positive manner, so I’m content.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go for it and work with them. They’re a good recruitment firm and will meet your needs.