Q&A with HR Expert Roberta Chinsky Matuson

VO: What are some of the trends facing the recruiting industry?
CM: There are ebbs and flows, but there are more jobs than candidates at this point.

VO: What fields or industries are the most affected by the availability of candidates? 
CM: Healthcare and specific jobs within that industry, accounting and marketing.

VO: How much time should HR people spend on the recruiting process? 
CM: They shouldn’t worry about time. They should concentrate on the (job) fit. You will have to refill the job in three to six months if you don’t pay attention to the fit. Don’t compromise. You can track posted jobs from other companies as an exercise and see how soon a job will need to be refilled.

VO: In addition to the job description, what additional information should companies include in a job posting?
CM: Companies should concern themselves with what they have to offer an employee when posting a job. Not just the details of the position, especially for younger candidates. Use words like innovative, creative, make a contribution.

VO: What should companies look for in an HR consultant?
CM: Hire an expert that can help bring in a fresh pair of eyes and who is creative, innovative, and not formulaic. Someone who has the time to develop a package.

VO: Does an HR consultant need to be industry specific?
CM: An expert does not need to be industry specific. Sometimes it is best if they are not because they can look at things from a new perspective. They will also have more insight into competitors that are outside your industry such as universities, colleges and overseas employers.