Online board attracts workers

An online job board for IT professionals is the big drawcard for a fledgling Australasian recruitment industry organisation. The IT Contract and Recruitment Association has sold the rights to run its IT2 board, to Fairfax.

ITCRA New Zealand business development manager Trudy Atherton says it will help to raise the organisation's profile. On current listings, it will be the number two IT jobs board in the region, behind Seek.

"People haven't seen the value of IT2 because the board was powered by Seek and the responses were branded Seek. With the changeover, people will start to see our brand coming through," Atherton says.

ITCRA's industry certification system is also attracting members. The New Zealand chapter is offering member companies one free certification to one consultant from each member company, which involves a mix of online learning, seminars and a written examination.

"There is no formal training for IT recruitment here, but consultants want something on their card to show they are committed to a high level of service," Atherton says.

She says there is huge demand for IT professionals, with no signs the market will slow down.

"Like any industry that is booming, it will attract those out to make a quick buck. Being an ITCRA member says to companies, hey, we know what were doing and we are committed to providing the highest level of service."

Atherton says ITCRA has proved its value as a voice for the industry in Australia, and having staff here could give it similar standing.

"When Australia was looking at how many overseas contractors it would let in, the Government invited feedback from ITCRA members and acted on that advice," Atherton says.

ITCRA New Zealand chapter chairman Richard Manthel, the managing director of recruitment firm Robert Walters, says recruiting is a deregulated industry, which creates its own challenges.

"There are very few standards. This is an attempt to provide a code of conduct," Manthel says.

"ITCRA provides a mechanism for members to be policed and there is a vehicle for clients, candidates or staff members to lodge complaints. We want to work with companies to improve standards."

Members can be fined up to $5000 for each breach, or stripped of their membership. Two Australian firms have already been kicked out.

Manthel says practices such as consultants advertising non-existent jobs so they can build up their roster of candidates will be cracked down on.

So will claiming to represent candidates before they are signed up, or sending out CVs to clients without getting the candidate's permission - something that can lead to serious consequences if candidates are in existing employment.

"Agencies are dealing with confidential information all the time, from candidates and from clients.

"They have to be careful to protect that information," Manthel says.

"The most common complaints coming from Australia are that consultants have lied or misled candidates about the role being offered.

"We want all candidates to have a good experience and manage their expectations."

He says ITCRA also offers members buying privileges in insurance and superannuation products, a big issue in Australia, where ITCRA has 132 members and superannuation is compulsory.

"The superannuation scheme is now providing more than half of ITCRA's revenues," he says.

"It is not so relevant here, but things such as professional indemnity insurances are. My own firm has just signed a preferred supplier agreement with a major corporate which required us to take out a $5 million indemnity cover - that does not come cheap."

ITCRA is working on developing standard contracts for clients and contractors. It will also approve suppliers who deliver education, training and advisory services to members.

Manthel says the 17 members of the local chapter account for more than 90 per cent of New Zealand listings, but ITCRA is still trying to get some firms to join.