How to stop your competitors stealing your rookies

One of the biggest challenges that my clients currently face is keeping their quality rookies.

You have taken a risk by employing someone without recruitment experience, have invested time and money in training them, they just start to bill and they're gone!

Grass being greener and all that.

Many Rec to Rec's are returning to the more dubious practices pre GFC of systematically working their way through agencies, offering ridiculous incentives to consider other opportunities. Linked in has created another headhunting opportunity for your competitors.

So what can you do to ensure that you receive a return on your investment? Here are my 6 top tips for keeping your quality rookies:

1. Consistent check in. A happy and fulfilled rookie makes a better biller. Acknowledge good performance and support through the bad days.

2. Keep them away from negative influences. Success breeds success, ensure that your rookies are mentored by individuals within your organisation whom share your vales and vision.

3. Create a culture of loyalty. This is one of the keys to success for Morgan and Banks (think Talent2). Continually communicate the vision and values of the organisation.

4. Offer a defined career path. Gen "Y" want it all now so communicate what they need to do to get to the next level. The Hays model of titles won based on longevity and performance is one of the best I have ever seen.

5. Offer incentives/rewards based on improved performance. Award points based on pro-active activities and then as the rookie gains experience the numbers change until the rookie is working to traditional KPI's.

6. Continuous Learning and development. A strategy of a client of mine recently was to get rid of one of their senior non revenue producing staff and reallocate the salary amongst the team for training and development.

Finally, encourage your mentors and team leaders to have an open and honest relationship with your new consultants. Remember that loyalty is directly related to perceived value. Ensure that each and every member of your team feel valued.

Need help with developing a retention strategy? A high impact coaching session will clarify what you need to do. E-mail me at gaynor@trtc.com.au to arrange.