FREDERICKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anchor Planning Group, a human resources consultancy with global outreach experience helping organizations systematically improve productivity while reducing cost, today unveiled a number of innovative, valued-oriented programs designed to expedite the talent acquisition process, source better candidates and reduce cost, with each program accompanied by a first-of-its-kind guarantee. In addition, the company announced an “a la carte menu” of services to address the needs of its clients. The programs represent the first substantial, comprehensive changes to the executive search industry in some 30 years.
“The economy is on the road to recovery with some industries rebounding faster than others,” said Jeffrey A. Wade, president and CEO, Anchor Planning Group. “Organizations soon will be scrambling to find qualified talent as businesses improve and companies begin replacing the millions of people that were laid off during the recession.
“However, it is a major misconception that the current high unemployment rates will make it easier to fill those positions with talented associates. Many potential employees are skeptical or have left their respective industries completely due to the massive lay-offs.
“Concurrently, the downturn has caused companies to rethink staffing levels and skill set requirements, which will significantly change the selection process,” Wade added. “The days of turning to a trusted Rolodex of contacts or placing an ad in a newspaper or on-line are gone. To respond, we have created a new system that combines technology with more than a century of human resources expertise to develop a modern way to source, vet and attract top talent.”
Key components of the Anchor Talent Acquisition package include:
- Fixed, Firm Pricing—Anchor has introduced a contemporary fixed-price recruiting fee model that is well below the industry’s standard commission practices based on the position’s salary, which can be as much as 30 percent of the person’s first-year compensation. “The effort to recruit a top level or middle level executive in New York takes just as much time as the same executive in Atlanta but could have fees as much as 50 percent higher under the old commission model,” he added. “A cost of living difference doesn’t justify a higher fee for a recruiter. We’ve created a fixed-price fee, regardless of the city location or salary range, which is below the recruiting industry’s historic standard by as much as 60 percent, while delivering a more qualified candidate faster. Companies can improve their overall bottom-line by taking the cost difference to enhance their employee engagement initiatives to attract a higher quality candidate.”
- Improved Reference Checking—“Typically, reference checking is only to the candidate’s list of former bosses,” Wade said. “Everyone knows that the candidate invariably lists former employers who will give a favorable review, or who are restricted from making any meaningful evaluation for legal reasons. We have developed a ‘360 Degree Reference Process’ that includes a number of different sources from bosses to peers to people they have managed. This review is web-based and completely confidential, allowing us to obtain an overview of the candidate’s skills that is more candid and much more accurate.”
- 15-Day Guarantee—Anchor offers a guarantee to present one to three highly qualified candidates within 15 business days, or it will reduce its fees on a sliding scale until the appropriate candidate is presented. “A recent survey found that it takes an average of 45 to 60 days to find a qualified candidate,” he said. “Not having a sales director on board for that period of time could cost a company hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenues. Therefore, we use technology to identify highly qualified candidates from our extensive data base that dramatically increases the speed and quality of candidates.”
- One-Year Guarantee—Anchor will provide the broadest guarantee in the executive search industry: If a candidate leaves employment for any reason, including termination, Anchor will recruit a replacement at no charge. “We have the confidence in our systems to more cost-effectively source the best candidates who have the best fit with the employer.”
- Diversity—In today’s dynamic global economy, the best-in-class companies recognize that their leadership must reflect the world’s diverse population. Anchor maintains an active network of contacts in key communities to draw in the most diverse and qualified personnel in the industry.
- Technology—Anchor employs a number of proprietary software programs to identify, track, vet and monitor job candidates and filled positions. “We are fully electronic, which speeds the paperwork process, organizes it more efficiently and even allows employers to review taped interviews prior to meeting with a candidate to get a 'first look,' with minimal time input.”
“We have taken all the key components of recruiting and integrated them into a comprehensive program that is designed to find the best candidates quickly and in the most cost-efficient manner,” Wade said. “While a lot of pain resulted from the last downturn, it also sparked a lot of innovation that will have a profound impact on business practices and help companies operate more effectively and efficiently. Our new process, in which we already have established a proven track record, is one of a number of ways that business has changed and is better prepared to move forward.”
About Anchor Planning Group
Anchor Planning Group is a human resources consultancy and leading provider of talent management solutions. Based in suburban Washington, D.C., the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to attract, develop, retain and sustain their talent. Additional information may be found at the company’s website: www.anchorplanninggroup.com.