Website Enables Kiwis To Vouch For Friends

PRESS RELEASE
31 March 2009
For immediate release

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ChangeAgent.co.nz gives Kiwis the chance to help their friends into a new job.

Recruitment website Change Agent offers Kiwi’s the opportunity to vouch for their friends to help them into a new job (and get rewarded $2,000 - $12,000 for their good deed).

“Trying to secure a new position can be a daunting experience at the best of times, and talented people are struggling in the current job market. They feel supported when their friends ‘have their back’ and can work alongside them to help them into a new role” says Director of Change Agent, Kim Fischer.

“We are pleased that there has been so much interest from Kiwi’s eager to roll up their sleeves and help a friend out. However I don’t think it’s simply a sign of the state of the economic downturn. The Kiwi psyche to ‘lend a mate a hand’ was with us before the recession and I’m sure it’s not going anywhere soon.”

Employers also enjoy the level of reassurance provided by the site as they receive details on candidates who have been vouched for including a letter of recommendation with the CV. Studies indicate that no stronger market exists in recruitment than personal referrals – especially via professional contacts
“When we look for a new flat mate, a babysitter or even a new partner we are much more likely to consider someone who has been vouched for. Getting the right staff has a major impact on a company’s bottom line, so it makes sense to start off a recruitment process with a list of candidates who have been vouched for” says Ms Fischer.

“Anyone can visit our site, spot a job that might interest a friend or colleague, check if their friend is keen and then propose them to the employer. The referral process is really easy and simple.”

Employers list a job ad, then visitors to the Change Agent job site can look at the vacancies on offer and recommend someone they know by writing a letter of recommendation. Tips and example letters can be found on the website. If the candidate vouched for is successful the referrer is paid between $2,000 and $12,000 as a reward.

Many firms offer small rewards to their staff to suggest someone to fill a vacancy. Change Agent has taken that concept to its natural conclusion and opened it up the whole market.

ChangeAgent.co.nz is free to job hunters and referrers. It’s free for employers to list a job vacancies and success fees are a set fee of between 6% and 8% of the job’s annual base salary band if a Change Agent candidate is appointed.

“It’s about a third to a half of what employers would pay a typical recruitment company, therefore in addition to end employers benefiting, it is a valuable tool for Recruitment Consultancies.”

Companies currently showing their support with job vacancies listed on Change Agent include ASB Bank, Sovereign, Jacques Martin, Design Print Partners, Abano Healthcare and KidsCan, the official charity of the All Blacks.

ENDS

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