Tag Archive for: interview

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7 Questions You Should Ask a Recruiter Before Spending Money on Them

7 Questions You Should Ask a Recruiter Before Spending Money on Them - November Blog Post by FBR

7 Questions You Should Ask a Recruiter Before Spending Money on Them - November Blog Post by FBR
Hiring the right talent is one of the most important decisions a business can make and the wrong hire can be costly. That’s why many companies turn to recruiters for help. But the truth is, not all recruiters provide the same level of service, and some charge significant fees without delivering real results.

Before you invest in recruitment support, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Doing so not only protects your budget but also ensures you’re partnering with someone who will genuinely add value. Here’s a breakdown of the seven key questions and how FBR stands apart in each area.

1. What specific services am I paying for?

Too often, recruiters offer vague packages that leave clients unsure about what they’re actually getting. Are you paying for CV screening, candidate outreach, advertising, or full end-to-end recruitment?
Tip: Ask for a detailed breakdown of services and the associated costs. If a recruiter can’t clearly explain what’s included, that’s a warning sign.

How FBR stands out:
We provide full transparency from the start. Our clients know exactly what services they’re getting, from advertising roles and headhunting candidates to interview coordination and ongoing support. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges, just clear, accountable recruitment.

2. What experience do you have in my industry?

Every industry has its own nuances, whether it’s compliance requirements, salary benchmarks, or the soft skills that really matter. A recruiter without experience in your sector can waste weeks and still deliver poor-fit candidates.
Tip: Request specific examples of placements in your field and ask about any challenges they overcame.

How FBR stands out:
FBR focuses on industries where we have proven expertise. We understand what makes a candidate succeed in your sector, which reduces time-to-hire and improves long-term retention. Our clients benefit from our deep industry knowledge, not just a generic hiring service.

3. How do you source your candidates?

Some recruiters simply post job ads and wait for applicants. Others proactively headhunt the best talent from their networks.
Tip: Ask about their sourcing strategy. Are they leveraging social networks like LinkedIn, tapping into passive talent pools, or relying mainly on job boards?

How FBR stands out:
We combine multiple sourcing strategies tailored to each role. Whether it’s targeted outreach to passive candidates or using our extensive network to find hidden talent, we don’t rely on chance, we deliver results.

4. What is your success rate?

Paying a fee without evidence of results is risky. You deserve to know whether the recruiter can actually deliver the hires you need.
Tip: Ask for data on placements, time-to-fill, and candidate retention. A professional recruiter will share this openly.

How FBR stands out:
Transparency is at our core. We provide clear metrics for our success, including average time-to-fill and long-term retention rates. Many of our clients return to us for repeat hiring because we consistently deliver.

5. How do you ensure the candidates you present are the right fit?

Finding a candidate who simply meets the job description isn’t enough, they need to fit your team and company culture too.
Tip: Ask how the recruiter assesses candidate skills, experience, and personality to make sure they match both the role and your company.

How FBR stands out:
We take a consultative approach, getting to know your business, team, and values before recommending candidates. By combining detailed screening, in-depth interviews, and industry insight, we focus on quality over quantity, helping you find candidates who truly fit and thrive in your organisation.

6. What communication can I expect from you?

Poor communication can make even a great recruiter frustrating to work with. Updates should be timely, clear, and consistent.
Tip: Ask about expected response times, how often updates are given, and whether there’s a single point of contact.

How FBR stands out:
We value transparent, proactive communication. Clients have one dedicated contact and regular updates throughout the recruitment process. You’ll never have to chase for information or wonder what’s happening behind the scenes.

7. Can I speak to previous clients?

Reputation matters. A good recruiter should welcome the chance to connect you with satisfied clients.
Tip: Ask for references and read testimonials carefully. Look for clients in similar industries or roles.

How FBR stands out:
We proudly share client feedback and success stories. Many of our clients continue working with us year after year, which is a strong indicator of trust, reliability, and results.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Instincts
Even if a recruiter answers all the right questions, it’s important to consider how you feel about working with them. Do they listen? Do they seem genuinely invested in your success? Chemistry and trust are just as important as metrics and guarantees.

Why Choosing the Right Recruiter Matters

Recruitment is about more than just filling a role; it’s about building a team that drives your business forward. Asking the right questions ensures you avoid costly mistakes and partner with someone who truly understands your needs.

At FBR, we combine industry expertise, proactive sourcing, and transparent communication to make every hire a success. We don’t just place candidates, we build long-term partnerships with our clients, delivering talent that fits both the role and your company culture. With FBR, you’re not just hiring a recruiter; you’re gaining a trusted partner committed to your growth.

Work with FBR Recruitment

FBR Recruitment is a leading name in construction staffing, connecting skilled workers and experienced professionals with top construction firms, developers, and consultancies across the UK. With deep industry knowledge and a personalised approach, we help businesses hire the right people at every level, from trades and labourers to site managers and commercial teams. We know the challenges of construction recruitment and provide bespoke staffing solutions designed to deliver long-term results. Visit our website to browse current roles, discover our range of recruitment services, or speak to our expert team to start finding the talent your business needs.

Email Us 023 8033 2438 Message Us Submit CV
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Launching Our New Interview Series: Insights from Chris Sheehan, Construction Manager at Imperial Homes

Interview by Cameron from FBR with Chris Sheehan, Construction

Interview by Cameron from FBR with Chris Sheehan, Construction
We are excited to introduce our new monthly series of interviews with leading construction professionals. In each episode, we’ll delve into their experiences, challenges, and advice for success in the industry. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Chris Sheehan, Construction Manager at Imperial Homes.

This blog will feature key highlights from the interview with Chris, covering his journey into construction, qualities for success, his impactful role at Imperial Homes, and valuable career advice. For the full video, visit our YouTube channel linked at the end.

Chris’s Professional Journey:

Chris Sheehan, Construction Manager at Imperial Homes.
Chris’s journey into construction began early, accompanying his dad to sites while growing up. Not inclined towards academics and without a predefined career path, he received advice that the construction industry always offers employment opportunities.

He then transitioned into his first work experience at Linden Homes, where he spent summers on-site and discovered his passion for being out in the field. Following this, he completed a national diploma in construction.

At the age of 18, Chris started his professional career as a trainee at Banner Homes, where he dedicated 7 years. He then moved to Bargate Homes, spending another 7 years to further develop his expertise. Afterward, he transitioned to Imperial Homes, where he has been for the past 4 years, advancing from Site Manager to his current role as Construction Manager.

Currently, Chris leads a team of 12, which includes two forklift drivers, assistants, trainees, and other managers. Imperial Homes completes 100-150 housing units annually, serving both private and social housing sectors.

Key Qualities for Success in Construction:

As a site manager, Chris believes in setting an example by being organised, arriving first on site and leaving last. He said that being meticulous with materials and subcontractors, along with strong record-keeping skills, sets the foundation for success in his role. As well as reinforcing the fact that everyone makes mistakes, but owning up to them and learning from them demonstrates integrity and growth.

It’s important to know that you don’t have to be an expert in everything; the construction drawings are there to be followed, on top of that you can always observe and learn from the various trades on site. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance or admit when you need help as continuous learning and adaptation are key to thriving as a site manager.

Leadership at Imperial Homes:

On site with Chris Sheehan, Construction Manager at Imperial Homes.
Chris likes to stay realistic with his schedules, understanding that a quality product takes time. He aims to complete a house in 22 weeks from the initial oversight, allowing the site manager to work under less pressure and ensuring everything is well-organized on site.

His ethos promotes starting and finishing work earlier, providing flexibility to accommodate his team’s personal lives. Chris believes that excessive stress leads to higher turnover, so he encourages a supportive environment. If someone feels stressed, they have the flexibility to take a 15-minute break, grab a coffee, or simply relax to return with a fresh mind. Additionally, he doesn’t encourage weekend work, prioritizing work-life balance for his team.

In recent years, the housing sector has faced significant challenges due to the war, COVID-19, and rising inflation. Chris explained that as a Site Manager, such issues are often not as visible since the focus is primarily on the site. However, as a Construction Manager, he encounters these challenges daily. The directors of Imperial Homes are working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure new sites, whether through partnerships with housing associations, private developments, or split sites.

Sales have become more difficult, and buyers are increasingly demanding. To address this, Imperial Homes ensures that everything is built according to schedule to meet their preliminary targets. Amidst the housing crisis, proving to be a reliable housebuilder and forming strong partnerships with housing associations is crucial, while the private sector remains an option, it presents more difficulties in the current market. Additionally, maintaining a good reputation with local agents and trades is essential for sustained success.

To make Imperial Homes stand out, they focus on meticulous presentation—ensuring all landscaping is completed and the houses look outstanding. Sales and Marketing Managers also highlight unique features to attract buyers.

Career Advice:

When asked what advice would you give to someone looking to start in the Construction industry, Chris replied, “Stick with it even when it’s tough and stressful. The industry has undergone significant changes, with more women now holding technical and site manager roles, highlighting the importance of attention to detail. Once you’re established in construction, it can lead to a successful career path”.

Conclusion:

We hope you found Chris’s insights as valuable as we did. Stay tuned for our next interview, where we’ll be speaking with Nina McQuay, Assistant Site Manager. There will be a new video posted on our YouTube on the 1st of every month with various specialists from the construction industry. Don’t miss out on these informative and engaging discussions!

The full videos will be available on our YouTube channel linked here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsG5Hyzf7tU17Cc2WCvM3Q

FBR – Recruitment Experts for Construction, Residential, Civil Engineering, and Trades Across South East England

At FBR Recruitment, we excel in delivering recruitment solutions throughout the South East, Home Counties, and South Coast of the UK. Our coverage includes Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, East & West Sussex, and Middlesex. Whether you’re a construction contractor, property developer, civil engineering company, or job-seeker in the construction sector, FBR Recruitment is your trusted partner for all hiring needs. Contact us today to discover how we can assist with your staffing requirements and workforce solutions.

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