2020 has been a challenging year, so it’s been a real boost to find out that Zitko have been shortlisted in two categories of the Security and Fire Excellence Awards.
Back in March, when the lockdown struck, recruitment activity came to an abrupt halt. Zitko decided to stay open to support the clients and industry, sharing knowledge and adding value in whatever ways they could.
Zitko COVID-19 initiatives
This led to a whole raft of Zitko COVID-19 initiatives:
- An outplacement program that has already helped some excellent people back into new fire & security jobs;
- The creation of COVID-secure, remote onboarding processes, which they piloted with a major international client and then shared industry-wide;
- Launching an online training portal, created with leading manufacturers and open to any furloughed engineer, client-employed or not;
- A COVID-19 resource hub, bringing together information and advice for employers, job seekers and staff (contract and permanent).
These are just a few highlights. Delivering it all led to an intense few months, so it’s extremely gratifying to find themselves shortlisted in the Lockdown Hero award category.
Nominated for Customer Service
As a result, if they approach a job they can be confident it will be relevant to them
It’s a rarity, to say the least, to see a Fire & Security recruitment firm recognized for customer care, but then it’s always been the point of difference. They have a couple of simple values that guide the approach: Think Zitko. Think amazing; Service matters.
The former means getting to know clients and candidates in-depth. As a result, if they approach a job they can be confident it will be relevant to them. And if they submit a CV or shortlist to them, they’ll be looking at people who are a great match with the business.
Recruitment Network training
Great service and treating people well are simple manners. Every candidate, successful or not, deserves to be acknowledged, listened to, kept informed, and given feedback. It’s crucial to the reputation and the reason they have the industry’s largest, most engaged professional network.
Of course, it’s not words that matter. It’s what they do that counts. Every staff member here receives detailed recruitment network training in customer service and core processes.
Recruitment systems and processes are second to none. They have created (measurable) service standards that shape the way they plan, run, and think about the business, strategically and day-to-day.
So, how’s it all working out?:
- They have 100% client retention from 2019, with 80% spending more with them in 2020 despite the obvious market challenges;
- Having implemented Google Reviews as a feedback mechanism, they have achieved 100% 5-star ratings in the first year;
- Client and candidate referrals are at record levels in 2020 (they’ll see some excellent testimonials when the new website goes live).
- And now they have been shortlisted for this prestigious award, as the only resourcing company in the category.
It’s a great boost for them as they head into the autumn/winter season. They’re hopeful of at least one award on November 25th, but win or lose, simply being shortlisted tells them they’re on the right track. They’ll be cracking on.