Sometimes having a flexible hiring approach can save you time in the long run. After struggling to fill a permanent role, this business discovered through a temporary placement what they really needed.
Client Snapshot
- Industry: Technical Training Organisation
- Company Age: 6 months at time of engagement
- Team Size: Small but growing
- Role Hired: Business Support / Administrative Coordinator
- Engagement Type: Temporary-to-Permanent
The Challenge: Balancing Admin Demands and Hiring Delays
The team at this fast-paced technical training organisation was under increasing pressure. Admin tasks were stacking up, and the team lacked the time to scope, advertise, and hire. The role needed to span reception, customer service, and behind-the-scenes admin support, but they couldn’t define it easily.
Despite running their own ad campaign with an external HR consultant, they ran into challenges:
- Time Constraints: No one had time to shortlist, schedule, or interview fast enough.
- Missed Talent: Strong candidates were snapped up while waiting on interviews.
- Five Weeks Lost: After running ads and screening internally, they were back to square one.
Recruitment Central’s Solution
1. Clarified Requirements
- Reviewed the role’s competing demands and worked with their HR partner to focus on flexibility and cultural fit.
- Recommended shift flexibility and budget alignment to attract better candidates on a temp basis.
2. Fast, Focused Search
- Identified a candidate within 3 business days, already vetted and suited to evolving workloads.
- Prioritised versatility, initiative, and emotional intelligence.
3. Trial Placement & Support
- The candidate was placed as a temp with clear onboarding expectations.
- We stayed closely involved through the trial period, collecting feedback and ensuring both sides were aligned.
The Candidate: A Hidden Gem
- Background: Former Executive Assistant, small business owner, admin all-rounder.
- Undervalued Elsewhere: Her previous roles undervalued initiative, she was ready for more.
- Team Fit: Her mindset, adaptability, and customer service skills made her a natural extension of the team.
- Work-Life Balance: The part-time hours suited her, allowing space for family and school commitments.
Within 6 weeks, she was offered a permanent role.
ROI & Business Impact
| Impact Area | Before RC | With RC | Value Delivered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time-to-Fill | 5+ weeks | 3 business days | Saved 4+ weeks |
| Hiring Admin Time | ~20+ hrs lost internally | <2 hrs total | Freed up leadership |
| Candidate Retention | None, ad campaign failed | Offer made within 6 weeks | Permanent hire, 0 rehires |
| Productivity Disruption | Ongoing admin overload | Seamless support in week 1 | Immediate output |
Estimated Financial Impact:
- $3,500 to $4,000+ saved in internal productivity gains
- Avoided costs of a rehire ($2,500+)
- No wasted ad spend or onboarding effort lost
Client Feedback
“We weren’t sure what the role needed to look like, and Sandra’s team helped us figure it out as we went. The temp option gave us breathing room, and the person we hired is still with us and now owns half of what used to be on our desks.”
Why It Worked
- Real-World Trial: The temp-to-perm setup gave everyone room to adapt.
- Flexible Hiring Design: We shaped the role around business needs, not a rigid JD.
- Candidate-First Fit: We placed someone who matched their team rhythm, not just the job ad.
Thinking About a Hire But Not Ready to Commit?
Temporary placements aren’t just stopgaps; they are a smart, low-risk way to test fit, save time, and avoid poor hires.
Talk to Recruitment Central about how to turn short-term support into long-term success.
