SOLUTIONS What’s NEW? STAFFING
Connecting farmers with the right staff
R
ural People director Paula Hems is passionate about finding the best staff for New Zealand farms and her in-depth approach to recruitment ensures that the right candidate is placed in each role, while upholding the highest ethical standards. “I never place a candidate without personally visiting a farm first. It is vital to sit down with the employer and take the time to understand their needs, the operation they run, and what type of person will be the best fit for them.” Paula’s philosophy is based on building long term relationships with clients and investing time and energy into matching the best person for each position. Candidates who apply for roles through Rural People are interviewed and reference checks are carried out before two or three potential staff members are presented to the client for an interview. In person interviews are always preferred so the candidate can get a real feel for the farm and the employer can learn much more about a potential worker than they would via a phone or video interview. “Anyone can fill a role but for me and
Rural People director Paula Hems.
my team it is much more than that. We build long lasting relationships with our clients and their success is our success in terms of being able to provide the right staff to grow their business. “Not needing to worry about the
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | April 2021
recruitment process frees farmers up to focus on running their business, while knowing that we will find the best person for them.” Paula ensures that all her candidates are treated ethically and that legal requirements are followed, especially for those who require a work visa. “We always take our candidates’ needs into consideration and provide a high standard of candidate care. Ultimately the best outcome for everyone is a happy staff member who enjoys their role and is invested in the success of the farm.” A spokesperson for Ashburton-based Fearann Farming said that using Rural People as their recruitment agent has improved their business while saving them time, energy, and money. “Rural People have improved our business immeasurably. Trying to find the right person when you are busy on the farm is exponentially more difficult. Now we don’t have to aimlessly search for staff, and we have professionals to help us deal with immigration. We are really grateful to Rural People for easing the burden for us,” the spokesperson said.
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