Clicks IT Recruitment expertly fills IT Leadership position – meeting job requirements and gender diversity goals
Background and Challenge
Clicks was engaged to recruit a Director – Project Services role for a major Government Department. The position had been in caretaker mode for the last 12 months and the successful appointment would be required to deliver changes to the function. Reporting to the CIO, this incumbent would be tasked with portfolio and demand management as well as strategic, leadership and delivery responsibilities. The role was key to ensuring the strategic alignment of ICT projects and the business. Deliverables included: leading the implementation of the ICT Project Delivery Framework, establishing a Project Management Office, defining and delivering the organisation’s ICT project portfolio, and fostering best-of-breed ICT project management practices.
The client requested an exclusive partnership approach to assist in finding the right technical and cultural fit, while addressing gender diversity. This required conducting a rigorous and expansive search and screening process; presenting gender-balanced shortlists; recommending bespoke behavioural-based interview questions that were objective and measurable; and participating as a member of a gender diverse interview panel.
Clicks’ Solution
Clicks’ skills, experience, expertise, and past performance led to being appointed to work on this role exclusively. The dedicated Search Team had 30 years of collective recruitment experience. The campaign was spearheaded by a member of Clicks’ Executive Leadership Group with 15 years’ experience working with IT executives.
We took a detailed assignment brief to understand the client’s business culture, desired skills and fit, and definition of superior performance. We crafted a job ad using gender-neutral language and reached out to our personal and professional networks via our database, social media, and online networking platforms to invite them to register their interest in the opportunity.
We received an initial response of 371 applications. Clicks conducted phone assessments with the top 50 candidates, utilising a bespoke set of questions designed to achieve early identification of high-potential individuals matched to our client’s requirements. From there, 22 face-to-face interviews were conducted, with more bespoke questions to gain an in-depth understanding of each candidate’s skills and experience, as well as alignment to the client’s culture and value. This exercise resulted in 8 high-potential candidates whom we recommended to the selection panel. The shortlist Clicks presented was 50/50 gender-balanced and we also helped coordinate a gender-balanced interview panel.
Clicks conducted pre-interview briefings with the client and helped develop behavioural interview questions for the panel. The interview questions focused on 5 key selection criteria. Candidates were assessed on a 5 point scale ranging from ‘below requirements’ to ‘highly exceeds requirements’. After four second-round interviews were conducted, no candidate fully met the CIO’s very specific requirements.
Clicks undertook an additional search process, sourcing a further 42 candidates. 13 candidates were interviewed face-to-face and a new shortlist of five high-potential candidates were presented. Two first-round interviews were conducted. One candidate progressed to a final interview and was subsequently offered the position.
Clicks supported the offer and acceptance of our client’s preferred candidate. This included coordinating: a start date following a period of maternity leave (the successful candidate was in the third trimester of her pregnancy by the end of the selection process), a transition to work schedule, and flexible work arrangements. Clicks also prepared a recruitment and selection report at the end of the process.
Outcome and Benefits
By assisting our client to identify and secure a suitable candidate for the Director – Project Services role, Clicks helped this organisation:
- Find the right capability to further progress their Project Services function
- Deliver on key initiatives that are critical to the Australian community
- Meet their gender balance targets at shortlist and client interview stage
- Continue to build upon gender diversity within its leadership team
- Demonstrate that is an employer of choice with supportive and flexible work practices
Clicks specialises in IT recruitment. We’ve been doing it for over 30 years and we’re on over 80 Preferred Supplier Agreements. As Australia’s favourite IT recruiter, employers all across Australia trust us to find great people. We have specialist teams who are trained across each IT skill vertical and at all levels. Whether it’s permanent, contract, fixed-term, master vendor, or payroll only, we’ve ready to help. Register a vacancy or contact us on 1300 CLICKS today for a confidential chat.
