SYKES launches first Career Hub

MANILA, Philippines - A typical scene in call center recruitment offices involves long queues of applicants seated in chairs similar to the ones found in public transport terminals. 

Such conditions cause applicants discomfort, which adversely affects their focus and consequently the results of their applications.

For pioneering contact center company SYKES Asia Inc., the process of hiring the right people begins with a positive recruitment experience. As such, it constantly streamlines its recruitment process to adapt to changing market conditions, while at the same time devoting attention to improving the overall applicant experience.

Last January, SYKES opened its first ground level Career Hub at One San Miguel Avenue (OSMA) building in Pasig City. 

The OSMA Career Hub is unique in that it was built primarily with the comfort of applicants in mind. Molding it into a lounge instead of the usual holding room for applicants, the Career Hub offers a myriad of amenities not typical of recruitment centers.

The main area features comforts such as sofas, padded chairs and coffee tables. There is a reading nook filled with books, magazines, and daily newspapers to while away the time.

A section of the OSMA Career Hub has a set of desktop computers where applicants can freely surf the Internet to check on the latest news, their personal e-mails or update their social networking accounts. Wide-screen LCD TVs are provided for some viewing pleasure.

Applicants are also treated to a variety of snacks and beverages, the icing on the cake that is the SYKES’ recruitment experience.

Ruchira Mehrotra Sr., director for human resources and branding and communications, said the concept behind the Career Hub was born out of their experiences in having recruitment offices in a huge majority of their locations.

“We wanted to be more efficient in the way that we recruited people because each of our sites and accounts has very specific requirements. At the same time, we noticed that the application process was generally quite difficult for many potential recruits,” Mehrotra said.

She added: “We also know that the uncertainty of waiting can be stressful, and that it can affect the applicant’s focus. By making it more comfortable for applicants to apply, the ease with which they go through the recruitment process will hopefully contribute to positive interview results. We also want them to share their recruitment experience in SYKES with others who may be interested in applying with us.”

While this is the first Career Hub that SYKES has put up, the company has plans to open other similar facilities in key locations. The goal is to be able to maximize its sites and open more opportunities for prospective employees.

SYKES has close to 15,000 employees and is still growing. “The SYKES OSMA Career Hub is just one step toward making our recruitment system more streamlined and efficient, while at the same time ensuring that our applicants go through an oveall positive recruitment experience,” Mehrotra said.