Recruitment Website

[IdeaStation]

Hello all,
I have name changed, so that I can't be recognised at the moment ;-)
Currently thinking about another business idea.... A recruitment website aimed specifically at part-time/flexible/homeworking opportunities. I realise there's a lot of these sites around, but I was thinking of just doing a county specific one for my little place in the world. Nothing currently exists in this area and I think it could be a good idea.

Employers would pay to advertise jobs that fell under the flexible working bracket, employees could also advertise their skills and availability (probably wouldn't charge for this though).

Also sponsorships, banners etc to make some income.

What do you think?

I'm not from a recruitment background, more of a management/IT one. But I'm not trying to be a recruiter, more of a networker/matchmaker for employers looking for talents individuals who may not want a full-time/permanent post.

I would also have links/referrals to local companies such as Life Coaches, Trainers, CV specialists, Employment lawyers etc (I have found a few local business women in these specific areas).

Any thoughts?
Thanks for your time xxx

I certainly think that there's a massive need for recruitment agencies/websites that meet this need, and a local one is a great idea. There are a few national/regional ones, but when I have specifically looked for flexible opportunities in my area I haven't been able to find anything.

I also like the idea of linking out to complementary local businesses that may help mums.

You could even help to create more flexible opportunities by building relationships with local employers and selling the business benefits of flexible working policies. This page outlines the business case and links to a US study into it:

www.talentedladiesclub.com/all-help/why-flexible-work-makes-good-business-sense/

Another thing you could look into was matchmaking women for job sharing opportunities?

Hope this helps! :)

I love the idea but I think you may have to do a little selling to organisations to persuade them that they need this sort of talent first - it won't be a straight 'sell' on their current recruitment needs iyswim. Many companies would benefit from freelance/flexible talent, but they don't know they would yet, or they perceive it as being too difficult for them.

That's not a reason to not do it, just saying you may need to think very carefully about your sales process.

You: Do you have any pt/flexible vacancies?
Them: No

vs

You: have you thought about how pt/flexible talent could enhance your business?
Them: maybe
You: let me help you with that.

I see you have management experience, you could potentially offer consultancy, ie you review a project and help them id the skills they'd need on whatever basis they need it, then go and find the talent?

Great, thanks for taking the time to reply both.

I'm off to do some more research ;-)

I think it would be a fab idea if you can get it going. I get so annoyed at the lack of creative thinking from employers in terms of employing parents part time or flexibly ? the lack of such jobs creates a real brain drain for parents.

I did just come across this site, but it doesn't look like it actually has many jobs advertised:

www.workingmums.co.uk