With Riverstate, success within 2 months
Success through individuality: Riverstate finds CAD designer in less than 4 months.
Whether new construction, conversion, or renovation: At HIG Ingenieurgesellschaft , visions become reality. The Cologne-based engineering firm for structural engineering and design specializes in innovative structural concepts, but also has extensive experience with older buildings – from historic preservation to the renovation of historical structures. This broad focus is a major advantage, especially in the current economic climate, because despite geopolitical unrest and general problems in the construction sector, the order situation remains stable: “Construction has become extremely expensive, which is why less is being built,” explains Michael Persé, one of the two managing directors of HIG Ingenieurgesellschaft. “Nevertheless, we haven’t encountered any restrictions so far, as we have a very broad portfolio and are also working on many existing projects.”
As a small company with around 15 employees, HIG Ingenieurgesellschaft has so far handled its own recruitment efforts. However, new additions to the team are rather rare anyway, as the company values consistency over constant fluctuation:
“We don’t want constant turnover, but rather to retain employees here for the long term,” says the managing director. “However, it can happen that someone resigns, is absent for an extended period due to parental leave, or otherwise wants to reorient themselves. In that case, we have to take appropriate action.”
When a vacancy arises, Persé and his team first try traditional recruiting channels: from advertising to asking contacts at other engineering firms or former classmates. “But we quickly end up with recruiting companies because the market is simply so difficult that we’re happy to find anyone at all,” says Persé.
When a position in CAD design became available within the team, the search soon led Persé and his team to Riverstate: “We worked with Riverstate some time ago, successfully filling a position, and the colleague is still with us today,” says the managing director. “This time, we initially tried other avenues, from advertisements to social media campaigns to other recruiters. However, the results were unsatisfactory, and that’s when we remembered Riverstate.”
The HIG team was already familiar with Riverstate’s setup day from the last search. The managing director knew it was worth squeezing the appointment into his busy schedule. “When you’re busy, you might initially be a little reluctant to interrupt your daily business,” says Persé. “In retrospect, however, I have to say: The setup day was definitely worth it. The personal contact, combined with the detailed discussion of what we needed and how the search would proceed, was very valuable. This really sets Riverstate apart from the competition.”
On setup day, Riverstate lays the foundation for filling key positions where not only technical qualifications but also human qualities count. This preparatory work is essential for finding employees who will thrive in a company long-term.
“What we do here is very unique,” says Persé. “It’s not easy to develop an understanding of our work while simultaneously figuring out what kind of person would fit into our team. Through close contact, the Riverstate recruiter gained a good understanding of our needs, which was later confirmed by the candidate we found.”
The meticulous profiling on setup day paid off during the search. In less than four months, HIG Ingenieurgesellschaft had found its new CAD designer.
The rapid success is due in no small part to Riverstate’s innovative search methods. For example, employee interviews conducted on setup day were used to create a video presentation that gave potential applicants a better understanding of their future workplace.
“In my opinion, the innovative search methods really set Riverstate apart from the crowd,” says Persé. “The video approach is certainly one of the reasons why the search was ultimately a success. A great idea.”
The managing director was also very satisfied with the process itself: “There was constant feedback, we had regular telephone meetings, and the Riverstate colleagues were always friendly and easy to reach if we had any questions.”
Persé and the HIG Ingenieurgesellschaft team are happy with their new CAD designer – and the second successful collaboration with Riverstate has opened the doors for a long-term partnership: “Yes, I would work with Riverstate again in the future.”
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