“We used Real Success to recruit a Herdsperson for our farming business which has undergone a lot of change. We had found good people in the past, but not necessarily people who fit in with our farm system and management style. With succession going on, on the farm and the next generation taking on the management, this appointment in 2024 was critical for us. Steph & James were very realistic from the outset about the process, the number of applicants we would likely get, the profile of those applicants and the chances of finding the right person and timescales involved. We were kept well informed through the process and the appointment was handled professionally and well. I truly believe we would not have been able to recruit our Herdsperson had we gone down other routes that we have used in the past.”
Max Sealy, Whitelands Farm
DH & BJ Sealy
DH & BJ Sealy is a successful grazing-based dairy business in Wiltshire. They are a family-run farm that has been dairy farming for over 70 years. They have heavily invested in upgrading their farm facilities and have a grass-based herd of 350, block autumn calving cross bred Holsteins with Norwegian Reds, who are currently yielding 8,500 litres.
The Situation
DH and BJ Sealy came to REAL Success Ltd looking to modernise their approach to recruitment, utilise our VITA tool, and profit from our consultants’ experience and knowledge of recruitment in the dairy sector. With Edward taking on the farm management from Max, their priority was finding somebody who embodied family values, high standards of cow welfare, and the ability to work well within a team.
The Task
Steph set up a Zoom call with Max and Edward Sealy to understand their recruitment history, their values, and what the role looks like on their farm. Max and Edward were able to share their experiences so far with their recruitment and how they want to move the farm forward under Edwards’s management. Steph and James were able to share their outlook on how long they anticipated recruiting the right person would take, alongside answering any questions Edward had questions regarding the current job market, and how to make their job look attractive to applicants.
Action
- Job description and advert created for the role, which was then posted on Indeed, the REAL Success Website, Farmers Guardian and other outlets.
- A unique Social Media project was created by our Marketing team and distributed across different platforms and groups.
- The recruitment team screened, phoned, and reference-checked all applicants. Steph also proactively contacted different candidates she knew and contacts who could help spread the word.
- Relevant candidates on our database were contacted regarding the position.
- Candidates’ shortlist was sent to Edward, Max, and their family for review.
- These candidates were then sent Vita profiles, which helps us understand how they like to work and be managed. Edward also completed a VITA profile to aid us in using VITA as a compatibility tool.
- Certain candidates were then invited to the farm for an on-farm interview, organised by the recruitment team. Interview questions and resources were sent to the team to support them through the process.
- After different interviews, a candidate was offered the role as Herdsperson. A detailed job offer letter was created and signed by the candidate, allowing them to hand in their notice with their current employer.
- The recruitment team then completed the full onboarding process, completing a driving license check, qualifications check, Right to Work check and a Contract of Employment.
- Steph and Edward communicated constantly, with Steph updating them on the current candidate market, changes that needed to be made, and overall advice.
The Result
- A brilliant candidate was hired for the farm to work alongside Edward, in July 2024.
We understand the pains of a growing business. Let us help you find the right staff.
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