The Brief
AO is a major UK supplier of household appliances with a modern and exciting approach to the market. When it comes to cutting-edge appliances without the premium price tag, these guys certainly know their stuff.
Showing no signs of slowing down in taking the online retail world by storm, AO decided to grow their ranks and needed ambitious, driven, customer-centric new recruits to get them there.
The Challenge
Online retail never sleeps. So as they embarked on an ambitious growth spurt, AO had an urgent need for retail experts with the right skills, in the right location and with the right personality to fit their unique culture.
They knew what they were looking for, and wouldn't settle for anything less than excellence. We knew just where to look.
The Approach
Just like the team of digital maestros at AO HQ, we understand the impact of a strong, engaging digital campaign. So we kickstarted a series of social media recruitment campaigns, targetting jobseekers and opportunities for referrals. This went alongside a variety of extensive search campaigns to ensure we attracted the attention of the right talent, in the right place, at the right time.
In true AO style, we wouldn't settle for anything less than awesome, so we managed our very own robust screening process, putting candidates through their paces on sales technique, retail knowledge and customer engagement testing.
Every single applicant was interviewed on a one on one basis to be sure they checked every box on AO's solid brief.
To meet the need for speed, we also handled a slick notice period negotiation to allow successful candidates to get stuck into their new roles as quickly as possible. Great news for the candidate... and music to AO's ears.
Not only did we manage the entire recruitment process as an extension of AO's recruitment team, we also conducted quarterly KPI reviews to ensure everything, (and everyone), was working like a well-oiled machine.
The Result
Since the initial coffee and chat with the AO team about their impressive expansion plans, we've continued to work with them to increase the talent that keeps them leading the way in online retail. We're pleased to say we achieved a 100% vacancy fulfilment as their sole supplier for over 4 years. All vacancies met the SLA and budget, placing over 300 candidates, many who have moved on to larger management roles as the business continues to boom.
The Impact
Can you drive, turn on the TV or browse online without seeing an ad for AO? That's thanks to a rapid business growth, driven by the talented people behind the scenes.
We've successfully fuelled AO's expansion through high quality talent, and reduced recruitment costs through cost effective search campaigns.
AO continues to thrive, with its unique culture, own sense of fun and an employee engagement programme that keeps morale high, and staff turnover at an all time low.
Kevin Monk - Managing Director AO Europe
With all my dealings with the People Pod they have always strived to fully understand the needs of the role and the culture of the business so that we get the right candidate the first time.
Always available to provide assistance and their professional, knowledgeable and personable nature make them a great partner to work with.
Chris Warbrick - Contact Centre Manager with AO
Having been placed in a role by the People Pod and then using them to recruit candidates for roles I can honestly say that the team are true professionals. Mark is 100% focused on recruiting the absolute best people of the highest quality and spent time understanding the culture of our business and the role requirements to ensure he provided a high caliber, correct fit candidate and not just a bum on a seat like many other agencies. Mark takes a make it happen approach at all times and it’s because of this married up with the high quality that will always see him stand out from the crowd and be the best.