Pet firms need to move fast when recruiting staff or they could miss out on talented candidates, says recruitment expert Lynda Ward.

Lynda, owner of Pet Trade Solutions, says: “Good staff are in great demand and so often have a choice of prospective employers eager to capitalise on their expertise and contacts, so companies with vacancies need to be aware that they really have to focus on the task at hand.

"There is also almost always a time-lapse caused by a notice period of the chosen person to consider so once the decision has been made to offer a new role or fill a vacancy speed of action is vital.”

She goes on: “Likewise job-seekers also have to be flexible in their ability to attend interviews as a protracted wait can give employers the impression that they are not eager, whilst their competitor candidates are...and this mean they lose the opportunity.

"It’s understandable that it can be difficult at times to arrange mutually suitable times for interviews and we always work closely with both parties to enable the quickest time-line and ensure the least inconvenience for each.”

Asked if there is a difference in timescale from brief to job offer between larger and smaller employers Lynda says: “The are exceptions but over the last 16 years it has seemed to me that smaller companies are usually the swiftest to act and to get their new employees hitting the ground running.”

Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com