Frequently Asked Questions
Recruitment FAQs for Queensland Employers
At Signature Staff, we understand that as an employer, you may have questions and concerns regarding your staff and recruitment process. As a leading recruitment agency in Cairns and Townsville, we are committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance to address any issues you may have.
If you feel like your questions have not been answered, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is always ready to assist you.
Do you conduct background checks on your candidates?
Our Full Search Recruitment and Temporary and Short-Term Contract services include reference checks as part of the package. If you choose our Recruit Intel service, you can purchase background checks separately for an additional fee. The cost of this service is based on the number and type of checks you require.
I posted a job opening and need help with screening and background checks. Can you assist with these other parts of the hiring process?
Yes, we can assist with these services. We can assist with full search recruitment or parts of the recruitment services. We offer Recruitment services in packages or by the hour. We calculate the hourly rate based on the specific service you require, starting at $80 per hour.
I require a staff member to fill a limited-time contract, can you assist with this?
Whether you need a recruitment agency in Townsville or Cairns, our Temporary and Short-Term Contract services are perfect for your needs. Our short-term contracts start at $200.00 per week for a minimum of 4 weeks.
If you choose our temporary labour hire services, you will be charged by the hour. The rate depends on the job you need to fill and the award it falls under. For more information, please email us at temp@signaturestaff.com.au.
Do you specialise in a specific industry?
We recruit for a number of different sectors; however, our candidate database is strong in the following industries:
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Administration and Accounts
- Real Estate
- Sales Professionals
- Retail
- Construction
- Health and Safety
- Aged Care
- Marine
- Transport and Warehousing
I have a job vacancy can you help me?
Yes, we certainly can… We offer a number of different recruitment services;
- Recruit Intel – Shortlisting Service
Recruit Intel shortlists candidates quickly and accurately. Our dedicated consultant handles the time-consuming tasks, saving you up to 80% of your recruitment time. It’s a cost-effective solution for most common positions, including entry-level staff. - Full Search – Full Search Recruitment
Our Full Search Recruitment service uses our professional networks and expertise to help you find the right candidates. We target relevant sectors and companies and use a 4-step process to scope the position, attract suitable candidates, shortlist, and set the candidate up for success. - Our Full Search Recruitment service is 100% guaranteed. If the candidate leaves or is let go within the guaranteed period, we will replace them at no extra cost.
- Temporary and Short-Term Contract
We offer Temporary and Short-Term Contract services for skilled personnel, providing you with qualified staff at short notice, from 3 hours to as long as you need them.We offer hourly-rate employee hiring with payroll-related requirements included. If needed for over 4 weeks, we’ll find a candidate for a weekly administrative fee starting at $200.
Do you charge me to fill my job vacancy?
Our company is a private entity and is not funded by the government. We firmly believe in providing fair and competitive pricing to all our clients, whether on a per-hour or fixed-fee basis. After an initial consultation we will provide you with an estimate for filling your vacancy.
My employee has resigned and is working out his / her notice, but has become lazy and disruptive – What do I do?
The best option is to pay them out for the notice period and let them go. (Often referred to as ‘gardening leave’)
However, if the employee engages in serious misconduct, you can dismiss the employee summarily without any payment in lieu. Summarily dismissal is a serious step, and you should be seeking qualified advice before you do this.
Do I have to give my employee 3 warnings before I dismiss them?
The often quoted ‘3 warnings before dismissal’ is not a legal requirement. The Fair Work Act does not specify a minimum number of warnings needed for a fair dismissal. The dismissal should not be harsh, unjust, or unreasonable according to the Act. Instead, the number of warnings given to an employee will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.
To ensure that your process is fair, ensure to:
- Set clear expectations from start (written policies, procedures and job description)
- Explain in detail to the employee why they are getting a warning
- Allow them a reasonable opportunity to respond, correct or improve
- Record all the details
Failure to give an employee a reasonable opportunity to respond, correct and / or improve, before a decision to dismiss is made, will increase the likelihood of the dismissal being found to be unfair.
Note: One exception to this rule is if the employee has committed gross or serious misconduct. See separate Q & A on this subject.
What is the difference between labour hire and a subcontractor?
Labour hire is different from subcontracting, as it includes a formal employment agreement that is organised through a recruitment agency, such as ours. This is typically for temporary work with the client exercising direct control. Clients and candidates are both coordinated through Signature Staff and this helps ensure both parties find a great fit.
On the other hand, subcontractors operate autonomously via a contractual agreement.
If you have questions or need legal advice regarding the differences between an employment and subcontracting agreement, please refer to Fair Work Ombudsman. Visit https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/independent-contractors