EDI-Staffbuilders Completes First Executive Development Training Program
by Paul Catiang

On November 14, 2005, 13 of EDI-Staffbuilders’ youngest consultants graduated from the international recruitment firm’s first Executive Development Training Program, ushering in a new generation of capable individuals who can readily respond to the needs of clients and candidates alike.

The need for such a training program arose with the hiring of new consultants who needed thorough orientation and familiarization with the ins and outs of international recruitment the way EDI-Staffbuilders does it. The objectives were to ensure a universal familiarity with the principles of EDI-Staffbuilders among its consultants, a continuation of the practices that have served the company well in the past, and how these elements can be adapted to the changing landscape of international recruitment.

Spearheaded by Senior Consultant Aristotle Metin, the program was comprised of several orientation modules. The company brochure makes up the first module, where the consultants are trained in each of the selling points of the brochure and how to best use it as a sales tool. The promotional letter also requires its own module, as it is a form of push selling that requires its own individual approach. The legalities of the recruitment agreement come next; it is important to EDI-Staffbuilders to be clear about their legal position, especially because international recruitment requires familiarity with international law. A thorough discussion of the recruitment process makes up another module, followed by a module on English communication skills, international culture, and business writing. Most importantly, the consultants were trained in how to best differentiate EDI-Staffbuilders from the others in its field.

Every two weeks, the trainees got together for a revalida, or case study, where the subjects discussed in the modules were applied to actual scenarios. Each revalida included a special guest speaker to evaluate how the trainees performed in the case studies. Such speakers included migrant law expert Ron Nair, who conducted his evaluation via video conference. All in all, the grueling course took 10 months to complete.

With the passing on of company principles and ethics, EDI’s existing clients can be assured of the same level of commitment to their partnerships, and new clients can expect no less.

EDI-Staffbuilders and Gerry Relingo of National Commercial Bank,
Lui Martin of Globe Telecom, Chris Davison, Yousef-al-Naim of Spimaco,
Shiela Moya of Aggreko, and Grace Sorongon of John Clements Consultants.