Diversity Dimensions helps CBA to "Recruit the Future"

Earlier this year the, the Commonwealth Bank Sydney Region took part in a ‘Recruit the Future' program pilot which aims to tap into underutilised labour pools and provide meaningful employment opportunities to candidates registered with the Government Job Network agencies. Rooty Hill branch took on a new recruit who is walking proof that experience isn't everything when it comes to recruitment.

To say Merryl Tidyman, Rooty Hill Branch Manager, is enthusiastic when talking about the program and her new recruit Rachel Williams is an understatement. But to be fair, Rachel is an amazing find for the Commonwealth Bank!

Originally a cleaner with no banking experience, Rachel attended a Diversity Dimensions course as a part of the program before applying for a job at the branch.

“The interview was exciting, but scary because I didn't have any experience,” says Rachel.

“It's not something I would have ever seen myself doing. I wouldn't have even thought of applying for a job at a bank before the course.”

Merryl, who interviewed Rachel, says she could see she was nervous “but she still had the gumption to tell me that, although she had no retail experience she was the best cleaner I'd ever meet.”

Since winning her Customer Service Representative position, Rachel has gone from strength to strength and has impressed everyone with her enthusiasm.

“She is such a valued member of the team and makes a great contribution! She always does everything to the best of her ability. It's a pleasure to see someone who hasn't been given the opportunities some of the rest of us have had, grab it with both hands,” she says.

”It's such a positive program - good for us, good for her. It's terrific to see the way Rachel has grown in confidence and stature.”

Rachel agrees the job has given her a new lease on life: “Oh yeah, I love the job. It has really boosted my confidence.”

The program in action

As a part of the program, trainees are put through a three week Job Ready course that gives them basic office skills plus an introduction to the banking industry and the Commonwealth Bank.

Jo Randall, Penrith Branch Support Manager is also a fan of the program.

“It gets us in front of people who wouldn't normally consider the Commonwealth Bank. Having been through the course, they have a good understanding of the role and our business. That means the people who attend interviews are really keen to do the job,” she says.

“We have a ‘will - not skill' policy. We're looking at the person themselves, not the skills that they may or may not have.

“We're looking for someone who really wants to be here, and because they enjoy the work are willing to give 110 per cent everyday. Previous experience in cash handling, sales or retail doesn't mean they're going to bring that.”

The Recruit the Future program fits well with this attitude and Jo doesn't hesitate to hail the pilot it as a success: “It's finding us diamonds in the rough like Rachel.”