By Paige Tepping
RISMEDIA, Feb. 21, 2008-Early involvement in the recruiting process is a tool that Global Mobility Solutions’ clients use to enhance the selection process and increase the success of new assignments for existing employees. Whether it be for recruiting support or an immediate relocation need, Tony Melchiorre, corporate talent acquisition manager at The Talking Phone Book, a provider of business listing databases, calls on Global Mobility Solutions as a relocation helping hand.
Here, Melchiorre talks about how the two companies work together to provide transferees with the information and assistance they need throughout the entire relocation process.
Real Estate magazine: Can you describe your experience working with GMS?
Tony Melchiorre: I have been with the Talking Phone Book since April 2007, and in that time I have had a very positive experience in working with GMS. Tricia Davis, our dedicated relocation coach at GMS, has been outstanding. She is very responsive to the wants and needs of each transferee. She’s always willing to go above and beyond in regards to talking to and spending time with the transferee and their spouse in order to help them understand and get comfortable with the process. Not only does she work with me throughout the entire process, but she also spends a lot of time dealing with each candidate as well.
RE: How has your company benefited from working with GMS, especially in regards to their early involvement in the relocation process?
TM: The early-involvement piece of their service has been a huge benefit for our company. The fact that Tricia gets involved early in the process reinforces all of the information that I give to the transferee. Hearing the information from two different sets of people-including our relocation company-gives candidates the comfort they need to assure them that they are going to be taken care of and helped throughout the entire process. Working closely with the relocation company allows our candidates to get answers that are more detailed than I would be able to give on my own. It is a system in which both sides work together and everyone benefits in the end.
RE: Please describe the process of what happens when you receive a call from a transferee up until the person is relocated.
TM: Once I receive a phone call, I set up an interview with the individual. The relocation piece is brought into the equation at the time when the offer is made. Tricia reaches out to the candidate to offer critical information necessary to help speed up the acceptance process. Tricia and I keep each other up to speed with the progress of the candidate and communicate any pending concerns. The fact that Tricia is involved so early in the process reinforces that we are partners and that we are working together to provide the best solution for each candidate we talk to.
RE: Your GMS counterpart, Tricia Davis, seems to be an integral part of the entire process. What other aspects of the process is she involved in?
TM: Once I get the signed documents from the transferee, I send them to Tricia. If there is a home sale involved in the process, Tricia makes arrangements to have the transferee meet with a Realtor to sell the house on their end, and then to meet with a Realtor on this end as well. If the transferee is flying in from somewhere, she lets them know which Realtor they will be meeting during the interview. She sends me the paperwork that needs to be signed and looked at when the van line estimates come in. Tricia also helps facilitate the process of setting up the administrative piece that the candidate needs to take care of, such as expense reports and direct deposit. Tricia goes above and beyond to get the person on board and to help close the deal.
RE: How do you give your clients peace of mind once the move is done?
TM: I am always in contact with my clients. In addition to my staying in contact with them, Tricia follows up with them once the process is closed. She sends them a survey and also calls them to get information over the phone. She asks them how the process went and if anything else needs to be done.
RE: How have your clients come to depend on your partnership with GMS?
TM: The new hires that we deal with lean on GMS a lot. The individuals from GMS are the ones giving them advice and explaining what is included in the package and how the money can be spent. Tricia does a great job of explaining what is and isn’t included in the policy to the candidate.
RE: Please sum up your experience in working with GMS.
TM: This is the first company that I have worked for that uses a relocation company. It makes things easier as they handle the technical things that otherwise would take up a lot of time. Working with Tricia has given me great comfort as she has proven time and again that she is professional.
For more information, visit www.gmsmobility.com.
