Exemplar Global has many important roles and responsibilities within the conformity assessment world, and one that doesn’t get enough attention is as a builder of this community of professionals.
This is accomplished in no small part through Exemplar LINK, an online resource designed to foster connections within the industry.
Exemplar LINK allows users to share achievements such as certifications, digital badges, and audit logs; complete professional development and training; attend events and webinars; and manage existing Exemplar Global certifications or apply for new programs and schemes.
Another key function of Exemplar LINK (perhaps the most important one) is bringing together job seekers with organizations seeking to employ uniquely qualified professionals with auditing experience. EAGLE Certification Group is a certification body that reported a recent positive experience with the platform.
“I found a local, qualified auditor through Exemplar LINK,” says Jessica Osborne, EAGLE’s Chief Program Officer. “He is in the United States and has Exemplar Global food safety management system certifications, which were things that I was definitely targeting.”
The ease-of-use of the sorting functions made finding a professional with the right qualifications a quick task for Osborne.
“When I do search on Exemplar LINK, I use SQF certifications as a search parameter, because it’s a big product for us with U.S. clients,” says Osborne. “It also adds a layer of verification because Exemplar Global is the certifier of these auditors, which takes a step away from us.”
That’s another powerful benefit of finding potential employees or contractors through Exemplar LINK—the confidence that comes from knowing that the professionals in the Search Register are qualified.
“There is a level of third-party recognition that helps a lot,” Osborne states. “I don’t how many times I’ve been on somebody’s LinkedIn page, talked to them on the phone, and exchanged emails, and all the while they are telling me that they’re a lead auditor. Many times, it turns out all they did was take a lead auditor course and get a certificate. Well, if it’s that easy, then I’m a lead auditor of about 15 different programs! So, Exemplar LINK gives me a different level of certainty and confidence that a person in the Search Register has the right qualifications.”
There are always specific opportunities for those seeking to hire people from the pool of professionals in the Exemplar LINK Search Register. And for those looking to pursue those opportunities, registering to Exemplar LINK with a detailed profile is a great way to go about it.
“I’m now looking for auditors with other specific qualifications,” says Osborne. “Exemplar LINK is one of my key resources to see if there’s somebody who looks like they are a fit for we’re looking for.
“Sometimes we need people to fill a specific niche—we get an opportunity, and we need someone right then and there. Other times, we’re looking at the bigger picture for and seeking to develop longer-term relationships,” Osborne concludes. “It’s really about making those contacts, seeing who is available, and who has the skills we need.”
To learn more about Exemplar LINK and to register, please visit here.