Recruiting for Global Mobility: Insights from Ali, Founder of Job Empire, on The Global Mobility Series

In a recent episode of The Global Mobility Series, we sat down with Ali, founder and director of Job Empire, to explore the challenges and strategies of recruiting for global mobility. Ali’s recruitment firm, which began its journey in Canada and has since expanded to the UK, specializes in logistics and manufacturing—a sector deeply connected to Skilled Work Visas and international talent mobility. With his unique background and a focus on efficient recruitment processes, Ali shared valuable insights on sourcing, compliance, and supporting international hires.

Building Job Empire: From Canada to the UK

Ali’s journey into the recruitment industry began in Brampton, Mississauga, just outside Toronto, Canada. “We specialize in warehousing, logistics, and anything in between. Nothing too fancy—we’re just a startup in the UK,” Ali says modestly. Yet, his ambition for Job Empire speaks volumes, as he looks to make a mark in global recruitment, helping businesses address labour shortages with skilled international talent.

Relocating his business from Canada to the UK gave Ali a personal understanding of global mobility. Having moved between four countries himself, he emphasizes the importance of resilience when navigating international transitions. “Moving countries is a huge thing. It’s extremely difficult,” he reflects, underscoring the emotional and logistical hurdles faced by employers and workers alike.

Attracting and Sourcing International Talent

One of the biggest challenges in global mobility is finding and attracting international talent. For Ali, this process starts with a clear understanding of the industry’s needs. “In manufacturing and logistics, there’s not much licensing or certification required—it’s mostly about following instructions,” he explains. This simplicity makes English proficiency a key criterion when sourcing candidates, as it ensures seamless integration into the UK workforce.

Ali highlights the role of technology in streamlining the recruitment process. “We heavily rely on AI and tech,” he says. Tools that filter candidates based on skills, certifications, and experience allow Job Empire to quickly find the right talent for roles both in the UK and internationally. “If I want to search ‘welding,’ a bunch of welders come up. It makes things so much quicker.”

Supporting Employers: From Job Specs to Visa Assistance

Employers looking to hire internationally often face the daunting task of navigating compliance and visa sponsorship. Ali emphasizes the importance of starting with resolve: “The first step is willingness—to commit to the process and support international talent.” For businesses in the UK, Job Empire partners with specialists like Passportia to handle the complexities of Skilled Work Visa applications, ensuring a smooth transition for candidates.

One key piece of advice Ali offers to employers is to think strategically about housing and logistics. “If we can afford it and it’s commercially effective, we’ll lease out a spot and offer a break-in period on rent,” he shares. This staggered approach to expenses helps international hires adjust to their new environment while easing financial pressures during the transition.

Managing Compliance and Ethical Standards

Recruitment in the UK requires staying on top of rapidly changing regulations. Ali points to organizations like the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) as invaluable resources. “REC gives you a condensed version of what’s in the news,” he explains, highlighting their ability to provide up-to-date guidance on compliance and policy changes. Ali also attends meetings and workshops to stay informed about the latest industry developments.

Ethics are a cornerstone of Job Empire’s recruitment process. Ali is cautious about how technology like AI is used to filter candidates, ensuring that bias is minimized. “We blackout names, gender, and other identifiers,” he explains. By focusing on transcripts from interviews rather than personal details, Job Empire prioritizes fairness and equality.

Candidate Engagement: Balancing Expectations and Reality

For Ali, managing candidates’ expectations is all about honesty and communication. He compares the process to waiting for a delayed flight: “If you’re told it’s two hours delayed due to engineering, you get coffee and relax. But if you’re left in limbo, it’s frustrating.” Keeping candidates informed about timelines and decisions is key to maintaining their trust and interest in the role.

Ali also shared a humorous yet telling anecdote about lengthy recruitment processes. “My friend applied for a British Airways role, and it took a year and a half to get through!” He stresses that such delays are unacceptable for most industries, especially when candidates are actively seeking employment. For recruiters, speed and transparency are essential.

Overcoming Paperwork Hurdles in Skilled Work Visa Applications

When it comes to Skilled Work Visas, collecting and organizing the necessary documentation can be time-consuming. Ali estimates that around 10–15% of his team’s time is spent on paperwork, from verifying right-to-work documents to organizing certifications. “That’s significant in the grand scheme of things,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of efficient systems to manage the workload.

While Job Empire partners with Passportia for visa processing, Ali acknowledges that collecting details from candidates often requires persistence. “You’ve got to chase everyone up 24/7,” he says with a laugh. Whether it’s cold calls or reminders, ensuring that all necessary documents are submitted is a key part of the recruitment process.

Relocation Support: Easing Cultural and Financial Adjustments

Relocating to a new country comes with challenges beyond employment. Ali draws on his own experience of moving between countries to offer tailored support for international hires. “We sometimes lease spots for employees and offer a break-in period on rent,” he says. This approach allows hires to acclimate to their new surroundings while managing initial costs for essentials like clothing or driver’s licenses.

Ali stresses the importance of cultural sensitivity during the relocation process. “You want some sort of security,” he says, pointing out that adjusting to a new culture and financial system can be overwhelming. Providing practical support not only helps employees settle in but also strengthens their commitment to their new roles.

Staying Ahead in Global Mobility Recruitment

For Ali, staying informed is a never-ending task. He credits organizations like REC and industry workshops for keeping him up to date on compliance and legal changes. “You could stare at the government website, but joining organizations like REC is much more efficient,” he says. These resources help recruiters navigate the complexities of global mobility with confidence.

Ali also sees the value in continuous learning and collaboration. “I met the REC’s product developer, and we brainstormed ideas for a recruiter checklist,” he shares. By actively engaging with industry leaders, Ali ensures that Job Empire remains at the forefront of recruitment practices.

Final Thoughts: Simplifying Global Mobility

Our conversation with Ali highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities in global mobility recruitment. From sourcing talent to navigating Skilled Work Visas and supporting relocation, Ali’s approach combines technology, compliance expertise, and a deep understanding of human needs. His commitment to ethical, efficient recruitment makes Job Empire a standout in the industry.

As global mobility continues to shape the workforce, businesses can look to recruiters like Ali for guidance on simplifying processes and supporting international talent. Tune into this episode of The Global Mobility Series for more insights from Ali and practical advice for thriving in the world of global recruitment.