Recruitment in a challenging market

Finding the right people is a real challenge for our clients and contacts at the present time.  It’s a candidate’s market (if there is such a thing!). Across all sectors and services, employers are struggling to fill positions, which is impacting on business and forcing them to consider new ways of working.

Advertising a role in the local press and hoping to take your pick from a raft of candidates simply doesn’t work anymore. Employers needs a job listing that will stand out from the competition and will appeal to the best candidates.

Employer brand

The first consideration in attracting talent is how the employer is perceived by potential employees. What makes you stand out from the competition? Are you the kind of place people want to work? Do you have any strong social, environmental or ethical principles which may be attractive to a candidate? It’s important to refine your employer brand—creating clear, compelling messaging that resonates with the candidates you’re looking for. This includes everything from editing job descriptions to better reflect the values of your company to developing social posts that show off your team culture and the perks of joining your business.

Job descriptions

It’s not just about listing the responsibilities and qualifications for a role, it’s about telling a story—why should someone want to work for you? Job descriptions that are thoughtful, engaging, and accessible attract better candidates.

Advertisements

By using clear, consistent branding and graphics with carefully crafted copy, your advert can bring your opportunities to life. With the right visuals and the right words, your job openings can turn into opportunities that candidates want to apply for.

Targeted promotion

In a challenging market, posting a job in the places that you’ve done before may no longer be enough. Think beyond the competition, consider targeted ads on social media platforms, posting in specialist or group forums, special interest publications or community news sites or venues. There are countless ways to promote your job openings effectively that will reach the people who match your ideal profile.

Outsourcing services

And, of course, there may be a way to solve the problem which doesn’t involve recruitment. In the current climate, many companies are finding a successful alternative in the form of outsourcing. If you have certain service-related positions that are hard to fill—such as HR, finance, marketing or administrative roles—outsourcing these functions can be a smart move. There are many reliable services that can streamline your services, reduce your overheads, and effectively support your business or organisational goals.

A holistic approach

In the current job market, finding the right talent means taking a holistic approach. It means making sure every touchpoint—from job ads to employer branding to candidate experience—comes together to present your company in the best possible light. It also means staying agile and open to outsourcing when it makes sense for your business.

If you would like our help in bringing together your brand and strategic messaging and a targeted promotion to help you navigate a difficult job market effectively, please get in touch.

Or, if you are interested in outsourcing your marketing service, you can find out more here: