Let’s be honest. Finding and hiring truly great people is difficult at the best of times. And now is not the best of times. Many companies are struggling with recruitment and retention—no industry is untouched. While we could talk all day about ways to keep your employees happy, what’s the point if you can’t even get them in the door?
A recent survey by law firm Phillips LLP found that 94% of businesses reported having difficulty hiring workers. However, only 38% are getting creative with their hiring methods. Our take? There’s a big opportunity to get creative and get ahead of the curve in the process. Taking cues from a recent article in Portland Business Journal, we’re highlighting three different ways to change up your hiring process and attract new talent in today’s tight market.
Focus on Career Development
While you may be hiring for right now, candidates are looking for options that will elevate their careers long-term. The latest American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor found that while 80% of employed U.S. adults consider professional development and training offerings an important consideration when accepting a new job, only 39% believe their current employer is providing the training and development they need to advance their career. Investing in training and development will not only help you stand out but will also pay off with employees who are engaged and growing during their time at your organization.
Find New Frontiers
If it feels like you’re casting your net in the same pool over and over again without success, it’s time to expand the pool. Try working with local organizations or programs that identify untapped talent sources, getting more flexible with experience or degree requirements, or trying new channels for job listings—such as social media, local universities, or industry groups. Even changing up your communication approach can make a difference. Many recruiters have taken to texting to arrange or even conduct interviews because of the faster response time. Employers still clinging to old communication channels are the ones most likely to lose out.
Find Common Ground
Despite the fact that it’s a candidate’s market, plenty of companies are still taking a rigid approach to hiring. Flexibility continues to be a sticking point. While many companies are embracing remote roles, others are holding out and losing candidates in the process. Culture is another big issue. Many employers haven’t come to terms with the ways that COVID-19 changed the dynamics between employees and businesses. The “you’re lucky to have a job” mentality isn’t going to cut it anymore. Beyond taking another look at policies around flexibility and remote work, this is a great time to assess management styles, where your culture stands, and how current employees are feeling. The stronger your culture, the better your odds of attracting new talent.
Summary
Change may be hard, but embracing change will be what gets you ahead in 2022. We truly believe that thinking differently about hiring can lay the foundation for better retention and change company culture for the better. Want to keep the conversation going? Check back in with the blog and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for tips every Tuesday and Thursday, throughout the month of March.