In years prior, a labour shortage was often cyclical in which some markets do well and some don’t. Today, a recession doesn’t necessarily affect the employment rate. If there’s a recession in Eastern Canada, job-seekers can relocate to the west. This is a new experience for everyone and we can’t go back to the way things were before. It’s the new normal.
Even though we’re all treading these uncharted waters together and there are no mentors whom we can turn to with first-hand experience with these situations, what we do know is that traditional methods are no longer viable.
Why Traditional Recruitment Methods Don’t Work
Within 75 years, it is estimated that we will only be utilizing one-third of the workforce available today. The older generations are retiring and there simply isn’t enough talent to fill all the gaps left behind. Add a global pandemic into the mix and the worldwide competition for talent is sure to continue.
In the US, the unemployment rate is only 3%, which means they want our people. And with the technology available today, applicants have the ability to work both within & outside of Canada.
The belief that a basic job description will get you numerous applicants that you can screen, shortlist, and hire quickly on your schedule is no longer true. ‘If you [post] it, they will come’ is a myth and it will never go back to the way it was.
Instead, successful recruitment requires a multi-faceted approach, beginning with your employer brand.
Why Your Employer Brand Matters
How your organization is perceived in the market is going to depend on who wants to work for you. In a digital world where anyone can work from anywhere for someone anywhere, job-seekers want to work for a company with a respectful, professional environment and that treats its employees well.
Employees are doing their research, so it’s really important to have a strong social media and website presence. Here are a few methods you can apply your employer brand to your recruitment strategy.
Be Selective with Job Boards
The job boards you choose to use have to make sense for the role you are looking to fill. Indeed has great reach and serves a wide range of industries. And you should also look for field-specific websites and partner with professional associations that have members who possess the skills you’re looking for.
Ensure Your Ad Is Attractive
Your job posting has to make sense and tell the story of your organization. Simply listing responsibilities and telling job-seekers what they’ll be doing isn’t going to attract the right talent. Instead, you have to sell the role and your company in a compelling job ad.
Keep Networking & Be Visible
Look for ways your team can be out in the community. Volunteer as a group or participate in a local event! People need to recognize the name of your organization and its logo. Job-seekers want to feel secure in knowing that you’re a great company to work for.
These are just some of the things you need to do to attract & retain top talent. There are many other methods your organization can use. At the end of the day, what’s important is that you go beyond a traditional job board and come up with a strategy with a quick & efficient timeline because you’re competing against other employers.
Initiatives such as social media, employee referral programs, community partnerships, job fairs, and networking all work together towards building awareness for your company & career opportunities.
It takes time & effort to recruit & retain top talent; there is no magic bullet.
Contact us at Essence Recruitment to find out more about what we can do for your organization and our unique process.
