It's Time to Rethink your Approach to Recruiting Talented Employees
The importance of thinking outside the box when hiring in 2021...
I talk to companies every day about the importance of thinking differently when approaching the best recruiting techniques in todays job market.
They all want to tell me about their great benefits package, the fun culture they have created, growth they are experiencing, and often times how they are adapting to allow more of a hybrid work schedule.
This is all great information, but the question companies really struggle to answer is
"How is this information being communicated to attract top people to your organization?"
Most accounting and engineering companies fail in this area without even realizing it. Many businesses are siloing their recruiting efforts into broadly focused e-recruiting funnels such as LinkedIn and Indeed. It isn't until a candidate applies that they really start to do research on a company. It isn't until they interview do they really understand the direction and needs of a company, along with how that candidate fits into a companies plans and culture.
With this, we fail to sell our business to these talented candidates. Candidates want a story to be a part of, and a team to have their back. By posting your job opening solely on e-recruiting websites, businesses fail to:
- Communicate their brand personality, vision, and culture
- Narrowing in on specific profiles that are an ideal fit for the position
- Reaching passive job candidates that are not actively applying to roles
The other struggles companies and headhunters have, but don't see until its too late is that their attempt to be different is in actuality no different than every other company. Some companies have had to address starting wages. Many companies have had to adapt to remote working options when possible. As we proceed through 2021, competitive wages and opportunities for remote work have shifted from an advantage, to an expectation from candidates. Setting yourself apart from competitors has become more important now than ever.
Two great examples of setting yourself apart from competitors are Black Rifle Coffee, and our client Wilson, Shannon and Snow. They are able to display their mission and advantages over competition to attract great employees...
Black Rifle Coffee
Committed to giving back to veterans, law enforcement, and first responders.
Wilson, Shannon & Snow
Ability to fast track your accounting career and work directly with experienced shareholders.
E-recruiting job boards have become more expensive and less effective than ever. Recruiters and staffing firms are targeting a high volume of candidates with the same generic LinkedIn messages that very few read, and even less want to receive anymore.
Those that are thriving gaining talented employees right now are willing to step outside of traditional methods and be transparent with candidates. They are not hiding behind their "competitive salary" messaging. For most companies if their salary was that competitive they would have no issues sharing that information with job seekers. The lack of transparency has become a red flag for candidates, and top talent have more options than ever.
I have to applaud 'Bain' Stephen Bain and Noah Durst on their recent project. It's amazing what a little extra time and creativity can do. Below is their intro video to a multi part series outlining a past candidates experience on making a move to a new organization. What is likely to resonate with passive job seekers, the same generic messaging, or a company that is willing to share a story? Not just any story, but the story of a past candidate who had to make some tough career decisions.
What is your company doing to stand out in talent acquisition?
