Attracting Candidates: Six Unique Recruitment Strategies
here were just under 11 million job openings in the US at the end of September 2021. However, many organizations are still struggling to fill these positions. And the solution doesn't seem to be as simple as increasing wage rates.
Many of the shifts in employment are a result of the pandemic. Companies are being forced to switch gears when it comes to how they do business. The hiring process is one area that they've had to be creative.
Is attracting candidates proving to be a challenge for your company, too? Then it may be time to review your recruitment strategies.
You will need to find ways to stand out from other recruiters. But you'll also want to attract high-quality candidates. Read on to find out how.
Start With the Why
Implementing new recruitment strategies shouldn't simply be about following the latest trends. Your strategies should be effective and long-lasting. But you will have to be able to adapt them to suit your needs as well as changes in external factors.
One way to do this is by looking at the reasons you may not be attracting the right job candidate. Is the problem with your job descriptions? Or is it your recruitment process? It may not be anything internal at all.
According to CNN, some of the main factors for job application hesitancy include:
Fears about the pandemic, including the new variants emerging
Overall fatigue or burnout
The need for a change
Although disheartening, these can provide a springboard for greater creativity. You can still attract a job seeker who may fit into one of the categories above.
Starting with the why can inform your recruitment strategies. It may involve trying to alleviate fears about the pandemic. This can include rethinking the type of work environment you provide.
It may also mean exploring ways to facilitate a better work-life balance for employees.
An extension of this would be the things you will put in place to promote your employer brand, things that will identify you as a great company to work for. These include the benefits and extra resources you offer.
Whatever strategies you choose, they need to attract the best candidates. Here are some ways you can do that:
1. Have an Open Application Process
Having many open positions in your company isn't ideal, but sometimes it happens. One way of avoiding this is by having an open application process. You don't only have to recruit when positions become open.
Encourage candidates to apply to your company at any time. It doesn't matter if there are no current vacancies. This helps you build a database that is accessible when the time comes to fill a position.
You can also keep in touch with applicants. Provide updates about your company, including current projects. This helps you stay on their radar as an option for employment.
2. Reach Out
You can also provide job seekers with greater access to your company. You can use your website to respond to questions candidates may have. Give them information about the benefits you provide and your company culture.
You can also take your recruitment marketing to another level. Reach out in such a way that your company is top-of-mind as a great place to work.
Use quirky yet effective ways to advertise your job openings. Place ads and billboards in strategic locations. These can include high-visibility job boards so the candidates you want to attract can see them.
3. Highlight Your Company Culture
Last year, internet users in the US spent almost two and a half hours on social media every day. Why not help them spend part of that time learning more about your company? You can catch the eye of a job seeker by showcasing your company in unconventional ways on social media.
The run-of-the-mill About Us post isn't enough. Use your employees to talk about their average day at the office. Or better than that, show them what a day working at your company is like.
You'll stand out in a candidate's job search if they can get a feel for how being a part of your company benefits them. Showcasing your employees can also show how inclusive your organization is.
4. Promote Referral Programs
If you have great employees, chances are they surround themselves with like-minded people. Why not access this pool of potential job candidates? Having an employee referral program has many benefits:
Your employees know your culture and the best fit for your organization
It shows you value the opinion of your employees and trust their judgment
It's a great investment and reduces the length of time it takes to look for suitable candidates
Your employees are the best brand ambassadors you could have
These are just a few of the advantages of using employee referrals. But they should be enough to convince you of the need to make a substantial investment in this type of program. It's a small price to pay compared to the money, time, and effort of conventional recruitment.
5. Try University Recruiting
Interested in open-minded employees with fresh new ideas? Then an internship program is a great option. Many companies visit campuses throughout the country. They provide students with information about their company culture, roles, etc.
You can do the same. You can also structure your program to offer successful candidates employment after they graduate.
It's a great way for students to gain experience. It also provides you with candidates who already know your company. It should be easy for them to fit into your culture when they are ready to start their careers.
6. Offer Unique Benefits
Providing unique benefits might be one of the main ways to attract otherwise hesitant job candidates. It allows you to provide options that may address some of their fears. Once hired, these benefits can also help to improve employee retention.
Start with a unique hiring process to make your company stand out. Then match it with special benefits such as:
Personal and professional opportunities for growth
Initiatives that promote mental well-being
Assistance with childcare
Flexibility, including hybrid arrangements
You can also listen to candidates during the interview process. Provide them with additional solutions, where possible, to give them the work-life balance they need. Even a seemingly small gesture can make the difference in them accepting an offer from you.
Attracting Candidates With the Right Recruitment Strategies
Recruitment can be challenging. It's more essential than ever to use unique recruitment strategies. This can help you find the right candidates.
Attracting candidates now entails appealing to their needs and creating work-life balance. Your company needs to be a place that fosters growth and stands out from other employers. It's all about investing in your most valuable resource.
Resource PI can help. We can provide you with the tools to create a winning talent strategy. Schedule a call with us to learn how.