There is no denying that the recruitment space has changed, in particular the search parameter for talent. Candidates are still applying for roles but with the recent ‘apply anyways’ trend that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best candidate for the position.
There was once a time when recruiting talent was confined to a defined location whereas recent years has seen that space open up to a whole region, country, or even globally.
Whilst many industries have experienced recruitment challenges over recent months, research by KPMG and REC indicate that candidate availability has risen for the first time since early 2021.
With that being said, how do you ensure that you stand out as an employer to attract better talent in 2023? Let’s delve into our seven top tips.
1. The job advert
It’s important to start any job advert with an introduction to your company that will make an impact and gain job seekers interest. For some this may be the first time they have come across your company, so what do you want to be remembered for?
A great way to describe the role you are recruiting for is to provide details of what duties and responsibilities this position has on a day-to-day basis. Remember a job advert is different to a job description.
What’s often forgotten in job adverts is to include a clear picture of the type of candidate that you are searching for. Key areas to consider when writing your next job advert:
✔️ Let candidates know about your business culture – describe what it will be like to work for you and your business.
✔️ Be realistic and list the most important qualities and skills, what skills are an absolute must and what can be learnt on the job?
✔️ What makes this role and your business stand out from the crowd?
✔️ Check out the competition, what other similar roles are on the job market?
✔️ Make it clear how candidates can apply and make this as easy as possible.
Attracting talent also includes attracting people that are aligned to your company values.
2. Your employer brand
Attracting talent also includes attracting people that are aligned to your company values.
To attract candidates that share your passions and are aligned to your values, your employer branding should not only communicate your company as a great place to work but also your values and goals.
This doesn’t have to be complicated:
✔️ Think about what’s important to you, your team and your customers
✔️ Share what you have to offer as an employer and how your current employees benefit from this.
✔️ Share this to your target candidate market, whether on your careers page or socials!
With more job seekers spending time researching what it is like to work for your business on sites such as Glassdoor, it should be top of the list to really consider your employer branding to find individuals with a passion for your company ethos.
3. Approach to flexible working
Gone are those days of the long daily commute, train delays and missed family time, employees are in the driving seat when it comes to negotiating where they work.
By offering flexibility this can work in favour of both the employee and the employer. If you want to find the best of the best, then the idea of remote working and offering flexibility will greatly expand your talent pool.
Truly consider if the ‘traditional’ 9am-5pm is an essential for your business or if you can offer flexibility around start and finish times.
4. Make use of social media
Social media is a fantastic way to not only advertise your available positions and promote your workplace culture but to also proactively scout talent.
LinkedIn acts as an online CV, ensuring you can connect in real time and really get to know possible new employees before getting to the interviewing stage.
From LinkedIn profiles you should be able to:
- See an overview of past experiences
- Read referrals
- Explore any past content and activity
This method will also mean that your current connections and audience will see that you’re looking to recruit and most likely share your post.
5. Welcome to the world of digital recruitment
In the current job market, if you are hoping to attract the best of the best, then it’s just as important for an employer to make a good impression through the recruitment stages as it is the employee. So, research the best tech available to help you recruit.
If you are growing or have multiple vacancies but manage recruitment on spreadsheets it may be time to consider an applicant tracking system (ATS). An ATS helps you to ensure a consistent recruitment process and helps you deliver an excellent candidate experience, getting the employment relationship off to the best start.
It also helps to create efficiencies in the recruitment process, saving you time whilst also allowing you to make quicker and more informed decisions.
6. Professional development opportunities
To ensure you stand out from the crowd, it’s important to share the various professional development opportunities you may offer to your team. To back up these opportunities, why not share employee testimonials or case studies across your social media and careers page?
Prospective candidates want to hear first-hand from your existing team how you as an employer can support their growth journey.
7. In-house recruitment Vs outsourcing
When it comes to attracting better talent in 2023 there are various recruitment methods to choose from.
There are of course various options to outsourcing and here at Norton Loxley, we offer an alternative approach to recruitment and talent acquisition. We bring the best of both the traditional recruitment agency and in-house team together. We act as an extension of your team and help businesses who don’t necessarily need a full-time in-house recruitment team, but who have an ongoing need to recruit.
So, if recruiting isn’t your forte, it may be time to think about your options to help your business secure the best talent.
Get in touch to explore how our collaborative outsourced recruitment service offering can support your business to attract, retain and engage the best talent in 2023 and beyond.