The Many Types Of Talent It Takes To Make The World Go Round

Happy June! In this month’s article: what Inc. has to say about the best workplaces and what they're doing right, how to streamline and focus your job postings, and my recommended reads for this month.

What It Takes to Attract the Best Talent in 2023

Inc’s Best Workplaces list has 591 companies, and culture is a huge barometer for who made the list. But as Inc. writes…

“The companies here demonstrate that a great workplace is less about Friday beer blasts and more about whether employees are equipped to experience work and life more fully, given that the two are more blended than ever.”

Gone are the days when good workplace culture was defined by happy hours and other “fun” perks. Today, a positive company culture is more holistic, supporting work-life balance, wellness and the vibe of the workplace itself. It’s about giving meaning to work, rather than simply luring people in with extra perks. And it certainly helps to match people up with the right role when culture is front and center in a company’s brand.

Inc. references the Oliver Wyman Forum in stating that more than 60% of workers won’t think twice about changing jobs if “an employer doesn't meet their needs, which include culture, core values, transparency, opportunity, and, most of all, flexibility.”

We’re now in the post-government lockdown era, when lifestyle and ethics are important levers in attracting good?talent.

Get Rid of the Jargon and Fluff

If you want to attract smart talent, you simply must get rid of the jargon in your job postings. No one is attracted to a company advertising for “unicorns, rock stars and gurus” anymore.

There are other phrases which are equally tired, although they may seem hard to replace. Consider the “dynamic self-starter” or the “passionate superstar with a proven track record.” Then there’s the “detail oriented ninja with good communication skills.”

The problem with many of these buzzwords and phrases is that they’ve lost all meaning. Start fresh, say what you mean! That’s the way to attract authentic, awesome talent.

Recommended Reading for June

• An outside view from the BBC: Are pay transparency laws working?
• From SHRM: Work Is Negatively Impacting Employees’ Mental Health
• Food for thought on WSJ: Workers Have High Hopes for Pay Raises, Companies Not So Much

You’re Making It Too Complicated

If you’re having trouble finding good talent, there’s probably a pretty obvious reason:

You’re making it too complicated.

Streamline your hiring process and you’re apt to have more luck:

?? Make a clear list of job requirements that does not include jargon

?? Whittle the number of interviews down to what’s really useful

?? Make sure candidate questionnaires are to the point

The simpler your process, the clearer the results. And if you need help in these efforts, don’t forget about your biggest ally: a strong recruiter. As one myself for many years, I can help you simplify and get it done.