What attracts the best talent?

In a candidate driven market, where the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows us that the UK is enjoying the lowest unemployment rate since 1974 and overall job vacancies exceed the number of relevant candidates available for the first time since records began, the question is how do you attract the top talent?

Whilst they say money makes the world go round for many of the best candidates especially now, salary isn't the only factor when considering a suitable job offer. Working conditions and benefits also help. Providing softer benefits and showcasing your company values are some ways to help do this above and beyond a good salary. Opportunities to volunteer or offer tailored development training packages are examples of non-financial means geared towards attracting the best candidates.?

While incentives used to be limited to popular perks such as stock options, free health care and good pension rates, candidates are now looking for a wider range of benefits.?

We've pulled together some suggestions of what you should be selling to your potential new employees.

1. Company Reputation:

To attract the best you must have a reputation to match. It's important to demonstrate this during the hiring process. The strongest candidates will gravitate towards a company simply on their reputation within a particular industry or sector. Candidates may know your products or services but it is important to showcase this. This can be achieved via a well crafted job description and advert.?

Many candidates also search sites like Glassdoor to see what reviews previous employees have left. It's worth checking out any reviews to see what these say about your company.

2. Company Culture:

Having the right company culture in a workplace can make all the difference when it comes to making a position more marketable for potential employees. To attract the best talent you could include opportunities for hybrid working or flexible working. Think about including things you already do with your current team like providing a team lunch on a daily or weekly basis?

Smaller, softer perks like casual dress or giving employees the day off for their birthday is a great way to gradually change a company culture.?

3. Personal Relationships:

Line managers should view interviews as opportunities to develop good interpersonal relationships with candidates. Any relationships formed through the interview process can often make the difference as to whether or not a candidate accepts an offer, as it provides them with an idea of what working relationships they can expect to have within the role.

4. Personal Fulfilment:

Employees don’t want to feel like they’re simply a cog in a large machine, they'll want to know that they matter and that their work is having an impact. This is becoming increasingly important when it comes to attracting the best talent. Candidates will want to make a tangible difference and be able to see how their particular work affects their department, the company, and even our wider society. Show them the company's 5 year plan and where they can contribute to deliver success in meeting the objectives.

5. Career Progression:

The prospect of career progression is fundamental in a candidate’s decision to accept a job offer, so it’s essential companies look to signpost all available opportunities for professional development. Establishing training schemes that focus on increasing the hard and soft skill sets of employees is a great way to attract those candidates thinking about longer-term career development.

6. Showcase Diversity:

Having a diverse and welcoming workforce is something that the best talent will notice. As an employer, it's important for you to showcase the diversity and multiculturalism in your organisation. With many potential hires coming from diverse backgrounds, it is also important that you know how to reach out to them. Companies that encourage diversity in the workplace inspire all of their employees to perform to their highest ability.

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