Is your business having a tough time filling job vacancies?

Many Australian businesses are finding it difficult to source suitable candidates for their job vacancies. It is expected to get worse before it gets better across many sectors of the economy. Here we share some tips on some creative ways to solve this problem.

#1: Think outside the box

Many employers tend to go for the same type of person or follow a people formula from the past because it has worked well. By thinking outside the box with regards to the recruitment problem space you may find you can find optimal solutions. A short reflection on this problem may lead you down the path of:

• Considering having two part-timers instead of one full-timer for the position.
• Perhaps the job title you have advertised is not 'sexy' enough. Are the duties associated with this role reflective of the job title? Is your understanding of the title the same as everyone else's? Can you ask the outgoing staff their thoughts?
• Could you internally promote someone somebody fit for the role? Typically, more junior positions are easier to find staff for. You may be able to replace the position of the person being promoted easier.
• Are you reaching out to the same demographic you always do? Often minority groups in society are overlooked. For example, a person with a disability or long term unemployed. Often, the challenges associated with employing people in this category are far less than what most people think and usually non-existent. The benefits of diversity are tremendous

#2: Move quickly

Candidates are receiving offers quicker than they can schedule interviews – it’s imperative to not “drag your feet” during the hiring process. Candidates may be fielding multiple offers and do not have the time (or desire) to wait around for numerous interviews and week-long wait times.?

Organisations with robust hiring processes should consider streamlining their processes and implementing time constraints around these new processes. Not sure how to do this? First, utilise the virtual options for interviewing (even if your company is working in the office). Second, be proactive, and be prepared to make offers quickly once a decision is made. “Time spent without an offer on the table is time a candidate could be receiving another offer.”

#3: Don’t keep tapping the same resources for candidates

It’s time to broaden your horizons on your searching and sourcing efforts! Maybe you are using the same job boards or asking the same contacts for referrals, but getting creative when looking for quality candidates is critical.?

It is vital to be proactive (and aggressive) in your hiring efforts and consider resources you wouldn’t have used in the past.?

#4: Establish your flexibility

Where flexibility used to be seen as a perk, candidates are now viewing it as an expectation. An estimated 80% to 90% of candidates are looking for a position that offers some flexibility. It’s no secret that Covid-19 changed the expectations on remote work, and for companies that show no flexibility, this could drastically cut down the candidate pool. As a result, candidates are now willing to wait for positions that will provide the flexibility they are looking for.

#5: Employer branding matters?

The tables have turned in the hiring game, and candidates hold more control than they did previously. In previous years, a company’s name might be enough to garner the attention of job seekers, but now it’s imperative that companies “do more to sell themselves to candidates than they have in the past.”?

Whilst salary is important, in the current market, it’s about more than just the dollar. Explain how a candidate can grow within your organization, programs and mentorships you can provide, and opportunities to work on projects that are important to candidates. Most importantly, explain how your company will impact their lifestyle. Show initiative and start onboarding as quickly as an offer is accepted – don’t stop wooing the candidate just because they’ve accepted your offer!https://www.theadminshop.com.au/post/is-your-business-struggling-to-hire-five-tips-to-help-your-own-hiring-process