Recent reports have revealed that skilled labor industries like logging, mining and construction are facing some of the highest levels of worker shortages these days. This means that in an increasingly competitive workforce marketplace, many employers are finding it difficult to attract the type of skilled talent that they need to keep afloat, let alone being able to convince them to stay on board for the long haul.
In these types of situations, immigration labor advertising can be an increasingly attractive option, but employers might have to prepare themselves to post PERM recruitment ads in order to successfully sponsor a foreign national employee for a green card. Regardless of whether recruiting on a local or international level, in a competitive landscape, employers need to be able to stand out in order to succeed. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in a cycle of pumping endless time, money and resources into the recruiting process only to find that all the new hires keep jumping ship, leaving the company stuck on a constant hamster wheel of hiring and training.
The good news is that a well-designed hiring strategy really can make a huge difference, not only in terms of getting off on the right foot but also mobilizing resources intelligently to target the best employees. Top-notch employees can be difficult to hold onto, and it is important to craft a strategy that will appeal not only to the best talent but also integrate clever ways to keep them happy in the long term.
The most successful hiring strategies will naturally tap into a wider pool of available and qualified candidates by speaking directly to the right type of audience in a way that not only appeals to those who are actively seeking work, but also passive candidates who might already be comfortably employed but are enticed by what a good campaign has to offer them.
So what are some of the secrets that employers in a cutthroat labor market can use to attract the best employees? Read on to find out.
1. Offer to Train Them
When it comes to finding the best long-term employees in a labor pool that is already depleted, it can be a smart strategy to target recent high school graduates. While it is true that these types of hires will not have the necessary certifications and qualifications in place, the cost of providing partial or full financial support to fund their training will almost always pay off with long term loyalty that could literally last a lifetime. After all, people are much more likely to stick with a company that has given them something back in return through thick and thin.
In addition, this is a great way to make sure that new employees are trained well the first time. Even the most highly skilled employees will have probably developed some bad habits and tricks for cutting corners somewhere down the line. Some companies run tighter ships than others, and all it takes is a short stint with a sloppily run unit to solidify some less than savory work practices that can have a negative effect on overall productivity and quality of output.
When employers choose to literally rear up a young employee from the start, they can train them exactly the way they want them to be trained, so don’t be afraid to hit up local high school job boards to attract fresh new talent. This can be a great opportunity to dispel and combat some of the negative stereotypes that have done so much damage to skilled labor industries as of late. Talk to schools, career counselors and community leaders to set the record straight and remind the younger generation of what a secure career path could lie in store for them if they choose to come on board.
2. Get Out There and Get Connected
One of the best ways to attract a steady stream of qualified skilled candidates is to ensure that a company’s name is well known in the industry. When thinking of where to turn to find work, potential employers are much more likely to start with what they know, and this is what getting connected with industry networks and job fair events are the type of hiring strategies that will really pay off in the long term.
Looking for where to start? Industry leaders definitely don’t want to miss out on a chance to get involved with their closest district Career and Technical Student Organizations. These federally funded chapters train high school, college and post-secondary candidates in numerous skilled practices and will sometimes even hold fairs or exhibitions that give students the opportunity to meet and network with potential employers, so these types of organizations are a good place to start in terms of making a presence known.
Another great place to start is with local-level union organizations or hiring centers. Job fairs are another must for any company that wants to stand out from the crowd. However, showing up isn’t enough to leave a mark in a sea of competitors. This it is important to invest in a well-crafted pitch that will turn heads and leave a mark.
3. Dole Out the Best Benefits
Offering attractive employee benefits will not only help recruit the best candidates but will also help ensure that they stay on board for the long term. Start with a competitive salary that is tailored to the location-specific demand, and then pile on all those extras that will make a hiring package stand out from the rest. Think not only in terms of the standard medical, dental and health benefits but also mental health support and parental leave, all of which the younger generation of employees is likely to highly value.
Of course, benefits can be costly, and sometimes offering a full benefits package may not be viable for a startup of a smaller company. However, if finances fall short, try to offer at least partial coverage in all of the above areas. People love knowing that they are taken care of, and are much more likely to stick with a company that they know has their back on a permanent basis.
The Takeaway
Whether working in a competitive labor market or not, it is essential that any hiring strategy is done right in order to get the best results. Working with a company that specializes in job posting and immigration advertising will not only help cut costs, but also ensure a top-notch campaign that will stand out from the pack.
