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Hiring Woes – How to Win a Potential Employee’s Heart

Written by Mary Louise VanNatta on Apr. 5th, 2022
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By Mary Louise VanNatta

It’s not been unusual to show up at a local restaurant and see a sign that says, “Closed due to lack of staff.”, or “Be kind to the people who showed up”.  It’s no secret that employers are struggling to hire.  With inflation and pandemic recovery, employees are now in the driver’s seat and have more choices than ever. The real question is “ How do you stand out and attract the best employees?”

 

Review your Marketing and Branding:  Your website, marketing materials, and messages may need a refresh after the pandemic. Website design has come a long way in two years.  Today less is more. Fewer words, more pictures.  Less company-centric, more consumer-centric.  Tell your story through dynamic, short videos.  Why would someone want to work with you?

 

Review your Reviews:  A savvy potential employee will check you out and not just on your website.  They’ll search for you on Google, and review your Facebook page and the owner’s LinkedIn and social accounts. Potential employees might look at reviews on Glassdoor or one of the other 16 popular company review sites where former staff can rate your business and management.  If you find something distressing, you may need a strategy to handle it.

 

Review your Recruitment Practices:  You should always be recruiting candidates.  Develop a community relations strategy that includes attracting future talent. Networking and engaging people with desirable skills will give you a pool to contact when openings are available.

Review your Culture:  Take an honest look at your office culture.  This is your workplace “personality.” Indeed.com, one of the top online recruiting sites, identifies four basic cultures: success-oriented, authority-based, creative/flexible, or collaborative. Ask your employees if you’re not sure how to define your culture. Be transparent about your culture with potential employees.  

 

Recruit for Fit:  Your company will not be everyone’s “cup of tea.” Once you thoroughly understand your culture, recruit strategically and for fit.  If you’re more authority-based, a military veteran might understand this style.  An elementary school parent might be just right if you can’t pay top wages but allow work from home or flexible schedules.  

 

Review your Competition:  Do you regularly lose employees?  It’s possible that even with a great culture, your pay and benefits might not be keeping up.  

 

With multiple job options, your future employees can be more particular than ever.  Give yourself the advantage.

 

Mary Louise VanNatta is CEO of VanNatta Public Relations @PRSalem.com

 

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