2019 is in full flow, and the job market today poses unique challenges for employers. In November 2018, the national unemployment rate was the lowest its been in a generation. And still today, the labor market is tight. For employers, this means there is little room for error in the hiring process. This is because, well, job seekers have many opportunities available to them. In fact, according to The Execu|Search Group’s 2019 Hiring Outlook, 55% of professionals were interviewing for 2+ other jobs while they were interviewing for their current position. Think about it; do you stand out as an employer in the face of such competition?
If you’re looking to hire top talent in 2019, here’s what you should keep in mind:
Your candidate experience matters
Remember, a job seeker’s impression of your organization doesn’t start the day they start working for you—it starts the day they apply for the job. From the company’s online presence, throughout the scheduling and interview processes, and with every interaction, candidates are evaluating every move. As a result, it’s important that throughout the hiring process, job seekers can see that you:
- Communicate clearly
- Value their time
- Share the same values
Job seekers are looking for growth and flexibility
In today’s workforce, professionals don’t simply want a job where they clock in and out. They want to be constantly learning something new and moving up in their career. When your employees don’t feel challenged or engaged in their work, they are quick to find a new employer who can offer more professional development opportunities.
Additionally, given the technology we have access to today, employees expect their workplaces to be flexible and accommodating when needed. Whether employees have children to care for or a doctor’s appointment, everyone has different needs for a flexible schedule. When you trust your staff to deliver based on results rather than hours, you can build a powerful working relationship.
When it comes to hiring, ask yourself whether candidates get a good impression of growth and flexibility within the company. During the hiring process is the time to promote your organization as the best place to work.
Employees want a team, not colleagues
When you consider the overall employee experience or company culture, you may think toward broader company initiatives like company parties, free snacks, etc. However, the thing that has the most impact on an employee is actually the people with whom they spend their day: their direct supervisor and their team. Interacting with a direct manager not only means that they determine your schedule and to-do list, but it also means that the entire team is affected by their attitude and working style. When this relationship doesn’t work out, employees are quick to move on.
As a result, emphasizing a positive company culture through leadership is critical. The actions of each manager directly affect the actions of everyone else within the organization, so be sure that your leaders exemplify the positive attitude you want to portray for the organization.
