As 2023 rolls along, hiring isn’t getting any easier for a lot of companies. Talent is increasingly scarce, and you need any advantage you can get. I’m here for that.
In this month’s newsletter, getting inside the minds of younger workers, welcoming back boomerang employees, and advice on how to write better job postings.
What the Younger Workforce Is Thinking
What are the younger members of today’s workforce thinking?
The NY Times conducted a focus group of 12 millennial Americans — arguably not a fairly representative slice of the workforce, but a slice nonetheless. What they had to say was interesting for any HR leader hoping to hire bright young talent.
A few things:
They’re not willing to work long hours with unsupportive managers just for the sake of a paycheck, like generations before them took for granted as the status quo
With a lot of great jobs out there, in fact, they no longer believe in “paying dues”
They’re variously burned out, bored, overworked, frustrated, empowered, and optimistic
In other words, they’re not necessarily thrilled with the way things are going right now, but they have hope for the future. While these words and ideas came from a small focus group, they encapsulate a lot of what I hear in my everyday conversations with job seekers in my role as Executive Recruiter. As a hiring manager, take them to heart.
Welcoming Back Boomerang Employees
More businesses than ever are inclined to take back boomerang employees right now— employees who quit, but later want back in. In fact, one study shows that of every five people who quit a job during the pandemic one has already boomeranged back, and two more would consider it if it were an option.
There are, of course, advantages to rehiring past employees. They know your company, they get the culture, and you don’t have to train them to the same degree. But you always want to consider why, and how, they left. As a recruiter for 12+ years, I’ve seen rehires work out quite well — and I’ve seen them NOT.
Hiring Struggles in Today's Market
The job market is hot right now. There are more open positions than there are people to fill them. This has created a number of challenges for employers, who are struggling to find qualified candidates.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of qualified candidates. Many industries are facing a skills shortage, as workers with the skills and experience that employers are looking for are in high demand. This is especially true in industries like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Another challenge is the war for talent. With so many open positions, employers are competing with each other to attract the best candidates. This means that employers need to offer competitive salaries, benefits, and work-life balance in order to stand out from the competition.
The hiring process is also becoming more complex. In order to find the best candidates, employers are using a variety of methods, including online job boards, social media, and employee referrals. This can make the hiring process time-consuming and expensive.
The challenges of hiring in today's market are real. However, there are a number of things that employers can do to improve their chances of finding qualified candidates. These include:
Creating a strong employer brand. Employers need to create a strong employer brand that will attract top talent. This means communicating the company's culture, values, and benefits to potential employees.
Making it easy to apply. The application process should be easy and convenient for candidates. This means using online job boards and making sure that the application process is clear and concise.
Speeding up the hiring process. The hiring process should be as fast as possible. This means responding to candidates promptly and moving quickly through the interview process.
Offering competitive pay and benefits. Employers need to offer competitive pay and benefits in order to attract and retain top talent. This includes offering health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.
By taking these steps, employers can improve their chances of finding qualified candidates in today's competitive job market.
In addition to the challenges mentioned above, there are a number of other factors that are contributing to the hiring struggles in today's market. These include:
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused some people to leave the workforce or reduce their hours.
The rising cost of living, which is making it more difficult for people to afford to work.
The trend of people working from home, which is making it more difficult for employers to find and attract talent.
Despite these challenges, there are still a number of things that employers can do to improve their hiring efforts. By taking the time to understand the challenges and by implementing the right strategies, employers can overcome the hiring struggles and find the talent they need to succeed.