Recruiting talent is a multi-step process that involves everything from writing a compelling job description to screening applicants, coordinating interviews, and negotiating offers. It usually involves a great deal of time and can become a real challenge if you are searching for very specific qualifications.
What can improve your recruiting efforts? Ironically, it’s not one of the steps you usually consider.
To improve your recruiting efforts, focus on improving your employment brand. Make your organization so attractive that people are seeking you out as an employer. Your recruiting process should start with a close look at how attractive your organization is to its employees. Do people like working at your organization?
Ask yourself how your organization communicates the importance of these things:
- The values your organization lives out – not simply what is written in the lobby
- The true ‘culture fit’ of your company
- The chemistry dynamics of individuals and teams within your organization
- The probability of success
- The scope of developing, engaging and retaining the ‘best’ talent to hit your goals and objectives
- The impact an employee will experience if they accept an opportunity with your organization
- The short and long-term challenges a hired candidate will have if they accept the position
- Growth and succession planning
- Professional and personal time
- The truth – what it is really like to work at your company
- Authenticity – never before has authentic leadership and authentic culture been more important to leaders
- Passion – every “A” player wants to join a passionate team that has a consistent and constant desire to succeed!
If you believe the recruiting process starts when you or your HR department ‘finally’ get around to posting a position externally, it is time to have a crucial conversation with your leadership team, people managers and key stakeholders to discuss how you can best position your employment brand and proactively attract the right candidates to your organization.