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Is hiring getting harder? Strategies for success in the current climate

28 November 2023

Have you noticed hiring’s getting harder? If so, you’re not alone. The hiring landscape continues to fluctuate, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for companies across all sectors. Today while many businesses have shifted to remote work, industries that require on-site presence, such as engineering, driving, telecoms and industrial roles, are facing their own set of recruitment difficulties.

In this article, we discuss some of these issues and provide advice for overcoming them.

Understanding the current hiring climate

So what’s changed? The present hiring climate is a complex one, basically shaped by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn. The demand for skilled engineers and drivers is high, yet the supply of quality candidates has not kept pace, creating an imbalance in these critical sectors.

The difficulties of hiring in the current climate

In the technical sectors we specialise in, the challenge lies in finding candidates with the right mix of technical skills and experience. With many projects requiring significant planning to achieve desired results, companies need engineers and industrial specialists who can hit the ground running.

Similarly, in the logistics sector, finding reliable drivers with the right qualifications is a pressing issue. With many businesses relying heavily on timely deliveries, we know that having a team of dependable drivers is crucial.

Top tips for recruiting in today’s economic climate

So what next? Despite these challenges, there are strategies that can help businesses recruit effectively in this climate.

Here are our top 10 tips for recruiting in difficult times:

  1. Understand Your Needs: Clearly define the roles you’re hiring for. Understand the skills and qualifications necessary for the job and make them clear in your job postings.
  2. Offer Competitive Compensation: Ensure your salary and benefits packages are competitive for your industry and location. This will attract more qualified candidates to your open positions.
  3. Develop an Efficient Interview Process: A streamlined and efficient interview process can help you identify and secure top talent before they’re snapped up by competitors.
  4. Promote Your Company Culture: Showcase your company culture in your job postings and interviews. Candidates aren’t just looking for a job – they’re looking for an organisation where they feel they belong and can thrive.
  5. Invest in Employee Training: Show potential hires that you’re invested in their career development. Offering training and development opportunities can make your company more attractive to ambitious candidates.
  6. Value Soft Skills: While technical skills are essential, don’t underestimate the value of soft skills. Attributes like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability can be just as important.
  7. Leverage Social Media: Use social media platforms to reach out to potential candidates. Platforms like LinkedIn can be a great resource for connecting with professionals in your industry.
  8. Consider Transferable Skills: Don’t disregard candidates who may not have the exact experience you’re looking for but have transferable skills. They could bring a fresh perspective to your team.
  9. Keep Communication Open: Keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process. Good communication can improve candidate experience and enhance your employer brand.
  10. Partner with a Recruitment Agency: Working with a specialised recruitment agency like ODIN Recruitment can save you time and resources. We can help with all of the above strategies and have the expertise and network to find high-quality candidates that fit your specific needs.

Hiring in a difficult climate can be daunting, but with strategic planning and execution, you can find the right talent for your organisation. And remember – you don’t have to do it alone. At ODIN Recruitment, we specialise in finding top talent in the technical and trades sectors. Our deep understanding of these industries enables us to find candidates who are not only qualified but also a good fit for your company culture.

Don’t let the challenging climate deter you from building an exceptional team. Get in touch with ODIN Recruitment today, and let us help you navigate through your hiring journey.

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