As 2021 looms on the horizon, the job market is much different than a year ago. Many workers have been laid off because of the pandemic, and the unemployment rate is near 7 percent. In January, it was under 4 percent.
Companies are likely to be getting a lot more job applications for open positions than they did before the pandemic hit. Here are a few ideas on how to deal with the influx of applications, as well as finding the best people.
Six Tips for Finding the Best Candidates for Your Job
1. Skills testing
One way to quickly and effectively winnow the number of candidates is through online skills testing.
If, for example, you are looking to fill electrician jobs in Seattle, you can use the skills test at the beginning of the application process to quickly identify candidates who do not have the right qualifications for the job. This way, you can avoid wading through piles of resumes to screen out candidates.
2. Accurate job ads
If you want to attract the best people for the job, you need to make sure your job descriptions accurately portray the knowledge and skills needed for it. Too often companies will simply post job descriptions they have used in the past, not checking to see if the job duties have changed or if new skills are needed.
Before posting the description, those directly involved in supervising the position should review the skills and knowledge needed for the job. They should also check to make sure the ad is not biased in any way.
3. Pursue passive candidates
There are many top-notch people not actively looking for work but who would be willing to talk to a recruiter and consider job offers. You need to go after these candidates as well. And it is much easier to do now with all of the social media sites available. You can look at professional group networking sites on LinkedIn and Facebook, for example.
You can also check with your own employees. They probably know of other good people in their profession who may be interested in talking if contacted.
4. Look at past applicants
There may be job applicants who were rejected in the past because their qualifications did not match those needed for the job, but who may be better suited for current openings. You should maintain a database of these people that you can consult in your search for talent.
5. A user-friendly process
The application process should be easy to navigate for job candidates. If it is unduly complicated or frustrating, you are going to lose people. Top-notch people are not going to waste their time filling out lengthy, detailed job applications or jump through a lot of other hoops.
Moreover, your company needs to make the experience a positive one for job candidates. You need to keep them up to date on the progress of the hiring process, where things are at, what the next steps are, and how long it should take. You need to communicate frequently with them, so you can answer any questions they may have.
6. Don’t leave them hanging
Any candidates that have been ruled out should be notified of their rejection promptly. To leave them waiting and wondering what is going on creates a bad impression of the company. It is not good public relations.
Looking To Fill Your Job? Contact Us Today!
If your company is looking to fill job openings, you can count on Opti Staffing to supply the people you need. We have staffing agencies in Vancouver, temp agencies in Tacoma, temp agencies in Portland, and temp agencies in Seattle to serve any need you may have. Give us a call today.