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Recruiting in challenging times: 6 strategies for success

Running a business isn’t easy, especially when times are tough. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes and challenges for businesses, propelling them into a ‘new normal’. The impact of the pandemic on businesses has been vast and far-reaching, with few business areas remaining unaffected.

Running a business isn’t easy, especially when times are tough. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes and challenges for businesses, propelling them into a ‘new normal’. The impact of the pandemic on businesses has been vast and far-reaching, with few business areas remaining unaffected.

There was a huge shift in demand for products and services. Businesses needed to scale back operations, invest in new technology to facilitate customer interactions, and manage virtual workforces. The pandemic also kick-started “The Great Resignation”, with pay, job fulfilment and work-life balance among the top motivators for workers looking to change jobs.

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1. Define your needs.

Know what you are looking for in your candidate. Make a list of ‘must-have’ skills and experience and the ‘nice to have’ ones. Do you need someone who can come into the office regularly, or can you offer them a hybrid schedule? Be realistic about how much you can propose regarding salary and benefits, and research what your competition is offering.

2. Define your USPs.

What’s going to attract people to your business over another? Alongside a competitive salary package, assess whether your company’s offerings are on trend and will be considered a draw for your ideal candidates.

For example, does your company demonstrate strong ESG values, a range of attractive benefits, flexible working practices or excellent company culture? Understand that, and your job becomes much easier, but resist the temptation to oversell - making promises you can’t keep will leave you with a disillusioned and disengaged workforce. Communication is key to attracting and retaining top talent.

3. Try out new channels.

You never know where you’ll find that perfect candidate – from using social media to attract talent to encouraging employee referrals. Be open to trying new things during the recruitment process.

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4. Don’t compromise on your hire.

Recruiting can be costly, so you want to do it right. In other words: find the best person for the job, not just the first available one. Hold out for someone who wants to join your ranks and who’ll fit in with your culture and values. Look for genuine enthusiasm, someone who sees you as part of their career path rather than as a stopgap. Communicate your offerings and expectations clearly to ensure you retain the talent you have just hired.

5. Look to the future.

You might not be in a position to expand your headcount just yet, but you can still use this time to your advantage. Build the right relationships now, and you’ll be in the best position possible when you’re ready to recruit. Start dialogues, connect with people on LinkedIn, and focus on building a brand that people want to work for. Put the effort in now, and you’ll save time and energy when you’re ready to hire.

6. Work with a recruiter.

When times change, you don’t have to pretend to know everything. Asking for expert help can save you time and money in the long run, which is why many companies work closely with a recruitment consultant who understands the industry, the current jobs market, and the company’s hiring needs.

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  • Lay the groundwork by clearly defining your needs and offerings.
  • Be open to trying new recruitment strategies – whether it is just connecting with potential candidates for the future or cross-hiring from other industries.
  • Work with a recruitment consultant who understands your business, industry and hiring needs.

Attracting high-calibre candidates during hard times requires creativity and following a few golden rules. For more insights and employer guides, visit the Adecco blog.

Hiring? Adecco can help put the right people on your team and give you the support and resources you need to keep them there. To learn more, contact us today.

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