The hiring landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, leaving many hiring managers struggling to find and attract top talent. With unemployment rates at historic lows, candidates have more options and leverage than ever before. This new reality has created several key challenges for hiring managers that didn't exist just a few years ago. In this article, we'll explore the main struggles hiring managers face today and provide actionable tactics to help overcome them.
The Great Resignation's Lasting Impact
The mass exodus of workers that began in 2021, dubbed "The Great Resignation," has had a lasting impact on the hiring landscape. Millions of workers left their jobs seeking improved work-life balance, higher pay, better benefits, and more flexibility. This movement shifted significant power and leverage to job seekers, while leaving companies desperate to hire. Even though resignation rates have cooled slightly, hiring managers are still grappling with notably higher turnover and nonstop recruiting needs.
Tactics: To combat the Great Resignation's impact, managers need to get creative with the types of workers they target and how they pitch opportunities. Flexible work options, engaging company culture, and strong compensation and benefits should all be marketed. Managers also need to act quicker than ever before when engaging desirable candidates.
The Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work
Many of today's top candidates expect flexible work options and have zero interest in traditional on-site roles. In fact, a recent survey found that 93% of workers want a job with at least some remote work. The work-from-home genie is out of the bottle, and managers can no longer rely solely on candidates willing to work on-site full-time.
Tactics: Embracing remote and hybrid policies opens up talent pools well beyond a company's geographic location. Managers should highlight remote options in job postings and interviews while underscoring any flexible work arrangements. Also be prepared to speak to how collaboration and culture is maintained remotely.
The Skills Gap
Despite lots of talk about robots replacing humans at work, the more pressing concern for many hiring managers is actually finding humans with the in-demand skills needed on their teams. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, companies are struggling to secure talent with capabilities in areas like data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, AI/ML, and more.
Tactics: Some skills gaps can be addressed through internal development programs to upskill existing staff. But managers also need to get creative in how they assess skills in the hiring process. Looking beyond standard resumes for alternative ways to evaluate capabilities is key. Also consider contracting with third-parties to gain access to niche skill sets on-demand.
Heightened Competition
Not only are there less available workers to recruit, but hiring managers face stiff competition trying to attract them. Nearly all companies are ramping up recruiting efforts, using incentives like higher salaries, bonuses, and lush benefit packages. Recruiting departments are under immense pressure to avoid coming up empty-handed.
Tactics: The best candidates will usually have multiple offers to weigh. To stay competitive, managers should move the process along quickly, not let interviews linger. Make sure you understand the candidate's salary expectations early and be prepared to meet them. Also look for creative perks that set your opportunity apart, like signing bonuses, paid sabbaticals, and student loan repayment assistance.
The hiring challenges today are very real for managers. But with some adjustments to strategies and tactics, they can still build effective teams despite the turbulence. The key is accepting that the old hiring playbooks no longer work and focusing energy on proving why your opportunity stands out from the rest. The hiring landscape will likely remain highly competitive for the foreseeable future. Managers who can adapt will be well-positioned to thrive.
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