This Jenny Stilwell article from her BOSSMENTOR Article Archive was very interesting for me as we talk with employers all day about what they want but we also ensure we ask “what are you offering.” With her dot points below, it is imperative that employers address these issues and check their recruitment team or outsourced agency are representing them properly.

How to Attract the People you Need:

Just because you select an ideal recruit for your business, doesn’t mean they will automatically want to work for you. Why not?

Many businesses overlook the fact that they have to sell their offer and make it an attractive option for prospective new employees.

If you operate in a competitive environment where good recruits are scarce, or when you are trying to attract very high calibre people, it is essential that you make your business, and the position, sound as appealing as possible.

Here are some factors to consider:

Consider what drives people to join new companies. They typically want:

1. a new challenge
2. more money
3. opportunities for promotion
4. to work in a larger company
5. to work in a smaller company environment
6. to work closer to home
7. to work in an environment where they can improve their skills and learn
8. to work in a company full of friendly people
9. to work for a market leader
10. a manager who will spend time with them to teach and mentor

Does you business offer any of these enticements?

If it doesn’t, you may have issues with how the business is structure, or how it is performing, and may need to make some internal assessments and adjustments before  you are able to attract the kind of people you need and want.

If you do meet some of these criteria, then the next question is, how do you sell your business and the position to the candiate. At every point possible!

The advertisement:

1. Outline what’s positive and different about your company
2. Make it sound interesting

Your website:

1. Presentation – professional or amateurish?
2. Overview of your business – should provide reasonable detail
3. Clients – some reference to clients is a positive indicator

The interview:

1. Reception and greeting – friendly, and again, professional
2. Positive interaction – encourage questions at the end
3. Be animated when interviewing and talking about your business
4. You and the company must reflect the culture (professional/casual, committed, creative, service focus etc.)

Follow up:

1. Needs to be a fast turn around if you want the person
2. Well organised – timeliness, information in the offer

If you do all of these things it is more than likely that you will be able to employ a candidate who matches your requirements, and the culture of your company. Good luck!