Jobless claims in the United States jumped yet again today. On Thursday, the BLS reported another 1.9 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits, bringing the total number of unemployed to 43+ million. Yet employers that are hiring are struggling to attract the right candidates. This rift is perplexing with so many people out of work. Some workers that are laid off are enjoying their newfound free time, some are making even more money on unemployment than when they were working, and others are just difficult to find. If you are one of the many employers that need talent, here is how your team can attract job seekers during COVID-19.
Share your benefits and perks
With an extra $600 per month on unemployment, thousands of workers are making more than they were while employed. So, how do you attract those people that are making extra money each week while enjoying a little free time? Your organization should make your company’s benefits and perks transparent. In your job descriptions, layout the benefits you offer, as well as the perks your team gets to have. Offer occasional remote work or have an outstanding 401(k) program? Share that early (and often) in your recruitment efforts! These perks are challenging to come by for many job seekers, so sharing your benefits will be your secret weapon.
Share a glimpse of your culture
Another excellent way to attract top-notch job seekers is to share a glimpse of your company culture. Culture is huge right now, and job seekers want to work for an employer that aligns with their values and beliefs. When you write your job descriptions, add a section that briefly discusses what it’s like to be part of your team. Include links to videos, social media posts, or sections of your website that illustrate your culture.
If your new employees will be working remotely at first or even temporarily, ensure you make them feel welcome from their first day. It can be challenging to build a strong culture remotely. If you are looking for ways to create a positive employee experience for your remote team, here are a few things you can implement to help you attract and retain your staff.
Referral programs
Do you offer a referral program? If you have a teammate that refers a candidate to an open position of yours, reward their efforts! If that referral leads to a hire, give that employee a nice thank you and a small token of your appreciation. Whether it’s a gift card or even a cash bonus, creating a referral program is a great way to attract qualified candidates, even during a global pandemic. If you have a program, ensure your entire staff knows about it so they are incentivized to send over great resumes!
Work with a recruiting firm
These are just a few things your team can do to attract job seekers during COVID-19. But if your team is still struggling to attract candidates during the pandemic, don’t give up hope. Work with a recruiting firm, like Johnson Service Group, that can help you source the right candidates for your team. We have a pipeline of excellent candidates that are ready to get back to work now.
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