PPB December 2017

W henever we ask our clients about their most difficult challenge, they almost always say it is hiring qualified people. This is particularly true, they say, when it comes to hiring entry- level, unskilled hourly workers. Whether we’re talking about warehouse employees, factory workers or delivery drivers, finding and keeping this type of talent is very difficult. According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate remains very low for unskilled workers. As a result, fewer of themare looking for work, and job vacancies are going unfilled for longer periods of time. What’s more, traditional forms of recruiting are no longer effective in attracting them. If you are experiencing this dearth of candidates for entry-level positions, here are some recruiting approaches that may help. Target Your Job Posting Typically, entry-level employees rely on their mobile phones, not personal computers, to access the internet. It’s essential, therefore, that your application process supports mobile interfaces and makes it easy to learn about and apply for positions via a smartphone. If your current website or recruiting application is not friendly for this type of device, then consider investing in an online applicant tracking system such as ApplicantStack, Zoho Recruit, or JazzHR, which can support mobile access 24/7. Many of these systems can be tied to your corporate website or social media platforms and can be purchased on a pay-as-you-go basis so you will only pay for it during active search periods. You also want tomake sure your position is easy to find online. Multiple key search terms for the same position can help. For example, if you are looking for janitorial staff, youmay want to include janitor, cleaning, custodial, housekeeping, maids , and facility services in your key search terms. Use The Right Job Boards Recognize that unskilled employees do not frequent LinkedIn, Monster.com or Indeed.com, so posting on those platforms is a waste of time and money when you are trying to reach this group. That said, Craigslist can be a powerful, cost-effective tool in some geographic areas. Local penny- saver circulars and classified ads (online and print versions) can also be effective. And when you advertise a position that you feel has attractive pay and benefits for an entry-level worker, don’t hold back—promote these and other attributes as strongly as you can. Consider Deploying Social Media Using your social media presence can be extraordinarily effective in finding talent. Some of our clients are using social media almost exclusively to find their hires. The best platforms for this are Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—or WhatsApp if you are looking for Spanish-speaking workers. Be sure to post your position on those platforms and include the link to your job application. On Facebook, you can even create a career tab for your company. The key to making these platforms effective is to Target Your Recruiting Efforts For Entry-Level Positions Seeking unskilled, hourly workers? Follow these steps to attract the best candidates. by Claudia St. John 80 | DECEMBER 2017 | CONNECT