“How can I get more people?”
Over 12 million open jobs. More open jobs than ever. Record low unemployment.
Stories of job postings attracting zero interest. Stories of candidates not showing up for phone interviews, in person interviews, or even their first day after accepting the offer (a better offer came through just in time). Oh, the stories.
The people you really want are not casually perusing the help wanted sections. They don’t need a job. But they are interested.
Here’s the big difference, though. It used to be job first and company second. Now, it’s company first and job second.
When jobs are scarce we prioritize the position over the company. We hope we get both the position and the company we want, but that’s a luxury.
When jobs are plentiful, we prioritize the company over the job. What you are offering only piques our attention after we want to be a part of your company.
Right now, people aren’t looking for jobs, they are looking for companies.
Your brand is more important than ever. Your external brand? Yes. Who you are in the broader market matters. But I am talking more about your internal brand. Your brand as an employer.
Getting people is going to be tough for the foreseeable future. So, get to work on building your internal brand. Crystallize what you believe. Concisely talk about what you are here to do. Demonstrate your values. Take the mystery out of what it’s like to work at your company.
Then, get the word out. Brand work takes time. If you don’t start, though, you will still be blasting LinkedIn with job ads a year from now with similar results.
