The state of the job market is making it tough for many businesses – particularly smaller ones – to find the staff they need.
Job ads on SEEK hit a record high in 2022, with more jobs advertised than before the pandemic. We’re also seeing less people applying for these jobs – applications per job reached a decade low this year.
Many people are hesitant about changing jobs. They’re uncertain whether their next role will provide the job security, satisfaction, or cultural fit that their current role provides.
Australia is also experiencing one of the lowest unemployment rates we’ve seen in a long time.
So, we have more jobs available and advertised, but fewer people applying for these jobs, which makes it challenging if you’re trying to hire right now. So, what can you do about it?
You can’t control the market conditions, but you can do four key things when you’re hiring to make your role more attractive. Here’s what to try:
- Create a clear job ad: Vague or inaccurate information is frustrating to applicants. Providing key details helps you match with the right people and skills you’re looking for. It also gives people more confidence to apply, knowing that the job is right for them.
- Think about the skills you need: Skills like communication, critical thinking and problem solving are valuable in almost any role. Looking for these skills in the applications you receive might help you expand your options.
- Keep candidates in the loop: Given how competitive hiring is right now, engaging with candidates and keeping them up to date on the hiring process can reduce the chance they’ll move onto another opportunity.
- Simplify your hiring process: Remove any unnecessary steps that might be making the process longer than it needs to be. A shorter hiring process can save you money and time and reduces the chances of skilled people dropping out.
It’s a challenging time for many businesses to find suitable staff. But taking practical steps like this can help you attract more applications, and ultimately, find the right person for your role.
