Let’s lay it on the line: What the heck do Northland employers have to do right now to attract candidates and keep new hires onboard? With unemployment at historic lows (1.8% according to DEED), here are our top three recommendations:
1) Post the wage.
Hands down, this is our #1 tip for getting candidates to click “Apply Now.” Remember, you can always reach out to us for data on what competitive wages look like in our region. If you’re worried the wage isn’t attractive enough, there are other ways you can make the job competitive (read on).
2) Follow up with applicants.
Getting too many great applicants is a good problem to have… but it’s still a problem! If you find yourself in this position, be sure to include a step in the hiring process for following up with all candidates — those that you hire, and those that you don’t.
This could be as simple as an email or a quick phone call to thank the candidate for their interest and encourage them to apply again another time. It’s a small courtesy that can pay off in rich dividends: Give the candidate clarity, and close on a positive note. The candidate will likely remember the gesture and speak positively with others about their experience with your business. A little word-of-mouth marketing can go a long way!
Applicants have a high level of interest in your business. Even if they’re not qualified for a given position now, they could make an excellent match for similar roles, down the road. Keep those resumes on hand. This way, the next time you need to make a hire, you’ll have a reserve you can draw from and a starting point for the hiring process.
3) Cater to the whole employee.
How can you give someone the resources they need to accept your job offer? The last thing you want to do is waste time trying to hire someone who won’t be able to find housing, child care, and other essentials.
We recommend BeNorth.org as a resource that’s easy to share with new (and longtime!) employees. This all-in-one online directory is packed with leads on Northland resources to help with moving to northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, or relocating within the area. At a glance, the website also gives candidates a sense for the amazing quality of life this region has to offer.
