What Candidates Are Looking for When Job Hunting in the New Year

Job seekers are expecting a lot from employers in the coming year. You need to begin preparations now, so you offer what candidates are looking for. If not, they will turn to your competition for jobs instead.

Make sure you offer these key things for job seekers in 2022.

Diversity and Inclusion

Job seekers want to work for companies that prioritize hiring and honoring people with different backgrounds and abilities. It is important that candidates see themselves represented within an organization before they decide to apply. They also want to know that their unique talents and strengths will be celebrated and rewarded. If this is not the case, applicants will look elsewhere to find a workplace that values feeling like an important part of the team.

Transparency

Candidates want to see that management and leadership make business decisions in line with the company mission. Applicants want to understand why a company is hiring for a new role, expanding to a new location, or acquiring another business. Because job seekers desire to work for an organization whose vision and values are similar to theirs, candidates want to understand the direction the company is going in. Transparency builds trust, which contributes to high performance. If applicants feel they are not being given enough information about an organization, they will look elsewhere for employment.

A Top Candidate Experience

Job seekers expect ongoing communication throughout the recruitment process. They need to know that their application was received, where they are at in the process, and what the next steps are. Applicants also appreciate guidelines as to what to expect and when they should hear from you by. Otherwise, your star applicants are likely to apply with companies that provide a better candidate experience.

Opportunities for Advancement

Applicants want the ability to move up within an organization. Because career growth is so important, candidates need to work with managers who support their upward mobility. This includes offering training, coaching, mentoring, stretch assignments, cross-training, and other ways to add to skill sets. If you do not clarify career paths within your organization, job seekers will apply with other companies.

Begin Planning Your Accounting and Finance Staffing Needs

Job seekers place a high value on issues like transparency and diversity, and inclusion. They also want a top candidate experience and opportunities for advancement. Providing what applicants desire can mean the difference between hiring the best talent or settling for less.

When planning for your upcoming accounting and finance staffing needs, be sure to include Casey Accounting & Finance Resources. We have vetted professionals ready to help your business move forward in 2022.

Take a Step Back and Create a Strong Process to Improve Your Talent Strategy

One of your company’s biggest focal points is finding top talent. When you have the best professionals working for you, your business stays competitive. Therefore, you want to always be improving on your recruiting strategies. Here are some tips for creating a strong process to improve your talent strategy.

Create Clear Job Descriptions

Ask your co-workers what the nature of the position is and what qualifications are required. If an employee is working in a similar role, ask for their input as well. Update past job descriptions so they contain current information. When you use the descriptions to write job postings, you’ll know the key responsibilities required for the position, with whom the employee works and to whom they report, and how the employee can advance in the organization. Because candidates understand what qualifications you’re looking for, what their performance should look like, what the company’s management structure is and how the candidate may be promoted, you’ll be able to find the quality candidates you’re looking for.

Profile Your Ideal Candidate

Determine which skills and experience your ideal candidate has. This includes four to six easily observable characteristics that most skilled professionals in the same position share. The characteristics may be viewed from a candidate’s resume, application or screening interview and must be logically connected to being successful on the job. Ensure each characteristic is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-related (SMART).

Craft Your Pitch to Top Talent

The best candidates have a multitude of opportunities available to them. Therefore, you need to point out what you have to offer candidates that your competition does not. Ensure your pitch is personalized, concise, compelling and transparent. For example, include why your product/service is unique, who your target audience is and how you plan to reach that audience. Mention your quantitative goals such as revenue, profitability and number of employees for the next five and 10 years. In addition, bring up how your company can further a candidate’s career planning through additional training, mentorship and other professional development. State what your company culture is like and why employees enjoy working for you.

Work With a Leader in Accounting and Finance Staffing  

Work with a leader in accounting and finance staffing in Chicago. Get in touch with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources today!

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