Looking for a staff member with a specific qualification?
It is important to understand that you will most likely be hiring someone who already has a job, so it pays to think outside the box, particularly when there is a skills shortage.
Like all markets, the Labour Market works on supply and demand. When there is a shortage on the supply side (skilled/qualified staff), it is worth considering what you offer over and above competitive wages and entitlements, that will help make you an employer of choice, for example:
- Flexibility and project-based work
- Opportunities to learn and develop
- Work life balance and wellness initiatives
- Autonomy
- Supportive leadership
- Opportunities to innovate.
Think outside the box
Advertising a vacancy is one of the leading ways employers find staff, however when looking for someone with a specific qualification, there are additional strategies worth considering, including:
- Group Training Organisations (GTOs) – Touch base with GTOs in your area, they deal with multiple employers, and often look to find new host employers for their apprentices when one of their employers downsizes. They may know of an apprentice that is close to finishing their trade.
- Trade Associations – It is worth talking to industry-based trade associations, and attending their events to network with other employers, or tradespeople that may be looking for a new opportunity
- Trade Colleges – Search for local Trade Colleges and build a relationship with them, offer placements to college students within your company as a tool to find talent
- Professional Organisations – In the case of professions like allied health, it is worth contacting professional organisations, attending events, and/or offering placements or internships as a tool to find talent
- Private Recruiters – A recruiter is one of the first places that a highly qualified, employed person will go when they are looking for a new opportunity. Recruiters charge fees, so make sure that you discuss this openly, including guarantees that the recruiter offers if the placement does not continue past probation.
The Cessnock City Jobs Portal has been jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund – Community Projects Stream, and Cessnock City Council.
