Disappointing response to your job ad? Here’s what to do if you need to hire now

bmadmin • Feb 15, 2021

Is the response to your job ad leaving you feeling less than enthused? You’re not alone! According to Seek’s latest employment trends report , while job ads have increased to the highest levels we’ve seen for two years, application numbers have declined. Why? The rollercoaster that was 2020 has candidates re-assessing their priorities and seeking out more job security. While there’s still an amount of economic uncertainty, many candidates don’t feel that now is a good time to start in a new role.

However, there are still many high-quality candidates seeking a new opportunity – you just need to work a little harder to find them!

Here are our tips to recruiting successfully in a tight candidate market, without compromising on quality or cultural fit:

  • Make sure you allow plenty of time to undertake the recruitment process. Don’t be surprised if it takes a week or two longer from when you advertise the role to making an offer.
  • Your job ad needs to be well crafted and speak to the type of candidates you’re hoping to attract. Remember that you need to “sell” the role to applicants just as much as they need to “sell” themselves to you! Read more about how to write a great ad here
  • Ensure your recruitment process is robust and efficient. If you take too long to schedule interviews, ask applicants to jump through a number of hoops or delay making an offer, you risk losing your preferred candidate to someone else!
  • Recognise that candidates aren’t going to leave a stable position unless there’s some incentive for them to do so – and it’s not always a financial incentive. If COVID has taught us nothing else, it’s that flexibility and a role that suits your lifestyle is crucial. Another important factor to consider is learning and career development opportunities. If you can offer at least one of these, you’re well ahead of many employers.
  • Communicate to applicants the long-term plans for the business and how this role fits into those plans. People are looking for stability and want re-assurance that their position has a place in the business long-term.

Still not having any luck? Give us a call!

An experienced recruiter can be invaluable to a business in challenging markets such as these. With our extensive networks and ability to reach candidates that aren’t necessarily trawling Seek, you might save yourself a few weeks of frustration and a less than ideal outcome!

02 May, 2024
Thank you to everyone who attended our fantastic breakfast event Demystify, Strategise & Transform your Workplace Culture with Simon Thiessen last month. We were thrilled to have over 40 individuals from across SA to join us for a morning of networking, inspiration and insightful conversation. If you would like to be part of our next M&Co event, register your interest here .
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