Employers are anticipating recruitment could become even more challenging over the next year. E-recruitment provider Jobvite’s first UK Social Recruitment Survey, has revealed that 58 percent of recruiters say that a lack of skilled or qualified candidates is now their biggest challenge to hiring talented workers. The survey looked at strategies used by employers to win the battle to recruit quality talent.
There is now more pressure than ever on UK recruiters to find the right people. But the survey discovered that 60 percent of employers spend no more than £1,000 a year on job boards, mobile career websites, career sites, social media recruiting and Applicant Tracking Systems. But around a fifth continues to spend £5,000-£15,000 each year on external recruitment agencies.
The latest study by the Office of National Statistics show a wavering employment rise, with an increase in unemployment. This could be because recruiters are facing bigger problems with hiring due to a nationwide skills shortage. A shrinking skills market has seen employers finding innovative new ways of finding the best candidates.
Could social media be the answer? Only a small number of UK recruiters exploit the recruitment opportunities that social media offers. Just 40 percent are presently on social media. But times are changing and one third of recruiters plan to invest more in social recruiting in the next year. Over a quarter of recruiters have found the most effective way to increase their employer brand is with social or professional networks.
Of the 40% of recruiters in the UK using social media for identifying candidates;
- 75% use Facebook,
- 57% choose Twitter, and
- 38% turn to LinkedIn.
40% of recruiters also identified flexible working as a way of influencing candidate decisions.
In addition, the following additional benefits ranked highly:
- employer matched pension plans,
- free transport/parking,
- a casual dress code,
- free snacks and
- an open plan office
The advice to businesses who are struggling to recruit is to focus on their well-known and successful methods of recruiting and retention. There is no quick win in the talent war. But start by building creative strategies today and acquire the talent you will need for your business to grow tomorrow.
