Creative Recruitment Strategy: Tips for a Challenging Job Market

Transcription

1 Creative Recruitment Strategy: Tips for a Challenging Job Market

2 My Career Path: Graduated from Miami University Bachelor s in Organizational Communication First full-time job (Two Men and A Truck) Found ad for position on Craigslist Worked for AAA Automobile Club prior to joining First Transit. Found passion for Recruiting, but wanted something more fast-paced First Transit career path: Regional Field Recruiter>Manager>Director

3 Agenda: About First Transit Who We Hire Current Challenges How did we get creative? Employment Branding Looking Ahead

4 About us : First Transit is a leading provider of transportation contract and management services, moving more than 350 million passengers annually. First Transit employs more than 19,000 dedicated transit professionals through Fixed Route, Paratransit and Shuttle services at more than 300 locations in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Panama, and India.

5 Who do we hire? Operators Technicians Utility Workers Customer Service Reps Dispatchers Supervisors Managers Corporate/Support Staff

6 What are your TOP recruitment challenges?

7 Top Recruitment Challenges: Operators Managers

8 Driver Recruitment Challenges: Competition Increasing Applicant Pool Decreasing Quality of applicant Competitor wages Low unemployment Job stigma Bus driving may not seem as glamorous as it once seemed!

9 Manager Recruitment Challenges: ROCKSTAR candidates Experience (service specific) Current Managers retiring Millennial applicant pool

10 How did we get creative? Team Structure Mindset Advertising Events Strategy

11 Field Recruiter Location Staff Team Structure Field Recruiters Time spent on strategy: Online Print Sourcing Grassroots Community Engagement Hiring Events Misc. Tip: Conventional is not always effective. Time spent in field: Consultative/Onsite Support Process Discipline Best Practices Truly learns market/grassroots campaigns

12 Team Structure: Tip: Try something new. After several unsuccessful attempts to solve one of our most challenging shortages in the DC market (over 100 drivers short between two locations), we hired a previous driver as our Recruiter in that market. He understood the role firsthand and built genuine relationships with the candidates based on his experience. After six months, the shortage was decreased to 17.

13 Mindset We shifted our focus to include both the sources that worked and the rotation of new ideas by trial and error. We held brainstorming sessions each month and made a team commitment to be openminded and to persevere, despite being told We ve tried that. It didn t work. Tip : Combine heads from different departments and utilize strengths.

14 Advertising Tip: Revamp your ad copy! Combine the following: Eye-catching tagline Competitive or unique benefits (List these toward the top) Work Environment Consistent but personal

15 Social Media Advertising Facebook Careers Page Digital and Free Ad Campaigns Snowball effect Engage Current Employees Contests & Promotions Photo & Video Authentic Tip: Switch up content!

16 Management Campaigns Focus on selling Location Company Role Incorporate Photos Grab attention Limit amount of text Colors that pop Tip: Use professional stock photos.

17 Events Halloween Hiring Event Location: Denver, CO Must haves: Feature Fun Food We try to focus our events on both recruitment and community engagement.

18 Digital Social Media Proactive Strategy Zip Code Reporting Recruiting Bus Analyze market Build Strategy Design materials Find the candidates Festivals Targeted advertising

19 How would you rank your employment brand?

20 Consider: Everything!

21 What s next? Advertising Employee Development Photo and video capabilities in online advertising/careers page Management Trainee Program

22 Key Takeaways: - Try something new - Brainstorm across departments & utilize individual strengths - Revamp your ad copy & switch up content on social media - Photos: be professional & authentic! - Events: Food! - Strategy: Proactive (find the employee) - Always remember your brand & take advantage of social media!

23 Contact Information: Lindsey Herman Director Talent Acquisition