When a vacancy isn’t attracting the right candidates, it’s easy to assume there simply aren’t enough people available. But before looking further afield, it can be worth taking a closer look at what you’re offering.
Salary remains an important part of any recruitment decision, but candidates are increasingly looking at the whole employment package when deciding whether a role is right for them.
Depending on the role and sector, that might include flexible working, holiday allowance, working hours, training and development, pension contributions, progression opportunities or other benefits.
This doesn’t mean every business needs to compete by offering the highest salary or an extensive benefits package. What matters is understanding what candidates in your sector value and whether your overall offer is competitive.
It’s also important to consider how the opportunity is presented. A well-written job advert should clearly explain the salary, benefits, working arrangements and opportunities available. If candidates have to guess what they’re being offered, they may simply move on to another opportunity.
For employers, regularly reviewing salaries and benefits can help identify where changes may be needed. It can also help with retention. If existing employees see new recruits receiving significantly better packages, it can create frustration and potentially encourage valued members of the team to look elsewhere.
At Riverside Recruitment, we have regular conversations with both employers and candidates, giving us a useful insight into what people are looking for and how businesses are positioning their opportunities.
Sometimes the answer isn’t simply increasing the salary. It may be about looking at the complete package and making sure you’re communicating its value effectively.
Riverside’s Take
If you’re finding it harder to attract the right candidates, don’t automatically assume you need to increase your salary offer. Take a step back and look at the complete package from a candidate’s perspective. Understanding what your target candidates value could help you make a more competitive offer without simply adding to the payroll.
If you’d like a conversation we’d be happy to share our insight. Get in touch with us today and find out how you can start to build the team you’ve always wanted.
The Hiring Manager’s Corner is Riverside Recruitment’s weekly series, sharing practical recruitment advice and insights to help local businesses attract, recruit and retain great people.
