Trouble Finding Staff?

Finding quality trade qualified employees is the bane of most trade service business, painters included. As someone who offers recruitment services to clients, taking on a trade listing always involves a little bit of trepidation. I pride myself on delivery a great candidate but sometimes finding a good trade candidate can be difficult. But not at the moment!

In the last two months, we have recruited for two qualified painters, two qualified light vehicle mechanics (even more rare than a painter!), a light commercial electrical and two certified trade trainers as well as a couple of trade’s assistants. In all cases there was a reduced number of applicants, but the quality was great and we were able to have a successful candidate within the week in most cases and two weeks in the rest.

This is a unique time and one that’s not going to last much longer. The increase in the JobSeeker payment and the decrease in the reporting obligations for JobSeeker means that only those serious about working are submitting applications. Travel restrictions also means that we’re receiving only minimal applications from workers overseas seeking sponsorship. This means that applications received are from genuine workers wanting to work.

Across the board the applicants we’ve received are looking for:

Long term stability Good workplace culture Varied work Happy to work on smaller projects

For most candidates these have all been weighted more heavily than pay. Most have recognised that the boom times are over and they are prepared to take a few dollars pay cut for the benefit of working for a stable and solid company. They have also recognised that they were just a number at the big company and now seeking smaller companies where they’ll be valued and appreciated.

So, here are my tips to maximise your recruitment searches:

Advertise on more than one platform. Seek still remains the biggest platform but there are others - Indeed, Jora and even Facebook – I advertise in the local community groups as well as using Facebook jobs. All except Seek offer free versions to advertise. Make sure your ad is interesting. You’re not just advertising a job but your company as well. There are less candidates around so make sure that a candidate wants to click on your advert and apply. Make it easy to apply. Create a sense of urgency for them to apply. Ring every halfway decent candidate. Don’t just go off their resume. One of the mechanics I recruited for, the company dealt in performance cars. I received an application from someone who only listed his last two jobs – Harry’s Mufflers and Corner Mechanics. Nothing to get excited about, however, when I called him it turns out he had worked for Mercedes Benz in their performance team for 15 years! Something that would’ve been really handy to have on his resume, but I’m thankful he didn’t as it meant we got him when others would’ve overlooked him. My client’s only problem now is keeping the work up to him. Ring candidates daily and get them in for a trial that week if possible. Candidates are moving fast and you don’t want to miss out. When meeting your candidate, find out what they’re looking for in a job and make sure you highlight how your business can meet that. This is an interview for both of you, they’re also evaluating you against the 10 other companies that have rung them. Its not all about money but make sure you’re not underpaying either. A fair wage along with a great culture and interesting work will attract and keep good staff.

And finally, don’t hold out looking for a unicorn. Sometimes what you’re looking for isn’t in the marketplace right now, but with a bit of training, support and guidance, a less experienced worker can turn into your best employee. Same goes for an older worker who might be looking to step back from some of the responsibilities they had before and are now happy to hold a brush all day doing a good job.

If you’re having trouble finding a new staff member, then reach out to Vanessa from HR Maximised on 0418 190 106 or vanessa@hrmaximised.com.au

Vanessa Petch HR Maximised 0418 190 106