Let’s assume that there is now or soon will be a shortage of labour in the technology sector. Each day we hear from employers indicating to us they are finding it more difficult to source and hire technology candidates. In addition, surveys and studies conducted by IT World Canada, Robert Half Technology and the team of ITAC, Deloitte Touche and the Conference Board of Canada indicate agreement with this opinion.
If it is indeed a jobseekers’ market then the top candidates can pick and choose where they will work. If you would like them to work for your company, then you need your hiring manager or even your CIO/CEO to immediately be engaged in the recruiting process. In fact, in a talent war environment, hiring managers and senior executives need to be the first point of contact for the jobseeker.
When I was a Vice President of Sales, I scheduled and conducted interviews with jobseekers directly. I let my CEO know when I was conducting such interviews and asked her to book time out on her calendar to meet with candidates immediately following if I felt it necessary.
Therefore, if you are an “A” player in your organization, you no doubt know first hand the attributes most attractive to those top players seeking to work with you. Who could possibly share the insight, excitement and passion you have for your company better than you? How insulted would you be if your introduction to a prospective employer began with a request to fill out a lengthy questionnaire? How enthusiastic would you be if after that initial contact it took days or even weeks to hear back?
Are you making it easy for top talent to connect with you? Are you responding to them in a way they deserve and expect? If not, you are going to loose out on the top prospects which will put you consistently in the back seat interviewing less qualified talent..
Nothing can be more important to your business than securing the best talent. To recruit the best you have to prove you are the best. As a result, you can not afford not to personally recruit. Such a hands on approach will also help with your retention of these top players. Therefore make it your top priority!
