As previously discussed, it can be quite difficult hiring in to today’s candidate-driven market. The current job market has shifted to where the candidates now possess the upper hand. Qualified, top talent candidates are in high demand and they know it. Therefore, you must pull out all the stops to show job applicants why they should work for you. Improperly selling yourself may lead you to miss out on top talent.

It is important to differentiate yourself from your competitors and other leaders in the industry in order to attract top talent you seek. Prove how they can benefit and succeed professionally and personally by joining your team. Listed below are 5 ways to do just that.

1. Set forth a clear-cut mission for your company.

Candidates want to know what a company is all about before applying to a position. They look to work where they feel comfortable knowing that what the company is doing truly matters. Employees want to be part of a team that respects the firm’s goals and mission, setting forth an atmosphere of camaraderie. “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – Henry Ford. This rings true for the success and evolution of the company as well as the individual.

2. Define your company culture.

Job candidates pursue companies that encompass like-minded employees who share similar beliefs and ideas. Top talent candidates want to ensure that their personality and spirit, in addition to their aptitudes, fit in with the business’s environment. There is nothing more detrimental to an employee’s morale and work performance than the feeling of not fitting in. Establishing your company’s culture helps you to narrow down your candidate pool and attract top talent that fits right in with your business’s setting and needs.

3. Be very specific about the top talent you seek.

Specify the exact skills set, qualifications, and experience you are looking for in a candidate. Be clear on the employee’s expectations needed to fulfill the job. Detail the salary, benefits and perks offered and emphasize any potential opportunities for growth and advancement. Top talent job seekers need to know that the position’s specifics match their requirements. Providing all of this information upfront not only helps you to attract top talent but also helps you to avoid wasting their time and yours.

4. Be flexible and don’t be cheap!

Make sure that the salary and benefits you are offering are commensurate with what you are asking of from the job candidate. Today’s top talent expect top pay and perks. Research the current job market trends to aid you in establishing a salary range for the job position. Furthermore, show employees that you understand and respect the work-life balance. Traditional office standards are practically obsolete, so offer flexibility to your employees. Whether it’s welcoming your employees to move around the office to get their juices flowing or allowing them to occasionally work remotely from home, these are incentives top talent seek and gravitate toward.

5. Take care of your people!

The care you provide to your current employees speaks volumes to the top talent you acquire. When you care for and respect your workers as employees and as individuals, that care is passed along among all staff members. Working in an environment centered around respect, unity, and overall success is key to any job seeker. Your reputation as a caring, understanding and respectful boss will get around and will attract top talent you seek.

If you have any questions about hiring, or if we can be a sounding board for your job search inquiries, please contact us at 212-244-2777.