Employer advice on how jobseekers screen companies
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Due to efficient information sharing and global connectivity in the 21st century, jobseekers are able to research their employers like never before. On top of this, there continues to be a shift in working practices and expectations as a result of open discussion around the job market. These are just some of the factors that pose a challenge for employers when attracting top industry talent. Understanding what jobseekers value in employers can help to not only entice but also retain highly skilled labour.
Top employer values in the 2024 UK job market
The nature of work has changed and continues to change on a number of different axes. One of the aspects of potential employers that jobseekers value most during their job search. This isn’t just about whether or not the individual feels they can excel in a role, but rather how they can develop professionally, form relationships, and get fulfilment from their work. At the time of writing, some of the most enticing employer values include:
Managers who lead from the front and set the standard for the workplace can be an effective draw for top talent. People often prefer to be held accountable to someone they trust and respect.
The job market can be very competitive in certain industries and during periods of economic downturn. Jobseekers want the security of a regular base salary in a stable role.
Employers who are transparent about the recruitment process and provide as much information as possible on the listing helps make a positive impression. Jobseekers appreciate a straightforward application process.
Sustainable practices are a great example of company values which can signal to potential candidates that an employer is committed to making a positive social contribution. Showcasing Corporate Social Responsibility efforts can be an effective strategy to attract talent.
A positive workplace culture is a major contributor employee satisfaction, engagement, productivity, and staff retention. This can be built up through core values, policies, and features of the working environment.
For many jobseekers, balancing work and life in healthier way has become a non-negotiable. One of the key indicators for companies that value work/life balance is the option for flexible working and generous provisions for holidays, leave, and notice.
Career development is crucial to jobseekers no matter their age or current level of seniority. There should be opportunities for employees to learn new skills and further knowledge, with a clear path for progression.
Employment advice for employers
Whether you’re an employer who’s actively recruiting, planning for future expansion, or simply looking to maintain your existing workforce levels, it’s important to have a sense of jobseeker expectations. Many of the company values that jobseekers are prioritising is in response to the state of the current job market. For instance, remote and hybrid working models have come to be expected in a range of industries since the first Covid lockdowns. The recent election of a Labour government has also brought forward many proposed changes to the landscape of employment law, such as the scrapping of Zero-hour Contracts.
Employers should stay up-to-date on jobseeker trends to help align their offerings accordingly. Neglecting key values and HR infrastructure could prevent the business from accessing top talent. Getting support from experienced business consultants will help employers adapt to the needs of the current talent pool.
How are jobseekers screening companies?
It can be a challenging task to get into the mind of jobseekers and understand what certain types of workers are looking for. A recent poll from the Jigsaw Business Group found that 44% of jobseekers would be put off applying to a role if the company had bad reviews. They would also consider the absence of a flexible working policy(33%) and the lack of incentives and benefits(25%). Based off the results of this survey, it’s clear that those looking for a new position are:
- Looking for proof of a positive workplace culture.
- Placing value on word-of-mouth when doing company research.
- Looking for employers to provide support to workers through practical benefits.
- Not placing as much value on salary.
Here for your STEM recruitment needs
Our Jigsaw specialist recruitment service aligns your business with highly skilled labour. In the digital age, jobseekers conduct extensive research on any company they see post a relevant job advert. Of course, they are searching for information such as the wage range and skill requirements, but also the aspects discussed in this article. There could be unique considerations based on the nature of the work as well. For example, a manufacturing employer might want to demonstrate how they are committed to securing the safety of their workers. Contact Jigsaw Business Group for manufacturing business consultant services and business consultancy services for other STEM industries.
