What candidates really want…..from a recruiter who spends all day every day talking to candidates! So, what are the key drivers which motivate candidates in the current job market?  Job satisfaction: Candidates want to feel fulfilled by their work & enjoy what they do on a day-to-day basis. They search for roles that align with their skills, interests & values. Career advancement: Candidates seek out opportunities for growth within a company or industry. They want to know that their efforts will be recognized and that there are opportunities to move up the career ladder. Work/life balance: Candidates look out for roles which allow them to balance their work responsibilities with their personal life. This includes flexible work hours, work from home opportunities and additional leave which can be used for holidays, time with their family or even volunteering with an organisation close to their heart. Competitive remuneration: Candidates want to be fairly compensated for their skills & experience. They seek out roles which offer competitive salaries, benefits & other financial perks. With the increase in cost of living, this is becoming increasingly important to job seekers. Positive company culture: Candidates seek out a workplace that values team work, collaboration & a positive work environment. They want to work for an organisation that is committed to diversity & inclusion, supports employee well-being and can display their commitment to a sustainable future. A lot of organisations utilise the interview as a chance to talk through the candidates skills, throw in a couple of behavioural based questions, tell them about the job on offer and then skip to ‘have you got any questions for me?’. Perhaps next time, try really talking with your candidate about what will motivate them to say ‘yes, that job’s for me’. It will give you a chance to then display back to them all the fantastic opportunities on offer in your business. They may be extremely passionate about the environment, tell them about your sustainability committee; they may want to work in a role that is a solid stepping stone to a management accountant role, provide them with an example of someone in the organisation which has developed their career due to the internal support they received. It might make the process a little longer but at the end of the day, you will end up with a candidate that is engaged through the recruitment process and passionate about working for your organisation!

2022 may not be business as usual, but there’s still a lot to get excited about. Rethinking careers, re-evaluating work-life balance and seeking increased renumeration – these are the major factors influencing talent in the market and contributing to current workforce shortages. As we re-emerge from the depths of the pandemic and unemployment hits its lowest levels in years, there’s still one pressing issue facing the Australian workforce – a labour shortage. Following the ongoing changes to our professional lives throughout the last two years, it’s been a constant struggle for local businesses and organisations to find and retain the right talent. It seems the combination of a skills shortage and more than two years of no migration, has left the talent pool looking a little empty to say the least. So, why is the situation so dire even though we’re hitting record low levels of unemployment? Well, there’s the obvious increased demand for workers due to the delayed reopening of international border and its effect on a lack of talent – however there’s more to the story. According to the latest research by LinkedIn , as many as three in five Australian candidates are considering changing roles in the coming 12 months due to an increased desire to find a career that aligns with their lifestyle as well as their personal values. “People are really questioning what they want in life these days and how their employment aligns with their own ethics,” says SB Recruitment founder, Sarah Bolster. “Many are moving away from those big, large corporate organisations in favour or smaller organisations where they can feel more seen, more valued and like they’re having a positive impact on their patch in the world through their work.” But it’s not just the larger question or passion and purpose that’s playing a role in our ongoing talent shortage – many candidates are also basing their next move on flexibility and renumeration. “The work-from-home approach is starting to leave people feeling exhausted, so having that hybrid mix of home and office is something they’re really interested in,” adds Sarah. “They care about their family time, but they also need a place to escape and focus.” The biggest driver, however, is still the desire to increase their income. It appears that savvy organisations that want the best candidates, will also be the ones increasing their salaries. “Renumeration has continued to be a key driver here, and that won’t be changing any time soon,” says Sarah. “Candidates know they’re in high demand, which is why they’re taking their time to find the right role that speaks to their key motivations.” This is particularly true of public sector clients, according to Sarah, who are offering competitive salaries to attract talent with in-demand skillsets. Employees are even receiving enticing counter offers from their employers to remain where they are – as employers worry about top talent leaving for greener professional pastures. “In a skills-short market, it’s what employers need to do to retain their key contributors,” explains Sarah. Whether you call it the great resignation or the great reshuffle, it’s clear now is the time for agility, flexibility and a sharp focus on the future for both employers and employees.

It can be time consuming and often exhausting looking for a role that aligns to your skills as well as your professional interests and expectations. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new position or you’re hoping to re-enter the workforce after an absence or caring duties, having someone on your side to help navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead can be priceless. Here are five of our favourite reasons why working with a recruiter can have a positive and lasting impact on your career. 1 . You won’t be job hunting alone Teamwork makes the dream work, and when it comes to recruiters – you can rest easy knowing you’ve got someone in your corner doing their best to ensure your interests and skills align perfectly to the role you’re destined to get. A good recruiter doesn’t just work in the background either – they help you prepare for interviews, and provide feedback and assistance when the time comes to accept your eventual job offer. They’ll even help update your CV or portfolio as necessary, so you have the best chance at landing an interview. This doesn’t just streamline the job-hunting process, it helps save you time, as well. 2. You’ll have more access to more opportunities One of the best things about recruiters is that they know where the jobs are. While you may be able to keep an eye on multiple job boards for the role of your dreams, it’s important to remember that not every position is advertised this way. Many organisations rely solely on recruiters to find their ideal candidates. By working with a recruiter, you’ll have the best chance at accessing roles and opportunities within your chosen industry that aren’t always advertised publicly or online. Your recruiter will also be able to provide information about the role or organisation you’re considering that may not be available to you otherwise. 3. You’ll create a beneficial and lasting relationship Once you’ve worked with a recruiter, you’ll remain on their database going forward. This means you’ll have ongoing access to other opportunities while remaining front of my mind for any future roles that align to your unique skillset. This gives your relationship longevity and provides a level of mutual trust. If a recruiter knows you well, they’ll be able to instantly identify if a future position is suitable to your abilities, interests and experience. 4. Make the most of being connected When it comes to the job-search, recruiters have a network of industry connections they can access at any time. It’s almost like secret weapon you can utilise whenever you want to get yourself or your CV in front of the right people. Not only do recruiters have strong relationships with members of various HR departments and clients – they’ve got a personal understanding of what these individuals and groups are looking for with their next hire. Best of all – it’s all there for you to make the most of and reap the benefits. 5. No more awkward salary conversations When it comes to talking money, sometimes it can get a little uncomfortable. Candidates know what they’re worth but often feel too nervous or intimidated to ask for the salary they truly want. Recruiters help you get the renumeration package you deserve because they know your value, understand the market-rate for your experience level and have insight into the budgets for the roles they’re trying to place. If you’re looking to work with a recruiter or want to learn more about the services we provide at SB Recruitment, simply reach out to our team and we will do our best to find you the perfect next role.

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