When the stark realities of a life-threatening virus required the world to hit “pause,” millions of people started asking probing questions about their choices, most notably about how they earn a living. What followed the initial lockdown in the U.S. was a perfect storm of circumstances that created a labor shortage.
Now, recruiters and hiring managers already tested by pandemic-related challenges are regularly seeking new strategies for attracting and engaging job candidates. Increased wages and long-term health benefits are helping, though there are obvious financial implications that limit how far these perks can run.
Company culture is another aspect of operations playing a key role in attracting and keeping the right talent.
In simple terms, culture is knowing why and how you do what you do. It is a shared set of values, norms, and expectations. (To explore a more nuanced look at this topic, SHRM’s comprehensive article is excellent and includes questions to encourage next steps.)
How Does Company Culture Intersect with Hiring?
According to Fortune magazine, in an economy where job seekers have multiple options, workplace culture becomes a vital component of the staffing equation. The “show me the money” mantra is now “show me work/life balance” or “show me that the work has value.”
When candidates ask, “Tell me what it’s like to work here,” they are wanting you to answer in a manner that reflects the values or ethos of your organization.
Are you highlighting what steps are taken to ensure that each staff member is known and equipped to succeed?
When you talk about growth opportunities, are you offering employees ownership over their circumstances and flexibility toward achieving goals?
Do you celebrate milestones and achievements? And if so, what does that look like?
Job Seekers Are Interpreting Experiences During the Hiring Process as Indicators of Company Culture
For context, let’s review three key data points from a survey of nearly 2,000 job seekers on what they most value in a job search. We’ll also suggest a company culture connection.
1. 55.8% of job seekers are looking in the job description for information on salary range and benefits.
Culture Connection: Disclosure and transparency can translate into being viewed as a trustworthy company and one that understands the applicant as a whole person.
2. 44% emphasized that smooth and efficient interview processes are essential.
Culture Connection: Streamlined screening processes reflect a culture of mutual respect and open communication channels.
3. 40.95% of job seekers said they value long-term relationships with recruiters and notifications on similar job openings.
Culture connection: Companies that retain candidate information are likely to be relationship focused, not merely transactional.
How Well Do Your Hiring Process and Company Culture Align?
We all want our hiring process to positively reflect our organization’s culture and values, yet how do you know you’ve gotten it right?
Following are a few warning signs that your company culture/hiring alignment may need some adjustments.
- Low applicant completion rates
- Interview no-shows
- First day no-shows
- High turnover within the first 60-90 days
Getting It Right
If you’re experiencing any of the issues noted above, you’ll likely see significant improvements by making a few simple changes. The best place to start is by completing your hiring steps yourself and answering a few key questions.
- Does your hiring process provide the information candidates need most to make an informed decision?
- Does it highlight what the job is like and why your company is a great place to work?
- Do you use new technologies like virtual interviews to improve convenience for candidates?
- Are your screening tools transparent and job relevant?
- Do you stay in touch with candidates? Do they know their hiring status? Do you notify them of new job openings and opportunities?
If we can help you better understand how to sync your hiring practices with your company culture, including upgrading your screening tools, contact us here or call 888.332.0648. Our consults come with a no-obligation promise and are loaded with lessons learned!