Employers – What do you really want?

I’m always amazed that employers are often not able to clarify what they really want when looking for talent. How many job advertisements mention what the supervisor and hiring manager expect their employees to tackle the day in and day out? Rather than qualifications, are we talking about the challenges we want candidates to overcome? And what performance level is expected?

We often see employers asking for both Journeyman and Apprentices in the same job advertisement. When you dig deeper, you’ll find that a Lead Hand or Service Manager is what they need to solve big problems that will allow them to grow and service clients. Management is often willing to pay a premium for the right person, but not take the time to figure out their real need and to advertise for it. Internal compensation issues and not having a clear understanding of the maximum they would pay for the perfect person really holds these organizations back.

The question is, how much is a company losing by not having the right person? Are customers having to wait weeks for service? Are customers switching to other providers? Is overtime being worked week in and week out, lowering overall productivity? How are production and cash flow going to be impacted?

If the answer is we NEED to hire a producer who will take care of our business, get ready to pay for it! With virtually full employment in most skilled areas all over the world, saving a few dollars and not really asking for what you want will get you nowhere.

Kael Campbell is President and Lead Recruiter of Red Seal Recruiting Solutions, a company providing recruitment services in mining, equipment and plant maintenance, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. When he is not recruiting, Kael spends as much time as possible with family in the great outdoors and on the water. He volunteers his time as a Board Member of the Entrepreneurs Organization of Vancouver Island. You are invited to subscribe to our employer newsletter or submit your resume.