Today’s recruitment landscape is completely different than it was just a decade ago. Rather than searching the local paper when they’re ready to make a move, job seekers have access to tools and technology that put them in the driver’s seat. They can take their time and research potential employers online, consult social media and review sites like Glassdoor, setup job alerts on LinkedIn, and apply with the click of a button when something good comes up.

What does this mean for employers? You have your work cut out for you to not only attract top talent, but stand out from the sea of other employers who claim to be different. At the same time, the technology that connects and empowers proactive job seekers is altering how work (and hiring) gets done. Job seekers want a streamlined and painless interview process, and interest in flexible work arrangements such as remote work and telecommuting is surging.

The good news: According to a survey of 14,000 global professionals conducted by LinkedIn, 90% of employees are open to new opportunities, as long as it feels right.

Today’s post explores four steps to take to attract and secure rockstar talent, even when they’re already employed.

1. Give Them the Facts

The aforementioned LinkedIn survey uncovered that job seekers want information, and lots of it, starting with your first conversations. Specifically, they’re looking for job details (89%), salary range (72%), and an overview of your company (69%). Falling lower on the list of details to cover in your initial message: why they fit, job title, company culture, and company mission.

Be transparent and give candidates the information they need without making them search for it. At the same time, don’t give them absolutely everything. You can mention salary range but not a specific number. Hold back some details so they want to “scratch the mental itch” and find out more.

2. Enlist Your Current Staff

The more insight a job seeker can get into your company’s culture, the more likely they are to go all in when applying for a job with you. Encourage employees to post on social media about their jobs, and to give testimonials to how much they love working for your company. Employee activity on LinkedIn is especially important, as each positive interaction signals you’re a good employer.

Your team can be the best set of cheerleaders that money could never buy. If your employees are truly committed, then they’ll vouch for you and offer a powerful, trusted voice that potential employees will listen to.

3. Don’t Waste Their Time

The average job seeker will spend one to two months researching a job before applying, and they do even more research to prepare for an interview. However, once they’re in the process, they don’t want to waste any more time.

The LinkedIn study offers two golden rules for your interview process. First, move quickly, using two to three months as a benchmark for your hiring process. In the mind of a candidate, a job offer now is worth two in the future. Second, don’t put your candidates through too many interviews. Use three interviews as a guide, and know that an efficient interview process reflects greater company-wide efficiency.

4. Talk Compensation, Then Fit

As mentioned briefly in point one, details like job description and salary range are important to lead with, while culture and fit can help seal the deal. Once they’re in the door (and perhaps have moved through an interview or two), give candidates a real glimpse at what it’s like to work for you. Let them speak with their potential future coworkers, give them a tour of the office, or set up a video chat if they can’t make it in person.

Never Stop Looking

Your recruitment efforts should be just as consistent as your branding and advertising efforts.

You advertise because you want to attract and retain customers, so why wouldn’t you do the same in order to find the best employees possible and keep your pipeline full? Zimmer Radio, Inc. can provide a mix of solutions, from radio and digital advertising to brand building, that will help your company stand out and attract top talent. Contact us to have a conversation about your recruitment needs.