3 MIN. READ
With the number of unfilled jobs rising, manufacturers are dealing with unprecedented labor challenges, but using some key hiring strategies for manufacturing can make a difference. The manufacturing sector continues to recover post-COVID, but there are more unfilled positions than ever. Experts believe this trend could worsen and result in as many as 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.
It is time to turn the tide and explore new hiring strategies for manufacturers, starting with the way people perceive this sector. Marketers have a crucial role to play in changing candidates' perceptions of manufacturing jobs.
The Importance of Marketing and Public Perception
Before COVID-19, the aging of the manufacturing workforce was one of the main labor challenges for the sector. Replacing these workers has been difficult since millennial and Generation Z employees typically turn to other careers.
Manufacturing has an image problem. Many see the industry as dull and unrewarding, but that could not be further from the truth. This viewpoint often stems from teens and young adults having limited experience in the sector.
The good news is that 65% of people now see manufacturing as innovative. Public opinion is slowly shifting, and marketers can make a difference.
Top Hiring Strategies for Manufacturing
Rethinking the hiring process and the way manufacturers portray themselves when reaching out to candidates can help fill jobs.
Updating Career Pages
Showcasing the company and its employees to draw attention to how the organization is making a difference is a key strategy. It’s the type of content that can make a career page more appealing and show that the job can be meaningful.
A streamlined application process can also lower the abandonment rate among candidates.
Sharing Team Photos and Videos
Sharing team photos and videos on a website, blog or social media will give people a behind-the-scenes look at an organization.
For instance, a short interview in which an employee talks about their job and why they love what they do can go a long way toward showing a positive culture and putting a face on an organization. Moreover, this type of content is relatable and can convince candidates that they will be a good fit.
Building a Strong Social Media Presence
Social media can become a powerful channel for recruiting:
● It adds visual content that is missing from traditional online job boards. Telling a story with images and videos on social media can engage candidates and show the kind of work environment they can expect.
● Social media is great for forming personal connections. Recruiters should encourage users to ask questions via comments or chat. These interactions can feel more authentic than the traditional recruitment process.
● On average, people spend 147 minutes a day on social media. Sponsored posts and ads are a great way to increase awareness of available positions. Plus, marketers can target users according to location, demographics, life events, etc.
Scheduling Plant Tours
Inviting candidates to a plant tour early in the application process can establish a strong connection. It creates an opportunity to show how innovative the manufacturer is. Plus, visiting the plant in person will help the candidate imagine themselves working there.
A plant tour is a transparent practice that builds trust. Candidates will also get to interact with recruiters and managers and get a feel for the culture and work environment.
Improving Communication by Texting
Texting can be more convenient than email interaction. Recruiters who use texting can expect faster responses and better open rates, especially among millennial and Gen Z candidates.
Adopting texting will require a few changes to the existing recruitment process, but it's important to meet candidates where they are.
Telling a Story with Blogging
Blogging can be a powerful recruitment tool, especially blog posts about the achievements of a company and its employees.
A blog is a platform where marketers and recruiters can tell a story about how an organization makes a difference, showcase projects that help the community and inspire candidates to take action. As a marketing solution, industrial companies can publish and promote their company and reach a large social media audience
Improve Your Recruitment Strategy Today
IndustryNet has already helped over 15,000 companies reach out to their target audience via effective marketing solutions. For manufacturers with positions to fill, it offers social media marketing services designed to help organizations reach out to a wide audience. Learn more about our marketing solutions.
