Unlock the Potential of Untapped Passive Skilled Trades Candidates with Effective Outreach and Communication Tips.
When it comes to recruiting skilled trades candidates, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While some candidates may be actively searching for new opportunities, many qualified skilled tradespeople are already employed and content with their current professional circumstances. These passive job seekers are often the most desirable candidates due to their varied experiences and specific industry knowledge. It is important to remember that attempting to connect with these passive candidates requires a different approach than what would be used with active candidates.
Riverstone Recruiting surveyed a group of certified tradespeople about what recruiting practices would make them more likely to respond to their emails or messages and compiled their feedback. Here are a few best practices when contacting passive skilled trades candidates.
Communication Platform Counts
To ensure successful interactions, pick the right medium of communication for maximum effectivity. Of the 64 skilled tradespeople surveyed, the majority chose Indeed and LinkedIn as the best platforms for job communication.
Tailor Your Message To Candidates and Increase Response Rate
Avoid bland and generic outreach. Before reaching out to potential candidates, do some research on them so that you can tailor your message accordingly. Look into their educational background, professional experience, and any awards or accolades they may have earned throughout their careers. Using this information when speaking with the individual shows that you care about who they are as a professional and will give you an edge. It is crucial to only reach out to candidates who have relevant experience for the position. If you contact candidates who do not have the necessary qualifications, it sends the message that you have not thoroughly reviewed their resume and are simply looking for anyone who holds a particular certification. For example, if you are seeking to hire a maintenance millwright for a food manufacturing plant, contacting an industrial mechanic with experience in commissioning work in the mining industry may not be an ideal fit for this role. Instead, reach out to candidates with food manufacturing experience, or consider reaching out to experienced professionals from similar industries such as pharmaceuticals. By clearly understanding the job requirements and targeting the right candidates, you will increase the chances of getting a response to your initial contact.
It Is In the Details
Inviting passive job seekers to explore more details about your opportunity can spark their interest and motivate them to respond. Make sure you give potential candidates all the key information up front.
Name of the employer:
It is essential that you provide the name of the company as evidenced in this participant's quote: “I have no patience for that, I will not reply to your message unless I can do some basic research on the employer beforehand to see if it might be worth my while.” People are disinclined to even engage a potential employer without knowing the name of the company.
Wage, hours, benefits, and work schedule:
All are important factors in evaluating job opportunities, as it demonstrates an employer's commitment to providing a fair and attractive workplace.
Job location:
It came as a surprise to see this feature highlighted, but it is a valuable consideration for job seekers. If your company is offering relocation assistance, be sure to communicate this incentive. Protip: early in the hiring process, confirm that the candidate has discussed the move with their family members and that they are all on board as this can often be a dealbreaker. This prevents disappointment and wasted time for both the candidate and the company.
Headhunting passive skilled trade candidates takes patience and diligence. However, if done correctly can result in finding quality individuals that will add value to your organization's workforce. Understanding your target market and gathering data on potential recruits prior to reaching out is essential for success. It is vital to remember that these individuals are content with their current employment and therefore, not actively seeking out other options or opportunities. Being open-minded about terms of employment can help convince these individuals that joining your team is the right decision for them both professionally as well as personally. With these best practices in mind, you will be well on your way to effectively finding the perfect fit for your organization's needs.
