Navigating the evolution of talent acquisition
February 16, 2022
The business of talent acquisition has changed greatly since COVID-19 arrived, as with most things in the professional world. If you haven’t recruited staff since before COVID—19, you will notice that a lot has changed. This guide will bring you up to speed on everything from the employment market to video interviews, vaccination requirements and what candidates expect in this new hiring landscape.
The lowdown on the employment market
Due to nationwide staff shortages in most industries, competition for quality candidates has skyrocketed, meaning it’s a job-seekers market. There are more job opportunities for candidates to choose from and many employers are offering improved workplace benefits such as flexible work arrangements, remote working, and bigger salaries to lure quality people.
The property industry, like many others, is certainly feeling the strain of the candidate shortage. Fierce competition for talent means that many employers are struggling to find staff and maintain their workloads. There are record numbers of jobs being advertised with very low levels of applications received. This also means that employers are competing with a wider range of companies looking to secure talent. Jane Carey, property recruitment specialist and Edge Recruitment CEO says, ‘it’s the most job seeker-skewed employment market seen in decades!’
- What candidates expect
The past two years have brought a huge shift in the expectations of employees and what they want out of their working life. Job seekers are looking for roles that offer genuine work-life balance, flexibility, and fulfilment.
Candidates continue to show a reluctance to change jobs and caution when job hunting which is largely due to the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Job security is the number one thing candidates are looking for in a new employer as well as a great culture, flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional development. - Embrace video interviews
Whilst many employers have embraced video technology with positivity, there are some that are filled with dread at the idea of conducting a job interview via video. However, it’s amazingly simple to set up video conferencing software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Anyone can do it, even tech novices!
The growing trend of video job interviews in comparison to face-to-face interviews has been massive in the past 1-2 years. Surprisingly, many employers adopting this method say that they prefer it to face-to-face interviews because masks can hinder critical nonverbal communication such as facial expressions. Whereas video interviews allow all verbal and non-verbal communication to be evaluated, leading to a better result. - Outline your vaccination requirements
Many employers are stipulating new employees must be vaccinated to be considered for roles, and this is fine (and actually recommended) to put in a vacancy advertisement. It can help give prospective applicants comfort about the workplace they may be going into, as well as reduce wasted time in screening applicants who won’t be considered due to their vaccination status.
For further reading on this topic, this article is very useful - How to tell if a vaccination certificate is genuine. - Making an offer
Candidates are getting snapped up very quickly, so when making a job offer it’s important for employers to move quickly.
Candidates are increasingly looking for flexible work hours and work from home opportunities, so smart employers will sharpen their employee value proposition add these benefits to their offer of employment.
Employers that can address candidate concerns around job security will have a much better chance of recruitment success. Any information about financial buoyancy, pipelines of work or contracts in place should be communicated to candidates during the recruitment process.
COVID 19 has caused us all to reflect on how we live and has changed what we expect from our workplaces. Those employers that can embrace this change will have the best chance of attracting new talent and retaining their existing team in 2022 and beyond.
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The end of the financial year is a busy time across South Australia’s property and real estate industry — not just for accountants and agencies reviewing the books, but also for professionals reassessing their career direction. Whether you’re in sales, property management, leasing, or support, July often marks a fresh start . And if you've been considering a career move, there are some compelling reasons why right now might be the best time to take action . 1. New Budgets Mean New Hires At the start of a new financial year, most property and real estate businesses reset their annual budgets. That means: New headcount is approved Growth targets are locked in Teams that were stretched thin during the past year are finally given the green light to hire For job seekers, this creates a surge in demand for talent — particularly for roles in sales, business development, and property management where revenue growth is key. Agencies are also more likely to invest in onboarding, training, and marketing new staff now, rather than mid-year or during the Christmas slowdown. 2. Performance Reviews Are a Catalyst for Change EOFY is traditionally when many employees receive formal performance reviews and commission payouts. While positive reviews can lead to promotions or salary increases, for others, this period can shine a spotlight on: Unmet expectations Lack of progression opportunities Underappreciation or under-compensation If you’ve walked away from your review feeling deflated, that’s a clear sign it may be time to explore new opportunities — particularly if your current role no longer aligns with your long-term goals. 3. The Spring Property Market Is Coming — Get In Early We all know that spring is one of the busiest times of year for the property market, and smart candidates position themselves well in advance. If you start your job search in July: You have time to transition into a new role You can complete onboarding and training You’ll be ready to hit the ground running when market activity spikes in September Waiting until spring often means you’ll be competing with more candidates for fewer roles, with less lead-in time to settle into your new environment. 4. Candidate Supply Is Still Tight — Leverage That Advantage Across South Australia, we’re still seeing a shortage of experienced candidates in many parts of the property and real estate industry. Sales agents, property managers, and leasing consultants with proven track records are in high demand — and employers are increasingly willing to offer: Competitive salary and commission structures Flexible working arrangements Stronger professional development pathways If you’ve got the experience and drive, now is the time to negotiate from a position of strength. 5. Clarity and Momentum Matter There’s something about July that naturally invites people to reset. The first half of the year is behind you, and there’s still time to make big career moves before the year is out. Whether you’ve outgrown your current role, want to break into a new segment of the industry, or are just feeling burnt out — making a change now can give you the clarity and momentum you need. HOT TIP: Don’t Wait for “The Perfect Time” Many people stay in roles longer than they should because they’re waiting for the “right moment.” But as with most facets of the property and real estate industry — timing is everything . With budgets resetting, hiring activity on the rise, and the spring market just around the corner, EOFY is the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Ready to Make Your Move? Edge Recruitment specialises in connecting property and real estate professionals with the right roles across South Australia. Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to explore what’s out there, our team is here to help. Get in touch for a confidential chat — your next role could be just around the corner.
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