Australia’s current 4.2% unemployment rate (at August 2024) presents a significant challenge for employers seeking to fill positions - even more so in South Australia, where the unemployment rate is the lowest in the country at 3.9%. This tight labour market makes it imperative for employers to stand out when attracting top talent.

Here are some recruitment strategies to compete for quality candidates in 2024:

Embrace flexible work arrangements

The pandemic has permanently altered the perception of work, with many employees now valuing flexibility more than ever. Our national 2024 Employment and Salary Trends report shows that 55% of job seekers look for flexibility when searching job ads. To attract talent, employers should consider implementing flexible work policies that allow employees to balance work and personal life such as hybrid models, flexible hours, or even compressed workweeks.

Cultivate a strong employer brand

Our 2024 employment report indicates that 63% of job seekers consider a company’s reputation when job searching. This statistic underscores the importance of building a positive company image that resonates with potential candidates. To enhance employer branding, companies should focus on:

• Employee testimonials: Encourage current employees to share their experiences on social media or company review sites.
• Company culture: Highlight unique aspects of your workplace culture, including diversity and inclusion initiatives, team-building activities, and employee recognition programs.
• Social responsibility: Showcase community involvement and sustainability efforts. South Australians value local engagement, with many preferring to work for companies that contribute positively to their communities.

Invest in employee development

Candidates are increasingly looking for organisations that invest in their growth. Our 2024 employment report shows that 73% of job seekers are attracted by career opportunities. By offering training programs, mentorship, and clear career progression paths, employers can attract ambitious candidates eager to develop their skills.

Enhance diversity and inclusion initiatives

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are crucial components of a modern workplace, and they significantly impact talent attraction. To attract diverse talent, employers should:

• Implement inclusive hiring practices: Use blind recruitment techniques to minimise unconscious bias in the selection process.
• Foster an inclusive culture: Create support networks for underrepresented groups and provide diversity training for all employees.
• Highlight D&I efforts: Promote your company’s commitment to diversity in job postings and on your website.

Offer competitive compensation and benefits

While work culture and flexibility are critical, competitive compensation remains a primary factor in attracting talent. To stay competitive, employers should conduct regular salary reviews. Our 2024 Salary Report incudes a comprehensive national salary guide, so request your copy to benchmark against industry standards. In addition to salary, offering comprehensive benefits—such as health insurance, wellness programs, and parental leave—can enhance your appeal.

Optimise the ways candidates find out about you

According to our 2024 employment report, 75% of job seekers visit a company’s website to learn about them a potential employer. Make sure your website puts your best foot forward and highlights the reasons your employees work for you. 61% of job seekers learn about potential employers via search engines, 47% go straight to LinkedIn and 22% go Facebook and Instagram so review your online presence and ensure it leads to and highlights employee testimonials, success stories, your company culture and community engagement.

Attracting top talent in 2024 requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the evolving needs and preferences of job seekers. By embracing these strategies, employers can position themselves as desirable workplaces. In a tight labour market, these strategies will not only attract quality candidates but also help cultivate a motivated and engaged workforce for the future.