As 2015 starts coming to a close, recruiters and candidates are analyzing the trends that they can expect to see in 2016. Recruiters always want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to matching the right candidate with the right opportunity, and candidates are always interested to see whether or not they are negotiating from a position of strength. The improvement in the economy and drop in unemployment means that things will be changing in recruiting, and there is always the technology angle to consider as well.
RELATED: 3 Recruiting Trends in 2016
Negotiating From A Position Of Power
According to EreMedia.com, the dramatic need for skilled employees means that the candidates now negotiate from a position of power when it comes to getting higher pay and better benefits. In 2016, companies can expect to see wages go up because everyone is now fighting over a continuously shrinking talent pool.
Companies Will Be Working On Their Brand
When you strip away the pay and the benefits, you are left with the company itself. When the economy was recovering, even companies with poor brand images could hire employees because the employees needed the work. But according to a presentation delivered by LinkedIn, that has now changed. Companies are working to improve their brand image and create a situation where quality employees will want to work for a company based on its reputation.
Employee Referrals Are Becoming Very Important
When it comes to sources for employment candidates, employee referrals are second only to social media. More and more companies are realizing that their employees value their jobs, and they will only refer candidates that can do the job at a high level. In 2016, companies and recruiters will want to increase referral awards for employees to keep that information coming in.
Offers Must Now Be Compelling
When there is a glut of candidates looking for work, companies are not required to create offer letters that develop a sense of urgency. But now that the tables have turned and talent is at a premium, companies are going to find out that 2016 is the year of the compelling, and possibly emotionally appealing, offer letter.
Retention Suddenly Becomes Very Important
In 2016, recruiters will find even more companies looking for qualified workers, but a lack of workers to fill those roles. That means that companies can expect recruiters to come after their existing employees in an attempt to fill vacancies at other companies. The challenge of retaining good employees will be one side of the battle, while the recruiter’s attempts to get good employees to change companies will be the other side.
While a lot has been made about how technology has changed recruiting, it is only recently that the lack of quality candidates has become a problem. As more jobs are created in 2016, recruiters are going to find it increasingly difficult to fill vacant positions when no talent is available.
Will candidates gain more negotiating power as a result of the growing skill set of the labor force?
George N Root III is a professional freelance writer who has expertise in topics such as Internet marketing, business, advertising, and personal finance.