| |
In order to fill positions with the right people many successful companies are recruiting nationally and even internationally. This is not an easy accomplishment because in order for someone to leave their home and relocate, they must feel they are gaining more than they are losing.
Selling your prospect on your company should include profiling your corporate culture. This could be accomplished by providing testimonials from current staff or even setting up interviews between members of your team and prospects. When a family is involved, conversations between your employee’s spouse and the prospect’s spouse can be valuable as well.
Offering assistance with relocation is vital for a successful transition. This can be as minor as providing a pre-qualified list of local resources or as major as a mentorship program to help foreign employees assimilate to the Canadian culture. Practical assistance is what is required. Open and ongoing communication will give you and your team the knowledge needed to provide the support required to retain the new employee.
In addition to promoting your company you should be promoting the city you are located in. You are often recruiting not just an employee but their spouse and children. Selling your city becomes paramount to your success in hiring outside talent. Your local tourism board has professionally designed materials available that highlight your city’s features and benefits such as: vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, wide array of shopping, restaurants & nightlife, arts & entertainment, renowned educational & medical institutions, affordable housing, efficient roadways & public transportation. These are all important factors that a potential employee will be considering before deciding to relocate.
If you have lived in your city a long time it is easy to overlook some of its advantages. One way to ensure you are providing complete information to prospects is to ask someone who has recently relocated what attracted them to the area. Remember, it is often the little things that influence the decision to relocate.
Equipping your staff with marketing materials that promote the features and benefits of both your company and your city, plus offering them a cash incentive to recruit their friends and family from Canada and beyond can also be an effective way to attract talent. Utilizing the services of a reputable search firm is also an option for attracting out of province/country prospects. Even then, you must sell the prospect on why they should choose to work for your company and live in your city.
Written by Lori
Colborne, President - LSL Marketing Consultants
Lori Colborne is an international speaker, consultant & author of “Innovative
Marketing Made Easy!
|
