When it comes to attracting top talent in the automotive industry, understanding what job seekers truly want is crucial. This was the focal point of a recent webinar hosted by Tiffany Czerwinski, Director of Automotive Partnerships at Hireology, and Jay Goninen, Co-Founder and President at WrenchWay. During the session, they shared key insights from Hireology’s 2024 Automotive Applicant Study and discussed innovative strategies to help auto dealerships attract and retain the best candidates.
Navigating the Dual Job Markets
Today’s job market is divided into two distinct sectors. The tech industry is grappling with layoffs and hiring freezes, resulting in a surplus of active job seekers. In contrast, the automotive sector is experiencing a significant shortage of qualified mechanics and technicians. This disparity is driven by several factors, including the pandemic’s impact on career reassessments, declining enrollment in technical schools, and the retirement of baby boomers. For auto dealerships, this shortage poses a direct challenge to their ability to service vehicles and maintain profitability.
Introduction to Hireology’s Applicant Study
Hireology’s 2024 Applicant Study reveals that nearly half of applicants applied to 16 or more jobs. This statistic highlights the competitive landscape auto dealerships face when trying to attract top talent. The study also found that salary range is the most critical factor for job seekers, with nearly 40% listing it as their top priority. This is an increase from 32% the previous year, reflecting the growing importance of competitive pay in today’s economic climate.
Designing Jobs to Build Your Best Team
To attract and retain the best candidates, it’s essential to design jobs attractive to today’s automotive job seeker. Transparency in salary ranges is becoming increasingly important, especially as more states require this information in job descriptions. Besides competitive pay, candidates also prioritize career growth, flexibility, and company culture. A strong employer brand, showcased through an updated career site with employee testimonials, photos, and benefits listed can significantly impact a candidate’s decision to apply.
Aligning the Hiring Process to Today’s Applicant
The hiring process must be streamlined and mobile-friendly application process. According to the study, 63% of applicants use a smartphone or tablet to apply for jobs. Additionally, 66% of automotive applicants won’t complete an application if it takes too long, and 47% won’t apply if the process repeats resume information. Ensuring a smooth, efficient application process is key to retaining potential candidates.
Leveraging Proven Candidate Communication Strategies
Effective candidate communication, is vital in attracting top talent. The study found that 31% of automotive job seekers want to be interviewed within a week, and nearly 50% expect an interview within three days. Regular updates, even simple ones like “You’re still in the running,” can keep candidates engaged and show that you value their application. Furthermore, 64% of job seekers prefer text communication over email, emphasizing the need for mobile-friendly communication strategies.
Building an Active Candidate Database
Creating an active candidate database, also known as talent relationship management, is crucial for long-term recruitment success. Over 90% of today’s applicants are willing to consider companies they’ve applied to before, and 80% of former employees are open to returning. Maintaining contact with past applicants and employees can significantly reduce hiring time and improve hire quality. Additionally, nearly 60% of applicants trust friends’ recommendations when choosing where to work, highlighting the importance of employee referrals .
Conclusion
In the current job market, auto dealerships must innovate their recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies to stay competitive. By understanding what job seekers want and aligning the hiring process accordingly, dealerships can attract and retain top talent. Transparent salary ranges, efficient application processes, effective communication, and a strong employer brand are key components of successful recruitment strategies. For more insights and to refine your hiring approach, speak with a Hireology representative today.
