If you have an open position in your shipyard, what is your first step? You might visit a local job board or go online to see if the right candidate is available. You review resumes, contact candidates, and schedule interviews. And you hope that they have the skills you need. But especially with a specialized job, like those required in a shipyard environment, how effective is this method. Finding top talent may not be as easy as a three-step process. Here are some things to consider to ensure you’re hiring the top talent for your marine industry positions.
Consider the time to hire.
How long are your open jobs open? Now, how long are talented individuals in the job market? In truth, these numbers don’t specifically add up. Many companies will spend a month or more searching for the right candidate. In that time, they’ll meet with candidates, evaluate applications, and make an offer. But top talent is usually on the market only 10 days. So unless you can take action quickly, you may lose specialized talent to your competition.
Look at the money.
Employee salary isn’t the only cost your company has when it comes to hiring. Taking a look at all the related costs can give you a bigger picture idea of how to budget for hiring decisions. Also, think about how much money your company loses without someone staffed in this role. Consider the added duties you need to place on other employees so they now split their time and have to juggle their effectiveness. This isn’t in a typical hiring budget, but it will cost your company money.
How do potential employees see your company?
Do you know why employees leave your shipyard? There are a plenty of reasons, and many are benign. But sometimes it’s because they aren’t happy with the way the company is represented. By improving your company brand you can create an environment that encourages employee loyalty. Focus on branding for employee retention.
Is it easy to apply?
How do potential applicants apply for open positions? If you use online applications, how easy are they to navigate? Studies have shown that even if a person is qualified for a job, they won’t apply if they find the application process frustrating, often abandoning it mid-application. Take a look at your process and make sure qualified candidates can apply easily.
Work with a leader in shipyard staffing.
How are you hiring new candidates for your open jobs? Contact the staff at Hutco to see how we can help today.
