As the trucking industry continues to face a talent shortage, many companies have gone into panic mode regarding recruitment. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the challenge, this is an excellent opportunity to take a step back and look at your current messaging, content strategy, and tools you use to recruit. Take inventory of what’s working and what isn’t. Follow these steps below to create a holistic recruitment program to help you reach and build relationships with the drivers of today’s market.
1. Research.
Start by taking a realistic, unbiased look at your current recruitment process. This could be through reviews, client testimonials, or even investing in focus groups. By taking the time to research the current perception of your recruitment efforts and identifying where the hurdles are occurring to potential leads, you can leverage that data to inform your new strategy.
2. Consistency is key.
Your candidate wants to understand your company, what you stand for, and if they’d be a good fit. This means everything from your social posts and blogs to the website and application process should be consistent and reflect your brand. Your recruitment team should also have a clear understanding of your brand and be able to carry that messaging through their communications as well.
3. Create cohesion.
Similar to consistent messaging, you also want to ensure your candidate is being brought through the process seamlessly, in an easy-to-understand way. If your social ad placement says “Apply now” and they’re taking to the homepage of your website instead of the direct job link they were interested in — you risk them dropping off.
4. Think candidate first.
Everything from the platforms you use to the application and interview process should be a driver-centric approach. This means the experience should be catered to the applicants and not the other way around. Times have changed, and with demand high and drivers in short supply — recruiters have to put themselves in the position of the drivers and ensure it’s a seamless experience for everyone involved.
5. Streamline your application process.
Are you using a dated job system to process applicants? Or is your application asking a burdensome amount of questions? Distractions like a lengthy application process can be a huge hurdle for prospective drivers. Many of them may actually abandon the application after they start. If you answered yes — this is a great time to invest in building a seamless, intuitive experience that makes it easy and exciting to apply for your company. This initial investment will go a long way in building your talent community.
The way you recruit is a reflection of your brand. Beyond attracting a talent pool, you have to ensure that the application process is intuitive and easy from your candidate’s point of view. If you’re unsure where to begin, KJ Media has 15+ years of trucking industry experience and many tools to help streamline your recruitment process today. Reach out to get started.
