In today’s tight talent market, the search for skilled professionals is pushing many employers to get creative in their recruitment strategies.
In certain cities where the market is especially tight, employers have found that looking outside their geographic location can be a solution. Casting a wider net and considering candidates beyond city lines can reveal the best fit for the job, but there are important considerations before asking someone to relocate.
For workers to consider relocating, there needs to be something to entice them to not only leave a job, but also the city they call home. Workers’ priorities have changed over the past few years, with flexibility emerging as a core value.
Additionally, the rising cost of living has become a major concern as many continue to feel the pinch of inflation. This could lead some professionals to be more open relocation, especially for the right career opportunity. Chattanooga boasts a lower cost of living than many other cities, which could be attractive to workers who are looking for a fresh start.
Looking at the bigger picture, the substantial churn in the labor market following the height of the pandemic has subsided. The Great Resignation has given way to The Big Stay, with professionals now less likely to change jobs compared to a year or even six months ago.
Robert Half research shows 35% of workers plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2024, down from 49% in July 2023 and 36% in February 2024. Meanwhile, demand for skilled professionals remains steady as employers resume critical projects that were previously put on hold.
Consequently, companies continue to face hiring challenges in finding the talent with the necessary skills. With fewer active candidates in the market, employers looking to hire to their teams will need to enhance their recruitment strategies and offer attractive incentives to secure top talent.
Here are three factors to consider if you’re looking to attract talent from outside the city to join your team:
Offer competitive compensation. Workers may be willing to relocate for various personal and professional reasons, but the offer must be right. Resources like the Robert Half Salary Guide offer a way to benchmark the salary you’re offering against the typical range in the city, and ensure your offer is competitive. While money and perks aren’t the only considerations for workers, they need to be addressed.
Provide a generous relocation package. Moving is expensive, and a good relocation package can be the deciding factor for candidates. Consider covering or offsetting moving costs, providing temporary housing assistance, offering a stipend for house hunting trips and lease assistance.
Emphasize your corporate culture. Organizational culture plays a significant role in job satisfaction and long-term retention. Highlighting a positive and engaging work environment can be a major draw for potential employees. Additionally, bringing in professionals from different parts of the country can enrich and diversify your workplace culture.
By focusing on these factors, employers can better position themselves to attract and retain top talent, even in a challenging job market.
Kevin Green is vice president with Robert Half staffing and recruitment agency in Chattanooga.