These are busy times for the staffing industry as the number of job openings continues to increase. A recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the number of vacancies slightly exceeds the number of unemployed people.
Staffing employment rose in the first seven months of 2018 and is significantly higher month to month than in 2017, according to data from the bureau. Yet companies are still seeking help, and finding ways to attract skilled workers remains a top priority for employers.
Staffing agencies, human resources companies, and top HR executive search firms are monitoring trends emerging in 2018 that affect the personnel industry. They are paying attention to ensure that they can respond to best serve their corporate clients.
Mobile and Available
One of the most important trends being followed by the industry is the use of smartphones by job seekers. Nearly one in three career websites is optimized for mobile devices, and millennials are almost exclusively using their phones to research and pursue job openings.
Mobile optimized websites and apps will be key for staffing agencies and HR search firms to recruit and maintain communication with potential hires. A recruiter can make contact with a prospective candidate anytime and anywhere and can count upon a prompt response.
Social Recruiting
The use of social media as a recruitment tool is well-entrenched and continues to grow in 2018. Staffing professionals are using social networks to prospect for candidates that meet client requirements, as well as weed out those who do not make the grade. Many HR executive search firms will capitalize on accessing social networks to find talent to fill important corporate vacancies.
Temporary Demand
As employers wrestle with a shortage of skilled candidates, non-regular workers are in high demand. Contract employees, project-specific workers, and temporary workers are available and often meet the skill sets that employers require. Staffing agencies will focus on them to fill vacancies for clients as soon as possible.
Staffing companies, human resources agencies, and top HR executive search firms are highly focused on meeting the needs of their business clients to recruit the right people to fill essential open positions. The industry trends emerging in 2018 are worth following to get the best recruitment results for the rest of the year.