Why is recruiting so hard?

[henrysugar12]

Been trying to recruit for a position since the middle of December. Had lots of applicants but none are suitable for the job! As it's a niche position, I understand that it's not going to be simple finding someone, but I would have thought that there would be some better applicants!

Most of the CVs list various chronic health issues, that they are on maternity leave for more than 6 months (ad said immediate start), or lots of other things that are not making them look like the best option! Some of the CVs show that they have moved jobs 3 or 4 times in a year and some have absolutely no relevant experience.

What on earth is going on? A couple that we have contacted about interviews have been so non-committal and we've not managed to get them to come in for an interview. Are these people just applying to continue claiming jobseekers or something? It's so frustrating

Haha definitely not a scam! I think I need to say to my boss we aren't advertising in the right places and it needs to be more transparent in the job description and pay etc. It's only an immediate start now as we are desperate as the job should have been recruited for before the other person retired!

Trouble is , everyone seems to want to be exclusively working from home and even complain if asked to go to the office for even one day a week.

This might be your sticking point.

Not sure what the answer is.

Is "niche" coded language for dead end?

Most of the "niche" roles I've gone for are dead end, with no progression and the candidate will be the only one performing tedious tasks with dedicated, often bespoke and poorly supported software

Definitely state the pay. I don't even apply for jobs unless they state the pay

Yes I think that is another issue, a few applications live 2 or more hours away, for a part-time job that seems a ridiculous amount of time to commute! They are assuming they can WFH even though it says it's an on-site role.

From everything you’ve said this sounds like a low skilled, part-time position, which is potentially not well paid. Admin is something that is can be picked up so if there’s training on the job, can’t you also up skill a motivated candidate with little/ no experience in this area?

So OP. We have basically established YABU.
Recruiting isn't hard. You guys can't even do the basics.
If your boss isn't going to empower you to at least state the salary I don't know what else you can do about it!

Also beginning to wonder whether 'niche' is code for as PP said a dead-end job that will give the candidate no future employability whatsoever.

This! Surely stating the salary on the advert is the first thing you do!

Sounds like the job is rubbish / salary is poor, and all you are getting is U/C claimants who are required to apply for jobs or loose benefits, so are making darn sure they won't get an interview.

Immediate start would be impossible for most people, no brainer?!

Not a boring job, certainly lots of variety in the role and opportunities for promotion. The bespoke software might be an issue though! It mostly works as it should 😂

I will not apply for any job which does not specify the salary up front. I think it should be the law that job adverts list the minimum salary they will pay and it be legally binding. Jobs which do not list it just scream we are offering pittance and expecting the moon on a stick.

The issue is there aren't any motivated candidates... when offered interviews they either don't show up or decline interviews. I'm all for finding someone who has potential, but getting them through the door just isn't happening!

Flexible hours but no WFH. You are not going to attract the right candidate with no WFH option. Many many offices have flex hours now and allow WFH so you are competing with them. The amount of candidates willing to do 5days a week in an office (even flexible hours) is smaller.

You say good transport links, does the main office also have a car park that has ample places for all employees to park? Since COVID no way am I applying for a job where I cannot park outside when I have to go to the office everyday. I'm not adding to a commute by having to park elsewhere and walk/ bus/ train in. Nor am I paying for parking.

No listed salary, no way am I applying for a niche job with no listed salary as it's usually an insult.

No quals, immediate start, niche role - looks like a scam.

You need a recruiter. Especially if there is no WFH option.

Yes car park that always has spaces.
Unfortunately, it has to be in office due to some of the things that they will be doing. Not possible to do that role WFH.

Not called Horizon is it?

There are motivated candidates, they just expect more than the bare minimum these days. Rightly so.

I can't be the only jobhunter on MN desperately curious to know what this job is

I wouldn't go so far as to hiring a recruiter simply being open and transparent about the requirements would go a long way.
And remove the 'immediate start'.
Also the 'no quals' since OP actually does seem to want some!
No WFH I wouldn't see as a big issue depending on who they're competing with. After all people still work as GP receptionists, supermarket staff etc if the area is densely populated finding people who live nearby not an issue. If the pay is appropriate.

OP can you also not advertise on local FB groups, youth clubs etc if it's an entry level job?

@Turkeyhen - I am not job hunting and I want to know what it is!

Surely this whole discussion is pointless when even you don't know the pay. Why not put that in your OP? You can't be so naive as to not think people will apply or not based on the pay? Your boss has put you in a ridiculous position.

trust me, you won't want to apply

data entry into some shite homebrew software that glitches for £4 an hour.

Why can’t an office job which involves using software have any WFH element? Does it involve meeting clients/service users?

Can you really big up the flexible hours? How flexible are they? Are there core hours e.g. 10-2 or can you pick your hours?

As it's office based I'm guessing it's 9-5 or 9-6. That doesn't scream flexible hours to me. Flexible hours means I can start whenever and finish whenever as long as I do my contracted hours. If it's flexible hours, but only when the office is open that isn't really flexible hours. Unless it's a 24hr office.

As it sounds part time, can I pick own days to work my hours? So work if I work 16 hrs I can work 9.30-2.30 over 4 days? Or 2 long days. Or in whatever configuration fits my needs (childcare/ caring/ partner shifts ect)? If so really big up that.

That would indeed be a grim prospect