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

You’re competing against companies who provide things employees actually want, like WFH, and no one in their right mind would apply for a job where the pay is a secret.
Immediate start means you’ll only get unemployed applicants.

I won't interview for a role until I know the salary range and it's among one of the first things I ask about when the HR person calls, otherwise it's a waste of my time. I work "in admin" - I'm an Exec Assistant - but I have what many companies would consider to be very high salary expectations - circa £80k+.

If you're thinking that all admins will be happy with pocket change, then that's a grave error.

What is the actual job? I'm not sure why you don't just say?

Yep

Salary depending on experience is only okay with it gives the range of salary ie £30k to £45k depending on experience.

No one decent is going to take the time out for doing an application and an interview that could be minimum wage 🤷‍♀️

Thanks Jadzia, all good tips, I have helped my friend with applications ( I’m pretty good at applications) but there seems to be little appetite anywhere for actual transferable skills, despite what employers claim.

I agree. That's why you have to use the buzz words they use in your current experience.

I remember once applying for quite a senior role but it was only a fairly small step up from the role I was doing at the time - the title was bigger, but day to day responsibilities were very similar as I was going from being number 2 in a team of 8 (where 3 of the team already reported to me and I ran a sub section of activities with this team) to number 1 in a team of 2. I had the right industry experience, and there was a very specific need for someone with specific country experience, which I had.

First two interviews went brilliantly.

Then I got the feedback. They thought I was great. Really liked me. I clearly understood the issues, including the specific cultural concerns. I had good ideas and had absolutely proved that I could implement them. BUT... they were putting through the two candidates who were already had the job title, even though neither had the country/cultural experience or the industry experience.

I was mildly amused to note that the person who got the job lasted less than a year....

Two things stand out for me:

1) Lack of information about pay would be the kicker for me. Does it mention at least something about salary expectations?

2) Even thought it's niche, why brush the applicants with no relevant experience? You said you provide training.

What part of the country is it

This is a great point and it took me far too long to work it out, it I agree, after working for 4 or 5 small companies I’d never work for one again. I honestly think you should have to have some sort of licence before you’re allowed to employ people, there are too many dodgy little companies out there who think they can do as they please.

This is so funny, power to you. So many companies are shit at recruiting.
In your case you clearly have the requisite skills it's just your job title that's not up to par.
Which in 2023 makes no sense because titles are so inconsistent, even within the same org. Especially for large companies.

@TammyOne Having worked in two industries with a lot of career changers, we don't give a fig about generic 'transferable skills'.
As PP said you need to highlight the buzzwords on a CV but also present what she's done in a way relevant to the role. 'Customer service' isn't relevant for an admin, but 'stakeholder management' is - managing people with conflicting priorities and agendas.

Given her background a job in Operations might be more relevant actually. Admin is very common, a lot of people start in temp roles and move upwards, Operations is less well known.

In the real world and depending on the health condition it really would stop someone being suitable. Would you employ someone with chronic back pain as a waiter/ess that has to walk miles each day carrying dishes?

That sounds to me like a DWP thing, with them being pushed to apply for a certain number of jobs - some will then add the detail in the hope you don't employ them

I wouldn't apply for a job without knowing the salary.

No listed salary, or even worse when they are labelled as ‘competitive’ means barely above minimum wage.

how can people possibly know if it is worth applying fir a role, and all the work that takes, if they don't know if it enough to live well off.

TammyOne Having worked in two industries with a lot of career changers, we don't give a fig about generic 'transferable skills'. As PP said you need to highlight the buzzwords on a CV but also present what she's done in a way relevant to the role. 'Customer service' isn't relevant for an admin, but 'stakeholder management' is - managing people with conflicting priorities and agendas.
Yes, I know this. I don’t think I have been clear maybe. I have advised using the person spec to do exactly that- call the skill what the company call it (as you have demonstrated) and set out the successes in each area. It’s still really rare to even get through the door, especially over 40.
I do the same when applying for jobs myself, but have had similar experience to Jadzia when trying to climb out of my box, or go after a higher job title. Even when ticking every box and getting good interview feedback if you are not applying for the exact job title you already have it can seem futile.
Anyway, thread derail, sorry!

Why would they apply for that job? I have chronic pain and I have never considered apply for a job that I know I couldn’t do - I don’t know anyone disabled who has. I haven’t written about my condition on my CV before but I have mentioned accommodations I need in my cover letter and on pre interview forms before - for example, I’ve said I can’t walk far or that I will need a parking space nearby. These are things I need adapted to enable me to do the job. I might not be able to be a waitress, but I can be a shop assistant for example - as long as they make reasonable adjustments.

It's not a recruiters job to decide if someone's disability prevents them from doing a job. Presumably the applicant knows their own limitations

As others have already said, I think anyone actively listing the details of their health conditions on their CV is not hoping to be employed anyway. They're just fulfilling their JSA requirements.

It doesn’t give you any “legal protection” putting medical conditions on your cv. Your cv should be about your skills and experience, it’s not the place for medical conditions.

It’s not discrimination if someone’s disability means they cannot do the job. An employer doesn’t have to interview unsuitable candidates