6 OCT 2021
Why you need to start selling your College.
According to ONS figures, job vacancies have hit a record high as the economic recovery continues.
The number of vacancies in the three months to August rose above one million for the first time since records began in 2001. And with that, demand for experienced, qualified staff is fierce.
We have put together 3 essential tips to sell your College and attract the best candidates:
1, Staff Benefits
Pensions, Holidays, Flexible working, Gym membership, Onsite childcare, Free Car Parking, Staff shopping discounts, Onsite Gyms and Wellbeing Services, Cycle to work… the list goes on!
We know that FE struggles to compete on salaries, but you can shine with Staff Benefits.
List them at the start of the job advert:
Job title
Salary
Benefits
2, Flexible Working / WFH
A term that we need to get used too… Plans to make employers respond more quickly to requests and explain reasons for refusals under proposals. The plan would also oblige employers to respond to such requests more quickly, and is being billed as a major reshaping of the way people work in a post-pandemic world, making flexible work the default. If your College offers this already, then make sure it’s a key feature on your job advert and splashed all over your careers page.
3, The Application Form
Many Colleges loose candidates via their application process. Those of us from FE understand why these are necessary, but candidates from out the sector do not. So as an employer you need to make the candidate application journey as smooth as possible.
Reed.co.uk’s September 2021 data shows that a whopping 72% of traffic was via a mobile device. With that in mind, it’s essential that your online application process can be easily accessed via a phone or tablet.
Test the candidate experience on your own phone and ask yourself if it’s up to your own expectations. If not, how can you streamline the process?
The fewer clicks, stages and technical issues are guaranteed to increase application rates.
Consider taking CV’s initially, as a first stage for roles such as Catering / Hospitality. There is a huge shortage of staff for these posts, and candidates will apply via the easiest route.
About us:
Since 2013, we have proudly worked with FE Colleges across England, supporting them with all their recruitment advertising needs and helping them to attract the best candidates for their roles. We work in partnership with Colleges, working as an extension of in-house teams, delivering real value and saving time.