How To Convince Top Candidates To Switch Jobs During Hard Times

by Beverly Aarons 22. December 2009 08:13

While a tough economy can bring in a horde of resumes to the average recruiter’s inbox, finding and convincing top passive candidates to switch jobs during uncertain times has never been more difficult. Even if a candidate is itching for more opportunities, better benefits or a friendlier workplace, uncertain times can temp them to hang on to security—their current job. So how do you convince quality candidates to leave their job for “greener pastures?”

The first step is to discover the candidate’s long-term vision and ask them if their current employment will help them to achieve that long-term vision. Unfortunately, many talented individuals are stuck in jobs that are “dead-end” and take them nowhere near their goals. It’s the recruiter’s job to point out the reality of that fact and then show the candidate why the new position is a more effective tool for achieving their goals.
Know the job you are selling the candidate. Make sure you point out to the candidate all of the benefits of switching jobs compared to remaining at their current place of employment. Answer these questions: What are the benefits of working in that particular job? What is the career path of the job? And how does that career path help the candidate achieve their goals? Get specific. Also, point out to the candidate the risk they are taking by not changing jobs. In other words, make the “opportunity cost” clear to them.
Is the employer willing to provide an employment contract with a payout for non-performance related terminations? Many quality passive candidates fear that they will leave their current job and be fired within a few months of working at the new job. If an employer is willing to offer an employment contract you will have a better chance of attracting quality passive candidates during these uncertain times.

How To Convince Top Candidates To Switch Jobs During Hard Times

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