Keeping Up with Emerging Hiring Trends in the Modern Blue-Collar Job Market

In today's competitive job market, the blue-collar sector is witnessing rapid changes. For hiring managers and talent acquisition teams, staying informed about the latest hiring trends, recruitment processes, and talent acquisition strategies is crucial to attract top talent and address skill gaps effectively.

Overview of Current Trends in Today’s Job Market 

The latest Jobs and Skills Australia Recruitment Insights Report states that the recruitment difficulty rate has risen by 4% since December 2023, rising to 55% of recruiting employers. Despite this increase, the trend over most of 2023 was a reduction in the recruitment difficulty rate, which currently sits at 20% below the peak of 75% in July 2022. 

The proportion of recruiting employers who were unable to fill their vacancies within a month was 56% in January 2024. This was 10% higher than December 2023, but 4% lower than in January 2023. 

The skills shortage continues to be a persistent challenge for recruiters in 2024, with Trade Qualified and Skilled Worker roles still proving difficult to fill. 

To rise above the recruitment challenges in 2024, it is important that we are aware of, and keep up with, the latest hiring trends. 

How New Hiring Trends are Shaping the Recruitment Landscape 

The recruitment landscape is experiencing transformations due to technological advancements, shifts in demographics, and the evolving expectations of both job seekers and employers. To successfully navigate this landscape, it’s essential for recruiting professionals to employ the latest talent strategies, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and recruitment automation tools.

Some of the new trends that are reshaping the landscape include: 

Digital Platforms

SEEK is becoming much less effective in blue-collar recruiting and new methods of candidate marketing are starting to emerge. Digital platforms are revolutionising the hiring process. From job boards to career sites, the use of artificial intelligence and recruitment automation tools is making it easier for employers to connect with many job seekers. Leveraging these recruitment marketing tools can help businesses improve their hiring processes and reach a wider talent pool.

Remote Hiring for Trade Jobs

While recruiting for some blue-collar roles requires a physical presence, remote hiring is becoming feasible for certain trade jobs. Virtual interviews, remote training programs, and digital skills assessments are some of the tools enabling employers to access talent from diverse geographical locations. This shift opens up access to diverse candidates, an essential factor in attracting top talent.

Data-Driven Recruitment

Employers are leveraging metrics such as job completion rates, safety records, and equipment maintenance history to identify top candidates and optimise workforce productivity. 

Enhanced Candidate Experience for Tradespeople

Employers are focusing on improving the experience for their blue-collar candidates in the workplace. This includes things like improving communication to their employees, creating efficient application processes, and improving the work culture to attract and retain skilled tradespeople.  Read more about how to attract hard-to-fill blue collar workers here.

Skills-Based Recruitment for Technical Roles

In blue-collar sectors, technical skills often outweigh formal education. Employers are prioritising skills-based recruitment, seeking candidates with specific competencies relevant to their industry or trade. 

Diversity and Inclusion in Blue-Collar Workforces

Initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion are gaining momentum in blue-collar industries. Employers are implementing targeted recruitment strategies, diversity training, and inclusive workplace policies to foster a more equitable workforce. 

Adaptation to the Gig Economy in Manual Labour

More workers are embracing freelance or contract work in fields such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation, prompting employers to adjust their hiring strategies accordingly. 

Brand Building for Blue-Collar Employers

Employer branding is becoming increasingly important for blue-collar employers seeking to attract and retain talent. Companies are investing in showcasing their workplace culture, safety practices, and opportunities for career advancement to stand out in a competitive job market. For some ideas on how to stand out and attract and retain top employees, read our blog on the retention mix here.

The Future of Hiring 

Adapting to the latest recruitment trends and incorporating new hiring strategies are essential for blue-collar employers to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and stay competitive. From leveraging recruitment automation tools to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, the focus is on creating a holistic recruitment strategy that addresses the current challenges in the job market.

If you need assistance with your recruitment or HR services, please reach out to us today at 08 9477 7999 or email hello@irp.net.au. 

FAQs

How can businesses improve their hiring processes?

Integrating recruitment marketing tools and techniques, focusing on employer branding, and adopting recruitment automation tools can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of hiring processes.

What strategies are effective for attracting diverse candidates?

Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, promoting a diverse and inclusive company culture, and using targeted recruitment marketing can help attract a wider range of candidates.

Why is work-life balance important for attracting top talent?

Offering flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining employees, as it is increasingly valued by today's workforce.

What role does diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) play in recruitment?

DEI initiatives are crucial for creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. They help in attracting diverse candidates, promoting job satisfaction, and enhancing employee engagement, which are key factors in retaining talent and building a competitive employer brand.

Why is internal hiring becoming a popular strategy in talent management?

Internal hiring promotes employee career development and retention by offering career paths within the organisation. It leverages the existing talent pool, reduces hiring costs, and speeds up the recruitment process, making it a strategic component of talent management.

What strategies can be employed to fill hard-to-fill roles?

To fill hard-to-fill roles, employers can expand their talent pools by targeting passive candidates, leveraging recruitment agencies such as IRP, implementing employee referral programs, and using specialised job boards. Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and career development opportunities are also effective strategies. For more tips, check out our blog on this topic here.