The Sentinel: Jobs

Starting in 2025, Illinois job hunters will see actual pay and benefits in all job listings

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

New law in 2025 says Illinois businesses with four or more employees must give equal pay for the same or substantially similar work in the same county regardless of gender or race.

CHICAGO - Some companies will have new rules to follow amid changes to the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003.

House Bill 3129 ensures employers with four or more employees give equal pay for the same or substantially similar work in the same county regardless of gender or race. Governor JB Pritzker's recent signing of an amendment to the law mandates an employer with 15 or more workers to include pay benefits and open information in a job posting.

Amy Sneirson, equal pay manager for the Illinois Department of Labor, sees the amendment as another tool as job hopefuls seek and consider employment options.

restaurant at night

New Illinois law that takes effect in 2025 will ensure that workers are equally paid regardless of age or gender identity. The statute will also regulate advertisements and announcements for job openings.

Photo: Khachik Simonian/Unsplash

"This is pay transparency, which is what this idea is called, being adopted in states and municipalities around the country," Sneirson explained. "The efforts to boost pay transparency are because pay inequity, despite the existence of very great laws federally and in the States, have not managed to extinguish pay inequities."

The amendment also requires if the applicable employer uses a third party to announce, post or publish a job posting, the employer must also inform the third party of the pay rate, who must include the pay scale in the job posting.

Employers are responding to the latest mandate for job postings. Sneirson pointed out the Illinois Department of Labor has hosted two webinars since October and has another one scheduled in a few weeks for employers to ask questions. The attendance, she added, has been good.

"We've had hundreds of employers attend, and they have been just wanting to gather information I think so they can be sure that they're complying with the law," Sneirson observed. "For a lot of national employers, this is not a new idea. They're already responding to pay transparency in other jurisdictions, and they just want to make sure that they're doing it right."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employees in the Springfield area are in the mining, logging/construction, manufacturing, trade, transportation and utility industries.

Congresswoman, education leaders to tour local trades training center

During last November's Open House, Local 149 instructor Andy Currie provided a high school student with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in pipefitting. At the beginning of the week, officials from Parkland College and the University of Illinois, along with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, will tour the training facility.

PhotoNews Media file photo

SAVOY - One year after opening its state-of-the-art training center, United Association Local 149 will host U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski and officials from Parkland College, the University of Illinois, and the chemical industry for a tour on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The event, held at the 24,000 square-foot facility on North Dunlap Avenue, will focus on economic growth and local job opportunities created by the training center.

Rep. Budzinski is known for advocating higher wages, better benefits, and workplace safety protections for firefighters, grocery workers, and meatpackers. She led efforts to raise Illinois' minimum wage to $15 an hour and chaired the Broadband Advisory Board to expand internet access in rural communities. During her time at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, she helped implement the American Rescue Plan and establish the Made in America Office to bring jobs back to the U.S. and strengthen the economy. Budzinski was elected to Congress in 2023, representing Illinois’ 13th District.

Local 149 provides world-class training, such as specialized instruction in medical gas piping services, helping members meet industry needs.

Trustee Dave Smithenry demonstrates troubleshooting air conditioning systems at last year's Open House.

PhotoNews Media file photo

The tour will feature hands-on demonstrations from union members and interviews with apprentices, union officials, and representatives from the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and the American Chemistry Council. The event highlights Local 149’s role in preparing its 600 members, including plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians, for the growing job market in the chemical manufacturing sector.

In addition to meeting the needs of its customers by mastering various piping systems and prioritizing the safety of its members and customers, the members of Local 149 are committed to delivering exceptional service on every project. Members also support the communities in which they live by donating resources and countless hours to charitable organizations, including the United Way, the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and many local causes.

The union is currently accepting applications for its 2025 apprentice class. For more information call (217) 359-5201.

Guest Commentary |
Americans are living under greater financial burden

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

The average monthly car payment for a new vehicle is $734 according to second-quarter 2024 Experian data — up 0.1% year after year. Used cars have an average monthly payment of $525, down 2.1%. Meanwhile, new lease payments average $586, a 2.3% decrease.

The average house payment is around $2,700 per month.

The average rent payment is between $1,300 and $1,789 per month.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average single person can spend between $238.46 and $434.33 per month on groceries. Many factors will impact a given individual's expenses, such as location and eating style.

The average family spends about $270 at the grocery store per week, but that number increases when children are taken into account. Families with kids spend an average of $331 a week on groceries or 41% more than families without kids. USA Today Jan. 20, 2024

The average cost of utilities in the U.S. is $500 to $600 per month or $6,000 to $7,200 per year, including electricity, gas, water, sewer, phone, internet, and streaming or cable TV services. Utility bills depend on your location, home and household size, individual utility usage, and your home's efficiency. March 13, 2024 Home Guide

On average, Americans spend between $150 and $200 per month on gas. The amount spent on gas depends on a number of factors, including:

State: Gas prices vary by state.
Lifestyle: Factors such as driving habits can affect how much is spent on gas.
Vehicle type: The type of vehicle a person drives can impact how much they spend on gas. For example, drivers of full-size SUVs pay more on gas than drivers of subcompact or compact cars.

In 2023, the average cost of health insurance in the United States was $8,435 per year for single coverage and $23,968 per year for family coverage. This was a 7% increase from 2022.

The United States has one of the highest costs of healthcare in the world. In 2022, U.S. healthcare spending reached $4.5 trillion, which averages to $13,493 per person. By comparison, the average cost of healthcare per person in other wealthy countries is less than half as much.

For children attending public school from kindergarten to 12th grade, parents can expect to spend a total of roughly $162,899.86 on their child's education and related activities.

Unfortunately, it takes money to pay the bills. Living a modest lifestyle requires a monthly intake of cash - a lot of cash.

You might survive for a while on a small income but as you can see from any of the items above that a modest income makes life a strain when it comes to paying the bills.

Many Americans are already working two jobs. The runaway cost-of-living in America has made it almost impossible for average people to keep their heads above water. Anything that you buy costs a fortune. The cost-of-living increase needs to come to a halt so that Americans can catch up. Until this happens millions of Americans will continue to experience financial strain.

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

Younger generation needed for future healthcare jobs in Illinois

Photo: Akram Huseyn/Unsplash

The healthcare employee pool is shrinking. A new program for high school students has been created to help address the shortfall in skilled medical professionals.

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - The healthcare employee pool is shrinking - and as the medical profession faces increases in demand for mental health treatment, chronic illness management, and an aging population - a new program hopes high school students can step in.

Competition is tight between healthcare organizations and providers needing accredited and skilled talent.

Online educational provider MedCerts Vice President of Partnerships and Workforce Development, Jennifer Kolb, said the program is designed to generate students' interest in healthcare fields and get them trained.

"How do we build a pipeline of talent that is certified - a new generation of people interested in healthcare to go into these roles?" said Kolb. "And where do we get the talent from?"

Kolb said since 2019, the average hospital has spent or lost about $24 million - or about $7,000 to $9,000 a day - due to workforce turnover.

The MedCerts program has partnerships with local businesses and eLearning training providers.

Kolb said the goal is to have full-time, entry-level jobs ready for the students when they graduate from high school.

MedCerts partners with Madison County through the Medical Assistant Apprenticeships program with the Health Sisters Hospital System in Illinois.

There are more than 50 training offerings, including sterile processing technicians, surgical technologists, and pharmacy technicians.

Kolb said the certifications can be earned in three to six months, and the program offers a Pay to Career pipeline that allows the student to earn on-the-job college credit.

"Ninety-five percent of healthcare employers have a tuition reimbursement program as an employee benefit," said Kolb, "and they can use their employee benefit to go to college."

The college credit can be applied to a four-year institution for advanced medical careers, such as nursing.

State and federal dollars and employers fund the program, so the student has no financial obligations. According to the state, 13% of Illinois schools offer a health sciences and technology curriculum.

There are too few female workers as Illinois energy industry grows

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - Rising demands for clean energy efficiency are producing a wealth of work opportunities in Illinois. These in-demand jobs are also promoting a healthier environment. According to the Energy.gov report, Energy Facts: Impact of the Investing in America Agenda on Illinois, The Inflation Reduction Act will contribute to job increases by producing $18 billion of investment in clean power generation and storage by 2030. E2 is a nationwide network of business leaders that focuses on environmental and economic policy.

Michaela Preskill, state director of advocacy for E2, said Illinois' "robust and growing" clean energy jobs are driving economic growth.

"Clean energy jobs grew by over 4% last year, and that's eight times faster than the state's overall economy," she said.

Workers manufacturing Energy Star appliances are using advanced materials for the construction and servicing of homes and commercial buildings. These efforts result in cost-effective lighting and HVAC systems, Preskill noted, which saves consumers and homeowners money. The report also claims the Inflation Reduction Act means commercial building owners can receive up to $5 per square foot in tax credits to support energy efficiency improvements.

Clean energy industry watchers predict an 8% growth of employees in Illinois in 2025. Preskill said there is no indication the trend will slow down, but diversity is an issue. The site 'Save-on-energy-dot-com,' says women represent only 22% of workers in the energy sector and 32% in the renewable energy sector. She admits the field is traditionally male, but is optimistic for change.

"It's about 70% male, 30% female in Illinois. We are seeing that more and more females enter year after year. And I think it will slowly become more inclusive. But we got some work to do for sure," she explained.

The International Energy Agency site reports female employees in the energy sector earn nearly 20% less than male workers.

Study finds youths of color have fewer summer job offers in Illinois

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - Summer jobs are a boost for companies needing seasonal help. But Black and Latino youths are not seeing the opportunities come their way.

A report by the University of Illinois-Chicago Great Cities Institute has found these teens face fewer job prospects than white applicants.

Illinois State Graphic The Illinois Department of Employment Security indicates 16 to 24-year-olds have had the highest unemployment rate among all age groups - including those at retirement age - since 2017.

Great Cities Institute Research Assistant Samantha Sepulveda Santos said some neighborhoods are struggling more than others.

"We can see," said Sepulveda Santos, "that the highest percentages of joblessness among students in Chicago - which is 93% - were found in areas in the South and Southwest. In Hilton, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Fuller Park, and Back of the Yards."

Recovery time from pandemic-related shutdowns in the Chicago Public Schools system was slower than other area districts, according to the report.

Sepulveda Santos said she believes this data supports the necessity to implement programming for equal employment opportunities.

The report claims more than 163,000 16 to 24-year-olds in Chicago are unemployed and not enrolled in high school or college.

Sepulveda Santos acknowledged that competition is harder for these youths to enter a trade school to receive technical training for in-demand jobs - which could contribute to higher disparity numbers.

"And another factor we allude to as well is that not all people have the same opportunities," said Sepulveda Santos. "Not all people have the same networking, the same preparation for cover letters, for interviews. Most people have a leg up to be able to ask an aunt, an uncle, a neighbor for a job, as other people do."

The institute is seeking funding for a youth employment training program to teach teens about applying for jobs and being productive workers upon hire.

The study also suggests if Illinois spent $300 million on youth employment, crime rates could be reduced.

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show in July 2023, the unemployment rate nationwide for Black youth was 18%, nearly 11% for Latinos, and 7% for white youths.

On the job: Five awesome ways make your employees feel appreciated

Make a point to know about the underappreciated professionals in your life, so you can recognize events like birthdays, work anniversaries and other dates that hold special personal meaning.

Family Features - Unsung heroes make everyday living possible. They work behind the scenes and tackle some of the most demanding work imaginable, such as maintaining facilities and keeping them in tip-top condition.

You can show your appreciation for deserving workers such as your favorite school custodians or office maintenance staff members in numerous ways, including these suggestions from Rubbermaid Commercial Products, supporters of cleaning and maintenance professionals nationwide.

Write Thank You Notes
In today's digital world, handwritten notes are a novelty. The times may be changing, but the impression a thoughtful handwritten message leaves behind hasn't changed at all. Keep a supply of blank notecards so you can offer notes to those who make a difference in your life. The sentiments don't need to be long; a simple expression of gratitude is enough to brighten someone's day.

Photo provided

Participate in Appreciation Events
You might receive information from local schools or businesses about opportunities to support maintenance staff, such as hosting meals or helping with cleanup in classrooms or offices. Finding opportunities to support underappreciated custodial staff can allow community members to show thanks in meaningful ways.

For example, Rubbermaid Commercial Products is hosting a Behind the Scenes of Clean Campaign this fall to elevate, recognize and thank cleaning and facility maintenance professionals who are among the first to arrive for work each day. The campaign includes more than 40 events globally where community members can engage with and personally thank custodians who are making an everyday difference behind the scenes.

Recognize Milestones
Often, those in custodial roles blend into the fabric of everyday life. They're rarely the focal point of celebrations, but often make it possible for others to honor special occasions. Make a point to know about the underappreciated professionals in your life, so you can recognize events like birthdays, work anniversaries and other dates that hold special personal meaning.

Do Your Part
Think about what small steps you can take to make unsung heroes' jobs easier. That might mean picking up after yourself or cleaning up a mess in your workspace. It could involve wiping down your table after lunch. Little gestures can add up to a big difference.

Lead By Example
You don't need to wait for others to join you in recognizing workers whose impacts are made behind the scenes. Speaking up and taking action can serve as a positive example for those around you. You can even take the lead and organize an effort to recognize individuals who rarely receive thanks, such as the custodian at your office or the janitorial team at your favorite retailer.

Learn how to show your appreciation and get inspired by visiting the Rubbermaid Commercial Products website.

Harnessing the power of age: 5 key benefits of hiring older workers

by Gary A. Officer

BPT - When you think of new hires, who do you picture? While you may expect applicants to be 20-somethings straight out of college or 30- to 40-somethings making a career change, in reality, you'll likely see more applicants who are older adults. According to a report by the U.S. Special Committee on Aging, workers 55 and older will soon represent 25% of our nation's workforce.

Gary A. Officer

President/CEO
Center for Workforce Inclusion

However, just because more older adults are applying for jobs doesn't mean they are getting hired. Many older applicants face ageism during the hiring process. A survey by AARP found that it took older workers who were displaced during the Great Recession twice as long to find a new job than younger workers. The association also found that only 4% of firms have committed to programs that help integrate older workers into their talent pool.

Businesses that ignore this fast-growing workforce segment need to rethink their hiring process. With record-low unemployment numbers, many job openings across industries still need to be filled. But there is a mostly overlooked talent pool readily available - older Americans. Now more than ever, businesses must recognize that older workers bring much-needed experience, emotional intelligence and generational diversity to our workplaces.

Not convinced? Here are five key values older workers offer employers.

1. Problem-Solving abilities

Problem-solving is a critical skill that is attained over time. Through their lived experience in the workforce, older workers have accumulated a wealth of industry-specific knowledge that they can use to make informed decisions that help your business thrive. More importantly, they can impart this knowledge to younger colleagues, providing mentorship opportunities that benefit the mentors, mentees and the business as a whole.

The result is a more innovative team. A 2018 study by Cloverpop found that multigenerational teams with an age range of 25 years or more (from the youngest member to the oldest member) met or exceeded expectations 73% of the time, while those with a narrow range of less than 10 years did so only 35% of the time.

2. Reliability

Older workers are incredibly reliable. This usually means that they are known for punctuality and dependability. You can count on them to show up on time to meetings, meet strict deadlines and provide a consistency that may be missing from your workplace. Best of all, they set a positive example for the rest of the company.

3. Improved team productivity

It's been reported that seven out of 10 workers in the United States enjoy working with people from other generations. Older workers appreciate the creativity of younger workers and younger workers appreciate the value of older workers' experience and wisdom (AARP).

These benefits extend beyond workplace satisfaction, too. Significant profitability and performance gains have been reported for companies that have above-average diversity. For example, according to an AARP report, companies with above-average diversity in age, gender, nationality, career path, industry background and education on their management teams report innovation revenue that is 19% higher and profit margins that are 9% higher than companies with below-average diversity.

4. Adaptability

Older adults have seen technology rapidly change throughout their lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, older workers are adaptable and willing to learn and master new skills and technologies.

The fact is that they've had to adapt quickly to keep pace with the increasingly connected and technology-forward world. These experiences have taught them to effectively navigate change, a valuable asset for businesses across many industries.

5. Low turnover

Hiring and training new employees can cost a company extensive time, money and resources. To reduce turnovers and increase employee retention, businesses should look to hire older workers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that older workers ages 55-64 have a higher employee tenure rate than their younger colleagues. They typically stay with a company for nearly 10 years, more than three times the rate of workers ages 25-34.

So, while the assumption might be that an older applicant is ready to retire - that is likely not the case. Many older Americans are delaying retirement, unretiring or simply unable to retire and are prepared to stay on board for many years to come.

Age is a value-add, not a detriment

While working for the Center for Workforce Inclusion, I've seen firsthand the benefits of hiring older employees. Embracing age diversity in your workforce can only help to improve your company's overall performance and workplace culture.

We often partner with businesses to help them tap into the talent pool of older workers to achieve successful business outcomes. We also work directly with older job seekers to overcome barriers to employment, develop in-demand skills and secure employment. To learn more about our work and how we can help, visit CenterForWorkforceInclusion.org.

Urbana leaders and labor unions partner for hiring expo this Sunday

JAC Local 149 instructor Justin McMullen talks to high school students during an open house last November. Teamed up with Urbana community leaders, the local will host a hiring expo this Sunday for apprenticeships and other career opportunities at the Union Hall located in Savoy.

Photo: PhotoNews Media

SAVOY - The East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council is teaming up with Urbana mayoral candidate DeShawn Williams and City Councilwoman Chaundra Bishop to bring career opportunities to members of the community. The trio have joined forces to provide information and application guidance to those interested in a career with area unions.

The hiring expo set for 3 pm Sunday at UA Local 149, 1003 N. Dunlap Ave. in Savoy. There will be 20 local labor unions under one roof, offering opportunities that could change your life. Whether you are a seasoned pro or looking to kickstart your career, there is a place for you.

"This hiring expo is yet another step toward doing all we can to open our doors to as many people as possible," said Kevin Sage, President of the Building Trades. "It’s important that we create opportunities for everyone to have a chance to earn high wages, great benefits, and to work in safe conditions. Our unions promise all of that."

From plumbers to electricians, carpenters to laborers, unions provided guaranteed wages, with many starting at $22 an hour and soaring over $77 after five years of on-the-job training. That is in addition to leading benefits, including free healthcare and early retirement plans.

This is the second hiring fair that Williams has co-sponsored with the Building Trades.

"This is an opportunity to discover the transformative power of union trades," Williams said. "It’s not just a career, it’s a path to stability, fair wages, and a stronger community."

Local union to host ribbon-cutting ceremony at new training facility in Savoy

SAVOY - UA Local 149 will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow at their new training center for area plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians.

Elected officials and union leaders from across Illinois will be in attendance at the grand opening event starting at 4:30pm at the UA Local 149 Training Center, located at 1005 N. Dunlap Ave. in Savoy. In addition to presentations made by state and local officials, as well as Local 149 leadership, several Champaign-area business leaders will also be recognized at the event as part of a celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

Local 149 apprentices spend five years learning as they are earning, spending 240 hours in class and 1,700 hours on the job each year, working for local contractors. They make $22.66 an hour on day one, with guaranteed hourly raises each year to $42.80 in their fifth year, after which their total hourly package is $73.60 as journeymen.

The grand opening will also feature demonstrations by apprentices on the new equipment and tours of the new facility.

On Wednesday from 9am to 12 pm, there will be an open house to welcome interested applicants to tour the facility and apply to join Local 149, which represents more than 600 workers across East Central Illinois.

Those who apply are invited to take an entrance exam and in-person interviews before possibly being offered a position in the union.

Overcoming burnout while searching for your next career opportunity

Photo: Pavel Chernonogov/PEXELS

StatePoint Media - As the job search continues for unemployed Illinoians, a new national survey reveals a massive case of job hunt burnout.

The Insight Global survey, conducted among recently unemployed American adults actively seeking employment, found that a competitive job market, a lack of applicable jobs, low self-confidence and an inability to interview well are all contributing factors in job candidates’ lack of success in securing employment.

Fifty-five percent of respondents have been searching for a new job for so long that they are completely burnt out, and many are willing to take drastic measures to save and make money in the meantime: More than 2 in 5 would live at home with their parents; the same amount would rather create an Etsy business or thrift flip than send out another blast of resumes, and of Gen Z respondents, 44% admit they would rather get a sugar daddy or sugar mommy than apply to more jobs.

“It’s no wonder that so many unemployed Americans are feeling unmotivated – between several years of a volatile job market, headcount reductions, budget cuts, hiring freezes and a total overhaul of the way companies are running their businesses, it can feel downright impossible to get back on track,” says Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global, a leading national staffing company.

To beat job hunting burnout and get back in the game, Bean recommends the following tips:

• Rethink Remote: Of millennials surveyed, 21% feel they’re still unemployed because they will only apply to remote job opportunities. To greatly expand your options, be open to hybrid and on-site work opportunities.

• Stand Out: Over a quarter of those seeking full-time work feel that there are no jobs available for their skill set or there is too much competition for available jobs. To stand out in the crowd, get creative. Whether it’s creating an interactive resume, dropping by the office for a quick hello, or just not stopping until you hear back, doing whatever it takes to get your foot in the door improves your chances of success.

• Find Small Wins: Job hunting can be exhausting and disheartening. Find things you can accomplish that help you feel productive and remind you what it feels like to win again. It could be getting in shape, completing a 5K, journaling for a month, or making five new daily connections on LinkedIn.

• Don’t Write Anything Off: Interestingly, 26% of men surveyed said they are still unemployed because the jobs they hear back from are beneath them. Leave preconceived notions like this at the door. Many companies offer opportunities for promotions and upskilling, so look past the specific outlined role and imagine future possibilities with that organization.

• Reach for Resources: When trying to get back in the workforce, don’t go at it alone. Companies like Insight Global can help you shape up your resume, brush up on interview skills, boost your confidence and connect you with companies and opportunities that fit the bill. Leverage events like the Be The Light tour, Insight Global’s free-to-attend mobile career center in select cities around the country. Accepting help from professionals will put you in a better position for landing a job. To learn more, and for additional tips and resources, visit insightglobal.com.

“While searching for employment that fulfills your professional goals can feel overwhelming, changing the narrative and thinking about the market in new ways can connect you with additional opportunities and position you to succeed,” says Bean.

What's up, Doc? Staff therapists could be a competitive advantage for restaurants

Restaurant jobs have always been difficult, but the mental stress has gotten worse during the pandemic as restaurants closed or cut hours — or became ground zero for the fight over mask-wearing.

"It is totally nerve-wracking sometimes because all of my tables I’m interacting with aren’t wearing their masks," said Nikki Perri, a server at French 75, a restaurant in downtown Denver. "I am within 6 feet of people who are maskless." ...

Business | Solid advice on how to attract top-tier employees for your small business

Photo:Mina Rad/Unsplash

StatePoint Media - As most business owners know, one of the most valuable assets your enterprise needs to thrive is top-notch talent. Thanks to the University of Illinois, a world-class university in the community, Champaign-Urbana has a large pool of educated, strong candidates available.

With one in four U.S. adults currently looking for a new job, the right people are out there, it’s just a matter of connecting with them. According to CareerBuilder, here’s how to make your company attractive to job seekers and how to leverage tools to find them:

• Make room for growth: A recent survey from CareerBuilder and Morning Consult finds that when it comes to what’s most important to job seekers, it’s “good salary/benefits and interesting work.”

Give potential employees confidence that working for you will allow them to take care of their finances, provide for their families and do work that they are proud of.

Before posting the position, first seek out industry insights to ensure your compensation package is competitive.

Also ensure that you’re offering a clear path for growth. During the interview process, let candidates know that if they are hired, you will invest the time and energy in seeing them develop professionally.

"Employers must get creative in their approach to skill development and training as a way to fill the existing skills gap and accelerate promotions," says Kristin Kelley, chief marketing officer, CareerBuilder.

• Find your purpose: A people-oriented, purpose-driven work culture can help you not only attract great job candidates, but retain employees.

"Companies with a powerful mission, who also value their employees will stand the test of time. Creating an environment where people can thrive is equally important," says Kelley.

• Be flexible: If the nature of your business allows for it, consider embracing new technologies that allow you to implement flexible work experiences, such as remote or hybrid work. Giving your employees the option to work from home is a key benefit that will attract talent, plus it could potentially broaden your pool nationwide or even internationally.

• Turn to easy-to-use hiring platforms: Finding the best fit for a given position can be extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, hiring software featuring industry-leading technology can make the process much smoother and more efficient. For example, CareerBuilder offers recruiting solutions that allow you to target your ideal job seekers with custom campaigns, build your talent pipeline, and source and screen candidates in a fraction of the time. The platform allows employers to quickly create highly visible job postings in one central hub where 140 million resumes and social profiles reside, search for job candidates 50% faster and reduce the overall hiring time by more than 30%. For more information, visit hiring.careerbuilder.com.

Talent acquisition is just one of a business owner’s many priorities. With the right mindset, strategies and tools, you can attract the best candidates for your business and bring them on board quickly.

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