From Seek to a Multidisciplinary Strategy

Traditional methods of recruitment, like relying solely on Seek, might have worked in the past, but they no longer cut it in a crowded market. Businesses must expand their horizons and use every channel at their disposal to attract the right people. Here’s an example:

For a North Queensland Manager role based in Mackay, our client moved beyond the usual channels. Within a week, they had multiple high-quality candidates lined up. How? By using a variety of platforms and targeting the search to reach the right audience.

Why Recruitment Is Just Like Marketing

The secret to successful recruitment lies in treating it like marketing. Your efforts to sell your business to clients are the same efforts you should use to attract talent. Here’s why:

• Consistency Across Channels: The message you put out to promote your business should align with your recruitment messaging.
• Targeted Outreach: Just as you identify and market to your ideal customer, you must pinpoint the ideal candidates and contractors and engage them effectively.
• Unified Efforts: Whether recruiting permanent staff or sourcing trades, the approach should be cohesive and deliberate.

The Key to Success: A Unified Message

When recruiting, think of your potential hires as a different type of audience for your marketing. The message you craft for your business branding can solve two problems simultaneously:

1. Attracting Permanent Staff: Your marketing message should highlight your business as an appealing place to work. Show off your culture, opportunities for growth, and the unique projects you offer.
2. Procuring Trades and Contractors: Use the same channels and strategies to find reliable trades and services, demonstrating that your business is professional and trustworthy.

Steps to Create a Multidisciplinary Recruitment Strategy

Here’s how you can adopt this approach and start seeing results:

1. Think Beyond Traditional Job Boards

Seek and other job boards are still useful, but they should be one piece of a broader strategy. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, industry forums, and even direct outreach to find candidates.

2. Make Marketing Central to Recruitment

Every marketing channel you use to promote your business—Google Ads, social media, or even community sponsorships—can double as recruitment tools. Ensure your branding speaks to potential employees and trades as much as it does to clients.

3. Target the Right Audience

Define what “right” means for each role or project. Tailor your messaging to appeal to these candidates. For example, highlight growth opportunities for permanent roles or reliability and prompt payment for trades.

4. Act Quickly

Speed is crucial. Once candidates engage with your recruitment efforts, respond promptly and keep the momentum going to secure their commitment before competitors do.

5. Measure and Adjust

Track which channels bring in the best candidates and adjust your strategy accordingly. Over time, you’ll develop a system that delivers consistent results.

Why This Approach Works

By treating recruitment as a marketing effort, you ensure your message reaches the right people and that your business is seen as an attractive option. It also allows you to:

• Save Time: A cohesive strategy eliminates the need for separate marketing and recruitment campaigns.
• Increase Visibility: Casting a wider net ensures you’re connecting with top talent who might not otherwise see your opportunities.
• Build Credibility: A strong, unified message establishes your business as professional and reliable in the eyes of both clients and potential hires.

Conclusion

The days of relying on a single job board are over. If you want to attract top talent and the right trades, it’s time to think of recruitment as an extension of your marketing strategy. By applying the same consistent, targeted efforts across all channels, you can find the right people faster and more effectively—whether you’re hiring permanent staff or sourcing contractors.

Want to take your recruitment and procurement to the next level? Join the Insurance Construction Network on Facebook or explore how the BuildAbility program can transform your business processes.

FAQs

Why should I treat recruitment like marketing?
Because recruitment and marketing share the same goal: attracting the right audience. A cohesive message ensures your business appeals to both clients and potential hires.

What channels should I use for multidisciplinary recruitment?
Use a mix of job boards, social media platforms, industry forums, and even direct outreach to connect with top talent.

How do I make my recruitment message stand out?
Highlight what makes your business unique—whether it’s career growth opportunities, exciting projects, or a strong company culture.

Is this approach only for large businesses?
No, even small businesses can benefit by applying these principles. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

What’s the next step after creating a unified strategy?
Test it out, measure your results, and refine your efforts. For expert guidance, join the Insurance Construction Network or enrol in the BuildAbility program.