Assessing Workforce Recruitment Strategies of Local Hamilton Employers

Abstract

The long-term sustainability of businesses is dependent on their ability to secure a workforce that satisfies their labour demands. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the current workforce recruitment strategies used by local Hamilton employers. This research used a mixed-methods approach, collecting btoh survey responses (n=24) and conducting follow-up interviews (n=5) with local Hamilton employers regarding their current recruitment strategies and perceived efficacy of those strategies. We found the most common recruitment strategies were online recruitment, secondary and post-secondary school engagement, and employee referral programs. Online recruitment and school engagement strategies were considered to be the most effective, however, employers also identified areas of improvement, such as the need for increased candidate (and community) awareness regarding industry jobs and job advertising that highlights what the job has to offer the candidates. In sum, this study provides insights into the perceptions and preferences of employers in the Greater Hamilton Area on their hiring processes.