Hiring the right talent has never been easy, but in today’s market, it feels harder than ever. Whether you’re searching for software engineers, hardware specialists, or mechanical design experts, the competition for skilled professionals is fierce. Companies are facing hiring challenges, from candidate shortages to rejected offers, and those struggles are costing businesses valuable time and resources. If you need help finding the right candidates we'd be happy to help and you can get in touch with us here.
So, how can you position your company to attract and retain the best talent? As technical recruitment experts, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Here’s how to tackle common hiring struggles and ensure your company stands out to high-quality candidates.
The Talent Shortage Is Real - So Think Beyond Job Boards
The demand for engineers, software developers, and life sciences professionals has never been higher, but the supply? Not so much. Posting a job on a board and hoping for the best doesn’t cut it anymore.
How to Fix It:
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Leverage niche recruitment firms that specialise in your industry to tap into passive candidates.
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Build long-term relationships with potential hires by engaging with talent on LinkedIn and industry events.
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Strengthen your employer brand (more on that below!)
Are You Losing Candidates to Better Offers? Here’s Why.
So, you’ve found a great candidate, they’re excited, and then… they ghost you or take another offer. Sound familiar? In many industries, particularly engineering and software, candidates receive multiple offers. If your process is too slow or your offer isn’t competitive, you’re going to lose them.
How to Fix It:
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Speed up your hiring process - if you’re taking weeks to make a decision, your competitors are already making offers.
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Ensure your salary and benefits are competitive. Use salary benchmarking tools to stay ahead - request a free salary review guide here.
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Offer more than just money - flexible working, career growth, and company culture matter just as much.
Your Employer Brand Matters More Than You Think
Candidates today are researching companies just as much as companies are researching candidates. A weak employer brand can cost you top talent before they even apply.
How to Fix It:
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Showcase your workplace culture on social media - people want to see what it’s like to work for you.
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Encourage employees to leave honest Glassdoor reviews.
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Highlight career progression and development opportunities in job descriptions and interviews.
Candidates Want Flexibility - Are You Offering It?
The pandemic shifted workplace expectations, and flexibility is now a top priority for job seekers. If your company isn’t offering hybrid or remote options (where possible), you’re limiting your talent pool.
How to Fix It:
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If fully remote isn’t an option, consider hybrid schedules or flexible start and finish times.
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Make it clear in your job adverts what flexibility you offer - candidates won’t apply if they don’t see it.
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Focus on output over hours. Many companies are finding success by measuring performance based on results, not time spent at a desk.
Is Your Hiring Process Putting People Off?
A slow, unclear, or overly complicated hiring process is one of the biggest reasons candidates drop out. Lengthy applications, too many interview rounds, or a lack of feedback can frustrate job seekers and send them elsewhere.
How to Fix It:
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Streamline your process. Keep interviews to two rounds where possible and be clear about the timeline.
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Provide feedback - even if a candidate isn’t successful, a positive experience leaves a lasting impression.
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Keep communication open. Candidates appreciate transparency and updates, even if it’s just a quick email.
Hiring struggles aren’t going anywhere, but the way you approach them can make all the difference. By strengthening your employer brand, speeding up your hiring process, and offering the flexibility and benefits candidates value, you can stand out in a competitive market.
At Platform Recruitment, with over 15 years of experience, we specialise in connecting businesses with the best talent in software, engineering, and life sciences. If you’re struggling to find the right people, get in touch - we’d love to help.
Looking for your next role? Check out our live opportunities across software, engineering, data science, and more: Platform Recruitment Job Board