Retain so you don’t have to recruit! Or Recruit to Retain!

As a recruiter we get calls and emails all the time from employers frustrated that we are trying to steal their people.   The fact is we are recruiters, we have a job to do and that job is to match the right candidate to the right position providing a long term fit for both the employee and the employer.  We can’t force anyone to make a change that they are not interested in making.

Here are some helpful strategies for retaining your top talent:

1. SET EXPECTATIONS – Make sure you take the time to write a detailed job description that outlines how the success or failure of this role will be evaluated.
2. GROW YOUR OWN TALENT – I constantly talk to industry colleagues who love their job and say if you ever come across a position that differs from mine that I could crossover to do, call me.  Provide the crossover right there inside your own company.  You might find that using their talents in a different way is a real win-win scenario.
3. EQUIPPED FOR SUCCESS – One of the most common reasons that a passive candidate considers a new opportunity is because their tools, technology or resources are outdated.  Make sure you set your team up for success by updating their resources and sharing your knowledge.
4. LET INSIDERS IN – Let your team in on your strategy up front.  Show them you are loyal to them and they’ll be loyal to you.  Establish a channel for a regular and consistent flow of confidential information.
5. GET TO KNOW THEM – Do you know how far (and exactly what) each one of your employees will go to be successful?  Once you know this information, step out of the way and let them do it every day.  (I think Roosevelt said something like this)
6. KEYS TO THE KINGDOM – Do you know the key players in your kingdom?  Identify them and anyone else with potential.  Then spend time with them, encourage them both in private and in public.
7. MAKE YOUR EMPLOYEES YOUR PARTNERS – Partners are vested in success and can’t even fathom not being on your team.
8. CONNECT, CONNECT, AND RECONNECT – If you are constantly doing this with your team start today.  Needs and wants change regularly and you’ll want to be up-to-date always.
9. TRAIN THE TRAINERS – Coming from the restaurant world, I know how important training can be I have seen the impact that a great “train the trainer” program can have.  Do you have one?  If not, start one today.
10. RECOGNIZE, REWARD, AND REPEAT – Retention really comes down to one key item…RESPECT.  Do you respect your top talent enough to recognize it and reward it every day?  Start today!