What Attracts Top Legal Talent NOW?
Here at Legal People we like to keep our finger on the pulse of the legal recruitment trends in Melbourne. We are often asked by our clients how they go about winning the war for talent. This is particularly relevant in certain areas of law, such as transactional areas right now (eg. Corporate commercial, M&A, Property, Front-End Construction ) where we are in a candidate tight environment.
In 2017 we are often finding those talented candidates in highly sought after areas can be fielding more than one offer. They have a unique opportunity to really weigh the benefits of one firm against another. They very much want to make an informed decision about which company is right for their skills, values and personality.
So how do you win the war for talent?
What do you need to offer to give you the recruiting edge over another firm? We share our thoughts below.
Flexibility
Lawyers and Legal Support Staff are increasingly asking for flexible hours.
This might include any mix of:
- Part time
- The ability to work remotely
- Job sharing
- Working a flexible day (e.g. an early start or a late finish to avoid the peak hour commute or to manage family or study responsibilities)
- The ability to purchase additional annual leave
Consider whether there is a way your organisation can support these types of arrangement. Being able to provide examples of other team members working flexibly can also help.
Information
Candidates are increasingly putting in lots of research into a hiring firm. This is so they can make an informed decision in relation to an offer.
In particular they are finding out what they can about
- Company culture
- Company retention rates
- Team structure
- Partners’ managerial and communication style
- Working environment
- Career opportunities
- Where company decisions are made – is it local?
- Why a role has become available
They are researching this online, via social media and via their networks. They are also asking us!
Being able to clearly demonstrate what you offer on your Website and Careers pages via images, video and recommendations can help. Similarly these could be shared on your social media channels. Do you have career progression case studies that are relevant? This may help you put your best foot forward.
Salaries and Sign-on Bonuses
In areas where there is shortage of relevant skills, firms are making use of sign-on bonuses.
Firms could also consider flexibility in relation to salary reviews outside of the usual cycle. This can help sway a candidate who has been offered similar money at competing firms. This is particularly relevant if they are being hired during a window that makes them ineligible for this year’s review cycle.
Benefits
You should also be able to clearly articulate and demonstrate the benefits involved in working for your firm.
Do you offer:
- Health cover?
- Gym memberships?
- A wellness program?
- Parking?
- What else?
Career Development
Can you demonstrate that your staff have been invested in, developed or mentored? Can you provide evidence of their career progression? This helps a candidate envisage a career path at an organisation and may help sway them towards your firm.
Have you informed a candidate about your impressive induction program? Have they been told about any training programs they will be able to attend?
Thinking outside the box can help your organisation win the war for talent. It doesn't need to be a race to the highest offer. Money will only get you so far in life after all!
Are you looking for talented staff in the Legal Industry in Melbourne? Then get in touch with us here at Legal People. We are specialists in the Legal Industry and recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals. If you enjoyed reading this article, you can follow our Company Page on LinkedIn for regular updates.
