Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent

Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent

Want to secure the very best people for your team? Here are six things you need to do right now.

Every employer dreams of having a team of people who are at the very top of their game. Loyal, committed, creative and productive, they will achieve your ambitions with efficiency and aplomb.

It’s easy to land one or two stellar employees, but much harder to ensure your whole workforce is of such a high standard.  

But how do you go about recruiting such a team? It’s easy to land one or two stellar employees, but much harder to ensure your whole workforce is of such a high standard.

Nothing is impossible, however, make the right moves, and you can achieve recruitment heaven. Here are six things you can do right now to help build your dream team.

1. Be proactive about business growth

In a time of economic and political uncertainty, it can be tempting to batten down the hatches.  But now is the time to be bold, especially if you want to attract the best talent to your business.

Prospective employees will be drawn to a company that is dynamic and future-facing. Make plans and pursue your ambitions and you’ll find that people want to come and work for you. Nothing quells the enthusiasm of a candidate like a business that is stuck in the doldrums, or dragging its heels until better times come around. Your future is in your hands. It’s time to make your own luck.

2. Go looking for your ideal employees

If you have a clear understanding of the sort of person who will best help you achieve your goals, go and find them. Rather than waiting for vacancies to appear due to staff churn, create roles that align with your strategic objectives. Then write very clear and careful job descriptions that maximise your chances of recruiting the right people.

There’s always a margin for error in any recruitment process. But if you know what you want from candidates, you can express that clearly in job ads and specs, and have a way of testing their abilities during the selection process, you’ll be on a clear path to success.

3. If you see a good employee, act

“Employees are like neckties,” says Peter Foy, Just Recruitment’s director. “If you see one that you really like, you should buy it, even if you don’t have a shirt to match. This can come later, but you may never see that tie again.”

The point is plain. Sometimes, you’ll come across a person who you just know would be great in your company. If you can find a way to recruit them through a transparent and legally compliant selection process, you’ll be onto a winner.

“Of course, you need to find a job for them to do,” Mr Foy asserts. “But effective recruitment is often about finding people with the right instincts and dispositions for your needs. You can train someone in the particularities of a given role, but there are certain things you simply can’t teach.”

...if you’re looking to attract and retain high-quality staff, you need to show them that hard work and achievement is rewarded.  

4. Reward success

The jury’s out on the effectiveness of financial incentives for staff performance, but one thing is clear: everyone likes to be appreciated.

So, if you’re looking to attract and retain high-quality staff, you need to show them that hard work and achievement are rewarded. It could be a pay rise or a bonus, or maybe a company car or private health insurance.

One thing that works very well from a motivational point of view is to offer experiences rather than monetary rewards or tangible gifts. Taking your successful team skiing for a week, or giving them the opportunity of a weekend away in a swish hotel, can make all the difference to their perception of you as an employer. It’ll motivate them to go on giving their best and ensure they give a good account of you to prospective colleagues.

5. Invest in your people

“Here’s the news,” says Mr Foy. “You probably won’t be able to procure the perfect team off the shelf. So the best way to get your people at the top of their game is to invest in their training and development. That way, you can grow them, build on their talent, and shape them to suit your needs.”

Even better, regular training and support helps staff to feel valued and encouraged, meaning they’re more likely to give their best, and stay with you for the long term.

6. Use a recruiter to help secure top talent

You may be very good at running your business, but your access to potential employees is limited to people you know, and people who apply for the vacancies you advertise.

Use a recruiter, though, and they’ll help you identify as many great candidates as possible. With a huge database of people looking for jobs, a company like Just Recruitment has a whole army of potential employees at its fingertips. Even better, it has already identified each candidate’s gifts, abilities, enthusiasms and passions.

“A company like ours knows how to construct a recruitment process that yields the best possible outcome,” explains Peter. “We have expertise that adds value to a client, and more than pays for itself by ensuring the right people end up in the right jobs. It’s a bit of a cliché, but a company’s people are its greatest asset. So why not invest in finding just the right candidates, using experts to ensure the process is effective, legally compliant and well-structured?”

 

Let us help you find the right people to attract and contact your local branch.

 

Published: 22 January 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

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Goods In Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913546
About the role

Just Recruitment has an excellent opportunity for a Goods In Operative to join a fast-growing company based in Chelmsford, Essex.

The company offers ongoing progression and training opportunities.

Duties will include:

  • Booking and accurately recording all incoming stock
  • Processing customer returns requests
  • Ensuring stock is all placed back in the correct location
  • Making sure all areas of goods are always kept organised and are compliant with health and safety rules
  • Basic testing of returned goods to identify any faults or defects
  • Assist with any warehouse tasks required – picking and packing orders, undertaking stock checks etc.
  • Updating Warehouse Management System (NetSuite)
  • Using a handheld scanner

Skills required:

  • Previous experience within a logistics distribution and supply chain company is preferred
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Basic understanding of computer systems
  • Able to lift stock of varying size and weight
  • Work effectively within a team environment
  • Forklift licence is preferred but not essential as training will be provided for the right candidate (bendi, counterbalance or reach)

Benefits:

  • Performance-based bonuses
  • 23 days annual leave
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Friendly and supportive work environment

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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New job
Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £26,000.00 - £26,769.60 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JRG913600
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business based on the outskirts of Colchester - looking to add an Administrator to its existing team, due to internal promotion.

The key element of the role is to assist the customer journey throughout the organisation, ensuring that it is as smooth as possible, dealing with any issues as they arise and preparing all required documentation. You will be providing all admin support competently and confidently.

Key duties include:

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  • Communicate effectively and promptly to all relevant external and internal clients to maintain the key flow of information.
  • Answer and direct queries promptly and in a professional manner providing accurate information to ensure excellent customer service is being delivered.
  • Complete general administrative duties efficiently and effectively to deliver a world-class service.
  • Maintain relevant system by accurately inputting the required data, in addition to checking and reconciling data where appropriate and identifying and resolving any discrepancies to ensure 100% accuracy.
  • Update, produce and communicate all business KPI’s to monitor service delivery levels.
  • Work as part of a team and participate in cross-training initiatives to provide effective cover in a colleague’s absence.
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This is an excellent opportunity to join a business offering a competitive package, further training and development and free parking is available on-site.

Due to the nature of the business - working hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm - some flexibility if offered.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
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Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £11.50 - £12.10 per hour
Location: Bury St. Edmunds
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913542
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Warehouse Operative on behalf of a company based near Bury St. Edmunds.

You will be responsible for carrying out warehouse tasks as required by the Line Manager/Supervisor.

You will have qualifications to operate PPT (Pivot Steer, Counterbalance, VNA preferred).

Shifts available:

  • 6.00am to 2.30pm at £11.50 per hour.
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  • 2.30pm to 11.00pm at £12.10 per hour requiring a PPT licence.

Duties include:

  • Operate MHE safely and effectively according to requirements.
  • Unloading goods in.
  • Checking in goods.
  • Putting away products and keeping the warehouse tidy.
  • Picking products as per customer orders.
  • Checking orders and ensuring accuracy.
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery.
  • Loading deliveries.
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required.

Qualifications and skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy.
  • Basic PC skills.
  • Knowledge of company health and safety policy.
  • Housekeeping awareness.
  • Qualifications to operate PPT (Pivot Steer, Counterbalance, VNA preferred).
  • Physically active.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Toolroom Machinist
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913541
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a stable engineering business based in Clacton-on-Sea with a bulging order book—looking to add a Toolroom Machinist to its team on a permanent basis.

The purpose of the role, is to work with the wiser business team, operating and setting machines, in order to fulfil and meet business production targets.

Key requirements and duties include:

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  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
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Type of equipment you will be expected to work with includes:

  • Mills
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Working hours are: 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 3.30pm on Fridays.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Punch Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £13.00 per hour
Location: Sudbury, Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-SUHA-PO-1124
About the role

Just Temps is seeking a Punch Operative for a company based in Sudbury, (you must be able to travel to Halstead).

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role.

Salary: £13 per hour + (depending on experience).

About the role:

You will be proficient in operating CNC punch machines, have a strong understanding of metalworking, and be able to read and interpret technical drawings accurately. This role is crucial for ensuring that high-quality production standards are met.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Operate CNC punch press machinery to produce parts according to specifications.
  • Read and interpret technical drawings and engineering schematics accurately.
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  • Monitor machine operations to ensure optimal performance and output.
  • Perform quality checks on finished products to verify precision and adherence to technical drawings.
  • Maintain a clean and safe working environment, following all safety guidelines and protocols.

Qualifications and skills required:

  • Previous experience working with CNC punch machines or similar machinery.
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  • Knowledge of various metals and materials used in fabrication.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Basic computer skills for operating machine interfaces and software.
  • Good problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot machine issues.
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations in a manufacturing environment.

Desirable skills:

  • Experience in sheet metal fabrication or manufacturing environments.
  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM software.

What we offer:

  • Competitive hourly rate with the potential for a permanent contract.
  • Opportunities for career development and training.
  • A supportive work environment with a strong focus on safety.


Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913540
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting an Electrical Maintenance Engineer for a company based in Halstead, Essex.

This is a permanent position, working a rotating shift pattern covering AM, PM and Nights.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a committed team, dedicated to excellence and play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the company’s machinery.

You will manage both scheduled and emergency maintenance tasks, crucial for optimising the performance of the company’s plant. Your skills and knowledge will be vital in boosting operational efficiency and productivity.

Main responsibilities will include:

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  • Operate within automated packaging processes, ensuring smooth, efficient, and consistent production flow.
  • Perform fault reporting and root cause analysis to identify and address the sources of operational issues, preventing future occurrences.
  • You will execute predictive maintenance and system diagnostics to foresee potential problems and implement solutions proactively, thus avoiding unplanned operational disruptions.
  • Support and adhere to strict standards in critical areas including health and safety, food safety, environmental policies, hygiene, and product quality assurance, ensuring all practices meet or exceed regulatory and company standards.

Role requirements:

  • Ideally, you will possess or are actively working towards a qualification in engineering, preferably holding a minimum of a Level 2 certification or equivalent, and a strong electrical background. The company will be very open to you if you are at the beginning of your career. You should be eager and enthusiastic about enhancing your own skills.
  • You should thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing setting and have experience in engineering, preferably within an FMCG-related manufacturing environment. Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs would be advantageous. You will also be passionate about contributing to a dynamic team and driven to excel in your professional field.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more