As we enter the fourth quarter of 2018, now’s a great time to take a pulse on the local job market. The latest stats from Bureau of Labor Statistics show that unemployment dropped to 3.9 percent in August, 2018, down from 9.5 percent in August, 2010,. In many places, job candidates have more leverage and more options than they’ve had in the past.
Here’s a look at hiring angles to consider for local business coverage.
Holiday Hiring
It’s not too early to look at forecasts for seasonal holiday hiring. Outplacement agency Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. has tracked nearly 400,000 holiday hiring announcements so far this year and predicts a strong retail season.
Who’s hiring for seasonal employees in your area? How do their hiring goals compare to last year? Remember that while retail is the most obvious source of holiday employment, warehouses, restaurants and other types of employers may also need seasonal help.
Hiring for Neurodiversity
According to Harvard Business Review, neuro-diverse job applicants (those with neurological differences such as autism or dyslexia) have traditionally been underemployed. But HBR reports that a growing number of companies are now recognizing the value of these candidates–for instance, creative problem-solving skills or aptitude at number processing — and adapting their hiring processes to be more inclusive. HR Daily Advisor stressed the value of a neuro-diverse workplace as well.
Do any local companies have programs around neuro-diversity? How do these programs work?
When New Hires Go MIA
With lower unemployment, job candidates have more options than ever and several sources report that some candidates are blowing off interviews or even ghosting employers on what is supposed to be their first day of work. Is this happening in your local market? What other effects are hiring experts seeing in the current job climate? What should employers do to cope with fickle job applicants?
Reporter’s Resources
Professional associations such as the Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals (ATAP) or the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) may be able to connect you to recruiters or human resource professionals in your area.
Local professors with expertise in labor law or labor economics might be able to provide context on current trends. Contact the media relations department at your local college or university or consider online services such as Scholars Strategy Network or Expertise Finder.
Recruiting companies such as Robert Half and online job sites like Indeed.com have a wealth of statistics and other data on salaries and hiring practices to back up hiring and employment stories.
