Attracting + Retaining Employees

The job market has done a 180 degree turn from 2020 to 2021. The early impact of COVID-19 led to a massive increase in furloughs and layoffs and a decrease in hiring across many industries as business leaders were forced to navigate the uncertain waters of a global pandemic. Throughout 2021, we have seen a serious bounce back in the job market. There are more job opportunities available and great talent is difficult to attract and retain! 

Know your WHY 

Now more than ever, your company’s WHY is deeply important. With more jobs available, a clear company mission and values is key. Throughout the pandemic, many candidates have expressed fear about transitioning during a time of uncertainty. Knowing and communicating your company's WHY can be a huge advantage in motivating top talent to make the switch. 

Flexibility 

Listening to the shifting needs of both current and prospective employees is imperative when making company-wide decisions. The pandemic has shined a light on an employee's ability to do quality work from home. In 2021, we are finding that hybrid or fully remote opportunities have made their way to the top of candidate priority lists. While not a conducive set up for every industry or position, ensuring that your employees feel heard and have the resources they need to be successful in their onsite or remote work environment is critical. 

Checking In + Creating Opportunity 

The isolation associated with the pandemic revealed the desire and need for human connection. Regardless of your philosophy on remote or hybrid work, make sure you are providing opportunities for connection outside the zoom screen or office space. Show your employees you appreciate them and find creative ways to facilitate the occasional meet-up. It's important to let your employees know how their work is making a difference and moving your business forward. Offering incentives and creating opportunities for professional growth helps your employees feel connected and valued.

Drastic circumstances force us to reflect on our usual personal and professional rhythms. As a business leader, taking an active approach to understanding the changing needs of your workforce is the key to sustaining and growing your team. Things like knowing your company's WHY, getting creative with flexible options, and offering unique opportunities for your employees to succeed will take your business to the next level! 

A message from Elevation’s new CEO, Emily Martin!

I joined Elevation Search Solutions after completing my undergraduate degree at Furman University bright-eyed and eager to learn the ropes of business. More than any specific function, I wanted to work with smart, thoughtful people in a dynamic, people-focused industry. I am immeasurably grateful that Brian Hoppes, Elevation’s Founding CEO and Board Member, made the decision to invest in me. I did not know I would still be at Elevation Search Solutions five years down the road, let alone that I would have the opportunity to lead our company as CEO! 

Reflecting on my years with the Elevation Search Solutions team, I could not be more excited about the future of this incredible organization! I have watched Elevation grow by leaps and bounds each year as our team has built a robust national portfolio of clients across multiple industries. From successful senior to executive level placements to a network of outstanding candidates and supporters, our team has celebrated many big wins. Most recently, Elevation has powered through the profound challenges introduced to the broader recruiting industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From a near standstill in hiring in 2020 to the current hiring frenzy in 2022, the effects of the pandemic have shined an even brighter light on the ever-increasing need for excellent talent. Elevation is meeting this need head on! 

I had a mentor recently ask me, “What keeps you at Elevation?” Though Simon Sinek may disagree, my answer is the “Who” and the “How” rather than to the popularized “Why”. For me, the “Who” is the critical engine that fuels Elevation and that includes our team, investors, clients, candidates, and advocates. The “Who” drives the “How”, which is the unique model developed by recruiting veteran, Brian Hoppes. It is a white glove service model rooted in integrity and a deep understanding of our client’s business strategy, long term goals, AND culture. I am proud of the unwavering mission established by our Founders:

"Elevation delivers talent to our clients with unmatched precision and seeks to spark the infinite potential of our team, our clients, and others around us by cultivating the freedom found in the entrepreneurial spirit."

Operating with integrity, curiosity, and precision is the foundation of this team, and I am excited to honor and build upon that foundation as we move our business forward!

Let's Launch 2021 Together!

WE DID IT. We powered through the unique challenges and discoveries of 2020, and we are ready to launch into the new year! Elevation's core values fuel our team, and we want to share a few with you to hold onto as we all plan our new year's goals.  

Reach higher. Embrace a challenge. 

We embraced the challenge of 2020 and are taking what we have learned into a brighter new year! What are the ways we can personally and professional reach higher? Perhaps it's by waking up one hour earlier to exercise, read, or meditate. It could also mean stretching yourself by setting a new professional goal. Leaders: equip, challenge, and motivate your employees to reach higher. Encourage them to embrace new challenges. Motivate them to try new things and think outside of the box!  

Stay curious. 

This year has taught us to adapt and innovate. As things continue to shift, it is critical to open our minds to new business and team strategies. Explore new avenues to connect with employees and engage with clients and industry experts. This can look like virtual interviews, remote team building activities, mental health resources or something unique to your industry. Whatever it is you engage in, let’s stay curious, agile and open to new ways of operating as things continue to evolve!  

Do it the right way, always. 

Be respectful and honest in what you do. Be the leader that stays true to your values and empowers your organization to operate with integrity. This year has brought unique challenges for many but something that sustains us and speaks volumes is how we take care of ourselves and others. 

Stepping into this new year, Elevation wants to remind you to invest in yourself and your people. Let’s build communities of advocates, innovators, and future leaders. Find people who align with your values so you can continue building a strong, sustaining foundation. Engage partners that understand your culture and goals AND want to help you and your company strive for excellence! 

If you are an executive leader looking for a true partner to help you scale your team, Elevation is here to help! We serve as an extension of our clients in competitive talent markets across the nation to engage top talent. If you are curious to know more, we would love to talk: retained@elevationsearchsolutions.com.  

From the Elevation team to you: Be well, stay safe, and happy holidays! 

Elevation’s “Top 5” for Candidates and Clients

What a year it has been! The Elevation Search Solutions team is actively keeping a pulse on trends in the job market as company leaders and candidates respond to the effects of COVID-19. Company needs are shifting, and like many, we expect an increase in remote work. Companies across all industries are being challenged to assess their workforce needs and potentially adapt with technology. Therefore, we are closely monitoring the evolution and expansion of remote work as well as workforce automation. We also predict there will be a need to refresh talent due to the demand for new skillsets as business needs shift. Due to the many demands being put on businesses there may be a need to find more qualified candidates for current roles to improve their business. So how do we practice and prepare as we look forward? The Elevation team has put together a “Top 5” guide for our clients and candidates. 

Elevation’s “Top 5” for clients: 

1. Keep it real 

   Whether it’s with your existing employees or prospective employees through the hiring process, keep it real! Check in regularly with your existing employees to ensure they have the support and mental health resources they need. We are all human, so let people know you’re human too!  

2. Reach out a helping hand 

   If your business has been impacted by COVID-19 and you have had to lay off or furlough employees, you can still be an advocate for them. Take a moment to give them a recommendation on LinkedIn, offer to serve as a reference, or even utilize your network to help them transition. Every gesture counts and you never know if your small act can open a door for someone! 

3. Hiring? Be responsive 

   Are you a company that’s hiring and in desperate need of fresh talent? First of all, let us know how we can help by emailing us at retained@elevationsearchsolutions.com. Secondly, be responsive! Even if a candidate is not a fit for your organization, take the time to follow up with them.  

4. Stability amidst the instability 

   In this season of uncertainty, you are not going to have all the answers for your employees. With that being said, empower and ground them by making decisions based off of what you know today. Providing employees with resources, opportunities to connect virtually and regular business updates will help facilitate some sort of stability.  

5. Be open 

   Create a safe space for your employees to share new ideas. We are learning new things every day and building a team environment reflecting different and diverse perspectives will take your business to the next level.  

Elevation’s “Top 5” for candidates: 

1. Spruce up that resume 

   Been meaning to update your resume for a while? Now is your time! Build it out, make it more visually appealing and highlight things you want an employer to notice. Start by adding a 2-3 sentence section at the top highlighting who you are and focus on utilizing strong action verbs when describing your key accomplishments in previous roles. 

2. Social Media double take  

   Do you think employers just look at your resume and application? Think again, and do a double take on those LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter posts. The way you represent yourself on these platforms reflects your values and voice! 

3. “Zoom room” 

   Since we are shifting from in-person to virtual connection every day, Zoom and other similar platforms are here to stay. Create a “Zoom room, or a comfortable, professional place to set up your virtual shop.  Find a neutral background, set up your phone/computer so the interviewer can see from your shoulders up, and find some peace and quiet. When the time comes for a video interview, you’ll be prepared! 

4. Follow up 

   Email the hiring manager to thank them for their time and consideration. Be consistent, considerate and follow up so you stay on your prospective employer’s radar and get regular updates on the status of the opportunity. 

5. Utilize your network  

   Reach out to your network to share your background and what you’re looking for in your next role or company. People who know and trust you are most often your best advocates when considering a transition! 

Whether you’re a client or candidate, we are all in this together as we navigate the unpredictable COVID-19 job market. Reach out to us at retained@elevationsearchsolutions.com if we can be a recruiting partner as you expand or build your company or if you want to learn more regarding our rapidly growing clients seeking fresh top talent.