In today’s evolving labour market, employers are facing both new challenges and exciting opportunities when it comes to recruitment. At Prospect, we’ve seen firsthand through our recent job fairs in Calgary and Edmonton just how impactful inclusive hiring practices can be in building stronger, more resilient teams.
As we look ahead to 2025, here are a few strategies to help you attract and retain a diverse range of qualified candidates:
1. Embrace Inclusive Job Postings
Language matters. Review your job descriptions for jargon, unnecessary requirements, or gendered language that may discourage some candidates from applying. Aim for clarity and inclusivity to open the door to a wider talent pool.
2. Build Partnerships in the Community
Collaborating with employment service providers like Prospect can help you tap into underrepresented talent, such as newcomers, people with disabilities, Indigenous job seekers, and veterans – all bringing unique strengths to the workplace.
3. Show (Don’t Just Tell) Your Commitment to Diversity
Candidates are looking for evidence of inclusive workplaces. Highlight your DEI efforts, employee resource groups, and accessibility policies in your recruitment materials and interviews.
4. Reimagine Recruitment Events
In-person and virtual hiring events continue to prove valuable, especially when employers actively engage with job seekers. Prospect’s job fairs have connected thousands of job seekers with employers who are committed to inclusive hiring, and many of those connections have led to successful hires.
5. Invest in Retention
Attracting talent is just the start. Create onboarding and professional development programs that reflect diverse learning styles and lived experiences, and provide mentorship opportunities to help new hires thrive.
The competition for talent is only increasing, but so is the potential to build workplaces that are truly representative, innovative, and inclusive. By refining your hiring strategies now, you’re setting your organization up for success in 2025 and beyond.
