Competitive Compensation

While salary isn't the only factor candidates evaluate, it remains a key consideration when assessing employment opportunities. Compensation packages should match or exceed current industry and local market standards. In addition to a competitive salary, a greater number of job seekers are looking for companies that offer performance-based bonuses, which allow them to receive higher compensation by generating superior results. Stock options, profit sharing and signing bonuses are also popular.

Progressive Benefits

Increasingly, employees are interested in programs that help them balance work and personal demands. Benefits such as flexible work hours and telecommuting opportunities can be strong selling points with job applicants. An independent survey commissioned by our company found that workers also are interested in on-site services such as day care, and medical and exercise facilities. In particularly competitive markets, companies are being more creative in recruiting and retaining employees, offering everything from assistance with personal errands to paid time off for volunteer work.

Positive Corporate Culture

Businesses don 't have to spend a great deal of money to make themselves more attractive to candidates. In a recent survey by our firm, executives cited a positive work environment as the top factor in keeping employees satisfied. A growing number of employers are reassessing and changing their long-held policies and philosophies to enhance their corporate cultures. These efforts have more to do with creating a supportive atmosphere than going to extremes. Simple practices such as an open-door management policy and frequent praise and recognition for staff contributions can make all the difference in building employee loyalty. Professionals want to work for companies that encourage creativity by supporting prudent risk-taking. This means that managers should not only welcome new ideas but also take steps to implement good suggestions. In addition, businesses should develop a culture in which employees feel comfortable openly discussing both successes and challenges.

Intellectual Growth

Perhaps the most important consideration for job seekers today is whether a position offers continual learning opportunities. Administrative professionals know that to advance in their careers they must not only build their basic job knowledge, but also develop their interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities. They look for organizations that will help them achieve these objectives through mentoring programs and exposure to diverse assignments. Tuition reimbursement is also an important benefit to candidates. Administrative professionals want to work for employers that will support their career growth by paying fees for seminars and classes sponsored by industry associations and other organizations. Candidates want to know that there is a clear career path within a company. Firms that have a policy of promoting from within demonstrate that excellent job performance will be rewarded, which can benefit both recruitment and retention efforts. These policies are based on contributions to an organization rather than how long an individual has been at the company.

An Effective Hiring Process

In today's market, applicants will quickly lose interest in a position if they sense a company hasn't taken the time to review their qualifications before calling a meeting, or if the employment process is too extensive. Hiring managers should not only prepare in advance for each interview but also have a strategy in place for "selling" the company to prospective employees. This includes identifying the key advantages of working at your firm and determining the best way to present these attributes to applicants, whether it 's through marketing collateral or a tour of the office. Companies should have a streamlined hiring system that allows for proper evaluation of candidates while minimizing delays, such as lengthy breaks between first and second interviews.