Attracting and hiring talented people to work at your bank may seem daunting. With the number of companies competing to woo new employees, it can be a challenge to stand out. It all starts with refining your recruitment approach and identifying the key skills in a person that will meet or even exceed what a position requires. Fortunately, there are strategies that will make the recruitment process fruitful and help you staff your institution with exceptional individuals.
How to Recruit Successfully
Word-of-mouth remains among the top recruitment tools for attracting talented applicants. Put the word out to bank industry colleagues and others that you’re looking to fill certain positions. Friends, relatives, and close neighbors may also be good resources to supplement the standard online job search engines.
Use your bank’s social media channels to post about employment opportunities. These online outlets are also ideal for giving potential applicants a more comprehensive picture of the bank’s presence, customer service approach, and other features. Keep social media active and current to appeal to individuals who are seeking immediate employment.
Another good recruitment strategy is sponsoring booths at college job fairs and industry trade conferences. Both are ideal for creating new connections and reacquainting with former colleagues. Through your interactions, let people know about the specific job positions that are currently available and invite them to apply.
What Skills Bank Managers Should Look For
Industry track records of experienced individuals will provide specific skills needed for the bank’s position. For example, inquire about specific leadership or management roles that produced favorable results at previous financial institutions.
Assess personal characteristics, such as clear communication, collaborative qualities, and attention to detail and follow-through that will align with the job’s roles. Today’s banking systems are heavily linked to providing customers with the latest mobile and online access channels. As such, assess whether seasoned professionals have the ability and willingness to embrace and adapt to new technologies.
For new college graduates or individuals with little to no banking industry experience, look for skills, internships, and employment that may provide connections to available positions. Perhaps the applicant belonged to clubs or organizations in school that provided community outreach services. Ask about positions at previous employers and whether they were given additional responsibilities by managers based on their work ethic, leadership qualities, or ability to create positive customer service experiences.
While inexperienced applicants may not have all the desired skills you’re seeking, be open to other traits, such as their connections with technology and social media channels. The key is to identify a willingness to learn and be a consistent team player.
Building a winning staff is one of the most important parts of operating a successful financial institution. Having a partner like Independent Community Bankers Bank is another. To learn more about ICBB ‘s services, visit our website, or contact your local Account Executive.