In the latest edition of our Unlocking Success series, we look at how you can develop a super strong talent pipeline.

In our post-Covid world, having a strong talent pipeline is more crucial than ever.

And the skills shortage that was present in almost every industry pre-Covid is still threatening organisational growth.

When you're recruiting, it's not about the number of people you can attract to your Public Sector organisation; it's about the quality of these candidates.

Even with the perceived increase of candidates in the post-Covid job market, there are still skills shortages across most industries. In the U.K., the Prime Minister addressed how the pandemic has highlighted skills shortages in many sectors, emphasising an urgent need for a focus on improving skills to protect the economy.

Depending on the Public Sector role you are trying to fill, recruitment can be a lengthy and involved process.

One of the most effective ways to ensure you can quickly fill the critical gaps in your team is to have people ready to step into your organisation at the earliest available opportunity; in other words your talent pipeline.

This blog explains the whys and hows of building a robust Public Sector talent pipeline.

Strong Talent Pipeline in The Public Sector and How They Benefit You

Despite the pandemic, skills gaps are widening across all sectors; in fact, the pandemic has brought to light just how crucial the skills gaps are in many industries.

A 2020 LinkedIn Workplace Learning report found that globally, 51% of companies plan to implement an upskilling programme, with 47% focusing on re-skilling, highlighting the need for increased talent in a post-Covid world.

In developing a strong talent pipeline, the aim is to avoid the scenario where you have critical skills gaps, and no-one lined up to fill them.

Many organisations think of recruiting only when they actively have a vacant position. A talent pipeline is a way of thinking about your team, and recruitment, in a more holistic way. You will always have an active, engaged audience and the idea of working for your company is something that is always on their radar.

Let's look at some of the main positives of building your talent pipeline now.

1. Expand Your Pool of Potential Candidates

Imagine having a vacancy in your team and already having a pool of potential candidates in mind to step into the role. This is precisely where a talent pipeline proves invaluable. It alleviates the anxiety of facing a critical job vacancy by offering a selection of potential Public Sector candidates with whom you can initiate discussions.

Your talent pipeline reaches out to the 70% of candidates who are not actively seeking new employment—often referred to as the 'passive candidates' market. Organizations lacking a talent pipeline miss out on tapping into this significant segment of the workforce.

You can start nurturing candidates into your talent pipeline at various points in their career journey, from recent graduates to executive-level professionals. With a reliable talent pipeline, you no longer need to commence the recruitment process from scratch when a position opens up.

The great news is that here at Malikshaw Interim & Executive, we include this service as part of our comprehensive package. If you're interested in learning more, please feel free to reach out to us at 0870 042 1430

2. Reduce the Time to Hire

I'm sure you'll agree that in our post-Covid world, the thought of having critical vacancies in your team is an unpleasant one.

This year, teams have been stretched to breaking point, with many taking on extra roles, having to adapt to working from home and generally being busier than ever before.

To keep your entire team working cohesively, you need to know that any critical vacancies will be quickly filled, instead of being left unfilled, damaging team output and reducing morale.

3. Increase Offer: Acceptance Ratio's

One of the most frustrating things that can happen in the recruitment process is when you think you've found the ideal Public Sector candidates, but then they turn down your job offer.

The more people you have in your talent pipeline, the more they will get to know your organisation, and this relationship is what pushes great candidates over the line to say yes to your job offer.

As you can see, there are many benefits to creating a talent pipeline to make your recruiting process much easier.

Next, let's look at how to build and develop your talent pipeline.

How to Build Your Public Sector Talent Pipeline

Creating a talent pipeline means proactively forming long-lasting relationships with candidates who would be the right 'fit' with your organisation – both in their skill set and their culture and values.

So, how do you do this?

1. Defining What Your Organisation Needs

The following are questions to ask when thinking about what you want from your talent pipeline

• Who are your key employees and in what roles?
• What skills are most critical to your organisation?
• Where do you want to take your business in the next 3-5 years?
• What type of people will you need in your business for it to grow?

Drawing on your experiences with Covid can help here too. When your business was in 'critical survival mode' like many were during the height of the pandemic, did this highlight any areas where you were missing in vital skills?

2. Attracting the 'Right' Talent

Attracting the right candidates to your organisation is the critical part of building your talent pipeline.

Building a talent pipeline focuses on attracting both passive and active candidates, rather than a recruitment process which focuses solely on filling a current vacancy.

Having an excellent employer brand will be essential in attracting the type of talent you want. Any prospective talent that comes into contact with you will be forming an opinion as to whether they would like to join your company, whether they're an active or a passive candidate.

The following are the most direct ways to build your Public Sector talent pipeline:

• Networking events – getting your name out in your industry is crucial in building a following.
• Working with a public sector recruitment specialist.
• Your social media channels – are you regularly posting engaging content for your Public Sector candidates?
• Existing contacts and referrals – do you have a robust referral scheme in place? How often do you review and reconnect with former colleagues or managers?
• Graduate campaigns – getting to know the new generation of talent coming through the ranks is an excellent way to build your talent pipeline.

3. Reviewing Your Application Process

A poor recruitment process is enough to put even the most interested candidates off.

Making your recruitment as seamless, engaging and professional as possible will leave even candidates who are not successful in applying for your roles, want to do so again in future.

Make sure your recruitment process is mobile-friendly; 58% of active job seekers use their smart device to search for jobs. But with many sites still not being mobile-friendly, mobile seekers complete 53% fewer applications and take 80% longer to complete each application than applicants using desktops.

A mobile-friendly application process increases the number of applicants to each role by 11.6%.

Write easy to read job descriptions with clear information; stay away from jargon.

Make sure you have the recruitment process planned out step by step so that applicants can be informed of the exact date by when they will be progressed to the next stage or not.

Important: Always stay in touch with candidates via email or phone throughout the entire recruitment process.

Start Building Your Public Sector Talent Pipeline

With a network of engaged potential candidates ready to join your business, you'll ensure that you always have potential on-hand to fill essential roles.

So, now you have the premise of building your talent pipeline, it's time to get started.

Remember that you don't have to go it alone – working with a dedicated Public Sector recruiter is a great way to work on building your talent pipeline.

For more information on how we can help you build your talent pipeline, get in touch with us on 0870 042 1430 or email us here recruitment@malikshaw.com.

Marta Ortigas is a Director at Malikshaw Interim & Executive, a leading interim management and executive search firm exclusively focused on helping organisations achieve transformational change through delivering high performance, diverse, impactful talent teams.

Transforming our client's performance through exceptional talent.

+44 7715 905810
marta.ortigas@malikshaw.com
www.malikshaw.com