In the dynamic and challenging landscapes of local and central government, building a robust team is crucial for effective governance and service delivery. Recruiting the right talent is a strategic process that requires careful consideration and planning, but that’s no secret!  

We have transformed the recruitment strategies of Kirklees Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, plus numerous central government organisations, through the implementation of Oleeo’s innovative ATS. These successful partnerships position us uniquely to elevate your recruitment endeavours as well.

Therefore, we have carefully curated four essential tips that will help you expedite the process of recruiting a robust team in local and central government!

Tip 1: Understand Local and Central Government Needs

To build a strong team, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of the specific needs and challenges of your local authority or central government department. Identify the unique responsibilities and requirements of different positions within your organisation. 

Understanding the responsibilities and requirements at a deeper level will allow you to tailor your recruiting efforts to attract candidates who not only possess the essential skills but also resonate with the overarching mission and goals of your agency.

Consider using external support, particularly from government resources. You’d be surprised at the range of free or low-cost services available through government agencies. Job boards, career fairs, and recruitment events are all fantastic ways to connect with potential candidates. By taking advantage of these platforms, you can cast a wider net and attract top talent interested in public sector opportunities.

 

Tip 2: Leverage Targeted Recruitment Strategies

Crafting an effective recruitment strategy goes beyond casting a wide net; it involves precision in reaching the right candidates through targeted approaches.

Delve into the preferred channels of your ideal candidates, strategically navigating platforms where they actively engage. This could include specific social media platforms tailored to your industry or community-focused forums where potential candidates participate. By understanding and leveraging these channels, you enhance your ability to connect with and attract individuals who align with your organisation’s values and goals.

 

Tip 3: Streamline the Recruitment Process

Attract qualified candidates and improve candidate experience with the right applicant tracking system. The solution you decide to implement should utilise AI and automation to flag the candidates best suited for your vacancy based on their CVs and answers to free text application questions. 

You can then focus on top quality candidates, whilst automation built into the system can gently let down those who aren’t qualified. You and your hiring managers benefit from improved candidate screening and better candidate relationship management.

A positive candidate experience, even for those who may not ultimately be selected, contributes to a favourable view of your employer brand. This positive perception can extend beyond the individual candidate to their network, potentially attracting more qualified applicants in the future.

 

Tip 4: Remove bias from your hiring process 

Diversity and inclusion have become integral elements of local and central government recruitment strategies, as organisations recognise the importance of building diverse teams.

From the very beginning of the candidate search, you could be limiting your applicants if you use gendered language in your job descriptions. Use an ATS that leverages artificial intelligence to identify gender biassed words and recommend gender neutral alternatives.

 

Conclusion:

Building a strong team in local authorities and central government organisations is an ongoing process that requires dedication, strategic planning, and adaptability. By understanding the needs of your organisation, leveraging targeted recruitment strategies and streamlining the selection process and retention, you can create a workforce that is not only qualified but also passionate about serving the community. 

These four tips serve as a roadmap for local and central government leaders committed to building a strong, effective, and resilient team for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Oleeo provides an intuitive talent acquisition platform that utilises powerful data-driven insights and automation to help you recruit faster and smarter than ever before.

Powerful tools embedded in the software boost efficiency, engagement, and quality of candidates and promote inclusive hiring; helping you reduce recruiter admin and your time to hire, whilst working to reach your diversity goals.

Our platform is fully configurable, to meet your unique recruitment processes.

However, don’t take our word for it, hear from some of our customers!