The need to hire exceptional STEM candidates when you haven’t got the resources of an investment bank is a problem we are very well aware of at Aston James.
Banks and professional services firms are fantastic at hiring some of the brightest and best diverse STEM talent, meaning pickings are often slim for other sectors looking to do the same. They are able to offer big salaries, great training, and a clear career path. However dropout rates are high, satisfaction levels are often low, and competition is fierce.
Following a recent team meeting we have compiled a list of the 10 top tips to help sectors such as aerospace, industrial and life sciences fight back in the war for diverse STEM talent:
Start Courting Talent Early: Having one of my own children at university, I’ve been amazed how early on the banks and professional services (PS) firms are getting actively involved with and marketing too various university societies, advertising Spring weeks and summer internships. So, partner up from year 1 with universities and colleges to attract fresh STEM talent.
Emphasise Fulfilment: It is highly likely that you will not be able to compete with banks or professional services on salary. However you can position your offering to potential candidates by reminding them that some of the most fulfilled people on the planet are scientists or engineers. Try tapping into what they care about most, this could be discovering life-saving medicines, developing a new AI product or even designing a system to reduce a company’s carbon footprint.
Showcase Examples: Highlight the diversity of successful senior individuals in your company who followed your company’s structured career path. Tell their stories on your website, create a YouTube channel where senior employees talk about their career journey to date on video, interview them on podcasts or you could even ask them to visit top universities to tell their own story. This authentic approach helps to build your reputation as being an employer who values and invests in their employees.
Promote Your Location: Demonstrate that the site where their job will be based is in a good location. It may not be London however the property is much more affordable which will help new employees to have a better quality of life. Talk about the social events taking place at your company and ensure that you promote any sporting activities which are often an excellent way to meet new friends.
Offer Career Growth Opportunities: STEM professionals often look for opportunities to grow and develop their skills. Highlight the continuous learning opportunities available to all employees by making the information easy to find. Show them that your company encourages individuals to sign up for challenging projects and make clear the career progression paths available to them.
Foster a Positive Work Culture: A job is so much more than a salary. The most important factor to remember is that employees strive to have a work life balance. So if you are able to offer a supportive and inclusive environment for your employees which includes flexible work hours and remote work options then let people know about it.
Build a Strong Employer Brand: A strong employer brand can help attract top talent and so remember to highlight your company's achievements, values, and culture through your comms. Make use of your website, social media posts (particulary LinkedIn) and blogs. Additionally when you attend job fairs ensure that you have information packs to hand out.
Leverage Technology: If you are talking to candidates who are looking at positions in technology, show them that you understand the importance of using technology within your company. Use technology to streamline your recruitment process & improve the experience. This could involve using AI for screening resumes, virtual reality for conducting interviews, or data analytics for making informed recruitment decisions.
Provide Mentorship Programs: Offering mentorship programs can be attractive to STEM professionals as it provides them with clear guidance and support as they embark on a career journey with your company.
Regularly Review: The competition for STEM talent is fierce, so it is important to regularly review your processes and update your strategy.
By adopting these strategic approaches, organisations outside of banking and professional services sectors can significantly enhance their appeal to top-tier STEM talent. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch.
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