Anyone trying to find a new team member will know how frustrating recruitment can be. Whether you receive no applicants or no suitably skilled applicants, the outcome is the same. Reduced capacity and additional stress for those leading and working in the business.

Recently, the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) confirmed what we already knew. 39% of employers face recruitment difficulties in Australia, and the struggle is even more acute and sustained in regional hubs like Cairns and Townsville.

According to insights from the Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (2024), employers in Cairns were most likely to cite the following reasons for recruitment difficulties:

• A lack of suitable applicants
• Applicants lacking technical skills
• Undesirable working conditions and hours
• Applicants lacking experience.

While employers have opted to upskill existing employees and increase wages and benefits to side-step the issue, unfortunately, there are times when you are left with no choice but to recruit.

Yes, there are definitely challenges, but it’s certainly not impossible. So, if you’re hurtling towards the realisation that new blood is the only solution, here are the crucial elements for successfully attracting and retaining top talent.

Seven tips to attract top candidates in 2025

Ensure job descriptions are clearly defined

There’s nothing worse than a job description that reads like a shopping list that crosses job functions and disciplines. If you’re trying to ‘catch-all’, be aware that you may end up empty-handed.

While there is a danger of going the other way and becoming super specific, it is important to ensure the job description is realistic and aligned with the industry or function you are hiring for.

Spread your net far and wide

While job boards are an excellent way to target candidates actively seeking employment, it is crucial to remember that this does not necessarily mean that everyone interested in working for you will see your vacancy. In a candidate-driven market, it’s important to go fishing.

To help spread your net, diversify your recruitment strategies by utilising your professional networks, social media platforms, and any industry-specific forums. Developing relationships with educational institutions and attending industry events can also broaden the talent pool.

These strategies take time and a consistent long-term effort to develop these connections. And, to be honest, not a lot of hiring managers have the time to wait.  Working with a professional recruitment agency like CBC Staff Selection, where we have established networks and access to passive talent pools, will ensure you reach as many potential candidates as possible.

Showcase your success

If you have team members who have built long-term careers with you or have a history of nurturing and training high performers, you might want to highlight this.

While some employers don’t like blowing their own trumpet, you can’t sell a secret.

Showcasing your wins and talent will help candidates see how you can help them thrive through mentorship, career progression, and continuous development.

Data-Driven Recruitment

Using data and analytics to inform recruitment strategies leads to better hiring decisions. Consulting with a recruitment expert will help you understand recruitment metrics, sourcing insights, and market data, enabling you to recruit faster.

This includes identifying the most effective channels and improving hiring efficiencies, which in turn reduces employee turnover. If it can be measured, it can be managed.

Diversity and Inclusion in Recruitment

An effective diversity and inclusion strategy is essential for tapping into a wider talent pool and creating a vibrant, innovative workplace.

From the language used in your job descriptions to any unconscious biases reflected in the photos used in your promotional materials, such as your website or social media channels, being mindful of accessibility and inclusion will encourage more candidates to feel motivated to apply.

Be open-minded and a little flexible

Whether you’re reviewing resumes or on the interview panel, we can all be guilty of becoming fixated on what boxes the candidates need to tick. All of them, usually. However, it is very likely that not all requirements will be met.

Having a practical approach to what can be taught on the job or developed through mentoring or formal training could make you a loyal, long-term employee. You never know, they may even surprise you with a few other skills you didn’t know you needed.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Developing a compelling EVP for your organisation will help clearly communicate the unique benefits and career opportunities you can offer, which can be a powerful tool in attracting and retaining employees.

According to the Australian HR Institute (AHRI), an effective EVP aligns with organisational strategy and enhances talent acquisition efforts by emphasising company culture, career development, and workplace flexibility.

Four tips for retaining talent

So, now you have the talent through the door and ready to start, that doesn’t mean the hard work is done. The first six to eight weeks are usually when new recruits are making a judgment on whether their new role is a good fit.

In addition, they’ll also be looking to your existing team for signs that show you can live up to the expectations set during recruitment.

The importance of onboarding

It’s tempting to offload all the plates you’ve been spinning as soon as your new recruit starts. However, we know that employees who receive a positive onboarding experience are more likely to stay.

20% of employee turnover happens in the first 45 days (source: Forbes), so giving your new employee the support, mentoring and building the relationships they need to be successful is crucial to hold on to talent.

Well-being and Mental Health

Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed a realisation that mental health is just as important as someone’s physical health.

Ensuring your work environment contributes positively to your employees’ well-being and mental health is a win-win. Your team will feel safe, creative and heard while productivity and participation increase too.

Performance reviews and growth opportunities

A regular performance review process isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s an opportunity to engage your employees, set clear expectations, and map out their career progression or options.

Employees want to know they’re valued and that their contributions matter. Transparent, structured feedback helps them understand where they stand and how they can grow within your company. It also provides two-way communication, allowing employees to share their career goals and challenges.

Upskilling or reskilling

The workplace is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, tools, and industry trends reshaping our work. Companies that embrace upskilling and reskilling initiatives will retain 58% more employees than those that don’t (source: World Economic Forum).

Rather than losing great employees to skill gaps, it is important to focus on continuous learning. Whether adopting AI-driven processes, mastering new software, or developing leadership skills, investing in training keeps your workforce engaged and competitive.

And, when employees see that you’re willing to invest in their development, they’re more likely to invest their future in your company.

Recruitment made easy

Recruitment and retention aren’t easy—especially in regional hubs like Cairns and Townsville.

While refining your job descriptions, improving onboarding, and investing in employee development will undoubtedly help, sometimes you need an extra edge to secure the right people.

That’s where we can truly make a difference. With over 30 years of experience in professional services recruitment across North Queensland, we’ve built up a trusted network of clients and candidates. Furthermore, we understand the challenges local businesses face and the significant costs of failing to recruit the right talent.

If your business needs up-to-date insights into current market trends, salary benchmarks, and best recruitment practices, partnering with our team will ensure you are armed with the right strategies and approaches to ensure you remain competitive.

Choosing to partner with CBC Staff Selection will also save you time and money. When we take care of the entire recruitment process, you can concentrate on your core operations while we secure the right talent for your needs.

Through our extensive local industry knowledge, we effectively match candidates with the right organisations, ensuring they are placed in positions where they can genuinely thrive and make a meaningful contribution to your business for the long term. If you’re ready to attract and retain the best people for your team, it’s time to work with the experts. Contact us today and start building a workforce that drives your business forward.