Organizations need employees—badly. From the convenience store on the corner to major corporations, institutions are struggling to fill key roles. Higher Education is no exception. Working short-staffed puts a significant strain on institutions. At Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search we’ve seen the cost of not addressing talent shortages and the challenges that come from quickly filling a key role with the wrong person. We have three tips for finding the right employees to enable your college to succeed:

1. Understand how your organization fits together. If you have multiple openings in your organization, you need to take a step back and consider the big picture. How do different departments interact? Understanding the relationships between the different aspects of your organization can clarify where to focus your attention first.

2. Clearly articulate what a successful candidate looks like. Attracting the right applicants begins with a clear and compelling job description. Write a fresh job description detailing the scope of the role, qualifications, and application process. With a clear picture, you give qualified candidates the information they need to move forward.

3. Look ahead. Don’t allow the crisis of today to blind you to the opportunities of tomorrow. You need leaders who can help you address the challenges of today and lead you into a successful future. Consider the mission of your organization and how that informs your growth in the coming years

Once you have identified who you are looking for—and how they will help you succeed, you are ready to identify strong candidates. When your organization is working at depleted strength, it is strategic to enlist qualified allies. An experienced, specialized firm can leverage their network to find the right array of candidates. At Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search, we guide organizations through the entire process, from job posting to candidate vetting and interviews. If you’d like to explore how we can assist with the talent shortages at your institution, reach out today.