Tips for Hiring Top Talent During Tough Times in the Dental Industry
Things are still tough post-COVID, including in the dental industry. Many people quit their jobs or even decided to change fields altogether, making hiring top talent a challenge. On top of that, the pandemic affected enrollment in dental hygiene and assisting programs, which were already seeing a decline over the past several years, according to a report from the American Dental Association.
So, what does this mean for you and your practice? Adequately staffing your practice during times of instability and change can be a difficult task. But there are a few strategies you can employ to help set your practice apart and help you hire and retain top talent.
1 | Focus on the Experience
Compensation, benefits, and hours can often be less important than a first impression perceived by the candidate. Remember, people work for people, not jobs! To ensure you make a great first impression with your job candidates, be certain that the first contact with the applicant is professional but congenial and timely in manner. A candidate that has to wait weeks for an interview will already have a negative impression of your workplace, while one that demonstrates respect for their time speaks volumes.
Be sure to also reference details from their application or resume, so that they feel seen as more than just another number in a sea of applicants. The bottom line: it’s just as important that you present a job and work environment that expresses interest and desire in the candidate!
2 | Competitive Wages and Benefits
While a great first impression has a lot of weight, offering competitive wages and benefits can help you stand out further. Top talent is looking for higher wages and better benefits and spending more for a stellar candidate with great skills is worth it and actually saves you money in the long run as they stick around for longer. Remember–you get what you pay for!
3 | Be Patient
Finally, prepare to be patient! We have a tendency to just hire a body to fill a position when we are short staffed, but it’s really important to resist that temptation. Instead, be a bit more patient and be ready to wait for the right, qualified candidate to come along. Hiring the wrong person can result in office drama and having to go through the hiring process all over again. This can lead to lower morale levels in your office, especially if your practice is seen as a revolving door of employees. The bottom line is that slow and steady wins the race!
Key Takeaways
Strategizing your hiring process can lead to more effective hiring that allows you to attract and retain top talent, even during difficult times in the dental industry. Your leadership, the ability to create a welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and a little patience can help you find the best candidate for your practice.