DILEMMA OF THE MONTH
How Can I Attract Entry-Level Candidates Without Raising Pay ?
BY Suzanne Lucas
ILLUSTRATION : JOHN CHASE
I manage employees that earn $ 17 an hour to start . We used to be an employer of choice for entry-level candidates as we paid more than our competitors and our jobs require minimal training — a couple of hours , and you ’ re ready to go ! California ’ s minimum wage is now $ 15 an hour , so our “ great pay ” is barely better than minimum wage , and we ’ re getting less applicants . How can I continue to attract entry-level candidates when I really cannot afford to raise their pay rates ?
Entry-level jobs that are genuinely entry level are a great thing to offer . You say anyone can learn to do the job in a couple of hours , which puts you at a great advantage among your competitors . Advertising higher pay is one of the easiest ways to attract more candidates , but the reality is that most businesses have been hit hard by inflation . Materials , rent and labor are all going up in price , and it can be difficult to raise pay when the cost of business is increasing so quickly . Here are some ideas to appeal to entry-level applicants at your current pay rate .
Make your job descriptions very clear that no experience is required . Sometimes you see jobs labeled “ entry level ” that ask for five years of specific experience and a degree . If you require
30 comstocksmag . com | March 2022