In the interior design industry, attracting job seekers can be a challenge. So, you need to stand out from the crowd.
Interior design is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the nation, with a current growth rate of approximately 4.5%. So, you also need to be able to adapt to the industry’s many changes.
The Current Interior Design Job Market
The current job market for interior designers is excellent. There are many more jobs available than there have been in recent years, especially for those in the industrial interior design sector, which caters to:
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Housing developments
- Offices
- Restaurants
- Senior care facilities
- Other large structures
The job market for interior designers is large, but the competition is fierce. As of 2020, the median annual wage for interior designers was $57,060. While the market is currently hot in states like California, Florida, and Texas, the future seems to hold little to no change to 2030 based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means that design firms need to continue to look at the best ways to retain and attract highly skilled job seekers.
5 Tips for Attracting Job Seekers in the Interior Design Industry
The interior design industry is one of the most exciting, creative, and diverse industries there is. If you’re in the market for a new addition to your firm, then you need to know how to attract the top candidates for the job. Not quite sure how to begin your search? Here are five tips to help you attract the top candidates:
1. Know Your Audience
When it comes to attracting job seekers, you need to know your target. Be able to clearly answer questions such as:
- What are their needs?
- What are their challenges?
- What do they want from a design firm?
- What are their expectations?
This information can help you better understand your audience and what they need to make your firm more attractive to job seekers.
2. Define Your Brand
Understanding your ideal candidate is only the first step. The next step in attracting suitable candidates is defining your brand and making it attractive to them.
That’s right! To attract the top job seekers, you need to be just as appealing to them as they are to you.
This means that you need to clearly spell out who you are, your mission, and your values. This helps your brand stand out from the competition, and the more your mission and values align with those of your ideal candidate, the more likely they are to apply.
You should also ensure you’ve taken the time to outline team atmosphere, growth potential, and other areas where your brand stands out from other firms, especially those in your geographical area.
3. Create Detailed Job Descriptions
Job descriptions are a critical part of attracting top candidates for the job. When you create job descriptions, make sure to include all of the necessary information, such as:
- Job title
- Salary range
- Duties and responsibilities
- Hours of operation
- Required experience
- Required education
- How job performance will be measured, etc.
These items should be clear and concise. That way, when a candidate applies for the job, they know exactly what to expect when they walk through your door.
4. Know Where to Look for the Top Job Seekers
Of course, once you’ve written your wanted ad and designed a detailed yet concise job description, you can post it just about anywhere and hope for the best. However, that’s no guarantee it will get the attention of the best candidates.
Instead of throwing out the line and hoping for a bite, you need to go to them. That means you need to post job openings on the most popular job boards for the position, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. You also need to post them on your own website and social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These are all great ways to attract the top candidates because they have high engagement numbers.
Finally, consider posting on industry-specific boards, as well as niche talent agencies. This allows you to reach a very targeted audience, reach out to candidates already in your niche, and understand the ins and outs and expectations for positions within the industry.
5. Create a Welcoming Environment During Interviews
The hard work doesn’t end once you’ve posted openings and the candidates start applying. The interview process is the final step in attracting the top candidates to your firm. You need to ensure you are welcoming these top candidates in a professional and welcoming way.
This is your opportunity to really sell your firm to these candidates. You need to clearly communicate what your firm is all about, what the benefits are, and how the candidate will be able to grow within the firm. You also need to be prepared to answer any question candidates may have and elaborate when necessary.
Get Help Attracting Top Talent with Interior Talent
Trying to find the perfect candidate to join your design firm isn’t as easy as some may think. A lot goes into the process, but with the right talent search firm, you can ensure that you find the right candidate for your firm.
From understanding your firm’s needs to developing a detailed wanted ad, the right talent search firm can help you attract the top talent in the industry.
At Interior Talent, we provide a complete talent search and staffing service for firms in the interior design industry. Whether you’re looking to fill an entry-level position or need an experienced designer, we can help you find the right candidate for the job.
Ready to find the perfect new addition to your team? Contact us today!