Revolutionizing Talent Acquisition in the Automotive Sector

The automotive industry is expanding and changing quickly. New developments are on the market every day, including self-driven cars (AVs), EVs, and whatnot. The growth of EVs and AVs presents potential for innovation and sustainability as well as concerns of safety and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the significance of cybersecurity is expanding, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding connected cars against cyberattacks. This presents opportunities as well as challenges for maintaining vehicle security and data privacy.

Keeping up with these technological developments and their challenges demands top talent in the market. However, talent acquisition is not easy in the automotive sector. Challenges include overcoming the business's lack of diversity, a cutthroat market, and locating applicants with specialist technical abilities. Let us cover them in detail:

Skill Shortage

According to the Global ABB Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey, over half (56%) of organizations noted that their workforce lacks certain skills. Additionally, 48% believe that the automotive industry is evolving rapidly, requiring employees to learn new skills. This indicates a need to make the industry more appealing to attract new talent. It also underscores a need for upskilling and reskilling existing employees to keep pace with technological advancements.

Worldwide Talent Competition

The automobile sector operates on an international level, with corporations always competing for top-tier talent. Recruiters face a problem in attracting and keeping the top specialists in the sector due to the intense worldwide competition.

DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) Consideration

Diversity and inclusion are usually neglected in the automotive industry. According to a McKinsey report, only 22% of automobile workers are women. To change this very small number and break stereotypes in the industry, companies need to put in deliberate efforts.

Businesses need to revolutionize their talent acquisition methods, be more proactive, and be unique to overcome these obstacles and prosper in a rapidly changing market.

7 Proactive Ways to Innovate Your Automotive Hiring

1.Organize/Attend Trade Shows and Conferences

Automotive trade shows are large-scale displays of new automobiles, including concept cars and production models. New car-related accessories, technologies, and services are frequently on display at these events. They give a special chance for customers and business professionals to investigate the newest products and catch a peek at the mobility of the future.

These events also serve as a platform for industry professionals to network and collaborate. Thus, it helps create partnerships and business opportunities. They also allow you to interact with prospective employees and highlight your organization's dedication to innovation and progress in the automotive industry.

2.Practice Diversity

In a Glassdoor survey, 76% of respondents (applicants) cited a diverse staff as a critical consideration when assessing businesses and employment offers. This means that most candidates consider diversity throughout the interview process and during their investigation of your firm. Therefore, you need to up your diversity and inclusion game. Why? Because diversity fosters innovation.

You can do this by measuring the diversity metrics of your workplace and see where you stand. Building from there, you can practice bias-free recruitment by utilizing blind resume screening and structured interviews to focus solely on candidates' qualifications and skills.

3.Offer Internships and Mentorships

When you offer internships and apprentice programs, you get to see what kind of future talent is out there without committing to it full-time. It is also an opportunity for you to nurture that talent early on to fit your organization’s needs. Student interns can learn to apply their academic knowledge to automotive engineering, manufacturing, or design.

Moreover, mentorship programs can help employees advance their careers. These programs bridge the gap between knowledge and application, preparing a talent pool for future hires in your company. Candidates see mentorship as an interesting offering and an opportunity to excel and upskill on the job.

4.Build Your Brand

Interestingly, employers with a good employer brand see a 43% drop in hiring costs. Therefore, for automotive firms, building a strong employer brand is essential in the face of fierce competition for top talent.

You can build a strong employer brand by caring for your employees. For example, offering career development opportunities and developing a healthy workplace environment will help convey your message that you value your employees.

To build an online brand presence, put up employee testimonial videos on your company website. Additionally, consistent messaging across various channels helps get your motto and values to reach the right candidates.

Today, an increasing focus of the automotive industry is on sustainability. Candidates wish to join companies that care about society and the environment. By using and promoting your company’s sustainable practices, you can become a desirable employer.

5.Increase Candidates’ Awareness of the Industry

The worldwide automotive industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3% by 2030. Businesses need to effectively communicate this enormous growth potential to attract and keep top talent. Events such as industry conferences, outreach programs, and educational initiatives highlight the importance of the automobile sector to the new generation of candidates.

Companies can encourage individuals to see a rewarding, long-lasting career path within the automobile industry by highlighting its huge possibilities. Working together with academic institutions and business associations may improve outreach initiatives even further, giving prospective professionals insightful information and networking chances.

6.Offer Competitive Pay and Perks

Maintain your position as a market leader by providing alluring pay plans, performance-based bonuses, and rewards catered to the requirements of automotive professionals. After the pandemic, 81% of businesses have expanded their focus on mental health initiatives. Many companies are also reimbursing employees for expenses associated with a home office set-up in the remote work era. So, set up such initiatives if you do not already have them in place.

Draw attention to other benefits, like chances for professional growth and financial wellness support, to set your company apart as an employer of choice in the automotive industry. With the right people in your company, you can stay ahead of the competition, fostering growth and innovation.

7.Engage with specialised Staffing Agencies

A specialized staffing agency can help map talent, the market and is armed with domain expertise to find talent, screen applications, conduct interviews and provide employers with qualified candidates who are suitable for the role. By using a staffing company, you can save money on hiring expenses, boost efficiency, keep up with business expansion, and rapidly acquire the necessary people. PERSOLKELLY can offer you all the above and more – as we did for a giant automotive powerhouse.

Bring in Culturally Fit Hires with PERSOLKELLY

Want to stay on top of the salary trends in the automotive industry? Download PERSOLKELLY’S detailed salary guide now to unlock exclusive insights and salary data tailored to this field. Moreover, discover how our consultation and recruitment services can further benefit your business and help you hire appropriate personnel. Consult today!