As manufacturers search for new best practices to grow their talent, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) — an OMA Connections Partner — has published this list of ways to hire smarter for an array of roles. Key points from AEM’s guidance include:

• Nearly 70% of manufacturing job seekers say they prefer to receive a text message over email and phone communication during the hiring process.
• Nearly 70% of recruiters report they use social media, including TikTok, to post job openings.
• Surveys show the most critical factors to a positive candidate experience are prompt communication (54%), ease of scheduling (47%), easy application process (45%), and a quick hiring process (30%).

AEM notes that referrals from current employees are valuable since 82% of workers say they’re likely to explore a job opportunity posted by someone in their social network. 1/25/2022