Recruiting requirements have changed significantly in recent years. Particularly in view of the shortage of skilled workers, companies in the graphic arts industry must also try new ways of attracting talent, especially junior staff. 

An effective recruiting strategy must first take into account the diversity of the target groups and their individual preferences. The first question could therefore be: Which target group do we want to address and which generation does it belong to?

People from the so-called "baby boomer" generation, for example, could be particularly relevant as skilled workers or career changers. They often still appreciate being approached in person or by telephone, for example at events. On the internet, they value clarity and detailed information about the vacancy and the application process. Generation Y a.k.a. "millennials" - interesting both as career starters, career changers and specialists - often prefer simple communication via email, LinkedIn or Instagram and are attracted by creative texts and images. The attention of Gen Z, the professionals of tomorrow, can be attracted in particular by entertaining, "trend-conscious" and innovative content on social media such as Instagram or TikTok. This is where you need to be creative and bold, because plain web ads and static content will not score points with the hot-tempered Generation Z, and probably won't even get through. 

It also makes sense to develop a feel for the issues that move the various target groups. If we stick to generational thinking - target groups can of course also be defined using other parameters - young people in particular often have a high level of environmental and social awareness and attach great importance to working in companies that are actively committed to a sustainable future. Self-realization, flexible working models, but also financial security are further criteria that are also important to Gen Y and Z. Recognizing and taking such interests into account plays a particularly profound role in the future design of working conditions, processes and jobs. When it comes to recruiting, it is all the more important to communicate them clearly and effectively - via effective, targeted channels.

Funnel fun

A common denominator that unites all generations: everyone likes simple processes and procedures that quickly lead to a result. Confusing application portals and lengthy application procedures, on the other hand, can put off even the most motivated candidates. Clear, transparent and time-saving communication and a smooth application process are therefore crucial. If only there was a simple recruiting tool that could achieve a lot... But there already is! Its name is: Online Funnel. Amazingly simple and just as effective. The attention of potential applicants is attracted via platforms such as Instagram - for example via a reel ad or classic post ad. If a user taps on the call-to-action, i.e. the ad link, they are redirected to an external website, the funnel. There they can click through a short, simple application process and receive all the relevant information about the job. The last step is to leave their contact details. Et voilà, the application. The company then contacts the interested party after reviewing the funnel application. This method simplifies the process for companies and applicants alike.

Total Portal 

Let's take a look at WE.LOVE.PRINT. The large online industry portal devotes a lot of space to recruiting for good and important reasons. People interested in a career - whether specialists, career changers or young professionals - can find information here on a wide range of topics relating to the industry and its career opportunities. They also have the opportunity to easily find relevant companies and vacancies by using one or more filter options. Specifically in the area of recruiting, participating companies have the opportunity to create a one-pager as their own online presence as part of WE.LOVE.PRINT, which can also be used as a funnel, for example. Links from WE.LOVE.PRINT to well-known job portals are possible. Last but not least, this eliminates a large amount of work. The more companies that WE.LOVE.PRINT initiative the more can be achieved in the area of recruiting, the more attention we can attract, the stronger and more visible we become and the more effectively we can counter the shortage of skilled workers. WE.LOVE.PRINT, that also means: WE.ARE.SMART - away from inefficient job or specialist searches towards contemporary, targeted strategies that relieve, appeal to and inspire both applicants and companies and thus bring together what belongs together.