The Right Hire: Balancing Growth, Tenure, and Suitability in Queensland’s Competitive Recruitment Market
Recruitment isn’t just about filling vacancies—it’s about understanding the bigger picture for both businesses and candidates. As a Queensland business leader in manufacturing, engineering, or construction, you know how critical it is to build a team that not only delivers results but stays the course. However, in today’s fast-moving recruitment landscape, assessing the suitability of candidates can feel like navigating uncharted waters.
At Giide, we’ve recently had in-depth conversations with clients facing challenges in two key areas: understanding candidates’ motivations for growth and evaluating tenure in the era of frequent career moves. Here’s why these considerations matter—and how they can help you make better hiring decisions.
1. The Growth Factor: What’s in It for Them?
When assessing candidates, one of the most overlooked aspects is the “what’s in it for them?” question. For a hire to truly succeed, the role must align with what a candidate wants to achieve beyond just financial rewards. In Queensland’s booming manufacturing, engineering, and construction industries, this could mean offering:
Career development opportunities like leadership training or exposure to cutting-edge projects.
New challenges that push their boundaries and provide fresh learning experiences.
Work-life balance that’s often missing in metro areas but achievable in Queensland’s regional hubs.
We’ve seen firsthand how roles that lack this element of growth can lead to disengaged employees. Candidates who feel stagnant won’t stay long, regardless of the salary. For businesses, this highlights the importance of clearly defining the growth opportunities a role provides during the recruitment process.
2. The Tenure Debate: Is Loyalty Still Relevant?
Tenure is a hot topic in recruitment, especially as attitudes toward frequent career moves have shifted. Some suggest it’s the “new normal,” with job-hopping seen as a reflection of adaptability and ambition. While there’s truth to this, tenure still holds value—especially in industries like manufacturing and construction, where stability and continuity are critical.
The key isn’t just looking at how long someone has stayed in a role but understanding their career trajectory:
Do their moves make sense?
Are they driven by professional growth, personal circumstances, or external factors?
Have they demonstrated resilience and commitment in previous roles?
For example, in Queensland’s engineering sector, a candidate who has moved frequently to gain diverse project experience might be an asset for a business looking for versatile problem-solvers. However, if those moves were reactive rather than strategic, it’s worth digging deeper to understand their motivations.
3. Why Asking “Why?” Matters More Than Ever
The worst thing you can do as a hiring manager is take a reactive approach to recruitment. Simply receiving a brief—“We need a sales engineer” or “We’re short a production manager”—and rushing to fill the role without understanding the bigger picture is a missed opportunity.
Asking the right questions about both the role and the candidate is essential:
For the role: Why does the business need this position filled? What outcomes are expected? How does the role fit into the company’s long-term goals?
For the candidate: Why do they want to leave their current role? What growth opportunities are they seeking? Does this role align with their career path?
This deeper level of engagement not only helps you identify the best candidates but ensures that your recruitment strategy is aligned with your business objectives.
How Giide Supports Queensland Businesses in Recruitment
At Giide, we believe recruitment should be a strategic partnership, not a transactional process. For businesses in Queensland’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction industries, this means taking the time to understand your unique challenges and goals.
Here’s how we help:
Tailored Recruitment Solutions: We assess candidates holistically, focusing on their growth potential, motivations, and long-term fit.
Market Insights: We provide valuable data on how your business is perceived in the market, helping you attract top talent.
Specialist Practices: With a focus on leadership, sales, people, and engineering, we connect you with candidates who align with your industry’s demands.
The Bottom Line: Build the Right Team, the Right Way
Successful recruitment isn’t just about finding someone who can do the job today—it’s about finding someone who can grow with your business tomorrow. In Queensland’s competitive industries, the stakes are high, but the rewards are worth it when you take the time to understand both the role and the individual.
So, how aligned is your recruitment process with your business goals? Are you asking the right questions to ensure long-term success?
Let’s start a conversation. Contact Giide today to discover how we can help you build a team that drives your business forward.
