In the semiconductor industry, you're not just competing against other companies when it comes to making sales. Hiring a top-notch team of semiconductor engineers is a feat in and of itself.
The recruiting process has to involve more than just identifying the candidates you most want to work with and reaching out to them. To be a competitive company to work for in the semiconductor space, you have to think beyond the hiring process itself and craft the kind of workplace and programs that semiconductor engineers get excited about.
Take some time to talk to your current employees to see what they appreciate about the company and what could be better. If you're making a constant effort to improve the experience of the semiconductor engineers working for you, word will get out that you're the kind of business people want to work at.
In addition to what you learn from your employees, consider each of the following suggestions for building a business that talented semiconductor engineers will seek out.
1. Be innovative.
You're in a field that's constantly evolving. Aim to be on the forefront of new technologies and discoveries. A well-paid semiconductor position is nice, but if the people working for you anticipate earning the bragging rights from being involved in creating the new technology that everybody's talking about, you're offering them something that's hard for other businesses to match.
Embark on projects that people can get excited about. Not all of them will be successful, but showing that your business is willing to take risks in order to be involved in the next big thing will draw some of the top talent in the industry your way.
2. Create programs devoted to showing employees how much you value them.
Lest this sound a little cheesy at first glance, stop and think about it. Everybody likes to feel appreciated. That doesn't have to mean cakes and balloons on their birthday like a scene out of Office Space, but how about a nice dinner out for the team or a catered party whenever you meet any big goals?
When brainstorming how to create an appreciation program that will actually mean something to employees, think about what they value. It could be something as simple as recognition around the office, or letting employees have the day off after a big business win to show you know how hard they worked. If they're doing their jobs well, make it part of your job to show them you recognize their hard work and talent.
3. Have a referral program.
You can talk up your company culture to try to convince candidates you offer a great place to work, but it means more coming from other employees. There’s a saying with recruiters: A players hire A players. B players hire C players.
If you have a place that people enjoy working at, they’ll talk to other semiconductor engineers they know. When word gets out that you have a company that employees enjoy being at, you'll have an easier time selling talented semiconductor professionals on the benefits of joining your team.
4. Make sure your pay and benefits are competitive.
You can do everything else on this list and lose out to other companies if you don't take care of the basics. Talented, in demand professionals will not work for pennies. They will work for competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
Don't insult promising candidates with unattractive pay. Be willing to shell out what you know they're worth. They're more likely to join your company, and they'll be more inclined to do better work for you once they do.
5. Work with a recruiting partner that understands your needs.
Why make your job any harder? There are businesses devoted to helping put companies in touch with the right candidates. Some, like Talent101, even specialize in the semiconductor industry. Find a company that understands what you're looking for and can make finding the right person easier.
As long as you've done the work of making your business an attractive place to work, you can let someone else do the work of helping you find good candidates that fit your business needs.
The first step to getting that new semiconductor engineer on board is a compelling statement of work. Our Quick Start Guide to Semiconductors covers the basics of writing the kind of statement that will get candidates excited. Download it today.
