4 tactics to better hiring in waste & recycling operations

Are you struggling to find and retain qualified individuals for entry-level and general labor positions in your waste or recycling operation? This is a common challenge. The work is physically demanding, and conditions can be tough. Recruiters must use creative and personalized approaches to succeed. Here are four proven tactics.

1. Ensure the right fit

During the interview process, allow candidates to engage in the actual tasks they’ll be performing. A hands-on approach offers transparency and creates a level playing field for candidates.

Tailor the assessments to the specific position. For example, at MRFs, provide the necessary PPE and ask candidates to sort material on the conveyor line. At Leadpoint’s On-Route Support locations, candidates lift 20-50 pounds and simulate emptying full waste bins into a truck as part of a preemployment fitness test.

Job previews allow candidates to understand the role better and enable your hiring team to assess their suitability and cultural fit. If candidates opt out at this stage, it saves time, reduces costs and helps prevent early turnover.

2. One size doesn’t fit all

Today’s job candidates use technology and community resources differently and value different forms of communication. A broad, adaptable strategy will help attract a diverse pool of candidates. Here are several approaches:

Job Boards: Utilize traditional job boards to reach active job seekers.

Leverage Technology: Streamline processes and increase candidate engagement by using chatbots, applicant tracking systems and platforms to provide real-time responses, schedule interviews and application updates.

Community Engagement: Build relationships with local organizations to create alternative recruitment channels and raise awareness about your company.

Building a comprehensive approach that utilizes technology and human-centered strategies will enhance candidate engagement and improve recruitment success.

3. Think nontraditional

Second chance hiring offers people with prior criminal records fair and equal employment opportunities. This nontraditional approach can widen your talent pool and increase workforce diversity. When done right, it can also improve retention and performance.

Research shows that people with criminal records often demonstrate loyalty, productivity and engagement. According to a 2021 report from the Society for Human Resource Management, 85 percent of HR professionals and 81 percent of business leaders believe that employees in certain roles with criminal records perform the same or better than those without.

Second chance programs benefit individuals, companies and communities by creating career paths, fostering loyal employees and cultivating inclusive, hardworking teams.

4. Speak their language

Remove language barriers to attract and retain talent. Your recruiting, hiring and training methods need to be easily understood and accessed by all candidates.

“As a national company, we work in multiple languages, from English and Spanish to Haitian and Arabic,” says Mike Huycke, Leadpoint’s vice president of business development. “A successful recruitment program requires effective communication and an environment where candidates feel valued and informed. Accommodating various demographics and languages is essential for continued growth in our workforce.”

Here are a few ways to foster an inclusive environment:

Partner with translation services if you don’t have an in-house communications team to ensure clear communication and bridge language gaps.

Hire multilingual supervisors and staff to enhance communication and create a more inclusive environment.

Consider cultural touches to welcome attendees at hiring and onboarding events, like offering traditional food from relevant backgrounds.

A proven approach

With over 2,500 employees across North America, Leadpoint has found that adopting a personalized, market-specific recruiting approach is crucial. These strategies have significantly contributed to talent sourcing and retention of a strong workforce across all its divisions.

Learn how Leadpoint’s recruiting and workforce solutions can help your organization achieve a safe, productive and reliable workforce. Contact a representative today!