The logistics sector is essential to the global economy, but attracting and retaining candidates in this high-demand field is an ongoing challenge. With 75.3% of manufacturers citing that attracting and retaining a quality workforce is their primary business challenge, employers may well need to reconsider their approach to candidate engagement.
From the application stage to onboarding, every touchpoint shapes how candidates perceive your company. A poor experience can mean losing out on top talent, while a streamlined process can give you a competitive edge. This blog explores strategies to attract and keep candidates engaged throughout the hiring journey.
Why candidate engagement matters in logistics
The logistics industry faces unique challenges when it comes to recruitment:
- High turnover rates: The average turnover for logistics staff in the US is estimated at between 35 – 50% annually, often disrupting day-to-day operations.
- Intense competition: With increased demand for last-mile delivery and warehouse staff, candidates often have multiple job offers available to them.
- Speed is critical: 62% of logistics employers report losing candidates due to slow hiring processes.
Engaging candidates from the start means that you don’t just attract talent but you keep each candidate’s interest throughout the hiring journey.
Strategies to attract and engage logistics candidates
1. Simplify the application process
A complicated or time-consuming application process can deter potential candidates. Studies show that 64% of job seekers abandon applications that are overly complex or lengthy.
Solution:
- Use mobile-friendly platforms that allow candidates to apply in just a few taps.
- Minimize the number of application steps and focus on capturing only essential information up front.
- Offer an easy way to upload resumes or integrate LinkedIn profiles.
2. Highlight key benefits early on
Candidates in logistics are often motivated by practical benefits such as competitive pay, flexibility, and career progression. If these perks aren’t clear from the start, you risk losing their interest.
Example:
‘Join us as a Warehouse Operative and earn up to $17/hour with guaranteed overtime pay and opportunities for promotion within 6 months.’
Additional benefits:
You may want to highlight other benefits, such as well-being packages, health insurance cover, referral bonuses, seasonal bonuses or incentives, free training and so on.
Data point: Job adverts that clearly outline salary and benefits receive 30% more applications (SIA Workforce Trends, 2023).
Tip: Tailor your job adverts to emphasize what candidates care about most: stability, growth, recognition, and competitive pay.
3. Communicate transparently and often
Transparency builds trust, and frequent communication reassures candidates that they’re valued. Candidates are 45% more likely to drop out of the process if they experience long periods of silence.
Solution:
- Send regular updates on their application status via email or text.
- Clearly outline next steps, timelines, and what to expect during the hiring process.
- Provide a single point of contact for questions and support.
4. Use technology to streamline engagement
Automation and AI can significantly enhance candidate engagement in logistics recruitment, by speeding up the whole process.
Examples of technology use:
- Chatbots: Answer FAQs instantly, even outside of business hours.
- Candidate portals: Allow applicants to track their progress and update their details.
- AI matching tools: Quickly identify the best-fit candidates and prioritize communication.
5. Offer flexible work options
Flexibility is increasingly important to logistics candidates, particularly those balancing other commitments or seeking work-life balance.
Solution:
- Advertise flexible shift options and part-time opportunities.
- Introduce self-scheduling tools that enable workers to select the shifts that suit them.
How candidate engagement drives success
Improving candidate engagement offers tangible benefits for logistics employers:
- Lower drop-off rates: Streamlined processes and transparency can significantly reduce candidate drop-offs.
- Better hiring outcomes: Engaged candidates are up to three times more likely to accept offers, even in competitive markets.
- Reduced turnover: Engaging candidates right from the start ensures lower turnover rates.
- Improved employer branding: A positive candidate experience enhances your reputation, attracting more high-quality applicants.
Building a better candidate journey
In the logistics sector, where speed, efficiency, and competition all play a part in the recruitment process, better candidate engagement can make or break your hiring strategy. By simplifying processes, using technology, and maintaining transparency and regular communication, businesses can attract and retain the talent they need to keep operations running smoothly.
Are your recruitment strategies bringing in the right candidates? Stay one step ahead in the race to attract top talent – book a demo today and see what we can do for you.
