With an all-time low unemployment rate, successful companies are recruiting nationally and even internationally. This is not an easy accomplishment because in order for someone to leave their home and relocate, they must feel they are gaining more than they are losing.

Attracting talented people who are willing to relocate will require selling the features and benefits of your city.

Many companies work hard at promoting themselves - but what about the city? You are often recruiting not just an employee but their spouse and children. Selling your city becomes paramount to your success in hiring outside talent.

Your local tourism board has professionally designed materials available that highlight our vibrant festivals, world-class river valley, wide array of shopping, restaurants & nightlife, renowned educational & medical institutions, affordable housing, efficient roadways & public transportation. New entrepreneurs benefit by becoming members of the Chamber of Commerce, enhancing their experience in your city through a host of networking events, affinity programs, advocacy and more. A multicultural metropolitan city has so much to offer!

If you have lived in your city a long time, it is easy to overlook some of our advantages. One way to ensure you are providing complete information to prospects is to ask someone who has recently relocated, what attracted them to the area. Remember, it is often the little things that influence the decision to relocate.

Selling your prospect on your company should include profiling your corporate culture. This could be accomplished by providing testimonials from current staff or even setting up interviews between members of your team and prospects. When a family is involved, conversations between your employee’s spouse and the prospect’s spouse can be valuable.

Equip your staff with marketing materials that promote the features and benefits of both your company and your city, plus offer them a cash incentive to recruit their friends and family from Canada and beyond. This will relieve the human resources shortage crisis and help Edmonton businesses prosper in this economic boom. Utilizing the services of a reputable search firm is also an effective method of attracting out of province/country prospects. Even then, you must sell the prospect on why they should choose to work for your company.

Offering assistance with relocation is vital for a successful transition. This can be as minor as providing a pre-qualified list of local resources or as major as a mentorship program to help foreign employees assimilate to the Canadian culture. Practical assistance is what is required. Open and ongoing communication will give you and your team the knowledge you need to provide the support to ensure you retain your new employee.

Written by Lori Colborne, President - LSL Marketing Consultants
Lori Colborne is an international keynote speaker, consultant & author of “Innovative Marketing Made Easy!”