PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Richard J. Baier, President and CEO, Nebraska Bankers Association Retaining Top Talent As noted in previous NBA Magazine columns, attracting and retaining top talent at NBA member banks is a primary focus. Our industry is not alone in confronting this challenge. Unfortunately, workforce shortages and rapid turnover are issues that cannot be addressed overnight. Recent discussions with college students, educators, interns and recent graduates provided valuable insights for consideration. Many college students are being heavily recruited for positions in several industries, all offering competitive wages and benefits. It is not uncommon for students to have multiple job offers months before graduation. Banks must ask themselves: “Why would someone want to work for my institution instead of another business down the street or across the state or country?” College students actively involved in the career selection process offered the following questions and comments. While they may not fundamentally alter your bank’s workforce recruitment process, they are important reminders about how today’s college students evaluate career opportunities. • What makes your bank’s culture special? Most organizations brag about having a positive workplace culture. How do you demonstrate yours? • Are your website and social media current? Do they reflect your bank’s culture and values? • Do your staff and customers reflect the diversity found across Nebraska? • Howwill my role impact my community and the greater good? • What are the opportunities for professional growth and development? What are possible career paths? What will it take to move up within the industry and the organization? How will I be challenged? What types of additional training will I receive? • Is your candidate recruitment process current? Are job descriptions up to date? Do you accept online applications? Do you only contact candidates via phone, or are you willing to text candidates? • Does the job application process move quickly? With multiple job offers, I may not have time to wait three or four days for a follow-up. Can you conduct initial interviews within 24 hours of receiving a qualified application? • If I call the bank, are voicemail boxes set up for receiving new voicemails? • Are your jobs and internships posted on Handshake (a hiring platform for college students) and LinkedIn? • If I interview for a position and am not selected, please let me know – don’t ghost me. I am interested in feedback and input on how to make myself a better candidate. Another workforce strategy that needs additional attention and thought relates to the structure and implementation of internships. The NBA has helped place college interns for years. 8
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