When 2020 arrived, most companies started the year with no idea of how much uncertainty it would bring. All industries felt the impact of COVID-19, but logistics was arguably more affected than most, with businesses having to deal with disruption to global supply chains, combined with increased demand for essential items like cleaning products and groceries.
The logistics industry is going through a period of significant change and upheaval. Prior to 2020, businesses were already having to work hard to keep up with trends such as the digital transformation of the sector, driven by technologies like:
- Machine learning
- Cloud services
- The Internet of Things
- Blockchain
Amid the fast-moving, unpredictable trends that have defined the logistics sector in recent years, it's crucial that you're able to identify and acquire high-quality talent to succeed. This will involve looking at the whole talent experience, starting with job descriptions. If you get your job descriptions right, you will engage with the right people and paint a compelling picture of the roles you're recruiting for, your business as a whole and what it's like to work for you.
What workers want from jobs in logistics
The events of 2020 had consequences for the logistics labor market that are likely to last for a number of years. While other industries were having to lay people off, logistics firms were hiring in large volumes as they worked to meet rising demand for essential products and home delivery services. Amazon, for example, filled some 175,000 positions in its fulfillment and delivery network between March and May 2020, Logistics Management reported.
While the rise in unemployment caused by the pandemic has increased the number of jobseekers in the market, employers that want to find the best talent still need to think carefully about what people want from jobs in logistics.
Safety and security will be big considerations for many workers. This applies not only to essential health and safety protocols that ensure employees can do their jobs without putting themselves at risk, but also the wider issue of job security during times of economic uncertainty in many countries.
Another trend that has influenced what people want and expect from jobs in logistics is digital transformation. Workers are currently witnessing how employers can use automation, robotics and artificial intelligence to carry out tasks that were previously done by human beings.
In this environment, jobseekers will be seeking assurances that employers are committed to helping them advance their careers by giving them opportunities to upskill, reskill and learn new things. They will also be looking for roles that have a clearly defined path for development in the future, regardless of how technology evolves and shapes the logistics industry in the years to come.
Creating strong logistics job descriptions
Job descriptions are effectively your shop window. They provide your first and most important opportunity to capture the attention of jobseekers who will quickly move on if there is anything about the description that puts them off or feels like it isn't relevant to them.
If you dedicate the necessary time and effort to getting this crucial aspect of your recruitment process right, you can show potential applicants that you understand their priorities and what they're looking for in a job. You can also give a powerful account of your organization and what you have to offer them.
To really get the best results from your job descriptions, it's essential that you avoid some of the most common mistakes recruiters make in this area, such as:
- Using jargon, slang and language that some people might not understand, which will reduce the likelihood they will apply
- Simply listing job requirements and demands, rather than trying to paint an attractive picture of the job and why people should want to work for you
- Using cliched and unnecessary terms like 'highly motivated'
- Forgetting to specify details about training, health benefits and other key perks
- Writing job descriptions without getting input from relevant stakeholders and subject matter experts
It's also important to be aware of basic best practices in producing and promoting your job descriptions, such as optimizing your ads for digital environments and communicating with jobseekers on their terms. Your roles should be presented in a way that highlights how teaming up with you will help workers achieve long-term growth and satisfaction in their careers.
Get more information
Randstad takes a more in-depth look at the importance of high-quality logistics job descriptions in a new guide, which contains:
- Further detail on what modern jobseekers are looking for in logistics roles
- More mistakes you should be careful to avoid
- More HR hacks to optimize your job descriptions and engage with the right candidates
- A sample logistics coordinator job description that demonstrates recommended practices
Equipping yourself with this information will help you find the talent you need to succeed in today's fast-moving logistics industry.
Philipp Vogel
district manager
Philipp Vogel started his career as a polymechanic EFZ. Various further training courses led him to strategic purchasing and most recently to Randstad. Philipp has been working at Randstad for 15 years and, as District Manager, leads the branches from Basel to St.Gallen so that they achieve their goals. In his role, Philipp appreciates the daily variety and the great responsibility. In his free time he does kickboxing and is an active Basel carnival participant.