The art of attraction: building a strong regional Local Government workforce

By Cole Berman, Recruitment Consultant, Peak Recruitment

Attracting talent to regional local government roles can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to draw skilled professionals to even the most remote areas. Here are some key insights and actionable strategies for successfully attracting top talent to regional local government positions employed over the past 2 months. 

Regional local governments often compete with urban centres and private sector organisations that can offer higher salaries and more amenities. Understanding this competitive landscape is crucial for tailoring attraction strategies. 

Potential employees may have reservations about relocating to areas with perceived limited social, cultural and professional opportunities and so addressing these concerns through proactive measures is essential. 

It goes without saying that the perception is that regional roles lack career progression opportunities and can deter potential candidates. Highlighting clear career paths and professional development opportunities in the job adverts will help counteract this. 

Strategies to use for your next recruitment 

Promote regional benefits: 

• Emphasise the unique lifestyle benefits of regional living, such as reduced living costs, shorter commutes, and a strong sense of community. 
• Highlight the natural attractions and recreational opportunities available in the region. Use testimonials from current employees who enjoy the local lifestyle. 

Competitive compensation and incentives

• Offer attractive relocation packages to ease the transition. This can include moving expenses, temporary housing, and community orientation programs. 
• Where possible, adjust salary packages to be competitive with urban and private sector roles. Consider additional benefits like flexible working arrangements and health incentives and highlight these clearly within the advertisements. 

Career development opportunities

• Offer regular training programs, leadership development courses, and opportunities for lateral moves within the organisation. 

• Implement mentorship programs that pair younger senior leaders with experienced leaders to foster growth and development. 

Tony Robbins often quotes, "Progress equals happiness", and this rings true across all aspects of life and career. Candidates want to know that there is a clear pathway for career progression. 

Our recent recruitment campaign for the Aurukun Shire Council exemplifies the success of these strategies. We successfully placed an Interim Director of Community Services and an Interim Finance Manager, filling critical roles with highly qualified professionals. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of our approach in attracting and retaining top talent for regional local government positions. 

By leveraging targeted recruitment efforts and highlighting the unique benefits of working in Aurukun, we were able to attract candidates who are not only qualified but also enthusiastic about contributing to the community's growth and development. 

Attracting talent to regional local government roles requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique challenges of these positions. By promoting the benefits of regional living, offering competitive compensation, providing clear career development opportunities can build a strong and resilient workforce. 

Our commitment to supporting local government in attracting top talent is unwavering. We understand the nuances of regional recruitment and are here to help you every step of the way. 

The recruitment team is here to work together to make your region a destination of choice for skilled professionals. Contact us at recruitment@wearepeak.com.au