Are you struggling to attract and retain top talent in the lighting industry? In this month’s “Monday Market Share” series, we’re shining a light on hiring in lighting amongst today's competitive market. We sat down with Melissa Coleman, our expert recruiter in the Lighting industry, to discuss key transformations and opportunities shaping this dynamic field. Melissa offers her insights into current hiring trends, the future of work, and the challenges of recruiting in lighting. Her expertise provides a practical guide for navigating the complexities of talent acquisition in an industry being transformed by technology and economic shifts.
In this interview, Melissa addresses these pivotal questions about the current state of hiring in the lighting sector:
- How would you describe the current state of the job market for the Lighting industry?
- How do you see the future of work evolving within the Lighting sector?
- What are some of the biggest challenges companies face when trying to hire top talent in the Lighting industry?
Read on for Melissa’s insightful responses or watch the detailed discussion in the video below!
Current State of Hiring in Lighting
How would you describe the current state of the job market for the Lighting industry?
“From the jobs perspective, the industry continues to do extremely well. You can look at the job boards and see that there are a lot of open positions, and on the plus side, salaries are on the increase. As an industry, we're adding more technology into our products, and that's adding new jobs and bringing new people into the lighting industry.
There also continues to be mergers and acquisitions, and this can be exciting and create new opportunities for people as well. Getting the right person in the right position is still a really big challenge for our companies right now. I want to be respectful too, there are people out there who are nervous and having a hard time finding their next step. Whether it's due to their location, experience, or other factors. Overall, there are still more jobs than qualified people to fill them.” - Melissa Coleman
"The job market in the Lighting industry is particularly robust at the moment," Melissa reports. She notes the abundance of open positions and the rising salary levels as indicators of a healthy market. "Hiring in lighting is on the upswing, largely driven by the integration of advanced technologies into lighting products. This not only improves the offerings but also opens up new and exciting job opportunities." Despite these positive developments, Melissa acknowledges the challenges: "With the ongoing mergers and acquisitions, finding the right match between talent and roles is becoming more complex. There's an element of uncertainty, particularly for those worried about geographical and experiential limitations."
The Future of Work in the Lighting Industry
How do you see the future of work evolving within the Lighting sector?
“The economy and construction definitely affect the industry. Inflation has a huge impact on the cost of projects, so there's a lot going on in the world right now that's affecting us. We're also in an election year, and keep in mind, traditionally, elections give companies reason to kind of pause a little bit to see how the elections play out.
From a hiring perspective, last year was a very strong year, and we're going strong in the first quarter this year. We're geared up to have another really good year. There are layoffs. But the flip side of that is many times this will give companies a chance to hire people that they may not have generally had access to.
Hybrid and remote opportunities are huge. I can't stress that enough. I get calls every day from candidates at every level of an organization. They love their job. They love the company. But they want to see what is out there that's remote.” - Melissa Coleman
Melissa expresses optimism about the future of hiring in lighting, although she cautions that external factors such as inflation and political events can cause temporary hesitations in hiring. "The trajectory for hiring in lighting remains positive, but we must stay aware of the external pressures that could influence the market," she explains. Remote and hybrid work models are becoming increasingly important, reshaping recruitment strategies and job seeker expectations. "Demand for flexible work options is a major draw for candidates across all levels, significantly affecting hiring strategies in the lighting industry," Melissa adds.
Challenges in Hiring Top Talent in Lighting
What are some of the biggest challenges companies face when trying to hire top talent in the Lighting industry?
“Currently both companies and candidates are being extremely selective right now. Compensation in the industry has traditionally been below market, just being real here. With the war for talent— haven't heard that in a long time, but that's still out there— it's bringing more technology people into the industry.
And with that, we've seen an increase in salaries. From a company perspective, have flexibility to make sure that your compensation is going to be aligned with where the current market conditions are. And market conditions are constantly changing, they're different right now than they were 6 months ago. People are looking at compensation to help them justify making a move. This is an everyday struggle. People are looking for their next step. They're in their job. They're doing a good job. They're happy, but they're looking for that next step, and an easy way for them to validate that is an increase in pay that comes with it, especially for them to be able to justify them making that move.
From a company perspective, have a good pitch. Know what you bring to the market. Why should people come work for you? They're doing a good job. They're happy where they are. Why should they come work for you? Talk about your culture. How are you going to help them, help them, help their career? Help them help their life. Bottom line.
It's still a candidate driven market. We can talk about that all day, but that's the facts. Most candidates are going to have a competing offer. They're not just looking at one role. Companies with great benefits, added perks, and flexibility with work schedules are going to have the first pick of those candidates. Flexibility with work schedules is an easy way to be competitive without costing the company more money.”
Melissa emphasizes that competitive compensation is crucial for attracting top talent in the lighting industry. "Traditionally, the industry hasn't always matched market rates, but we're observing a shift as more companies recognize the need to offer competitive packages to attract the right candidates," she explains. For Melissa, it’s not just about compensation, the ability of a company to articulate its value to potential employees is critical. "Companies need to present compelling reasons for candidates to join them. They need to highlight their culture, the career progression they offer, and how they can enhance an employee's life. Flexibility in work schedules and additional perks also make a company more appealing in the competitive market of hiring in lighting."
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of hiring in lighting demands a deep understanding of market trends, candidate expectations, and the broader economic environment. With Melissa Coleman’s expert guidance, Blue Signal is not just equipped but also excited to help companies and professionals make informed decisions that propel them toward their strategic goals in the lighting industry. As the sector continues to evolve, staying adaptive and responsive to these changes will be key to success.
About Melissa Coleman: Recruiting Expert for Hiring in Lighting
Meet Sr. Recruiting Manager, Melissa Coleman. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of hiring in lighting. Melissa’s deep industry insights and commitment to excellence in recruitment make her an invaluable resource for both companies looking to hire and professionals seeking new opportunities in the Lighting industry. If you're ready to explore new opportunities or seeking top talent in lighting, Melissa is here to guide you every step of the way. Connect with Melissa today and start shaping your future in lighting with the best!
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