Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent

Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent

Want to secure the very best people for your team? Here are six things you need to do right now.

Every employer dreams of having a team of people who are at the very top of their game. Loyal, committed, creative and productive, they will achieve your ambitions with efficiency and aplomb.

It’s easy to land one or two stellar employees, but much harder to ensure your whole workforce is of such a high standard.  

But how do you go about recruiting such a team? It’s easy to land one or two stellar employees, but much harder to ensure your whole workforce is of such a high standard.

Nothing is impossible, however, make the right moves, and you can achieve recruitment heaven. Here are six things you can do right now to help build your dream team.

1. Be proactive about business growth

In a time of economic and political uncertainty, it can be tempting to batten down the hatches.  But now is the time to be bold, especially if you want to attract the best talent to your business.

Prospective employees will be drawn to a company that is dynamic and future-facing. Make plans and pursue your ambitions and you’ll find that people want to come and work for you. Nothing quells the enthusiasm of a candidate like a business that is stuck in the doldrums, or dragging its heels until better times come around. Your future is in your hands. It’s time to make your own luck.

Six steps to attracting and retaining top talent2. Go looking for your ideal employees

If you have a clear understanding of the sort of person who will best help you achieve your goals, go and find them. Rather than waiting for vacancies to appear due to staff churn, create roles that align with your strategic objectives. Then write very clear and careful job descriptions that maximise your chances of recruiting the right people.

There’s always a margin for error in any recruitment process. But if you know what you want from candidates, you can express that clearly in job ads and specs, and have a way of testing their abilities during the selection process, you’ll be on a clear path to success.

3. If you see a good employee, act

“Employees are like neckties,” says Peter Foy, Just Recruitment’s director. “If you see one that you really like, you should buy it, even if you don’t have a shirt to match. This can come later, but you may never see that tie again.”

The point is plain. Sometimes, you’ll come across a person who you just know would be great in your company. If you can find a way to recruit them through a transparent and legally compliant selection process, you’ll be onto a winner.

“Of course, you need to find a job for them to do,” Mr Foy asserts. “But effective recruitment is often about finding people with the right instincts and dispositions for your needs. You can train someone in the particularities of a given role, but there are certain things you simply can’t teach.”

...if you’re looking to attract and retain high-quality staff, you need to show them that hard work and achievement is rewarded.  

4. Reward success

The jury’s out on the effectiveness of financial incentives for staff performance, but one thing is clear: everyone likes to be appreciated.

So, if you’re looking to attract and retain high-quality staff, you need to show them that hard work and achievement are rewarded. It could be a pay rise or a bonus, or maybe a company car or private health insurance.

One thing that works very well from a motivational point of view is to offer experiences rather than monetary rewards or tangible gifts. Taking your successful team skiing for a week, or giving them the opportunity of a weekend away in a swish hotel, can make all the difference to their perception of you as an employer. It’ll motivate them to go on giving their best and ensure they give a good account of you to prospective colleagues.

5. Invest in your people

“Here’s the news,” says Mr Foy. “You probably won’t be able to procure the perfect team off the shelf. So the best way to get your people at the top of their game is to invest in their training and development. That way, you can grow them, build on their talent, and shape them to suit your needs.”

Even better, regular training and support helps staff to feel valued and encouraged, meaning they’re more likely to give their best, and stay with you for the long term.

6. Use a recruiter to help secure top talent

You may be very good at running your business, but your access to potential employees is limited to people you know, and people who apply for the vacancies you advertise.

Use a recruiter, though, and they’ll help you identify as many great candidates as possible. With a huge database of people looking for jobs, a company like Just Recruitment has a whole army of potential employees at its fingertips. Even better, it has already identified each candidate’s gifts, abilities, enthusiasms and passions.

“A company like ours knows how to construct a recruitment process that yields the best possible outcome,” explains Peter. “We have expertise that adds value to a client, and more than pays for itself by ensuring the right people end up in the right jobs. It’s a bit of a cliché, but a company’s people are its greatest asset. So why not invest in finding just the right candidates, using experts to ensure the process is effective, legally compliant and well-structured?”

 

Let us help you find the right people to attract and contact your local branch.

 

Published: 3 February 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

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Customer Account Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913733
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Customer Account Coordinator to join their established team.

The key purpose of this role is to deliver efficient, commercially focused customer service to both internal and external customers. This includes managing order acceptance and invoice processing in line with business and customer requirements, and working closely with teams across Sales, Production, Accounts, Quality Control, Regulatory, and Distribution to ensure customer expectations are consistently met.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that excellent levels of customer satisfaction are delivered to customers and building strong relationships with customers through open and interactive communication.
  • Receiving and processing all customer purchase orders within 24 hours and sending order acknowledgement or confirmation where appropriate. Ensuring that correct pricing information is available for new orders received, and if necessary, request information or guidance from the relevant Sales Manager.
  • Providing timely responses to internal and external customer requests and enquiries, for example, order status requests, order amendments, transportation delays, etc.
  • Proactively monitor orderbook status on a regular basis, resolving problems with a potential customer impact, e.g. credit blocks, production and supply issues.
  • Allocation of stock to orders to allow warehouse and distribution teams to process dispatches.
  • Managing customer portals where required, to keep customers informed of order progress, book delivery slots, print labels and upload documentation.
  • Liaising with site production teams, supply chain and commercial teams regularly to discuss production plans, potential new orders, review and maintain customer safety stock levels. Discuss any potential production issues or raw material delays and, where possible, assist with resolutions.
  • Producing and distributing invoices and supporting documentation daily.
  • Monitoring and maintaining stock levels to ensure customer requirements are met. Discuss upcoming orders, customer forecasts, and reorder levels for UK inventory.
  • Being responsible for the timely processing of corrective credit notes.
  • Receiving, processing, and monitoring customer complaints with relevant internal departments and Sales Managers, keeping customers updated on the progress and outcome in a timely, professional manner.
  • Keep regular contact with site-based QC teams to discuss any customer queries, potential issues or opportunities.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in customer service
  • An open-minded, flexible attitude to meet the requirements of the business
  • Able to communicate effectively
  • Proven numerical and analytical skills
  • Ability to demonstrate own initiative
  • Computer literate
  • Ability to effectively prioritise activities
  • Experience/understanding in logistics

This is a full-time, site-based role working Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available on-site.

Hours of work: Monday to Thursday, 8:15am–4:30pm, and Friday, 8:30am–2:30pm.
Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, totalling 36.5 hours per week.
Holidays – 26 days plus bank holidays.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913732
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a global organisation with a manufacturing facility near Sudbury. They are looking for a talented Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer to join their expanding team.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

  • Assist with the layout of the site, being involved with and understanding the installation of new services during the development of the site
  • Assist with the layout of the equipment, being involved with and understanding the installation of new equipment and the production process flow
  • Be a key member of the Engineering team in the creation of the:
    • Site Engineering maintenance department.
    • Site Engineering maintenance facility.
    • Site Engineering control system, maintenance schedules and procedures (CMMS computerised maintenance management system).
    • Site Engineering technical stores.
    • Site Engineering technical library, both manual and electronic.
  • Fault finding and problem solving on a variety of production and site equipment.
  • Create and carry out planned maintenance schedules.
  • Liaise with suppliers and service companies regarding problem-solving and service engineer visits.
  • Identify spare parts for all equipment, in line with business strategies.
  • Liaise with Production teams and identify, implement, and optimise improvements to machinery and plant.
  • Identify and carry out Engineering improvement projects when required.
  • Actively train down skills through standardised work to both Production Operatives through TPM & other shift Engineers.
  • Work with suppliers in the installation of new and existing plant and equipment.
  • Provide technical assistance to aid in the verification of new equipment.

Essential qualifications and experience required:

  • Experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • HNC Engineering Qualification.
  • Experience in PPM and TPM.
  • Experienced in both mechanical and electrical fault-finding.
  • Experience in a fast-paced maintenance department.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business that offers a competitive salary and a great working location.

Please note: Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

This role involves split shifts during the day, Monday to Friday only.

Please note that you are required to be on call-out, on a rota basis, once a month to cover evenings and weekends.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Field Service Technician – Shaftesbury, Dorset
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Shaftsbury, Dorset
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB06
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Shaftesbury, Dorset area.

The role will involve Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
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  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Field Service Technician – Leeds / Bradford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB07
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Leeds / Bradford area.

The role will involve the Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Lettings Negotiator
Sector: Sales
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC2
About the role

Just Recruitment has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Lettings Negotiator with confident communication skills to join a company’s team on the outskirts of Colchester.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Registering and qualifying new applicants
  • Conducting property viewings
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  • Securing lets and progressing deals through to move-in
  • Building strong relationships with landlords and tenants
  • Supporting with marketing and property listings

Skills required include:

  • Previous experience in lettings
  • Strong sales/customer service background
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Target-driven and self-motivated
  • Well-organised and able to manage a busy workload
  • A full UK driving licence (essential)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm, with one in three Saturdays, 9:00am – 3:00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Digital Marketing Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC17
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a skilled Digital Marketing Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

You will be responsible for driving business growth and boosting brand visibility through digital channels.  The role involves developing digital strategies, managing SEO, SEM, email campaigns, and social media—particularly within a B2B context. Creativity and a strong grasp of digital tools are essential.

After successfully completing the probationary period, hybrid working is available — with a minimum of 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working from home each week. Hours are 9am to 5pm.

Duties include:

  • Working with the Marketing Manager to execute the marketing strategy.
  • Drive the development, evolution and progression of websites.
  • Facilitate content population and migration, defining content, meta descriptions and relevant back-end tags as appropriate, manually transferring content and assets as required.
  • Review webpages for accuracy of copy, internal links and downloads.
  • Support the image library collation and upload process, including video content.
  • Integrate SEO into content plans, create and optimise engaging content for the website and social media.
  • Create new web pages to meet the needs of the business and the marketing plan, conducting analysis through tracking tools and reporting.

Vital professional expertise required:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a digital marketing role.
  • Website Content Management Systems.
  • Website reporting and analytics tools (e.g. GA4).
  • A/B testing and other forms of optimisation.
  • Social media platforms and scheduling tools (e.g. Hootsuite).
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  • Prepare reports on marketing and ROI metrics.
  • Working within B2B industry.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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