What a good HR candidate looks like in 2022

Vicki Treeby

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A good HR candidate is hard to find in 2022. Demand for HR support is at a real high, with record numbers of job ads being listed, yet fewer people are currently looking for work.



If you are an employer or a manager looking to hire a human resources professional in 2022, you may need to be more flexible than you may have been in the past. 

Finding HR people in a tight job market



Remain flexible


Try to keep an open mind as to what a good HR candidate looks like. While they may not tick, every single box they may be excellent for the role in almost every other way. In 2022 good candidates…


  • May have excellent skills... but their experience is from a different sector
  • Are a great fit or perfect for the job... but are based in another city
  • Will give 100% to the job... but can only work part time. 
  • Have a great deal of on-the-job experience, but not all the formal qualifications 
  • Are ready to step-up into their next role, so are an 80% fit
  • Need a role that will be functional as a hybrid role in the long term
  • Are perfect for your role but have a 3-month notice period
  • Has some of the skills needed – can some of the role be done as a project?



Sell the opportunity effectively


With stiff competition amongst employers, good quality HR candidates have their pick of jobs in the current cliimate. In 2022 good candidates... 

  • Are ideal for the position, but want the opportunity sold to them directly from you
  • Are a great fit for you, but want to know what your Employee Value Proposition is
  • Care about the money... but also care about your Environmental and Social Governance policies


Act quickly & prepare for changing circumstances


One thing COVID has taught us, is not to rely on solely on pre-made plans. Acting quiclly and being able to pivot is essential when trying to attract HR people. In 2022 good candidates... 

  • May plan to change jobs... but could be tempted by a strong counter-offer when they try to resign
  • Want to work with you... but may be snapped up by a competitor who acts quickly and has a firm offer on the table


How we can help


We hope this has given you some insight to what to expect a good HR candidate to look like in 2022. 



If you need to know more, contact one of our team in an office near you. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.


Author: Vicki Treeby       Date published : 10/02/2022

Need help filling an HR position? Contact us

Looking for a new HR role? Search jobs


Looking for a new role? Search HR jobs 

Need help filling a position? Contact Us

Vicki Treeby • February 10, 2022

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