Attracting Top Talent To Defiance County

(By Erika Willitzer, Defiance County Economic Development)

Recently, a young woman contacted the Defiance County Economic Development Office for assistance in finding a job after graduating from college. Our goal was to help her secure a position in Defiance County, but we also encouraged her to explore opportunities in nearby counties to broaden her options.

She eventually had two job offers to consider: one in Defiance County and one in a neighboring county. Both positions offered similar salaries and were close to where she wanted to live. However, she chose the position in Defiance County for one key reason that deserves attention.

The company in Defiance County presented her with a clear path for growth opportunities. They outlined what her career could look like over the next 5, 10, and even 15 years.

They helped this candidate visualize her future at the company. They explained how their company offered tailored individual career goals, a mentorship program, and training resources. Oh, and then they went a step further, explaining how they promote heavily work-life balance and flexibility.

Every year, we refer over 200 individuals to various job openings in Defiance County. However, this referral stands out. It highlights the excellent work our local companies are doing and shows how proactive our employers are in recruitment efforts. Their competitive approach is crucial in attracting young talent back to Defiance County.

Incorporating these creative strategies can help attract top talent to Defiance County and demonstrate that a company is a place where employees can thrive and grow. By prioritizing employee development and showcasing the opportunities for advancement, this will not only attract new talent but also retain and nurture the talent we already have in Defiance County