By Chris Beckage

Recruiting qualified talent is a priority for any organization in a tight labor market. From manufacturing to information technology, demand for skilled employees is at an all-time high—and companies need intelligent strategies to attract the best candidates.

On average, companies lose $14,000 for every job that remains open for three months. As numerous resources become dedicated to picking up the slack or working to fill the position, businesses face compounding losses as time presses on.

Here are five key tips to help your company attract the right talent in today’s tight labor market:

1. Build a strong employer brand.

Candidates today are savvy and will research your company just as much as you research them. Leverage your social media pages and company website to create a relevant and meaningful experience that makes candidates want to work with you.

2. Mobilize your employee networks.

Your current employees can often be your best resource for finding that next great hire. That’s why 37% of best-in-class companies are engaging their employees in employee referral programs to funnel qualified candidates to their recruitment teams.

3. Treat the job description as a sales pitch.

A job description is not just about marketing an open position, it serves as your first point of contact with jobseekers. Job descriptions must provide a compelling answer to the question of why someone would want to work for your company. This is your opportunity to brand your organization as lively, productive, and engaging. Be sure to include a clear job title and well-defined career path, as well.

4. Determine which skills are really mandatory.

To attract applicants with the right experience and qualifications, employers need to highlight the skills required for success—however, do your best to avoid a laundry list. Including too many required skills in a job description can confuse applicants about what’s most important and may even deter great candidates who feel they don’t check off every single requirement.

5. Think about mobile first.

More than 50% of jobs on LinkedIn are viewed through mobile phones, which means every word counts. Keep your description short, concise, and bulleted for easy reading.

Chris Beckage is Sr. Vice President of Acara Solutions.