A person out walking at night comes across a man scrabbling on the floor under a lamppost. The man on the floor says he lost his keys. When asked when he dropped them, he replies, "Oh, I dropped them over there, but the light's better here." Image by: https://sketchplanations.com/looking-under-the-lamppost

Winter 2025

The Lampost Effect

The “lamppost effect” is a perfect metaphor for how many companies approach recruiting.

Too often, organizations limit their search to areas “where the light is good” —focusing only on familiar schools, conventional job experience, or known demographics — rather than exploring where the best talent might actually be found.

According to recent findings from Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, nearly 50% of open roles remain vacant due to a lack of skilled candidates. Even more concerning, 80% of manufacturers report that this talent shortage is already disrupting production. Source: 2024 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute Talent Study.

So how can employers solve this challenge? The answer lies in expanding the search.

Cast a Wide Net

 The more broadly you look, the greater your chances of finding exceptional people. Consider candidates from diverse backgrounds, industries, and experiences. Talent doesn’t always follow a predictable path — sometimes the best fit is found outside your usual hiring circles.

Use Innovative Tools

Modern recruiting demands modern solutions. Innovative platforms like COBRA help uncover hidden strengths and capabilities that traditional methods might overlook. By leveraging advanced analytics and behavioral insights, COBRA enables you to discover, connect with, and engage the right people — wherever they may be.

If you’d like guidance on implementing a COBRA strategy to help your organization attract and retain top talent, reach out to us at sales@jps-usa.com or call 1-877-ASK-4JPS.

Welcome to our New Customers

  • Methanex Beaumont – Nederland, Texas
  • Orion Engineered Carbons – La Porte, Texas
  • LyondellBasell – Westlake, Louisiana

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