Tips for recruitment
As one expert puts it, "Gone are the days of simply putting out a 'Hiring' sign". Competition for the right person and the right skill sets can prove a difficult task with disappointing results. However, there are simple steps you can take to make your business more attractive to job seekers without compromising your own needs.
A common mistake made by business owners is to offer salaries according to budgets rather than on market going rates. Make sure your offer matches the current climate in your sector if you want to attract top talent. Examine your own position as a small business owner and what it is that you expect from your employees. Having a sound recruitment manual in place to outline your specific requirements can help to conduct better interviews and cover all skill sets needed to fulfil a position.
Newspaper classifieds continue to be highly referenced so contact local papers and online sources and produce well-written and specific ads. Widen your search by advertising at local universities, colleges and vocational schools.
Utilise employment agencies and do not shy away from taking on temporary employees, as the rate of 'temp-to-permanent' employees is quite high. They can be hired on a trial period, which enables you to assess their skills before committing to a contract or they can be of benefit during workload peaks. Promote from within whenever possible and turn to your most trusted and valued employees for referrals or recommendations on new candidates before opening the position up to the general public.
Open yourself up to other common employment ideas, such as remote workers (employees who can complete their tasks from home) and job sharing to widen your candidate pool. Be creative with your employee benefit packages, incorporating interesting perks and promoting a balanced lifestyle as one of your company mottos. Make sure to offer something 'the other guys' are not.
A common mistake made by business owners is to offer salaries according to budgets rather than on market going rates. Make sure your offer matches the current climate in your sector if you want to attract top talent. Examine your own position as a small business owner and what it is that you expect from your employees. Having a sound recruitment manual in place to outline your specific requirements can help to conduct better interviews and cover all skill sets needed to fulfil a position.
Newspaper classifieds continue to be highly referenced so contact local papers and online sources and produce well-written and specific ads. Widen your search by advertising at local universities, colleges and vocational schools.
Utilise employment agencies and do not shy away from taking on temporary employees, as the rate of 'temp-to-permanent' employees is quite high. They can be hired on a trial period, which enables you to assess their skills before committing to a contract or they can be of benefit during workload peaks. Promote from within whenever possible and turn to your most trusted and valued employees for referrals or recommendations on new candidates before opening the position up to the general public.
Open yourself up to other common employment ideas, such as remote workers (employees who can complete their tasks from home) and job sharing to widen your candidate pool. Be creative with your employee benefit packages, incorporating interesting perks and promoting a balanced lifestyle as one of your company mottos. Make sure to offer something 'the other guys' are not.