Attracting reliable and motivated employees does not require endless capital or resources; it simply requires passion, creativity and inspiration.
Small businesses can compete with bigger businesses for job candidates; networking through family, friends and like-minded social platforms to offering creative benefits
Focus on what you can offer
Small businesses looking to compete for talent may find it hard to stand out as they don’t have the same resources to offer the benefits, salary and perks of a large corporation. However, that doesn’t mean that a small business has nothing to offer. It’s more about finding the right balance of passion and non-financial benefits to keep the right person engaged and motivated. Research has shown that for most job seekers, salary isn’t everything. A friendly, personal work environment with lots of opportunities for continual development can often outweigh a high salary in the eyes of job applicants. According to several survey’s, here’s what some small businesses have offered that attracts job seekers:
- 57% of small businesses say they are offering flexible hours
- 33% say they are offering flexible work locations
- 21% say they offer continual professional development
- 18% say they provide generous annual leave policies
In addition to these perks, there are many advantages to working for a small business. Highlight that employees often wear many hats, learn on the job, avoid the bureaucracy and company politics of a corporation, and become part of a tightly-knit team by joining your business.
How to find candidates?
Word of mouth for advertising your products is an effective way of marketing. Word of mouth can also play a major role in recruiting your next great team member. 57% of small businesses make their hires from recommendations or referrals. Customers, other employees, and friends and family can be a great way to spread the word about an open position. Find someone who already loves your business and bring them on board! Those who know your business best – your friends, customers and community – should be your first source for finding talent.
Research has shown that millennials, one of the biggest hiring groups, seek careers and jobs that have “real purpose.” For this generation, it’s important to feel like their work contributes to something bigger. More meaningful.
Luckily, many small business owners found their business on passion and purpose. Showing how much you believe in your company and your mission can be contagious. You want to find someone as passionate as you are, and you’ll see how hard they’ll work to help you achieve new levels of success within your business
Make your recruitment process streamlined and reactive
In a competitive job market, you must move swiftly when you meet the right candidate. Know ahead of time the qualities a new hire must have, as well as the training you can offer to help someone get up to speed. A solid onboarding process will have an impact on retention. Although there is a possibility you may make a mistake and hire the wrong candidate, it’s better to take the risk on someone you see potential in than miss the opportunity altogether. Get comfortable with the idea that your turnover may be faster until you find the right person. Eventually, you’ll learn exactly what it takes for someone to find long-term success while helping you grow your small business.
