If you want your business to be a success, whether it is a small start-up or a big corporate company, you need to work with the right employees. They are the most important aspect of your company. But in the big pool of potential candidates it can be a challenge to find the right person. Good staff can be scarce and especially when the economy picks up, it can be a challenge for a company to fill vacancies. Other businesses may also be looking for good employees with sufficient knowledge, experience and motivation. So, how do you find the best of the best for your company? And, once you have attracted hem, how do you make sure they want to be hired by your business?
Before you start searching for new employees, it is important to know what you are looking for. Prepare a job profile with a description of the tasks you want your new staff member to perform. With this in mind, it is easier to select the right person. Then it is just a question of where to find them. You can use an employment agency or the traditional job advertisements, but don´t limit yourself to this. You want your vacancy to be known as far and wide as possible, to give you the best chance of finding the right candidates. So, also think about alternative methods for recruitment and selection, like using social media and attending job fairs and network events. To draw attention to your stand at an event you can use for example rollup banners or posters. Get them printed at an online printer like Helloprint. Posters and flyers are also a good tool to use at universities where you can find newly graduated candidates.
Look inside your own company
Of course you can look outside of your company for new staff, but you can also look for a suitable candidate within your business. The advantage is that they already know the company and it can be motivating if you offer your employees the chance to continue to grow. From a company’s point of view you will also save a costly recruitment and selection procedure. Another way to use your employees is for them to find new colleagues. They can use their network to bring forth the perfect candidate. Since they know the company and the different positions, they often have a good idea of whether someone fits. And don´t forget to go through the open applications you received in the past. Candidates that applied this way, show that they are really motivated to work for your company and like to take initiatives.
Selecting the right candidate
Once you have a pile of application letters and CV´s, it is important to make a right first selection based on the required training, knowledge and skills for the job. Apart from the right skills and experience, it is also important that someone fits in with the company culture, has the right personality, is able to take direction and knows to tackle challenges that come their way. It is important to look at the overall package. If you want to know more about your candidates as persons, you can always check their social media profiles. During the interview it is important to ask obvious questions like why the candidate wants to work for your company, why he or she thinks to be the best person for the job and how they would tackle certain issues. Also throw in some curveballs they don´t expect, this helps you discover a lot about a candidate and how they respond to unexpected situations. A basic rule is to let the potential candidate speak 70% of the interview and you only ask open questions and guide them for the rest of the time.
Hiring talent for your company
Once you have selected the right person for the job, you have to make them a good offer. Remember that salary is still the number one reason why people leave their job. Offering a high salary helps attract the best candidate but isn´t the only thing that is important. Also check what benefits the company can offer. Extra´s like vacation days, an attractive pension plan, free lunches and for example help with childcare, always appeal to potential employees. Opportunities for progression and growth within the company also help attract motivated candidates who want to develop their career. All the above helps to create a desirable company culture where people want to work.
In short: when you have an opening at your company, think about what you want from a new employee and what you have to offer. Take your time in selecting the right person to ensure a lasting success.
