The good news is unemployment is at near-record lows. But with that comes the challenge of finding and hiring qualified employees. Businesses of all sizes are facing the same challenge, but small businesses competing for workers need to be strategic in order to compete with larger businesses offering higher salaries and more lavish benefits. Here are three tips on how you can overcome these obstacles.
- Cast a wider net. Consider aptitude and attitude as well as experience, and consider a candidate who may have some, but not all of what you are looking for. If you’re willing to provide in-house training to get a worker up to speed, you can probably find a great candidate for less than the cost of a “dream candidate.” Consider job seekers in their 50s, candidates with disabilities or stay-at-home parents looking to reenter the workforce.
- Upgrade your offer. Review your budget and find a few ways to shift dollars to spend a little more on wages. Keep in mind that health insurance and retirement plans, such as a 401(k), are much-wanted perks for most job seekers.
- Involve your employees in the search. Motivate employees to tap into their social networks and spread the word that your company is hiring. Offer a bonus for any recommendations that result in a successful hire. Don’t hire someone just because you know them. A good policy is to have each candidate interviewed by at least three different people (including you). When others on your team buy-in to the selection of a particular candidate, there is a better chance that your staff will have a vested interest in helping the new person be successful.
For more guidance on finding and hiring the best candidates to help grow your business, contact the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County. Conveniently located in Camarillo, California, we’re here to help.
Content source: Score.org
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