Is your small business struggling to hire skilled employees to stay competitive in the market? CNBC reports that many small businesses find it hard to find qualified workers, let alone top talent. So, what’s behind this issue?
Small businesses face unique hiring challenges. The pandemic led many people to work from home and now, many are reluctant to return to the office. Skilled workers often prefer freelancing because it offers more flexibility, diverse projects, and better pay. Top talent looks for the best offers and job security, usually favoring larger companies over smaller ones.
However, there are ways to attract top talent, even if it starts with freelance contracts until better hiring conditions arise. Here’s a blueprint your small business can follow:
Understand Your USPs and Company Culture
Start with your Unique Selling Points (USPs) and understand what attracted your current staff to your business. Ask them:
– What brought you to our company?
– How would you describe our business to potential new hires?
– What do you like about our company culture?
– Why do you find your role rewarding?
Be Clear About Your Needs
Being a small business, applicants might think they’ll have to wear multiple hats, which can be a deterrent. Clearly state what you’re looking for. Identify the specific position you need to fill and list out its responsibilities. This way you can find the right candidate by giving them a detailed job description.
Example: Hiring a Graphic Designer
If you’re looking to hire a graphic designer, specify whether they’ll be working on banners, videos, or billboards. This helps top talent assess if the role suits their skills and interests.
Offer a Signing Bonus
Offering a signing bonus can help attract top talent. A survey by GlobalData noted a significant increase in job posts featuring signing bonuses between August 2020 and August 2021. A signing bonus shows you value their skills and can set you apart from other offers they might be considering. It can also offset a lower salary, making your offer more competitive.
Highlight Unique Perks
You might not match the benefits and pay of larger businesses, but you can emphasize the perks unique to small businesses, like a close-knit culture and personal attention. Employees can feel more valued and heard in a smaller setting. Offer specific perks, like regular personalized care packages, to show your employees that you care.
Discuss the Role鈥檚 Significance
In a small business, every role contributes significantly to the company鈥檚 success. Highlight how their work will have a direct impact. For example, tell a graphic designer how their branding efforts will attract more clients. Showing that their contributions are vital and appreciated can draw top talent to your team.
Polish Your Interview Skills
Once you鈥檝e attracted applicants, ensure your interview skills are polished. Practice interviewing with your current staff and improve your Zoom presentation skills to avoid poor first impressions in virtual interviews.
Summing Up
Hiring top talent is tough for small businesses, but it’s not just about offering higher salaries. Understand why your current team loves working for you and share that with potential hires. Hopefully, these tips will help you attract the best people to your team.
