Needing to hire employees can feel like a blessing and a curse when you don’t know where to start. You’re excited that your company is growing and that you can clear some of your tasks off your plate as you delegate to others. But there is a fear that flows through you as you think about bringing someone new into your company.
How do you know that you’re hiring the right person?
Finding new talent to support growth is important when running a business. It allows the business to expand and take on new opportunities. But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy task.
So, here are some talent acquisition steps you can take to make the process easier.
1. Define the position
This may seem obvious, but the first step in finding new talent is to define the position. Entrepreneurs making their first hire often miss this step. In a rush to get help in the business, they don’t take time to think through exactly what they want to hire for, including what tasks they want someone to complete.
Before you pound the pavement looking for the perfect employee, it’s essential that you determine the specific skills and experience required for the role you need to fill. Consider what responsibilities will fall under that role and what expectations will be set for the employee.
The more clarity you have around the position, the easier it will be for you to determine who is a good fit.
2. Utilize recruitment agencies
You don’t have to manage the entire process on your own. Recruitment agencies have a wide network of potential candidates and can help a business find the right person for the job. If you don’t want to carry the load of hiring, this is an option you may want to explore.
3. Use social media and online job boards
Social media and online job boards can help you reach many potential candidates quickly and easily. Before you take this step, make sure you have completed the first tip above, so you know what you’re looking for. You can share that you’re hiring through your social media accounts and create a job posting on LinkedIn. You can also use job boards directly related to your industry as well.
4. Networking
Networking isn’t just for connecting with potential clients. Attending networking events can be a great way to meet potential job candidates. This can also be a good way to get a feel for the individual before looking through their resume.
In addition, you can let your network know that you’re looking to hire to see if they know of anyone they think would be a good fit.
5. Employee referrals
Ask your current employees for referrals if you have a strong company culture with dream employees. They already understand how the company operates and what types of personalities would be a good fit for the culture. Most employees will be careful only to refer those they believe would be a good fit since they are putting their name on the line with the recommendation.
6. College Recruitment
College students are looking for job placement before and immediately after graduation. This can be a great source for new hires. Consider setting up a program for interns so you and the individuals can get a feel for working together without promising them long-term employment. If you find someone who is a great fit, you can extend the job offer when their internship is complete.
7. Offer incentives
The talent pool is competitive if you’re looking for top talent. To put your company at the top of the list, offer incentives for new hires. Incentives could include signing bonuses, referral bonuses, or other perks like leadership training or coaching.
Look at what competitors are offering new talent, and make sure you’re staying competitive.
8. Onboarding program
A structured onboarding program helps to integrate new hires into the company culture and helps them understand the company’s goals, processes, and objectives. Take time to establish systems and processes that make it easy for new employees to get started in the company. This will make the process smoother for both you and the employee.
As you can see, there are several steps you can take to find new talent to support growth. You can find the right person for the job and ensure that the new hires will be a good fit for the company culture by following these steps.
