Small businesses may be the backbone of the economy, but they can lack the allure, reach, and hiring power of large corporations when it comes to attracting quality job candidates.
So, how can small businesses find the high-caliber staff they need to support growth? Here are some tips.
How Can You Compete for Top Talent?
Play to Your Strengths
Not everyone thrives in a corporate environment. Show your candidates the advantages of being small. Smaller companies typically provide a broader learning experience, greater flexibility, and more room for innovation.
“A small business can offer star employees the opportunity to work closely with the owners and be involved with the heart and soul of the business,” Rebecca Barnes-Hogg, owner of YOLO Insights, told Executive Search International. “Creativity, innovation and calculated risks are often encouraged at small businesses. There are no layers of bureaucracy to go through so small businesses can act more quickly on ideas and feedback.”
Promote Yourself on Social Media
Used strategically, social media can be a valuable resource for small businesses.
“Humanize your company brand by sharing its story (not just products) across social channels,” says LinkedIn. Publicize your company’s successes and your employees’ accomplishments. Engage followers with videos of current staff stating why they like working for you. Promote your job openings.
“Give people an opportunity to chat about your opening prior to applying,” recommends SHRM. “Be available for conversations. Focus on attracting fewer but stronger people.”
Show How Candidates Can Make a Difference
In a large corporation, one employee often is a small wheel in a large machine. Show your top candidates how their efforts can swiftly make an impact.
“At smaller companies, workers wear different ‘hats’ and get a greater variety of experiences than most larger companies provide,” notes Glassdoor. “They have a say in guiding company strategy and develop deeper skill sets that pay greater dividends down the line.”
Smaller businesses also tend to have closer ties to the community. Use this fact to your advantage by promoting your philanthropical efforts. Address how this ties back to your mission and values. You may be surprised how many people take notice.
Offer Flexibility and Growth Opportunities
The talent you want to attract craves a challenge and opportunities for growth.
“As a small firm competing with the ‘bigs,’ find ways to show you encourage your employees to learn and grow their career with you through training, education incentives and paths,” John M. O’Connor of Career Pro Inc. told Forbes.
The pandemic has increased workers’ interest in schedules that are flexible. Smaller companies can provide this flexibility, along with the additional perk of an equitable work-life balance.
“One study found that good work-life balance, the opportunity to work remotely, and flexible benefits are among the top reasons employees both choose and stay with a company,” notes Glassdoor. “State these flexible perks on your career page, in your job descriptions, and on your Glassdoor profile.”
How Are You Competing For Top Talent?
Surveys of small businesses indicate that their recruiting staff devotes significant time and effort to the hiring process. Ease their workload and find the top candidates you seek with assistance from Pro Resources Staffing Services.