Attracting strong talent to your small business is one of the most important parts of building an effective team. To bring in the best candidates you have to show them that your business is worth applying to – and ultimately joining.
There are several key characteristics that can make your business more appealing to potential employees. Here are some ways you can make your small business stand out to top talent:
- Be transparent. Candidates want to know what to expect from the entire process of joining your company, all the way from applying to onboarding. Maintain communication with potential employees and be honest with them every step of the way. Be clear about job descriptions, compensation, benefits, and your hiring timeline. Good candidates are high in demand, so they won’t stick around if they feel their time is being wasted.
- Prioritize diversity. Businesses that focus on diversity create environments in which every employee can feel comfortable, respected, and valued. Candidates will want to be a part of your business if they see it as a welcoming space that will encourage and celebrate their unique perspectives.
- Stay active on social media. Social media allows people to get to know your business on a more personal level. Building a social media presence that is reliable, personable, and engaging can elevate your brand and help potential employees feel more connected to it. LinkedIn is a great place to start by sharing posts that highlight your business’s culture and engaging with current team members.
- Spotlight opportunities for growth. As people look to grow in their careers, they’ll want to know that they’re supported in doing so. Talk with current employees about their individual goals and create a tailored plan for each team member to achieve them. Candidates will be more interested in your company if they see how others have grown there.
- Provide learning opportunities. Another key factor of employees’ growth is development within their roles. People want to build their skill sets and areas of expertise to be more effective in their current roles and prepare for future opportunities. Showcasing your business’s professional development opportunities shows candidates that your business will truly foster their growth.
- Establish an employee referral program. Your team best understands your business and its needs, so trust them to find candidates that are good matches. Current employees will appreciate being involved in the process of finding their new team members, and potential employees will have a pre-established attachment to your business if they already know someone there. An effective program will help you discover better candidates in less time.
- Foster a positive company culture. When a candidate is thinking about entering a new work environment, they’ll want to make sure it’s one in which they’ll enjoy spending so much of their time. If they see that current employees are happy at your business, they’re more likely to feel that they’ll be happy there too. You can begin prioritizing company culture by making your employees feel appreciated and emphasizing work-life balance.
- Show off what makes your business special. People want to work somewhere that aligns with who they are, so showcase your business’s personality. Whether your business’s distinguishing features relate to mission, company culture, employee perks, or other factors, build a brand that puts those unique traits on display. If candidates can get a sense of what it would be like to work at your business, they’ll have an easier time deciding if it’s right for them.
As much as you’re looking for top talent for your business, great candidates are looking for the right environment for them, too. Make their decision easier by branding your small business as a top place to work.