Hiring for Small Businesses

Hiring the right employees is especially important for small businesses. Choosing the right employees can influence the overall productivity, quality, employee and customer satisfaction and employee retention within a company. Since each new hire requires capital and time and energy to train and assimilate the employess to corporate culture, it is important to make the process as efficent as possible and to try to make the most informed decision for each new hire.

Small Business Hiring Advantages

Small businesses have certain inherent advantages over large corporations when looking to attract and hire the most qualified employees. While large companies can entice candidates with persuasive benefits packages and the perception of stability, small businesses have the ability to offer a greater quality of life. For example, small businesses can offer employees flexibility, the option to telecommute, the opportunity to influence growth and development and the chance to be creative.

Hiring for small businesses tends to be a much more personal experience. Hiring professionals have the opportunity to develop more relaxed and personal relationships with candidates and the final decision can be made with less bureaucracy and red tape and can hand pick the employees who fit well with the office culture.

Where to look for candidates

Ask internally for references: Current employees understand the company and have an idea of the qualifications for each position. Ask employees to recommend qualified candidates to apply.

Network: Look to your professional network and ask around to people who know your business personally before relying on recruiting companies, job boards or employment sites.

College Career Services: Each college and university has an office dedicated to placing their students in jobs for which they are most qualified. Recent college graduates tend to make great employees because they are eager to make a good impression are willing to work hard to build their reputations.

Finding what you are looking for

Once you define which qualities you are expecting in a candidate by outlining the job description, requirements and salary you can begin to look for qualified candidates.

Small business usually need fewer people with more specialized skills. Look for candidates with past experience which may contribute to your companies initiatives. Assess the skills already available within the workforce and create a list of desirable traits in a new hire that would balance out the workforce. 

For example: If you have great idea people, search for candidates who are great at implementing ideas. If you have great team players, look to hire a team leader.

During the interview outline skills required for the position and ask candidates to offer specific examples of how their skills match what you are looking for.

Start early, interview many candidates and take the time to make the most informed decision based on how the candidate's skills match the position requirements.