Hiring can be like a minefield for any business. If you don’t hire the right people, not only are you wasting salary on those that don’t work out, you are also wasting money on the time and resources it took to train that person. This is why finding a way to attract great potential employees to your company and then keep them is one of the most important things a successful business can do. Here is a list of ways to get the team you want at your company.

 

Write a good job description

 

The first step in getting talent through the door is by writing an accurate job description. If your description is vague or broad, you will have to waste your time weeding out applicants that don’t qualify. Make sure your job description is well written with a clear example of what the job entails and what the exact skills are needed for the job. If you are having trouble writing the description, consider hiring someone to write it for you.

 

Post everywhere

 

Take advantage of the current web ecosystem and post the job description everywhere. Job boards, social media, Linkedin, on your website, and even places like craigslist. Go to college job fairs or ask for recommendations from your employees or peers. The more visible your posting is, the more likely the right candidate will apply.

 

Interview well

 

Make sure that when you finally get an applicant in the door that you interview well. This is the best place to weed out the people who aren't right for the job, or to find the hidden gems who just need a little polish. Asking the right questions is an important step into finding out who will fit and who won’t. Here are some example questions to ask which can help:

 

  • Why do you want to work here?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What are your biggest weaknesses?
  • Why did you leave your last job?
  • Tell me about your biggest challenge and how you dealt with it?
  • What are your hobbies? 
  • What should I know that’s not on your resume?

 

Questions like these can help you get a good idea about your candidate. Things to look for in answers are confidence, competence, honesty, and a good attitude. 

 

Do a background check

 

After a good interview, it is necessary to do a background check for job. According to Sharable, 27% of US employers have said that one bad hire has cost their company more than $50,000 dollars. A good background check can not only check into their criminal records, but also the credit history of an applicant, and even whether the applicant is who they say they are. After all, “almost 1 in 16 US adults were victims of identity theft in the past year alone.” It's important for companies to consider the various Types of Criminal Background Checks available and decide which one is most suitable for their needs to ensure they hire a trustworthy candidate.

 

Create a great environment to work

 

If you are working in a field with a scarcity of good labor, know that your applicant is evaluating your company just as much as you evaluate them. They might be asking your employees about what it is like to work at your company or checking out your company reviews on Glassdoor.com. Having a fun and engaging company culture is important in these situations. If the applicant walks into your office and they notice a great company culture, they are more likely to accept your offer.

 

Offer good benefits

 

An easy way to attract and keep employees is to simply be better than your competitors in pay and in benefits. This can be expensive, but if you want the best of the best, you often need to pay a premium. 

 

Reward Loyalty

 

Finally, have a reward program for employees. Give them stock options or a bonus if they are at the company for a while. Promise a promotion track if they meet certain criteria while they work for you. The carrot is much more effective than the stick in this situation. Not only will this be more likely to draw high quality candidates to work for you, it will increase your current employee loyalty and raise those aforementioned glassdoor reviews. 

 

We hope that this list has provided some insight on how to attract the best candidates for the job. It might take a little more work or be a little more expensive, but it is worth it. A highly productive employee is worth their weight in gold.