How to recruit the best staff for your small business

Recruiting new employees for your business requires a great deal of effort, especially in today’s challenging economic climate.

The process involves considerable investment in time and money, as it always has. But hiring staff is now harder than it ever has been.

Many small business owners feel trapped and confused by the ever growing employment legislation, data protection laws and directives.

Here are few helpful tips to guide you through, not only recruiting a new member of staff but finding the ‘best’ one.

The Job advertisement

The job advertisement is what will draw the people in. You need to target the right kind of people from this point.

There are a number of places you could advertise jobs, including:

• National / Regional papers

• Job websites around the Internet, some of which are tailored to niche industries

• Recruitment agencies – these can save you time but could prove expensive

• The Job Centre

The Job description

The job description should draw in the right kind of people. To ensure this is the case it needs to be clear, detailed and strategic in order to find the right candidate.

Include every detail that is possible, qualifications and duties. Note specific job duties as well as general duties. You will then attract the people that tick all, or virtually all of your boxes.

In the job description you have the opportunity to sell the position. Note if the hours are flexible or the benefits are comprehensive. If the environment is casual and friendly and the work is inspirational, make note in the description. This will increase the number of candidate applications, which will increase the probability that the right one apply.

The Job Interview

The job interview is one of the most important talent acquisition tools.

There will be just 30 to 60 minutes to determine if each potential candidate is appropriate for the position. This means that the time must be used wisely.

Develop specific, open-ended questions that require detailed answers, this way you will gather much more information.

It is important that you adopt a very observant approach. You must observe their answers appearance and personality, as wisely as possible.

Legal Obligations

After, and also during, the interview it is very important not to discriminate in any way.

If a prospective employee suspects that you are being discriminative, you could face an industrial or fair employment tribunal. Example, this could be accused if they believe they weren't selected as a result of discriminatory practices. It is unlawful to discriminate on several grounds, including sex, marital status, race and age.

Problem people

It is likely that many small businesses have been affected by somebody causing havoc. They can take up boss’ time, sabotage work and effect team morale.

Certain people have been identified in many cases as problem people. These kinds of people you will want to try avoiding, such as:

• moaners

• liars

• bullies

• addicts

• hypochondriacs

• gossipers

Related pages:

6 Tips for effective people management

Tips for effective communication in business

Five ways to motivate staff on a budget