Part 2: Finding the Ideal Employee
By now, you've figured out who your first employee should be, whether you can afford them, and you've crafted a great job description (if not, go back to Part 1 and follow the steps there, first).
What's next? Well, you've got to go out and convince them to work for you! In Part 2, we'll cover the ins and outs of choosing the right recruiting platform and determining your hiring strategy.
Choosing the Right Recruiting Platform
There are many recruiting platforms out there, from huge to niche. Chances are, you've used one before as a candidate. But how do you figure out which one is best for the role that you're looking to hire?
Monster.com
Monster.com is one of the largest job boards and is a great option for general, non-specialized roles. It has a wide reach and can be effective for finding candidates for entry-level and mid-level positions across various industries.
Indeed
Indeed is another popular job board that is particularly useful for small businesses on a budget. It allows you to post job listings for free and has a user-friendly interface for both employers and job seekers.
LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking platform that can be leveraged for recruiting purposes. It's particularly useful for finding candidates with specific skills or experience, as well as for reaching out to passive candidates who might not be actively job hunting.
Tech Ladies
Tech Ladies is a niche job board specifically designed for women in tech roles. If you're looking to hire for tech-related positions and want to attract a diverse pool of candidates, this platform can be a valuable resource.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a job posting platform that distributes your job listings across multiple job boards and social media sites. It can be a convenient option for small businesses looking to cast a wide net without having to manage multiple job board accounts.
Niche Job Boards
In addition to the above platforms, there are numerous niche job boards catering to specific industries, locations, or demographics. [Jobstar](https://jobstars.com/niche-job-sites/) provides a comprehensive list of such niche job boards, which can be useful if you're looking to target a particular segment of candidates.
Recruiting Strategy
Using the job description, create a rubric on what you're looking for. List the skills and character traits that you think are important for someone to find success in the role. Then, design questions to help you understand whether the candidate fits those criteria.
Inbound
Focus on triaging the applications that get sent in for the role you've posted on one or more of the above job sites. Establish a process for reviewing resumes, conducting initial phone screens, and scheduling in-person interviews with promising candidates.
Outbound
Find people that fit your criteria through LinkedIn or other social media sites. Reach out to them and pitch them on joining your company. This approach can be particularly effective for hard-to-fill roles or when you're looking for candidates with very specific skills or experience.
Network
Ask people that you know well to recommend their friends and acquaintances for the role. Personal referrals can be a valuable source of high-quality candidates, as they often have insight into the candidate's work ethic and cultural fit.
Summary
Finding the right employee is crucial for the success of your small business. By leveraging a combination of job boards, social media, and your personal network, and by having a clear recruiting strategy in place, you can increase your chances of attracting and hiring top talent that will contribute to the growth and success of your business.
