A "we are hiring sign" hangs in the window

Photo by Eric Prouzet

It’s an all-new year, which brings fresh opportunities to grow your business. But with growth comes challenges – one of the most important is hiring the right people. Finding and retaining top talent can make all the difference in your company’s success.

Fortunately, with some tried-and-true strategies to guide your hiring process, you can build a great team. Let’s explore.

 

Clearly Communicate the Job’s Requirements

Before you post that job opening, take a minute to figure out exactly what you’re looking for. Ask yourself: What are the key responsibilities of this role? What skills and experiences are absolutely necessary? What does success in this position look like?

Clearly communicating your expectations makes sure that both you and your job applicants understand what the role entails. A well-written job description offers some big advantages:

    • Minimizes any confusion about the tasks that belong to that specific role
    • Sets a clear benchmark for the applicant’s performance
    • Attracts applicants who are a good fit for the role, saving time all around
    • Streamlines the hiring process by helping you identify the most suitable candidates more quickly

 

Use Your Company’s Core Values as a Compass

Your company’s core values are an important part of who you are as an organization. Ideally, any new hires will fit right in with those values.

When you’re hiring, your company’s values can be an excellent guide in the decision-making process. Beyond skills and experience, ask yourself if the applicant shares these values, and if they’ll fit well within your company culture.

For example, if your business is built on innovation, look for applicants who demonstrate creative thinking and a willingness to push the envelope.

If teamwork is key to your success, prioritize candidates who show a collaborative spirit.

Hiring the right cultural fit brings some important advantages:

    • Stronger working relationships
    • Better employee engagement
    • Preserves the positive company culture
    • Lower turnover rates, minimizing recruiting and training costs

 

Focus on Skills-First Hiring

Resumes and job titles can only tell you so much about a candidate. A skills-first hiring approach shifts the focus to what a candidate can do rather than where they’ve worked before, or what degree they hold.

Practical assessments and skills-based interviews can help you identify talented folks who might otherwise get overlooked due to a lack of traditional credentials. This approach allows for a more varied pool of talented applicants.

The question becomes less about “What job did you have last?” and more about “Can you excel in this role?” Which is ultimately what matters most.

"teamwork" spelled out in scrabble letters

Photo by Nick Fewings

Highlight Soft Skills

While technical know-how is important, more and more job recruiters are starting to recognize the value of “soft skills.”

These include abilities like problem-solving, interpersonal communication, teamwork, and leadership – which tend to develop through experience rather than formal training. They’re key when it comes to creating a smooth-running, collaborative workplace.

During interviews, you can ask certain questions to get an idea of an applicant’s soft skills.

For example, a question like: “Please share a time when you overcame a significant challenge at work,” can reveal both an applicant’s problem-solving abilities and their resilience.

 

Match the Right Person to the Right Role

There’s a saying that’s gotten really popular among business owners: “Right people, right seats.”

Hiring a great employee is important – but placing them in the best role (or “right seat”) is just as key. Even highly skilled/motivated employees can struggle if they’re dropped in a role that doesn’t line up with their strengths.

When you place the right person in the right seat, it leads to some great results:

    • Higher employee satisfaction
    • Employee takes pride in their work
    • Better productivity
    • Reduced turnover

A great team is one where everyone can play to their strengths – and thrive.

seats in office cubicles

Photo by kate.sade

People Are the Heart of Every Business

At the end of the day, every company is made up of people. And it’s those people who drive success. By taking a thoughtful approach to hiring, you can build a team that powers your business forward and sets you up for a successful year ahead.

Here at Smart Link Solutions, we understand the importance of empowering your business for modern times – from creating responsive web designs to improving your local search visibility.

With over 30 years of excellence, Smart Link Solutions continues to deliver exceptional results for businesses of all sizes. Our team of dedicated, service-driven professionals is committed to helping your brand reach new heights.

For more information, call (866) 757 – 5100 or visit Smart Link Solutions today!