The success of your business depends on your employees. You count on them to take care of your customers, to keep your business operations running smoothly, and to represent your company in a positive manner. So how do you hire and keep the best people? Here are 7 tips.
Look in the right places
Figure out where the best people for the specific job go to look for work. If you’re trying to fill a customer service position, you may do well with Craig’s List or a state job board. However, if you’re looking for talented professionals such as engineers, doctors, attorneys, or business executives, you might need to hire a recruiter.
Research salary
Before listing a job opening, research the average salary for your area. Then, offer a salary that’s higher. The best people like SEO experts expect to be paid what they’re worth, so if you want them to accept a job with you, you need to be ready to pay.
Find other means of compensation
Studies show that many employees are less impressed with wage increases and happier with other benefits such as paid time off, on-site child care, bonuses, or extras such as gym memberships. The more attractive your company’s perks, the more likely you are to attract and retain top talent.
Don’t let one bad egg spoil the bunch
It eventually happens in every company: one employee drives the rest of them crazy. If you’ve got someone on your team who refuses to pull his weight or is consistently rude or mean to co-workers, get rid of him. Employees report that one reason they quit is that co-workers are making their jobs unpleasant. Don’t lose good people because of one person’s bad behavior.
Say thank you
Don’t take your best people for granted; say thank you on a regular basis. Remind them how happy you are with their work and that you’re glad they are with your company. When employees feel appreciated, they’re happy and content. When they don’t, and a recruiter calls…they’re more open to looking around.
Ignore the resume
Unless the job position legally requires education, take resumes with a grain of salt. It can be very difficult to accurately assess someone based on job history. Instead, ask for samples of the person’s work or get solid references. Be willing to take chances on someone who has the basic skills needed but no experience—these are often your best employees because you can teach them the “right” way to do things and they bring a fresh, new perspective to your business.
Ask employees for referrals
Your employees have connections to the best people in related fields. Ask them if they know anyone who’s looking for work and who they would recommend. People won’t go out of their way to refer past co-workers that weren’t great at their jobs.