It is often difficult for small businesses to find good employees, and even more for startups. Sites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter can be intimidating to use as they mainly cater to larger businesses. These sites are often set up, so you have to pay a lot of money to promote your job offering. As a smaller business, you may not have the funding to actively promote on larger job websites. The most effective way to find the perfect employees as a small business is to expand your methods of searching. Think beyond old social media — think about community and new jobs social media. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect jobseekers for your everyday job at little to no cost:
1) Advertise on all social media platforms and make sure to customize your posts to each platform. For example, Instagram is best for quick and aesthetic posts, Facebook is best for longer information, and both Twitter and Facebook are good for clickable links. The more platforms you use the better. Also make sure you maximize your use of hashtags to increase exposure to people who are not already following you. Use hashtags that are related to your company to boost their effect. The advantage of using your own social media accounts to advertise is that it is cost-free.
2) Reach out to your community. Ask volunteer centers and other companies around you if they have anyone they would recommend. This is another cost-free method of recruiting. If you have any current employees, make sure to ask them as well. Asking them can cut down the time spent on hiring as information about the opening will reach the jobseekers sooner.
3) Use websites that cater to smaller businesses. A good website to use is MoreWithUs — Everyday Jobs. They are a startup company that works to connect smaller businesses with local employees. Simply look up your area on their website. Most likely you will find jobseekers in your area that are ready to work. After you review their qualifications and work preferences sign up to access their contact information and even chat with the candidates. This helps you home in on your desired audience because everyone you see after your search is in your area actively looking for a job. MoreWithUs — Everyday Jobs differs from bigger sites like Indeed by allowing you to “window shop” without paying. Sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter do not minimize time spent on the hiring process because they have the jobseeker find you. If your job posting gets buried in the system, little to no one will see. MoreWithUs optimizes the hiring process by having you contact the jobseeker as soon as you are interested in hiring them.
As a small business owner, you are used to problem-solving and thinking out of the box. Finding the right candidates when you need them is time consuming and expensive. So, think beyond the old method of posting job ads on jobs boards and old social media. Try your community networks and the new and emerging social media for young jobseekers and small businesses.